Barbara Glakas is an active Herndon resident who cares about the community and works hard to make it better through her involvement in numerous community groups and attendance of every Town Council meeting. But, Glakas also prefers to stay out of the spotlight — which is exactly why she was asked to complete our Profile of the Week.
Name: Barbara Glakas
Born: July 25, 1958 in Washington, D.C.; grew up in Springfield.
Town: Moved to Herndon in 1987. Currently live in the Dumbarton Square neighborhood.
Occupation: Health and Physical Education teacher at J.E.B. Stuart High School.
Education/Achievements: Graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield; bachelor of science degree from James Madison University; Commission in the U.S. Army; high school teacher for 23 years; coached various high school sports; Army Reserves for 14 years; former Commander of Headquarters Company of the 220th Military Police Brigade.
Family: Single. Parents still live in Springfield. One brother and his family live in the Chantilly area. Another brother and his family live in Arizona. A lot of extended family lives in the Metro area.
Likes/Interests: History, music, arts and crafts, writing, museums, the Beatles, volunteerism, teaching and working with children, working in the yard, attending Herndon events, meeting new people; spending time with nieces and nephews, antiques, physical activities; spending time with friends, attending big fat Greek family gatherings.
Dislikes: Dwelling on dislikes.
Favorite Local Restaurant: Mediterranean Breeze, Tortilla Factory, Amphora.
Community Ties: Taught at Herndon High School in 1985; Umpired Herndon Optimist Baseball in the 1990s; member Herndon's Cultivating Community Committee; member neighborhood Homeowners' Association Board; member Community Advisory Board; volunteer activities with the Herndon Harbor House.
Community Concerns: Concerned about the negativism that is associated with the day labor debate. Herndon is a great place to live and I am confident that people can work together in positive and meaningful ways to work out the issues before them. Concerned about the density of in-fill development projects. New developments should be constructed in such a way that density is moderated and attention is given to green space and Herndon's historic heritage.
Community Ideas: Encourage people to contribute to their community in positive ways by attending or volunteering at town events, planning activities within their neighborhoods; recognizing others who do good things (e.g. Yard of the Month or Good Neighbor awards), helping a neighbor or others who are less fortunate.
Personal Goals: To influence students to live healthy lifestyles and to be tolerant of people who are different than themselves. To learn from wise people. To volunteer where needed. To work for civil/equal rights. To figure out what I want to do in retirement.