Worker Dies on the Job
A Herndon man working on a job in Chantilly died Sunday after an accident involving heavy equipment. Fairfax County police identified him as Gerardo Santiago Paulette Ruiz, 47. The tragedy occurred May 6, shortly before 3 p.m., at a business in the 4100 block of Lafayette Center Drive.
Police say Ruiz was operating a forklift in the warehouse area and “apparently attempted to pass through a doorway when the forklift struck an overhead beam.” The beam then dislodged and fell on him. Ruiz was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fund-Raiser for Injured Barista
Residents Cathy Lemberg and Jean Hnarakis are raising money for a barista at the Stone Road Starbucks in Centreville. He’s Josh Stine, who was injured in a 40-foot fall and has been in a local trauma ICU since April 4. The event is this Friday, May 11, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at 5731 Rocky Run Drive in Centreville.
Anyone who wants to help is welcome to attend. R.S.V.P to Cathy at stumprz@yahoo.com or to Jean at jean.dennis@prodigy.net. Josh will be going to a rehabilitation facility soon, where he’ll face a challenging recovery. Money collected at this fund-raiser will be donated to a fund to offset his medical expenses.
Delays, Detours on Parkways
Over the next two weeks, motorists should expect delays and detours at the Fairfax County Parkway and Fair Lakes Parkway from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. weeknights while crews erect beams for the bridges that will carry traffic over Fair Lakes Parkway and Monument Drive.
From now to May 1l, motorists heading to the Fairfax County Parkway from Monument Drive will be detoured to West Ox Road between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. each night.
From May 14 to May 18, drivers won’t be able to make left turns from Fair Lakes Parkway to Fairfax County Parkway from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night, nor will through traffic be permitted across Fairfax County Parkway from Fair Lakes Parkway. Fair Lakes Parkway traffic will be detoured onto Fair Lakes Circle.
The entire project is scheduled for completion in 2013. The $69.5 million interchange at Fairfax County Parkway and Fair Lakes Parkway will improve pedestrian and cyclist access, widen more than three miles of the Fairfax County Parkway and improve traffic flow by separating local and parkway traffic through this area. More details are at http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/fairfax_county_parkway-fair_lakes.asp.
Alcohol, Substance Abuse Meeting
The next meeting of the Sully District Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) will focus on alcohol and substance abuse. Parents and teens will learn what they need to be aware of as proms, graduation parties, summer parties, the start of college and even possible hazing approach.
In addition, the guest speaker will share his firsthand knowledge of how binge drinking can lead to tragedy. The meeting is Tuesday, May 15, at 7 p.m., in the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Says CAC Chairman Leslie Jenuleson: “Every parent and teen should attend.”
Relay For Life Meeting
Local residents are invited to attend a Relay Rally planning meeting, Thursday, May 17, at 7 p.m., at the nZone, 14550 Lee Road in Chantilly. It’s to present details about the upcoming Relay for Life walk, which raises money for the American Cancer Society. People may form a team of walkers, serve on the planning committee or volunteer at the June 9 Relay at the nZone. For more information, visit www.CentrevilleRelay.org or contact Brandi Steward of the American Cancer Society at brandi.steward@cancer.org.
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, May 17, 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.
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, May 20, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the I-66 transfer station at 4618 West Ox Road in Fairfax. For more information, call 703-324-5052.
Women’s Self-Defense Course
A free, two-day, self-defense course for women of all ages will be held Tuesday, May 22, and Thursday, May 24, from 6-9 p.m., at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, 14601 Lee Road in Chantilly. A second session is also available Tuesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 14. It’s sponsored by the Fairfax County Police Department, the Fairfax Police Law Enforcement Foundation and C & J Security Corp.
This comprehensive safety course is taught by trained experts with years of experience and will help prepare women to fend off attackers. They’ll learn risk awareness and reduction, crime-prevention strategies and defensive concepts, while receiving hands-on training in defensive tactics.
Women will test their newly-learned skills in realistic, controlled environments and will experience what it’s like to be suddenly grabbed in a stairwell, a parking lot or an elevator. The course is open to women 13 years and older; however mothers (or female guardians) must attend with their teens. Men are not allowed to attend. For more information or to register for one of the two-day sessions, e-mail wsd@fairfaxfoundation.org or call 703-246-7806. Seating is limited.
Roadside Mowing Underway
VDOT mowing crews are out working along roadsides in Northern Virginia, so VDOT is reminding drivers to slow down and stay alert in work zones where crews are mowing grass, pruning trees, cutting brush and removing litter.
Much of this work is done slowly, so motorists are asked to watch for posted signs, slow-moving trucks and crews along roadsides and in medians. Drivers should also slow down in these areas and move into the opposite lane, where possible, when approaching the work zone. These courtesies allow VDOT crews space to work while helping keep both them and motorists safe.
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.
WFCM Seeks Food, Volunteers
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ (WFCM) food pantry urgently needs donations of oil (48 oz. or smaller); flour (2-5 lb. bag); sugar (2-5 lb. bag); rice (2 lb. bags); canned meats; salad dressing, jelly; jam; spaghetti sauce, canned fruit; canned beets, spinach, greens, potatoes and mixed vegetables; canned garbanzo, lima, butter and northern beans; pancake mix and syrup; mayonnaise, baby food (stages 1 and 3); cocoa, coffee, ketchup and mustard. Also needed are laundry detergent, toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper and baby wifes.
Bring all items to WFCM’S food pantry at 13981 Metrotech Drive (near Backyard Grill and Bar) in Chantilly. Volunteers are also needed:
Thrift store: Volunteers needed Mondays and Fridays, for two or three hours between 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Volunteers needed Tuesdays and Thursdays, for two or three hours between 1-6 p.m., as well as Saturdays, from 2-5 p.m. For more information, contact Volunteer Manager Annette Bosley at 703-988-9656.
Food pantry: Volunteers are needed Mondays and Wednesdays, from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Furniture ministry: One person is needed to help move furniture that will be given to clients in need.