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Issue 95
Friday, December 10, 2021
Prince William County
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Dear Neighbors,
Last Friday, my husband John and I received our COVID-19 boosters. It is a wonderful feeling to know we have taken the proper steps to best protect ourselves, and others, from COVID-19. While it is the most important safety action for this holiday season, it isn't the only one.
So many of us are embracing this holiday season more enthusiastically than ever before. It's understandable, considering last December there was no vaccine and new state-wide mitigation mandates were issued ( issue 45).
It is important to remember this time of year is traditionally one where safety becomes a greater concern. That is why several articles in this issue focus on holiday safety. I encourage you to review the articles to ensure you are doing all you can to have a happy and safe holiday season.
In Service,
Chair Ann Wheeler
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On Wednesday, December 8, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) reelected Chair Wheeler Corporate Vice President. Chair Wheeler will serve in the role alongside District of Columbia Councilmember Robert C. White Jr., who was elected as co-Vice President. The other newly elected Corporate Officers are Montgomery Councilwoman Nancy Navarro as President and Fairfax County Supervisor Rodney Lush as Secretary/Treasurer.
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COG is an independent, nonprofit association, with a membership of 300 elected officials from 24 local governments, the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, and U.S. Congress. Every month, more than 1,500 officials and experts connect through COG to share information and develop solutions to the region’s major challenges.
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On Tuesday, December 7, Chair Wheeler met with a group of supporters of preserving the Historical Thoroughfare District. The group were at the County Complex because the area was on that day's BOCS meeting agenda. You can learn more about the vote in the BOCS section below.
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On Monday, December 6, Chair Wheeler attended the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission's (PRTC) annual Legislative Briefing. Federal, state and regional transportation leaders discussed the state of public transit and future transit plans in Northern Virginia. Speakers included Carlos Monje, Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Paul Smedberg, Chairman of the Board at Metro.
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On Saturday, December 5, Chair Wheeler participated in the 75th annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade ( issue 93). This year's theme was, ‘Right Down Santa Claus Lane.' One of the largest holiday parades in Northern Virginia, the two-hour event had marching bands, floats, high-flying balloons, and more! There were approximately 2,000 participants and over 300 volunteers.
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As noted in the opening letter, on Friday, December 4, Chair Wheeler, and her husband, John Wheeler, received their booster shot at the Manassas Mall Vaccine Clinic located at 8300 Sudley Road in Manassas. Walk-ins are welcome. For Chair Wheeler and her husband, the entire process, including the wait time post vaccine to ensure no reactions, only took 20 minutes.
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Thursday, December 9, the Virginia Department of Health announced that the first confirmed case of the Omicron variant ( issue 94) has been identified in a sample from an adult resident of the Northwest Region of Virginia. The individual had no history of international travel during the exposure period but did have a history of domestic travel. The scientific community is working hard to learn more about this variant and as information becomes available it will be in future issues.
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Read the section on Social Gatherings and Events farther down in this issue on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 this season.
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"Scientists are hard at work studying the newly identified variant to understand how easily it spreads and how sick it makes people. Right now, the highly transmissible Delta variant is causing almost all cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. We have very effective vaccines that can interrupt the chain of transmission and reduce the odds that unpredictable mutations like the Delta and Omicron variants will emerge. Do your part. Get vaccinated if you are eligible. Get your booster shot if you’re eligible. Vaccination is how Virginia, the U.S. and the world will put this pandemic behind us.”
M. Norman Oliver, M.D., M.A.
State Health Commissioner
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Vaccination and Testing Resources |
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To learn where you can get vaccinated:
For information on where to get tested if you think you may have COVID-19, visit the PWHD COVID-19 testing webpage.
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Tuesday, December 14
Regular Meeting at 2:00 pm
at the McCourt Building
Joint School Board Meeting at 7:00 pm
at 4545 Daisy Reid Avenue
Woodbridge, VA 22192
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For Public Comment Time options, visit SpeakUp! Prince William.
Remote speakers must sign-up by 5:00 pm on Monday, December 13.
In-person speakers can sign up at the meeting.
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From the Tuesday, December 7 Meeting |
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Additional Historic Communities Purchase |
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The BOCS approved the purchase of four properties along John Marshall Highway, west of Haymarket, as part of the new Historic Communities program. The 2.24 acres, which were slated for single-family home development, fall within the current boundaries of the Thoroughfare Historical District, as recorded by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. One of the properties contains the Fletcher Allen Cemetery, established in 1884.
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This purchase follows the Board’s approval on November 9 to purchase a 2-acre parcel in Thoroughfare ( issue 91). County leaders hope, through funding considered in the near future, to engage residents and stakeholders to help develop a master plan that will convert the property into a public interpretive park.
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Staff members of Inova's Juniper Program accepted the proclamation. The Juniper Program has offices in Dumfries and Manassas and serves as Northern Virginia's largest provider of HIV/AIDS care. |
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December was proclaimed as HIV and AIDs Awareness Month. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) compromises a person’s immune system and its ability to fight off infections. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is an advanced stage of HIV. There is no cure for HIV and AIDS currently, however, with recent medical advances, more people who undergo treatment are living much longer lives. The BOCS recognized the victims of the HIV and AIDs epidemic and urged all residents to learn more about HIV and AIDS and to take steps to educate themselves about how to prevent acquiring or transmitting the disease.
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It has been 39 years since the first reported case of HIV / AIDS in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of 2020, PWC has over 1,000 residents living with HIV / AIDS. Over 40 patients are newly diagnosed per year. Since data tracking began in 2008, HIV / AIDS has ended the lives of over 7,000 individuals in the Commonwealth.
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Staying Safe at Social Gatherings and Events |
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Individuals should consider the following before attending a social gathering:
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Vaccination status - The best way to protect yourself and others at a gathering is to get vaccinated.
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Level of COVID-19 spread in the community -
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The number of people at the gathering - If there are many people in a space, it may be harder to stay at least 6 feet from others.
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Location - Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor gatherings. Gatherings in large, well-ventilated spaces are safer than gatherings in smaller spaces that are not well-ventilated.
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Duration - Spending less time with people outside your household is safer than spending longer periods of time.
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Behavior of people attending the gathering - If people have not been following COVID-19 precautions before the event, then there is a greater risk of someone having it who attends the event and potentially spreading it to other attendees.
Practicing safe behaviors during the event, like distancing and wearing masks, can prevent the spread of COVID-19. Certain activities, including cheering or singing, are known to increase the risk of spreading COVID-19. If people are drinking alcohol, they may be less likely to keep at least 6 feet from others, wear a mask, or not shout.
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Low Risk Activities:
- Virtual parties with your friends and family.
- Celebrating at home, with the people that live with you.
Medium Risk Activities:
- Indoor gatherings with fully vaccinated individuals from different households.
- Outdoor gatherings with individuals from different households where not everyone may be vaccinated.
High Risk Activities
- Large, indoor gatherings with people from different households who are unvaccinated.
- Celebrating in indoor, poorly ventilated spaces.
- Events where large groups of people stand close together while cheering, singing, or loudly celebrating.
- Traveling to a gathering in another community for individuals who are unvaccinated.
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Be Fire Smart This Holiday Season |
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This year, due to reports of a possible Christmas tree shortage, many families purchased their trees earlier than planned. A Christmas tree becomes drier and increasingly flammable the longer it remains in the home. Nearly one-third (29%) of U.S. home fires that begin with Christmas trees occur in January. Of reported home Christmas tree fires, one of every 52 results in a death, while total reported home fires results in one death per 135. |
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Christmas Tree Safety Tips
Natural trees always involve some risk of fire. To minimize the risk:
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Get a fresh tree and keep it watered. Do not put the tree within 3 feet of a heat source, i.e., fireplace, space heater, radiator, candles, heat vents or lights.
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Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
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Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
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Do not burn tree branches or wrapping paper in a home fireplace.
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Remove your tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home, garage or placed outside against the home.
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Holiday Lights & Decorative Lighting
Holiday lights and decorative lighting add a festive touch during the holiday season. Yet approximately 30% of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. To protect yourself and your family:
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Use lights that are UL approved. Some lights are for outdoor use, and some are for indoor use.
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Replace lights that are worn, have broken cords or loose bulb connections.
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Read the manufacturer’s instructions on the number of light strands to connect.
Decorative fires are often started due to a form of heat source such as a candle or equipment that were too close to something that could burn. Be aware that:
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Almost 50% of decoration fires were too close to a heat source.
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35% of home decoration fires are started by candles. During the month of December, this increases to 45%.
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Christmas is the peak day for candle fires.
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Holiday Decorations
The PWC's Fire Marshal’s Office recommends using battery operated candles as a substitute for real candles. However, should you choose to use real candles, please take the following precautions:
- Put candles in a sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holder.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that burns.
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Never leave a candle unattended.
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Blow out candles after use and before going to bed.
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Never leave a lit tree or other decorative lighting displays unattended.
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Turn off all decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.
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Inspect and replace lights with exposed or frayed wires, loose connections, and broken sockets.
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Do not overload extension cords or outlets.
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Do not run an electrical cord under a rug.
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Trim protruding branches at or below a child’s eye level and keep lights out of reach.
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Decorate with children in mind. Do not put ornaments that have small parts or metal hooks, or look like food or candy, on the lower branches where small children can reach them.
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Holiday Plants Can be Toxic
Holiday plants may enliven a room, but be aware the following types of plants should be placed in locations that can be admired from a distance and unattainable to children and pets.
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Mistletoe, Holly, Christmas Cactus, Amaryllis, Lilies, Daffodils, Cyclamen, Jerusalem Cherry, English Ivy, and some varieties of Pine are poisonous to humans and/or pets.
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Poinsettias aren’t toxic but are an irritant that can cause various symptoms of discomfort and illness.
Enter into every cell phone, and keep near each landline phone, the number of the National Poison Center (800) 222-1222.
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Be cautious online. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it most often is.
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Not leave packages sitting at the front of your house. Porch pirates enjoy searching for goodies!
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Save confirmation emails and receipts. They can come in handy if you haven’t received your items.
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Make sure to cover your items if you decide to leave them in your vehicle.
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Always lock your car doors.
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Check receipts to see if your full card number is listed. If it is, scratch it out with a pen thoroughly.
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Did you know:
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Mobile online shopping will account for over 72% of online shopping globally.
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35% of adults report they purchased an item through social media.
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The PWC Police Department is reminding everyone it is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Buzzed and drunk driving are serious, risky behaviors that cause needless deaths on our roadways. Last year, from November 30 to December 14, there were 251 alcohol-related crashes, 146 injuries and four deaths on the Commonwealth’s streets. If you feel different, you drive different.
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Historic Christmas Experiences |
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Most days through December 20, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, you can stroll through seasonal celebrations of the past at Rippon Lodge Historic Site, located at 15520 Blackburn Road in Woodbridge. The interiors and exteriors are richly decorated for the holidays, so you will enjoy an in-depth exploration of seasonal festivities over the centuries. Cost is $5.00 per person, children 5 and under are free. Reservations are strongly encouraged. |
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Saturday, December 11, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the Brentsville Courthouse, located at 12229 Bristow Road in Bristow, is holding a free Historic Christmas and Holiday Concert. Step back over 150 years to see how soldiers and civilians celebrated Christmas time. Walkthrough camps by candlelight and learn about Christmas customs of the past. Have your picture taken with Santa, enjoy hot cider, and listen to a musical performance by the Brentsville District High School Choir at 7:00 pm. Then join them outside around the campfire for a sing along!
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Annual Parade and Tree Lighting |
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Saturday, December 11, at 4:00 pm, Nokesville is holding its annual Christmas Parade on Fitzwater Drive. Wagon rides are available beginning at 2:30 pm from Nokesville School and Brentsville District High School located on Aden Road. You can park at the schools and be taken to the center of town on Fitzwater Drive. The wagons will take you back to your car when the parade is over. The parade will be followed by a tree lighting at 6:00 pm.
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Saturday, December 11, from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, at Lake Jackson Fire Department located at 11310 Coles Drive in Manassas. Cost is $5.00 per person, children 3 and under are free.
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Sunday, December 12, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, at the Buckhall Fire Department located at 7190 Yates Ford Road in Manassas. Donations are graciously accepted.
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The first day of winter is just around the corner and the PWC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism's Winter 2022 Leisure Guide will make sure you don't miss a thing! The online guide to recreation, fun, and fitness is full of new and exciting things to do for the season. Interested in taking a recreation class, learning to swim or dance, discovering PWC's great outdoors, finding fitness facilities, joining a group exercise class, or exploring local history? You'll find it in Leisure and more. When you find something are interested in, you can simply use the easy 'Registration Link' in the top corner of each page. |
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Unity Reed High School senior Shawn Murphy is the recipient for the prestigious Butkus Award® as the best high school linebacker in the nation. Shawn received the news he was the recipient in a surprise Zoom presentation by Dick Butkus, the famous linebacker who instituted the award. That was accompanied by an in-person presentation of the trophy by Butkus’s son Matt. Murphy is the only PWC Public Schools (PWCS) student to ever receive this award.
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“Shawn Murphy plays the game with the same intent that Dick Butkus once did. Shawn is a knockback hitter with outstanding speed, athletic ability, and range. He has been a force since he stepped on the field in high school, has represented Unity Reed with class and been a pillar of the program. This year's high school class was stronger and deeper than any in recent memory, with many very deserving candidates and a strong influx of future linebackers."
Award Selection Committee
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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. |
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