Good day, I’m Terry Rounds, and welcome to the Fairfax County News to Use podcast of January 8, 2008. Coming up, starting a business in Fairfax County; light pollution and a history book about the county. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news.
The popular “Entrepreneurship 101: Starting a Business in Fairfax County” seminars will continue in 2008 with nine sessions scheduled for the year. The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority conducts the workshop for individuals interested in beginning a business in the county. The 2008 dates are January 8th, February 5th, March 4th, April 1st, May 6th, June 3rd, September 9th, October 7th and November 4th. The workshops generally are held 8300 Boone Boulevard, Suite 450, in Vienna, beginning at 8 a.m. The workshops are free but pre-registration is required.
Where can you find 14 people, nine birds, two insects, 19 animals, 10 water creatures, two centaurs, one head of hair, a serpent, a dragon, a flying horse and a river all in one place? Look no further than the stellar constellations of the night sky, which is one of the subjects covered in the latest Fairfax County Stewardship brochure, Night. Unfortunately, light pollution from ever expanding urban areas is threatening night sky views that have been visible since the beginning of time. Dark night skies not only provide wonder and enjoyment for casual astronomers, but animals use the dark to hide and hunt for prey. The brochure discusses the enormous waste of energy that results from poorly designed outdoor lighting and provides tips for reducing light pollution around homes. For more information, visit the News to Use Web page or call 703-324-8674.
And finally, give the gift of the past with “Fairfax County Stories 1607-2007.” The book covers 400 years of the county’s fascinating characters, stories, pictures and history — including everything from spies to ghosts to politics. Inside its 260 pages, readers can learn about a suspected confederate spy; a ghost at Keene Mill School; the migration of Filipino Americans; homeland security Cold War style; and more. This historical anthology is available for $10 in paperback or $25 in hardback. It can be bought in-person or by phone through the county’s Maps and Publications Center. For more information, call 703-324-2974.
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.