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Issue 106
Friday, March 4, 2022
Prince William County
Dear Neighbors,

The two-year anniversary of the first known COVID-19 case in Prince William County is March 7. As the Mask Update article below demonstrates, we are finally moving into a new normal. That said, we must still continue to be vigilant for possible new variants, maintain safety measures like hand washing, and most importantly encourage everyone who can to become fully vaccinated.

Sadly, this sense of relief about the pandemic is overshadowed by the recent tragic events happening in Europe. If you would like to provide humanitarian support to the people of Ukraine, some organizations that have dedicated programs are the World Central Kitchen, Voices of Children, Doctors Without Borders, or International Committee of The Red Cross. These are just a few suggestions from the many worthy organizations providing aid.

Before I close, there have recently been media articles and concern about the inclusion of a proposed Bi-County Parkway, in the Mobility Chapter Update of the Pathway to 2040: Comprehensive Plan. In the Tuesday, March 1, BOCS meeting, I gave a directive to County staff to remove it from the comprehensive plan update and to focus on local improvements and solutions versus a regional road. I am pleased to let you know my directive was unanimously supported by the Board, particularly Supervisors Candland and Bailey.

In Service,
Chair Ann Wheeler
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Department Tours and Talks
Area Agency on Aging
Led by Director Sarah Henry, the Prince William Area Agency on Aging focuses on maintaining independence and quality of life for adults and their families through advocating, educating, coordinating and implementing programs and services. Part of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, it serves older adults, their families and caregivers in PWC, the City of Manassas, and the City of Manassas Park.
Its Adult Day Healthcare program includes group-based activities, personal care, and health monitoring for adults 18 and older who cannot or should not remain at home alone during the day. Daytime recreational opportunities for those 55 and older can be found at the Senior Centers in Woodbridge, Manassas, and virtually. The Bluebird Tour Program provides day and overnight travel experiences. Supportive Services program provides a includes Veteran Assistance, Medicare Counseling, Hospital Care Transitions, Caregiver Support, and Assessment and Care Coordination.

Additional programs and services include Services Assessment, In-Home Assistance, Care Transitions, Legal Assistance, and Nutrition Services. The Programs and Resources webpage is a great way to quickly find descriptions and links to the many programs and services offered. There are also resources for caregivers and those looking for assistance remaining independent in their homes. If you would like to volunteer, learn more here.
"Our Area Agency on Aging did amazing work during the pandemic and will continue to have a greater place in our community as we see an increase on our over 55 housing."
Ann Wheeler
Board of County Supervisors Chair At-Large
Adult Detention Center
Led by Superintendent Colonel Peter A. Meletis (right of Chair Wheeler along with his senior staff), the Prince William - Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center provides secure, safe, and healthful housing and conducts rehabilitative programs that reduce recidivism following release. It serves PWC, the towns of Occoquan, Quantico, Triangle, Dumfries, and Haymarket, as well as the independent cities of Manassas, and Manassas Park.
The Work Release Program affords the opportunity to work in the community at any number of businesses. Medical personnel are on duty 24 hours a day seven days a week for persons in need of medical services. Personal and professional visits with inmates are scheduled here.

The ADC conducts tours for adult students, law enforcement candidates, and similar organizations. To schedule a tour, contact the Director of Security at 703-792-6494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4 pm. The ADC strives to recruit individuals seeking a career in public service. Current job postings are listed here.
"Our Adult Detention Center has important programs in place which focus on helping its occupants and it worked diligently during the pandemic to keep people safe."
Ann Wheeler
Board of County Supervisors Chair At-Large
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Chair's Calendar
Roundtable Discussion with HUD Secretary
Wednesday, March 2, Chair Wheeler participated in a roundtable discussion with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments event included several elected government officials from the region. The conversation focused on federal-regional collaboration and covered a range of topics, including housing production and affordability, housing discrimination, and homelessness, as well as strategies and resources to tackle these challenges.
Public Defender’s Office
Wednesday, March 2, Chair Wheeler visited the Prince William Public Defenders’ Office to discuss their ongoing operations. Led by Chief Public Defender Tracy Lennox, the office is state-funded and provides legal representation to individuals who can’t afford a lawyer. It serves PWC and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
Created in 2020, the new office was provided $5.4 million in funding from the state for its first two years. This funded 35 full-time positions, including 24 attorneys. At the time of the office's creation, PWC was the largest locality in Virginia without a public defenders’ office.
Ground-Breaking
Thursday, March 3, Chair Wheeler participated in a ground-breaking for St. Katherine Drexel Mission in Haymarket. Part of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, it is a Mission Church of St. Stephen the Martyr in Middleburg. Currently, Sunday mass is celebrated at Battlefield High School. The date of event is also the feast day of our patroness Saint Katharine Drexel
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COVID-19 News
Mask Updates
In PWC Government facilities masks are now optional for employees and visitors.

  • All employees and volunteers working in classrooms
  • Students and adults on school buses.
NOTE: Masks continue to be required by federal rules for adults and students in Head Start Pre-K classrooms.
New Vaccination Center and Clinic Operating Times
The Prince William Community Vaccination Center (CVC) at the old Gander Mountain building in Woodbridge now operates Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Prince William Health District (PWHD) Manassas Mall vaccine clinic now operates Wednesday through Friday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Resources
How to get vaccinated:

How to get tested:
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BOCS
Budget Work Session
Tuesday, March 8 at 2:00 pm

For Public Comment Time options, visit SpeakUp! Prince William.
Remote speakers must sign-up by 5:00 pm on Monday, March 7. In-person speakers can sign up at the meeting.
Budget Resources
The Proposed FY2023 Budget is based on a $1.050 real estate tax rate (current rate is $1.115) generating general revenues of $1,252,644,000. Additional agency revenues of $219,201,607 and County resources of $11,506,427 bring the FY2023 Budget funding total to $1,483,352,034.

Based on the proposed FY2023 budget real estate tax rate of $1.050, the average residential tax bill will be $4,901. The graphic below provides a dollar amount and percentage breakdown by functional area of that amount.
The County's Got Questions? webpage has Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Budget Questions & Answers (Q&A) sections. To post a question or comment, please click the Submit Question/Comment button.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Resources
The County’s FY2023-2028 CIP is funded through multiple sources, including the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, state and federal, debt, general fund cash to capital, solid waste fees, proffers, capital reserve, fire levy, and several local tax and fee sources.

The County's CIP Web Mapping Application, pictured below, is a user-friendly online way to obtain detailed information on the Proposed FY2023 - FY 2028 CIP. Ways to navigate the tool include using:
  • Your mouse on the interactive map.
  • The left side menu for information by project.
  • The top navigation tabs for project information by functional area and Magisterial District.
Find more detailed instructions on using the interactive application here.

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County News
Share Your Feedback
Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) (issue 105) is seeking feedback through a two-minute, six-question survey. Available through March 31, the survey is available online and at all of its branches. PWPL offers the annual "Did you find what you were looking for?" survey to gain a better understanding from the community if it is meeting their needs, how materials are chosen, ways patrons are using the Digital Library, and on future purchases.
Teen Writing Contest
High School Juniors and Seniors can win a grand prize of $300 by submitting their answer, in 350 words or less, to the question, "What has the library meant to me in my preparation to becoming a new adult?"
New Park
Monday, February 28, the city broke ground for Rollins Ford Park. The 69-acre park will be located in the Brentsville District adjacent to Rollins Ford Road. Amenities will include a grass and synthetic athletics field, a destination playground, basketball court, pavilions, dog park, comfort station, walking trails, "pump track" for bike riders, and wildflower meadows.
Reminders
The period for 501(c)(3) faith-based and nonprofit organizations to submit project proposals for ARPA Community Grant Program funding closes Sunday, March 13 at 11:59 pm. Learn more and submit a proposal here.

Monday, March 14, at 6:30 pm, a public meeting will be hosted at the Haymarket Gainesville Public Library to discuss findings from the archaeological investigation at Scott Cemetery (issue 105).
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Celebrating Irish Heritage
Proclamation
Patrick Sullivan, left, Kay Sullivan, and Vince Fitzpatrick, of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee (article below)
At its March 1 meeting, the BOCS Proclaimed March Irish American Heritage Month. Early Irish immigrants endured hardships to build new lives. They transformed our largest cities into centers of commerce and industry, and made great cultural, spiritual, and economic contributions. Irish-Americans played an important part in creating the fabric of our history through their service, faith and family values. Today many Americans of Irish descent continue to play a vital role in shaping our history and culture, enriching all aspects of our lives.
Dance
Sunday, March 6, at 4:00 pm, Velocity Irish Dance, a high-octane celebration of the past, present, and future of Irish dance, will be at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Five-time World Champion Irish dancer David Geaney and Guinness World Record holder Tyler Schwartz will be accompanied by an incredible Celtic band, and scratch DJ. Tickets are $35 to $55, half-priced for youth through Grade 12. Get a glimpse of David and Tyler in the video below!
Parade
The 2022 Greater Manassas St. Patrick's Day Parade will be led by Grand Marshall Joe Martin down Center Street in Old Town Manassas on March 12, 2022, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Come out and celebrate the Grand Irish Tradition with several pipe bands, Irish culture groups (Ancient Order of Hibernians), Irish dance groups and the Manassas community!
Cooking
Saturday, March 12, the PWC Office of Historic Preservation is hosting Cooking a Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Meal at Ben Lomond Historic Site in Manassas. Participants will be able to prepare and taste traditional Irish dishes in the historic slave quarter. The two-hour session is offered at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, is $10 per person, and advanced registration required.
Park Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, March 12, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, PWC Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism is hosting a Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt at Silver Lake Regional Park in Haymarket. Participants from age 3 to 99 will follow a map to search for the little leprechauns hiding in the park and their illusive pot of gold. Tickets are $8.
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County Happenings
Under the Sea
Through Sunday, March 6, from 12:00 am to 5:00 pm, the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center in Manassas is hosting MerMagic Con. The World's Largest Mermaid Convention, MerMagic Con Brings together experts from all corners of the mermaid industry. There are speaker's, classes, vendors, crafts, a gala, and so much mor. There is something for everyone from kids to Mer-enthusiasts to professionals.
Grand Opening
Monday, March 7, at 10:00 am, the Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center Barnes and Noble in Woodbridge is hosting its grand opening. Come out and enjoy the festivities and enjoy the store which includes a cafe and children's department. If you purchase a Leuchtturm1917 notebook you can get it embossed for free!
Calling All Runners
The Marine Corps 17.75K on Saturday March 26, at 7:00 am starts and finishes outside Montclair Tabernacle Church in Dumfries, near Marine Corps Base Quantico. The course includes a scenic 11.03 mile run through Prince William Forest Park. The 17.75K distance commemorates the year the Marine Corps was established. Registration is $65 with a limited number of slots for virtual runners. All live event finishers 14 years of age and older are guaranteed access to the Marine Corps Marathon in October.
Reminder
Registration opens Tuesday, March 8, for PWC Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism's Summer Camps. Find out all you need to know in the 2022 Summer Camp Guide and FAQs webpage.
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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.