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Mercia Hobson

Stories by Mercia

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Reston Included in Continent-wide Butterfly Count Program

Data used to study weather and habitat change effects

Is it a monarch butterfly or an imitator, a white moth, or a cabbage white butterfly?

Remembering Paul Myers of Reston

A community treasure, helped produce the Reston Town Center Holiday Parade

Paul Taylor Myers of Reston died at the age of 69, on July 10, 2021, surrounded by the family he loved.

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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Langley High School Saxons Boat Wins Gold at States

Crew Team also wins three Bronze medals at championships

The Langley High School Crew knocked it out of the water when the athletes ended their rowing season on June 19 at the 2021 Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championships regatta hosted by the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association.

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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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Hometown Celebration Returns to Great Falls

Americana fun, unmasked and free

Great Falls traditions returned to the Village Centre Green for the 4th of July 2021.

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‘Celebrating Rainbow Families and Inclusion’ in McLean

Drag Queen Storytime at Dolley Madison Library

Fairfax County Public Library co-hosted, with McLean Community Center, “Drag Queen Storytime” held in two sessions at Dolley Madison Library on Saturday morning, June 26 at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

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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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‘Reston Baby’ Promotes Reading from Birth

Reston Historic Trust shepherds and cheerleads community-collaborated project

Reston Historic Trust celebrated the release of its children’s board book, “Reston Baby” (2021), art by Molly Bergin, published by duopress, by throwing a launch party on Tuesday, June 15, at its museum located at 1639 Washington Plaza.

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Behind the Scenes at Summer Concerts on the Green in Great Falls

Celebrate Great Falls presented another evening of its 2021 Concerts on the Green at the Great Falls Village Centre.

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Naturalizing the Grange Hall Oak Grove in Great Falls

Great Falls Citizens Association takes on invasive plants

Members of the Great Falls Citizens Association Environment and Parks Committee, co-chaired by Winifred Frost and Susanne Black, met in early June to discuss restoring the oak grove at the Grange Hall Park.

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High Hopes for McLean Downtown

Newly approved CBC Comprehensive Plan Amendment most aggressive that residents could support

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved on June 22 Plan Amendment (PA) 2018-II-M1 that proposed new Comprehensive Plan guidance for the McLean Community Business Center (CBC).

Remembering Glenn Wiggs

Owner-Operator of McLean Hardware turned a store into a gathering place

Glenn Kirby Wiggs, 71, the beloved owner and operator of McLean Hardware, passed away on June 5, 2021, at Medstar Washington Hospital Center.

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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.

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Reston Gardens of Note Benefit Two Local Non-Profits

Event embraces the beauty of gardens, music, and fellowship

Ticket holders for Gardens of Note 2021 enjoyed the self-guided tour of five residential gardens in Reston plus pop-up musical performances by members and friends of The Reston Chorale, a Fairfax County choir.

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Reston Hosts Pride 2021

Affirmations for greater support of transgender and gender diverse individuals

The freedom to celebrate one’s authentic self and raise the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals as part of its rainbow are only two segments of Reston Pride engagement.

High School Seniors Awarded Scholarships

Provided by Reston Hospital’s medical staff

Ten Fairfax County high school students in the Class of 2021 received scholarships from the medical staff of Reston Hospital Center in recognition of their academic excellence and plans to pursue careers in healthcare.

A Gift of Being a Father

Father’s Day 2021: Capturing dad moments

Being a father is a gift.

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No Hot Water Issue Returns for Some Lake Anne Plaza Condo Units

Supervisor Alcorn provides 3-point target plan, including revitalization

Ongoing lack of hot water is an issue again for nearly all condominium owners at the 27-unit, mixed-use Quayside building located at Lake Anne Village Center in Reston.

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Special Permit Decision for Great Falls ‘Convent’ Deferred

Opponents claim build will exacerbate dangerous traffic conditions

On June 9, the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) held a public hearing on the application SP 2020-DR-105 by Stonecrest Home Arts, Inc.

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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.

Viewpoints: South Lakes High Graduates Reflect on Graduating in Pandemic Time and Their Next Challenges

Viewpoints: South Lakes High Graduates Reflect on Graduating in Pandemic Time and Their Next Challenges

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‘We Shine Like Stars’: South Lakes Class of 2021 Prevails Over Pandemic

South Lakes High School (SLHS) walked a reported 565 graduation candidates at its Commencement Ceremony, moderated by Senior Class Officers and held at W.T. Woodson High School on June 4.

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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.

Viewpoints: Langley High Graduates Reflect on Graduating in Pandemic Time and the Next Chapter of Their Lives

As the Langley High School graduate candidates lined up for their Commencement Exercises at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va., on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, The Connection asked random groups of students three questions: How do you feel graduating in the pandemic time? Where do you go next? Where do you see yourself five years from now?

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A Roller Coaster Ride for the Langley High Grads

Saxons learn life lessons during the pandemic.

Langley High School held its Commencement Exercises on June 2 at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va.

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‘Godspeed,’ McLean High Class of 2021

Highlanders honored at June 1 Commencement

Members of McLean High School's Senior Class of 2021 who processioned in their red caps and red gowns across the stage at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va, on June 1, left with more than their diplomas and academic learning.

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Decision Time for Virginia Democrats

Democratic Party Primary Tuesday, June 8: Initial voter turnout low but enthusiasm high

Voters across Fairfax County headed to the polls Tuesday, June 8, to cast their votes in person at the Democratic Party Primary.

Paying It Forward

Immigrant's $20K a month awards create opportunities for individuals experiencing economic hardships

A Vietnamese refugee turned philanthropist who works in Reston knows first-hand the fear and challenges of poverty.

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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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Memorial Day 2021 at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial

Citizens honor U.S. Armed Forces Members who died in battle or as a result of their wounds.

Local citizens gathered at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial at 11 o'clock the morning of Memorial Day 2021.

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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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Yummy in the Tummy at Burke Farmers Market

The direct farm-to-table approach is fresher and more nutritious.

The Burke Farmers Market, operated by Fairfax County Park Authority in the VRE parking Lot, 5671 Roberts Parkway, was the first to open in the County program for the 2021 season.

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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.

Candidates in the 2021 Democratic Primary for HD34

Meet Jennifer Adeli and Kathleen J. Murphy (Incumbent).

Voting has begun for the 2021 Democratic Primary on June 8.

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Friends of Riverbend Park Receives Donation

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group supports charitable organization.

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group presented a donation check on Friday, May 21, 2021, for $3,000 to the Friends of Riverbend Park (FORP).

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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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A Perfect Day for the Pedal-Happy in Hunter Mill District

Two-wheeling ‘Unity in our Community’ at the Inaugural Tour de Hunter Mill

Cyclists of all abilities gathered early Saturday morning, May 15, at Reston Community Center for the inaugural Tour de Hunter Mill.

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Southgate Community Center in Reston May Be Renamed

Board Matter unanimously approved by County Supervisors on naming the community center after Catherine M. Hudgins

Southgate Community Center in Reston may be getting a new name soon.

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Reston Singer-songwriter Releases Single

‘Pattern’ doubles down on the blame game when 'being ghosted.'

Emerging singer-songwriter Amanda Cunningham of Reston shares her struggle with personal accountability, power when forming close friendships, and self-esteem in her newest single, "Pattern" (2021).