Free Carseat Inspections

Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, March 8, and March 22, 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.

Smoke Alarms, Escape Plans

This Saturday, March 10, from 9 a.m. to noon, firefighters will canvass homes in selected neighborhoods throughout Fairfax County, checking for working smoke alarms. They’ll also provide family escape plans in case of a fire. It’s part of the nationwide “Install. Inspect. Protect” campaign that emphasizes that smoke alarms save lives. According to authorities, more than 3,000 people in the U.S. die in home fires each year; most of these fatalities occur in homes without a working smoke alarm.

Spring Forward One Hour

Daylight Saving Time starts this Sunday, March 11, at 2 a.m. So before going to bed, Saturday night, be sure to turn those clocks, recording devices and watches ahead one hour.

Athletic Field Lights at E.C Lawrence Park

The Fairfax County Park Authority will hold an informational meeting about the upcoming installation of athletic-field lighting on rectangular field number 3 at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. It’s slated for Monday, March 12, at 7 p.m., in the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. There’ll be a presentation, plus an opportunity for residents to speak with staff and ask question.

Park Authority to Meet

The Fairfax County Park Authority will meet Wednesday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m., in the Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 900 in Fairfax. Call Judy Pedersen at 703-324-8662.

Race and Help Save Lives

On Saturday, March 24, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center, Rogue Racers and Rev3 Adventures will hold the Rev3 Run Rogue 5K, with proceeds going to Life with Cancer www.http://lifewithcancer.org/ and the National Brain Tumor Society http://www.braintumor.org/.

It’s a fun, family-oriented event where participants may walk or run a USATF-certified 5K course at 8:30 a.m., or participate in a 1K kids’ fun run at 8 a.m., before the main event. Cash prizes will be given to the top three male and female finishers, and the first-place winners will also receive coupons for a free pair of Brooks shoes. There’ll also be age-group awards and over-40 cash prizes. Sign up at http://www.runrogue5k.com/Run_Rogue_5K/Race_Info.html.

Seeking Friends of Trees

Trish Strat, the Sully District Tree Commissioner, is seeking candidates for the Fairfax County "Friends of Trees" award. Information and the nomination form are at

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/environmental/2011_friends_of_trees_award_nomination_form.pdf.

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.

Free Income Tax Preparation

People who worked in 2011 and earned less than $50,000 may qualify for free, income-tax preparation. It’s available Saturdays, through April 14, 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.”

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); canned meats; juice (64 oz. or smaller); jelly; jam; canned fruit; canned beets, spinach, greens, potatoes and mixed vegetables; pancake mix and syrup; mayonnaise, baby food (stages 1 and 3); cocoa, coffee, ketchup and mustard. Also needed is 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.