Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families often qualify for special tax benefits. An IRS news release describes some of the most common deductions and exclusions and tells where to get more information.

A Renaissance man is someone whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas. John Ellis and his wife, Helen each fit the definition. Married for 43 years, each has had several occupations and are now on their third as author and editor.

The Farmers Market at The Marque on Heathcote Boulevard is a handy on Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m. for those getting off Interstate 66 after a long trek home from the office or for those living in the Gainesville-Haymarket areas.

Virginiai Department of Forestry's online “General Store” will temporarily cease operation on Aug. 21 to consolidate and upgrade VDOF’s online retail operations.

The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom has announced Jay Yankey of Mokesville will join its board of directors. Yankey was appointed to the board July 1 and will serve a three-year term.

Oscar Mayer's popular vehicle shaped like a hot dog and staffed by personable "hotdoggers" will be on location for the first two days of the Prince William County Fair. "Driftdog" is one of six Wiernermobiles that are touring the United States this summer.

Students from Metz Middle School and Manassas Park Middle School will host a robotics exhibition/competition as a finale to their week-long robotics summer camp on Friday, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Manassas Museum. Admission will be free during this time.

On Wednesday, August 7, members of Battlefield High School’s Marching Bobcats will greet and thank about 100 Honor Flight veterans around noon at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

A retired Manassas teacher and coach who is also a retired United States Marine Corps officer honored for his heroism in Vietnam will be the keynote speaker at the second annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the Prince William County Fair.