Good day, I’m Terry Rounds, and welcome to the Fairfax County News to Use podcast of March 11th, 2008. Coming up, learn about the facts between drinking water and pharmaceuticals, budget townhall meetings, an upcoming mega job fair, and driving lessons for older adults. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news.
Trace amounts of common medicines have been found in our region’s water supply. This information comes from recent news stories, and some people may be worried if tap water is safe.
Fairfax County wants residents to know that it takes these reports seriously. Residents also should know:
- One: Our drinking water is treated with advanced processes;
- Two: The media says only very low levels of medicines have been found. These amounts are in the parts per trillion; and
- Three: there is no proof that these medicines in the water can cause immediate harm.
Our wastewater and drinking water are treated, but you can help. Throw unused or unwanted medicines in the trash. Don’t flush them down the toilet—unless specifically directed by the label. Medicines that are flushed can end up in rivers and streams. And stay informed about this topic by going to Fairfax Water’s Web site at www.fairfaxwater.org.
A series of town meetings will be held throughout the county on Fairfax County Executive Anthony Griffin’s Fiscal Year 2009 proposed budget. These meetings will give residents the opportunity to ask questions and discuss specific concerns. Representatives from the Department of Management and Budget will be present at each meeting. Visit the News to Use Web page or call 703-FAIRFAX for details.
Fairfax County will host the 2008 Mega Job Fair and Entrepreneurship Expo on Saturday, March 29th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax. Employers from various industry sectors will be participating, offering a wide range of career opportunities in such areas as information technology, finance, retail, business services, and federal, state and local governments. The event is open to the public. Admission and parking are free. No pre-registration is required.
And finally, on March 25th and 28th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sully Senior Center will offer the AARP Driver Safety Program at 5690 Sully Road in Centreville. This class is the nation’s first and largest classroom driver refresher course specially designed for motorists who are 50 and better. It is intended to help older drivers improve their skills while teaching them to avoid accidents and traffic violations. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of this course that entitles them to a discount with most auto insurance providers. The two-day class is $10. You must attend both days to complete the course. For more information, call 703-322-4475.
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.