<sh>Little League Spring Registration
<bt>Registration for the Great Falls Little League spring season is now open for players, managers, coaches and umpires. Regular registration extends through Feb. 11, and late registration extends through Feb. 20. Late registration for T-Ball, Coach Pitch and Softball extends through March 1, on a space available basis. Opening Day is April 14. Register at www.GFLittleLeague.org.
<sh>Woman Encounters Burglar
<bt>According to Fairfax County Police, a 50-year-old woman was alone in her home in the 7300 block of Dartford Drive in the Tysons Corner area Sunday night, when she discovered a man in her residence. Police said the incident occurred at around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 7. The suspect entered the home through an open sliding glass door and was in a bedroom when the woman entered the room and encountered him. The burglar pushed the woman down and continued to struggle with her before fleeing out of the apartment through the sliding glass door. The woman was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital for non life-threatening injuries. Nothing was taken from the residence. The suspect was described as a black male in his late teens or early 20s. He was about 6 feet 2 inches tall, and weighed 250 pounds. He wore a black headband, black long-sleeved, zippered shirt and pants. Anyone with information about this incident or this suspect is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.
<sh>Internet Safety Strategies for Parents
<bt>On Tuesday, Jan. 30, the Safe Community Coalition will present "Just Point and Click: Internet Safety Strategies for Parents," from 7:30 to 9 p.m., at McLean Presbyterian Church. Jennifer Krell, Fairfax County Public Schools technology specialist, will discuss Internet safety strategies for parents, and will share information on ways in which youths use the Internet via instant messaging, chatrooms, weblogs, webcams, cell phones, MySpace, Facebook, and more. Find out how to help protect them with Internet filtering and monitoring software. This program is for adults only. Krell has become one of the leaders in Internet safety education for parents in the area. She was featured on NBC4 news in February 2006, and again on the CBS Evening News in August 2006. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and The George Washington University. Krell worked for 11 years as a middle school science teacher and, for the last seven years, helping teachers integrate technology into their instruction. There is no fee for this event. Advance registration is not required, but is appreciated. Register at www.safecommunitycoalition.net/upevents.html.
<sh>Historical Publication Available
<bt>This year's Great Falls Historical Society publication "Reflections 2007," is now available. "Reflections 2007" is dedicated to local resident and historian Milburn Sanders, and commemorates the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Great Falls Historical Society. The publication contains articles including one on the history of the McLean and Great Falls Fire Departments, and a profile of an historic house in town. "Reflections 2007" may be obtained by joining the Great Falls Historical Society (log on to www.gfhs.org), or by purchasing it from the Falls Hardware for $15. It may also be ordered from the Great Falls Historical Society, P.O. Box 56, Great Falls, VA 22066 for $15, plus $2 shipping and handling, or by contacting Laura Nichols at 703-759-2440.
<sh>Night Sky Festival at Park
<bt>On Saturday, Jan. 20, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., there will be a Night Sky Festival at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. The event is open to all ages. Activities include guided star gazing, looking through a telescope, and listening to ancient stories about the constellations around the campfire. Become part of the solar system and join in other activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and snacks will be available for purchase. The event will be canceled in case of rain or snow. Advanced reservations are requested for groups of 10 or more. Call 703-759-9018. The cost is $4 per person.
<sh>Primitive Teachings at Park
<bt>A special program on "Primitive Teachings" will be offered at Riverbend Park on Thursday, Jan. 25 and Friday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Fairfax County Public Schools are closed on both days. Learn hands-on essential winter survival skills, including wildlife tracking, friction fires, archery, building shelters and small traps, and more. These sessions will teach the self-sufficiency needed to stay in the outdoors. Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes.htm, or call 703-222-4664. The cost of registration is $104, and the registration code is 3571958201.