Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event.
Fairfax County Activates Coronavirus Info Center
Fairfax County activated a Joint Information Center in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 13.
Fairfax County Health Department COVID-19 webpage – www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus
Emergency Information Blog (you can subscribe by email or follow by RSS) – www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Call Center – The community may call 703-267-3511 with questions. The call center is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.
Residents may also text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19.
Twitter – @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth
Facebook – www.facebook.com/fairfaxcounty and www.facebook.com/fairfaxcountyhealth
Input Sought on Plan for Herndon-Reston Silver Line Bus Service
Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold a third round of community meetings and engagement opportunities to encourage public input on the preferred plan to provide enhanced Fairfax Connector bus service in the Reston and Herndon areas, including connections to the future Metrorail Silver Line Phase 2 stations. The preferred service plan was developed based on public input received through community engagement in 2019, stakeholder engagement and technical analysis. After this final round of community input meetings, FCDOT will finalize the preferred plan based on public feedback and technical analysis and take to the Board of Supervisors for approval.
Attend an Interactive Community Meeting:
Hutchison Elementary School - 13209 Parcher Ave., Herndon
Saturday, March 21, 2020, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Meeting location is accessible via Fairfax Connector Route 937 and Route 950.
South Lakes High - 11400 South Lakes Dr., Reston
Wednesday, March 25, 2020, 7-9 pm.
Meeting location is accessible via Fairfax Connector routes RIBS 2 and Route 551.
Sully District Governmental Center - 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly
Wednesday, April 1, 2020, 7-9 p.m.
Meeting location is accessible via Fairfax Connector routes 640 and 642.
Monday/March 30
Human Traffiking Meeting. 7 p.m. At Chantilly High School Auditorium, 4201 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. Presented by Just Ask Prevention, which is a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization based in McLean, that is focused on ending human trafficking in the United States and around the world through education, prevention, and intervention.
Monday/March 30
Kindergarten Registration. 4-5 p.m. Union Mill Elementary is currently registering new students for the 2020-21 school year. If your child will reach his or her fifth birthday on or before September 30, 2020, he or she is eligible to attend kindergarten in the Fairfax County Public School that serves your address. Please follow the following steps to register your child:
Find your neighborhood school by entering your address at http://boundary.fcps.edu/boundary/
Complete a packet of registration forms—you may obtain these in the Union Mill Elementary office or online at https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/enroll_0.pdf. Feel free to call Union Mill’s registrar at 703‑322‑8500 if you need help navigating the website.
Gather your supporting documents—proof of residence in the Union Mill boundary, a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate, parent/guardian photo ID, and any custody orders. Certificate of physical exam and immunization will be required before the student may start school, but is not required for registration.
Call the registrar at 703-322-8500 or email lrmilla@fcps.edu to make an appointment to bring your completed registration forms and supporting documentation to school.
Bring your child to attend Kindergarten Orientation on Monday, March 30, from 4 to 5 p.m. Your rising kindergarten student will have the opportunity to visit a kindergarten classroom while parents attend an information session in the school cafeteria.
Indoor Pickleball Facility Breaks Ground
Locally-owned-and-operated Pickleballerz, broke ground on Feb. 3 as demolition efforts began on the interior at 14424 Albemarle Point Place, Chantilly. Pickleballerz is completely reconstructing the interior of the almost 20,000 square-foot space into the Washington DC region’s first-ever dedicated six-court, indoor pickleball facility for players of all abilities to hone their skills, socialize, and be a part of an inclusive community within the fastest-growing sport in America. The groundbreaking begins what will be a multi-month design and build process for Pickleballerz, which will feature premium USA Pickleball Association-preferred indoor pickleball courts that enhance the playing experience. These specially made courts, the same as used at the world-renowned Australian Open tennis tournament, are designed to ensure superior traction and game play while being less stressful on players’ knees and other joints. Visit www.pickleballerzusa.com or contact info@pickleballerzusa.com
NOVEC Youth Art Contest
Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) invites students in kindergarten through fifth grade to enter their art in Cooperative Living magazine's 18th annual Youth Art Contest. Entries are due May 4. Art should reflect the "Trip to the Zoo" theme.
Artwork should be configured vertically (portrait-style) on an 8 ½-by-11-inch sheet of white paper. Art can be in color or black and white. It can be in any medium, including crayon, pen, acrylics, charcoal and pencil. No tracing or "party pictures" done by a group are permitted. The child's full name, age, grade, school, mailing address, and parent or guardian's daytime phone number and email address should be printed clearly on the back of each entry.
Artwork can be emailed using instructions at www.co-opliving.com/contests/youth-art. Hard copy entries should be mailed unfolded to Youth Art Contest, c/o Cooperative Living magazine, P.O. Box 2340, Glen Allen, VA 23058-2340. Original entries will not be returned.
Be an Earth Day Vendor
Reach thousands of Fairfax County residents in a single day with a booth at the Fairfax County 2020 Earth Day Festival. Applications are being accepted now from vendors, exhibitors and food vendors who want to join the celebration hosted by the Fairfax County Park Authority.
This event, formerly known as Springfest, will be held on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. Festivities will take place at Sully Historic Site, located at 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly, Virginia.
For event details, visit the Earth Day Fairfax 2020 website. To learn more about exhibitor opportunities, visit the Vendor/Exhibitor Information and Application portal.
Once your application is received and reviewed, you will be notified of your application status. If accepted for the event, your fee payment will be due by April 1, 2020 to secure a spot. If you have questions or need assistance, contact Teri Bowers at Terilyn.Bowers@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Donations
The Student Auto Sales Program operating from Centreville High School works in conjunction with the CVHS automotive technology classes to bring in donated automobiles, boats and motorcycles for students to work on. Some refurbished vehicles are sold, with 75 percent of the proceeds going back to the auto tech program. The program is in need of cars, trucks or motorcycles, which are fully tax deductible, for student training. Contact Lyman Rose at 703-802-5588 or by e-mail lyman.rose@fcps.edu for more.
Cell Phones for Soldiers is accepting donations of old cellphones so that troops can call home. Patrons may drop off donations at 14215E Centreville Square, Centreville.
Support Groups
Parent Support Partners, a service of the Healthy Minds Fairfax initiative, are all parents who have received training and are qualitied to offer education, support and assistance at no cost to families or caregivers. They provide reliable information that families can use in decision-making and are familiar with services and resources that can help families in distress. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/healthymindsfairfax or www.nami-northernvirginia.org/parent-peer-support.html.
Support Groups. Jubilee Christian Center of Fairfax is having its "Living Free" support groups for the spring on Wednesdays, 7:15 p.m. The support groups are free, and will cover "Stepping into Freedom," "Concerned Persons Group" (for family and friends of addicts), "The Image of God in You," and "Handling Loss and Grief." There are also support groups on Sundays, 10:10 a.m. 4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax. For information or to register, call 703-383-1170, email livingfree@jccag.org or see www.jccag.org.
Telephone Support Group for Family Caregivers of Older Adults. 7 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month. This telephone support group is designed to help caregivers of older adults share experiences, gain support and get important information without having to travel. These are one-hour free sessions. Find out more and register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ and click on Caregiver Telephone Support Group.
Fair Oaks Parkinson’s Support Group for people living with Parkinson’s disease, caregivers and family, meets on the fourth Saturday monthly, 10 a.m.-noon at Sunrise at Fair Oaks, 3750 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax. Call 703-378-7221 or visit www.fairoaksparkinsons.com for more.
Volunteers Needed
STEM Professionals Needed. Volunteers are needed to assist K-12 STEM teachers in northern Virginia as part of the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s STEM Volunteer Program, stemvolunteers.org, during the 2019-20 school year, beginning in September. Please contact Don Rea at 571-551-2488 or donaldrea@aol.com.
Assistance League of Northern Virginia, a volunteer nonprofit, invites community members to join the organization to participate in its Reading Express program. Volunteers provide one-on-one tutoring to first grade students during the school year. To learn more contact VP Membership Mary Gronlund at gronbiz@aol.com or Program Coordinator Lynn Barron at lynnieb517@verizon.net.
Operation Paws for Homes, a Virginia based 501(c)(3) organization seeks volunteers, especially to foster dogs. See www.ophrescue.org for information and all volunteer opportunities.
Docents Needed. Sundays 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road in Fairfax Station. Greet museum visitors and tell them about the exhibits, the museum and the its railroad and Civil War history. Ideal for people who live in the Fairfax, Burke, Clifton or Fairfax Station area and want to contribute to the local community through volunteerism. This is a perfect opportunity for those interested in railroads, the Civil War and Northern Virginia history. Training and orientation provided. Other volunteer opportunities are gardening, publicity and exhibit planning. Call Michael at 703-945-7483.
RSVP, a volunteer network for seniors seeking service opportunities in and around Fairfax County, Arlington County and the City of Alexandria, offers a wide array of opportunities for volunteers 55 and older. RSVP volunteers enjoy flexible schedules, free accident and liability insurance while serving, optional mileage and meal reimbursement and are invited to volunteer group projects and social gatherings. To sign up for an upcoming orientation, email Carly Hubicki at chubicki@volunteerfairfax.org or call RSVP at 703-403- 5360. To learn more about RSVP, visit www.rsvpnova.org.
Volunteers needed at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. The Museum offers a variety of exciting volunteer opportunities in Museum events, programs and administration. Contact volunteers@fairfax-station.org or 703-945-7483 to explore services that will fit your schedule and interests. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, or call 703-425-9225 for more.
Volunteers Needed as Bird Counters. Volunteers are needed in the field and as feeder watchers. The count circle includes Manassas National Battlefield, Bull Run Regional Park, undeveloped areas south of Dulles Airport, and many other locations. 703-438-6008 info@audubonva.org
STEM VOLUNTEERS. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) needs scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and physicians to assist K-12 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) teachers in Northern Virginia during the 2016-17 school year. Details of the collaboration are worked out between the teacher and the volunteer, and may involve giving demonstrations, assisting in lab experiments, lecturing on special topics, assisting with homework, etc. Hours are flexible, and volunteers attend a one-day training in September before being assigned to schools. To see how volunteers are assisting their teachers, view the video clips at www.seniorscientist.org. To volunteer, contact donaldrea@aol.com.
The Northern Virginia Long Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteer advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Contact Lisa Callahan at 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or email Lisa.Callahan@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Respite Care volunteers give family caregivers of a frail older adult a break so they can go shopping, attend a doctor's appointment or just have coffee with a friend. Volunteers visit and oversee the safety of the older adult for a few hours each month. Support and training are provided. Contact Kristin Martin at 703-324-7577, TTY 711, or Kristin.Martin@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Fairfax County needs volunteers to drive older adults to medical appointments and wellness programs. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Volunteer Solutions.
Volunteer Fairfax invites individuals and families, youth and seniors, corporate groups and civic clubs to volunteer. Fulfill hours, give back, or pay it forward through a variety service options. Visit www.volunteerfairfax.org or call 703-246-3460.
The Shepherd’s Center of Western Fairfax County (SCWFC) needs volunteer drivers for medical/foodbank appointments. SCWFC serves age 50+ residents in Chantilly, Centreville, Clifton, and western Fairfax/Fairfax Station helping them remain independent and age in place at home. Visit www.scwfc.org or contact 703-266-3548or scwfc.office@gmail.com.
Homeless Animals Rescue Team is looking for volunteers to hold dogs at adoption events, Saturdays noon-3 p.m. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Events will be held at Petsmart, 13866 Metrotech Drive, Chantilly. Call 703-691-HART or visit www.hart90.org for more.
Sully Historic Site needs volunteers to help plan and present programs. Volunteers who enjoy gardening, working with children, learning new recipes and cooking methods, or just like to be around interesting people are needed both weekdays and weekends. Sully is a historic house museum owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority. Volunteer at Sully can choose an aspect of historic interpretation, event support or any other area to make a difference for visitors. Call 703-437-1794 for an interview. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-site for more.
Northern Virginia Family Service is seeking volunteers to organize collection drives of toiletries products for clients in need. Requested items include shampoo, soap, lotion, deodorant, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Learn more about Northern Virginia Family Service at www.nvfs.org and contact Colleen Ross cross@nvfs.org if interested.
The Stuart-Mosby Civil War Cavalry Museum needs volunteers to work on Sundays at 13938 Braddock Road, Centreville. The museum is open from 1-4 p.m. on Sundays, when volunteer help is needed the most. Civil War buffs who want something worthwhile to do on Sundays are perfect candidates. Generally at least two volunteers are on duty for each day of coverage at the museum. The museum is also open on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Mondays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 703-785-5294 or visit www.stuart-mosby.com.
Ongoing
Rotary Club Meeting. 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. at Eggspectations, 5009 Westone Plaza, Chantilly. The Rotary Club of Centreville-Chantilly meets every Tuesday. Rotary is a service organization open to anyone in the community with an interest in supporting local and international projects. Those who are interested in Rotary are invited anyTuesday as a guest. $15. Call 703-966-6960, email catherine@creativeread.com or visit www.CentrevilleChantillyRotary.com for more.
Thrifty Thursdays. 7-9 p.m. every third Thursday each month at Chantilly High School, 4201 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. Free budgeting classes from Britepaths. Call 703-273-8829 for more.
Chantilly/Centreville Rotary Club, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. every Tuesday at Eggspectation Restaurant, 5009 Westone Plaza, Chantilly. Join the men and women of the Rotary Club for their weekly luncheon meeting and meal. Rotary is a service club actively involved in the community. Email Charles@keenerinsurance.com to join the group as their guest.
Open Rehearsal. The Fairfax Jubil-Aires barbershop chorus invites men of all ages who enjoy singing to drop by on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Lord of Life church, 13421 Twin Lakes Dr. Centreville just south of the golf course. Visit www.fairfaxjubilairs.org or call 703-991-5198.
Fairfax Choral Society Youth is now offering voice checks, which allow directors to make sure a child's voice is healthy, and that they want to sing. Children are asked to sing a song of their choice, and then they are led through pitch and rhythm exercises. Free. Call 703-642-3277 to schedule an appointment.
The Woodlands Retirement Community is offering aquatic fall prevention exercise classes, and Aquatic Back and Hip Exercise Class. Classes are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at various times. Classes are $10 each. Call 703-667-9800 for a complete schedule.
Partnership Starter Tool. Fairfax County Public Schools is encouraging local businesses and community groups to express their interest in partnering with the school system by using the FCPS Partnership Starter at www.commweb.fcps.edu/partnership_matching/public. The online tool matches potential partners with schools or an FCPS office or program. Visit www.fcps.edu/news for more.
Book Sale. Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. Ongoing book sale at the library. All ages. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ce/ or call 703-502-3883.
Book-A-Librarian. Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. Reserve a free 30-minute session with a professional librarian for personalized research help. Call branch to request an appointment. 703-502-3883 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ce/.
Telephone Support Group. 7-8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. For family caregivers of older adults. Discuss “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly-Caregiving with Family and Friends.” Share experiences, gain support and get information without having to travel. Free. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/
Research Help. Reserve a 30-minute session with a professional librarian for personalized research help. By reservation only. Call the Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, 703-502-3883.
English Conversation Practice. One-on-one practice with an ESL volunteer. By reservation only. Register in person only, but for details call the Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road, 703-502-3883.
Temple Beth Torah offers the Northern Virginia Jewish community services that provide spiritual, educational, support and social opportunities including religious school for member children age 3 through Bar/Bat Mitzvah and confirmation. Our congregation welcomes all members of the community to attend any of our services or events. For more information, a newsletter, or a membership package call Jennifer Harding 703-217-8938 or visit www.BethTorah.net.
The John Witt Chapter of the Colonial Dames of the 17th Century is accepting new members. Colonial Dames is a patriotic, genealogical and heraldic society for women of lineal descendants of an ancestor who lived and served prior to 1701 in one of the original colonies in the geographical area of the present United States. The chapter meets four times a year usually in January, May, September and November. For more information contact jsmithtot@aol.com.
NAMI Northern Virginia Connections is a free education and support program for individuals living with mental illness at the Chantilly Library 4000 Stringfellow Road Chantilly, every Tuesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the conference room. Visit www.NAMI-NorthernVirginia.org for more.
ReStore Donations. The main goal of the ReStore, 4311 Walney Road, Chantilly, is to fund Habitat for Humanity in the mission of building simple, affordable housing for low-income partner families. Donations are accepted and can be made by individuals as well as companies. To donate, call 703-953-3747 or visit www.restorenova.org. Regular store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The store is open for donation drop offs and previous purchased pickups only Monday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Chantilly Academy Auto Technology and Auto Collision Repair classes are looking for used cars as donations to the program. Contact Ann Booker at 703-227-3041 or Kenny Brown at 703-222-7466.
Donate used bikes to make a difference in someone’s life. Bikes For The World works with partner charities in developing countries who train and hire local people to recondition bikes and distribute them to individuals in need of affordable transportation. A $10 donation along with your donated bike covers shipping and handling, and your donation will reduce landfill waste. Contact Senthil at senthil.kannan.61109@gmail.com or visit www.bikesfortheworld.org. Call 703-740-7856.
The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area, a non-partisan organization that is concerned with election processes, voter participation and civic engagement, is welcoming new members. All women and men interested in civic affairs are invited to join the group. Visit www.LWV-Fairfax.org or call 703-658-9152.
American Association for the Advancement of Science needs volunteer scientists, engineers, mathematicians and physicians to assist K-12 STEM teachers in Fairfax County during the school year. Contact 703-314-0424 or alanjfriedman@verizon.net for more.