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Meatless Diet Could Prolong One’s Life

New study shows vegetarian and vegan diets could lower risk of untimely death

“The number one thing to do is to explore different types of vegetables. Think outside of green beans and corn.” — Bonita Lillie, registered dietician

Love after 50: Baby Boomers Need Romance Too

Couple chronicles their online dating experience in new book.

“Dating in your 60s is a lot different than dating in the 1960s, to be sure. Our message is one of hope and the courage to try one more time. Life is just too short.”   — Mindy Mitchell, coauthor of “Lube of Life: A Tribute to Sex, Love and the Pursuit of Happiness in the Boomer Age”

When a Bill Becomes a Law

On July 1, sales taxes go up for Fairfax County residents.

“We needed to at least make it clear that you risk a reckless driving offense if you text and drive.” —Del. David Bulova (D-37)


Don't Be Afraid; Learn About Bees

Number of drones on the increase.

What Do You Know About Bees? How many bees in an ordinary colony (hive)? a) 1000 b) 10,000 c) 60,000 or more 2. Each colony has one queen. What happens if more than one is born? a) All but one is killed b) All but one is driven out c) The first one takes half the colony and relocates 3. The oldest bee ever found (preserved in a drop of amber) lived how many years ago? a) 1,000,000 b) 25,000,000 c) 100,000,000 4. Stingers release venom for a brief time. What to do on being stung? gently back out stinger with a fingernail or credit card apply ice for swelling c) both a and b 90% of bees are workers. Which gender? a) male female Which stinging insect is vegetarian? hornet bee wasp 7. At least how much honey a colony (hive) needs for winter? 10 pounds 60 pounds 100 pounds 8. Honey has flavors depending on the blossoms visited. What do beekeepers do with "bad tasting" honey? throw it out leave it for bees to eat 9. Normal gathering range of a bee? 500 yards one-half mile c) 2 miles (or more) 10. For millennia, honey has been used treating wounds? a) true b) false Answers; 1.c; 2.a; 3.c; 4.c; 5.b; 6.b; 7.b; 8.b; 9.c; 10.a. Grading correct answers: 9-10 = A; 7-8 = "bee"; 5-6 = C. Arlington Adult Education offers a class called "Help the Honeybees!" on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Arlington Career Center, in Walter Reed Drive near Columbia Pike. Hours are 7 to 10 p.m. and registration is $5. Beekeepers Association of Northern Virginia has a booth at the 2013 Arlington County Fair to be held in Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd Street, South, Aug. 7 - 11. Bee products are judged at the Fair and many Are offered for sale. All the answers to all the possible questions about bees are found through that association's webpage: www.beekeepersnova.org

Let the Sparks Fly in the County

It’s not too late to enjoy local 4th of July festivals, parades and fireworks.

So. It’s July 4, 2013. Independence Day. A federal holiday celebrating our freedom from Great Britain. The National Day of the United States. And you have nothing planned.

Fourth of July Fun Facts

Information provided by Smithsonian Children’s Magazine press releases. For more trivia, go to newsdesk.si.edu. Joke courtesy of Elle Ross, 7, of Vienna.


Let the Sparks Fly

It’s not too late to enjoy local 4th of July festivals, parades and fireworks.

So. It’s July 4, 2013. Independence Day. A federal holiday celebrating our freedom from Great Britain. The National Day of the United States. And you have nothing planned.

Cross County Trail Renamed After Gerry Connolly

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) says he is humbled by the Fairfax County Park Authority's decision to rename the 40-mile Cross County Trail the “Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail."

Virginia Lyme Disease Bill Signed

On June 25, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and other Northern Virginia lawmakers met at Claude Moore Park in Sterling for the ceremonial signing of the Lyme Disease Information Disclosure Act of 2013.


VVFD Auctions Date With Firefighter

Men and women of Vienna fire department fuel fundraiser.

“The idea, initially, made people [firefighters and EMTs] hesitant, but when they realized it wasn’t a real date, but actually a group dinner, we got a lot more interest and support from them.” - VVFD President Anthony Stancampiano

Governor Visits Express Lanes

Standing on the side of I-95 at the height of rush hour on Tuesday, June 25, Governor Bob McDonnell looked at the construction around him with optimism.

Week in Vienna

This week in Vienna, a water quality report becomes available.


Total Health Concepts Opens in Vienna

Local residents, current clients and friends celebrated the grand opening of Total Health Concepts of Vienna on June 8, enjoying a sampling of the company’s services, nutritious grilled food, and a moon bounce for youngsters.

Elevation Burger Takes the Hamburger Higher

New restaurant features grass-fed, free-range and organic beef.

There are hamburgers and then there are hamburgers freshly-ground from humanely-raised, grass-fed, free-range beef … it’s also USDA-certified organic.

AAA Tigers Win Championship

8-5 finals defeat of Royals is Tigers’ third straight win over higher seed.

The fifth seeded Vienna Little League (VLL) AAA Tigers shook off early jitters, controversial calls and a furious last inning comeback featuring a 3-run homer, to hold off the American League Champion Royals, 8-5 Friday before an exuberant crowd at Rhodes Field at Yeonis Park.


Viewpoints

Librarians: Favorite Time of the Year

Librarians tell why the Summer Reading Program is their favorite time of the year.

Summer Reading Starts in Vienna, Oakton Libraries

Children encouraged to enjoy books as leisure.

For many years, The Fairfax County Summer Reading Program has encouraged students to continuing reading through summer vacation.

Attracting Teens to Reading

Parents of teenagers may find it harder to encourage their children to read.


Time to Read in Great Falls, McLean

Summer reading programs at local libraries attract children and parents alike.

School may be out, but Fairfax County Public Libraries are hoping that doesn’t mean students will stop reading.

Week in McLean

This week in McLean features new and exciting events!