Attention Dog Owners!

Tired of the same old walk around the block? Interested in letting your dog get some playtime with other dogs, while you talk to other dog owners?

Try the newest Fairfax County Dog Park at South Run RECenter, sponsored by Lorton Dogs, Inc. This is a 1.3 acre fenced area near the entrance to the rec center, where dogs can be let off-leash to run and play. The park is open from dawn to dusk, and is free.

Some rules to note: You must clean up after your dog (bags provided -- we don't want to spread diseases, right?); Dogs must have current rabies vaccine and license; Limit of 2 dogs per handler (no one under 9 years of age allowed in enclosure); Aggressive dogs must be removed from area; No other animals allowed in enclosure.

For more information and complete rules, see the Lorton Dogs website, or Fairfax County Park Authority (www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/parkfaq.htm#dogrules).

When you are walking your dog around the Village, please remember to clean up after them. And remember that no dogs are allowed--for health reasons--on school grounds.

The child safety seats that are used in cars are only safe when they are properly installed. The West Springfield Police Station, 6140 Rolling Road, conducts inspections of child safety seats. All appointments should be made in advance. To make and appointment call 703-644-7377. It is also important to be alert for recall notices. To find a list of recalls as well as lots of other useful safety information, check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site.