Fire Destroys Centreville House
Fairfax County firefighters responded to a single-family house fire, last Tuesday, Oct. 16, around 6:35 p.m., at 14927 Lee Highway in Centreville. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear and through the roof of the ranch-style home upon arrival. They fought the blaze from both inside and outside the house, but had to withdraw when a portion of the roof caved in.
Since the home was vacant, firefighters also faced boarded-up windows while attempting to gain access. It took firefighters approximately 50 minutes to bring the flames under control. The house was a complete loss, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Clifton Haunted Trail
The terrors of the Clifton Haunted Trail will be unleashed Saturday, Oct. 27, from 7-10 p.m., in the Town of Clifton’s Eight-Acre Park. (Rain date, Oct. 28). Tickets are $20 for adults and $10, children; there are no advance sales. Sturdy shoes are recommended; snacks and beverages are available.
Since the fright level is so intense, it’s not recommended for children under 8. But they can watch Movies under the Stars on a large screen at the park’s entrance. Flashlights are not allowed on the trail. Free parking is available at Clifton Elementary and in the flood plain, and hayrides will take trail-goers to and from the park. For more information, see www.cliftonhauntedtrail.com.
Bike Summit Oct. 27
The inaugural Fairfax Bike Summit will be held Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at George Mason University. The goal is to bring together current and future bicyclists, bicycle organizations, bike shops and transportation professionals to discuss how to make Fairfax County a better place to live by making bicycling a major component of the transportation system.
Register for free at http://ffxbikesummit.eventbrite.com; attendance is limited to 200 people. Display space is free and available for bicycle businesses and organizations. The event will be held at The HUB at GMU in the front-middle ballroom, 10423 Rivanna River Way in Fairfax. Further information is available at www.fabb-bikes.org and bikesummit@fabb-bikes.org.
Goblin Gallop is Oct. 28
The 19th annual Goblin Gallop 5K race, 1K fun run and 5K walk will be held this Sunday, Oct. 28, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center. It’s a family-friendly race with many participants wearing Halloween costumes. Afterward are refreshments, music, a moonbounce, a costume contest, race prizes, plus more than $3,500 in door prizes.
Rain or shine, the race begins and ends in front of Coastal Flats restaurant. The 1K fun run starts at 8:30 a.m.; the 5K race, at 9 a.m.; and the 5K walk, at 9:10 a.m. Entry fees through Oct. 25 are $23 for the 5K run, $20 for the 5K walk and $15 for the 1K fun run. From Oct. 26 on, those fees, respectively, are $25, $22 and $20. Register at www.goblingallop.org/#.
All proceeds go to the John Quadrino Foundation to Benefit Children with Cancer. To donate, send checks payable to The John Quadrino Foundation to P.O. Box 4614, Falls Church, VA 22044. Contributions are tax-deductible.
Fair Oaks CAC to Meet
The Citizens Advisory Council of the Fair Oaks District Police Station will meet Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m., in the roll-call room of the police station. It’s at 12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway in Chantilly.
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Nov. 1 and 15, 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.
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.