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Mercia Hobson

Stories by Mercia

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Fairfax County Public Schools to Offer Four Days a Week In-school

Phased plan to start April 20 for most vulnerable students

Some students in the Fairfax County Public Schools system could be poised to clean off the family dining room table by April 20.

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Two Lawsuits Threaten Virginia Public Schools

Appellants ask courts to halt implementation of Student Transgender Policies; local FCPS Pride reacts

The outcome of two lawsuits filed in Circuit Courts the last week in March threatens the treatment of transgender students in all Virginia school divisions, including Fairfax County Public Schools.

Public Input Sought on Fairfax County Police Chief Selection

Increased expectations of public involvement and transparency drive forum

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is seeking public involvement as its nationwide search for the next Fairfax County Police Chief gets underway.

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Herndon’s Friday Night Live! May Not Live On

Chamber event threatened if Town axes in-kind donations

A 2021 kick-off date for the return of Friday Night Live!, billed as "DC-area's Best Free Outdoor Concert Series Every Friday, May through August on the Herndon Town Green," is threatened and may not happen.

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A Lawsuit Challenges TJ Admission Changes

Parents sue to stop TJ’s admission policy changes, alleging anti-Asian race discrimination.

The Fairfax County School Board and Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand face a new lawsuit filed against them last week in United States District Court in Alexandria.

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County Highlights

Actions and words by Fairfax County leadership and citizens

In our new series,  County Highlights, the Connection spotlights actions and comments by Fairfax County officials, public servants, and local citizens who call the County's 406 square miles home.

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Limited Engagement: DMV Connect Coming to Herndon

Service outreach program processes REAL IDs and other DMV transactions

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle's service outreach program called DMV Connect is coming to the Town of Herndon, thanks to the combined efforts of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the Town of Herndon and Herndon Town Councilmember Naila Alam.

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Frying Pan Park Manager Retires

Three decades of stories to tell

On Tuesday, March 2, and after more than 31 years of public service, Yvonne Johnson, Manager of Frying Pan Farm Park, had only a few hours left to tie up loose ends before retiring, and something was bothering her.

Fairfax County Planning Commission Recommends Denial of Flag Limitations

It's not a done deal.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission voted 11-0 to recommend denial to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to replace the current zoning ordinance establishing specific regulations for flags and flagpoles in the New and Modernized Zoning Ordinance (zMOD Updates) countywide.

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This Town of Herndon Protects Its Homeowners

Staff person reviews contractor agreements for free

In the Town of Herndon, homeowners, regardless of income levels, have an ally on their side when dealing with contractors.

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Two Giraffes Die in Reston Blaze

Two giraffes at Roer's Zoofari at 1228 Hunter Mill Road in Reston died in a barn fire Monday evening.

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Fairfax County Readies for Public Employee Collective Bargaining

Holds collaborative meetings with union reps to write rules

Most Fairfax County public employees who provide vital services in education, safety, healthcare, and sanitation like others in counties, cities, and towns across the Commonwealth, will gain a new right on May 1, 2021.

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Record-Setting Day at States for Herndon High School Boys Swim Team

Hornets place as two champions

Members of the Herndon High School Boys Swim Team won two champion places and ranked eighth overall, with only four swimmers, at the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 6 State Championship at the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center in Stafford, Va., on Thursday, Feb. 25.

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Food Insecurity in Herndon is Not Going Away

Herndon Rotary holds food drives

The Rotary Club of Herndon’s Satellite Club was at it once again.

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Fairfax County’s FY 2022 Budget Plan

Focuses resources in targeted areas

“What a difference a year makes” said Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill.

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Nothing But the Best for Family: Pets of Reston and Herndon

For us lucky ones, pets are part of our lives.

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Herndon Mayor Asks for Integrity and Respect

Councilmembers' purported harsh rhetoric impacts morale and governing.

Jolted by an escalating trend of interruptions and statements by Town of Herndon Councilmembers, most recently at the Council Discussion of Strategic Initiatives on February 9, Mayor Sheila Olem intervened.

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Keeping Hunter Mill Residents Warm This Winter

No one needs to go without a coat.

The Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Closet that Cornerstones ran in partnership with the Hunter Mill District Supervisor’s office continues to be a much-needed resource for the community.

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A Bike for Bamilak

Good things happen when groups partner.

Herndon-based personal injury attorney Doug Landau of Abrams Landau Law Firm recently met Bamilak Robi, 11, of Reston after he and his family were involved in an automobile crash.

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Fairfax County Severs Cooperation with ICE

Board adopts Trust Policy barring voluntarily sharing residents' immigrant status

Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors approved in a vote of 9-to1, the Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy (Trust Policy) introduced as a Board Matter on Jan. 26 by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and co-sponsored by Supervisors Dalia A. Palchik (D-Providence) and John W. Foust (D-Dranesville).

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Fairfax County School Board Votes for In-Person Learning

Students who opt-in would be due back by March 16.

Fairfax County Public School students, whose parents or guardians opt for in-person learning for their children, are headed back to the classroom at least two days a week by March 16.

Herndon Town Council Fills Vacancies

On Jan. 26, the Town Council of the Town of Herndon approved in a vote of 7-to-0 four items on the consent agenda.

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Tightening Criteria for Entering into Gang Database

Gang Task Force use of DataWalk under scrutiny

On Oct. 2, 2018, Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force selected DataWalk as their analytical platform to support its fight against gangs according to a headline on BUSINESS WIRE.

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Questioning Racially-Biased Gang Database

Activists: Residents can be entered into GangNet merely for living in neighborhoods where gang activity takes place.

With no recourse for review, a nebulous definition of gang membership led an activist, an immigration advocate, and a Virginia legislator to fight for change.

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‘Morale Boosters’ for the Local Herndon Community

Three new initiatives in the planning stages

During the early days of the pandemic, K Scarry set up Herndon Cares.org, of First Baptist Church of Herndon.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Headaches in Fairfax County

IT and supply problems worry residents.

“I want to assure you that everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be,” said Jeffrey McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Herndon Council Hosts Housing Panel

State senators and legal counsel weigh in

Herndon Town Council hosted a Panel Discussion on Housing Tues., Jan. 5 to build proficiency and understanding in matters related to housing policy development.

Fairfax County Residents List Assembly Expectations

County General Assembly Delegation holds pre-2021 Session Public Hearing

The Fairfax County General Assembly Delegation held a Pre-2021 Session Public Hearing on Saturday, Jan. 9.

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Cesar del Aguila Named Vice Mayor of the Town of Herndon

At its first work session of 2021, the Town Council of the Town of Herndon approved a resolution in a vote of 6-0 to elect second term Councilmember Cesar del Aguila the Vice Mayor for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2021.

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Local Hospitals Roll Out First COVID-19 Vaccines

Communities keep lights up for healthcare heroes

December 2020 held the darkest days yet during the pandemic but also lights of hope.

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Herndon Wreaths Across America Site Remembers, Honors, Teaches

Veterans did not give up and neither did Herndon Woman's Club: 863 remembrance wreaths remain in place

Herndon Woman's Club (VA0143P) found a different way to carry out and join Wreaths Across America on National Wreaths Across America Day, Dec. 19, 2020.

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Herndon High Runner Captures First at Cross Country League 5k Race

Gillian Bushée flies through school's cross county record

The most challenging distance to go for Herndon High School freshman and cross country runner Gillian Bushée of Reston was the distance from her bed to the front door each morning.

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Sheila Olem Sworn in as Town of Herndon Mayor

Councilmembers sworn in during COVID-19 restricted ceremonies

Mayor Sheila A. Olem was administered the oath of office and sworn in as the duly elected Mayor of the Town of Herndon for a term commencing Jan. 1, 2021, and ending Dec. 31, 2022, by Town Clerk Viki Wellerhaus on Wed., Dec. 10.

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A Look Inside the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Meeting Dec. 1, 2020

Highlights of discussion and actions that impact all who live, work and play in the diverse county

Dec. 1 marked the final Fairfax County Full Board of Supervisors Meeting with Public Comment of 2020.

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Holiday Lights on the Farm in Herndon

Lake Fairfax and Burke Lake bring their displays to Frying Pan Farm Park.

Fairfax County Park Authority recently looked to find ways for people to have a good time during the holiday season with their family.

Students and Parents Navigate Virtual Learning in Fairfax County

FCPS Virtual and In-Person Learning During COVID 2020

Dec. 1 marked the day that Fairfax County Public Schools students in Group 5, those in Early Head Start, PreK, Kindergarten, and some who receive special education services were to at last transition out of distance learning and walk through school doors to receive two days a week of in-person learning.

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Herndon No Longer Torn Between Its Past and Future

Town Council approves its final step toward inking Downtown Redevelopment.

A part of the Herndon Downtown Redevelopment Series.

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Helping Families in Need this Holiday Season in Reston and Herndon

Cornerstones combines Thanksgiving Food Drive with Gifts for Kids.

Cornerstones was back at it again, ready to assist 1,000 Reston and Herndon families struggling to make ends meet this holiday season.

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In-Person Learning Delayed for Some Fairfax County Public Schools Students

Superintendent and staff update school board on return-to-school plans

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County forced Fairfax County Public Schools to delay its planned return of in-person instruction for an additional 6,800 students on Monday, Nov. 16.

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Veterans Day Observed with Caution in Herndon

American Legion Post 184 Herndon-Reston installs modified Avenue of Flags

Due to COVID restrictions, the Town of Herndon canceled its public recognition program on the Town Green for its Veterans Day Observance sponsored annually by The Wayne M. Kidwell American Legion Post 184 Herndon-Reston.

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A Godsend for The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area

Together they made it happen.

In reality, the project Chantilly-based non-profit organization HomeAid Northern Virginia recently completed for The Closet of Greater Herndon proved different from its typical work, but was a game-changer for the nonprofit thrift shop located in a 100-year-old building in the heart of the town’s historic downtown district.

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Possible Funding Threat for Fairfax County Public Schools

COVID cases increase, yet leadership hangs their star on families returning and increased enrollment.

Fall membership as of Sept. 30, 2020 at Fairfax County Public Schools declined by 8,859 students, dipping to 180,151 compared to data recorded last year at the same time, according to Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Transportation Services Jeff Platenberg.

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Music Connects in Herndon

Virtual recitals strengthen stretched ties.

Will Meinert (bass) and Emily Misch (soprano) of Herndon are opera singers performing and streaming recitals and short productions with a mix of discussions.

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Herndon Seeks to Amend Agreement with Comstock

Closing on property planned before or on Dec. 15

Mayor Lisa C. Merkel may have the honor of inking the closing deal with Comstock Herndon Venture, LC on the Historic Herndon District project before her term ends on Dec. 31 of this year.

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Sheila A. Olem Wins Mayoral Race in Herndon

Herndon Town Council 2021-22 boasts diversity

Sheila A. Olem will be sworn in as the new mayor of the Town of Herndon 2021-22.

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Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Closet Continues

Distribution limited to five Saturdays November through March

As the weather gets colder, the need for coats and winter outerwear is greater than ever this season for community members who are unsheltered.

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Public Hearing on Historic Herndon Nov. 17

Herndon Town Council nears replacing Heritage Preservation Program

Community members and business owners in the Herndon Preservation Overlay District may soon be presented with new guidance on maintaining and updating their property and Town regulation processes for exterior change.

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Election Storm of the Century: Herndon-Reston Area

Saying the vote counts is an understatement.

Election Day 2020 will go down in history.

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Pressure Mounts on Return to School in Fairfax County

School Board members face sensitive voting items.

The week of Oct. 19 held important information for Fairfax County Public Schools families.