Locals Sought for Volunteer Fire Department, Sign Up for New After-School Program, and More

Welcome to Today in Fairfax, our new daily news briefs that give you a quick snapshot of the day's important local news and events.

The Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD) is currently seeking new volunteers. Whenever there is a fire or medical emergency, the FVFD works together with the City of Fairfax Fire Department – and have been, for roughly 70 years. Among the FVFD volunteer opportunities are firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) positions. Volunteers receive extensive initial training, and continuing education every year. Along with emergency work, volunteers help with education programs, fundraising, medical standby at special events, and more. And, there are quite a few valuable perks - volunteers receive many benefits, including reduced gym membership initiation fees and free health exams. They also enjoy reduced taxes - volunteers who meet established criteria pay minimal personal property taxes. Currently, those who qualify pay only 1 cent per $100 of assessed value of their personal property. For more information, visit www.fairfaxvfd.com or call 703-385-7877. Editor's Note: Reduced tax benefits does not apply to real estate taxes.

Evolution Martial Arts is starting a new after-school program for local kids this fall. Students can be picked up from Daniels Run Elementary School and driven to the studio, located at 3848 Old Lee Hwy. Activities will include physical activity, games, homework help, and complimentary after-school snacks. Contact an instructor for more information and rates. Call 703-267-9689, e-mail info@emafairfax.com, or visit www.emafairfax.com.

Looking for a way to get your kid interested in science, as well as entertain? Tickets are still available for this Friday’s 10:30 a.m. show of Doktor Kaboom! at Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theater-in-the-Woods, nearby at 1551 Trap Road in Vienna. Called “a creative science wiz that proves science is a blast with his explosively hilarious interactive show,” Doktor Kaboom explores the scientific process through “super-charged” experiments. Tickets are $10, and children under two are free. Visit the Wolf Trap website for tickets and more information.

The City of Fairfax is in the process of redesigning the City’s website. The “graphic-rich” site promises to be “leaner, with streamlined information and drop-down menus for easy navigation,” and plenty of new features, City representatives said. For example, users will be able to add an event on the City’s calendar directly to their own online or desktop calendars. The City said, all of the changes being made were decided upon at the suggestions of users and residents. The site is due to debut in September.

This week, Virginia Senator Mark Obenshain, the Republican nominee for Attorney General, unveiled the first part of his “Safe Communities Agenda,” announcing his plan to better prevent and prosecute elder abuse at The Woodlands and The Gardens at Fair Oaks, two assisted living facilities in Fairfax County. Said Obenshain, “As Attorney General, I will fight to protect senior citizens from abuse and neglect and will work with local law enforcement to see that those who would take advantage of them are aggressively prosecuted.” His plan includes establishment of an Elder Abuse Prevention Center in the Attorney General’s office, enhanced oversight to help prevent and quickly identify abuse, and improved training efforts and partnerships with law enforcement and other first responders as well as friends and family members, care providers, and community volunteers.

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