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Issue 164
Friday, May 12, 2023
Prince William County
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Dear Neighbors,
As you'll see in the Chair's Calendar section below, my week has been jammed-packed. I have a feeling my calendar isn't the only one filling up. This time of year, there is navigating end of school activities and graduation ceremonies, finalizing memorial weekend plans and summer vacations, and tending to winter-weary yards and spring cleaning. You get the idea - it's a busy time, so it's a good idea to have a plan.
As Virginians, we also have elections every year, add to that, this year several Prince William County Board of Supervisor and Virginia General Assembly seats are holding Primary Elections on Tuesday, June 20. Local government has a significant impact on your life and voting in the Primary is just as important as voting in the General Election.
The good news is early voting has started. For those of you who have already voted, thank you! For those who haven't, please have a plan now to ensure voting is on your schedule. You can learn everything you need to know in the PWC Votes section of issue 162 and at PWCVotes.com.
Before I close, this Sunday is Mother's Day and I want to take the time to say thank you to everyone who has filled the role of Mother for someone. I hope you are celebrated not only this Mother's Day, but every day. You can learn about the history of Mother's Day in issue 64.
In Service,
Chair Ann Wheeler
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Monday, May 8, Chair Wheeler spoke at the Potomac Shores VRE Station House Construction Kickoff event to mark commencement of construction of the $24 million VRE Station garage at Potomac Shores. Biddle Real Estate Ventures Managing Member Peter Chavkin (back row left), VRE Chief Executive Officer Rich Dalton (back row center), and Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Executive Director DJ Stadtler (back row right) were part of the event. | |
The four-level, 166,000 square foot garage will include nearly 400 parking spaces. The surface will feature a public boardwalk area along the east side with expansive views of the Potomac River. Landscaping with a gazebo and viewing benches will help to make this a focal point of the community and attract visitors to the future retail and restaurant operators located within the Potomac Shores Town Center. The costs of the project are being executed by the Potomac Shores developer. | | | |
Monday, May 8, Chair Wheeler attended the annual Kathleen K. Seefeldt Awards and Dessert Reception hosted by the Prince William County Arts Council at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. The awards were created over 25 years ago to honor those who sustain Kathleen K. Seefeldt’s (far left) legacy of public service and support for the cultural arts of Greater PWC. | |
Wednesday, May 10, Chair Wheeler attended the Prince William Chamber Economic Development Breakfast. Special Guest speaker at the signature event was John Littel (far left), Secretary of Health and Human Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia. | |
Wednesday, May 10, Chair Wheeler attended the annual PWC Public School's Outstanding Educators Ceremony. This year awards were given to elementary and secondary educators for Novice Teacher, Teacher, and Principal of the year. The winners below each received a $1,500 award sponsored by PWCS business partner, Apple Federal Credit Union. | |
Thursday, May 11, Chair Wheeler spoke at the Community Dedication Ceremony for Crisis Receiving Center and Community Services Building. Chair Wheeler joined attendees in writing intentions (top right photo) for those who will be receiving services at the CRC to see as a message of hope and support. The event celebrated the new center and the transformational changes to the mental health system. Many other members PWC and Virginia government, including Governor Younkin, were also at the event. | |
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“We all know that mental health issues can be debilitating, and the pandemic has served to only exacerbate the situation. People are experiencing still unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety and the need for mental health services has never been greater. This center is designed to be a safe haven for those in crisis. It will provide immediate access to mental health services and support for those in need…and may also serve as an inspiration for community education and outreach regarding mental health. By working together with community partners, we can all raise awareness about mental health issues together and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.”
Ann Wheeler
Chair At-Large Board of County Supervisors
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Specialty Dockets Open House | |
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Veteran Volunteer Opportunity
The Veterans Treatment Specialty Docket is looking for veteran volunteers to serve as mentors. You can learn more about the mentor program and how to apply here, as well as from Senior Probation/Pretrial Officer, Chris Mayers in this video.
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According to the 2020 U.S. Census, there are approximately 43,000 veterans living in PWC. At any given time, about 300 are involved in some stage of the criminal justice system and most of them are eligible to participate in the docket. The docket team includes representatives from the Prince William Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, public defenders, probation officers, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Justice Outreach Program and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. Everyone on the team helps monitor the veterans’ progress through the docket, which connects veterans with local, state and federal resources for treatment, housing, therapy, employment, discharge status, and help with their disability claims. | | | |
County Vital Service hits Milestone Anniversary | |
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Thursday, May 11, Chair Wheeler stopped by the PWC Service Authority (PWCSA) 40th Anniversary Reception to offer her congratulations on the milestone. During the event, Occoquan Magisterial District Supervisor Kenny Boddye presented PWCSA General Manager/CEO Calvin D. Farr with a BOCS commendation (left photo). Board of Directors Chair and Coles District Representative B. Paul O'Meara, Jr. (right photo) spoke.
See Commendation and Proclamations section below for information on the commendation and County News section below for information on the PWCSA Water Academy.
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Prior to 1964
PWC residents and businesses received water and sewer services from one of 13 providers, with varying water quality, customer service, and rate structures.
During the 1970s
A focus on water quality and wastewater treatment led to the consolidation of these providers and the construction of two advanced wastewater treatment plants - the Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority which served the western portion of the County and the H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility served the eastern portion.
In 1983
The BOCS created the PWC Service Authority as an independent public body responsible for providing a comprehensive County-wide water and sewer system. Over the last forty years since then, as PWC has evolved, so has this critical infrastructure to support our thriving community.
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Thursday, May 11, Chair Wheeler's Office attended Forest Park High School's seventh annual Suicide Awareness Walk. You can get a glimpse into this special and well-attended event in the video below. | |
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"No one should ever feel ashamed to ask for help. No one should ever suffer alone because you are not alone."
LaTanya D. McDade, Ed.D.
Superintendent Prince William County Public Schools
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Friday, May 12, Chair Wheeler spoke at the Manassas Sprouts Farmers Market Ribbon-cutting and Grand Opening. See more from the Grand Opening and get a look inside the store in this video. | |
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Sprouts offers a unique grocery experience with an open layout and fresh produce at the heart of the store. The health-focused grocer offers the latest wholesome, innovative products made with lifestyle-friendly ingredients such as organic, plant-based, and gluten-free.
The 26,300 square foot premium grocery store, located at 8431 Sudley Road in Manassas, will showcase the company’s signature organic produce, local favorites, and a focus on healthy, sustainably sourced brands. In addition to more than 90 jobs, Sprouts has invested over $2.8 million in the upfit of the space to ensure a welcoming and convenient shopping experience.
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Friday, May 12, Chair Wheeler spoke at the Giant Delivers Ribbon-cutting Ceremony. At the event Giant donated $5,000 to PWC nonprofit Action in Community Through Service (ACTS). | |
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The new 82,000 square foot Giant Delivers e-commerce fulfillment center in Manassas offers home and business delivery to thousands of new customers in more than 140 zip codes across Northern Virginia. The distribution center creates 200 new jobs in PWC.
The center will feature the company’s latest batch-picking software and an extensive conveyor system that will increase the speed of shopping to enable faster, more frequent delivery options. Customers can place a Giant Delivers order on giantfood.com or through the Giant Food mobile app. Items are hand-picked and packed by dedicated Giant associates and delivered directly to customers’ doorsteps with Giant’s own fleet of vans and full-time drivers.
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Friday, May 12, Chair Wheeler attended the PWC Area Agency on Aging annual Older Americans Month Celebration at Camp Snyder in Haymarket. The lively and well attended event included line dancing with music provided by DJ Theo Events (bottom right photo). At the event, Chair Wheeler PWC connected with Commission on Aging Chair and Occoquan District Representative Nancy West (top left photo). | | |
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Tuesday, May 16
2:00 pm Work Session
For Public Comment Time options visit SpeakUp! Prince William. Remote speakers must sign up by 5:00 pm on Monday, May 15. In-person speakers can sign up at the meeting.
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Tuesday, May 9, BOCS Commendation and Proclamations | |
Commended PWC Service Authority on 40 Years of Public Service | |
PWC Service Authority (PWCSA) oversees a massive infrastructure of more than 2,200 miles of pipeline that handles up to 56 million gallons of water a day and 43 million gallons of wastewater a day. They have earned numerous state and national safety awards. | | | |
(left to right) PWCSA General Manager/CEO Calvin D. Farr, and Board of Directors members Neabsco District Representative Marlo Thomas Watson, Woodbridge District Representative Joyce Eagles, and Chair B. Paul O'Meara, Jr. | |
Proclaimed May Business Appreciation Month | |
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(front row left to right) ATCC Vice President of Government Programs Rebecca Bradford and Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Leonelli, and Black American Market Founder and CEO Mariah Bailey
(back row left to right) PWC Department of Economic Development Existing Business and Entrepreneurship Director Michele Weatherly, Small Business Development Manager Clarice Grove, and Executive director Christina Winn
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PWC Business Spotlight
ATCC is a private, nonprofit, global biological resource center and standards organization that provides scientists with the biomaterials and resources they need to conduct critical life science research. Through its Federal Solutions initiative, it lends its expertise to federal agencies in areas that include global health and infectious diseases, biodefense, and noncommunicable diseases. It is headquartered in Innovation Park.
Black American Market in Potomac Mills is rethinking how retail works through the presence of both an online retail space and a physical space in Potomac Mills for Black American businesses. It soft opened in September 2022 with 10 businesses, which had tripled by its grand opening in November 2022. From September to December 2022, more than $100,000 went into the pockets of small Black-owned businesses.
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Proclaimed May Historic Preservation Month
See the Historic Preservation Events section below for some of the special events offered this month.
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In 2005
The BOCS established a Historic Preservation Division to maintain and operate County-owned historic properties and resources. It also created the County Archaeologist position to identify, protect, and document our County’s significant historical, archaeological, architectural, and other cultural resources.
In 2021
The BOCS established the Historic Communities Coordinator position in the Office of Historic Preservation.
In 2023
The BOCS established the Cemetery Preservation Coordinator position, in the Planning Office.
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(left to right) From PWC Department of Parks Recreation and Tourism: Historic Preservation Division Manager Rob Orrison, left, Acting Director of Long Range Planning and Special Projects Justin Patton, Lauren Maloy, Emma Dietrich, PWC Historic Preservation Commission Chair Yolanda Adams, and Mike Garcia of Mike Garcia Construction. | |
Proclaimed Friday, May 19, Bike to Work Day | |
To increase public awareness of the viability of bicycle commuting in the Washington Metropolitan Region, annual Bike to Work Day events have been organized in over 100 locations (referred to as pit-stops) around the region on Friday, May 19. You can learn about the nine PWC pit stops and how to get involved in County News section of issue 163. | | | |
Congratulations to Independence Nontraditional School Senior Haley "JJ" Caton, winner of the first PWC Bike to Work Day Youth Poster Contest. She is holding her winning submission in the photo. | | | |
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(front row left to right) Independence Nontraditional School Principal Jodi Pankowski, Senior Haley “JJ” Caton, Art Teacher Kelly Wasson, and Haley's Aunt
(back row left to right) PWC Department of Transportation Principal Planner George Phillips, Planner Bryce Barrett, and Business Services Analyst Gretchen Johnson
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Proclaimed May Foster Care Month
See the County Kudos section below to learn about a PWC foster family.
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In Fiscal Year 2022 the PWC Department of Social Services had 97 children in custody who needed foster care. DSS 44 staff members in its Family Support Services Division and the 92 local foster families who assume the responsibilities of providing adequate care and love for foster children are dedicated to the youth in custody. | | | |
(left to right) PWC Social Services Advisory Board Member Idris O’Connor, Assistant Director of Child protective Services Phyllis Jennings, Assistant Director Human Services Case Management Bridget Alston, and Department of Social Services Director Courtney Tierney | |
Proclaimed the May 14 through May 21 National Police Week and May 15 National Peace Officers Memorial Day | |
On May 6, 1962, President John F. Kennedy, through Proclamation Number 3537, designated May 15, 1962, as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week of May 15 as National Police Week. | | | |
PWC Police Department Chief of Police Colonel Peter Newsham | |
Proclaimed May 21 through May 27 Emergency Medical Services Week | |
The Emergency Medical Services system consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out of hospital medical care providers. They all stand ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week. | | | |
Members of the PWC Fire and Rescue System | |
Saturday, May 13, Event Postponed | |
Thinking of Adding an Outdoor Space | | |
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As part of celebrating Building Safety Month in May, the PWC Building Development Division has released a new PWC Typical Deck Detail plan residential, single level open decks. The plan ensures the safe design and construction of decks in PWC, while creatively incorporating flexibility and durability. The design details are based on the prescriptive requirements of the Virginia Residential Code, industry best-practices, and applicable referenced standards. | |
A Reminder that Seatbelts Save Lives | | |
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This year’s “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement campaign, will run Monday, May 15, through Sunday, June 4. During this time, PWC Police will join law enforcement agencies throughout Virginia in day and night high-visibility patrols to enforce the Commonwealth’s safety-belt and child safety-seat laws. | |
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Seat belts are mandatory in Virginia for all persons riding in the front seat. Virginia car seat laws also state that:
- All children under the age of eight must ride in a federally approved, secured safety seat.
- Children between eight and 15 must use a safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt, no matter where in the vehicle the child is riding.
- It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure all children, age 15 and under, are secured properly.
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Dispose of Records Safely and Free | | |
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Saturday, May 20, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, the PWC Department of Solid Waste Management is hosting a Mega Paper Shred event at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge. The free, community wide event is open to residents only, no business or commercial shredding. Limit of four boxes size 18”x12x15” or smaller of confidential documents. See listed of acceptable and unacceptable items here. | |
Great Learning Opportunity | | |
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The PWC Service Authority (PWCSA) is accepting applications for its 2023 Water Academy through Wednesday, May 24. The interactive and educational program focuses on the PWCSA’s mission, operations, environmental stewardship, infrastructure projects, career opportunities, and more. There is no cost to apply for or attend the three-session course. Learn more and apply here. | |
Adults and rising high school seniors who live, work or attend school in PWC are eligible. Class size is limited to 30 people. | | | |
Transportation Public Meeting | | |
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Thursday, May 25, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, the PWC Department of Transportation is hosting a Public Information Meeting for the Old Bridge Road/Prince William Parkway Intersection Project at Kerrydale Elementary School. | |
PWC Foster Parents Honored | |
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Congratulations to Kristy & Carly McDowell, Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG) Prince William County Foster Parents of the Year! The summary below about the McDowell's was submitted to COG.
"Kristy and Carly McDowell put the children’s needs before their own and go above and beyond to ensure that the children’s best interests are always considered. Their compassion for fostering has always been displayed in how they interact with the foster children, the department, and the biological family.
They are very uplifting, positive, and patient when it comes to dealing with the foster children and their behaviors, ensuring that the children are empowered and heard. Since the children have been placed in their home, the children are more confident, and they know that there is always an adult listening to them when in need. They truly exemplify Prince William County, Virginia’s Practice Model to “partner with others to support child and family success in a system that is family-focused, child-centered community-based.”
You can hear more about their foster journey in the video below and learn about the foster parents honored for surrounding jurisdictions here. .
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Saturday, May 13, is the annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive. The National Association of Letter Carriers is the chief organizer of the event, which is the nation’s largest one-day food drive and held the second Saturday in May across the country. To participate, leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, canned meats and fish, pasta, rice, or cereal next to your mailbox before the regular mail delivery Saturday, May 13. | | |
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Tuesday, May 16, 8:00 am to 8:55 am, join the PWC Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism in celebrating National Love a Tree Day with a Free Outdoor Yoga Practice at the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk in Woodbridge. Open to ages 14 and older, advanced registration is appreciated. There is approximately a 30-minute walk to the event site from the parking lot, so please arrive early. If the weather is inclement, class will be held at the Sharron Baucom Recreation Center in Dale City | | |
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The Fridays at 5 Concert Series continues on Friday, May 19, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with the Special Occasions Entertainment Group's wide variety of musical styles such as R&B, Jazz, Blues, Funk, Country, Latin, Pop, Gospel and Go-Go. Held at the Sean T. Connaughton Plaza, 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge, the event will have food and beverages, including beer and wine, available for purchase. | |
Historic Preservation Events | |
The PWC Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism's Office of Historic Preservation is celebrating National Historic Preservation Month with a wide variety of offerings. Below are a few of the more unique ones. You can find more on its Events webpage and Facebook page. Check out its YouTube channel to learn about the history of PWC, what staff does to preserve it, unique how-to videos, and more. | | | |
Celebrating Armed Forces Day | |
Saturday, May 20, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, in commemoration of Armed Forces Day, the 1st Minnesota living history group will present demonstrations on the life of the Civil War soldier at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. Programs will include food, clothing, and shelter used by soldiers in the Union army; “Lock, Stock, and Barrel: Construction Details of the Civil War Musket;” “Drill, Drill, and more Drill: How Units Prepare for Battle;” and “Life in Camp,” which will include games and activities during those rare times that soldiers had to themselves. This program is free and open to the public. Donations will be gratefully accepted. | | |
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Thursday, May 25, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, the Office of Historic Preservation Lecture Series: Nazis on the Potomac will be held at the old Manassas Courthouse. Historian and author Robert Sutton will present the first full account of the crucial work done at Fort Hunt, Virginia during World War II, where the highest-level German prisoners were interrogated and captured documents analyzed. Open to ages 10 and older, the event is free with a $5 donation suggested. | |
Get an Insider's Look at Preservation | | |
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Reserve your spot for the Office of Historic Preservation's Hard Hat Tour of PWC’s newest “old” building, the Williams-Dawe House on Saturday, May 27. The oldest residential structure preserved in the town of Brentsville was home to many PWC Clerks. Participants will explore the history of the building, learn about the people that lived there, and get the rare opportunity to see preservation work in action! The one-hour tours begin at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Space is limited, and advanced registration here is required. | |
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COVID-19
How to Get Vaccinated (including boosters):
How to get tested:
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PWC
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County Website and Career Opportunities
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Real Estate Assessment and Personal Property Tax information
- Personal Property Payment and Changes Online Portal
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Solid Waste, Disposal Guide, Yard Waste, and Recycling
- Residential Zoning: Decks, Sheds, Fences, Additions, Retaining Walls, and Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs
- Library Branch Locations and Hours
- Parks and Recreation Online Location and Information Mapper
- Current Road Projects
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Pet Adoption and Dog Licenses
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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 482,000 residents. | | | | |
