Entertainment

Josh Delgado Wins McLean Idol Competition

Sophomore Josh Delgado took top honors in the third annual McLean Idol competition. The award winning McLean High School Theatre Company (MTC) conducted the competition in cooperation with the McLean Choral Department, Oct. 3-5 in the Burks Auditorium. Junior Abby Huston claimed the second position with third place going to freshman Renee Zhang. With commentary provided by local theater celebrities, the audience selected the winners by popular vote.

Influential Great Falls Artist Passes Away

Mother of "Renoir in a box" finder influenced local arts.

Long time Great Falls resident and artist, Marcia M. Fuqua, 85, died Sept. 9. Fuqua is remembered fondly in the home town as an artist and leader in the Great Falls arts community. In the last year, however, Fuqua has become more widely known as the mother of the woman who found the “Renoir in a box” and the controversy surrounding the ownership of the painting.

Runnymede Hosts NatureFest

Annual festival explores flora and fauna at local park.

The Friends of Runnymede Park and the Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department hosted the annual NatureFest Sunday, Oct. 6. The festival gave nature enthusiasts of all ages a chance to explore the diverse habitats within the park.

Reston Native David Bendernagel Releases Novel 'The End of the City'

“The End of the City” features South Lakes student protagonist.

Growing up in Reston, David Bendernagel said he always thought writing was cool. His interests ranged from the fantastical to the realistic, and with his first novel, “The End of the City,” he has found a way to explore both of those themes in an unorthodox, but interesting way.

Community Concert Assists Local Food Banks

On Sunday, Sept. 29 at Fairfax High School, Grammy nominated violinist Jenny Oaks Baker and the Mormon Choir of Washington, D.C. held a concert as part of the annual “Day to Serve” initiative to feed the hungry. A crowd of 800 people came out and donated approximately 1,600 pounds of nonperishable goods. This food will be put to good use by local area food banks that are responding to unprecedented demand from those in need.

Oktoberfest Returns to Reston Town Center

Northern Virginia’s largest outdoor fall festival is Friday through Sunday, Oct. 11-13.

The beer and wine will be flowing at Oktoberfest Reston produced by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, www.OktoberfestReston.com, the largest fall festival in Northern Virginia drawing crowds of up to 85,000 over three days. This event features the best in fall brews with traditional Oktoberfest fare from area restaurants.

Great Falls Studios Explore Art’s Natural Habitat

Great Falls Studios releases book to celebrate 10th anniversary.

Great Falls Studios was founded 10 years ago by several artists who wanted to network. Now, it features more than 90 artists who work in almost every conceivable medium, and they work hard to promote arts events around the community.

Potter’s Fire Opens in Herndon

A grand opening ceremony to be held on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Mike Faul’s business Potter’s Fire will be holding its grand opening this week in Herndon at 797-B Center Street. Previously, Faul had operated a marketing agency at this location. “My first exposure to ceramics was in junior high school, about 41 years ago,” said Faul.

Country Fair Comes to St. Francis

Annual event features games, quilt show.

As temperatures rose to near 90 degrees Saturday, Oct. 5 at the annual St. Francis Country Fair in Great Falls, many of the fair’s traditions were turned upside down.

Portrait Exhibit Opens at ArtSpace Herndon

Arts Council holds weeklong art celebration.

Art related activity in downtown Herndon is on a high as the Council for the Arts of Herndon has set up special activities and events to celebrate local artists and artwork. Events are being held at ArtSpace Herndon on 750 Center Street as well as local restaurants to highlight the opportunities to enjoy art in the town.

Great Falls Foundation for the Arts Presents Arts Center Plans

Equestrians, Turner Farm advocates question proposed center.

The Great Falls Foundation for the Arts presented their proposal for an arts center at Turner Farm Monday, Sept. 30 to the local equestrian community, neighbors and residents involved in the “Save the Farm” campaign.

ArtFest Comes to Central Park

Annual event features live art, juried show.

As a first time visitor to the annual MPAartfest, it didn’t take long for Andrea Dorsey and her sister Beverly to be impressed.

Boy Named ‘Honored Hero’

Billind Salhi, 8, will participate in Light The Night Walk.

Each year, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) holds Light The Night Walks to raise money for research and patient services. Locally, a walk will be held this Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Reston Town Center — and an 8-year-old Centreville boy will be one of the event’s Honored Heroes.

Light the Night Walk on Oct. 5

Fundraiser for 4-year-old girl named 'Ava B,' a leukemia survivor.

“Ava B” of Fairfax Corner was a typical 2-year-old when she fell ill with leukemia on Dec. 9, 2011. After having a fever for four days, her mom “Jeannie B” took to a doctor and ran a few tests. A hematologist then confirmed that she had Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. (The family asked that their last name not be used.)

St. James’ Episcopal Church Held 2013 Arts and Crafts Fair

St. James’ Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon held its 6th annual Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, with 72 vendors offering hand-crafted items like musical instruments, jewelry, and paintings.

The Connection