Virginia Beach Va

Beginning in January 2012, the City of Virginia Beach will begin charging all residents of single-family homes, townhomes and duplexes who receive city waste collection services a monthly $10 fee in their utility/stormwater bills.

Until recently, solid waste collection has been covered by revenue in the general fund; however, those funds are no longer sufficient to cover the expenses.

The $10 fee will generate about $14.5 million, or about 40 percent of the program’s cost for the 123,660 customers that currently receive service.

Without the fee, during the fiscal years 2012-2018, there is a projected funding shortfall of $58.2 million needed to provide waste management services.

For more information regarding the new fee call 385-4167 or visit www.vbgov.com/publicworks

source: vb.gov.com

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, formerly as the Virginia Marine Science Museum, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The facility is one of Virginia Beach’s most popular attractions, with annual attendance often exceeding 650,000 guests a year. Since its opening, 11 million guests, one million of them students, have visited the Aquarium.

The 89-acre campus includes:

* two exhibit buildings comprised of 129,000 square feet

* a walkable, interactive nature trail

* Virginia native plant gardens

* an aviary with more than 30 species

* a 300-seat 3D IMAX® Theater

* fresh and saltwater aquariums

* 360 interactive exhibits

* live animal habitats

* two touch pools

Harold, a 17-pound lobster caught by Hagan Seafood Corporation, was donated to the Virginia Marine Science Museum as its first live animal exhibit in 1984. With the addition of the four Restless Planet galleries in 2009, the animal collection has grown to nearly 12,000 representing more than 700 species.

The facility also offers seasonal whale and dolphin watching boat trips and premium up-close animal experiences.

Education, research, conservation and animal care are also part of the Museum’s mission.
In addition to the Virginia Aquarium’s renowned Stranding Response Program, research and conservation efforts have grown in other ways. The Aquarium was the first certified Green Attraction in the Commonwealth, and continues to take the lead by hosting e-cycling events and developing a Sensible Seafood program.

Revenues generated by the Aquarium over the past 10 years have increased by almost 100 percent, which creates revenue for the City as well as the Commonwealth of Virginia.

It employs up to 150 people and saves tens of thousands of dollars by engaging close to 900 volunteers to supplement its workforce.  Additionally, a wide range of vendors are used to maintain and keep the Aquarium operational.

Planning for the Aquarium will be accomplished through the proposed long-range Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan.  This master plan, nearly complete, will create a nationally recognized center of excellence related to the coastal and marine environment through programs, facilities and partnerships.

For more information about the Virginia Aquarium visit www.virginiaaquarium.com

Friday Night Hoedowns are held every Friday night through October 30 at 7 p.m., rain or shine (unless storms contain lightning) at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market, 3640 Dam Neck Road.

Music lovers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to this family friendly event. The Princess Anne County Grill is open until 10 p.m. during hoedowns for dinner or snacks.

During the Spring season, there are a million things to do around Virginia Beach and the surrounding Tidewater area.

Virginia Beach’s kite flying season gets in full swing during March, when strong winds make kite flying a “breeze”. On almost any Spring afternoon, conditions are favorable for kiting in Virginia Beach.

Spring is a prime time to enjoy sea shell collecting along the coast of Virginia. Strong spring weather systems often push by our coast, churning up local waters. Often these powerful storms push by quickly, followed by bright clear days when beach goers can walk and find sea shells and other treasures that have been deposited on the sand.

Virginia Beach bird watching enters a critical phase during the Spring. Vast flocks of waterfowl are migrating northward or breaking up into pairs to nest in local areas. Shorebirds, songbirds and other wild creatures are becoming more active. For birders, now is the time to hit a Virginia state park, national refuge or other wild area.

For kids of any age, exploring tide pools is a great way to spend a warm spring afternoon. In a variety of tidewater locations, young explorers can pier into clear springtime pools and learn about sea life. When springtime weather turns cold and rainy, several local museums offer nature-related exhibits.

Outdoor photography is another fun activity for Virginia’s outdoor lovers. Spring is a great time to photograph beaches, wildlife, plants, landscapes, events and other scenes.

Spring is festival time in Virginia Beach. Locals and visitors alike will find festivals, shows, expos and other things to do along the boardwalk and in area venues.

Are you looking for something fun to do?

Do you enjoy having a good time with friends?

New to the area and want to meet people?

Would you like an activity the family can enjoy together?

Need a little bit of fun exercise?

The Riptides Square Dance Club will be hosting an Open House Dance on February 4, 2011, at Bayside Presbyterian Church, in Virginia Beach. No Square Dancing experience is necessary!

There is no charge for this event.  Crown Record recording artist and Square Dance Caller, Matt Worley, will instruct the new dancers on the steps and experienced dancers will be on hand to help guide the way.  The evening will also feature demos of regular club level square dancing by the more experienced dancers.  Dancing is open to everyone from 10 to 100, and the fun starts at 7:30PM.  Need a partner?  Single dancers are also welcome.

Bayside Presbyterian Church is located at 1400 Ewell Rd., Virginia Beach, VA.  (at the corner of Ewell Rd. and Independence Blvd.)  The Riptides Square and Round Dance Club is a non-profit club that was formed in Virginia Beach in 1963.  2011 will be the club’s 48th year of hosting dances in Virginia Beach.

For more information on the Open House, or the Riptides, contact Dave Hinde at 757 461-7222 , visit http://fun.greatdances.net, or visit Facebook (search for Open House, or search for Riptides).