Arrests Made in High School Abduction
Two arrests were made for an abduction earlier this month of a Herndon High School student with the intent to defile.
On May 2 around 1 p.m. a 15-year-old female student at Herndon High School was accosted in the school by two males, one a HHS student and one a HHS student under suspension.
Jonny Luis Oliva Galdames, 18, of 711 Palmer Drive in Herndon was arrested on Friday, May 20 and charged with abduction with the intent to defile. He is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond.
A juvenile detention order was issued against the second suspect, a 17-year-old male from Herndon for abduction with the intent to defile.
Yard of the Month
The yard of Al and Gloria Barsanti at 908 Leona Lane has been selected as Herndon's May Yard of the Month.
Flowers are the main feature of this yard — white and rust irises, columbines, lily of the valley, snap dragons, azaleas, peonies and more.
There are different flowers for every season.
As winners of Yard of the Month, the Barsanti's will receive a $100 gift certificate from Meadows Farms and a green thumb sign to display in their yard.
The yards of Catherine Hinerman at 894 Station Street and Douglas Walker at 287 Missouri Avenue were recognized as second- and third-place winners, respectively.
Herndon residents are encouraged to drive by these yards to see the efforts of the owners to create and maintain outstanding yards and make the community a beautiful place.
Winners will also be selected for July and October. Nominations for July are due by June 15 and nominations for October are due by Sept. 15.
Yards that were previously nominated but were not selected can be nominated again.
For more information regarding the Yard of the Month awards and to download a nomination form, go to the Town's Web site at www.herndon-va.gov and click on "What's New," or call Robin Runser at 703-435-6800 ext. 2010.
Baseball League Celebrates
The Herndon Town Council will officially recognize the 60th Anniversary of the Clark C. Griffith Baseball League at its public meeting on Tuesday, May 24. The Herndon community is represented in the league by the Herndon Braves, a team now in its third season.
Clark C. Griffith, owner of the Washington Senators, lent considerable support to amateur baseball and to the league, resulting in it being named in his memory following his death in 1955. The league upgraded its program in 1993 and began recruiting the highest level of baseball talent available. Thousands of young men who have played in the Clark C. Griffith League have had successful baseball careers both in college and beyond.
The Herndon Braves were founded on the concept of bringing the thrill of summer baseball to the Herndon community and to provide an atmosphere of family fun and sense of community around the team.
Mayor Michael L. O’Reilly will be throwing out the first pitch at the Herndon Braves’ season opener, which will be held on Saturday, June 4 at 7 p.m., at Herndon High School. For more information, contact Lisa Lombardozzi at 703-481-3767.
Chamber Recognizes Hispanic Businesses
The Herndon-Dulles Chamber of Commerce will recognize area Hispanic Businesses at a May 25 reception.
Scheduled to attend the event at Cox Communications are Hector V. Barreto, administrator U.S. Small Business Administration; and the Honorable Anna Escobedo Cabral, U.S. Treasurer.
Other guests scheduled to attend are Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10), Sen. Janet Howell (D-32), Del. Kenneth Plum (D-36), Kate Hanley, commonwealth transportation board; County Supervisors Catherine Hudgins (Hunter Mill) and Michael Frey (Sully), Mayor Michael O'Reilly and council member Harlon Reece; and Danny Vargas, president VARCom Solutions is scheduled to emcee.
In addition the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Naturalization will conduct a naturalization ceremony, where the Oath of Allegiance will be administered to 25 new U.S. citizens.
Scouts from Herndon's Vecinos Unidos/Neighbors United will display the colors.
Memorial Day Schedule
Town of Herndon government offices will be closed on Monday, May 30 for the Memorial Day holiday. Following is the schedule for all Town facilities and trash pickup:
* Herndon Municipal Center/Town Hall/Neighborhood Resource Center: Closed
* Herndon Community Center: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Herndon Centennial Golf Course: Open 6 a.m. to dark.
* Trash Collection: Trash that is normally collected on Monday will be picked up on Tuesday, May 31. Do not place trash cans at the curb more than 24 hours prior to the scheduled collection.
Jimmy's Celebrates Anniversary
Jimmy's Old Town Tavern will celebrate its eight-year anniversary Sunday, May 29.
Beginning at 7:30 a.m., the day will be celebrated with Rolling Thunder and 13 hours of live music, live crawfish and live crabs.
A Continental complimentary breakfast will be offered at 7:30 a.m. for motorcyclists before heading out to Patriot Harley for Rolling Thunder.
Bands will take the stage around 1 p.m. when live acoustic music is scheduled to begin outside in the alley, along with the cookout.
In addition to the live shellfish, Jimmy's will feature BBQ ribs, chicken, burgers, dogs, corn on the cob and the full regular menu.
From 1 to 3 p.m. an "Early Riser Special," will be offered which includes half-price crabs, crawfish and more.
Bands will play until 9 p.m. when the party will move inside, for more live music and DJ Brian spinning tunes.
Bands scheduled to appear for the acoustic selection starting at 1 p.m. are: Jan Deluciem; Dave Horton; Jim Desper; Skip; Courtney Tynes; Tapestry; Deron Cain; and Linda Stapleton.
Outside bands include: Glenn Kahn & Friends at 3 p.m.; Liquid Courage at 4 p.m.; Brass Monkey at 5 p.m.; Brian Symmes JOTT-O Blues Band at 6 p.m.; DL Funk Band at 7 p.m.; and AO55 at 8 p.m.
Outside Live bands include: One Slack Mind; Nigel Brewer; Armagedden; NovuS; and Praia Orba.
Local Author Reveals History
Chuck Mauro, president of the Herndon Historical Society, is scheduled to release his third book, "Herndon: A History in Images" in June.
A collection of archival and modern images that chronicle the past of Herndon, Mauro's book spans over 150 years.
Through his research and insights, Mauro attempts to bring life to the people and events that shaped the town's history.
Mauro's book covers everything from the town's settlement, a tribute to the namesake, daily farming that sparked the development of town and Herndon's black population to remnants from the Civil War and the town's business district as it developed and changed over time.
Other books by Mauro include "Herndon: A Town and its History" and "The Battle of Chantilly (Ox Hill): A Monumental Storm", which he also co-produced as a movie.
Mauro will be on hand to sign books at the Herndon Festival June 4 and 5. Copies are $19.99 and can be bought by contacting Brittain Phillips at 843-577-5971.
For those who cannot make the festival, Mauro will be on hand at Jimmy's Old Town Tavern June 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. for a second book selling and signing.
Chamber June Events
The Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce will host Business After Hours, Thursday, June 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Staybridge Suites, 3860 Centerview Dr., Chantilly (near intersection of Routes 50 and 28).
This monthly event is business networking, pure and simple. Enjoy food provided by Picante! The Real Taco, $5 at the door. RSVP to Staybridge via e-mail: rsvp@axar.net.
Memorial Day Speeches
Chuck Mauro, president of the Herndon Historical Society, will speak at the Memorial Day ceremonies at the Ox Hill battlefield at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 30. His presentation will honor the participants from the Civil War battle fought on this site on September 1, 1862.
The battlefield is located at the corner of West Ox Road and Monument Drive. Parking is available in Fairfax Town Center. For further information contact Chuck at 703 787-9879 or cmauro10@aol.com.
Book Signing
Louis Mattia, Herndon resident, will sign his new novel Saturday, May 28, from noon-3 p.m., at Reston's Used Book Shop located at 1623 Washington Plaza, Lake Anne Center in Reston. For more information call 703-435-9772.
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.
Relay for Life Teams
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.
Town Calendar
Thursday, May 26 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Farmer's Market.
Monday, May 30
Memorial Day.
Thursday, June 2
Farmer's Market.
Herndon Festival starts.
Herndon Community Association Coalition meeting 7 p.m.
Friday, June 3
Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce Annual Festival Golf Tournament 7 a.m.
Saturday, June 4
Herndon Festival K9-2k.
Herndon High School Prom.
Sunday, June 5
Herndon Festival 5k/10k Run.
Last day of Festival.