Issue 27
Friday, August 21, 2020
Prince William County
Dear Neighbors,

I hope you noticed the new hyperlink icons above. These will take you to my new Chair Wheeler website and social media accounts! In my Chair Wheeler website you'll find a broad range of information on all things PWC. On Twitter I'll be sharing important news, on Facebook the focus will be on what's happening in the county, and on Instagram the theme will be the PWC lifestyle. Lastly, there is The Wheeler Connection, my YouTube channel.

There is still time if you haven't registered for one of my two Strategic Planning Community Conversations! Details on how are provided below. I look forward to hearing from you and welcome a diverse group of thoughts and ideas.

In addition to the community conversations details, in this issue you will find helpful COVID-19 information, a recent School Board meeting, a social services program, hometown heroes news, and a milestone anniversary.

In Service,
Chair Ann Wheeler
Community Conversations
You can still register to participate in one of my two Strategic Planning Community Conversations. Your input will help in selecting goals and priorities to guide the county’s vision for the future.
Saturday, August 22
10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Thursday, August 27
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation email.

The day before the session you will receive a second email with details on how to join the free Webex meeting.
COVID-19
Helpful Videos
Mask Up! Spread Out! ¡Use Cubreboca! ¡Mantenga distancia!
Know The Right Way to Wear A Mask From the CDC
Don't Forget
Are you helping in the fight against COVID-19? It's easy! Just download the COVIDWISE to your phone. The innovative exposure notification app is free and alerts users if they have been in close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. It does not rely on personal information or location data.
School Update
Special Session
This week the School Board met and received an update from Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steve Walts, regarding the implementation of the Return to Learn (Issue 22) and Return to Work plans. The update focused on the provision of services to special needs students, most vulnerable English Language Learners, students with interrupted learning, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Social Services
Did You Know
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) clients have access to SNAPET, a program designed to empower people towards new career opportunities. The employment counselors will match clients with services such as assistance looking/preparing for a job, getting education/training, and acquiring needed industry certifications. Spaces are limited so call 703-792-7500 to make an appointment.
Hometown Heroes
Dedication Acknowledged
Congratulations to Lieutenant Ryan Kirk of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue for his recognition as the 2020 Northern Virginia Regional Award winner for Outstanding Pre-Hospital Educator by the Northern Virginia EMS Council. Working outside the box, he engages students by incorporating emotion into evidence-based presentations, drawing them into topic discussions using pictures and videos while applying active learning activities, simulations of real-life scenarios, and humor.
“Watching Lieutenant Kirk interact with the students, it is obvious that he has a passion for EMS and to pass his knowledge on to others. He is very deserving to be recognized by the NOVA EMS Council and we are proud of him!”
Chief Tim Keen, Prince William County Fire & Rescue System
Speaking Of Awards
Shout out to Prince William County Fire and Rescue for being recognized by Inside NOVA as a 2020 Best of Prince William. The fire and rescue system won two categories within Emergency Services, “Best Firefighter” and “Best Rescue Squad Member."
A Milestone
Centennial Anniversary
The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting American women the right to vote was ratified on August 18, 1920. The movement gained national recognition in 1848 at the Seneca Falls Convention which was organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. Among the more than 300 people in attendance were Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. While the press mocked the idea after the convention, and some supports withdrew, others persisted through the 71 years it took until ratification.
The Start
Wyoming, officially nicknamed the Equality State, was the first state to grant voting rights to women. It was also the first state to elect a female governor. Nellie Tayloe Rosswas was elected in 1924 and served as the first woman director of the U.S. Mint from 1933 to 1953.

Crossing The Finish Line
Tennessee was the 36th state to pass the amendment, pushing it to the required number for ratification, but it wasn't simple. Voting on the heels of the amendment being rejected by seven southern states, including Virginia, Tennessee state legislators were in a 48-48 tie. The deciding vote came down to 23-year-old Republican Representative Harry T. Burn from McMinn County. Although Burn opposed the amendment, he was ultimately convinced to vote in favor by his mother.
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 470,000 residents.