Correction
In the May 25-31 Herndon Connection an article about the town's Capital Improvement Program misspelled the director of finance, Mary Tuohy's name.
'Dinner With Friends' Opens
Play season is continuing with the scheduled opening of the Elden Street Players' June 3 performance of "Dinner With Friends."
A contemporary tale of two married couples whose friendships are put to test when one couple decides to divorce, ESP describes "Dinner With Friends" as "not your typical dinner with friends."
Through the course of the play the foursome is forced to question and renegotiate their relationships as well as re-examine their own lives in the process. This play takes a realistic approach to modern-day love and marriage and will strike a universal chord with anyone who's ever been in a serious relationship.
The performance dates are Fridays and Saturdays, at 8 p.m., starting June 3 and running until June 25. There will be one Sunday night performance June 19, at 7 p.m. All performances are at the Industrial Strength Theatre, 269 Sunset Business Park Drive. Tickets may be reserved by calling 703-481-5903 and going to mailbox 2. Tickets are $15/$12 for seniors and students. This play contains adult situations and language.
Herndon Festival Opens
The Herndon Festival will open, at 6 p.m., Thursday, June 2 and runs until Sunday, June 5.
Although the festival opens, at 5 p.m., Friday, the carnival will open at 4 p.m., due to a school holiday.
In addition, although dogs are invited to participate in the K9-2K run, dogs are not allowed at the festival.
Promoting A Cultural Arts Center
The Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts is scheduled to launch a "stepped up" campaign Saturday, June 4, at the Herndon Festival to gain awareness and support for the building of a cultural arts center in town.
Throughout the weekend, volunteers will be stationed at the foundation's booth on Station Street offering information and educating the public about the many positive aspects of building the center.
The public will also be given an opportunity to log onto the foundation's Web site, www.herndonartscenter.org, to write an e-mail to Town Council members to show their support for an art center in town.
In addition to the foundation's presence at the Herndon Festival and town events, volunteers will continue to encourage the public to log onto the organization's site for updated project information, to make donations and to learn about volunteer opportunities. To learn more log onto www.HerndonArtsCenter.org or send an e-mail to info@HerndonArtsCenter.org.
K9 School Graduation
Pvt. 1st Class Damien Austin and his new partner, Tommy, graduated from a 14-week K-9 school, May 19.
The school was provided by Fairfax County Police Department and covered obedience, article searches, tracking, agility and the apprehension of criminals. Tommy is a 4-year-old German shepherd born in Czechoslovakia, and is trained in both drugs and patrol. PFC Austin has been with the Herndon Police for five years.
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.
The zoning ordinance is a chapter of the Town of Herndon Code that governs the use of land within incorporated Herndon, as well as provides regulations for new development, redevelopment, infill development, home occupations, placement of decks and accessory structures and many other things.
Regulations can be viewed at any Fairfax County public library, the Herndon Municipal Center, located at 777 Lynn St., or the town's Web site at www.herndon-va.gov.
Because the Town Council has asked the zoning ordinance be rewritten and presented at a public hearing, citizens will have the opportunity to comment on the draft.
Zoning regulations are established to serve the public health, safety and well-being. The rewritten ordinance will shape the town's physical environment for years to come.
Views 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.
Chamber June Events
Herndon Festival Business Expo will be held Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5, at Pine and Station streets.
The Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to visit the businesses and other organizations who will provide face-to-face descriptions of their products and services at the two-day portion of the festival.
Fox Mill Celebrates 25 Years
Fox Mill Elementary School will host an open house Friday, June 10, from 7-9 p.m., to celebrate the school's 25th anniversary of putting children first.
Students, parents, staff, alumnae and neighbors are welcome.
The event will feature student performances as well as a "memorabilia museum" with photographs and memories of Fox Mill through the years. A DVD of yearbook and other pictures from 1980-81 to 2004-05 will play continuously throughout the evening.
Former teachers will also contribute to the evening, including Cheryl Warga who worked at the school when it opened in 1980 until 2004.
Cake and punch will be served.
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, 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.
Herndon Festival.
Saturday, June 4
Herndon Festival K9-2k.
Herndon High School Prom.
Sunday, June 5
Herndon Festival 5k/10k Run.
Last day of Festival.
Monday, June 6, 7:30 p.m.
Planning Commission public hearing.
Tuesday, June 7, 7:30 p.m.
Town Council work session.