HERNDON

38th Annual Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Reception

The Town of Herndon honored 60 volunteers from 23 organizations at the 38th Annual Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Reception.

Josue Benavidez received the Distinguished Teen Volunteer Award for involvement with the ON Herndon Team and Leadership Team Meetings. He enhanced the community and advocated for issues relevant to his school and peers.

Susy Ledgerwood received the first Distinguished Service Award for her two decades of volunteerism with the Herndon Woman’s Club, including leading the Wreaths Across America project, coordinating fundraising efforts and engaging the community to honor veterans at Chestnut Grove Cemetery. 

Laura Poindexter received the second Distinguished Service Award. Poindexter, a dedicated volunteer, significantly contributed to Friday Night Live, the Herndon Woman’s Club, and the Dulles Chamber of Commerce.

Gene Wiley, president of The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area, Inc., celebrating its 50th anniversary of service in the Town of Herndon, accepted the Distinguished Corporate Volunteer Award on behalf of the organization. The Closet provides affordable items to families, supports local charities, and assists those in need. The Closet has distributed millions of dollars to charities, awarded scholarships, and provided employment opportunities, significantly impacting the Herndon community.

Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston Honors 2024 Citizen of the Year

 The Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston honored its 55th recipient, Renee Gorman, with the 2024 Citizen of the Year. Renee Gorman is the heart and soul behind the transformative non-profit organization She Believes In Me, founded in 2018. Rotary recognized Gorman for her commitment to children and families. Her vision nurtured a community initiative of hope supported by over a hundred volunteers.

Earth Daze at Aslin

 On Sunday, April 28, Rich Allridge and his family stopped by the Clean Fairfax tent at the Aslin Beer Company Earth Daze 2024 in Herndon's historic district. His wife Maureen, her sister Sarah Chun, who is holding the stroller handle with her four-week-old daughter Cece, and her husband Ben joined him. 

Center, Jennifer Cole, the executive director of Clean Fairfax, said the nonprofit partnered with Aslin on the event. "The best time to ask if you can recycle something is before you buy it," said Cole.

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OAKTON- Vale Arts, Local Art at Its Best

The ValeArts Spring Art Show and Sale 2024, held April 26- 28. at Vale School House, featured works by participating artists (from left) Jenna Klimchak, Kim T. Richards, Lorrie Herman, Lori Goll, Laura Barringer, Andrea Cybak, Cathleen Lawless. Not pictured Anna Willard, and Linda Bullen. Watch for the Fall Art Show and Sale by visiting https://www.valearts.com/artists.

GREAT FALLS- Great Falls Spring ArtFest

The vibrant Great Falls Spring ArtFest, April 27 & 28 at The Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike & The Artists’ Atelier, 756 Walker Road. A diverse group of painters, potters, photographers, jewelry makers, fiber artists, sculptors, and others showcased a variety of media. Save the date for the Great Falls Studio Tour Oct. 19-20. @greatfallsstudios https://www.greatfallsstudios.com/

McLEAN-McLean Project for the Arts

MPA's signature Spring Benefit, will take place on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the McLean home of Mark Lowham and Joseph Ruzzo. Individual tickets are now available. Co-chaired by Cynthia Steele Vance and Mandy Mafi, the event will feature music from DC Martini, an exhibition of works by Chee Keong Kung, and more. https://mpaart.org/springbenefit2024/

RESTON- Reston Farmers Market Opens 

The 2024 Reston Farmers Market crew: Anne Strange, co-market manager (2020); Caroline Hockenberry, Farmers Market coordinator, FC Park Authority; and Fran, lead co-market manager (2003). Not shown: Keith Strange, co-market manager (2012 ); and Ben Miller, co-market manager (2024)

The Reston Farmers Market, sponsored by Fairfax County Park Authority, opened at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, for the first day of its 2024 season at the Lake Anne Village Center Washington Plaza parking lot in Reston. Buying local is a way to support a sustainable community. After closing at noon, Lovaas reported approximately 1849 people attended the market on opening day.

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VIENNA

11th Annual Taste of Vienna Held April 27

The Poliner family (from left): Graham, Noah, Cami, Danielle, and Matt. “We love everything Vienna does,” says Matt Poliner. On Saturday, April 27, the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department presented its 11th annual Taste of Vienna, featuring food and drink vendors, food trucks, and a children’s bounce house. The daylong fundraiser supported the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.

 Vienna Bowman House Potters’ Spring Pottery Show

The Vienna Bowman House Potters held their first Spring Pottery Show on April 27 at The Bowman House. “The pottery classrooms were filled with unique wheel and hand-built pottery available for purchase. Funds raised support the Vienna Community Center and the Potters. There will be a fall sale in November,” said the Bowman House Show and Sale coordinator Lori Westbrook.

Car Seat Inspections on May 9

Parents may get their children’s car seats inspected on Thursday, May 9, from 5-8:30 p.m., outside the Sully District Police Station. It’s at 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Inspections are done on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants should install the child safety seat so the inspection can be performed. The seat will be properly re-installed if necessary and parents will be taught how to install the seat. Everyone is eligible. Another car-seat inspection is scheduled for May 23, at the same place and time.

Park and Bark at E.C. Lawrence Park

Dogs and their owners are invited to Park and Bark, on Saturday, May 11, from 1-4 p.m., in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. It’ll be held at the park’s Walney Visitor Center at 5040 Walney Road in Chantilly. The fun includes live music by Lucas Mason, food and beer for purchase, forever-home adoptions, plus a variety of dog-themed vendors. This family-friendly event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Friends of E.C. Lawrence Park.