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Dulles Expo Center In Chantilly, Virginia is hosting the Super Pet Expo this weekend.   This is the perfect place for pet owners and pet lovers.  March 23, 24, and 25, no other event in Washington Metropolitan area delivers more animal education and entertainment under one roof.  Leashed pets are welcome to attend too (no extra charge).

Over 200 exhibitors  will be present at the show.  From Doggy Daycare to Puppy Bakeries.    Entertainment will include Ultimate Air dogs.  These are amazing dogs led by former major league baseball player Milt Wilcox and his dog  Sparky.  You will see dogs running down a 40 foot dock and launching into the air at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour.  A pet fashion show will be there with all-of the latest fashions for your stylish pooch.  Also available for your dog will be a $25 Micro-Chipping.  This is a one-of-a-kind ID number that is injected into your dog and a scanner worldwide to find your friend fast, if they become missing.  This just isn’t a show for our canine friends but their will be cat agility tournaments, feline fun shows, a snake exhibit and a exotic bird show.

Admission is $12 for adults and Kids 12 and Under $6 and Kids 3 and Under are FREE.  Click here for a $2.00 off coupon and a free kid’s ticket.

Bring your favorite pet or humane and see what there is to see at the Super Pet Expo.

 Fredericksburg Expo Center in Celebrate Virginia is hosting the Fredericksburg Home and Garden Show featuring the showcase of Gardens.  With Spring finally here it is time to pull out your shovels and mulch and get our lawns in order.  Not sure how to do that or who to have you help do that.  Visit the expo center Friday - Sunday and see what all of the exhibitors have to offer.  There will be a wide range of landscapers, pool companies, and deck companies all there for your convenience.  Not to mention on-Friday you can meet two of the Redskin cheerleaders at the cox media booth.  Admission is $7 for adults and children 12 and under are FREE. Click Here for a dollar off coupon.

Come join us this weekend for the Largest ,most diverse Home show with the Showcase of Gardens.

Stafford County has Animal Control which is a facility that is responsible for picking up stray or injured dogs, investigating cases of cruelty, handling adoption of animals, conducting the annual rabies clinic and other functions concerning domestic animals.  All puppies that are adopted from the shelter are given the first series of shots and are dewormed for round worms only.  A $20 adoption fee for dogs and a $10 adoption fee for cats do apply.  In order to adopt a dog  you must comply with the terms and-conditions set forth by the Stafford Count animal Shelter.  A few of the rules are:

• Get your pet spade or neuter within ten days of the date of the adoption.
• Have the pet (if it is a dog) vaccinated against rabies at the age of 4 months
• To purchase appropriate dog license tag and to wear the tag at all times.

To view other terms and conditions click here.

To find a special pet call 540-658-7378  for more information on Stafford County Animal Control.

Pet Assistance League Of Virginia or P.A.L. is a no-kill, non-profit organization.  It provides foster care for homeless animals until permanent homes are found.  Their mission is to recover; foster and, when necessary, socially and medically rehabilitate as many homeless animals as possible throughout Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania Counties for relocation into permanent loving homes. 

To adopt just fill out an application and undergo a personal interview to discuss qualifications, attitudes concerning pet care and ability to maintain the pet and comply with the adoption requirements for life of the animal.   All of the animals are current with required shots and immunizations as well as being either spayed or neutered.  To help defray a small portion of he costs for food, supplies and medical care while in the foster program the current adoption fees are $200 and up for a dog and $125 for a cat.

Adoption events are held every Saturday from 12:00 - 6:00 P.m. in the Dale City Pet Smart. 13337 Worth ave, click here for a map.  View some of the rescued animals.

Prince William County Animal Shelter

Has a Featured Pet list that is updated weekly.  This is just a small list of what they actually have at the facility.  The Shelter goes by reference numbers so be sure to provide this number when inquiring about a particular animal.  The Prince William County Animal Shelter works hard to find homes for the animals as quickly as possible.  All animals are given a minimum of 7 day grace period.  Sadly, not all animals brought to the shelter find homes.  All Dogs and cats adopted from the Prince William County Animal Shelter must be spayed or neutered as mandated by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors.  Contact the Prince William County Animal Shelter for any question, comments or concerns.

Prince William SPCA

The SPCA is designed to reduce the number of dogs and cats being born, facilitate animal adoptions, and enrich the human-animal bond.  They are not a rescue organization nor do they have a shelter or foster program.  Instead they encourage cooperation among animal rescue groups, the local shelter, businesses, schools and county government.  Search from over 150,000 adoptable pets on Pet Finder web site.  Also locate shelters and rescue groups currently caring for adoptable pets in your area.

No matter what agency you decide to go with to obtain your new friend a Dog License must be worn at all times whether it is fenced or not.  To obtain your license a copy of the current rabies certificate and proof of spay/neuter, if that applies, to each animal you are requesting a license for.  The amount varies from county to county depending on whether the dog has been unaltered (unfixed) or not.  For Stafford County or Prince Willam County.

Find a friend in A Shelter.  Adopt a PET today.

Registering a new car is a step process.  Most important is to obtain car insurance.  Yo must have the minimum amount of insurance or pay the $500 for uninsured motorist fee each year.   The proof of insurance must be shown to register your vehicle. 

Get an emissions inspection.  Certain areas of Virginia require your vehicle to pass an emissions inspection every two years.  Exemptions to the the inspection include:

• New vehicles being titled for the first time in VA with a manufacturer’s certificate of origin
• Gasoline-powered vehicles 25 years or older, whether registered as an antique or not.
• Diesel Vehicles
• Vehicles exclusively powered by clean fuel.
• Certain hybrid vehicles.

An emission inspection must be done before you register your vehicle.  When your vehicle registration renewal notice comes in the mail it will prompt you that a smog check is required. 

Complete a vehicle registration Application and pay any fees that are associated with your vehicle.  The fee is determined by the type of license plate you purchase, the weight of the vehicle and whether you register for one or two years.  You then will be given your license plates, decals and registration card.  Carry the the registration card with you whenever you drive. 

To Renew your registration it must be done before your registration expires.  Renewals can be done at the DMV office, by phone, by mail or online. 

If you are active-duty military who is stationed in Virginia, you may drive with valid licenses from out of state or from your home country.  

If you are active-duty military and live in VA and cannot visit a DMV service center before your registration expires you-may submit an application for registration and the appropriate fee to the address below:

Titles and Registration

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

P.O. Box 27412

Richmond, VA  23269

or simply renew by phone or online with a major credit card.

Easter Egg-Stravaganza Brunch is this Sunday at Potomac Point Winery.  Choose from two different brunch seatings:  11am or 1pm.  Menu includes: Waffle Station, Omelet Station, Pasta Station, Bacon and Sausage, Home Fries, Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Assorted Fresh Fruit Salas, Coffee & Iced Tea, Chef’s assorted bread and spreads…. and much, much more.  Cost is $38.99 Per Person + 15% service fee and tax.  Special Club member price $34.99 per person + 15% service fee and tax. 

Bunny Photos

The Easter Bunny is still at Spotsylvania Towne Centre and awaiting to get his photo taken with your little ones.  Saturday he is available from 11-8.  He is sitting in Center Court.  Hurry before he hops away.

Easter Egg Hunt in the City of Manassas.  The City of Manassas Recreation and Parks Department is hosting an Egg Hunt on the lawn of the Manassas Museum.   Come search for candy and toy filled eggs and meet the Easter Bunny.  Saturday, March 22 at 10-12.  Cost is $5.00.

Need a break from the Easter Bunny?  Come to the Fredericksburg Fly Fishing Show and Film Festival on Saturday, March 22.  This show is put on annually by the Falmouth Flats Fly Fishers.  A group dedicated to restoring our natural resources and to educate the public about all aspects of fly fishing.  This is the 5th annual show and this day is devoted to the sport of fly fishing and all those who enjoy it.  There will be guest speakers which include legendary Lefty Kreh and Beau Beasley who is the author of “Fly Fishing in Virginia”.  This year is also the introduction to the Fredericksburg Fly Fishing Film Festival.  Hosted by Jamie Howard who will showcase film makers from the Mid Atlantic region.  The show will also feature a great variety of vendors, casting instruction, a fly-tying table, 2 different raffles, and a silent auction.  Admission is $5.00.  Children are welcome.

If you are a  new resident of Virginia you have 60 days of moving here to obtain a Virginia Driver’s License. Unless you obtain a CDL (commercial drivers license) then it needs to be taken care of within 30 days.  If you are 19 or older and you hold a valid drivers license you may not be required to:

• take the two-part knowledge exam or the road skills test.
• show proof of successful completion of driver education or hold a learners permit for 30 days.

However, you must pass a vision test.  If your license is suspended or revoked by another state, you may not be-able to obtain a drivers license until your driving record in that state is cleared and you meet the Virginia requirements.

If  you are active duty military stationed in Virginia, you may drive with a valid driver’s license issued by your home state or country.   The cars registration may maintain as it’s out of state license plate if you are the sole owner.  If the vehicle is co-owned, all owners must be active duty military.  Your car may be registered in  Virginia without obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.

If you are an Out-of-State Student and enrolled full time at an accredited school in Virginia and not employed, you may drive in Virginia with a valid out-of-state driver’s license.  If you are a full time student and employed, you are considered a resident of Virginia for the purpose of motor vehicle laws only.  This does not necessarily qualify you for in state tuition rates.  Therefore, you must apply for a Virginia driver’s license and register your vehicle in Virginia.  You must register the vehicle in Virginia even if it is owned by someone else.

First time drivers must be a resident of the commonwealth of Virginia and at least 16 years ad 3 months of age to obtain a Virginia driver’s license.  To receive a learners permit you must be at least 15 years and 6 months of age.  If you are under age 18, you must provide written consent form one of your parents or your legal guardian unless you are married.  If you are under 19 you must complete a state-approved driver education program and hold your Virginia leaner’s permit for at least nine months.  Any other questions not answered here see the Virginia DMV web site.

If there is any thing you would like to know about in Virginia or have us write about send us a comment and we will be happy to check into it for you.

Next week will be how to Register your vehicle after you have made the move to Virginia.

Boys and Girls Clubs are to help young children of all backgrounds, to build confidence, develop character and to help them acquire the skills needed to become productive and responsible adults.

In 1886 the Newsboys and Children’s Aide Society was established in  Northwest Washington.  With the sponsorship and assistance of the Rotary Club the name was officially changed to the Boys Clubs of Washington.  In 1973, Boys Clubs of Washington began allowing girls as full and equal members which then again changed the name to what it is today, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.  Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington is one of the largest clubs associated with the Boys  & Girls Clubs of America.  They have been serving the youth for 120 years.

Opportunities that are given to young people allow them to dream again.  The focus of the Clubs are to reinforce and enhance skills and knowledge that the young people learn at school.  Each facility has a power hour that is a tutoring program designed to help with academic proficiency in ages 6-12.  Fitness is promoted as well as academics.  Offering at the Clubs are a wide range of sports, fitness and recreation all to promote good health. 

The Boys & Girls Club offers 3 in our region.

Fredericksburg Regional Branch

200 Gunnery Road, Fredericksburg,  Va

General Heiser Branch

17565 Old Stage Coach Road, Dumfries, VA

Hylton Branch

5070 Dale Boulevard, Dales City, VA

Each club in our region offers Before and After School Care Monday - Friday:  6:00 Am -6:00 PM.  Walk in Member hours are Monday - Friday: 3pm - 9pm.

Ages range from facility to facility so check out your local branches for more information.

There are many amenities at Austin Ridge, a community center, swimming pool, swim team, tennis courts, tot lots, sidewalks, walking trails and an active homeowners association. 

Austin Ridge Rapids is the swim team an a member of the Rappahannock Swim League, which is a recreational swim league.  There are appoximately 2,500 swimmers and they compete on 22 teams in the league.  

The Community Center is available for private parties and functions.  See the Austin Ridge amentities web site for more information.

Austine Ridge’s Robertson-Towson House is currently beig studied by the the Stafford Historical Society.  During the Civl War, the Towson House and surrounding area was utilized as a Union camp site (Most of stafford’s house sites were used as shelters or hospitals during the war).

For more houses check out Austin Ridge Homes for sale or rent.

Prince William County is located in Northern Virginia.  The population of Prince William County was estimated at 383,644 in 2007 this was a 36.6% increase since 2000.  The county is a total area of 348 square miles.  It is bounded on the north by Loudon and Fairfax counties; to the south by Stafford County; on the east by the Potomac River, and on the west by Fauquier County.

Prince William County Public Schools consist of 62 Elementary schools, 15 Middle Schools and 10 High Schools.   This is the second largest in the state.

There are 2 National Parks in Prince William.  Prince William Forest Park is the largest protected natural area in the Washington Dc region.  It s over 15,000 acres.  It was established as a Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration area in 1936.  ManassasNational Battlefield Park preserves the site of two major American Civil Ware battles.  The First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861 and the Second Battle of Bull Run which was fought between August 28 and August 30, 1862.

Come to Prince William County for the history or for the Shopping.  Potomac Mills is the 10th most popular tourist destination in Virginia and the largest outlet mall in the region.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is hosting a ballet performed by The Manassas Ballet Theater, the only professional ballet company in Northern Virginia.  This ballet is an original production dedicated to Lance Corporal Colin Wolfe U.S. Marine Corps, who was killed in action.  Lance Corporal Wolfe was serving the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment in Al Anbar province on August 30, 2006.  This patriot ballet is to honor not only Lance Corporal Wolfe, but other servicemen and women.  Wolfe was an expert ballet dancer, with over 15 years of study.

Begin the evening with Gallery visits and refreshments available for purchase.  6 PM until 8:30.  Tickets are $15.

This event is sponsored by Military By Owner.

Stafford County is located halfway between Washington DC, and Richmond.  The Population in Stafford is approximately 124,000 people.  Quantico Marine Corps base occupies 30,527 acres in the northern end of the county.   Stafford county is the home of 17 Elementary Schools, 7 Middle Schools and 5 High Schools. 

The Recreational opportunities here are abundant too.  There are more than 1,000 aces of county, regional, state and national parks.  There are numerous amenities including 5 private marinas, 2 public fishing lakes, 7 county parks, 188 acres of athletic fields and 3 golf courses.  The Rappahannock River flow along the southern boundary of the County.  The Rappahannock has been designated as a State Scenic River and this is the home to many wildlife.

Stafford county was founded in 1664.  It has a strong connection that has helped shape our nation’s history.  Marlborough Point in the eastern part of the county, is where the Indian Princess Pocahontas was kidnapped and taken to Jamestown.  Also Augustine Washington made his home here in Stafford due to the county’s prosperous iron industry.  He had a son named George.  They made there home in Ferry Farm.  The future first president spent most of his young adulthood here.   Mining and quarrying were important industires in colonial Stafford.  Iron works furnished arms for the American Revolution.  Aquia sandstone, provided stone for the White House, the U.S. Capitol and trim for private homes.

Stafford continues to maintain a strong connection with its historical tradition.  Visitors can tour Ferry Farm, Chatham Manor, Belmont, the 18th century home of American artist Gari Melcher and Aquia Church, one of the oldest colonial Churches in the United States.