In honor of Military Family Month this November, Armed Services YMCA is calling for entries for its annual art contest, sponsored by Geico, and essay contest, sponsored by Lockheed Martin.
The art contest asks children in grades K-6 to submit artwork that best illustrates “My Military Family.” The essay contest asks children in grades 1-12 to submit essays about “Why My Military Mom/Dad Is My Hero.”
Children of active duty and retired service members from all branches of the military, as well as National Guard and Reserve, are eligible. All artwork must be postmarked by Feb. 16, 2007; essays must be submitted by March 16, 2007.
Winners of the art contest will receive U.S. savings bonds worth $500; essay contest will receive $500 or $1,000 depending on grade level. Savings bonds will also be awarded to second place and honorable mention. Visit www.asymca.org for complete rules and entry forms. Call 703-313-9600, ext. 10 or e-mail tharper@asymca.org.
St. John Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terrace, McLean, operates a thrift shop for all residents of Northern Virginia.
The shop is located on the lower level of Carlin Hall under the parish office and features clothing, a children’s room, a kitchen and household room and a limited amount of artwork and “bric-a-brac.”
Hours are Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Donations are accepted during hours of operation and Mondays from 9:30 a.m.-noon. Call 703-356-7420.
Vinson Hall Treasure Shop. Vinson Hall Military Retirement Community operates its Treasure Shop in the building at 6251 Old Dominion Drive, McLean. Anyone may come to shop Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Look at glassware, dishes, pictures, kitchen items and jewelry. Additional hours are the second Saturday of the month. Call 703-970-3722.
Word Processing Software is offered on public computers in the Fairfax County Public Libraries. Free service. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.