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Issue 102
Friday, February 4, 2022
Prince William County
Dear Neighbors,

It’s that time of year and I wanted to let you know your Board of County Supervisors was hard at work in Richmond this week representing the County's interests with your state legislators. We met throughout the day with various representatives, both in the House of Delegates and the Senate, talking about the needs of Prince William County as well as discussing proposed legislation and its impact on our operations and residents.

Virginia has a short legislative session, and you could see the frantic pace. We have such exceptional representation, and I am grateful we work together to make Prince William County the best jurisdiction in the Commonwealth! Proposed bills will cross over from one house to another in the coming weeks, and we will let you know which eventually become laws that may have an impact on our area and its residents.

Stay well.

In Service,
Chair Ann Wheeler
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Department Tour and Talk
Public Safety Communications
Led by Director Eddie Reyes, the Department of Public Safety Communications 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 within PWC and the incorporated towns. Fire & Rescue calls for service are also processed and dispatched for the City of Manassas and the City of Manassas Park. The department is accredited by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services, and Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
The communications center staff are usually the first public safety persons to 'arrive' at the scene of a crime, fire or medical emergency. This allows for a virtual zero response time for emergency medical care because call takers are trained to provide immediate medical care instructions over the telephone before response services arrive. PWC receives half a million 911 calls annually. In fiscal year 2020, the statistical summary of complaints per 1,000 emergency calls received was .05%.
"The Public Safety Communications staff provides one of our most critical services. They handle a significant volume of urgent calls for an incredibly wide range of needs. It's a testament to the dedication of the entire staff to have such a low number of complaints."
Ann Wheeler
Board of County Supervisors Chair At-Large
How and When to Contact Public Safety Communications
Emergency Situations

To report a situation that poses an immediate threat to life and property requiring an emergency public safety response, dial 911 immediately. Examples can include: 
  • An auto accident with injuries
  • A fire
  • A medical emergency
  • Crimes in progress (such as a person threatening others with a weapon, a fight, robbery or burglary happening at the time you call)
Non-emergency Situations

For all other situations requiring public safety services, dial the non-emergency number: 703-792-6500. Examples can include:
  • Assistance with moving a disabled/ill person who has fallen or needs to be transferred to a bed or vehicle
  • Barking dogs
  • Finding property (including vehicles) that has been lost, stolen or vandalized
  • Flooded basement
  • Lock outs from autos, homes or businesses
  • Loud music
  • Runaways
Emergency Contacts for Business Owners

In case of fire or theft to business establishments in PWC after closing hours, Public Safety Communications maintains a list of emergency contact telephone numbers. This list is strictly confidential and is not for public use. If your business has not submitted this emergency information, or if existing information is out of date, please complete the Business Emergency Contact Form.
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Chair's Calendar
On Thursday, February 3, Chair Wheeler participated in the Virginia Association of Counties' (VACo) Local Government Day in Richmond. The annual event is an opportunity for local governments to connect and advocate at the 2022 Virginia General Assembly. This includes introducing a package of budget amendments that advance important local government priorities. In the evening, Chair Wheeler spoke at a dinner hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
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COVID-19 News
PWC Community Transmission Rate
Community transmission and positivity rates continue to decrease. The Prince William Health District COVID-19 Dashboard on January 31 showed 600 new cases per 100K in the last seven days and 24.9% positivity (January 24: 915 new cases and 24.9% positivity (issue 101).
Walk-ins for Testing are Now Welcome
The Community Testing Center (CTC) (issue 99), located at the Pfitzner Stadium Complex in Woodbridge, is now accepting walk-ins. The free Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests for COVID-19 are available for individuals 3 months and older. Results are usually available within a few days. The CTC is open Saturday through Thursday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. In addition to walk-ins, appointments can be made here.
FDA Test Recall
The FDA has issued a warning to the public to stop using Empowered Diagnostics COVID-19 Tests. Empowered Diagnostics is recalling the CovClear COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test and the ImmunoPass COVID-19 Neutralizing Antibody Rapid Test. These tests were distributed with labeling indicating they are authorized by the FDA, but neither test has been authorized, cleared, or approved by the FDA for distribution or use in the U.S.
Vaccination, Testing, and Treatment Resources
To learn where you can get vaccinated:

If you are at high risk of developing serious disease, you may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments which can help prevent severe illness and help keep you out of the hospital. Learn more here.
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BOCS
Next Meeting
Tuesday, February 8
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, February 7. In-person speakers can sign up at the meeting.
The 2:00 pm meeting will include a work session presentation on Options for a Collective Bargaining Ordinance by Michelle Casciato, PWC Office of Executive Management,

The 7:30 pm meeting will include a presentation of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program by David Sinclair, Office of Management and Budget, and receipt of the Racial and Social Justice Commission’s Report from Shantell E. Rock, Chair of the Racial and Social Justice Commission.
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Black History Month
During its Tuesday, February 1, meeting, the BOCS Proclaimed February as Black History Month to celebrate the history, heritage, and accomplishments of African American people. The BOCS encourages citizen participation in the activities recognizing the past and recent accomplishments, history, and heritage of African Americans.

PWC Police Department Sargent Bryon C. Jenkins (center and left of Chair Wheeler), Chairman of the PWC 2022 History Month Committee, accepted the proclamation. Each year the committee embraces the annual theme of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®), which this year is Black History Health and Wellness. Throughout the month of February, ASALH is hosting Virtual Black History Month Festival programs and has posted a collection of books on the theme here.
On Saturday, February 19, at 10:00 am, the PWC Black History Committee is hosting a live virtual event with a health and wellness panel featuring local professionals in mental, physical, dental, and internal health. The panel will answer questions in real-time and questions previously submitted. A link to the community-wide event will be shared when it is made available.
More African American History Month Events in PWC

Ongoing all month
PWC's unique and extensive African American history is shared through many of our historic sites and communities. It's an excellent opportunity to explore the history, arts, culture, and contributions of Black Americans.

 Every Saturday, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
The PWC Office of Historic Preservation is celebrating African American History Month with special programs at the historic Lucasville School in Manassas. The reconstructed one-room schoolhouse is the only school built for African American children still in existence in PWC and is dedicated to interpreting post-Civil War African American education.

Saturday, February 12, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm
A day of special tours at the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre with stories from the area about the enslaved people, free blacks, African American Civil War veterans, joy of emancipation, lingering legacy of Reconstruction, and beginning of the Jim Crow era. Tickets are $5.00, children under six are free.

Saturday, February 12, 10:00 am to 10:30 am, Virtual
Learn more about the types, themes, and characters present in African American folklore! Listen to folktales and discuss how they impacted the community. Register for the free virtual event here.

Saturday, February 12, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Families are invited to join the National Museum of the Marine Corps team in celebrating Black History Month with activities based on the contributions and accomplishments of African American Marines.

Saturday, February 19, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Many Southern dishes have their roots in west and central African culture that enslaved workers brought to America. Participants will be able to prepare and taste African and Southern dishes in the historic slave quarter at Ben Lomond Historic Site. Tickets are $10 per person and advanced registration is required.
Hear students from across PWC Public Schools share what Black History Month means to them and acknowledge the many contributions Black Americans have made throughout history.
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County News
The BOCS has partnered with The Human Services Alliance of Greater Prince William (The Alliance)to distribute $10 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to support COVID-19. Grants up to $300,000 are available for 501(c)(3) faith-based and nonprofit organizations that serve PWC residents

The period to submit project proposals requesting funding opens Friday, February 18 at 9:00 am and closes Sunday, March 13 at 11:59 pm. There will be three live informational sessions via Zoom. A recording of the session will be posted on The Alliance’s website. Click one of the links below to register for a session.

Transportation Feedback Requested
The Virginia Department of Transportation is inviting residents and travelers to share feedback online for two PWC areas in Project Pipeline, a new program created by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. It is a performance-based planning program to identify cost-effective solutions to multimodal transportation needs. Through this planning process, projects and solutions may be considered for funding through programs including Smart Scale, Revenue Sharing, interstate funding, and others.
Survey Details

Route 29 (Lee Hwy.)
Learn more and provide feedback on potential transportation safety, congestion and bicycle/pedestrian improvements along Route 29 (Lee Hwy.) between Route 15 (James Madison Hwy.) and Route 619 (Linton Hall Rd.).

Route 294 (Prince William Pkwy.)
Learn more and provide feedback on potential transportation safety, congestion and bicycle/pedestrian improvements along Route 294 (Prince William Pkwy.) between Route 642 (Smoketown Rd.) and Route 849 (Caton Hill Rd.).

The online surveys are available through Wednesday, February 16.
Drinking Water Meeting for Several Communities
The Service Authority has scheduled a virtual public information meeting on projects to improve the drinking water supply available for property owners and residents of the Bull Run Mountain and Evergreen Estates communities on Wednesday, February 23, at 7:00 pm. The design phase is nearing completion, and the Service Authority has selected two sites for the development of community groundwater wells. Participants will be able to ask questions about the project.
Join the Zoom meeting online (if prompted use meeting ID 892 2988 5421) or by phone at 301-715-8592.
Reminders

You can still register and submit questions for the Monday, February 7, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, virtual town hall forum with PWC Police Chief Peter Newsham, Let's Talk about Reimaging Public Safety: Prevent Harm and Lead with the Truth.

Registration (required) closes Wednesday, February 9, at 5:00 pm, for the Thursday, February 10, Planning Office in-person community meeting on the Pathway to 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update (issues 99 and 100). Register for in person attendance here and for in-person or virtual public comment here.
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School News
Strategic Plan Approved
During its Wednesday, February 2, meeting the School Board approved the Vision 2025 Launching Thriving Futures Strategic Plan (issue 97). A collaborative work that began in 2019, the Plan is based on four commitments: Learning and Achievement for All, Positive Climate and Culture, Family and Community Engagement, and Organizational Coherence. The Plan also includes a Profile of a Graduate, built on the Division’s collective vision for PWCS students.
Proposed School Budget Presented
At the Wednesday, February 2, School Board Meeting PWC Public Schools Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade shared the proposed PWC Public School Fiscal Year 2023 Budget. There are multiple opportunities for stakeholders to hear more and provide feedback. The School Board has scheduled a public meeting on Monday, February 7, a public hearing on Wednesday, February 16, and two work sessions. The School Board will consider approval on Wednesday, March 16.
The proposal is approximately a 14% increase over Fiscal Year 2022. The single largest investment is $60 million to provide a 7% average increase in pay for staff. The proposed budget also includes proposed capital improvements and hiring recommendations of:
  • 88 full-time kindergarten teaching assistants to ensure every kindergarten classroom has a full-time assistant.
  • 100 full-time teaching assistants for special education classrooms. 
  • 13 assistive technology specialists.
  • 15 career counselors, one for every traditional and non-traditional high school
  • 13 instructional support positions to provide teachers with professional development and school-based coaching
  • 14 nurses
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County Happenings
Saturday, February 12, and Sunday, February 13, the Occoquan is hosting its annual Chocolate Fest. The popular event includes tastings, workshops, and other valentine events. Many shops on Saturday will stay open until 8:00 pm or later. Plus, you can enter for your chance to win a decadent chocolate box stuffed with sweets and treats from around Occoquan.
"Cultural Treasure" at the Hylton
Saturday, February 19, at 8:00 pm, Ballet Hispánico will be at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Founded 50 years ago by National Medal of Arts recipient, Tina Ramírez, the renowned Latinx dance organization recently recognized by the Ford Foundation as one of America’s Cultural Treasures. It celebrates and explores Latinx cultures through innovative dance performances, transformative dance training, and enduring community engagement experiences. Tickets are $34 to $53, half-price for youth through Grade 12.
Brave the Cold for a Great Cause
Saturday, February 19, at 8:00 am, the PWC Police Department is again supporting the more than 23,000 Special Olympics Virginia athletes by hosting the Prince William Polar Plunge at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge. You can help them reach their goal of raising $100,000 by registering to participate or donating here. Learn more about how the Plunge benefits these amazing Virginia athletes.
Day of Event Specifics

  • 11:00 am – Plunger Check In/Registration Opens
  • 11:00 am to 2:00 pm – Live music, games, door prizes, food trucks, LEO static displays and more
  • 1:00 pm – Plunger Check In/Registration Closes
  • 1:15 pm – Plunge festivities begin with costume contest, event announcements followed by the plunge by teams
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County Kudos
Selected to Serve as Chair on International Council
Christina Winn, PWC Department of Economic Development Executive Director, has been selected by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to serve as chair on the Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee in 2022.  With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers and the largest of its kind.
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.