Fair Oaks Sexual Assault
Fairfax County police are searching for a man who reportedly sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl last week in Fair Oaks. The incident occurred last Wednesday, Feb. 8, around 6:20 a.m. Police say the teen was walking to catch her school bus near the intersection of Fair Lakes Parkway and Monument Drive when a man allegedly followed her, made comments of a sexual nature and touched her inappropriately.
She told police she’d previously seen him in the bushes near the bus stop. The suspect is described as white, 30-39 years old, around 5 feet 6 inches and about 160 pounds. He wore a black jacket and had black hair styled into spikes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text "TIP187" plus a message to CRIMES/274637 or call police at 703-691-2131.
Parkway Detour Is Ending
Beginning this Thursday, Feb. 16, drivers will once again be able to make left turns from Fair Lakes Parkway onto Fairfax County Parkway. For the past six months, motorists have been detoured onto Fair lakes Circle while crews build an interchange.
The entire project is scheduled for completion in 2013. The $69.5 million interchange at Fairfax County Parkway and Fair Lakes Parkway will improve pedestrian and cyclist access, widen more than three miles of the Fairfax County Parkway, and improve traffic flow by separating local and Parkway traffic through this busy area.
More details on this project are available at http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/fairfax_county_parkway-fair_lakes.asp.
Domestic Violence Is Targeted
Domestic Violence is the topic of the next meeting of the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee. It’s set for Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m., in the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., in Chantilly.
In light of recent, domestic-related murders in the Centreville area, the police station’s Domestic Violence Coordinator, MPO Jacqi Smith, will discuss this issue. Arrests have been made in these cases, but the underlying problems still remain.
Also that evening, both the CAC’s Officer of the Quarter (for the last quarter of 2011) and the 2011 Officer of the Year will be announced and honored.
Sully District Council Meeting
The Sully District Council of Citizens Associations and its Land-Use Committee will meet Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m., in the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Kristen Michael, director of Budget Services with Fairfax County Public Schools, will brief the school system’s FY 2013 budget. Call Jeff Parnes, evenings, at 703-904-0131.
Park Authority to Meet
The Fairfax County Park Authority will meet Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m., in the Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 900 in Fairfax. Call Judy Pedersen at 703-324-8662.
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Feb 23, 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. More than 1,000 people had carseats checked and adjusted there in 2011.
Balloon Signals Tower’s Height
The balloon test for the proposed Centreville United Methodist Church bell tower is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m.-noon. In the event of adverse weather, the alternate date will be Saturday, March 3. A large balloon, probably red, will be set at the proposed location and height of the bell tower so area residents can get an idea of how high the tower is planned to be. The church is at 6400 Old Centreville Road, off New Braddock Road, in Centreville.
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, Feb. 26, 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.
Nuclear Energy Forum Slated
Transition Centreville & Clifton will present a Nuclear Energy Forum on Monday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., at the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Longtime nuclear activist John Steinbach will be the main speaker. He’s written on environmental, economic, social justice and nuclear issues. His published works include the map and database, "Deadly Radiation Hazards USA," co-authored with his late wife, Louise Franklin-Ramirez.
Steinbach will explore what’s happened en route to the touted "nuclear renaissance" after the nuclear power plant catastrophe at Fukushima. He’ll also discuss spiraling construction costs for nuclear plants, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the accelerating growth and falling costs for wind and solar power. And he’ll ponder whether nuclear energy is worth the risks of potential disaster. The local community is invited to join the discussion.
Seeking Friends of Trees
Trish Strat, the Sully District Tree Commissioner, is seeking candidates for the Fairfax County "Friends of Trees" award. Information and the nomination form are at
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/environmental/2011_friends_of_trees_award_nomination_form.pdf.
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."
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; juice (64 oz. or smaller); jelly; jam; 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 is laundry detergent.
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: General assistance needed Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A regular weekly volunteer is needed Thursdays, from 1-6 p.m., as well as Saturdays, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact Volunteer Manager Annette Bosley at 703-988-9656.
Furniture ministry: One person is needed to help move furniture that will be given to clients in need.