House Fire: $100,000 Damage
A house fire over the weekend caused an estimated $100,000 damage to a single-family home in Centreville. Fire investigators say the blaze was accidental. They blamed it on an electrical anomaly in the air-conditioning wall unit in the garage that had been converted into a daycare center.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded Sunday, Feb. 16, around 2:15 p.m. to 7105 Ordway Road. First-arriving firefighters saw smoke and fire coming from the garage. They brought the fire under control in approximately 10 minutes.
Working smoke alarms provided early warning and allowed the home’s occupants to escape unharmed before the firefighters arrived. No one was injured, but the fire displaced four adults and three children.
Therapy, Play Center Opening
Wings to Fly Therapy and Play Center, a treatment facility for special-needs children from birth to 18 years old, is opening in Chantilly. And it’s holding an open house this Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with fun and refreshments for the whole family. It’s at 4530 Walney Road, Suite 203; phone 703-466-5533.
Established by Centreville resident Donna Shank, this 2,300-square-foot clinic has two occupational/sensory-exploration rooms, several individual therapy rooms and a trained staff. The goal is to provide an integrated, all-in-one, therapy and recreational center empowering families to become their own experts about their children’s potential. For more information, go to http://www.wingstoflytherapy.com.
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, Feb. 23, 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.
Fair Oaks CAC to Meet
The Citizens Advisory Council of the Fair Oaks District Police Station will meet Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m., in the roll-call room of the police station. It’s at 12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway in Chantilly.
Sully District Council Meeting
The Sully District Council of Citizens Associations and its Land-Use Committee will meet Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., in the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Discussed will be Fairfax Forward updates and the Fairfax Forward study of the Fairfax Center area. Call Jeff Parnes, evenings, at 703-904-0131.
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Feb. 27, 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.
St. Baldrick’s Sign-Ups
A St. Baldrick’s Day event is slated for Sunday, March 23, at 4 p.m., at Fast Eddie’s in the Newgate Shopping Center, at Routes 28/29 in Centreville.
The event raises funds for childhood cancer research. People volunteer to have their heads shaved and raise money in advance for the privilege. Then all those being shaved get it done together while others cheer them on. Sign up at http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/149/2014.
Learn about Parkland Plan
The Fairfax County Park Authority has a new comprehensive plan for parkland in the local area. And it’s hosting a community meeting Wednesday, March 5, at 7 p.m., at Bull Run Elementary, 15301 Lee Highway in Centreville, to discuss the details.
The plan includes the parkland north of Route 29 on the west side of Virginia Run, parkland along Bull Run Post Office Road, the Bull Run stream and parkland along Pleasant Valley Road up to the Loudoun County border.
Food Donations for WFCM
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ food pantry urgently needs donations of spaghetti sauce, fruit juice, cooking oil; pancake mix and syrup, sugar, flour and canned fruit and meat. (Also needed are toothpaste, deodorant, baby wipes and shampoo).
Bring all items to WFCM’S new food-pantry location, 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.
Thrift-store needs include coats, fall and winter clothing, like-new houseware, plus Bibles in English and Spanish. The store is at 13939 Metrotech Drive. In addition, Thrift Store volunteers are needed for two- to four-hour shifts Fridays, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Saturdays, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.