Lorton Incendiary Event Investigated
Police and fire department personnel responded to the report of an apparent explosion and fire at 9504 Richmond Highway in Lorton on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at about 10:30 a.m. The fire was extinguished quickly and one adult male victim was ground transported to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
The preliminary investigation indicates that some sort of incendiary event occurred inside the business and that one black male was observed running from the scene. It is possible that this subject sustained injuries from the fire.
Police helicopter and K9 units responded to check the area. Crime scene technicians and homicide detectives also responded and are conducting the follow up investigation in conjunction with the Fire Marshall’s Office. That office will ultimately determine the origin and cause of the fire.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
Pjammin for Kids with Cancer
Union Mill Elementary is participating in Pjammin for Kids with Cancer on Friday, Feb. 15. Students and staff members are invited to donate $1 or more to wear their pajamas to school that day; all funds raised go to support the American Childhood Cancer Organization. Contact principal Kathy Case at kgcase@fcps.edu.
Combat Paper on Exhibit at Workhouse
Observe the military experience through the eyes of veterans at Combat Paper, a one night exhibition on Friday, Feb. 15, 8-10 p.m. at Workhouse Building W-4, Studios 407 and 408. The Workhouse is hosting this culminating exhibition after a one week intensive workshop of art making, beginning with veterans cutting their uniforms to make paper at Ft. Belvoir and ending with art on the walls at the Workhouse. The Combat Paper Program seeks to build a supportive community of veterans by deconstructing, reclaiming and communicating military experiences through art. Veterans deconstruct the past by making paper from the uniforms and reclaim and communicate their experiences by printing images and words on the paper. Art will only be on view for one night, and a presentation of writing will also be given at the reception.
Seussical at Robinson
Seussical, the upbeat musical based on the story of Dr. Seuss’ Horton from Horton Hears a Who, will be performed at Robinson Secondary by middle school drama students Feb. 15-17. This family-friendly show that focuses on a message of preserving childhood innocence and believing in the impossible will include 55 middle school students as cast members and more than 50 middle and high school students working on the crew. Directors Amy Hard and Katie Jenkins have run Robinson’s summer theater programs together; Jenkins is a former student of Hard’s. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door. Shows will be performed at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15 and 16, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16 and 17. Contact Katie Jenkins at 703-447-9982 or kajenkins@fcps.edu.
Citizens Fire and Rescue Academy
Area residents wanting to learn more about the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department may now have the chance. They may participate in a nine-week program showing them what firefighters and paramedics do every day.
Applications to the first-ever Citizens Fire and Rescue Academy will be accepted until Monday, Feb. 18, or until the class of 25 is filled. The free program is open to those at least 18 years old. The academy will begin March 28, meeting for nine consecutive weeks, from 6-9 p.m., at various locations.
Each session will cover different aspects of the organization, providing an in-depth overview of it and its uniformed and civilian workforce. Program topics include fire suppression, emergency medical services, training, recruitment and special operations. Apply at www.fairfaxcounty.gov./fr/cfa.
Recycle During Electric Sunday
Residents may recycle old TVs, computers, peripheral electronic devices—such as keyboards, speakers, printers and scanners, as well as household hazardous wastes—including fluorescent light bulbs and tubes, for free, during Fairfax County’s “Electric Sunday” events.
The next one is slated for Sunday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the I-66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax. For more information, call 703-324-5052.
Our Daily Bread to Host Fundraiser
Join your neighbors at Our Daily Bread’s fifth annual Empty Bowls community event and fundraiser on Thursday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, 3740 Old Lee Highway. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door, $10 per child and $25 for three or more children. Adults receive a handcrafted bowl with admission. The evening will include a
soup and bread dinner donated by local restaurants, live music by the Fairfax Saxophone Quartet, raffles and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Our Daily Bread’s efforts to provide food, financial assistance and financial education programs and related service to needy individuals and families throughout the Fairfax County area. Advance registration and information at www.odbfairfax.org. Contact info@odbfairfax.org or 703-273-8829.