WOODBRIDGE, Va. – On Saturday, August 4, Delegate Rich Anderson (R-Prince William) hosted a 51st House District Town Hall in a packed conference room at the McCoart Government Complex Building in response to citizen concerns over neighborhood issues in Prince William County. Also in attendance were Occoquan District Supervisor Michael C. May, staff representatives of other county supervisors, and key members of the county staff.

Some three dozen people crowded into a packed meeting room to express their concerns in a community discussion on how to make Prince William County a better place in which to live, work, and raise a family. During the meeting, residents of Woodbridge, Dale City, Occoquan, Lake Ridge, and Manassas engaged in the discussion on neighborhood issues, and Anderson pledged to continue the community conversation in a series of additional meetings.

The purpose of the get-together was to determine if local county ordinances are sufficient to address neighborhood challenges, or if additional authority is needed from the Commonwealth of Virginia to permit Prince William County officials to assist neighborhoods to a greater degree. Before the meeting, citizens were asked to put their neighborhood concerns in writing in order to better shape the discussion at the meeting. Many of these concerns centered around residential overcrowding, parking of vehicles in unauthorized locations, and operation of businesses in areas zoned for residential properties. A list of citizen questions and concerns can be found at the Neabsco Action Alliance website.

On hand to help from Prince William County staff were John E. Settlemeyer of the county’s Property Code Enforcement Branch and Robert P. Skoff of the County Attorney’s Office. Settlemeyer and Skoff are recognized experts in county ordinances and neighborhood code enforcement. Connie Moser, President of the Neabsco Action Alliance organization and Virginia’s “State Neighborhood Advocate of the Year” in 2011, helped to facilitate the meeting.

The first discussion item focused on the number of persons residing in a single-family home. Citizens from all parts of Prince William County—east, west, and mid-county—agreed that multiple tenants in a single family residence was problematic. Assistant County Attorney Skoff explained limitations of county ordinances regarding the number of permissible tenants and difficulties in the legal definition of the term “family.” After considerable discussion, the group refocused its attention from the issue of the number of occupants living in a particular dwelling to the challenges created by a large number of vehicles, trash receptacles, noise, and infringement on the neighborhood experienced by residents.

The group then turned its attention to a discussion of work vehicles parked in residential areas overnight, including the operation of businesses in residential neighborhoods. Because of the extensive nature of the neighborhood issues identified in Saturday’s meeting, Anderson offered to host additional meetings to permit the group to craft proposed solutions and to bring in additional participants from the community. Anderson concluded the meeting with assurances that he is “willing to do anything necessary to help residents feel comfortable in their neighborhoods and rebuild lost property values.”

Moser invited residents to attend monthly Neighborhood Leaders Group meetings to work with long-time neighborhood advocates on finding common-sense solutions to local neighborhood challenges. Details are on the Prince William County website.

Anderson concluded the meeting by giving his contact information to attendees and encouraged them to contact him or his legislative assistant, Ryan M. Galloway, at any time. His email address is [email protected] and Mr. Galloway’s address is [email protected]. The 51st legislative district office telephone number is 571-264-9983. Citizens with urgent needs that cannot wait until the next business day may also call Del. Anderson’s Woodbridge home at 703-730-1380.

-Press release 

LAKE RIDGE, Va. — A woman suffering a severe gunshot wound to the face was flown to a hospital Thursday evening, sources told PotomacLocal.com.

The unidentified victim lives in the 12500 block of Kemptson Lane, off West Ridge Drive in Lake Ridge, where the gun went off, according to sources. It appears the gunshot wound was self inflicted.

The victim was taken to Westridge Elementary School about 7:30 p.m. and placed onto a helicopter which took her to an emergency trauma center.

The shooting comes the same day a Dale City man was charged after his four-year-old step son picked up a handgun and accidentally shot and killed himself last month.

LAKE RIDGE, Va. — Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold a senior issues forum on Social Security, Medicare, and other matters facing seniors Friday at 3 pm at Westminster at Lake Ridge.

AConnolly will be joined by representatives of federal agencies, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Social Security Administration, as well as a representative from the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

Connolly has held numerous town hall meetings and forums in Prince William County, and Friday’s session will mark the fourth senior issues forum held at Westminster.

The forum will be held in the Potomac Room of Westminster at Lake Ridge, 12191 Clipper Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22192.

-Press release 

By STEPHANIE TIPPLE

LAKE RIDGE, Va. -- After it appeared the Lake Ridge Lancers Swim Team was going to lose their home of 40 years, the team knew they had some decisions to make.

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WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Prince William police Lt. Col. Barry Barnard has been named Acting Chief of the department.

The announcement comes a week after longtime Chief Charlie T. Deane announced his retirement from the force. Deane is one of the longest-serving police chiefs in the nation, holding the position since 2008. More now from a county press release:

Deputy Police Chief Lt. Col. Barry Barnard has been named Acting Police Chief effective Sept. 1, 2012. Last week, current Chief of Police Charlie Deane announced his retirement effective Sept. 1, 2012.

Barnard has been a member of the Prince William County Police Department since 1976, and has more than 35 years of law enforcement experience. He has been Deputy Chief of Police since 2009, and served as Assistant Chief of Police from 2000 to 2009 as a Commander of both the Operations and Administrative Divisions.

Barnard is a graduate of George Mason University with a master’s degree in Public Administration. In addition, he has a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Florida State University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy; the University of Virginia Senior Executive Institute; the University of Richmond Professional Executive Leadership School and the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute.

Barnard is a member of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Alumni and the Police Executive Research Forum.

FROM POLICE REPORTS:

DALE CITY 

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By URIAH KISER

DALE CITY, Va. — It’s going to take two years and about $1 billon, but the effort to put toll lanes on Interstate 95 in Virginia is underway.

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell was in Dale City today for the kick off of the 95 Express Lanes project. The public-private effort between the state and road builder Transurban-Fluor will see the conversion of the High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes on I-95 between Dumfries and Edsall Road in Alexandria to toll lanes. The lanes will be extended an additional nine miles south to Va. 610 in North Stafford, and will include two new flyover ramps at Joplin Road in Triangle and Va. 610. The ramps should alleviate one of the the region’s worst bottlenecks on I-95 at the HOV merge in Dumfries, officials said.

It’ll cost about $5 per vehicle to use the lanes on the entire express lane span on I-95 once they’re completed in 2014, and they’ll be built in sections. The tolls single drivers will pay will change depending upon the amount of traffic in each section – the higher the traffic volume the higher the toll.

Drivers who enter the toll lanes at one price will be able to bail out of the express lanes if they later deem the posted price for the next section is set too high.

Buses and vehicles with three or more occupants will be able to use the lanes for free as they have on the HOV lanes for years, but when the new HOT lanes open, every vehicle will be required to have an E-Z Pass or E-Z Pass Flex in order to use them.

“We are one of the most business-friendly states in America and we’ve got challenges that we’re trying to overcome, and transportation infrastructure is at the top of the list. If you can’t move people and you can’t move goods quickly to market you’re not going to get the businesses to come here…and it’s going to affect the quality of life for all of us,” said McDonnell.

A toll lane network

Once completed in 2014, the 95 Express Lanes (High Occupancy Toll lanes or HOT lanes) will join HOT lanes on I-495 in Virginia that should open later this year. It’ll be the first time carpoolers and bus riders will be able to travel on a dedicated span of express lanes from the Potomac Communities in Stafford and Woodbridge to Tysons Corner, said Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.

The first phase of construction, which Connaughton urged officials to begin today, will entail clearing brush and trees from the median at the current HOV merge at Dumfries south to Stafford County. That’s where new asphalt will be laid to make way for two new lanes that will take drivers to Va. 610 in North Stafford.

The portion of HOT lanes between Dumfries and Prince William Parkway will remain two lanes, however, the section of lanes between Prince William Parkway and Edsall Road will be restriped to accommodate a third lane of traffic.

A 76-year operating agreement with Transurban-Fluor and the mandates vehicles must maintain a speed of 55 mph at all times in the lanes, said Connaughton.

Jobs

Officials said the new lanes will not only ensure employers will want to come to the area, the project to build the lanes will also create new jobs. Of the nearly 8,000 jobs expected to come as part of the project, 2,600 of them will be in Prince William County and 900 will come to Stafford County.

With these new lanes, toll lanes opening soon on I-495, and talk of adding new HOT lanes on I-64 in Hampton Roads, transportation crews from around the world have come to Virginia to learn more about these public-private partnerships.

“This is going to be the model for transportation projects all over the world,” said Connaughton. “It’s not just Hampton Roads that’s considering adding HOT lanes, leaders from many international countries have come to Virginia to see what were doing with transportation.”

Are you finding yourself walking the same aisles at Target or chatting up any cashier for a little longer than you should? Maybe your idea of an enthralling television program is Dora the Explorer, or your music selection varies between the Nick Jr. theme songs and soft lullabies? If you find yourself nodding and smiling then just maybe the Lake Ridge Mom’s Club might be the answer to some much needed socialization and escape for you and your children alike.

The Lake Ridge Moms Club is a group of stay-at-home and working moms alike, who support each other, learn from each other, and just have a good time with each other and with our children. Our organization provides a fun, welcoming place for parents and kids to make friends, learn exciting new skills, and to become involved in the Lake Ridge and surrounding communities. Whether you have lived in the area a long time, or you are just moving into the community, joining Mom’s Club provides a fantastic opportunity to meet new people that are going through the same things as you, and it provides an opportunity for your children to make some new age-appropriate friends. The Lake Ridge Mom’s Club offers six main areas in which parents can participate: Community, Social, Babysitting Co-op, Fitness, Mommy Meals, and Playgroup. There is definitely something for everyone!

We have our general meetings the first Thursday of every month to give us an opportunity to discuss the upcoming activities and have special guest speakers present on a plethora of important topics for families. In addition to guest speakers we offer programs that provide a chance to acquire a new skill, or time to just socialize and have fun with other local moms. The general meetings are held at the Tall Oaks Community Center, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Our Open House is Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012 and is a great opportunity to get out of the house and get to know some new people. You will also learn more about our six committees.

Every Wednesday of the month, our playgroup meets and plays at Canterbury Woods community center or a local playground selected by the playgroup committee. The kids love to see each other, and the parents get a chance to relax and chat with each other. Sometimes the Playgroup Co-Chairs will arrange field trips to other nearby kid-friendly spots such as Kids n’Motion, Chick-Fila, or even the National Zoo.

The social committee plans fun activities that will engage your entire family in the fun of Mom’s Club. From a monthly Mom’s Night Out to couples nights to quarterly family parties, the social committee provides exciting and entertaining options throughout the entire year.

Our community committee works to identify needs of both individuals and organizations in our community, and then the members organize ways for our club to meet those needs. Past projects have included coat and food drives, adopting individual needy families during the holidays, serving breakfast at local homeless shelters in Prince William County, walking in the annual March of Dimes March for Babies walk, supplying food for the local Habitat for Humanity volunteers working throughout Prince William County, and raising funds for school supplies for underprivileged children throughout Lake Ridge. By getting involved in our community, we help to encourage our children and provide an excellent example for their future, and the whole time giving back and making Prince William County a better place to live.

The Babysitting Co-Op provides an opportunity for families to exchange childcare services without ever exchanging money. Parents and children get to know and trust each other through Co-op meetings and events scheduled throughout the year. Membership in the Co-Op is open to any current Mom’s Club members; however, the Co-Op is limited to 25 members, so if interested make sure to sign-up fast. You will have an opportunity to sign up for the Babysitting Co-Op at our Open House on Thursday, September 6th 2012.

Another way that our organization supports our members is by providing home-cooked meals to families, after the birth of a child, a family member is hospitalized or quite ill, or for any other necessary reason that requires helping hands from fellow moms in the Lake Ridge Mom’s Club. Our Mommy Meals chair coordinates our members that have volunteered to cook one or two healthy meals for the family and drop them off at the family’s home. The mommy-meals program is a great way for us to encourage each other and provide a little help to our friends, when they might need it most.

Our Fitness Committee is another great way that we encourage each other. By planning day and evening workout options, the Fitness committee makes it fun to exercise and stay fit, while providing a chance to make new friends and socialize simultaneously.

You do not have to be a Lake Ridge Association member to join, so please join us at our Annual Open House to meet our members and check out everything we have to offer. Enjoy some refreshments and conversation, and hear about what we have planned for this upcoming year. We look forward to welcoming back our returning members and warmly welcoming our new members.

Tracie Wheeler/Merrie Hrabak
President/Vice President of the Lake Ridge Moms Club, 2012-2013

Moms Club Open House

Date: Thursday, September 6, 2012

Time: 7:30 P.M.

Place: Tall Oaks Community Center

12298 Cotton Mill Drive

Contact: https://sites.google.com/site/lakeridgemomsclub/

FROM POLICE REPORTS:

DALE CITY

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NORTH STAFFORD, Va. — An annual National Night Out celebration in North Stafford will be the biggest yet.

Starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, 69 businesses and organizations – including fire departments, the county’s sheriff’s office, retailers, and volunteers organizations like the Stafford County SPCA, will set up booths and tables at Stafford Marketplace on Va. 610.

They’ll not only welcome area residents for music, demonstrations, and games, they’ll also welcome Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Marla Decker.

Community participation in this year’s event will be much larger than last year’s.

“Each year we have grown by a few extra, but this year we exploded! In 2011, we were at 43 participants and this year, as noted, 69!” stated organizer Nick Zumwalt in an email.

This is the largest National Night Out Celebration in Stafford County, but several other smaller celebrations were held in neighborhoods throughout the county and are encouraged by Sheriff Charles Jett.

No large celebrations are planned for residents in Prince William County, but the celebration does not go unnoticed as the county’s police department has asked residents to turn on their porch lights, lock their doors, and spend the evening outside among neighbors.

Dumfries will celebrate National Night Out a day late, and encouraged children to participate in a poster contest. The posters will be judged Wednesday at the town’s community center.

Stafford celebration’s history

Event organizer Patricia Copeland said her Aquia Harbour Volunteer Rescue Squad began participating in the “night out” celebration in 2002. It was held at Stafford Marketplace for the first time in 2006.

“Last year we had over a 1,000 people join us. I am hoping for an awesome turnout this year,” said Copeland.

Copeland said Stafford’s “night out” event has won an award every year since 2008.

National Night Out was first celebrated nationwide in 1984 as a way to build communities and raise awareness about drug and crime prevention.