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Mercia Hobson

Stories by Mercia

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VolunteerFest, 2021

Volunteers work on projects countywide for the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Volunteers

Great Falls Creamery, Where Summer Doesn’t End

Icy treats pair well with Great Falls Park.

Creamery

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Crisis in Afghanistan Reverberates Locally

Afghan Americans speak out.

The United States and other countries have welcomed more than 150,000 Afghans and their families since the emergency evacuations began in mid-August.

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Crisis in Afghanistan Reverberates Locally

Afghan Americans speak out.

The United States and other countries have welcomed more than 150,000 Afghans and their families since the emergency evacuations began in mid-August.

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Overcoming Mental Health Stigma

Suicide Walk-a-Thon brings awareness

The pandemic's psychological and socioeconomic fallout may be driving an accelerated trend in depressive symptoms and suicide ideation, attempts, and deaths in Fairfax County, reported experts in mental health at the "Fight Suicide" Walk-a-Thon at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston held Aug. 21.

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Back to School: The Best Shot: Vax Up!

Fairfax County families and educators discuss COVID-19 School Year 2021-22.

The first day of the much-anticipated, in-person return to school for SY2021-22 looms for many families, friends, and educators in Fairfax County's independent, public and home-based education systems.

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Mom's Organic Market: Stewards of the Land

Putting their mission statement front and center

Team Members at Mom's Organic Market take environmental restoration seriously.

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Fairfax County Public Schools Priority One: Get Eligible Students Vaccinated

Expansion of school COVID-19 vaccination clinics underway

The level of community transmission of COVID-19 in Fairfax County is increasing again.

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Fairfax County Supervisors Proclaim August 3 National Night Out

Proclamation celebrates neighborhood spirit and cooperation among residents and police

National Night Out is a time to celebrate, whether the clock that day says noon or 8 p.m. It is a time to have community fun, to say thank you to law enforcement officers, and get more involved in the community.

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NWFCU Foundation Back to School Drive In-Progress for 2021

Powerful change force for local at-promise students

The Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU) Foundation is heading into the final weeks of their Back to School Drive 2021.

Fairfax County Holds County-wide Vaccine Equity Clinics

Bringing the COVID-19 vaccine to the people rather than relying on them to find their way to a site is one option to get people vaccinated and slow the surging Delta variant.

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Delta Variant Has Room to Run Rampant

Removing invisible vaccine barriers for communities in Fairfax County

Jump on a moon bounce, grab an empanada from a food truck and get a Covid vaccine.

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Community Garden Sows Skills to Improve Mental and Physical Health

Pathway Homes, Inc. holds ribbon-cutting for the project.

In 2020, nonprofit Pathway Homes, Inc. provided non-time-limited housing and supportive services to 616 adults in Northern Virginia with serious mental illnesses (SMI) and co-occurring disorders, some of whom experienced homelessness in 2020.

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New Food Scrap Composting at Select Fairfax County Farmers Markets

Nature’s recycling reduces methane and lowers carbon footprint

Fairfax County residents have another option for managing organic wastes such as fruit and vegetable peels, food left on dinner plates, coffee grounds, and even paper towels and napkins.

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Historic Herndon Oak Tree Removed

Nearly 200-year-old witness tree 'struggled' and obstructed sight triangle quadrant to the intersection.

In 1823, an acorn from an Overcup Oak tree sent up a shoot at what is now the corner of Elden and Center Streets in the Town of Herndon.

Christopher ‘Chris’ Adams, Funeral Home Owner, Dies

Remembering a kind and gentle man

Christopher “Chris” Jon Adams, owner and funeral director at Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory in the Town of Herndon, died unexpectedly on July 14, 2021, at the age of 56.

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Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent to Depart at End of Next School Year

Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, announced on a YouTube video released Thursday, July 15, 2021, that he is leaving FCPS at the end of the next year, consistent with his FCSB contract.

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Herndon Celebrates Independence Day

Patriotism and independence shine bright on dual fronts.

The Town of Herndon celebrated the 4th of July after canceling last year’s event due to the pandemic.

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And What a Year it Was in Herndon

Herndon Rotary Club names Signe Friedrichs Rotarian of the Year 2020-2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic raged across her Town of Herndon, Rotarian Signe Friedrichs masked up and gathered up other masked service volunteers, business leaders, and nonprofit leaders.

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School Buses and Sites Provide Free Grab and Go 7-day Meal Kits in Fairfax County

No questions asked, no IDs needed – County children under 18 and all FCPS students eligible

Ten Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) buses began rolling Monday, June 28, on a mission to deliver their precious cargo: coolers full of nutritious breakfast and lunch items packed in seven-day, bulk meal kits, grab-and-go style.

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Two Men Charged with Chantilly Murder of Herndon Man

Homicides surge in the first six months of 2021 in Fairfax County compared to 2020.

With 13 homicides reported across all of Fairfax County already this year, the unprecedented spike in killings is a concern.

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Pandemic-Delayed Ribbon Cutting Held in Herndon

Town officials, Chamber members, and guests welcome District Floor Depot

District Floor Depot celebrated the Ceremonial Grand Opening of its third and newest branch at 1051 Elden Street, Herndon, with a ribbon cutting ceremony held Thursday, June 23, that was supposed to happen over a year ago.

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Vienna Cathedral Brass Debuts in Herndon

Vienna ensemble delivers versatility and virtuosity

The Cathedral Brass of Vienna Presbyterian Church performed a free outdoor concert titled "Americans We" at 7 p.m. on the Arts Herndon Lawn Stage, located adjacent to its arts center in the heart of the historic downtown district.

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Greater Traffic Volumes Coming with Future Comstock Mixed-Use Development in Herndon

Ground-breaking held for Elden-Center Streets Intersection Improvements

The critical $1.4M reconstruction and signalization of the Elden-Center Streets Intersection Improvements began June 7.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Seen in TJ’s Freshman Class

In 2021, the U.S. News Best High Schools report ranked TJ the number one school nationwide for the second year running.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology admitted 550 students strong as its Class of 2025.

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Triple Homicide in Town of Herndon Home

Families grieve the loss of two young children and their mother; suicide in Reston connected to murders

The families of two young Town of Herndon children, a boy and girl, slain with their mother Saturday morning, June 19, are devastated by the triple homicide and the loss.

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Juneteenth Celebrated at Historic Fairfax County Site

Walking on grounds where slaves worshipped, and Confederates camped

The Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park sponsored its inaugural Juneteenth Celebration on June 19 at Frying Pan Spring Meeting House on Centreville Road.

A Gift of Being a Father

Father’s Day 2021: Capturing dad moments

Being a father is a gift.

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WANTED Feedback Involving No-chase/Chase Fairfax County Police Department Vehicle Pursuits

Flurry of proposed revisions should discourage pursuits of suspects in non-violent felony incidents.

Police vehicle pursuits create the potential for officers, residents and suspects to be killed or seriously injured.

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Saying Good-bye at Herndon High

Cheers loud and proud honor HHS grads.

Herndon High School held its "Class of Two Thousand Twenty-One Commencement" on June 2 at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va.

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Holding Dear: 2,364 Local Souls Lost to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Northern Virginia Regional Commission holds Remembrance Ceremony

On March 21, 2020, the Fairfax County Health Department reported its first death of a resident due to COVID-19.

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Falling in Love with ‘The Beautiful Game’

Local teen coaches young players with disabilities.

For more than a year, Aeshan Kapil, 16, of Herndon volunteered as a TOPSoccer coach for the Great Falls Reston Soccer Club, U.S. Youth Soccer.

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Rolling to Remember Convoys Out of Herndon

Iconic town tavern holds Memorial Day event

On May 30, Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern in Historic Herndon held its annual Memorial Day Weekend event.

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Fairfax Dems Clash with Supervisors

Demand firing of FCPD Chief Kevin Davis

The Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC) called on the Board of Supervisors ("Board") on May 25 to terminate Kevin Davis's employment as Chief of the Fairfax County Police Department.

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Bike to Work Day Returns for 2021

20th Anniversary subdued, but carries double the fun in Herndon

May is National Bike to Work Week, and this year, Bike to Work Day celebrated its 20th Anniversary.

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Fairfax County School Board Member’s Post Fosters Heated Reactions

Amid division, voices seek to be heard.

With Ramadan's ending on May 13 and on May 14, Fairfax County School Board Member Abrar Omeish posted what some considered controversial statements on her Twitter and Facebook accounts.

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Mother's Day 2021, With Love

Motherhood is a messy, complex state of being.

Motherhood comes in all shapes and sizes, not designated by birth or raising another human.

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Ceremonial Swearing-in of Fairfax County Police Chief Davis

On Monday, May 10, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) tweeted, "This morning, Chief Davis was surrounded by family, senior staff, and members of the Board of Supervisors for his ceremonial swearing-in as Chief of Police."

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Fairfax County Community Presses New Police Chief and Chairman for Answers

Citizens call for starting over on police chief, not being part of Davis' “redemptive” career journey.

On day four in his new position as Chief of Police Fairfax County, the ghosts of Kevin Davis' law enforcement past clung heavily in the County's public arena of the May 6 virtual Community Input Session hosted by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay (D-At-large), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and Supervisor Rodney Lusk (D-Lee).

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It’s Freshest and Tastiest at Herndon and Reston Farmers Markets

Local Fairfax County Park Authority Markets open.

The 2021 Fairfax County Park Authority Reston Farmers Market and Herndon Farmers Market recently opened under COVID-19 guidelines.

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Fairfax County Police Chief Begins Job with Trust Deficit

Faith leaders question 'flawed' selection process and Supervisors' values during prayer vigil.

Approximately thirty interfaith leaders from across Fairfax County gathered in the "First Amendment" area outside the Fairfax County Government Center at noon, Tuesday, May 4.

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Davis Promises ‘Blue Waters Ahead’ for Fairfax County Police

Advocate ACLU People Power Fairfax joins the Fairfax County NAACP and others calling for new search

County To Hold “Community Meeting with Chief” Thursday, May 6.

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Fairfax Supervisors Didn’t Know About Davis History

Community organizations call for Chairman McKay to rescind Davis' appointment.

Police Chief

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Mother Nature and Beer at Earth Daze in Herndon

Clean Fairfax and Aslin Beer Company, Herndon location celebrate the 51st Anniversary of Earth Day.

Looking to better the environment and celebrate the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, Clean Fairfax and Aslin Beer Company hosted Earth Daze on April 24 at the Elden Street Herndon brewery.

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Kevin Davis Appointed Fairfax County Chief of Police

Supervisors respond to a new era of policing.

Coming out of a closed-door session on Friday, April 23, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors prepared, as Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Mason) said, “to select one of the most important hires it undertakes.”

Fairfax County Supervisors Validate Hire of New Police Chief

Aware of concerns, comments provided

Media reports concerning former Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis, appointed last week as the new Fairfax County Chief of Police, raise concerns about his employment history, including allegations of excessive force and violations of civil rights in 1993 and 1999.

A Primary Race to Watch: VA House District 86

Early Voting for Democratic Party Primary begins April 23 in Fairfax County

Early Voting at the Fairfax County Government Center for the Democratic Party Primary Election begins April 23.

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Tree Planting Ceremony Held in Herndon

Arbor Day Foundation Program recognizes the Town of Herndon as a Tree City USA community and recipient of the tree Growth Award

The Town of Herndon hosted its 32nd Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony on the Town Hall Square, Saturday, April 17.

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Results of Arlington and Montgomery County Collaboration on Airplane Noise

Contractor proposes randomizing approaching flight path to share the noise of disturbing DCA flight tracks; testing underway

Local officials in Arlington and Montgomery counties continue their collaborative efforts following upticks in their communities' airplane noise complaints as aircraft approach and depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, DCA, located in Arlington County.

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Town of Herndon Programs and Services at Stake

$5.3M-plus in proposed budget cuts

Programs and services are on the line in the Town of Herndon in the Proposed  FY 2022  Budget.