IN BRIEF

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Service for Fallen Soldiers

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church will unveil and dedicate a historical marker during a Memorial Day celebration after the noon service Sunday at the church's original location, 13614 Coppermine Rd., Herndon.

The church, at 2516 Squirrel Hill Rd. in Herndon, was founded in 1866. The ceremony will include prayers, songs and recognition of those who have died in any U.S. wars.

For information, call 703-793-1196.

American Legion Event

Wayne M. Kidwell American Legion Post 184 will observe Memorial Day with a ceremony featuring the Herndon Naval Junior ROTC Color Guard at 10 a.m. Monday at Chestnut Grove Cemetery, 831 Dranesville Rd., Herndon.

For information, call David Kirby at 703-481-6189.

Fun and Fingerprinting

An open house featuring a bike rodeo, face painting, entertainment, refreshments and representatives from the county police and fire and rescue departments will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 31 at the South County Center, 8350 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria.

The police department will provide fingerprinting for children and offer tours in "prisoner transportation vehicles" to the Mount Vernon District Station.

For information, call Maria Franco-Nativi at 703-704-6700.

Trails Day Projects

Trail maintenance and rerouting, invasive plant removal and trail grading will be some of the projects taking place during National Trails Day, beginning at 8:30 a.m. June 7 at Scott's Run Nature Preserve, off Georgetown Pike in McLean.

Projects are suitable for all ages. Volunteers must register and should bring water and work gloves.

For information and to register, call 703-379-9400, e-mail Mark Nelson at mnelson@rei.com or visit http://americanhiking.org/ntd.aspx and click on Virginia.

Founding Father's Day

Gen. George Washington, portrayed by a costumed interpreter, will greet guests and discuss his role as husband, stepfather and father of our country at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. June 15 in the Little Theater at Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., in the Alexandria section of the county.

For Father's Day, dads will be admitted free to George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill, where costumed distillers demonstrate making whiskey. The distillery is three miles from the estate on Route 235 South.

Estate admission is $13; children 6-11, $6; and children 5 and younger, free. Distillery admission is $4; children 6-11, $2; and children 5 and younger, free.

For information, call 703-780-2000 or visit http://www.mountvernon.org.

Police Seek Public Input

The Falls Church Police Department will conduct a citizen survey in June and July to evaluate public opinions about the level of law enforcement services provided and to identify ways to improve services.

Survey forms are available at http://www.fallschurchva.gov. Click Residential Services and then Safety & Crime Prevention on the left. Surveys will also be available at City Hall, 300 Park Ave.; the Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.; and the Community Center, 223 Little Falls St. Completed surveys may be faxed to 703-248-5158 or mailed to Falls Church Police Department, Attn.: Internal Affairs, 300 Park Ave., G2 Level, East Wing, Falls Church, Va. 22046.

For information, call 703-241-5053.

Novel Sculptures

Twenty-seven statues of large, open books are on display at library branches, schools and other locations across the county and Fairfax City.

The statues have been painted by artists to reflect life in Fairfax County, history, children's books and other themes. The books will be displayed through summer.

For information, visit http://www.fairfaxlibraryfoundation.org. Click on Art in the Pages Sculpture Project.