Crime Solvers 5K Saturday
The second annual Crime Solvers 5K is set for this Saturday, Aug. 2, at 8 a.m., at the Fairfax County Government Center. The course is certified and chip-timed and is open to the public to participate. Register at http://www.crimesolvers5k.com. The event is a fundraiser for Fairfax County Crime Solvers, a nonprofit that’s assisted local law enforcement for 35 years by providing an anonymous means for residents to report criminal information.
Celebrate with the CIF
The Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF) will become a full-fledged nonprofit on Aug. 1. So it’s inviting the community to attend its celebration this Thursday, July 31, from 6-7:30 p.m., at Coyote Grille in Centrewood Plaza in Centreville.
There’ll be a fajita-buffet dinner, music, a slide show and comments by local leaders. Make reservations by calling the Centreville Labor Resource Center, 703-543-6272, or emailing president@centrevillelrc.org. Tickets are also available at the center, 5956 Centreville Crest Lane in Centreville.
Also as part of the celebration, during the morning of Friday, Aug. 1, the first five new employers at the center will win one hour of free labor from the workers.
Farmers Market on Thursdays
Each Thursday, from 3-7 p.m., the Fairfax County Government Center hosts a farmers market in its parking lot. The Government Center is at 12000 Government Center Pkwy. in Fair Oaks, and the next markets are slated for July 31 and Aug. 7.
Stringfellow Road Lane Switch
As part of the Stringfellow Road widening project currently underway, VDOT plans to switch the existing traffic on Stringfellow Road onto the two, new southbound lanes from Fair Lakes Boulevard to Chantilly High this Friday, Aug. 1, weather permitting. So drivers are encouraged to find alternative routes on this date.
Motorists through this corridor on this day will encounter delays and temporary stoppages along Stringfellow as workmen transition traffic onto the new roadway. The whole project is scheduled to be completed in summer 2015.
Backpack Donations Needed
WFCM (Western Fairfax Christian Ministries) is collecting 2,000 new backpacks for children in need who attend schools in the Centreville, Chantilly and Westfield high school pyramids. But it needs the community’s help to accomplish such a large task.
Especially needed are large backpacks. They should have at least two compartments to hold multiple books and binders and should be 18-19 inches tall, 13 inches wide and 8-10 inches deep.
The backpacks may be brought to WFCM at 13888 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly (next to Papa John’s Pizza), Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday, 4-7 p.m., until Aug. 13. For more information, go to www.WFCMVA.org or email jbush@wfcmva.org.
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, July 31, from 5 p.m. to dusk, 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.
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. (The inspection may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather). Call 703-814-7000, ext. 5140, to confirm dates and times.
Enjoy Sully’s Starlight Cinema
The 10th year of Sully District Starlight Cinema is about to kick off with five, free, family-friendly, drive-in movies. They’ll be presented on Saturday evenings in August at 5860 Trinity Parkway in Centreville. Gates open at 6 p.m.
The evening will begin with music, food and children’s activities provided by New Life Christian Church. Then, at dark, the movies will start. People may watch movies on the big screen from the comfort of their cars; or if they want a canopy of stars overhead, they may sit in a designated area in front of the screen.
The schedule is as follows: Aug. 2, "Casablanca;" Aug. 9, “Despicable Me 2;” Aug. 16, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2;” Aug. 23, "Frozen," and Aug. 30, "The Lego Movie."
If there’s a threat of bad weather, call 703-324-SHOW after 6 p.m. for cancellation updates. For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/
Host a WFCM Food Drive
WFCM needs the community’s help over the summer months when it has a critical shortage of food. “For instance, of the 24 schools that we serve, one has over 900 students who count on free and reduced lunches during the school year,” said WFCM Community Outreach Manager Jennie Bush. “This creates a financial strain on families looking for food help.”
But she said local residents can make a tremendous difference by hosting a food drive with their sports team, camp, swim team or place of employment. To arrange a food drive for WFCM, contact the organization’s summer intern, Annie Cecil, at intern@wfcmva.org.
How to Hire CLRC Workers
The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) serves businesses and homeowners needing help with just about any home remodeling or maintenance project. And local residents who’d like to hire a worker from the CLRC may do so easily. Either call 703-543-6272 or go to www.centrevilleLRC.org and click on the “How to Hire” link. Tell what kind of work is required, how many workers are needed and when.
The CLRC will match the needs to its registered workers’ skills and set up the job. The price for work will be negotiated. After the job is completed, employers are encouraged to provide the CLRC with feedback to ensure that the work was done well and to their satisfaction and to make sure the workers are fairly paid.
Food Donations for WFCM
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ food pantry urgently needs donations of canned vegetables (no green beans), vegetable oil; dry pasta, flour, canned fruit and meat, white or brown rice (1- or 2-lb. bags), cold cereal, pancake mix, powdered and evaporated milk. Also needed are toilet paper, diapers, shampoo and baby wipes. (WFCM clients cannot purchase toiletries with food stamps).
Bring all items to WFCM’S food pantry, weekdays, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at 13888 Metrotech Drive, near Papa John’s Pizza and Kumon Learning Center, in Chantilly’s Sully Place Shopping Center. Volunteers are needed Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m. Contact Annette Bosley at 703-988-9656, ext. 110, or abosley@wfcmva.org.
Citizens Police Academy
People interested in law enforcement and who’d like to learn about the Fairfax County Police Department and meet many of those who serve in it may now do so. They may apply to join the Sept. 11-Nov. 15 session of the Citizens Police Academy. It’s a free, 10-week program put on by the Police Department and is open to people who live or work in this county.
Participants complete some 40 hours of learning to gain a better understanding of and appreciation for police via a combination of lectures, tours and hands-on activities. Topics covered include the 911 Call Center, patrol, traffic stops, Adult Detention Center, gangs, financial crimes and SWAT team.
To apply, go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/services/citizens-police-academy.htm or email CPA@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.
Long-Term Care Advocates
The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteer advocates for residents in assisted living and nursing facilities. Training is provided in March. Call 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or email Lisa.Callahan@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Give Caregivers a Break
Fairfax County needs Respite Care volunteers throughout the county to give family caregivers of a frail older adult a well-deserved break. Volunteers visit and oversee the safety of the older adult for a few hours each month. Volunteers are matched with families in or near their own neighborhoods. Support and training is provided. Contact Kristin Martin at 703-324-7577, TTY 711, or Kristin.Martin@fairfaxcounty.gov.
How to Help the CLRC
The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) needs volunteers to lead vocational training workshops to increase the workers’ job skills. A Wednesday morning ESOL instructor is also needed; contact Molly Maddra at coordinator@centrevilleLRC.org for more information.
In addition, end-of-year contributions to CLRC may be made at www.centrevilleimmigrationforum.org. The organization is supported totally by grants and donations; it receives no government funding.
Drive Seniors to Appointments
Fairfax County needs volunteers to drive older adults to medical appointments and wellness programs. Call 703-324-5406, TTY 711, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volunteer Solutions or email VolunteerSolutions@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Personal Trainer Is Needed
The Sully Senior Center, at 5690 Sully Road in Centreville, needs a certified personal trainer – preferably, one with experience working with older adults – for one hour, two days a week. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Volunteer Solutions.
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.