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Issue 87
Friday, October 16, 2021
Prince William County
Dear Neighbors,

I have recently been thinking a lot about the brave men and women of the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System. October is Fire Safety Month and last Saturday many of our fire stations held open houses. In advance of the Board of County Supervisors Work Session last Tuesday, we were provided a detailed Fire and Rescue System update in the Board packet, which included its first strategic plan (starts on slide 46). During the session, many of our fire and rescue volunteers updated us on their stations.

Prince William County Fire and Rescue System has almost 700 uniform career and almost 640 operational volunteers. However, when they are running into a building while everyone else is running out, when they are treating someone having a critical medical emergency, and when they are on the front lines in our battle against the pandemic, they are all the same thing - heroes.

In Service,
Chair Ann Wheeler
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Chair's Calendar
Saturday, October 9, Chair Wheeler supported the PWC Department of Fire and Rescue Fire Prevention Week Open House by visiting Dale City Volunteer Fire Department on Dale Boulevard in Woodbridge and the Buckhall Volunteer Fire Department on Yates Ford Road in Manassas.
Friday, October 15, Chair Wheeler participated in the 50th anniversary of the Woodbridge Senior High School annual Homecoming Parade. PWCS Superintendent Dr McDade, the Occoquan, Woodbridge, and Lorton "OWL" Volunteer Fire Department and the PWC Police Department were also there showing their support of the Vikings! Special thanks to Nancy Zimmerman for driving Supervisor Boddye and me in the parade!
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COVID-19
Vaccine Clinic
The Manassas Mall COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at 8300 Sudley Road in Manassas is open six days a week for COVID-19 vaccines. Available vaccines are:
  • Pfizer 1st, 2nd and 3rd (for immunocompromised) doses.
  • Pfizer booster shots for those eligible per CDC guidelines.
  • Moderna 1st, 2nd and 3rd (for immunocompromised) doses.
  • Johnson & Johnson single dose.

All vaccines are free. Make an appointment here.
Walk-ins are accepted on certain days/times. Learn more here.
Long COVID-19
The Prince William Health District issued information on post-COVID conditions, also known as long COVID. A wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems, long COVID can be experienced more than four weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. People who had COVID-19 with no symptoms can still develop post-COVID condition.
Symptoms of long COVID can include:
  • Fatigue.
  • Difficulty thinking or concentrating (often referred to as “brain fog”).
  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Fever

If you think you have a post-COVID condition, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options. Learn more about post-COVID conditions here.
New Local Dashboard
Sentara now has COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients Dashboards by locality. The graphs, updated daily, Monday through Friday by 11:00 am, provide:
  • The number of admitted confirmed COVID-19 patients for that given day.
  • The percentage of COVID-19 patients out of the total number of hospitalized patients.

The graph below can be found in the Sentara Western Region grouping on the dashboard webpage and provides Friday, October 15, data for Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center at 2300 Opitz Boulevard in Woodbridge.
Get the Shot
If You Need to be Tested for COVID-19
If you think you may have COVID-19, ways you can be tested include:

The Uninsured and Underinsured can receive free testing at
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BOCS
Next Meeting
Tuesday, October 19,
at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm

For Public Comment Time options,
visit SpeakUp! Prince William.
Remote speakers must sign-up by
5:00 pm on Monday, October 18.
In-person speakers can sign up at the meeting.
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County News
Retirement Announcement
This week, County Executive Chris Martino announced that he will retire effective December 31, 2021. Mr. Martino has been County Executive since 2016. Prior to that, he served as the Deputy County Executive for General Government, and before that, he was Director of Finance for the county. In all, Mr. Martino has been with PWC government for 26 years. The BOCS will start a national search for the new County Executive as soon as possible.
When asked, Mr Martino said the things he is proud of include:
  • Changing the organization’s culture to empower employees and focus on the Board of County Supervisors goals.
  • Aligning the county’s personnel policies, procedures and practices.
  • Completing and implementing classification and compensation studies to help with recruitment and retention of county employees.
  • Overseeing the creation of Chapter 9.2 and a single combination fire and rescue system.
  • Maintaining the Board’s principles of sound financial management and triple AAA bond rating status (issue 85).
“It is the work of our employees, however, that makes me the most proud.”
Christopher E. Martino
County Executive
“The Board is very grateful for Mr. Martino’s service. He has led this organization through many challenges – a global pandemic, social unrest, changes to the structure of the organization, and much more – and he has done so with passion, determination, and always with the best interest of the community and organization at heart. While this is a loss for the organization, we certainly wish him well and the very best of luck.”
Ann Wheeler
Chair At-Large Board of County Supervisors
PWC is Seeking Ideas for Use of Federal COVID Funds
PWC is inviting residents and businesses to share their thoughts and ideas on ways to use the second allotment of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the biggest impact on our community. ARPA, enacted March 1 of 2021, included the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which provides a substantial infusion of resources to state and local governments to help turn the tide of the pandemic, address economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery. Learn more and submit your idea here.
Through the passage of ARPA, PWC has been allocated approximately $91 million in two equal allotments. BOCS approved initiatives to date include:

  • $16,000,000 allocated for economic recovery initiatives to provide grants and other assistance to impacted small businesses and hospitality and tourism industries as well as job training programs to help get County residents back to work.
  • $10,000,000 allocated to the Human Services Alliance of PWC to provide grants to community partners and not-for-profit entities providing needed services to the community.
  • $5,000,000 allocated for the County’s Emergency Response Program and related Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
  • $4,000,000 allocated to provide premium pay to the County’s essential workers who have and bear the greatest health risks because of their service.
  • $3,700,000 allocated for ARPA grant administration, including compliance, subrecipient monitoring, audit and reporting efforts.
  • $2,500,000 allocated to support community feeding initiatives and the work of the County’s Feeding Task Force.
Library Offering Treatment for "Winter Blues"
With daylight getting shorter, many suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or “SAD.” The Prince William Public Libraries has nearly 20 SAD lamps, a specialized light device that, unlike most sources of indoor artificial light, mimic sunlight, which can trigger the body to release serotonin. The lamps can be checked out, renewed, put on hold, and come with instructions for use.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a recognized mental health condition that can manifest itself in fatigue, depression, and social withdrawal. It affects not only the mood, but also the well-being and social function of sufferers. Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" that you have to tough out on your own. Treatments are available, seek help. Visit the National Institute of Mental Health to learn more.
New Hours for Landfill
Starting Saturday, October 30, the PWC Landfill on Dumfries Road Saturday and Sunday hours will be 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Monday through Friday hours will remain 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Balls Ford Road Compost Facility began these same hours on October 4. The landfill and compost facility are operated by the PWC Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division.
The County Landfill and Balls Ford Facilities:
  • Have the same holiday schedule: 6:00 am to 2:00 pm on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Christmas Eve.
  • Are closed on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.  
  • Are closed to commercial haulers on Sundays.
Residents Can Also Recycle:
Enter to Win Prizes by Pledging to Recycle
The Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG) is supporting the November 15 national America Recycles Day (ARD) with a great incentive. On this 25 anniversary of ARD, all Metropolitan Washingtonians, which includes PWC, who submit their pledge to recycle are entered into a drawing for two prizes:
  • One adult entrant will win a $300 gift certificate at REI.
  • One K-12 entrant will win a $300 gift certificate at REI and a $500 grant to the local K-12 environmental program/club of choice. 
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Upcoming PWC Department Meetings
Public Information Meeting on Data Center Overlay
Thursday, October 21, at 6:00 pm, the PWC Planning Office is hosting a virtual public information meeting to provide an update on the Comprehensive Review of the Data Center Overlay District. The Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District was created to promote the development of data centers within areas of the County where there is existing infrastructure that could adequately support the proposed use. This District continues the County's efforts to attract and advance high-tech industrial development while limiting negative impacts to communities. Learn more and register to attend here.
Racial and Social Justice Monthly Open Meeting
Thursday, October 21, at 6:30 pm the PWC Racial and Social Justice Commission will hold its monthly general meeting. Citizens may speak in person or remotely during Public Comment Time. For in-person, you must sign-up at the location on the evening of the meeting. To speak remotely, you must sign up by 2:00 pm on the day of the meeting. You can watch the meeting live here.
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PWC Votes
As the Tuesday, November 2, General Election nears, the PWC Office of Elections is providing more ways for early in-person voting. Two additional locations will be opening up, as well as more days and times at the three current early in-person voting locations.
More Early In-Person Voting Locations

Starting Monday, October 18, the two new locations for early in-person voting will be at the:

  • Brentsville Courthouse Historic District at 12229 Bristow Road in Bristow.
  • Dumfries Community Center at 17755 Main Street in Dumfries.

These two new locations will be open:

  • Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm through Friday, October 29.
  • Saturday, October 23, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
  • Saturday, October 30, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Expanded Early In-Person Voting Days and Times

The three current early in-person voting locations that will be expanding their days and hours are:

  • Prince William County Office of Elections at 9250 Lee Avenue, Suite 1 in Manassas
  • Haymarket Gainesville Community Library at 14870 Lightner Road in Haymarket
  • Department of Motor Vehicle Woodbridge Customer Service Center, Elections Office at 2731 Caton Hill Road in Woodbridge

In addition to Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, the days and hours at these locations will be:
  • Saturday October 16 from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
  • Saturday, October 23, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
  • Sunday, October 24 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
  • Saturday, October 30, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Additional Important Information

If You Want to Vote by Mail

Know Your Candidates
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County Happenings
Safe and Legal Way to Dispose of Prescriptions
Saturday, October 23, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, the PWC and the Manassas City Police Departments are joining with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and community groups in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Bring your unused or expired prescription medications to one of the three locations below to safely and legally dispose of them.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2019:
  • 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers.
  • 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants.
  • 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives.

The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
Mega Shredding Event
Saturday, October 23, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, the PWC Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division is holding a Mega Paper Shred at the Pfizer Stadium located at 7 County Complex Court in Woodbridge. The free, community-wide event is open to residents only, no business or commercial shredding. Limit of four boxes, 18”x12x15” or smaller of confidential documents only. Non confidential documents should be recycled curb side or at a Solid Waste facility convenience center.
Acceptable Items:
  • Bank Statements
  • Tax Returns

Documents may have paper clips, small binder clips, or a spiral binder.
Unacceptable Items:
  • Junk Mail
  • Newspapers/Magazines
  • CD's and Other Media
  • Electronics

Documents may NOT have large binder clips, ring binders, or Redweld Accordion Files.
Outdoor Movie Night
Saturday, October 23, at 7:00pm,
River Mill Park, located at 458 Mill Street in Occoquan, is having an outdoor showing of Hocus Pocus. Tickets are $5 for adults, 12 and under free.
  • Popcorn, candy, and beverages will be available for purchase in the park.
  • Bring your own camp chairs or blankets.
  • Outside food is allowed. No glass containers or outside alcohol permitted.
Calendar Reminders
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School News
New Officer Announcement
PWC Public Schools (PWCS) has appointed Dr. Lucretia N. Brown as Chief Equity Officer. As a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Cabinet, Dr. Brown will provide innovative leadership and management oversight to promote, champion, and sustain educational equity and an inclusive environment for all students.
Dr. Brown most recently served as Deputy Superintendent of Equity, Accountability, and School Improvement for Allentown School District, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She holds a Ph.D. in Leadership with a concentration in education from Alvernia University, as well as a M.A. in Urban Education from Alvernia College, and a B.A. in Legal Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Brown will begin her new role on November 15.
Dr. Brown's responsibilities will include:
  • Planning, organizing, and directing initiatives related to diversity, equity, and outreach.
  • Providing leadership to increase effectiveness in promoting equity and inclusion Division-wide.
  • Developing and implementing short- and long-term equity goals that support the Division's mission, vision, and four-year strategic plan.
  • Serving as the Division's leader for equity goals.
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County Kudos
Department Receives Four Awards
PWC Department of Economic Development (PWCDED) received four awards at this year’s International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2021 Excellence Awards annual conference. IEDC is the largest nonprofit association for professional economic developers in the world and received more than 500 submissions from four countries.
For the population size between 200,000 and 500,000, PWCDED won the following awards for Economic Excellence: 
"Congratulations to our Department of Economic Development for creating award-winning programs and artfully elevating our business success stories. These awards are another benchmark in increasing the strategic brand awareness at regional and national levels for Prince William County.” 
Ann Wheeler
Chair At-Large Board of County Supervisors
Essential Service is Recertified
The Association of Public Safety Communications International (APCO) has recertified the PWC Department of Public Safety Communications Training Division curriculum. APCO is an international standards body and association for the 9-1-1 industry. The curriculum, training materials, and supporting documentation are submitted to APCO and checked for compliance with the rules and procedures that guide the certification process. The department has met the training standards for certification since 2014.
The Department of Public Safety Communications is the cornerstone of the County's comprehensive public safety response system. The department operates a 24-hour consolidated call processing and dispatch center for all 911 and non-emergency requests for the Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, and Fire & Rescue services. In addition to facilitating the flow of information in a seamless and rapid manner, it provides aid, comfort and instructions to the public prior to the arrival of law enforcement, fire, and rescue field resources.
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.