<sh>Police Seek Help on Arson Case
<bt>Fairfax County Crime Solvers, along with the Fire Marshal's Office, is asking for the public's assistance identifying the persons responsible for the intentional burning of a large piece of playground equipment.
On July 26, at approximately 6:40 a.m., Fire and Rescue Department personnel responded to Huntsman Park, located at 9150 Huntsman Lane, in the Springfield area. When they arrived, they found the rubber mat of the playground on fire. After completing their investigation, fire investigators believe that fireworks may have been used to start the fire. Damage is estimated to be over $50,000. Police were also called to the scene to investigate several street lights in the area that were shot out with a pellet gun.
Anyone with information on this arson, the shooting out of the street lights, or the persons involved is asked to call Fairfax County Crime Solvers at 1-800-673-2777 or 703-691-8888. A $1,000 cash reward will be paid for information that leads to an arrest and indictment. As always, callers do not need to give their names or go to court.
<sh>County Seeks Trash Solutions
<bt>Fairfax County wants to know how people feel about their trash. Community input will influence the way the county deals with trash for the next 20 years. Do residents want to recycle additional materials curbside? Should small business recycling requirements change? How should the county fund community benefit programs? What should the county's role be in managing trash collection and recycling services?
Fairfax County residents can visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes to offer opinions via an online survey about solid waste management in the county. The survey has 24 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Questions range from curbside recycling to the cost of trash collection. The planning process also includes a series of public meetings that will take place throughout November at locations throughout Fairfax County. General information about the Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program and the community meetings is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes. A public hearing will take place in the spring of 2004 to review and approve the final plan.
<sh>Silver Diner to Host Classic Car Rally
<bt>Classic cars and a good cause will take center stage as Silver Diner restaurants host a special "Taste of Summer" celebration on Aug. 24, with proceeds to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Classic "dream machines" will compete for special honors and coveted trophies. Classic Car Clubs can register their cars by contacting their local Silver Diner. The program, running from 3-7 p.m., will include entertainment for the whole family, such as raffles, music, children's games, summer refreshments and special activities such as face painting, culminating with the Silver Diner's "Taste of Summer Giveaway," occurring simultaneously at each participating restaurant at 5 p.m. Prizes include a two-year lease on a 2003 Ford Thunderbird, weekend getaways to the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa in the Laurel Highlands of western Pennsylvania, Baltimore Orioles tickets, Silver Diner meals for four, and T-shirts. Participating Silver Diner restaurants hosting the "Classic Car Show and Taste of Summer Giveaway" to benefit MDA include Merrifield, Fairfax and Springfield.