Press Release

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.”

In May 2014, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) Division of Animal & Food Industry Services conducted an unscheduled inspection of the Manassas Animal Adoption Center to evaluate the quality of the facility and animal care.  The Adoption Center, managed by Manassas City Police Department’s Animal Control Services Division, received the highest rating possible.

The annual inspection, which was based on criteria such as space and holding standards, food and water availability and storage, and animal treatment and welfare, resulted in no significant findings with regard to facility management or animal welfare.  Significant findings are those that might lead to animal suffering, insufficient care, or in critical cases, egregious suffering, injury, or death.  In his comments, the inspector went so far as to state he found the shelter to be “immaculate,” “very orderly,” and under a “high standard of management.”

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.

City Manager William Patrick Pate announced the appointment of Patrick J. Small as Economic Development Director for the City of Manassas. Small was selected from a highly qualified pool of applicants to run the Economic Development function for the City of Manassas. He will join the City staff on Aug. 11, 2014.

“The City is growing, becoming a destination of choice and having Patrick fill this much needed position is a great plus for future Economic Development for the City of Manassas,” said City Manager William Patrick Pate. “With Patrick’s previous experience, I know he will hit the ground running to work with existing and new businesses in Manassas.”

STAFFORD, Va. — The Stafford Board of Supervisors and Stafford’s 350^th Blue Ribbon Committee are announcing the grand opening of Celebration Stage at Pratt Park on Wednesday, June 25, 2014. The event will include a family festival, a ribbon cutting and live performances to herald an artistic renaissance for Stafford County. The stage was built in honor of Stafford’s 350^th anniversary this year and is Stafford’s first covered amphitheater. It will be able to host performing arts, theatrical and dance events, concerts, movies and other large-scale events, contributing to Stafford’s economic development and tourism efforts.

“The 350^th Anniversary Blue Ribbon Committee set out to leave a lasting mark with our commemoration this year, and Celebration Stage will help create that legacy in Stafford,” said Harry Crisp, Chairman of the 350^th Anniversary Blue Ribbon Committee. “The stage will nurture artistic expression and help us foster community spirit among our residents.”

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.