Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, April 5 and April 19, 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.
Park Authority To Meet
The Fairfax County Park Authority will meet Wednesday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m., in the Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 900 in Fairfax. Call Judy Pedersen at 703-324-8662.
Become a CASA Volunteer
A new case of child abuse or neglect enters the Fairfax County Domestic & Juvenile Relations Court system once every 38 hours. These children need caring advocates to help ensure that they grow up in safe and permanent homes. Fairfax CASA trains volunteers to advocate for a child's best interests in Court.
To become a volunteer position with a serious purpose that can create real change, attend Fairfax CASA's upcoming information session at the Centreville Regional Library on Saturday, April 14, from 11 a.m.-12 noon. For reservations or information, contact Elisa Kosarin, associate director, Recruitment and Training, at 703-273-3526, ext. 22, or at ekosarin@casafairfax.org, or visit www.fairfaxcasa.org.
Free Income Tax Preparation
People who worked in 2011 and earned less than $50,000 may qualify for free, income-tax preparation. It’s available Saturdays, through April 14, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road in Chantilly. If married and filing a joint return, both spouses must be present. For a list of items participants must bring with them, go to www.nvacash.org and click on “free tax preparation.”
Police Seeking Auxiliary Officers
The Fairfax County Police Department is seeking people to join its Auxiliary Police Officer (APO) program. An all-volunteer, civilian force comprised of 108 men and women, APO’s play a role in supplementing the sworn personnel in essential, public-safety operations. They perform a myriad of duties such as staffing sobriety checkpoints and protecting the integrity of crime scenes; they may also be deployed to natural or manmade disasters at any time.
APO’s come from a variety of backgrounds that enhance the FCPD with their unique sets of knowledge, skills and abilities. A blend of retirees and employed, APOs like to learn and have the time to commit. Once they pass a background check, they’re required to undergo training at the Criminal Justice Academy in Chantilly. It runs two evenings a week and a few Saturdays a month during a 16-week academy slated to begin in January 2013.
Applications are now being accepted. To learn more about the APO program or request an application, call 703-280-0576 or e-mail AuxiliaryPolice@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.
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); canned meats; salad dressing, jelly; jam; spaghetti sauce, canned fruit; canned beets, spinach, greens, potatoes and mixed vegetables; pancake mix and syrup; mayonnaise, baby food (stages 1 and 3); cocoa, coffee, ketchup and mustard. Also needed are laundry detergent, toothpaste and shampoo.
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.