Passenger Dies in Crash
Sully District Police officers responded to the report of a single-vehicle crash on Centreville Road near the intersection of Bradenton Drive, on Tuesday, April 10 shortly after 2 a.m. Once in the area, they found a white, 1987 Chevrolet van that had left the roadway and struck a tree. 43-year-old, Jose L. Merida, of Takoma Park, Md., was in the front passenger seat; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a 53-year-old, Centreville woman, was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Detectives from the Crash Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and their investigation is ongoing. Neither speed nor alcohol appear to be factors in this crash.
Anyone who might have witnessed this crash is asked to call the CRU witness line at 703-280-0543, or contact Crime Solvers electronically by visiting www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus a message to CRIMES(274637) or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Jan. 19, 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.
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.
In 2016, police inspected 418 carseats in 25 sessions at Sully District Police Station.
Dulles Suburban Center Meetings
As the Dulles Suburban Center Study enters into its second phase, the Advisory Group has set its schedule for the next several months. Residents are invited to attend the meetings and hear what the group is discussing regarding land use in the Dulles Suburban Center. The upcoming meetings will be held at 7 p.m. at the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly, on Jan. 17, Feb. 6, Feb. 21, March 6, and March 21.
Specific meeting topics will be posted on the Dulles Suburban Study website http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/dullessuburbancenter/meetings.htm closer to the date of each meeting.
Apply for Civilian Review Panel
Residents are invited to apply to serve on the Civilian Review Panel. This panel was established by the Board of Supervisors to review complaints concerning alleged misconduct by Fairfax County police officers. The panel will have jurisdiction to review complaints of abuse of authority and serious misconduct by a Fairfax County Police officer.
The Board of Supervisors seeks to create an independent and fair body for the panel. The board will consider the following factors, among others it may choose, in appointing members of the panel: community and civic involvement; diversity; law enforcement and/or criminal investigative experience; reputation in the community; geographical representation and other factors.
To apply to serve on the committee, submit a resume and a 1-2 page cover letter explaining how one fits the criteria to clerktothebos@fairfaxcounty.gov. Or mail the information to the Clerk to the Board of Supervisor at ATTN: Catherine Chianese, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 533, Vairfax, VA 22035.
Food Donations for WFCM
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ food pantry needs donations of 1-2 pound bags of rice; fruit juice; jelly; red, white or black beans (can or bagged); canned vegetables (no green beans of corn needed); macaroni and cheese; can pasta; pasta sauce; and pasta (spaghetti, rotini, elbow, etc.).
Toiletries needed, which WFCM clients cannot purchase with food stamps, include diapers, toothpaste, shampoo and solid deodorant.
Bring all items to WFCM’S food pantry’s new location at 4511 Daly Dr. Suite J, Chantilly from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
Contact Terri Kelly at tkelly@wfcmva.org if willing to coordinate a food drive.
Volunteer Drivers Are Needed
Fairfax County needs volunteers to drive older adults to medical appointments and wellness programs. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Volunteer Solutions.
Interested in Citizen Corps Council?
There is an opening for a Sully resident to serve on the Citizen Corps Council. The Citizen Corps is FEMA’s grassroots strategy to bring together government and community leaders to become involved in all-hazards emergency preparedness and resilience.
For additional information, follow the link to its website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/oem/citizencorps/. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Laura Floyd at laura.floyd@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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.
Long-Term Care Advocates
The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteer advocates for residents in assisted living and nursing facilities. Training is provided in September. Call 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or email Lisa.Callahan@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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.
Drive Seniors to Appointments
Fairfax County needs volunteers to drive older adults to medical appointments and wellness programs. Call 703-324-5406, TTY 711, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volunteer Solutions or email VolunteerSolutions@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.