Press Release

The Prince William SPCA proudly announces it will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2014. From just a handful of volunteers in 2004 to more than 200 volunteers today, the organization has become the voice of companion animals in the greater Prince William County region. Over the last ten years, it has been instrumental in its efforts to improve the lives of companion animals in our community. Whether it is promoting shelter pet adoptions on the P.A.W. Express Mobile Adoption Van or raising money for coupons to offset the cost of spay/neuter surgeries, the PWSPCA is focused on animal welfare. Where there is a need, its volunteers work to address it.

“The Prince William SPCA, like many organizations, was formed out of a need that was not being addressed in the community,” says Jennifer Tomb, board member and co-founder of the PWSPCA. She adds, “In 2004, adoption rates at the local shelter were low and euthanasia rates were high. Rescue organizations were at capacity. The community was growing, yet services for animals were not keeping up with the demand. It was apparent that the community needed a new group to help solve the larger problems facing companion animals.” In September 2004, several animal lovers came together and decided to form the Prince William SPCA. Taking its mission in a different direction than rescues, the PWSPCA’s continues to focus its volunteer and financial resources on increasing spay/neuter options, improving the lives of shelter pets and providing more programs for companion animals.

Potomac Local News is in the community.

On Saturday, freelance reporters Stephanie Tipple and Mary Rosenthol ran in the “POZitivley Fit and Finer 5K” presented by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Psi Omicron Zeta Chapter of Manassas, Va.

At a special board meeting held on February 25, 2014, the Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Association (LRPRA) voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation to lease LRPRA common ground as part of the McCoart-to-Occoquan Trail System.

Lake Ridge is a 42-year-old unincorporated planned community of 41,000 residents on the banks of the Occoquan Reservoir. With over 7,300 members and stretching over 4,000 acres, Lake Ridge is among the largest homeowners associations in the nation.

George Mason University has chosen S. David Wu, the dean of a prestigious engineering college, to be its next provost and executive vice president.

Wu joins Mason after a 27-year career at Lehigh University, including the past decade as its dean of the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. He brings a wealth of experience that will strengthen George Mason and its mission to set the standard for public universities in the 21st century.

The Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is raising funds for the Curation and Conservation of American Civil War Artifacts at the Old Brentsville Jail using one of the newest tools in philanthropy, “Crowdsourcing”.

“Crowdsourcing harnesses the power of the internet and engages small donors in the important work of philanthropy,” according to Chuck Mills, a member of the Foundation’s Board. “We are using the Indiegogo platform for this exciting initiative which went live on March 15 and will run for sixty days”, says Mills, “Even very small donations are welcome, appreciated, and important in preserving history for future generations.”

OCCOQUAN, Va — Mr. Terence Quinn, owner and president of Quinn’s Goldsmith, received a custom design award at the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Jeff Roberts, IJO president and CEO, presented Mr. Quinn with the prestigious award at the awards banquet.

The competition was open to all IJO members from Canada and the United States. There were four categories each determined by price.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — The Virginia of Transportation (VDOT) has reduced the weight limit on the one-lane Aden Road bridge from six tons to four, due to further corrosion of the structurally deficient 132-year-old truss bridge owned by Norfolk Southern Railroad. VDOT bridge crews inspected the bridge Thursday, March 27 and posted new weight limit signs the following day.

“We want to make sure that any vehicles over four tons – such as fire trucks and school buses –are not using the bridge,” said Gary Runco, VDOT’s bridge engineer in northern Virginia. Until reconstruction begins next year, we are inspecting the bridge twice a month and are consulting with Norfolk Southern to determine if interim repairs can be made.”

On Monday, March 31, 2014 the Occoquan District Supervisor’s Office will host a Public Meeting on the Issues of Wildlife and Deer Management in Prince William County.

The meeting is open to the public and will feature presentations from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) and Charles Smith, former Natural Resource Management and Protection Branch Manager for Fairfax County Park Authority and a member of the Prince William Wildflower Society and Prince William Conservation Alliance. Following the presentations, there will be an opportunity for a Q&A session.

The Philadelphia Tavern, located at 9413 Main Street in Historic Downtown Manassas celebrated its 15th year in business February 27th.

Original founder Carl Joseph, previous owner Tim Holland and current owners Mark and Kari Leporatti welcomed friends to celebrate the milestone! It was fun for regular customers who have supported the Tavern over the 15 years to see the previous owners as guest bartenders.

The Rotary Club of Lake Ridge Virginia will be hosting its 17th annual Celebrity Luncheon on April 23rd at Bistro L’Hermitage in Occoquan to raise money for local and international charities.

The popular fundraiser features local elected officials and community leaders as waiters and waitresses, with a catch. “While everyone can enjoy a delicious lunch from our favorite upscale restaurant, they may find they are missing silverware, napkins and water, “ explained Lance Frye, Lake Ridge Rotary’s President-elect, who is heading up the event. “In order to receive their glass of water, for example, our guests will be expected to tip the celebrities. So once you give your celebrity server a buck, you get your water. It is a fun way to raise money in addition to the ticket price.