Issue 167

Friday, June 2, 2023

Prince William County

Dear Neighbors,

This week I had the honor of being invited to represent Prince William County in the White House Forum, Communities in Action: Building a Better Virginia at the White House (see article in Chair's Calendar below). The forum participants included select elected officials from across the Commonwealth as well as representatives from various communities and councils.

During the event we heard from several senior members of the administration. The forum also provided the opportunity to connect with leaders in communities throughout Virginia. It was an excellent reminder of how much we can accomplish when we work together, share best practices, and stay informed.

I always welcome the chance to champion Prince William County beyond our borders and embrace opportunities to collaborate for our greater good.

In Service,

Chair Ann Wheeler

Friday, May 26, Chair Wheeler participated in a ride-along with the PWC Police Department.

Wednesday, May 31, Chair Wheeler spoke at the Police Department Promotion Ceremony. In all, ten sworn and thirteen professional staff members were given the opportunity to be recognized by their department leadership, peers, and loved ones at the ceremony.

OmniRide is hosting a Senior Summit Thursday, June 15, 10:00 am to 2:30 pm, at the Ferlazzo Building located at 15941 Donald Curtis Drive in Woodbridge. The PWC Area on Aging, along with other community partners, will showcase their services and provide resources that are beneficial to older adults, their families, and caregivers. The free event is open to the public and will include prizes, giveaways, and refreshments.

The PWC Police Department Police Explorers Program is for students between fourteen and twenty years of age. Overseen by the department's School Resource Officers (SRO), it provides an awareness of the complexities of police service, law enforcement function, and day-to-day operations. The department covers the costs and applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Sponsored by the department, Explorer Post #1268 is chartered annually through the Exploring Division of the Boy Scouts of America. Learn more and apply here. You can also learn more from your SRO.

Check out the County Kudos article below to learn more about the program.

Keep Prince William Beautiful (KPWB) is collecting used cans to teach kids about recycling. You can help by donating washed cans without a sharp edge to the KPWB office located at 4391 Ridgewood Center Dr. Suite F, in Woodbridge through Tuesday, June 20. Elementary-aged children will use the cans in a program to learn about aluminum can recycling and reuse through a story and activity. As part of the program, they will repurpose the cans as planters. Drop off your donation during office hours of 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, or place them in the bin beside the door when the office is closed. Any size is great as long as they can fit a small plant.

Flag Day is Wednesday, June 14, and American Legion Post 364 annually hosts a Flag Day Ceremony to honor our flag and to retire unserviceable flags. This year, it will be held on Flag Day beginning at 6:00 pm. You can drop off your flag in advance at the American Legion Post 365 located at 3640 Friendly Post Lane in Woodbridge and place it in the collection box in the main hallway foyer by the ATM. Like all its ceremonies, this is great for families and to show kids the importance of proper flag etiquette and Americanism.

You can learn about the history of our flag and Flag Day in issue 69 (An Important Acknowledgment).

Congratulations to the most recent class of Police Explorers Post #1268 who graduated in May for their commitment to the program during the last year. The Explorers attended regularly scheduled meetings and took part in a variety of additional activities to promote community engagement.

The Explorers receive training on a variety of topics including:

• Department History
• Criminal and Traffic Law
• Criminal & Crash Investigation
• Traffic Control/Direction
• Defensive Tactics
• Emergency Communications (9-1-1)

They also participated in ride-alongs. 

The Town of Occoquan is hosting its annual RiverFest and Craft Show Saturday, June 3, and Sunday, June 4. The popular event will feature over 200 artisans, food, a beer and wine garden, live concerts, and the Whatever Floats Your Boat Parade on the river. Be sure to check out the all-new Conservation Alley, which will be packed with family fun, performances, demonstrations, recycled crafts, eats, music, and plenty of love for the natural world.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources' Free Fishing Days are Friday, June 2, through Sunday, June 4. During this time, no fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing. Some of the popular fishing spots in PWC that have Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill in abundance include Silver Lake Regional Park, Locust Shade Park, and Lake Ridge Park and Marina.

PWC Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism is hosting a Family Health and Fitness Day Saturday, June 10,10:00 am to 11:30 am. The free event will feature fun and interactive Xtreme Hip Hop Step Aerobics at Harbor Wellness Park in Lake Ridge.. The Kaiser Permanente program is presented by Simone Coleman, a youthful, fun, and energetic millennial thriving in the fitness arena. People of all ages, levels, backgrounds, and lifestyles are welcome.

The PWC Office of Historical Preservation is hosting a Prince William County During Reconstruction Bus Tour, Saturday, June 17, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Devastated by four years of the Civil War and now with thousands of newly freed African American citizens, PWC’s Reconstruction was a long, contentious era. In honor of Juneteenth, learn the stories of people and events that reshaped our area in the years after the Civil War in the places where they happened. Tickets are $80 per person, which includes lunch, and can be purchased here. Advanced registration is required. The bus tour departs from Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre in Bristow. Lunch is included