Elden Street Players
The Elden Street Players are scheduled to open their summer season with "School House Rock" Friday, July 29 at 8 p.m.
Directed by Holly Harrington, produced by John Lada with musical direction by J. Michael Eric D'Haviland, the play is a take off of the Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series. Bill, a nerve-wracked school teacher nervous about his first day of teaching, tries to relax by watching TV when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set. They show him how to win his students over with imagination and music through such beloved songs as "Just a Bill," "Lolly, Lolly, Lolly" and "Conjunction Junction."
"School House Rock" will run from July 29 to Aug. 20, showing Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 7 and Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Industrial Strength Theatre, 269 Sunset Business Park Drive. Tickets are $18 adults, $15 seniors/students. For show and ticket information call 703-481-5930.
Fire Displaces Residents
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue units responded to a house fire at approximately 2:55 p.m., Thursday, July 21 at 646 Alabama Drive.
Firefighters saw smoke coming from the first floor and basement of the split-level home upon arrival. Firefighters brought the fire under control in approximately 15 minutes. Two residents were displaced and American Red Cross is assisting them. Four pets were lost in the fire. Damage is estimated at $75,000. According to investigators the fire was accidental. Improper disposal of smoking materials caused the fire.
Mayor O'Reilly Appointed
Mayor Michael O'Reilly has been appointed to the Virginia Municipal League Transportation Policy Committee and the Transportation Steering Committee.
The Steering Committee is a select group of the full Policy Committee that is comprised of 10 to 12 elected officials and chief appointed officers. The members identify key transportation policies to be considered by the full Policy Committee.
Elected in 2004, O'Reilly also serves on the Dulles Corridor Rail Association Advisory Board and has represented the town on the Northern Virginia Regional Commission since January 2002.
Swing Dance Social
Learn the basic steps of swing and enjoy dancing the night away with your partner at the Swing Dance Social on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at the Herndon Community Center. The dance is for ages 12 and older, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $8 in advance; $10 at the door. Refreshments will be available to purchase. Contact the Herndon Community Center at 703-435-6868 or register online at www.herndon-va.gov.
Washington Sailing School
Join the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department for a trip to the Washington Sailing School on Saturday, Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The trip includes instruction on the basics of sailing and then free time to use newly learned skills on the Potomac. Lunch is not included and participants need to bring a bag lunch. The trip is for ages 10 and older. Cost is $75 per person and includes driver/escort, transportation, instructor, boat and equipment. No refunds after Aug. 1. Contact the Herndon Community Center at 703-435-6868 or register online at www.herndon-va.gov.
FISH Needs Help
For more than 35 years, Herndon-Reston FISH (Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help) has been helping local families in crisis meet emergencies and short term needs.
Built on the "neighbor helping neighbor" concept, FISH has tried to help the community. But, recently FISH has more requests for help than the current fund-raising efforts can provide for.
Under the direction of newly appointed president Marcia Di Trapani, along with new officers on the executive board, FISH members plan to solicit more donations to help with its cause.
FISH is an all-volunteer, nonsectarian, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, which not only operates a hotline, assisting over 21,500 callers per year, but also provides round-trip rides for the elderly and other needy persons to their medical appointments. It also operates The Bargain Loft, 336 Victory Drive in Herndon, a thrift store that accepts and sells many items including used furniture, household items, books and toys. The Bargain Loft is completely run by volunteers.
For more information about FISH, to volunteer or make a donation, call 703-437-0600.
Two Theater Classics Coming to Herndon
Closing a four-week summer theater camp, theater students from Herndon and Westfield High Schools are ready to display their combined talents at Herndon Middle School.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat will be directed by John Whapman, head of the drama department at Herndon High.
Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat will be presented twice, Thursday, July 28 and Friday, July 29 at 8 p.m.
All performances are open to the public and will be held in the main auditorium at Herndon Middle School. General admission is $7, with a discounted rate of $5 for seniors and students.
Citizen Police Academy
The 11th session of the Citizen Police Academy will begin Aug. 31. Classes will be held every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. until Nov. 16. The academy is held at the Herndon Police Station.
Participants will be given instruction in: Community Policing, Investigations, Traffic Enforcement, Police K-9, Forensics and Evidence Collection and other topics. There will also be tours of the Adult Detention Center, a trip to the firing range, and ride-along opportunities. The class is limited to the first 20 students. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and need not live in the Town of Herndon, however Town residents receive first consideration to attend. For more information contact Senior Police Officer Dexter Morgan at 703-435-6881, ext. 294, or dexter.morgan@herndon-va.gov.
Jimmy's Annual Summer Golf Tourney
Set for Monday, Aug. 8, Jimmy's 8th Annual Summer Golf Tournament benefits the Herndon Council for the Arts and is played on the Herndon Centennial Golf Course. For more information and a registration form visit, JimmysTavern.com.
Gas Line Relocation
Gas line relocation in advance of an upcoming Town project will require the closure of Monroe Street, from Park Avenue to Pine Street, until approximately the end of July. The closure will take place between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. Only local traffic will be allowed on the affected portion of Monroe Street. Detours will be designated. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes to avoid delays. Parking on Pine Street will be affected for a short time as well. For more information, contact the Department of Public Works at 703-435-6856 or 703-435-6860.
Town Calendar
Thursday, July 28
First half of real estat taxes due.
Farmer's Market.
Farmer's Market fun days, 10:30 a.m.
Summer concert, town green, 7:30 p.m.
Board of Zoning Appeals, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 29
Friday Night Live, Town Green, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Planning Commission public hearing
Tuesday, Aug. 2
National Night Out, Dulles Park Shopping Center, 4 p.m.
Town Council work session, 7:30 p.m.