Proposed FY 2006 Budget Hearing
At its April 19 work session, the Herndon Town Council agreed to hear public testimony regarding possible increases to four tax rates in fiscal year 2006 — cigarette, meals, transient lodging and consumer utility rates for commercial and industrial users — to help reduce the real estate tax rate.
Although no new rates have been adopted, proposed tax rates must be stated in the legal advertisement for the public hearings where the rates will be discussed. The Town Council may reject, adopt or lower any of the proposed rates outlined below.
Because the legal advertisement for the proposed new tax rates will be published after the scheduled April 26 public meeting, the Town Council intends to defer further action on the FY 2006 budget until its May 10 hearing to allow additional public comment.
All meetings are held in the Herndon Council Chambers located at 765 Lynn St.
Park Dedication
As the newest park in Fairfax County, Stratton Woods off of Fox Mill Road has many amenities to offer.
The 31-acre park features athletic fields, tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, trails, a wetlands mitigation area and landscaping.
Construction also provided turn lanes into the park, an entrance road into the 124-car parking lot and facilities that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The $2.4-million project was funded through the 1998 Park Bond and a $370,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Transportation's Virginia Recreational Access — this grant also funded the bikeway along the front of the park.
A playground is scheduled to be added in the future as well as any additional necessities.
The park is located at 2447 Fox Mill Road in Herndon.
Good Neighbor Award
Fred Larkin was scheduled to be recognized by the Town Council as the final recipient of the "Good Neighbor Award," the other two recipients were honored at an April 12 public hearing.
A resident of Dumbarton Square, Larkin is tirelessly dedicated to keeping the common area of his neighborhood beautiful.
He trims trees, sweeps sidewalks and does minor repairs around the neighborhood. Last summer, Larkin single-handedly cleaned out a clogged drainage ditch, which was backing up into an association parking lot during frequent, heavy rainfalls.
Neighbors in an adjacent community have noticed Larkin's accomplishments and have sought his assistance with clean up tasks around their neighborhood.
Larkin is an excellent example of what "neighbors helping neighbors" means.
A family in the neighborhood had been notified by the town that they needed to resolve property maintenance problems. Financially unable to arrange for the repairs, Larkin helped the family by repairing the fence, trimming bushes and making other sorely needed repairs to the exterior of their home.
Gas Line Relocation
Columbia Gas will be relocating the gas line along portions of Station and Monroe streets, between Pine Street and Park Avenue. The gas line relocation will begin April 27 and continue for approximately four weeks.
Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes to avoid delays. Contact the Department of Public Works at 703-435-6853 or 703-435-6860.
Town Square Singers Prepare
The Town Square Singers, Herndon's "show choir" for nearly 25 years are in final rehearsals for performances of their spring show "USO On Tour II."
Scheduled to open Friday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m., the show will run April 30 at the same time and then Sunday, May 1, at 2 p.m., at the Industrial Strength Theatre.
Special features include the wry wit of Dr. Tom Finley of Dr. Finley's Family Eyecare, expert and exciting Lindy hop dancers and other surprises.
The show, directed by Jean Goldsby, with Town Council member Harlon Reece as assistant director, is sponsored by the Department of Parks and Recreation and features singers from Herndon, Reston, Great Falls, Chantilly and Loudoun County.
Scripted with music from 1943 to the present, the show is set up to take audience members to places like Palermo, Sicily, Berlin, Okinawa, Vietnam, Subick Bay and US veterans’ hospitals — wherever the USO entertained troops during times of war.
The show will conclude with a tribute to the “Unsung Heroes” of 9/11.
Tickets are $9 adults, $7 youth/seniors and are available at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave. or by calling 703-435-5858. Advance purchase is recommended due to limited seating. Directions to the Industrial Strength Theatre can be found at http://www.eldenstreetplayers.com/resvdir.htm.
Prom Outfits for Local Cinderellas
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 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.
Annual Congressional Art Show
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.
Yard of the Month Returns
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.
Big Truck Days
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.
Community Day, Housing Fair
Community Day — a celebration of the community, featuring food, entertainment and children's activities will be held in conjunction with a Housing Fair Saturday, May 7, from noon-4 p.m.
Taking place in the parking lot of the Dulles Park Shopping Center and inside the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center, the event will feature multiple family-friendly events in addition to offering pertinent information on issues related to housing as well as child safety services.
The Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center is located at 1086 Elden St.
Fire Hydrant Flushing
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.
Fortnightly Club Scholarships
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.