Health Seminar
Roger Blough, director of the Qi Elements School of Tai Chi and Kung Fu in Herndon, will offer a two-hour seminar on Chinese Chi Kung and health Saturday, June 25 from 2 to 4 p.m.
The focus of the seminar is to show how Chinese Chi Kung can aid in the prevention of breast cancer and heart and lung disease. Blough will teach a set of six Qi Kung exercises for maintaining health of these areas with simple relaxing breath and meditation techniques and the basic theory of Qi Kung.
Call 703-435-4400 with questions or to reserve a space. Qi Elements is located at 280 Sunset Business Park. Admission is free but a tax-deductible donation to Qi Elements' Kung Fu for Kids Program will be accepted.
Advanced ESOL Teacher Classes
Experienced teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) can sign up now to take advanced TESOL courses in the fall, free of charge.
Advanced ESOL Train the Trainer classes will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting Sept. 13 to Nov. 10, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the Fairfax Institute in Herndon.
A limited number of full scholarships are available to eligible volunteers on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration will be done through the chamber by calling or e-mailing Amy Prevatte at 571-323-5305 or amy@herndondulleschamber.org.
Home Maintenance Workshop
A one-day overview of effective preventative home maintenance and small repair techniques will be held Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center. The workshop is designed to help homeowners avoid home component failures and the costly repairs that follow, including recommendations on how to develop short and long-term maintenance plans.
The workshop will address problems associated with preventative maintenance of appliances, HVAC (heating and cooling), kitchens, bathrooms, electrical, plumbing, doors and windows, walls and floors, siding and roofing. There will be demonstrations of techniques and handouts will be provided. The Neighborhood Resource Center is located at 1086 Elden St. in the Dulles Park Shopping Center. For more information regarding the workshop, call 703-435-3182 or e-mail pablo.hollstein@herndon-va.gov.
Baccalaureate Service
The Herndon High School 2005 Baccalaureate Service for graduating seniors and guests will be held Sunday, June 19, in the Herndon High School Auditorium, at 7 p.m.
Col. Richard O. Hatch, recently returned Staff Judge Advocate for Maj. Gen. David Petraeus over the Multi-National Security Transition Command/Iraq, will be the keynote speaker. This interfaith service has been organized and sponsored entirely by the HHS PTSA and is not sponsored or endorsed by the Fairfax County Public Schools.
Talent Auditions Accepted
Audition appointments are being scheduled for a concert series program being created at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. No phone calls will be accepted for appointments, only e-mails. Please note in subject line "Concert Series Audition Request". All e-mails should include contact name and daytime telephone. A description of talent should also be given. E-mail all request for auditions to St.Tims.Music@hotmail.com.
Whole Foods Aids Animal Shelter
Friends of Homeless Animals has been designated as the 5 percent Donation Day organization by Whole Foods Market in Plaza America in Reston.
On June 22, an amount equal to 5 percent of the receipts for the day will be donated to the Loudoun County-based shelter to help them continue to provide a safe haven for homeless animals.
Friends of Homeless Animals is a "no-kill" animal shelter that provides a safe place for cats and dogs to stay while waiting to find new homes.
Funded by private donations and run by volunteers, the shelter has been in operation for more than 30 years.
Representatives from the shelter will also be at the store with information about pets available for adoption and additional ways to help out. For more information about Friends of Homeless Animals, visit www.foha.org.
Chamber June Events
The June Networking Breakfast will be held Thursday, June 23 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Select-Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly.
The breakfast will feature a presentation by immigration attorney Charles A. Tievsky. Tievsky will speak about recent developments in immigration law and the effect on area businesses and employees. He will also provide practical tips on the hiring of non-United States workers.
The regular "power networking" exercise will also be offered — bring 40 extra business cards.
Register at info@herndondulleschamber.org or by calling 571-323-5300. Rates: $20 members who prepay by June 20, $25 at the door; $30 non-members, all welcome.
Special Zoning Ordinance Session Called
The Planning Commission will hold a special work session on the rewriting of the town's zoning ordinance, Monday, June 20, at 7 p.m.
In addition, the commission will host a community seminar in cooperation with the Herndon Community Association Coalition Tuesday, June 28, from 7-9 p.m.
The joint seminar is scheduled to address how the town's zoning ordinance effects citizens and how citizens can help shape a new zoning ordinance that is currently being prepared by the town.
Citizen opinion may be expressed in public meetings by submitting written comments to the Herndon Department of Community Development, P. O. Box 427, Herndon, VA 20172-0427, or by calling the Herndon Department of Community Development at 703-787-7380. All meetings will be held in Council Chambers at 765 Lynn St.
Yard of the Month
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.
Town Calendar
Thursday, June 16
Farmer's Market.
Summer Concert, Town Green, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 17
Friday Night Live, Town Green, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 18
Housing maintenance workshop, NRC 10 a.m.
Sunday, June 19
Father's Day.
Monday, June 20, 7 p.m.
Planning Commission zoning ordinance work session.
Architectural Review Board/Heritage Preservation Review Board public hearing.
Wednesday, June 22, 2:30 p.m.
Herndon High School graduation, Patriot Center.