Patch Asks: Potomac Mills Sign, Lobsters at Leesylvania?

Potomac Mills mall lost part of its massive sign, visible from Interstate 95 and throughout the community, because of wind over the weekend. One half of the sign tore off of  its base on Saturday, but couldn't be located anywhere until Virginia state police got involved.

Here's a statement from the mall that explains where the sign went:

"The sign is made of the industry standard material, a 3M product called Panaflex.  The 65+ mile an hour winds this weekend translated into significantly higher wind speeds at the sign's 140 feet height, and obvious damage was done. With the assistance of the state police, we were able to recover the broken sign within minutes against the guard rail on I-95. The process to fabricate a new sign has already been set in place, and we hope to have a replacement as soon as possible."

Rest assured, you'll be able to spot the mall from the highway once more.

Some visitors to Leesylvania State Park were puzzled this weekend when they came across some sea life on the shore. Lobsters and crabs were spotted in a line on the shore, but there's a reason. Chief Ranger Sarah Phillips from Leesylvania State Park offers an explanation:

"Every year there is an Asian church (I am not positive on what religion) they release their ancestors into the water (lobsters, crabs, etc.). It is usually after Chinese New Year. Since the water is cold the lobsters and the crabs do no make it and end up dying. Hopefully this explains a little."