Wave Hello to the Governor in Fairfax Today, Upgrade Your Too-Small Trash Can and More

Welcome to Fairfax City Patch's new "Today in Fairfax" daily news briefs, giving readers a quick glance at the day's news and events.

1. City of Fairfax residents - did you know that “toter” garbage cans are an option for you? Resdients who receive trash and recycling disposal service from the City may use the larger, wheeled “toter”-type contaners for the curbside disposal of yard waste, recycling or general household trash. The City asks that you clearly identify on each container what it contains – yard waste, trash, recyclables – so crews can easily and quickly remove their contents. Do not mix items in a can, as the City cannot accept or dispose of mixed content. Also, consider marking your home address on cans to prevent loss. Those who do not wish to obtain their own toter-style containers can always request free blue recycling bins from the City.

2. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell will be in Fairfax today, Tuesday, July 29, to deliver the keynote address at the “Virginia Adopts: Campaign for 1,000” regional kick-off Event at 12:00 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway. The event will also feature local elected officials and child adoption advocates from Northern Virginia. Parents and families interested in foster care and adoption are welcome to attend. Registration is encouraged and available online at http://fairfaxvirginiaadopts.eventbrite.com/. 

3. A big congratulations to the local 2013 graduates who have been named winners of college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships. Christian Burruss of Woodson High School has received a scholarship to Virginia Tech, and Minyeop Lee of Woodson High School has received a scholarship to the University of Chicago.

4. Important note: The Fairfax County Animal Shelter has temporarily stopped taking in animals after approximately 12 dogs came down with an unknown respiratory illness. One of the dogs has died, and staff worry that it could be canine influenza, and are awaiting test results which could be available Tuesday or Wednesday. Those who are interested in adopting or temporarily sheltering a health or recovering animal until the sicknesses at the shelter have passed should contact the shelter at 703-324-0208 or Kristen.auerbach@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Have something you think would be a good fit for the "Today in Fairfax" briefs? Upload your event or announcement to Patch, and you could see it in a future brief! Questions? E-mail Editor Jennifer van der Kleut at jennifer.vanderkleut@patch.com or Community Engagement Editor Jessie Biele at jessie.biele@patch.com.

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