Issue 168

Friday, June 9, 2023

Prince William County

Dear Neighbors,

This week Prince William County, along with much of the east coast, was impacted by smoke from the wildfires in Canada. Fortunately, air quality conditions moved from purple (very unhealthy) earlier this week to yellow (moderate) today and is forecasted to remain at the moderate level through the weekend.

While everyone should take the needed steps to keep themselves and their family safe, we should also ensure we are looking after the older members of our community. As people age, their bodies are less able to compensate for the effects of environmental hazards. Air pollution can aggravate heart disease and stroke, lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, and diabetes.

So please, continue to stay safe and check-on your older and more vulnerable friends and neighbors.

In Service,

Chair Ann Wheeler

Friday, June 2, Chair Wheeler attended the Friday's at 5 Concert. The Tribe Band, billed on the band’s website as an “Old School/New School Party Band,” provided and upbeat, eclectic show at the well-attended event. 

Friday, June 9, Chair Wheeler's Office participated in the USA BMX Battlefield National Opening Ceremony. The event was held at the Pfitzner Stadium NOVA BMX Track at 7 County Complex Court in Woodbridge. Since March, the track has been resurfaced, new turn walls erected, and a cover now graces the staging area. Occoquan Magisterial District Supervisor Kenny Boddye (left photo) also attended. The competition runs through Sunday.

June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and More (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month

Our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, and more residents are a vital part of our community. The PWC Human Rights Commission prohibits discriminatory practices based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2020 the Commonwealth of Virginia recognized LGBTQIA+ individuals as a protected class, through ‘The Virginia Values Act.’

(left to right) Casa Brumar Secretary/Board Member Heidi Brumar and Founder/President/Executive Director Evelyn Brumar; Equality Prince William members Deanna Bayer, Jennifer Fishback, and David Dooley; and PWC Equity and Inclusion Officer Maria Burgos

June is Immigrant Heritage Month

PWC is the most diverse County in Virginia. Our immigrants bring with them new traditions, customs, and perspectives that play a vital role in our community. The sacrifices they made and their entrepreneurial spirit contribute to the rich tapestry that defines our County's character. National Immigrant Heritage month was first observed at the federal level in 2022.

(left to right front row) Woodbridge Workers Committee members Marycruz Caranza, Patty Ochoa, and Salvador Roldan; and Chair Virginia African Diaspora Committee Princess Philomena Desmond-Oguagua

(left to right back row) PWC Equity and Inclusion Officer Maria Burgos, Executive Director of the Muslim Association of Virginia Rafi Uddin Ahmed, and Hakan Atasever Executive Director of American Turkish Friendship Association

June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The World Day of Elder Abuse Awareness 2023 theme is “Building Strong Supports for Elders - Aging Unbound.” World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.

(left to right) PWC Department of Social Services Director Courtney Tierney, Deputy Director Phyllis Jennings-Holt, Social Services Advisory Board Chair Laurie Wilson, Assistant Director of Protective Services Van Washington, and Adult Program Services Manager Marie Barnes

At its Tuesday, June 6, meeting the BOCS budgeted and appropriated funding for several transportation projects across the County.

In observance of Juneteenth:

• Government Offices, including the courts will be closed Monday, June 19.
• Dale City, Dumfries, Independent Hill, Lake Ridge, Nokesville Libraries will be closed Saturday, June 17.
• All Libraries will be closed Monday, June 19. 

Bull Run and Chinn Park Libraries will maintain normal operating hours of 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday, June 18.

The County Landfill and Balls Ford Road Compost Facility will maintain normal operating hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday, June 17 and 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday, June 19. 

Check out what all the excitement is about in this video.

With temperatures expected to hit 90 degrees this week, it's a great time to remember to NEVER leave children or pets alone in hot vehicles! Heat can rise in a closed car by up to 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. One tip to ensure you check the backseat, is put something there you will want at your destination. Read more heat related Virginia Department of Health safety tips here. 

Congratulations to the Unity Reed High School Art Club on their LOVE sign at the Hampton Inn on Williamson Road in Manassas. The idea came about when the hotel's General Manager, Jennifer Decker, approached art teacher Sarah Duvall and asked if there were students willing to design and create a 4- to 5-foot-tall sign to be placed on the hotel grounds. Sarah Duval saw it as an opportunity for the students to experience a professional commission and got the group right to work with their new client to plan the project. 

Since the sign was going to be installed in the hotel's newly created pollinator garden, a flowers and bees theme won the group vote. The project was a collaborative effort. The sign was designed by Senior Giselle Guzman-Cornejo, built by Brian Farabaugh, and the surrounding area landscaped by Scout Troop 1185. The Art Club came together on approximately seven different days after school to draw and paint the letters. During the meetings, the students had to move the heavy, wooden letters around and lift them on to art tables to paint. The Art Club consists of 15-20 students who come after school on a rotating basis or when they are able.

'Bee' sure to checkout the pollinator event in County Happenings below!

Congratulations to Patriot High School Boys' Track and Field Team, and Coach James DeMarco, on winning the state title at the Virginia Class 6 Outdoor Track and Field State Champions! The competition drew more 300 Virginia high school track teams comprised of some of the best high school track athletes in the nation. The school’s only previous state titles had been from the swimming team.

Saturday, June 17, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Potomac Shores Juneteenth "Family Reunion-ish" Celebration will provide a day of good food, vendors, education, and performances to celebrate Juneteenth, the ending of slavery in the United States.

Monday, June 19, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, the PWC Office of Historic Preservation is hosting Juneteenth at the Historic Lucasville School House. Learn about the celebration marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the South, the development of freedmen communities in the County, and the progression of education during Reconstruction and the Jim Crow Era. Admission is free.

The third annual Dumfries Juneteenth Parade and Jubilee will begin at 11:00 am on Monday, June 19. The parade will march down Cameron Street into the Dumfries Slave Cemetery to then celebrate, including amplifying lesser-known narratives and contributions of African Americans in PWC.

Thursday, June 21, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, Reptile World with Michael Shwedick is returning to the Jean C. Smith Amphitheater in Locust Shade Park. Audiences will meet an interesting selection of live, large, colorful, and gentle reptiles from all over the world and how learn how important they are in our environment. Many of the myths and misconceptions are dispelled, instilling a greater appreciation, and understanding of these fascinating reptiles.

For more information and reservations, call 703-792-8780. General admission for ages 2 and up is $ 5.50/per person. The group rate for 10 people or more is $4.50/per person. Additional shows are offered at the same time on Thursday, July 13 and Thursday, August 3.

Saturday, June 24, from 10 am to 2 pm, celebrate pollinators at the second third annual Manassas Bee Festival. The free event will be held at the historic Liberia House and Grounds, located at 8601 Portner Avenue in Old Town Manassas. The family-friendly festival will have fresh honey and mead for tasting, honey crafts, and an apiary in progress. Bee and butterfly costumes are encouraged!

• County Website and Career Opportunities
• Real Estate Assessment and Personal Property Tax information
• Personal Property Payment and Changes Online Portal
• 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
• Pet Adoption and Dog Licenses