Italian Ices for Tara

Tara Sankner, an 8-year-old second-grader at Lees Corner Elementary, was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, and the local community is rallying ’round to show its support. On Monday, April 8, from 6-8 p.m., area residents can enjoy sweet treats while raising money to help with Tara’s medical bills.

During those hours, Rita’s Italian Ice, at 10726 Fairfax Blvd., in Fairfax, will donate 20 percent off all sales to support Tara and her family. Those unable to attend may also contribute to Tara online. Go to www.airbanking.com/tools/; where it says to pick a charity, click and scroll down to Pray for Tara.

Meet the Bomb Squad

The next meeting of the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee is Wednesday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. It will be in the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. The topic is “An Introduction to the Bomb Squad and its Tools.”

Residents will have a chance to learn about what the police Bomb Squad does. In addition, they’ll get to meet one of the unit’s bomb-detection dogs and operate a robot.

Free Carseat Inspections

Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, April 11, 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.

Sully District Council Meeting

The Sully District Council of Citizens Associations and its Land-Use Committee will meet Wednesday, April 24, at 7 p.m., in the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. (This meeting was postponed from March 27). Call Jeff Parnes, evenings, at 703-904-0131. Agenda items are as follows:

• Fairfax County’s Fairfax Forward plan to replace the APR (Area Plans Review) land-use process is ready for a public hearing. The panel will receive an update briefing.

• Verizon Wireless has identified a gap in wireless coverage and service in the local community. Verizon Wireless and Milestone Communications have applied to have a wireless telecommunications tower at London Towne Elementary.

• The panel will learn about proposed changes to the Dulles Discovery parcels on both sides of the Air and Space Museum Parkway, east of Route 28.

Food Donations for WFCM

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ food pantry urgently needs donations of spaghetti sauce, canned fruit, rice (2-lb. bags), canned pasta, peanut butter, canned tuna and meat, hot and cold cereal, fruit juice, and pancake mix and syrup. Bring all items to WFCM’S new food-pantry location at 13888 Metrotech Drive, near Papa John’s Pizza and Kumon Learning Center, in Chantilly’s Sully Place Shopping Center.

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.

Give Caregivers a Break

Fairfax County needs Respite Care volunteers throughout the county to give family caregivers of a frail older adult a well-deserved break. Volunteers visit and oversee the safety of the older adult for a few hours each month. Volunteers are matched with families in or near their own neighborhoods. Support and training is provided. Contact Kristin Martin at 703-324-7577, TTY 711, or Kristin.Martin@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Women's Self Defense Program

The Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation is partnering with the Fairfax County Police Department to offer the Women's Self Defense Training program. It’s based on the SAFE program formerly provided by the Police Department, but now being taught by C&J Security Corp.

The program is a two-day class that will meet on consecutive Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:15-9:30 p.m. It’s currently offered free and all class materials are included. Program funding is provided through the Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation.

The course is offered to females, age 13 and older. A female guardian must accompany girls 13-18. No men other than the instructors are permitted to be present during a class. For more information, call 703-246-7806, e-mail WSD@fairfaxfoundation.org or go to www.fairfaxfoundation.org.