Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Aug. 1, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary. But residents should install the child safety seats themselves so technicians may properly inspect and adjust them, as needed.
However, because of time constraints, only the first 35 vehicles arriving on each date will be inspected. That way, inspectors may have enough time to properly instruct the caregiver on the correct use of the child seat. Call 703-814-7000, ext. 5140, to confirm dates and times.
Crime Solvers 5K Fundraiser
In partnership with Capital Area Runners, Fairfax County Crime Solvers is hosting its first 5K run fundraiser and needs the community’s support. Residents are encouraged to sign up now to participate in this family-friendly event; everyone is welcome.
It’s slated for Sunday, Aug. 4, at 8 a.m., on Grand Commons Avenue at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center, off Monument Drive in Fair Oaks. Register at www.capitalarearunners.com/crimesolvers5k.
A nonprofit, Fairfax County Crime Solvers provides an anonymous phone tip line, plus texting and e-mail capabilities to the public, to report criminal information. Tipsters’ identities are protected under state law. This program is not run by the police department, but by business leaders and residents seeking to make this county a safe place to live and visit.
It pays cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 to anonymous tipsters when their information leads to an arrest and indictment. And the reward money comes through fundraisers such as this 5K. Learn more about Crime Solvers at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org.
National Night Out: Aug. 6
This year’s National Night Out — celebrating partnerships between the community and public-safety personnel — marks the event’s 30th anniversary. Locally, it’ll be held Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 6-8:30 p.m., at the Sully Station II Community Center in Centreville.
The fun will include burritos, chips and salsa from Chipotle’s, an ice-cream social, Sno Cones, cotton candy, a moonbounce, a deejay, and wine and beer for those 21 and over.
Participating will be Fairfax County police, firefighters from the West Centreville Station 38, representatives from Target, plus residents of Sully Station II. For more information or to volunteer, call 703-815-2006.
Summer Food Drives Needed
Summer is when WFCM is most in need of food donations. Children are home from school and need three meals a day, but many come from homes where both money and food are scarce. So WFCM is hoping local residents and businesses will hold summer food drives to help it restock its food pantry so it can provide food to local families in need. Anyone interested in doing so should contact Terry Kelly at tkelly@wfcmva.org.
Food Donations for WFCM
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ food pantry urgently needs donations of oil, canned fruit, rice (2-lb. bags), canned meat, canned white beans (garbanzo, northern, cannellini, navy), fruit juice, Hamburger Helper, dry pasta, sugar, dry beans, and canned vegetables. (Also needed are shampoo, feminine napkins and dish soap.
Bring all items to WFCM’S new food-pantry location, weekdays, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at 13888 Metrotech Drive, near Papa John’s Pizza and Kumon Learning Center, in Chantilly’s Sully Place Shopping Center.
Thrift-store needs include bathing suits and shorts for all ages, Bibles in English and Spanish, plus large black yard bags. The store is at 13939 Metrotech Drive. In addition, Thrift Store volunteers are needed for two- to four-hour shifts Fridays, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Saturdays, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
How to Hire CLRC Workers
The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) serves businesses and homeowners needing help with just about any home remodeling or maintenance project. And local residents who’d like to hire a worker from the CLRC may do so easily. Either call 703-543-6272 or go to www.centrevilleLRC.org and click on the “How to Hire” link. Tell what kind of work is required, how many workers are needed and when.
The CLRC will match the needs to its registered workers’ skills and set up the job. The price for work will be negotiated. After the job is completed, employers are encouraged to provide the CLRC with feedback to ensure that the work was done well and to their satisfaction and to make sure the workers are fairly paid.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Fairfax County needs Meals on Wheels drivers in Chantilly and group Meals on Wheels coordinators in both Chantilly and Fairfax. Contact Volunteer Solutions at 703-324-5406, TTY 711, VolunteerSolutions@fairfaxcounty.gov or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/volunteer-solutions.htm.
Give Caregivers a Break
Fairfax County needs Respite Care volunteers throughout the county to give family caregivers of a frail older adult a well-deserved break. Volunteers visit and oversee the safety of the older adult for a few hours each month. Volunteers are matched with families in or near their own neighborhoods. Support and training is provided. Contact Kristin Martin at 703-324-7577, TTY 711, or Kristin.Martin@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Women's Self Defense Program
The Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation is partnering with the Fairfax County Police Department to offer the Women's Self Defense Training program. It’s based on the SAFE program formerly provided by the Police Department, but now being taught by C&J Security Corp.
The program is a two-day class that will meet on consecutive Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:15-9:30 p.m. It’s currently offered free and all class materials are included. Program funding is provided through the Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation.
The course is offered to females, age 13 and older. A female guardian must accompany girls 13-18. No men other than the instructors are permitted to be present during a class. For more information, call 703-246-7806, e-mail WSD@fairfaxfoundation.org or go to www.fairfaxfoundation.org.