Smoking Materials Cause Fire
Fairfax County fire investigators say “discarded smoking materials” caused an accidental townhouse fire, April 12, in Centreville. The incident occurred around 3:25 p.m. at 5213 Prairie Willow Way. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear and deck area of the three-story, end unit.
They fought the blaze from both the exterior and interior to keep the fire in check. They were able to bring it under control in approximately five minutes, preventing the flames from spreading to the adjoining townhouse. An adult male and a dog escaped unharmed and two adults were displaced. No one was injured.
Recycle During Electric Sunday
Residents may recycle old TVs, computers, peripheral electronic devices – such as keyboards, speakers, printers and scanners, as well as household hazardous wastes – including fluorescent light bulbs and tubes, for free, during Fairfax County’s “Electric Sunday” events. The next one is slated for Sunday, April 29, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the I-66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Road in Fairfax. For more information, call 703-324-5052.
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, May 3 and May 17, 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.
Join Parade at Chantilly Day
The First Annual Chantilly Day is set for Saturday, May 12. A parade starting at 9:30 a.m. on Metrotech Drive will feature the Chantilly and Westfield high school marching bands. However, many parade openings are still available for anyone in any community wishing to participate. Children with decorated bikes, scooters, etc., are welcome. E-mail the organizing team at info@chantillyday.com.
The family festival will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Sully Place Shopping Center, followed by a free concert from 4-6 p.m.
Visit www.chantillyday.com for more ways to get involved. Major sponsors are the Chantilly-Centreville Chamber of Commerce and the Westfield Business Owners Assn.
WFCCA Elects its Officers
Last Monday, April 16, the West Fairfax County Citizens Association (WFCCA) and its Land-Use committee elected their new slate of officers.
The WFCCA officers are: President, Jim Katcham (Centre Ridge Regent); Administrative Vice President, Stephen Chulick (Virginia Chase); Executive Vice President, Judith Heisinger (Bull Run); Secretary, Carol Hawn (At-Large); and Treasurer, Chris Terpak-Malm (At-Large).
WFCCA Standing Committee Chairs are Education, Mark McConn (At-Large); Environment, Parks & Recreation, Chris Terpak-Malm (At-Large); Social Services and Outreach, Carol Hawn (At-Large); and Transportation, Judith Heisinger (Bull Run).
WFCCA Land-Use Committee members are: Stephen Chulick (Virginia Chase); Judith Heisinger (Bull Run); Jim Katcham (Centre Ridge Regent); Brian Mazanec (Brookfield Civic Assn.); Mark McConn (At-Large); Jim Neighbors (Sully Station I); and Chris Terpak-Malm (At-Large). Katcham remains as chairman.
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.
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 supplement the sworn personnel in public-safety operations. They perform such duties 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 different 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.
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.