Author: Press Release

WOODBRIDGE, VA – Prince William Republicans performed community service activities around Prince William County this past Saturday for a “Day of Summer Service,” which is part of a new Prince William Republican Committee Community Service Initiative. The day consisted of Prince William Republicans serving as volunteers during the Bull Run Warrior Retreat 2^nd Annual “Ride for Warriors Poker Run” in Haymarket and as volunteers preparing and serving a meal at the ACTS Homeless Shelter in Dumfries.

“Our ‘Day of Summer Service’ was a great opportunity for Prince William County Republicans to get out in the community to serve wounded warriors and fellow County residents who are in need,” said Chairman Bill Card, who is serving his second two-year term as Chairman of the Prince William Republican Committee. “Our Initiative’s theme, ‘Committed To Service,’ is a reflection of our principles – community involvement and servant leadership.”

Keystone College celebrated its 143rd commencement during ceremonies on the college’s campus in La Plume, Pa., on Saturday, May 17. Degrees were conferred upon 338 students.

Keystone President Dr. David L. Coppola presided over the ceremony. Accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist and Keystone alumnus, David L. Turock ’77, provided the keynote address. Outstanding graduates Melissa Cruise, Scranton, and Amanda Mathis, Factoryville, also addressed their classmates. Dr. Thea Harrington, provost and dean of the college, and Thomas “Tim” Speicher ’72, chair of Keystone’s board of trustees, conferred the degrees to the graduates.

TRIANGLE, Va. – New Jersey-based GreenFaith, a nationally acclaimed interfaith environmental coalition, has certified Triangle, Va.-based St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church as a “GreenFaith Sanctuary” and faith-based environmental leader.

“Saint Francis of Assisi has shown deep commitment and leadership,” said Rev. Fletcher Harper, GreenFaith’s Executive Director. “They have made significant changes to lessen their environmental footprint, and to inspire and educate their community about one of the most important issues of our time. They are an inspiration for church communities all across the country.”

Beginning the week of June 16, City of Manassas residents will receive brand new trash carts for their household trash needs. These carts will be used in conjunction with existing recycling carts that City residents currently use. Delivering these new carts to City residents is in an effort to beautify City of Manassas neighborhoods with uniform containers for waste and recycling.

Single-family homeowners should expect the delivery of a 96-gallon cart and townhome owners will receive a 65-gallon cart over the next few weeks. Residents will still be able to use their own trash containers with these carts as long as they are hard sided and have tight fitting lids attached. Carts should be set out curbside no earlier than 6 p.m. the day before trash pick up and should be taken in no later than 9 p.m. the day of trash pick up.

MANASSAS, Va. – On Sunday, June 22, 2014, Virginia Leadership Institute (VLI) will honor and recognize the achievements of Mr. John Harper, the first African American elected to serve on the Prince William County School Board. This event will bring together supporters of minority political and community leadership initiatives to network and share information on increasing diversity in elected and appointed offices, as well as community leadership.

“The Virginia Leadership Institute is proud to continue its mission of bringing diversity to Virginia’s political landscape by celebrating trailblazers across the Commonwealth,” said Virginia Leadership Institute founder and CEO Krysta Jones. In February, VLI hosted a Trailblazers Reception in Richmond, honoring Dr. William Ferguson Reid, the first African American elected to the Virginia General Assembly.

BRISTOW, Va. — Hosted by the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, the Circle of Love picnic is held each year on the grounds of Saint Benedict Monastery. The Circle of Love picnic once again brought together friends, family, young and old. Over 200 people were in attendance Saturday and guests enjoyed an afternoon of good food, entertainment and fun activities.

Food prepared by the Knights of Columbus, George Brent Council #5332 included burgers, chicken and hot dogs and all the fixings of a traditional family barbeque. Greg Dodson provided hours of great music with a mix of county, rock and folk tunes.

Marie Balboni, chairman of Centennial GC youth gardening, and club member Bonnie Timko reached out to the students of Independent Hill School in Prince William County, Va.

Independent Hill School is a special education school within Prince William County Public Schools. The facility serves special needs students from kindergarten to age 22 throughout the county.

RICHMOND, Va. – On Monday (June 9, 2014), 44 new Virginia State Police troopers will begin their career on patrol in counties and along interstates across the Commonwealth. On Friday (June 6, 2014), the members of the 121^st Basic Session graduates from the Virginia State Police Academy in Richmond.

The 44 graduates began their rigorous 37-week training session in December 2013. During that time, the new troopers received instruction in more than 100 different subjects spanning hundreds of hours. Academy training included such areas as crime scene investigation, survival Spanish, judicial procedures, self defense, cultural diversity and firearms.

MANASSAS, Va. — The City of Manassas has received the Award of Excellence from the Virginia Downtown Development Association for the Main Street Streetscapes project completed in October 2013. This project widened narrow sidewalks on Main Street to allow for outdoor dining and improved pedestrian access. Brick crosswalks were added to intersections and 19 trees were planted to enhance the beauty of the street.

“My wife and I love the outside dining and pedestrian friendly nature of Historic Downtown Manassas,” said City Manager W. Patrick Pate. “We hope that residents and visitors will take advantage of our revitalized downtown and enjoy some outside dining and shopping, or take in a summer concert.”