Applications and essays are due this week for the Northern Piedmont Beginning Farmer Program in Virginia This seven-month hands-on, online and in person course backed by the expertise of Virginia Tech and the VA Cooperative Extension Service is designed for people who think they want to farm. Get a down-to-earth picture of what farming involves so you can make an informed decision.

Fifteen firms and US government agencies are signed up as of March 5 to participate in an April 2 job fair in Loudoun County VA arranged by Congressman Frank Wolf.

Teen musicians may think of a band as art--creating a unique sound. Playing in a band can be good training for a future life in the business world. A drummer-band manager reveals the business lessons he learned while booking and playing gigs from the time he was 15.

Forrest Odend'hal completed his one-year term as president of the Prince William Association of Realtors in January. Now he is serving as immediate past president and a member of the Virginia Association of Realtors--and he is still advocating for property rights.

Tranquility Day Spa & Salon moved to Haymarket in the spring. In 2012, the business, owned by Gloria and Wayne Harding, will celebrate 15 years of business.

Some 14 Heritage Hunt homes, ranging in price from under $200,000 to over $700,000, will be examined by an unprecedented numbers of Realtors Nov. 29. The homes will be open for prospective buyers on Sunday, Dec. 4.

Information about services and products for seniors will be offered at a Manassas expo especially planned for seniors.