Fairfax County Crime Solvers is asking the public to help identify the people responsible for vandalizing vehicles in the Sully Police District. Between Sunday, Feb. 2 and Tuesday, Feb.18, at least 100 parked vehicles were struck by BB-type projectiles.
Police say the suspects are apparently driving through neighborhoods shooting the BBs at parked cars, breaking the windows and causing damage. Many of the vehicles were parked on or near Old Centreville Road, Skipton Court, Federation Drive, Singleton’s Way and Compton Lane.
Anyone with information about these vandalisms is asked to contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), e-mail www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text TIP187 plus a message to CRIMES(274637). A $100 to $1,000 cash reward will be paid for information leading to an arrest. As always, callers never have to give their names or appear in court.
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Feb. 27, 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.
Two Fastran Buses Burn
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded last Thursday, Feb. 20, around 7:20 a.m., to a two-bus fire at the Fairfax County Government Center. Burning were a pair of county-owned, Fastran buses in Bus Lot 5.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered the Ford E450 buses fully involved in flames. They brought the fire under control in approximately 10 minutes. According to fire investigators, the blaze was accidental, caused by an unidentified mechanical failure.
They say the fire originated in the engine compartment of one of the buses, and quickly ignited an adjacent bus. No one was injured, but damage was estimated at $20,000.
Learn about Parkland Plan
The Fairfax County Park Authority has a new comprehensive plan for parkland in the local area. And it’s hosting a community meeting Wednesday, March 5, at 7 p.m., at Bull Run Elementary, 15301 Lee Highway in Centreville, to discuss the details.
The plan includes the parkland north of Route 29 on the west side of Virginia Run, parkland along Bull Run Post Office Road, the Bull Run stream and parkland along Pleasant Valley Road up to the Loudoun County border.
Correction
In the Feb. 20, 2014 Centre View and Chantilly Connection, the name of the worldwide spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslims should have been Mirza Masroor Ahmad.
Citizens Fire, Rescue Academy
Residents wanting to learn about the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department firefighters and paramedics do every day may now do so. Applications are being accepted to the Citizens Fire and Rescue Academy through March 7 or until the class of 25 is filled. The Academy will begin March 27 and meet for nine consecutive weeks, from 6-9 p.m., at various locations.
Graduation will be May 22. Each session will cover different aspects of the organization, including its uniformed and civilian workforce. Topics include fire suppression, emergency medical services, training, recruitment and special operations. Those signing up for the free program must be 18 years old and apply online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fr/cfa.
St. Baldrick’s Sign-Ups
A St. Baldrick’s Day event is slated for Sunday, March 23, at 4 p.m., at Fast Eddie’s in the Newgate Shopping Center, at Routes 28/29 in Centreville. The event raises funds for childhood cancer research. People volunteer to have their heads shaved and raise money in advance for the privilege. Then all those being shaved get it done together while others cheer them on. Sign up at http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/149/2014.
Food Donations for WFCM
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ food pantry urgently needs donations of spaghetti sauce, fruit juice, cooking oil; pancake mix and syrup, sugar, flour and canned fruit and meat. (Also needed are toothpaste, deodorant, baby wipes and shampoo).
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 coats, fall and winter clothing, like-new houseware, plus Bibles in English and Spanish. 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.
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 March. Call 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or email Lisa.Callahan@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.
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.
How to Help the CLRC
The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) needs volunteers to lead vocational training workshops to increase the workers’ job skills. A Wednesday morning ESOL instructor is also needed; contact Molly Maddra at coordinator@centrevilleLRC.org for more information.
In addition, end-of-year contributions to CLRC may be made at www.centrevilleimmigrationforum.org. The organization is supported totally by grants and donations; it receives no government funding.
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.
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.
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.