Police Seek Bank Robber
Fairfax County police are looking for the person who robbed the Capital One Bank last week in Franklin Farm. They say a man entered the bank at 13344-A Franklin Farm Road, last Thursday, Nov. 1, around 1:37 p.m., implied he had a weapon and demanded money from a teller.
After the teller complied, he fled; no one was insured. The suspect was described as white, in his 40s, 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall and with a medium build. He wore a black, zippered jacket, black pants and a black hunting hat.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org, text “TIP187” plus a message to CRIMES/274637 or call police at 703-691-2131.
Come to the ‘Cabaret’
Last week’s school closures forced Centreville High to cancel the Nov. 9, 10 and 11 performances of its boisterous, fall musical, “Cabaret,” and add extra performances next weekend. The new show times are Friday, Nov 16, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 17, at 3 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov 18, at 3 p.m., in the school theater. Tickets are $10, students; and $12, adults, and are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com and at the door. For more information, see www.theatrecentreville.com.
Boy Scout Food Drive
The annual, Boy Scout “Scouting for Food” Drive is this Saturday, Nov. 10. Residents are urged to fill the bags Scouts distributed last week with nonperishable items. The Scouts will pick up the filled bags, the morning of Nov. 10, and bring them to a sorting area. They’ll then be delivered to WFCM (Western Fairfax Christian Ministries) for its food pantry which helps people in need in Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fair Oaks and Fair Lakes.
In years past, more than 900 Scouts and adults from the Sully District – which includes Centreville, Clifton and portions of Chantilly and Fairfax – helped collect 56,968 pounds of food. With the current economic situation, the need is much greater now than in years past, so this year’s local goal is more than 60,000 pounds of food.
The food drive is orchestrated by Scouts of the National Capital Area Council. While nourishing hungry families in the local area, it also provides a community-service opportunity for youth and teaches them the value of helping others.
Family Food Drive Set
Chesterbrook will hold its annual Family Food Drive in conjunction with its November Open House, this Saturday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at 3753 Centerview Drive in Chantilly. Families are invited to visit the school and take part in a basketball free-throw shooting contest.
Entry to the contest is a nonperishable food (can or box). A prize will be given for the most shots made in select age categories. Food will be distributed to the Food for Others food pantry.
Sully District CSI
Anyone wondering what really goes on at a police crime scene will get a chance to find out at the next meeting of the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). It’s set for Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m., in the station’s roll-call room. It’s open to the public, and concerns and questions are welcome.
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Nov. 15 and 29, 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.
ONC Needs Community’s Help
Our Neighbor’s Child (ONC) is preparing for its 21st holiday season providing new toys and clothing for children of families in financial crisis in Centreville, Chantilly and Western Fairfax. But it’s a volunteer organization and it can only carry out its mission with the generous support of local churches, schools, businesses and individuals.
And this year, in the face of a difficult economy, ONC needs help more than ever from groups or individuals willing to furnish clothing for local children in need. The number of requests for winter coats, jackets and other warm clothing is high again this year. Specific information (sizes, etc.) will be available before Thanksgiving.
Anyone who’d like to help is urged to contact Stephanie Somers, ONC clothing coordinator, at somerss@cox.net. For other ONC volunteer opportunities or to make a monetary donation, visit www.ourneighborschild.org.
Toy and Food Drive
To brighten the holiday season for area families in need, the Democratic Women of Clifton (DWC) will once again be taking donations for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Toy Drive, plus grocery-store gift cards for Our Daily Bread.
Anyone who wants to help may drop off these items during the DWC’s Sunday, Nov. 18, meeting from 3-5 p.m., in the Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road in Clifton. For more information, e-mail cliftonwomendems@aol.com or visit www.democraticwomenofclifton.org.
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, Nov. 18, 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.
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); rice; canned meats; salad dressing, jelly; jam; peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, Ramen Noodles, canned fruit; canned beets and collard greens; canned soup and beans; dry pasta and beans; ketchup, mustard, pancake mix and syrup; hot and cold cereal and coffee. In addition, the Food Pantry would appreciate fresh produce, such as tomatoes, from local gardens.
Also needed are laundry detergent, toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper and diapers (sizes 4, 5 & 6). WFCM clients are also in great need of gasoline cards.
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 are needed Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., to receive donations. Contact Volunteer Manager Annette Bosley at 703-988-9656.
Food pantry: Regular volunteers are needed needed to pick up donated food from Costco on Thursday mornings and from Harris Teeter on Fridays between 9-10 a.m.
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.
Women's Self Defense Program
The Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation is partnering with the Fairfax County Police Department to offer the Women's Self Defense Training program. It’s based on the SAFE program formerly provided by the Police Department, but now being taught by C&J Security Corp.
The program is a two-day class that will meet on consecutive Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:15-9:30 p.m. It’s currently offered free and all class materials are included. Program funding is provided through the Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation.
The course is offered to females, age 13 and older. A female guardian must accompany girls 13-18. No men other than the instructors are permitted to be present during a class. For more information, call 703-246-7806, e-mail WSD@fairfaxfoundation.org or go to www.fairfaxfoundation.org.