<b>Correction</b>
In the June 1-7, 2005 Reston and Herndon Connections, a photo caption was incorrect. The photo was of Hector V. Barreto, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The photo caption said Danny Vargas, president, VARCom Solutions.
<b>Machete Incident</b>
A Herndon teenager, who concealed a machete in his pants during an interview with police, was charged with possession of a concealed weapon and identity fraud.
The 17-year-old was arrested on June 1, according to Herndon Police Department reports.
"Right now, it appears to be gang related," said Sgt. Jerry Keys, public information officer.
According to police reports, a caller reported seeing an altercation between a group of people during an incident on May 27 in the 1000 block of Lexus Way. One of the subjects brandished a knife during the altercation.
"The call we got, it looked like several people were going to get in a fight. Officers went out to the scene and there were a number of individuals in the area," said Keys.
When police interviewed the 17-year-old, the teenager lied about his identity, Keys said. Police discovered his real identity during the interview.
At this point, police are still investigating the case. "A lot of people are getting interviewed," said Keys.
Several days later, police reported another gang-related incident in Herndon, calling it a "major crime." But Herndon police say that the two incidents were not related to each other.
In the second incident, according to police, a male was struck several times and received a cut on his right leg during a fight between several other individuals. He required medical treatment for his injuries, police said, and the case is still under investigation.
"We are confident this is gang related," said Keys.
<b>Herndon House Fire</b>
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire at approximately 11:09 a.m., Saturday, June 4, in the Herndon area of Fairfax County.
Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from the ground level of a single-family home, located at 12784 Bradwell Road. The fire was under control in approximately 25 minutes. Five occupants were at home when the fire started. The Red Cross is assisting the two adults and two children who were displaced. Damage is estimated at $85,000. The cause of the fire was accidental; a child playing with a lighter caused the fire.
<b>Advanced ESOL Teacher Classes</b>
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. Instructors are drawn from Fairfax County Public Schools/Adult and Community Education Instructional Services program.
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.
The classes were organized by the Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce Workforce Committee, Fairfax County Public Schools, the Town of Herndon and Northern Virginia Community College.
<b>Book Signing</b>
Chuck Mauro, author of "Herndon: A Town and Its History" and "Herndon: A History in Images" will be signing and selling his books at Jimmy's Old Town Tavern Wednesday, June 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. Jimmy's is located at Spring and Elden streets. Contact Mauro at 703-787-9879.
<b>Home Maintenance Workshop</b>
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 and 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.
<b>Baccalaureate Service<b>
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 Lt. Gen. David Pertraeus 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.
<b>Talent Auditions Accepted</b>
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.
<b>Animal Shelter Needs Help</b>
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.
<b>Chamber June Events</b>
The Chamber's June mixer is scheduled for June 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the offices of Dr. Finley's Family Eyecare, located at 709 Pine St. Register online at
www.HerndonDullesChamber.org to get through the door faster or RSVP by calling 571-323-5300 or e-mail
info@HerndonDullesChamber.org. $10 members; $15 non-members.
<b>Week in Herndon</b>
<b>'Dinner With Friends' Opens</b>
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 runs Fridays and Saturdays, at 8 p.m., 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.
<b>Special Zoning Ordinance Session Called</b>
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.
<b>Fox Mill Celebrates 25 Years</b>
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. Cake and punch will be served.
<b>Yard of the Month</b>
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.
<b>Relay for Life Teams</b>
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.
<b>Town Calendar</b>
<b>Thursday, June 2</b>
Farmer's Market.
Herndon Festival starts.
Herndon Community Association Coalition meeting 7 p.m.
<b>Friday, June 3</b>
Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce Annual Festival Golf Tournament 7 a.m.
Herndon Festival.
<b>Saturday, June 4</b>
Herndon Festival K9-2k.
Herndon High School Prom.
<b>Sunday, June 5</b>
Herndon Festival 5k/10k Run.
Last day of Festival.
<b>Monday, June 6, 7:30 p.m.</b>
Planning Commission public hearing.
<b>Tuesday, June 7, 7:30 p.m.</b>
Town Council work session.