Ever feel like you've lost a job because of a bad interview? With a national unemployment rate of 8.2 percent (Northern Virginia is at 4.5 percent), knowing the secret to a good interview - and how someone crosses that bridge from being on the short-list to the call-back list - can make or break your next career move. On Thursday, Patch sat down with an authority on the subject - John Mason, the President and CEO of the Workhouse Arts Center, who estimates that he's interviewed hundreds of job applicants over the last 30 years. Patch: What tips do you have for people about to walk into that …
Last week, President Barack Obama announced in a news interview that he supported gay marriage. The announcement comes about six months before the general election. Will the issue have an impact on the outcome of the presidential race? Patch spoke to Lorton residents about it Sunday at the Lorton farmers market: Susan Jones believes the country wants gay marriage: "I think Obama is appealing to a mass crowd, especially the whole gay population. I think the country wants it, on the whole." Lynn Metts questioned the timing of Obama's move: "It'll help him amongst liberals and hurt him with …
On Sunday, April 22, more than a billion people across the globe will recognize Earth Day with cleanups, walks, flower-sniffing and a general appreciation of living in harmony with nature. Patch was at Mason Neck State Park today and asked visitors how they were celebrating Earth Day. Here's what they said: Mason Neck State Park Manager J.J. Lowry was prepping tents for the 15th annual Eagle Festival. The event can accommodate up to 4,000 people—that is, if it isn't rained out for the second year in a row. "There are five nests and about 60-70 bald eagles on Mason Neck since the refuge was…
The price of gas is high, and for many that means belt-tightening, carpooling and eating out less. The average for a gallon of gasoline in Lorton is now $4.091—much higher than the average of $3.367 only six months ago. The nationwide average is about $3.97. “As nationwide gas prices climb ever-closer to last year’s high and the $4-per-gallon mark, motorists are left wondering how long they’ll have to endure this pain at the pump,” said Martha M. Meade, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “We’re likely to break through these gas price milestones in the coming days…
Want some really fresh eggs with breakfast? Fairfax County is exploring the possibility of easing restrictions on owning urban chickens. Current Fairfax County regulations allow up to 32 chickens on properties of two or more acres. Chicken coops and other structures must be 50 feet from any lot line and there is a $910 fee to apply for a special exception with the Board of Zoning Appeals. Directed by chicken owner and Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland (D), County staff are looking into the possibility and legalities involved in creating a pilot program for a Domestic Fowl …
