Habitat for Humanity partners with low- to moderate-income homeowners who live in Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park to make exterior and interior home repairs that alleviate critical health, life and safety issues or housing code violations.

Attend our Home Repair Interest Meeting on Thursday, April 10, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., at Calvary Baptist Church, 15880 Crest Drive in Woodbridge, to get all your questions answered and to get application information.

How you qualify:
Do you live in Prince William County, Manassas or Manassas Park?
Do you own your home or are you currently making mortgage payments?
Do you earn less than 60% of the Area Median Income?
If a veteran lives in the home, do you earn less than 80% of the Area Median Income?
Can you demonstrate a challenging circumstance such as limited income, disability, illness or age that prevents you from making the repairs?

To register or for more information, call 703-369-6708 or email [email protected]. Visit our new website at habitatpwc.org.

On Friday night, April 4, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will close two left lanes on I-95 north in Prince William County prior to exit 156, Dale Blvd., between mile markers 156 and 157 to allow crews to erect an overhead sign structure.

Starting at 9:30 p.m., one left lane will close, followed by the second left lane at 10:30 p.m. Beginning at midnight, there will be intermittent full roadway closures of up to 20 minutes through the overnight hours. The two left lanes will be re-opened by 5 a.m. Saturday, April 5.

This work is part of the 95 Shoulder Widening project. Click here for more shoulder improvement information.

-Submitted by VDOT

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that the week of April 13 through April 19 is National Telecommunicator Week. The Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize the outstanding efforts of the Communications Officers who staff the Stafford County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Communications Officers receive and process all calls for service via 9-1-1 (both landlines and cell phones) as well as emergency and non-emergency administrative telephone calls and support first responders through dispatch services.

The Stafford County Emergency Communications Center would like to invite the public to an Open House on Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 9:00am – 1:00pm, located at the Public Safety Center, 1225 Courthouse Road in Stafford. The ECC will be open to the public to tour this state- of- the- art facility. This will be an excellent opportunity for the public to get an up close and personal look at what goes on in a 9-1-1 Center.

Join the staff of the Stafford County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center for what promises to be a very enjoyable experience. In addition, the public will be able to view various pieces of apparatus used by the Sheriff’s Office and the Fire & Rescue Department.

At the Open House, Stafford County Crime Solvers will also have a Stafford Shred It Program – Drive Thru Style. For only $5.00 a box Stafford citizens can come to the Open House and have their unwanted papers shredded. The limit for shredding is 100 pounds per person. Proceeds from the Stafford Shred It Program will go to Stafford Crime Solvers!

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.

In ten years, the organization has developed numerous programs that have positively and directly helped animals both in the local shelters and in homes of residents throughout Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park, Va. It has been a catalyst for improvements to animal welfare through programs that include “Friends of the Shelter”, P.A.W. Express Mobile Adoption Van, PWSPCA Youth, Pet Food Pantry, and Spay/Neuter Assistance Coupons.

Several events are being planned in the summer and fall to commemorate the anniversary. Teresa Grant, secretary of the PWSPCA and a volunteer for seven years, boasts, “The PWSPCA has made great contributions to the well-being of pets in Prince William County. Over the last seven years, it has been a pleasure being part of that effort.” Thanks to Ms. Grant’s efforts and the efforts of other volunteers and donors, the PWSPCA has made many great improvements that have positively and directly improved the lives of companion animals. She adds, “We look forward to continuing to serve the community into the next decade and beyond.”

The Prince William SPCA is an independent nonprofit organization established in 2004 to benefit the animals of the greater Prince William County, Virginia, area. Its “Friends of the Shelter” program provides volunteers and financial support to the local shelters in an effort to help improve the lives of shelter pets and promote adoptions. Donations are tax-deductible and may be mailed to: PWSPCA, PO Box 6631, Woodbridge, VA 22195. www.pwspca.org

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.

The inaugural event featured a 5K run and walk, and a 1-mile fun run at Jeannie Dean Park, next to the Greater Manassas Boys and Girls Club.

“It was my first race. I’ve been training for months. I ran every step of the way and felt proud to accomplish the task! I can’t wait to run the next one,” said Rosenthol.

The event is a capstone to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.’s annual Finer Womanhood Month celebration, as we promote health and wellness in the community. The event is also a capstone to the National Boys & Girls Club Week as the Boys & Girls Clubs celebrate opening their doors to help youth find their great futures, and meet their full potential through fun, educational and innovative programs.

“It was great to get out there and run with one of my team mates! 5K’s have been a big part of my weight loss, and they’re a great starting point to train for my first half marathon,” said Tipple.

Rosenthal covers issues in Manassas and Manassas Park and Tipple covers issues in Stafford County.

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.

The planned trail travels approximately 8 miles, with the majority running through Lake Ridge common ground. In addition to several existing paved and gravel paths currently maintained by the association, there are many informal paths that crisscross throughout Lake Ridge. Many of these paths offer stunning views of the Occoquan Reservoir and traverse through hilly, undisturbed forested land.

Once in Occoquan, hikers may connect to several nearby foot and bike paths – such as the Fairfax Cross County trail, US 1 bike route, East Coast Greenway, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic trail, and the Occoquan Water trail. Occoquan is a destination for shopping and dining and the Town is currently planning a small park and amphitheater.

The concept of a McCoart-to-Occoquan trail has been discussed and supported by the LRPRA board for over 10 years. When the community was originally developed, connected walking trails weren’t considered. Several years ago, Prince William County approved an investment of over $700,000 to manage and improve this trail, which may include board walks, footbridges, and erosion control measures, in addition to lighting, trail markers, and kiosks. The trail has been divided into sections, and LRPRA members will have the opportunity to review and approve the specific location of the trail through each section.

The LRPRA Board has a history of successful joint projects with Prince William County. The recently opened dog park on Minnieville Road is situated on property owned by LRPRA and leased to PWC under an arrangement similar to that of the trail. The LRPRA board worked closely with Occoquan District Supervisor Mike May, Debra Andrew and Michael DePue of the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation, and Earnie Porta, Mayor of Occoquan. The board also held many meetings and town hall style events to solicit feedback from members of LRPRA.

Contact: Gayle Whitlock, LRPRA Board President
Lake Ridge Parks & Recreation Association, 12350 Oakwood Drive, Lake Ridge VA 22192
www.lakeridgeva.com
(703) 593-7730 [email protected]

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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.

During his time at Lehigh, Wu successfully started several multidisciplinary programs, forged strategic partnerships, supported groundbreaking research and encouraged students to seek global experience as part of their studies.

He starts with Mason on July 1.

“Dr. Wu is a leader who understands what it takes to build a great university in today’s competitive marketplace,” says Ángel Cabrera, Mason president. “His values and background are a perfect fit for an innovative and inclusive university like Mason with a strategic commitment to growing our research portfolio, facilitating access to a diverse student body and providing a transformational learning experience to our students.”

Wu says he was impressed with the direction Mason is taking, citing its commitment to research, innovation, global learning and diversity.

“Mason’s bold, innovative approach is absolutely what we need in higher education right now,” Wu says.

Wu rejuvenated Lehigh’s renowned engineering school by working with the faculty to build 12 multidisciplinary programs, many of which reached beyond engineering.

“All major disciplines of study represent different thinking paradigms,” Wu says. “You’re equipping young people with multiple perspectives of thinking, to take a holistic view in solving the world’s problems.”

Wu says he was attracted to Mason’s strategic goals, including its commitment to delivering 100,000 career-ready graduates over the next decade. Universities have a responsibility to demonstrate that they are a sound investment not only for students but also for society, Wu says.

At Lehigh, he created new strategic focuses for the Rossin College that are in line with society’s most pressing challenges, including health and healthcare delivery, energy and infrastructure, and computing and data analytics.

For the health and healthcare initiative, he launched an alliance with the Mayo Clinic in 2006 and raised significant funds to build a research facility last year. Under the energy and sustainable infrastructure focus, Wu engaged in the fundraising and completion of an integrated science, technology, environment and policy building, along with associated research and educational programs. He turned to major technology firms such as IBM, Intel, Google, Facebook and Cisco to help detail an academic agenda designed to give Rossin graduates the most industry-savvy education possible.

“David Wu has been a dedicated and innovative leader throughout his career at Lehigh,” says Alice P. Gast, Lehigh president. “He is a champion for interdisciplinary and collaborative work and has grown Lehigh’s interdisciplinary offerings and enrollments through novel collaborations with business and arts and sciences. His leadership and his vision make him a great choice as provost for George Mason.”

Wu was responsible for annual financial resources of more than $100 million in his role as dean at Lehigh. Over 40 percent of Lehigh’s undergraduates major in engineering; about 65 percent of graduate and research programs also are in engineering. Wu oversees 140 tenured, tenure-track and instructional faculty, as well as 170 professional and support staff.

Wu earned a PhD in 1987 and a MS degree in 1985, both in industrial engineering, from Pennsylvania State University. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Tunghai University in Taiwan in 1981. He was a visiting professor at the University of Pennsylvania and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Wu will succeed Peter Stearns, who has served as Mason’s provost since 2000. Stearns has led the university during a period of significant enrollment gains, increases in academic standards and research growth. He helped Mason transition to a new university president and played an active role in the university’s new vision and strategic plan. A prolific author and renowned historian, Stearns will continue to teach at Mason after stepping down as provost.

Mason’s students, faculty and staff are impressive, Wu says. He looks forward to working with them.

“I am thrilled to join the George Mason community and excited about the opportunity to work with President Cabrera and his team,” Wu says. “I admire the great accomplishments by Peter Stearns and am humbled by the big shoes I must now fill.”

Wu’s detailed CV is available at www.lehigh.edu/~sdw1/DavidWuCV2014.pdf.

https://newsdesk.gmu.edu/2014/03/mason-names-lehigh-engineering-dean-next-provost/

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.”

“We are raising funds to conserve and prepare for exhibition a significant collection of Civil War artifacts. These artifacts will form the basis for the interpretation of the Civil War in Brentsville,” says Brendon Hanafin, Prince William County’s Historic Preservation Chief, “Our goal of $3,500 will accomplish this project to include the conservation, interpretation and display of the materials. This project will ensure that the American Civil War history of Brentsville is a significant part of the overall Jail exhibit.”

The Brentsville Jail is a nationally significant historic property located in Prince William County, Virginia. Brentsville has a rich and colorful Civil War story that has largely been lost to history. The purpose of this project is to re-discover that history and tell it through the interpretation of artifacts left behind by both Union and Confederate soldiers.

More information about the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation crowdsourcing campaign can be found at: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rediscovering-brentsville-s-civil-war-stories

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.

Mr. Quinn won two awards that evening; First Place for a diamond and red tourmaline gold pendant and Honorable Mention for a diamond and green tourmaline gold pendant.

Quinn’s Goldsmith has been in Historic Occoquan, Virginia since conception in 1990 and in Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge, Virginia since 2011. For more information, please visit: www.quinnsgoldsmith.com or call 703-494-1662.

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.”

A $4.5 million construction project is scheduled to begin in spring 2015 to rehabilitate and strengthen the existing truss. It will remain in service to carry northbound Aden Road traffic and a new bridge will be built adjacent to the existing truss for southbound traffic.

The wrought-iron truss bridge was built in 1882 by Keystone Bridge Company for the Virginia Midland Railway, and was relocated to its current location sometime between 1904 and 1928. The bridge is now owned by Norfolk Southern and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

VDOT will own and maintain both the historic truss and the new bridge after construction is completed.

Aden Road currently carries about 2,800 vehicles a day. By 2036 the bridge is expected to carry 4,900 vehicles a day.

— Submitted by VDOT