<b>Correction</b>
In the April 13-19 edition of the Herndon Connection the article regarding the Floris Elementary School Japanese Immersion program gave the wrong date for the parent meeting. The meeting for parents to speak with Fairfax County Public School officials will be held Tuesday, April 26, at 7 p.m., at Floris.
<b>Teens Charged With Setting Fire</b>
Two Herndon teen boys, 14 and 15, were charged Friday, April 15 with setting fire to a Herndon building at 977 Elden Street. Fire investigators with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department charged the teenagers with burning or destroying a building or structure, a Class 4 felony, and for setting a fire capable of spreading, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
The incident in question took place October 4 and caused $50,000 in damages to the 4-story building under construction. No injuries were reported.
The felony charge is punishable with 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. The misdemeanor charge is punishable with up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500
A court hearing is pending for both juveniles.
<b>Prom Outfits for Local Cinderellas</b>
Don't let a shortage of cash spoil your teenager's prom night. Local Cinderellas have a fairy godmother at the Reston Community Center's Teen Department. RCC will provide ball gowns, shoes, jewelry and accessories to young women who can't afford outfits for their senior proms.
All sizes, styles, colors and lengths are available. Dresses will be given away April 24, May 1 and May 8, from 5-7 p.m., at the Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods.
Diva Central is intended for high-school students. Admission to this event is free. Contact Liz Milner at the Reston Community Center at 703-476-4500 (voice/TTY). For reasonable ADA accommodations, contact Shauna Cole at 703-390-6158, 703-476-1514.
<b>Annual Congressional Art Show</b>
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) has chosen Heritage High School in Loudoun as the location for the 10th District Congressional Art Show.
Set for Friday, May 6, the competition is open to all high-school students in the 10th District who are interested in participating.
All pieces entered into the competition will be displayed at the exhibit, which will be open to the public from 5-7 p.m.
The entry named "Best in Show" from this event will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, along side "Best in Show" entries from similar shows from other districts across the country.
Students interested in competing should contact their school's art teachers or principals for more details.
Heritage High School is located at 520 Evergreen Mill Road, S.E., in Leesburg.
<b>Yard of the Month Returns</b>
The Cultivating Community Initiative is seeking nominations for the Yard of the Month Competition.
Residents can nominate their own yard or a neighbor's yard, but the yard must be within the Town of Herndon. Only front yards will be judged. Winners will be selected for June, July and October. They will receive a $100 gift certificate to Meadows Farms and recognition in the media and by Town Council. Each month, both a single-family house and a townhouse will be awarded Yard of the Month.
Yards will be judged on the following criteria:
* Yard is free of trash and clutter.
* Grass — if applicable — is healthy, mowed, generally free of bare spots and weeds, and properly edged.
* Trees and shrubs are neatly and correctly pruned and in good condition.
* Mulch — including rock mulch, hardwood, etc. — is displayed in a neat and orderly manner.
* Flowers and other vegetation are well landscaped and make good use of color.
* Garden methods or other decorative materials such as logs, short fences, etc. are in good condition and neatly placed.
* Walkways and steps are clean and free of mold, stains or weeds.
* Overall appearance of the yard is well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
To obtain Yard of the Month nomination forms, go to the town's Web site at www.herndon-va.gov and click on "What's New" then "Yard of the Month Awards." Or contact Robin Runser at 703-435-6800, Ext. 2010 or by e-mail at robin.runser@herndon-va.gov.
<b>Earth Day Celebration</b>
The Town of Herndon will be holding an Earth Day/Arbor Day Ceremony, at 11 a.m., Friday, April 22, at the new Public Safety Center. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the first observance of Earth Day, during which 20 million American activists from all walks of life demonstrate a broad and deep support among citizens for environmental quality.
In recognition of Arbor Day, the ceremony will include the official presentation of the Tree City USA Award by Judy Okay of the Virginia Department of Forestry. This will be the 16th consecutive Tree City USA Award the town has received. A tree donated by Holder Construction Company, the general contractor for the Public Safety Center will be planted. Light refreshments will be provided.
Following the ceremony, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Minerals Management Service will host a stream cleanup along Sugarland Run behind the new Public Safety Center, which is located at 397 Herndon Parkway. Contact the Community Forester at 703-787-7380.
<b>Big Truck Days</b>
The Department of Public Works will be hosting its annual "Big Truck Days" throughout the week of May 2-6. This is a fun opportunity for children and parents to see the town's big trucks and heavy equipment on display at the Herndon Public Works Complex. There will be refreshments and children will receive free souvenirs. Visits to "Big Truck Days" are available by appointment. To arrange a visit, call 703-435-6860.
<b>Community Day, Housing Fair</b>
Come join in the fun at Community Day — a celebration of the community, featuring food, entertainment and children's activities.
The event also includes the Housing Fair, which features informative seminars and exhibits for home owners, buyers and sellers.
Taking place in the parking lot of the Dulles Park Shopping Center and inside the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center, Community Day runs from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 7.
Visitors will be treated to a variety of live entertainment — a tae kwon do demonstration presented by H.K. Lee Karate and dances from around the world, including Korean, Peruvian and Irish. Children can meet cartoon characters and enjoy lots of activities. There will be a moon bounce, face painting, crafts, Susan Wall's Carousel Puppets and a cakewalk. Snakes, butterflies, tadpoles and more will be featured at the hands-on Nature Tent display.
Community Day offers free child safety services such as car-seat inspections conducted by the Herndon Police and "inkless" child fingerprinting provided by the Fairfax County Sheriff's Department.
The Housing Fair will offer resources on home buying and home maintenance. Exhibitors include mortgage companies, banks, real estate agents, and government and nonprofit organizations specialized in housing. Seminars throughout the day will focus on home-buyer programs, credit counseling, the mortgage application process and home maintenance.
Community Day is a great opportunity to learn more about the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center, a cooperative project of the Town of Herndon and Fairfax County. The center offers easy access for area residents to health, education and social services, as well as residential improvement programs.
The Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center is located at 1086 Elden St. Community Day is sponsored by the Dulles Park Shopping Center, the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development, the Observer Newspapers, Contemporary Electrical Services Inc., Maloney Aire, T.M. Mortgage/Investor's Advantage, Washington Hispanic Inc., Long & Foster Realtors/The Vasquez Group, and EEC Group Inc. Call 703-435-6830.
Entertainment Schedule:
12:30 p.m. — Korean Dancers
1 p.m. — To be announced
1:30 p.m. — Erika Rykendoff, Peruvian performer
2 p.m. — Susan Wall's Carousel Puppets
2:30 p.m. — Boyle School of Irish Dance
3 p.m. — Mama Cesta, rock Latino
3:30 p.m. — H.K. Lee Karate Tae Kwon Do Demonstration Team
<b>Fire Hydrant Flushing</b>
The Town of Herndon Public Works Water & Sewer Department will conduct fire hydrant flushing until June 30.
Fire hydrant flushing is performed as a measure to reduce the amount of deposits that may accumulate in the water distribution system and to test for fire protection capacity.
Flushing will be performed weekdays during normal working hours — 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. — at various locations on the town's water system. Hydrant flushing may affect water pressure and clarity for short periods of time in limited areas. If the water does become cloudy and tinted it is still safe to drink, but clothes washing should be avoided. This condition should clear up in one to two hours.
Water pressure may become low due to the flushing operation, but will return immediately after the process is completed. Call the Department of Public Works at 703-435-6860.
<b>Town Square Singers On Tour</b>
Join the Herndon Towne Square Singers for "USO on Tour II," Friday, April 29; Saturday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 1, at 2 p.m., at the Industrial Strength Theatre.
The music visits the 1940s, when war was raging in Europe and the USO performed for American GIs.
Admission for adults is $9 in advance, $10 at the door; $7 for children and seniors in advance, $8 at the door. To order tickets call 703-435-6868. The Industrial Strength Theatre is located at 269 Sunset Business Park in Herndon.
<b>Fortnightly Club Scholarships</b>
The Herndon Fortnightly Club has announced that applications are being accepted for one-year scholarships to individuals living in the greater Herndon area. Past recipients are not eligible.
Candidates should be accepted for entrance or enrolled in an educational institution before applying for the scholarship. Qualifying course work includes under-graduate college level, post graduate, continuing education and course work required for re-entering the work force.
Candidates should write a one-page letter, without attachments, to The Herndon Fortnightly Club explaining why the scholarship is needed, what career goals are being pursued and what academic institution has or will provide acceptance. Also include comments relating to activities, community service and academic standing.
Address the letter with name, address and phone number to Scholarships, c/o The Herndon Fortnightly Club, P.O. Box 55, Herndon, VA 20172-0055. Applications must be received by May 13.
<b>Relay for Life Teams</b>
Herndon's second annual Relay for Life is scheduled for June 11-12.
The Relay for Life is an overnight event that raises funds for the American Cancer Society where teams of eight to 15 community members walk the track at Herndon High School for the overnight event.
If you're interested in forming a team for this year's Relay for Life, visit http://www.herndonrelay.org for more information or call Debby Burt, 703-689-9798, or Chris Lamkin, 703-437-8802.
<b>Herndon Police Seek Translators</b>
The Herndon Police are looking for people fluent in any foreign language who would be interested in partnering with the Herndon Police as volunteer translators to assist those who cannot speak English. Interested parties should contact Lt. Don Amos at 703-435-6824. Provide contact information, languages, availability and telephone numbers.
<b>April Chamber Events</b>
A networking breakfast will be held April 28, from 8-9:30 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Select-Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly.
Sponsored by the chamber, Millennium Bank and The Connection Newspapers, the event will feature networking tactics presented by Gayle Bailey of The Bailey Team.
Get additional value from a formalized "power networking" exercise — a regular feature. In addition, make sure to bring 40 business cards.
Register online at www.HerndonDullesChamber.org or call 571-323-5300, or e-mail info@herndondulleschamber.org.
Rates are $15 members/$20 general public for those who prepay by April 25; rates at the door will be $20/$25. All welcome.
<b>Summer Concert Series</b>
The Summer Concert Series features 12 free public concerts on Herndon's Municipal Town Green. This summer tradition attracts an audience of approximately 7,000 over three months. This year's series will feature many new faces on the regional music scene in addition to some tried and true favorites. It also offers an opportunity to feature promotional tie-ins with local businesses. Sponsorship offers an excellent opportunity to hand out discount coupons, hold a product sampling, or enjoy a summer night on the lawn with clients and employees.
This year in addition to a sponsorship of $300 for one nightly concert, sponsorship of "Super Thursday" is also available, which includes the popular Children's Series held in conjunction with the Farmers' Market in front of the Train Depot. For an additional $150, the sponsor will receive the extra benefit of "Super Thursday" with increased visibility through signage and advertising. Sponsorship packages can be obtained by contacting Holly Popple at holly.popple@herndon-va.gov or calling 703-435-6800, Ext. 2120.
<b>Budget Hearings Scheduled</b>
The Town of Herndon is in the process of preparing the upcoming fiscal year 2006 budget, including the FY '06-11 capital improvement program (CIP). The Town Council will hold a public hearing April 26, at 7:30 p.m., to give an opportunity for interested citizens to present ideas or issues for consideration while the budget is being developed. All public hearings are held in the Council Chambers located at 765 Lynn St.
<b>Town Calendar</b>
Week of April 18-22 is National Volunteer Week.
Thursday, April 21, 5:30 p.m.
Herndon Taste of the Town, Worldgate Center.
Friday, April 22, 11 a.m.
Tree planting at 397 Herndon Parkway, followed by a stream clean up for Arbor Day.
Saturday, April 23
Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration at Runnymede Park, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Free Block Party, Town Green, 6-11 p.m.
Passover begins at sundown.
Tuesday, April 26, 7:30 p.m.
Town Council public hearing on FY 2006 proposed budget.
Wednesday, April 27
Administrative professional's day.