Summer Camp, Cabaret at NextStop Theatre
NextStop Theatre’s first summer of theatre classes.
Opening on Aug. 28 at NextStop’s Industrial Strength Theatre will be “Gidion’s Knot” by Johnna Adams.
Tysons Welcomes Metrorail
Arrival of Silver Line to Tysons set to encourage residential development.
Five Silver Line Metro stations located in Reston and Tysons Corner opened to the public on Saturday, July 26.
Temporary Fire Station To Be Constructed In Herndon
New fire station expected to be complete by spring of 2016.
The original station was built in 1950 and according to fire officials cannot accommodate newer, larger-sized vehicles such as ladder trucks.
Lights Go Up Along W&OD Trial
Construction projects underway in downtown Herndon.
In downtown Herndon construction has been occurring at several locations including the Vinehaven townhouse project on Vine Street.
Wiehle-Reston East Opens for Metro Riders
Fairfax County holds open house at Reston garage.
Fairfax County held an open house at the Wiehle-Reston East Garage on July 19 to show potential Metro riders access and parking options.
Herndon High Presents ‘Hello Dolly!’
Musical performances set for Aug. 1, 2 and 3.
The first week of August the Grand Musical Theatre Experience returns to Herndon High School with a production of the musical “Hello Dolly!”
Libraries Promote Summer Reading
Fairfax County program encourages students to read.
Every summer, the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) offers a summer reading program for children ages preschool-12th grade.
Reston Water Mine Pool to Expand
Lake Fairfax pool facility to be expanded, construction begins September.
With a lazy river and water slides, the outdoor pool has been a great attraction for families and visitors, but size and capacity limitations have increased the waiting times for patrons.
Fairfax County Prepares Bus System For Silver Line
Bus changes help ensure Silver Line success.
Among the changes are elimination of old bus routes and the closure of the Sunset Hills Interim parking in Reston near the intersection of Sunset Hills Road and Town Center Parkway.
Kickoff Held For Fairfax 2015 Games
Police and firefighters conduct demonstrations at Reston Town Center.
The World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) Sports Extravaganza offered live demonstrations including Honor Guard, Muster Carts, Police Motors, and Martial Arts.
Herndon Enjoys Summer in Spotlight
Downtown Herndon remains active despite summer heat.
On July 9 and July 10, reporters from channel NBC4 visited downtown Herndon to share some of the special qualities of the town.
Reston Metropolitan Unveils Rooftop Features
Reston Chamber of Commerce attends ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The rooftop level includes a sports club with cardio-theater equipment and saunas, and a movie screening room with surround sound.
Herndon Town Calendar Photos On Display
Photos of Herndon on display at ArtSpace Herndon.
ArtSpace Herndon has opened the annual Town of Herndon Calendar Exhibit, featuring finalists from the 2014 Town of Herndon Calendar Competition.
Thousands Attend Firecracker 5K Race
The race for the troops held at Reston Town Center.
The 5K race began at 8 a.m. and had approximately 2,300 persons registered to participate.
Thousands Attend Firecracker 5K Race
The race for the troops held at Reston Town Center.
THE 5K RACE began at 8 a.m. and had approximately 2,300 persons registered to participate.
Parties, Action Continue At Reston Pools
Reston Association holds 4th of July party and other events.
The afternoon on July 4 there was a community party at Lake Newport Pool in Reston.
Potter’s Fire Awards Trophies For Holiday Challenge
Businesses show community spirit in downtown Herndon.
The Potter’s Fire Throwdown is a contest developed to challenge other businesses in Herndon to decorate their storefronts for the patriotic holidays from May 10 to the 4th of July.
Music and Community at Café Montmartre
Lake Anne restaurant continues to be a local entertainment venue.
The evening of Friday, June 27, residents of Reston and other guests were at Café Montmartre for the restaurant’s monthly music event.
New Playground Opens At Herndon Community Center
Children’s playground now open at Bready Park.
“This playground packs as much as possible into the space, and incorporated most of the suggestions we gathered from the community and the school kids,” stated Cynthia Hoftiezer, Project Coordinator for the Town of Herndon.
Town Of Herndon Holds Swearing In Ceremony
Mayor Merkel and 2014-2016 Town Council sworn in to office.
More than 200 persons attended the event, including U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11), Del. Mark Keam (D-35), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ Chairman Sharon Bulova, former Board of Supervisors Chairman Kate Hanley, Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, and former Herndon Mayors Carol Bruce, Mike O’Reilly, and Steve DeBenedittis.
Eagle Scout Project Collects Electronic Hardware
Community and friends hold successful electronic recycling event.
Approximately 20,540 pounds of electronics were collected for recycling at an electronics recycling drive held June 21 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, in Herndon.
Bicyclists, Pedestrians Shape Phase 2 Planning
Results of Herndon Metrorail Stations Study announced.
On June 18, a final public workshop was held at McNair Elementary School in Herndon to provide the results and final recommendations of the Herndon Metrorail Stations Access Management Study (HMSAMS) effort.
First Chalk Festival Held In Reston
Art event showcases local talent at Lake Anne Plaza.
Reston’s Lake Anne Plaza hosted its first ever chalk festival titled Chalk on the Water, the weekend of June 7-8.
Spring Concert at South Lakes
South Lakes Choral Department presents music skills.
Friends, families and local residents had the pleasure of hearing the South Lakes High School Choral Department perform on Tuesday, June 3 at the school’s Little Theatre.
Hamlet at Herndon High
Herndon High Drama presents season finale on June 13-14.
As the school year is wrapping up, students in Herndon High drama prepare for the final production of the school year, Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Burnt Offerings Exhibit On Display At ArtSpace Herndon
Paintings by Reston artist Morgan J. Norwood on display until June 29.
In June, visitors to the community art gallery ArtSpace Herndon will see an array of paintings making an artistic ring of fire in the main gallery.
Herndon High Holds Pops Concert
Herndon students display their music skills.
Herndon High School choir presented great music in their final major performance of year in the school Pops Concert.
Tour de Cure Held in Reston
Cyclists bike to raise funds for American Diabetes Association.
Thousands of persons went to Reston Town Center on Sunday, June 1, to participate in the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure Race.
South Lakes High School Holds Spring Concert
Reston band students display their music skills.
On May 29, the South Lakes High School symphonic band and wind ensemble performed at the school’s Little Theater.
Summer Fun Revisits Herndon
Traditional festivals, concerts and events planned this summer.
Lasting May 29 to June 1, the annual Herndon Festival will be a part of the largest free event in Northern Virginia. This award-winning event takes place in historic downtown Herndon at 777 Lynn Street.
Herndon Honors the Fallen
Annual memorial day event held at Chestnut Grove Cemetery.
Residents of Herndon and local dignitaries gathered at Chestnut Grove Cemetery Monday, May 26, to commemorate Memorial Day.
Herndon High Presents Spring Concert
Students display year’s worth of progress.
On May 20 at Herndon High auditorium, the Herndon High school (HHS) band presented their final major band production for the school year.
World Of Beer Opening In Reston
Staff prepared for June 2 grand opening.
On Monday June 2, the World of Beer restaurant at 1888 Explorer St. in Reston Town Center will have its grand opening. “I saw there was a need for a World of Beer in the area,” said owner Evan Metz. Metz also owns the World of Beer (WOB) located in Ballston, which opened the summer of 2012.
Reston Association Holds May Yard Sale
Participants enjoy good weather at yard sale event.
“I heard about this yard sale from a co-worker,” said Alfred Carter, a resident of Alexandria. Carter was one of 95 participants in the May biannual yard sale hosted by the Reston Association. The yard sale was held at the parking lot near the organization’s office at 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive the morning of Saturday, May 17. Shoppers and vendors mingled from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., enjoying the nice weather. “It is very nice and well organized,” said Carter, who brought an assortment of items to the yard sale.
Fine Arts Festival Brings Art to the Community
Signature local art event enriches community life.
“I think the opening night could not be better,” said Derryl Harris, a board member of Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE). Harris attended the Friday opening night event for the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival. The festival, an annual event produced by GRACE, is a competitive, juried, outdoor event showcasing some of the finest contemporary fine art and craft. Each year the Festival features over 200 skilled artisans who utilize both traditional and unconventional materials and techniques to create, hand-crafted, original works of art available for purchase. The diversity of fine art and fine craft at the Festival, now in its 23rd year, ensures there were many tastes. A highlight of the Festival is the opportunity to interact directly with the artists.
Reston Community Orchestra Holds Season Finale
Concert features two young pianists.
The afternoon of Sunday, May 18, at Reston Community Center CenterStage, the Reston Community Orchestra (RCO) preformed their final concert of the 2013-2014 with a performance featuring two young pianists. Pianists Mark Dang and Matthew Geier performed Haydn’s “Piano Concerto in D Major.” The program also included Grieg’s “Peer Gynt Suite #2” and selections from “Forest Gump.” Conducting the orchestra was Dingwall Fleary, a maestro who has directed Reston Community Orchestra for 16 years.
Biking to Work Despite Rain
Bike To Work Day highlights alternative travel in Fairfax County.
On Friday morning rainy weather hit Northern Virginia, yet volunteers at 14 bike stations throughout Fairfax County still assisted bicyclists for the annual Bike To Work Day. Coordinated by Commuter Connections and Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), the Bike to Work Day event attracts participants from around the Washington metropolitan region. This year’s theme was “Get your workout before you get your work in.”
Protecting Children from Trafficking
Speakers at Herndon High event discuss human trafficking and answer questions.
On Thursday, May 15, representatives and staff throughout the Herndon school pyramid went to Herndon High auditorium for an evening presentation on Teen Sex Trafficking. The purpose of the event was to help parents understand the risks their children face, and how to help keep them safe. “This is the first time we are doing this presentation in Herndon,” said Heather Coleman, a social worker with Fairfax County Public Schools. Based on the success of this event, the Herndon schools are considering making this an annual event.
Langston Hughes Middle Celebrates Poetry
Poetry contest inspires creativity.
At the end of April, Langston Hughes Middle School held an after school award ceremony for the annual poetry contest. Approximately 80 poems by students were entered in this year’s annual poetry contest, and winners were announced. The contest, sponsored by Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU) and the school’s PTA, offered students an arena to express ideas poetically. Representing NWFCU was Nicolette Watkins. “It has been a wonderful opportunity for the credit union to work with this school,” said Watkins.
Potter’s Fire Issues Holiday Challenge
Fife and Drum Corp highlight fundraising event.
Members of Herndon High School (HHS) Band participated in the American Originals Fife and Drum Corps performance in a kickoff celebration for a fundraiser sponsored by local ceramics business Potter’s Fire on May 10. The Potter’s Fire Throwdown is a contest to challenge other businesses in Herndon to decorate their storefronts for the patriotic holidays from May 10 to the 4th of July. The business with the best decorations will win a trophy designed at Potter’s Fire. Donations for the event will be divided between The Fisher House Foundation and The Pride of Herndon Marching Band. “Every dime will be going back to charity,” said Mike Faul, owner of Potter’s Fire.
Navy Band Performs at Herndon High School
Senior students have opportunity to play with U.S. Navy band.
Herndon High School hosted the United States Navy Band the evening of May 9. The band performing was the U.S. Navy Concert band, based in Washington, D.C. This is the fourth time Herndon High School (HHS) has hosted a performance with the Navy Band. “It is a wonderful opportunity that the Navy Band gives freely of their time and talent to encourage the musical growth of our children,” said Rhonda Reeves-Long, a member of the school band’s boosters group.
Northern Virginia Family Service Holds 16th Annual Gala
Local donors and supporters recognized at event.
The evening of Friday May 9 at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, the nonprofit Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) held their 16th Annual Road to Independence Gala. The festive event gave community and business leaders an opportunity to celebrate the impact of NVFS on families and children in need. It also recognized donors and supporters dedicated to giving back to the community in which they live making NVFS services possible.
Friday Night Live Concerts Return To Herndon
20th year of Friday evening concerts at downtown Herndon.
Friday, May 2, the Town Green was full of families and visitors who came to attend the first Friday Night Live concert in the Town of Herndon. “It was a packed house, everybody is out having a good time,” said Herndon Police Officer Henry “Hank” Ruffin. This popular concert series is held every Friday evening until Aug. 22. The band which begun this season was Love Seed Mama Jump. The concerts begin around 6:30 p.m. and end around 10:30 p.m. The Friday Night Live concert series is free to attend and is almost always held unless rain forces them to cancel.
Reston Langston Hughes Middle Celebrates Poetry
Poetry contest raises awareness about creativity
At the end of April, Langston Hughes Middle School held an after school award ceremony for the annual poetry contest. Approximately 80 poems by students were entered this year’s annual poetry contest, and winners were announced. The contest, sponsored by Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU) and the school’s PTA, offered students an arena to express ideas poetically. Representing NWFCU was Nicolette Watkins. “It has been a wonderful opportunity for the credit union to work with this school,” said Watkins.
Great Falls Day Celebrated
Visitors learn history of Great Falls community.
On Sunday, May 4, residents of Great Falls and visitors had the opportunity to celebrate Great Falls Day at the Great Falls Grange on Georgetown Pike and learn more about the history of the community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the public assembly hall was built in 1929, a product of the Grange Movement which swept America after the Civil War. The Grange was a symbol of commitment to community involvement and progress, and has been a meeting and special event site throughout its history.
Pet Fiesta Held At Reston Town Center
Thousands attend pet focused May 3 event.
Visitors and participants of the annual Reston Pet Fiesta enjoyed sunny mild weather on Saturday, May 3. One of the signature events of Reston Town Center, this outdoor event was open to the public and brought together local businesses, animal rescue groups and pet owners for a day of activities and demonstrations. The event was also an opportunity to put in volunteer hours with animal adoption groups.
ArtSpace Herndon Opens Far and Wide
Paintings by Trisha Adams on display until May 25.
In the new ArtSpace Herndon exhibit Far and Wide: Travel as Muse, artist Trisha Adams displays a visual journey. Unique architecture and distinctive trees offer interesting new shapes, and plants, earth, and buildings present color palettes. “We are very excited to display Trisha Adams works at ArtSpace,” said Lawrence Verbiest, executive director of the ArtSpace Herndon. This is Adams’ first solo show at ArtSpace Herndon. A California native, Adams moved to Virginia to work for a local newspaper. In 2001, she began painting and by 2004 was a fulltime painter. She enjoys traveling and landscapes are a favorite subject.
Governor McAuliffe Speaks to Business Leaders
Event at Volkswagen Group of America draws 100 executives.
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority hosted an evening networking session at the headquarters of the Volkswagen Group of America in Herndon on April 30. The program was titled Fairfax County: Where International Companies Do Business in the U.S. A special guest of the event was Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) who spoke about plans of attracting federal projects to Northern Virginia, and hopes regarding Virginia’s education program. “This is something we do every two to three years,” said Gerald L. Gordon, president and CEO of the Fairfax Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). “We now have more than 400 foreign-owned companies from 45 countries in Fairfax County,” said Gordon. “We are fortunate to have five overseas offices,” said Gordon.
GRACE Opens Incubator Exhibit
Exhibit features works of artists Renee Stout and Odinga Tyehimba.
“I think there are few collaborative shows between two artists like this,” said Derryl Harris. “The depth and the materials, it is quite unique.” Harris, a resident of Herndon and board member of Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE), attended the April artists reception for the exhibit Incubator which features artwork of Renee Stout and Odinga Tyehimba. Self-taught artist Tyehimba combines interest in traditional art with his interpretation of the historic and contemporary experiences of Africans in the Americas. Renee Stout has received acclaim for her mixed-media works exploring issues including identity, race, gender, and healing.
Shepherd’s Center Hosts Volunteer Luncheon
Community organization celebrates volunteer service.
The Oakton-Vienna Shepherd’s Center, organized in 1997, is one of over 50 Shepherd’s Centers throughout North America shaping a new image of aging. On Monday, April 14, the organization held a luncheon at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church to thank volunteers for their service to the community in Vienna and neighboring areas. “We are happy to have the Shepherd’s Center so active in the community of Vienna,” said Vienna Vice Mayor Carey Sienicki. The Oakton-Vienna Shepherd’s Center’s primary purpose is to provide services to assist older adults to continue to live independently in their own homes and offer programs which supply opportunities for enrichment, learning and socialization. Volunteer opportunities allow individuals to feel needed by reaching out to other older adults. The Oakton-Vienna Shepherd’s Center has approximately 250 volunteers, and 101 persons made reservations to attend the afternoon luncheon.