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TextNews to Use Podcast Transcript: June 30, 2010
Good day, and welcome to the Fairfax County News to Use podcast for June 30, 2010. Coming up, learn about a survey on deer management in Fairfax County, Fairfax Connector fare increases, new hours for the county library system, and how you can help residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
In an effort to assess the public’s opinion on deer management in Fairfax County, a survey seeking the public’s opinion is available online. Residents are encouraged to complete the survey concerning their thoughts and observations on the prevalence of deer, as well as ongoing and future attempts to address issues surrounding them. The survey will be posted until Aug. 1. To learn more about deer management in Fairfax County, contact Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist Vicky Monroe at 703-324-0240.
Effective Sunday, June 27, Fairfax Connector implemented fare changes, including an increase to the base bus fare to $1.50 if paying by SmarTrip® card and $1.70 if paying by cash. Additionally, senior and disabled fares will increase to 75 cents if paying by SmarTrip® card and 85 cents if paying by cash. And bus-to-bus transfers using a SmarTrip® card will be valid for up to 2 hours instead of 3 hours. For more information regarding Fairfax Connector fares or bus service, visit www.fairfaxconnector.com, or call the telephone information center at 703-339-7200.
The Fairfax County Public Library changed its hours effective July 1. Regional and community library branches, with the exception of Access Services, which is located at the Fairfax County Government Center, will alternate morning and evening hours four days a week allowing customers to access a library somewhere in the county from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Although the change represents a reduction in the overall number of hours the library is open each week, the new schedule allows branches to extend their evening hours from 8 p.m. until 9 p.m. More information on the new hours is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.
Learn how to help residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities resolve conflicts and improve their quality of life. Apply to attend a three-day initial training on Sept. 13, 14 and 23. The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers who can commit a minimum of four hours a week for one year. Volunteers set their own schedules with visits usually occurring between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. Volunteers receive training and continuing support. Call 703-324-5861 or 703-324-5422 for more information. That’s 703-324-5861 or 703-324-5422.
Finally, Fairfax County’s top building official asks residents to check the safety of their decks before using themby following five safety tips.
- Check support posts and beams for rot, splitting or abnormal movement.
- Closely check the attachment points between the deck and the house.
- Check all fasteners, bolts, joist hangers and other hardware for rust and/or corrosion.
- Check all guards and rails to be sure they are sturdy and secured.
- Use grills, heaters and outdoor fire pits with care.
Warning signs that a deck may be unsafe include: loose or wobbly railings or support beams, missing or loose screws that connect a deck to the house, corrosion, rot and cracks. Homeowners are reminded they must get a county permit and inspections anytime they make structural repairs or changes to their deck. For more information, call Fairfax County’s Land Development Services at 703-222-0114.
That’s all for this News to Use podcast. Thanks for listening. For more information about the topics in this podcast and for continuous news updates, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news. You may also call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. News to Use is produced by the Fairfax County, Virginia, government.
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