Nominations for the Bill Thomas Park Service Award are due to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources in Arlington County on March 2 at 2 p.m. Individual citizens, groups and organizations are eligible to be nominated. Nominees should show a deep dedication, interest or contribution to parks or recreation facilities, programs or natural resources. Contact Erik Beach at 703-228-3318 or ebeach@co.arlington.va.us.
Soroptimist International of Arlington, a volunteer service organization for women in business, management and professions, will present a $1,000 Women's Opportunity Award to help a Northern Virginia woman improve her economic situation through additional education and training. The awards ceremony will be held March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Italian Cafe in Falls Church.
Nailah Robinson of Herndon will use the cash award to complete her associate's degree in nursing at Northern Virginia Community College. Once she completes her studies, Robinson plans to work in low-income areas with teen-agers and adolescents to provide education in the mental and physical health areas.
United Community Solutions, a social services nonprofit, has volunteer opportunities for individuals and families. Call 703-768-7106, Ext. 326. Visit www.ucmagency.org.
* Child-Care Aides (14 and up). Help preschool children in small-group time, with motor skills, music or art activities. Weekdays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
* Food Pantry (minimum age 14). Help feed the hungry by preparing food bags for daily distribution. Also, sort and shelve foods. Weekdays. Occasional deliveries to homes.
* Gleaning. Group activity picking vegetables to be distributed to the neediest in the community.
* Computer Tutors (minimum age 18). Teach basic typing, Microsoft Word or Excel to individuals seeking to improve job skills, from 7-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday.
* Thrift Store Aides (minimum age 14). Assist with sorting, pricing and displaying of donated items, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
* Drivers. Provide transportation to local medical appointments.
* Carpenter. One-time project to put up two utility shelves.
* Speakers Bureau. Sharpen your speaking skills. Present prepared speech to churches, business and other organizations.
The Arlington Historical Society's Bell Ringer Campaign is seeking contributions for the Acorn Fund, which supports the society's operations. Send a check to the Arlington Historical Museum, P. O. Box 402, Arlington, VA 22210, Attention of Sy Stiss.
Tiny Tots and Preschool Programs are available at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, 703-228-6535, and Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road, 703-228-3403 . Programs are designed for children 1 1/2 to 2 and preschool children. Morning and afternoon events available. There is a $1 fee per child, payable on the day of the program. Reservations should be made by phone during the month the program is offered.