Free Carseat Inspections

Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Feb. 9 and Feb 23, 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. More than 1,000 people had carseats checked and adjusted there in 2011.

Free Income Tax Preparation

People who worked in 2011 and earned less than $50,000 may qualify for free, income-tax preparation. From Feb. 4-April 14, it’s available Saturdays from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road in Chantilly. If married and filing a joint return, both spouses must be present. For a list of items participants must bring with them, go to www.nvacash.org and click on "free tax preparation."

Domestic Violence Is Targeted

Domestic Violence is the topic of the next meeting of the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee. It’s set for Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m., in the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., in Chantilly.

In light of recent, domestic-related murders in the Centreville area, the police station’s Domestic Violence Coordinator, MPO Jacqi Smith, will discuss this issue. Arrests have been made in these cases, but the underlying problems still remain.

Also that evening, both the CAC’s Officer of the Quarter (for the last quarter of 2011) and the 2011 Officer of the Year will be announced and honored.

Nuclear Energy Forum Slated

Transition Centreville & Clifton will present a Nuclear Energy Forum on Monday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., at the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Longtime nuclear activist John Steinbach will be the main speaker. He’s written on environmental, economic, social justice and nuclear issues. His published works include the map and database, "Deadly Radiation Hazards USA," co-authored with his late wife, Louise Franklin-Ramirez.

Steinbach will explore what’s happened en route to the touted "nuclear renaissance" after the nuclear power plant catastrophe at Fukushima. He’ll also discuss spiraling construction costs for nuclear plants, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the accelerating growth and falling costs for wind and solar power. And he’ll ponder whether nuclear energy is worth the risks of potential disaster. The local community is invited to join the discussion.

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); juice (64 oz. or smaller); jelly; jam; canned beets, spinach and greens; pancake mix and syrup; mayonnaise, baby food (stages 1 and 3); cocoa, coffee, ketchup and mustard.

Also needed are diapers (sizes 3 and 4) and laundry detergent. 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: General assistance needed Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A regular weekly volunteer is needed Thursdays, from 1-6 p.m., as well as Saturdays, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact Volunteer Manager Annette Bosley at 703-988-9656.

Furniture ministry: One person is needed to help move furniture that will be given to clients in need.