GIRL to Host Day of Service
On Jan. 18, 2016, a nonprofit organization, Girls Inspired and Ready to Lead, Inc. (GIRL), founded by a Fairfax County woman, will host its Second Annual MLK, Jr. Day of Service Event, supporting Women Giving Back, an organization that provides clothing to women and children in crisis at no cost. The event will be from 10 a.m-noon at two locations:
Fairfax City Hall - 10455 Armstrong St., Fairfax, and
Women Giving Back Store - 20 Export Drive, Sterling
GIRL is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010 by Danielle Blunt after she graduated from college. Its mission is to mentor and empower teen girls for future success through promoting academic excellence, leadership skills, community service, a healthy lifestyle, and self–esteem. Blunt is a founding member of the advisory board of the Virginia Girls’ Summit. For more information, visit www.girlsinspiredinc.org.
Chocolate Cakes, Sculptures Sought; Valentines Available
Professional and amateur chefs of all ages are encouraged to participate in the Chocolate Challenge at the 2016 Chocolate Lovers Festival Feb. 6-7 in Old Town Fairfax. The Chocolate Challenge offers a gallery of art, cakes and cupcakes made entirely of chocolate. Entries are judged in numerous categories.
Applications available at www.chocolatefestival.net or call 703-385-7858. Applications are due Feb. 5. Festival valentines are available at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center at City Hall (Room 123), and from Independence Day Celebration Committee members. Cost is $5 each and includes a coupon for five pogs at the Taste of Chocolate. For more information, go to www.chocolatefestival.net or call 703-385-7858.
Jewel Scholarship Deadline Feb. 18
The Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Educational and Charitable Foundation, Inc., (JGH) invites applicants for its 36th Annual Jewel Scholarship award. The $1,500 scholarship is awarded to 10 local students aspiring to pursue an undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university. The scholarship assists with tuition and other educational expenses.
For over 36 years, JGH has recognized and awarded certificates of achievement and scholarships to high achieving, socially and/or economically disadvantaged students during its annual awards program in June. Applications for the Jewel Scholarship are being accepted from Jan. 4 through Feb. 18. For details and the application, please visit www.JGHFDN.org.
Naomi Project Seeks Volunteers
The Naomi Project, a program of Our Daily Bread, is seeking volunteers to mentor at-risk pregnant or newly parenting women who live throughout Northern Virginia for a year or longer, as appropriate. Mentors work one-on-one with a client to achieve a healthy pregnancy, develop parenting skills and plan productively for the future. A training session will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 10777 Main Street, Fairfax. There is a nonrefundable registration fee of $35 to cover materials for the training session, background check and lunch. Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed. Application and additional information available at www.odbfairfax.org/NaomiProject. Contact 703-860-2633 or ornaomiproject@outlook.com.