Issue 58
Friday, March 26, 2021
Prince William County
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Dear Neighbors,
Did you ever notice you don't tend to see Honey Bees in the winter? You may be thinking since their food sources are scarce, they migrate south like many birds. Or maybe, they hibernate like bears. Turns out they don't do either.
Instead, once temperatures drop below 50 degrees, Honey Bees hunker down in their hive, huddle together and shiver to provide warmth. It's referred to as a "winter cluster." Some worker bees, during a warm day, may venture from the hive, but they don't go far. Then, with the coming of spring and warmer days, the Honey Bees start getting busy outside.
It seems like we have been in our own kind of winter cluster for the last year. Fortunately, like the Honey Bees with the arrival of spring, things are starting to buzz. We are seeing a ramp up in vaccinations with almost 20% of the County having received at least one dose. As you'll see in an article below, significant additional funding is on the way that will further accelerate the process. Additionally, Virginia is easing some mitigation measures next week, as outlined in our lead article.
However, just like those Honey Bees have to be ever vigilant about the volatile temperatures this time of year, we must continue to be mindful of the pandemic. This week, the Virginia Department of Health advised that new variants continue to be identified in the Commonwealth. So, continue to keep yourself and others safe by wearing face coverings, hand washing, and social distancing as we wait for even warmer days ahead.
In Service,
Chair Ann Wheeler
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Virginia's Mitigation Measures are Easing |
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Effective Thursday, April 1 |
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As more Virginians become vaccinated and COVID-19 positivity rates, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to trend downward, Governor Ralph Northam has announced an easing of spread mitigation measures effective April 1.
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The Commonwealth will maintain a Safer at Home strategy with continued mitigation strategies like physical distancing, teleworking, and universal mask requirements. Several key changes are outlined below. Updated guidelines for specific sectors can be found here.
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Social Gatherings
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Indoor Settings: The maximum number of individuals permitted in a social gathering will increase from 10 to 50 people.
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Outdoor Settings: The maximum number of individuals permitted in a social gathering will increase from 25 to 100 people.
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Entertainment Venues
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Indoor Venues: Must operate at 30% capacity or with a maximum of 500 people, an increase from the current cap of 250 people.
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Outdoor Venues: Must operate at 30% capacity, with no specific cap on the number of attendees. These venues were previously limited to 30 percent capacity or up to 1,000 attendees, whichever was fewer.
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Recreational Sporting Events
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Indoor settings: The number of spectators allowed at recreational sporting events will increase from 25 to 100 people per field or 30% capacity, whichever is less.
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Outdoor settings: The number of people per field at recreational sporting events will increase from 250 to 500 people per field or 30% capacity, whichever is less.
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In-person Graduation and Commencement Events
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Indoors events: May have up to 500 people, or 30% of the venue capacity, whichever is less. Attendees must wear masks and follow other guidelines and safety protocols to ensure proper distancing.
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Outdoor events: May have up to 5,000 people or 30% of the venue capacity for outdoor events, whichever is less.
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Woodbridge Community Vaccination Center |
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Additional Funding on the Way |
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The CVC is located at the former Gander Mountain retail store at 14011 Worth Avenue in Woodbridge, near the Potomac Mills Mall.
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“Every American should have the security of knowing they have access to quality, affordable health care, especially as we face a pandemic that has exposed the disparities facing rural, minority, and lower-income communities.”
Xavier Becerra
Secretary
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services
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Who the CVC Services
The CVC is only for people who live in or work in the Prince William Health District (PWHD). The PWHD services Prince William County, Manassas City, and Manassas Park.
Additionally, only individuals who receive an appointment or invitation to attend a CVC event will be permitted inside to be vaccinated.
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What You Need to Do First
If you haven't yet, pre-register for the vaccine online or by calling the COVID Vaccine Hotline at 1-877-829-4682 (1-877-VAX-IN-VA).
When it is your turn to be vaccinated, you will be contacted to make an appointment.
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Guidelines if You Receive an Invitation from the CVC
- Please plan to arrive no earlier than 20 minutes prior to your appointment time. You will not be allowed in early to receive your vaccine.
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Bring a copy of your invitation (email, text, barcode) or other proof of your name when you arrive at the site.
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Manassas Mall Vaccination Clinic |
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The Prince William Health District - Manassas Mall clinic is located at 8300 Sudley Road in Manassas. This clinic will only accept individuals who receive and scheduled their appointment using the official appointment scheduling link. If you share your appointment link with anyone or use one sent to a friend or family member, your appointment will be canceled. |
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Things to Know if You have a Scheduled Appointment at Manassas Mall Clinic
- Driver's license or Driver Privilege card needs to have a PWC, City of Manassas or City of Manassas Park address.
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Change of address should be presented or a utility bill (to prove residency).
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Worker badge with Prince William Health District address.
- If you live outside the PWHD but work in the PWHD jurisdiction, you will need to bring your ID to verify your employment and you must meet one of the categories that are currently eligible for vaccination.
- The PWHD will actively check for eligibility.
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An Option If You are Waiting for an Appointment |
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Individuals who are interested in getting vaccinated at a local pharmacy may visit VaccineFinder.org. Select "Find Vaccines" from the top menu and enter a zip code to locate participating pharmacy locations, hours, phone numbers, and scheduling links where available.
Only some pharmacies allow you to schedule your appointment with them directly. Appointments are added as locations receive more doses. In this federal program, you can go to any location in Virginia.
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The PWHD is currently vaccinating all individuals in Phase 1b.
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Krispy Kreme is finding ways to be sweet as the U.S. continues to scale up COVID-19 vaccinations. To show their support for those who choose to get vaccinated, starting Monday, 3/22, anyone who shows their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card will receive a free Original Glazed® doughnut. The Krispy Kreme in PWC is located at 9870 Liberia Ave in Manassas. The offer is valid through the end of the year. Learn more here. |
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This Saturday, March 27, at 12:00 pm, Chair Wheeler will be part of a Women in Leadership virtual panel hosted by Congressman Gerry Connolly. Leaders from the Virginia General Assembly and the two largest counties in the Commonwealth, PWC and Fairfax, will be participating. Register to attend here. Submit questions in advance for the panel of speakers here. |
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Joining Chair Wheeler on the panel:
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Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates
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Honorable Sharon Bulova, former Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
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Karen Keys-Gamarra, Member-At-Large of the Fairfax County School Board
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Supervisor Margaret Franklin, PWC Board of Supervisors representing the Woodbridge District
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Supervisor Andrea Bailey, PWC Board of Supervisors representing the Potomac District
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As we close out Women's History Month, Chair Wheeler will speak with PWC's first BOCS Chair, Kathleen Seefeldt. It will be a great conversation, so be sure to mark your calendar. The event will be live-streamed on Tuesday, March 30 at 6:30 pm on Chair Wheeler's Facebook page.
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Tuesday, April 6
2:00 pm - Regular Meeting
7:30 pm - School Board Budget Presentation
Tuesday, April 13
2:00 pm - Regular Meeting
7:30 pm - Budget Public Hearings and
Budget Recap Presentation
Tuesday, April 20
7:30 pm - Budget Markup
Tuesday, April 27
7:30 pm - Budget Adopted
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Area Project is Awarded Grant |
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An $80,000 grant from Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grant is being awarded to Northern Virginia Family Service for use in PWC, the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, and the towns of Dumfries, Haymarket, Occoquan, and Quantico to reduce homelessness. In all, more than $6 million is being awarded to 38 projects across the Commonwealth . Targeted efforts within these projects include rapid re-housing, support services for permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless, and the pre-development of permanent supportive housing projects for individuals or families experiencing recurring homelessness. |
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How the Funding Will Be Used
The project will quickly connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness with permanent housing. The grant will provide housing search and placement services, housing stabilization case management, housing stabilization financial assistance, rental assistance, and service location costs to support the rapid re-housing program.
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To help provide relief to the County's business owners during this continued period of COVID-19 business interruptions, the County has extended the Business Tangible Personal (BTP) Property tax filing deadline from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. For additional details, please visit the County Finance webpage, call 703-792-6710, or email [email protected]. |
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Federal and State Individual Income Tax Extensions
Governor Northam has instructed the Virginia Department of Taxation to extend the individual income tax filing and payment deadline in Virginia from Saturday, May 1, 2021, to Monday, May 17, 2021.
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County Office Delayed Opening |
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The offices are in the James J. McCoart Administration Building, located at 1 County Complex in Woodbridge, and the Sudley North Government Center, located at 7987 Ashton Avenue in Manassas.
The offices will close at their usual time of 4:00 pm on Wednesday, March 31, and return to their normal operating schedule, opening at 8:00 am on Thursday, April 1.
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PWC School Board unanimously approved LaTanya D. McDade as the School Division's new Superintendent, effective July 1, 2021. A lifelong educator, Mrs. McDade has 23 years of experience working in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the third largest district in the nation. She currently serves as the Chief Education Officer at CPS.
Under her leadership, CPS increased academic achievement, expanded academic programming, such as AP, World and Dual Language, implemented the nation's largest IB (International Baccalaureate) network, increased graduation rates, increased college enrollment and persistence, and reached record low drop-out, suspension, and expulsion rates.
Mrs. McDade will complete her doctorate in educational leadership and supervision, from Lewis University this spring. She holds a master’s degree in leadership and administration from Loyola University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Chicago State University.
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Mrs. McDade's acceptance of the position and comments to the PWC School Board during the meeting. |
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"I am excited to engage deeply with Prince William County students, families, communities, and staff to realize our shared vision for advancing achievement for all students and closing opportunity gaps for those most underserved. As a daughter of immigrants, I understand firsthand the importance of providing students with access to rich opportunities that affirm their identities, strengthen their unique skills and talents, and support their aspirations. PWCS shares my fierce commitment to ensuring equity remains at the center of a world class education."
LaTanya D. McDade
Superintendent of Prince William County Public Schools
Effective July 1, 2021
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Help in Navigating Financial Aid |
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Governor Ralph Northam has launched a free advising service to assist Virginia students and families applying for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The program runs through June 30, 2021. During that time, students and families can go to virginiacan.org/fafsa to schedule their f ree virtual meeting and connect with an advisor who can answer questions and walk them through filling out the FAFSA application. Completion rates of the FASFA have declined during COVID-19. |
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Local Elected to Serve at the National Level |
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Decades of Service to the PWC |
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Amanda "Mandy" Lambert, CJM, a Major with the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center (ADC) in Manassas, has been named President of the American Jail Association (AJA). Her one-year term begins on April 11 and will focus on correctional employee health and wellness. The AJA is a 40-year-old 3,000+ member organization composed of professionals who operate the Nation's jails. Major Lambert is the first woman in the Commonwealth elected AJA president.
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Major Lambert has served in numerous key roles and as an expert on several jail-related subjects. She is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Virginia Association of Regional Jails. Below are some of her accomplishments during her 40-year career as a corrections professional, which includes 36 years of service to PWC at the ADC.
- Director of Support Services and Co-Coordinator for the Evidence-Based Decision-Making Policy and Stakeholders Committees with PWC and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, studying the criminal justice system and facilitating and guiding system-wide collaboration.
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National expert in objective jail classification and has provided expert legal opinions for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Ohio.
- Currently overseeing the implementation of medication-assisted treatment in the ADC, as well as a 110,000 sq. foot expansion of the facility that will include a mental health wing, a classification unit, general housing, and a warehouse.
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Certified Jail Manager and a Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) coordinator.
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Provides technical assistance and training on behalf of the National Institute of Corrections and the AJA to jail professionals across the country.
- Successfully implemented crisis intervention in jails, early identification and intervention of opioid users, and naloxone administration.
- Served on the Virginia's Standards Committee for Building and Design for newly built or expanded jail facilities and Virginia's Mental and Behavioral Health Standards Committee.
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Worked on and chaired over a dozen committees as a member of the AJA since 2014. This is her sixth elected position with the organization.
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"The statistics for our profession are dire, and that must change. My focus will be to bring awareness to the various types of stress that are encountered working in the jail setting. We have to talk about managing it, and we must address the response to that stress; otherwise, our industry retention rates will continue to fall, correctional staff will continue to turn to suicide, and mortality rates will remain status quo. It's simply unacceptable, and it's time to admit that it's okay not to be okay."
Amanda "Mandy" Lambert, CJM
Major, Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center
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Hylton on the Hill has announced its Spring concert line-up and there is something for everyone! In the new outdoor performance space, located just behind the theater, the audience sits on a natural grassy rise facing the stage. Seating is first-come, first-serve and you can bring your own blanket or chair, as well as your own food and drink.
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This Season's Schedule
Click on the performance name to learn more and buy tickets!
U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion Seán Heely and his band of All-Star Celtic musicians offer an outdoor performance that will sweep audiences away to Scotland and Ireland.
Lua Project invites the whole family to experience “Mexilachian Music,” the joyful confluence of original and traditional music from Mexico, Appalachia, and the Atlantic basin, featuring eclectic musical styles across cultures and times
Slip into your blue suede shoes and travel back in time to 1957 when the King was perfecting his lip snarl and hip swivel. The Rock-A-Sonics play a versatile mix of old-school Rockabilly, vintage Country, and piano-pounding Rock ‘n’ Roll.
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This week, Governor Ralph Northam signed legislation abolishing the death penalty, making Virginia the 23rd state, and the first in South, to stop executions. Senate Bill 1165, sponsored by PWC Senator Scott Surovell, and House Bill 2263 prohibit the use of capital punishment for any violation of Virginia law. |
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Several other key new laws were in issue 57. Below are a few additional Bills that have been signed into law. The full list of legislation signed by Governor Northam is available here.
Senate Bill 1205, sponsored by PWC Senator George Barker, establishes programs to manage career fatigue and increase the wellbeing of health care providers and medical students.
House Bill 1965 helps reduce air pollution by requiring car manufactures to sell a certain percentage of electric or hybrid electric passenger cars.
House Bill 1963 modernizes the funding mechanism for local health departments to increase support for public health needs, emergencies, and response efforts.
House Bill 1968 allows localities to provide access to early voting on Sundays.
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Ann B. Wheeler was elected Chair At-Large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors during the 2019 General Election and assumed office on January 1, 2020. Prince William County is located 25 miles south of Washington, D.C., and is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s second-most populous county with approximately 470,000 residents. |
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