Round Ups
Self-Defense Classes for Women
Registration is now open for the upcoming women’s self-defense classes presented by the Fairfax County Police Department. They’re free, but participants must attend all four nights. The classes are on March 12, 14, 19 and 21, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, 14601 Lee Road in Chantilly.
Women will learn essential tips on crime prevention and personal safety. There’ll also be some hands-on self-defense practice (optional). Girls between 13-17 years old are welcome to participate but must bring along a registered female parent or guardian.
Space is limited and it’s first-come, first-served. Register at https://bit.ly/49xIhrs. However, if the registration is full, keep checking the link because spots might open up if someone decides to cancel.
Car Seat Inspections on March 14
Parents may get their children’s car seats inspected on Thursday, March 14, from 5-8:30 p.m., outside the Sully District Police Station. It’s at 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Inspections are done on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants should install the child safety seat so the inspection can be performed. The seat will be properly re-installed if necessary, and parents will be taught how to install the seat properly. Everyone is eligible. Another car-seat inspection is scheduled for March 28, at the same place and time.
Donate to the Feminine Supplies Drive
Period poverty is defined as the lack of access to safe and clean menstrual products and hygiene facilities. The inability to acquire these essential hygiene products impacts the overall physical and emotional health of those who menstruate.
So to support the local shelters and nonprofits serving those in need, Fairfax County is holding a drive to collect these items. Community members may help by donating new and sealed packages of tampons, pads, liners and menstrual cups from now through March 29. The two, main drop-off locations in the Sully District are at:
*The Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. The collection bin is available 24/7 in the building’s lobby.
* The Sully Community Center, 13800 Wall Road in Herndon. The collection bin is just inside the front doors by the information desk, and the building is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In addition, donations may also be brought to any public library (hours may vary, so check first). For more information, contact Kim Jaramillo at Kimberly.Jaramillo@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-560-6946.
Driving ‘Reality Check’ Course for Teens, Parents
For teenagers, car crashes are the leading cause of injury and death. So Inova is holding a free, “Reality Check” course for teens and their parents or guardians. It’s set for Saturday, March 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (please arrive between 10-10:20 a.m.), in the Physicians Conference Center of the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church.
While all drivers are welcome, this three-hour program is ideal for drivers with learner permits or newly licensed drivers and their parents. This is not a drop-off event. Parents or guardians must stay for the program. Registration is limited, so those interested are encouraged to sign up soon. Register at
https://bit.ly/3SXZW4z. Here’s what’s planned:
* Student Program
· Interactive slideshow and video presentation
· Trauma bay & ER tour
· Mock trauma resuscitation
· EMS unit ambulance tour, Q & A Session with Fire & Rescue personnel
· Crash survivors who share their experiences
· Interactive driving simulator demonstrating effects of impaired and drowsy driving.
* Parent Program
· How to be an effective role model to teen drivers
· How to coach and teach teen drivers
· How to talk to teens about decision making, alcohol, and other difficult subjects
· How to implement a parent-teen driving-safety contract.
For questions or more information, contact Linda Watkins at linda.watkins@inova.org or 703-776-3259.