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Issue 166

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Prince William County

Dear Neighbors,


While the official start of Summer is a few weeks away, this holiday weekend always feels like the start of the season. Understanding many of you likely have plans filled with barbecues and cherished time spent with loved ones, this week's issue of The Wheeler Report is arriving a little earlier.


It is important for us to remember Memorial Day is more than just the start of summer or a day off work. It is a time for reflection on the immense sacrifices made by our fallen heroes and a moment to express our gratitude for their bravery and unwavering dedication. It is also a time to extend our support to the families they left behind.


During this holiday weekend, if you find the time, I encourage you to visit a hero's resting place and leave a flower, or perhaps visit the County's memorial in Freedom Park. Even taking a moment to remember those who fought and died to uphold the United States of America as a beacon of democracy in the world would be a meaningful gesture.


In Service,

Chair Ann Wheeler


Chair's Calendar

Groundbreaking

Saturday, May 20, Chair Wheeler participated in the Groundbreaking Ceremony of Nepali American Community Center (NCAA).Since its establishment in 2019, NCAA raised $2.2 million and bought a property to build a 25,000 square foot multipurpose community center and a temple/cultural center in Manassas. 

NACC is a young nonprofit organization established primarily by people of Nepali origin in the DC Metro area with a goal of preserving, celebrating and sharing rich Nepali culture, spiritual traditions and languages as well as helping new immigrants in their assimilation to the mainstream of American society. More than 25,000 people of Nepali origin are estimated to reside in Northern Virginia.

School Specialty Program Event

Saturday, May 20, Chair Wheeler attended Potomac High School "Spring Fling" Culinary Arts Dinner and Awards event. The program is one of seven specialty programs that the school offers.

About the Program

Throughout the Culinary Arts program, students have the opportunity to plan, select, store, purchase, prepare and serve food and food products; study basic nutrition, sanitation, and food safety; learn the use and care of commercial equipment; and practice the operation of institutional food establishments. Rising juniors and seniors apply for the program.

In 2022, the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association Education Foundation awarded instructor Ronald Evans (top right photo with student) the Virginia ProStart Educator Excellence Award.

Celebrating Equality

Sunday, May 21, Chair Wheeler attended the annual Equality Prince William Pride in Manassas. The lively event featured a host of vendors, opened with a ribbon-cutting and included music, raffles, and performances.

"Today's Pride event is one of the most authentic representations of our community values. It is a commitment to the value and dignity of every person. And it goes on to show that our community is moving forward together. We don't just want you to live here; we want you to thrive here, as you are."

Ann Wheeler

Chair At-Large Board of County Supervisors

Cuisine Event

Monday, May 22, Chair Wheeler spoke at the Lahori Zaiq Restaurant Open House and Ribbon-Cutting in Manassas. Chef Wajid and Chef Aftab have brought their restaurant management Pearl Continental Hotel in Lahore, Pakistan.

Making Roads Safer

Monday, May 22, Chair Wheeler's Office attended the ribbon-cutting for Old Centreville Road and Somersworth Drive Pedestrian and Lane Improvement Project, which was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. The PWC Public Works’ Construction Services Branch constructed the project and the Department of Transportation designed the project and obtained permits.

Celebrating Public Works

Tuesday, May 23, Chair Wheeler attended the PWC Department of Public Works National Public Works Week (see proclamations below) celebration. While there Chair Wheeler connected with Director Tom Smith (top left photo). The event included a demonstration of stormwater management (right photo).

Business Appreciation Month Talk and Tours

Wednesday, May 24, Chair Wheeler visited the US Foods® Manassas Distribution Center. The tour included viewing the roof-top solar panels (bottom left photo) which are in the process of installion.

Business Spotlight

US Foods® is a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With nearly 28,000 employees and more than 70 locations, it provides customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology, and business solutions.

Thursday, May 25, Chair Wheeler visited Premier Martial Arts in Woodbridge.

Business Spotlight

Premier Martial Arts is much more than kicking and punching. It also focuses on helping students become a better version of themselves. While practicing Martial Arts, participants find discipline, grow leadership skills, build character and learn to focus. The Woodbridge location options include adult martial arts and self-defense classes, as well as birthday parties.

New Youth Center

Wednesday, May 24, Chair Wheeler participated in the Youth for Tomorrow (YFT) Ribbon Cutting for the Pruitt Administration and Behavioral Health Center. The facility provides space for YFT's growing Behavioral Health Services program, allowing it to expand its counseling, family and group therapy, and other vital support to children and families in the community struggling with mental health, substance abuse, and other challenges. CEO Dr. Gary L. Jones, PhD (bottom right photo) also spoke at the event.

YFT History

In 1984, former National Football League Coach Joe Gibbs purchased 134 acres of land in Bristow to build a home for at-risk boys and the PWC BOCS approved the site for the YFT home. It opened the doors of its first residential home for boys in 1986 and in 2003 the Wiser Village for Girls opened its first residential girls home, the Tammy House. Since 1986, YFT has served over 6,000 teenage boys and girls.

Honoring Achievements

Wednesday, May 24, Chair Wheeler attended the annual Beat the Odds® Program Scholarships and Awards event. This year, twelve graduating seniors were awarded $2,000 scholarships and five rising seniors were awarded $1,000 Phoenix Awards in the form of a fully-loaded laptop computer. Since 2000, the PWC Bar Foundation, in partnership with the PWC Bar Association, has sponsored the event.  

Students are nominated to receive a scholarship or award by guidance counselors, probation officers, case workers and other juvenile authorities who work daily with at-risk youth. Each of these remarkable young people have come into contact with the PWC juvenile justice system in some way, be it through delinquency, truancy, abuse, neglect, foster care, victimization, substance abuse, mental health, and myriad other issues. Yet each has risen to meet their challenges, to literally “beat the odds,” and continue to persevere and have bright futures.


BOCS
Next Meeting

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

2:00 pm and 7:30 pm


Links to the agenda and to register to participate in Public Comment Time remotely will be shared in issue prior to the meeting.

Tuesday, May 23, Proclamations

Proclaimed May Military Appreciation Month. The theme for 2023 is "Keep Up with the Ins and Outs of Military Life."

(left to right) Patty and Hope Stubenhofer, surviving wife and daughter of Army Captain Mark Stubenhofer; Willing Warriors (Chair's Calendar issue 92) Event Coordinator Diane Lunsford; Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant Carroll Braxton, World War II veteran and Munford Point Marine (BOCS issue 154) NCO Leadership School graduate; and Willing Warriors Co-founder John Dominic accepted the proclamation.

Click the hyperlinks below to learn about key dates during May.

  • May 12, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, recognizes the strength and contributions of military spouses
  • May 20, Armed Forces Day, honors and thanks the courageous men and women who currently serve
  • May 29, Memorial Day, pays tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in service

Proclaimed May Building Safety Month. The theme for 2023 is, “Building Safety: It Starts with You.

PWC Department of Development Services Acting Director Mandi Spina (far left) and department team members accepted the proclamation.

Click the hyperlinks below to learn more about each week's theme.

Proclaimed May 21 through 27 National Public Works Week. The theme for 2023 is "Connecting the World Through Public Works."

PWC Department of Public Works Director Tom Smith accepted the proclamation.

Since 1960, American Public Works Association (APWA) has sponsored National Public Works Week. Across North America, its more than 30,000 members in the U.S. and Canada use the week to energize and educate the public on the importance of public works to our daily lives: planning, building, managing and operating at the heart of our local communities to improve everyday quality of life.


County News

Welcome to PWC

Quintin Haynes will be joined PWC Government on June 12 as the Deputy County Executive. He will work with County Executive Christopher Shorter to oversee the Departments of Facilities and Fleet Management, Human Resources, Human Rights, Information Technology, Library, and Management and Budget. He will also serve as the liaison to the Office of Elections and the PWC Schools. Haynes has an extensive background and experience in public administration, most recently with the City of New York as the Acting Commissioner and Executive Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services.

Previous to this position, Mr Hayes served as the Director of Human Resources and Diversity/EEO Officer, as well as the Strategic Projects Manager in the Mayor’s Office for the City of New York. He also worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce as Special Assistant to the Secretary and the White House as Director for Finance.


Haynes received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Public Administration from Florida A&M University, a Master of Public Administration from New York University, and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.

Holiday Hours

In observance of Memorial Day:

  • Government Offices, including the courts will be closed Monday, May 29.
  • The County Landfill and Balls Ford Road Compost Facility on Monday, May 29, will be open at 6:00 am and close early at 2:00 pm.
  • Libraries will be closed Saturday, May 27, through Monday, May 29

County Facility Address Change

The Balls Ford Road Compost Facility address has been reassigned due to the realignment of Balls Ford Road (Chair's Calendar issue 162). The new address (same location) is 13000 Hansen Farm Road in Manassas.

Commemoration

Friday, May 26, 10:00 am to 11:00 am, the public is invited to a Memorial Day Commemoration, hosted by the PWC government. The event will be held at Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza at the Prince William County Government Center located at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge, between the McCoart and Development Services Buildings. 

Youth Event Registration Open

Registration is open for the PWC Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism's Victory at Vets Kids Triathlon. The annual fun and healthy community event will be held Sunday, July 12, at Veterans Memorial Park in Woodbridge. Kids of all abilities will swim, bike, and run in three different age groups ranging from 6 to 12 and receive an event t-shirt.

Need Help Preparing

June 11 through July 9, optional, event-specific Triathlon Mini Training Clinics taught by triathlon-certified coaches offer guidance for the triathlon, including course layout and tips to give your kids a leg up for a successful triathlon experience. Register for one here.

Staying Safe

Memorial weekend is synonymous with grill. Whether you are a "seasoned" outdoor cook, the National Fire Protection Association has the information you need to ensure you and others are safe when cooking outside. You can also check out its grilling safety tip sheet below.

Grill Safety for Apartments and Condominiums:

  • PWC Fire Prevention Code prohibits the use and storage of any device that uses flammables, (i.e., gasoline, charcoal lighter, liquefied petroleum gas or propane) on a balcony.
  • DO NOT use grills or smokers within 15 feet of any apartment, condominium, or building/structure.


You can learn more about grill safety in apartments and condominiums in PWC here.


County Kudos

"Groundbreaking" Work Recognized

Congratulations to Andrew “Drew” Miller, director of the Brentsville District High School's national award winning (County Kudos issue 98) Turf and Grass Management Program, on receiving Virginia Tech’s Ut Prosim Award for Outstanding Recent Undergraduate Alumni. Ut Prosim, the university’s motto meaning, “That I May Serve,” is one of the university’s highest honors.


The first time Drew heard about a major in grass was from his former high school teacher and current Unity Reed High School Biology teacher, Richard Smith. Presented with the prospect of a career in turf and grass management, Miller was stunned. “There is a major in grass!?” Miller recants, laughing. “I worked on ball fields all my life and didn’t know it was a job I could have.”


Miller went to Shenandoah University for a semester to play baseball, but shortly transferred to Virginia Tech. “My brother was on the grounds crew at Virginia Tech, so I could see an avenue to stay connected to sports.” His first job after graduating from Virginia Tech was working the field for the New York Mets. “I was on the pitching mound and looking around thinking, I guess I made it to the majors in my own way.”

Miller has created a blueprint for programs across the country. What started with four classes has grown to ten full classes and quickly expanded to national and global prominence. “We got done with the ACC Championship on the [Carolina] Panther’s ground crew and the head guy said, ‘I want to hire every single one right now.’” Drew smiled reflectively, “To this day, one of the greatest compliments I ever got.” Through the Tiger Turf Talk podcast, Brentsville students have made connections with professional programs such as the Reno Aces, Super Bowl Champions Kansas City Chiefs, and world-renowned Wembley Stadium.


But for all the accolades, awards, and firsts, Miller remains focused on his core business. “I want [my students] to leave as better people rather than better students,” Miller stated. “I can teach them anything they need to know to be successful in this industry, but if I can get them to learn how to work with people, deal with certain situations in a professional manner, and really become the next industry leaders in our classroom…” Miller trailed off looking at his classroom walls filled with award posters of his smiling students. “They will change the industry and I want it to be for the better.”


County Happenings

Flag Event

Friday, May 26 through Monday, May 29, the public is welcome you to place a flag in the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Pick up a free flag from the Medal of Honor Theater, inside the museum, to place by a commemorative brick, rally point or monument erected to honor Marines who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Flags provided by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, while supplies last.

Stay Cool

Waterworks Waterpark in Dale City is opening for the season Friday, May 26, through Monday, May 29, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Prices during Memorial Day weekend are:

  • Kids 2 and Under Free
  • Over 48 inches: $8.75
  • Under 48 inches: $8.25
  • Seniors (60+): $8.25
  • Group Rate (20 or more): $8.25

Other Openings

Four County outdoor pools are opening on Saturday, May 27. Learn more here


Splash Down Waterpark, will open for the season Thursday, June 19, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Located in Manassas, it is Northern Virginia's largest waterpark. It will operate:

  • June 19 through August 20, Wednesday through Sunday, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
  • August 21 through September 4, weekends and Labor Day Monday Only, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Mobile Clinic Event

Sunday, May 28, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, the Prince William SPCA Paw Express Mobile Van is partnering with the Crossroads Animal Care Center to host a low-cost Mobile Vaccine and Microchip Clinic at the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center parking lot in Manassas. Dogs and cats must be on a lease or in a carrier. Clinic will be on a first-come first-served basis. Please bring shot records, if available.

Free Concert

Thursday, June 8, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the U.S. Navy Band Country Current will hold a concert at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The Navy's premier country-bluegrass ensemble, the show will be a blend of modern country music and cutting-edge bluegrass. The free concert will be held outdoors on the museum's entry plaza, weather permitting. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. No alcoholic beverages will be permitted on the Museum grounds.


Helpful Links

COVID-19


How to Get Vaccinated (including boosters):


How to get tested:

PWC


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 482,000 residents. 
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