Blog Roundup: Swarmageddon, Casual Friday and Writing a Book

Each week, Patch brings you a roundup of new and noteworthy blog posts from across Northern Virginia. This week's posts include:

7 Reasons to Embrace the Cicada Swarmageddon

The Nature Conservancy’s Maryland, DC, and Virginia chapters are looking forward to the cicada #Swarmageddon of 2013. Why, you might wonder? Learn more about this “natural phenomenon” in the Nature Conservancy’s first post on Patch.

Want to blog on Patch? Go to your local Patch site’s homepage and click on “Start a Blog.” For more information, email Patch Community Editor Jessie Biele at Jessie.biele@patch.com.

Fashion Friday: Do’s and Don’ts for Casual Friday

Michelle from High Maintentance Image and Fashion Consulting debunks Casual Friday style with 11 simple do’s and don’ts. Take a look at these tips to get a more refined look beyond jeans and a sweatshirt.

Volunteer Fairfax Makes it Easy to Make a Difference

Volunteer Fairfax has developed a new online database of volunteer opportunities, called VolunteerNow!. The database connects the public with volunteer needs in the community through skills-based, multicultural and collegiate opportunities. Individuals interested in service can search for opportunities based on location, mission area, age, and language skills. Learn more in Volunteer Fairfax’s latest blog.

City of Fairfax Schools and Virginia School Board Association Honor Businesses

City of Fairfax School Board honored seven Northern Virginia businesses  for their induction to the Virginia School Board Association's first annual Business Honor Roll. Lowe's of Chantilly, Apple Federal Credit Union, Your Recruiting Company International, Bob's Discount Furniture, Chick-fil-A of Fairfax, Sweet Frog of Fairfax and Exxon Mobil were all nominated by principals at City of Fairfax schools for their support through financial donations or employee mentoring programs.

Want to Write a Book? Do It!

Author and Patch blogger Robert F. Dorr offers tips for aspiring authors in his latest blog post on Patch. Dorr says all you need is a “posterior and a chair.” Read more in his latest post and get started!