LAKE RIDGE, Va. — Equipped with a 24-hour emergency room, x-ray imaging and test labs, doctors and nurses at the Sentara Lake Ridge Medical Campus have been busy since it’s opening in March.

Sentara’s first ambulatory medical facility in Northern Virginia, it sits at the intersection of Minnieville and Summit School roads, near busy Old Bridge Road. That makes it easy for area residents in need of immediate or specialized care to simply walk in and see a doctor.

Most if not all patients are walk-ins as Ambulances do not come here, but Sentara Lake Ridge is built to handle anything from sprained ankles to heart attacks.

While they don’t post estimated wait times for their emergency department, they aim for a 90-minute turn around from the time a patient registers to the time they’re discharged. So far, the record here has been 18 minutes. 

Dr. Mary Ann McLaurin sits at the helm of this new facility and came here after spending 20 years at Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge – now aptly named Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.

“This place is beautiful,” said McLaurin. “We wanted to make a place where patients can come and get expert care in a relaxing environment.”

In the center’s 14-room emergency department, the walls are painted in cool earth tones, the counter tops clean and clear, and the medical carts filled with tools that assist nurses and doctors are neatly stashed out of sight until they’re needed again. You might think you were in a spa if the sign outside didn’t state “emergency.”

McLaurin uses an interconnected computer system linked with Sentara’s nearby hospital which allows her to pull up patients’ old EKG test results, chest X-rays, and lab data – information that can be critical to saving a life. The busiest times in the emergency room are between 5 and 9 p.m.

The Lake Ridge center will see an estimated 14,000 patients during its first year. As the area’s population continues to grow, the center is designed to see 30,000 per year. It’s one of a handful of centers that could be built in Northern Virginia as Sentara looks to expand its footprint.

By comparison, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center sees about 60,000 patients per year. The Lake Ridge center is not designed to alleviate the hospital’s patient load, but rather complement the hospital while growing with the community.

As you go deeper into the Lake Ridge campus, the CT scanner is used about 70 times per week. Natural light pours into the room where the scanner is located from a window, making the experience more inviting for patients. 

There are also two ultrasound rooms where a mother and her family can view a fetus in 4-D imaging on a large 42-inch TV screen. It’s a joyful, clinical procedure  between doctors and patients at Lake Ridge. Doctors said 30 percent of the work done in this unit is OB work.

And with the center’s mammography unit here at Lake Ridge, and a new van that comes to area workplaces, Sentara officials say they are working reduce cases of breast cancer, which are prevalent in Prince William County. 

Bone density scans are also offered at Lake Ridge, as well as a host of clinical services such as school sports physicals.

Later this year, a cluster of doctor’s offices will open on the second floor of the building.

 *Correction: Sentara Lake Ridge is Sentara’s first ambulatory care facility in Northern Virginia. 

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Mark Gibson – independent candidate for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District (VA-11) – received confirmation from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that it received and processed his principal campaign committee’s Statement of Organization, known as FEC Form 1.

Gibson’s committee will now file regular financial reports that contain all receipts and disbursements by the committee as required under the Federal Election Campaign Act. These reports can be accessed by the public at www.fec.gov/finance/disclosure/imaging_help.shtml. Though not mandatory, Gibson voluntarily posts near-real-time campaign expenditures and donations under the “Finances” link of his website – www.Gibson4congress2012.com.

Gibson is now accepting contributions but only from individual 11th District voters, saying, “This campaign is based in the neighborhoods and communities that make up this District. As an independent, I’m not looking to any political movement, organization, or outside supporter. I’ll only consider local financial help.” Under the Federal Election Campaign Act, Gibson is permitted to accept contributions from a wide array of individuals and groups but has voluntarily chosen to limit contributions to those that may vote for him.

-Press release 

DUMFRIES, Va. — The Prince William County Children’s Choir will begin its first season this fall for children ages five to 12-years-old.

Founder and Music Director Amanda Long will hold auditions August 25 and 25, and September 8 and 9. Participants are not required to have any music training to audition, only be able to read. Audition registration will open on August 10 and the choir has space for up to 60 participants for the first year; the first rehearsal will be held September 15.

The estimated cost per child to participate in the choir is $135 each. Once registered, the money is fully refundable until the first rehearsal on Sept. 15. In addition to learning and rehearsing choral music, children will also have performing opportunities in the community later this year. Rehearsal space with a piano is still being organized and sites are needed. If you know of a space in a church or municipal building with a piano, please contact Amanda Long at 571-318-6225.

Prince William County Children’s Choir is a non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible. There are many additional opportunities for community and parent volunteers, as well as an opportunity for an intern with interests in music, children’s education, or community outreach.

For all the most current details, visit pwcchildrenschoir.org.

-Submitted 

By STEPHANIE TIPPLE

LAKE RIDGE, Va. — A time of triumph and excitement for the Lake Ridge Lancers swim team turned into frustration and confusion for team families after they learned their team is no longer welcome at the Lake Ridge Community Swim Club.

Their home of 40 years, the swim club decided to cut ties with the team following the Lancer’s divisional championship win last week.

The Lake Ridge Community Swim Club opened its doors in 1970, and the swim team followed close behind, establishing themselves in 1972. But in a July 25 meeting of the Lake Ridge Community Swim Club Board, officials decided they would no longer host the team.

Parents and swimmers were surprised, as none of them were notified of the vote taking place until after the decision was made.

“Basically, we finished up our season on Saturday the 28th, and we won. We celebrated our banquet on Sunday and that evening, we got an email from the President of the [swim] club saying that they could no longer host us. There has always been some contention between the team and the club, for years and years. I don’t know if it’s a lack of communication, or personalities – I just don’t know,” said Lancer Swim Team Vice President Lori McDonald.

A previous statement from the Lake Ridge Community Swim Club noted the Lancer’s growing size as a concern. Swim club president Patty Parker today stated the strain on their facilities is also a problem.

“Many of our concerns have been typical of hosting pools – use of the lanes during common use time, delayed opening on days of swim meets, etc. There have been several issues that the swim team has resolved this season for which we are very appreciative. We are hoping to move forward from this point and work together to negotiate a contract that meets both the needs of the swim team and swim club,” said Paker. “The growth of the team has less to do with the number of swimers than with the demands on pool facilities to accommodate them. We are confident it can be amicably resolved.”

Growing pains

Perplexed by the swim club’s concerns that the team was growing too large, McDonald took a look at their numbers.

“I went all the way back to 2004, I have records dating back to then, and I can tell you that our set numbers in 2012 for this year we had about 190 swimmers on our competitive team: last year, we had about 190 swimmers. In 2010, 190 swimmers – in 2009, we had 190. In 2008 we had 180, in 2007 we had 184,” McDonald said.

Russ Vogel, the team manager, league representative and a Board member of the Swim Team, feels that this is really the outcome of many years of tension and conflict between the club and the team.

“For 15 years there has been serious tension, and the swim team has always contributed money toward our use of the pool, but more importantly what I think the current swim club underestimated is the amount of swim club members that come there because of the swim team,” said Vogel.

Vogel said the club Board in 2007 decided to remove one swim club Board member position, effectively removing the team’s ability to have a say in decisions made at the club.

Money matters

Facilities upkeep and the Lake Ridge Community Swim Club’s finances also play role in the decision.

“Now and in the past, the members of the swim team could be members of the club or non-members. The non-members of the club have been allowed to swim on the swim team and they’ve always paid an extra fee. We charge $25 for the first non-member child and cap it at $50 a family. Although we charge a non-member fee, it has not always been given to the pool. A couple of years ago [the club] asked for a financial contribution from the team, and we had no issue with that. Two years ago it was about $2,000; last year it was about $2,000. This year, it was $3,500 and we gave it to them,” McDonald stated.

“It’s all about the money. The club has for years not been managing the activities of the club well; membership has continued to decline. They have, for years, neglected the facilities, have not invested in the long term projects that would make that club exciting and interesting for new members. They always counted on us – the swim team – to bring in the new blood. We have, for 40 years, been successful in doing that,” said Vogel.

Disappointed children

Aside from what the reasoning for decision may be, it has left the entire Lancer community feeling hurt – especially the children on the team.

“My kids – they’re heartbroken. This is our first year on the team and recently, on the rainiest morning ever when we driving to practice, [my daughter] is in the backseat saying she can’t wait to sign up again next year,” said Jenni Booth, whose daughter, Maisy, swims with the Lancers.

“It makes me sad: even though I’ve been on the team for only this season, I’ve made a lot of friends, and I hate the thought of us all having to split up at different pools,” said Maisy.

An emergency meeting has been called by team members for Monday evening where options will be discussed with the Board. The Lancers are far from giving up, and they want the Board to know that there will be an impact on the club because of this decision.

“We’ve been members of the Lake Ridge Community Swim Club for about 6 years. This was the first year that our daughters joined the Lancer’s swim team and it was an outstanding experience for both of them. The camaraderie of the Lancer community reinvigorated our interest in the swim club,” said swim team parent Jason Booth

The Lancers said fees charged by the swim club have risen in the past year and that the team in June began looking fro another place to hold its events.

PRINCE WILLAM COUNTY, Va. -- Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy has always been welcomed at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, he just won’t visit them this year.

With that, the chamber this afternoon answered mounting questions focusing whether or not it would host Cathy at speaking engagement in Manassas on Nov. 27. Cathy was scheduled to speak with local business leaders about the success of his fast food restaurant chain, but chamber members complained after following a public statement by Cathy noting marriage should only be between a man and woman.

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LAKE RIDGE, Va. — On Tuesday, July 31 at approximately 9:30 a.m., fire and rescue units were dispatched to a structure fire in a two-story single family home located in the 12100 block of Park Shore Court in Lake Ridge.

After the fire was extinguished by fire and rescue personnel, further investigation revealed someone attempted to break and enter the residence and intentionally set a fire.

No injuries were reported.

According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, preliminary damage estimate is $10,000.00.

County police assisted fire marshals with the preliminary investigation and a joint investigation between agencies continues to identify the responsible party(s).

-Press release 

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — An upgrade to the phone system at the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission provides riders easier access to vital travel information without having to wait to personally speak with a Customer Service Agent.

The upgraded phone system saves some passengers from waiting on hold to speak with PRTC staff and enables PRTC Customer Service Agents to devote more time to callers who need individualized attention.

The improved phone system enables passengers to:

• Receive scheduled bus arrival times based on the bus stop number or bus route;

• Learn about bus fares and passes;

• Hear service alerts; and

• Confirm or cancel previously scheduled off-route trips on OmniLink local buses.

PRTC’s OmniLink local buses can travel up to ¾ mile off the standard route to pick up and drop off passengers who are unable to access a regular bus stop. Passengers must call Customer Service at least two hours in advance to book OmniLink off-route trips.

To access information about OmniLink off-route bus trips, callers must speak once with a Customer Service agent to get their personalized phone system ID and password. Once callers have that information, they may confirm or cancel their scheduled trip at any time of the day or night. All other information on the phone system is available without an ID or password.

PRTC provides commuter and local bus services in Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. The Customer Service office is open from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. To speak with an agent or test the new phone system, call (703) 730-6664.

-Press release 

By LAURA CIRILLO

DALE CITY, Va. — Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell will appear in Dale City on Tuesday to announce the start of construction for the Interstate 95 Express Lanes project.

The project, which will convert the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes between Dumfries and the Springfield Mixing Bowl to High Occupancy Toll, or HOT lanes, will forever change the way commuters travel on I-95.

Scheduled to join McDonnell at the 9:30 a.m. groundbreaking at a rest area on I-95 south is Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connnaughton, Congressmen Gerry Connolly and Rob Wittman, Delegate Bill Howell, of Stafford, and Prince William County Board of Supervisor Chairman At-large Corey Stewart.

The project will not only convert a portion of the existing HOV lanes between Dumfries and Edsall Road in Alexandria, but will extend the lanes nine miles south from Dumfries to Va. 610 (Garrisonville Road) in North Stafford. Also included in the construction will be eight new or improved access points to and from the express lanes at key interchanges, as well as the addition or expansion of commuter parking lots.

The finished project will result in 29 miles of HOT lanes which vehicles with three or more occupants can access for free. Vehicles with just one occupant can choose to pay a toll to use the lanes.

All vehicles will be required to have an E-Z Pass or E-Z Pass Flex to use the lanes, and the toll will vary depending on the amount of vehicles in the express lanes. For single drivers, the average commute is expected to cost somewhere between $5 and $6, according a press release.

The groundbreaking of the 95 Express Lanes comes as McDonnell finally announced the approval of the nearly $1 billion project on Tuesday, which for months had been the worst kept secret in transportation news.

The project in 2008 was marred in controversy and was placed on hold after Arlington County sued the state and pushed for more environmental impact studies to be done before construction could begin. Prince William County officials also opposed I-95 HOT lanes until concessions were made and a handful of new road improvement projects in the county were announced in early 2011.

Ultimately, Arlington officials dropped their lawsuit and state transportation officials redrew plans to end the I-95 HOT lanes facility at Edsall Road.

Calling it “a historical day for transportation and the economy in Virginia,” McDonnell stated that the project will provide congestion relief for Northern Virginia and will add close to 8,000 jobs during the two-year project, which is expected to be completed by 2014.

“The 95 Express Lanes combined with the nearly completed 495 Express Lanes will bring a transportation network that manages congestion efficiently, saving time and better connecting commuters with some of Virginia’s most important employment centers and military sites,” added Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton.

The $925 million project is a joint venture between Transurban Drive and Fluor Enterprises, Inc. The Virginia Department of Transportation will maintain ownership of the infrastructure and will continue to manage the project. Transurban and Fluor  will provide $854 million in funding, with VDOT providing the remaining $71 million in public funds, according to the press release.

Integrated in the funding is a traffic safety and enforcement program, which will include technology and crews needed for incident detection and response, as well as more Virginia State Troopers to help reduce the number of HOV violators.

BREAKING NEWS

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — The leader of the Prince William County Police Department, Chief Charlie T. Deane, one of the agency’s original officers when the department was founded in 1970, will retire. More from a press release:

Today, Prince William County Executive, Melissa Peacor, announced the retirement of Chief of Police Charlie T. Deane. Chief Deane is currently one of the longest standing police chiefs in the country. He has been chief for more than 24 years. During that time, Deane has overseen numerous investigations, such as the now famous D.C. Sniper Case, the East Coast Rapist Case, and more recently, he oversaw the County’s handling of the Illegal Immigration Enforcement Issue that has since become a hallmark of good policing. Deane was one of the original officers of the Police Department when he transferred from the Virginia State Police to the newly formed Prince William County Police Department as a detective in 1970. His last day as Chief of Police for Prince William County is Sept. 1, 2012.

MORE TO THE STORY: Aquia Harbour police Chief Trish Harmon recalls her 30 years of working with Deane

“This is a tough day for me personally and for the County. Chief Deane has served the citizens of this County with unparalleled integrity and commitment,” said Melissa Peacor, County Executive. “Chief Deane has been a stalwart of law enforcement in this community, this Commonwealth and this nation, bringing innovation and leadership to the business of Policing. Charlie has served with many County Executives over the years, and I believe I can speak for all of us when I say that he has been both a friend and an advisor”.

Since Deane started with the department, it has grown to more than 580 sworn and 300 civilians and has gained a sterling reputation under the guidance of Chief Deane, whose own reputation has grown to a national level. Chuck Wexler, Executive Director of the prestigious Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a well-respected law enforcement think tank in Washington, D.C., said of Deane: “As the Vice President of our organization, Chief Deane has gained a solid national reputation as a fair, lawful and reasonable chief of police. His work on immigration has become a model for many other cities in the United States. Charlie is truly one of the great chiefs of police—a leader of excellent character, competence and caring.”

“I have been honored to work with Chief Deane over the past nine years,” said Corey Stewart, Chairman of the Board of County Supervisors. Chief Deane has provided outstanding service to the citizens of Prince William County and leadership to the Police Department and the entire organization. He has presided over a department known for its excellence and integrity, and although we are sad to see him go, he leaves us with a department made up of men and women who share his professionalism.”

Before deciding any future professional plans, Chief Deane plans on taking some time off, which he says will include some fishing, traveling and working on his family farm in Orange County.

The Virginia Department of Transportation will close the I-95 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes overnight starting on Wednesday, August 1 and Thursday, August 2, from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m., and again on Friday, August 3 from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m., for traffic shifts.

Wednesday night August 1, and Thursday night, August 2, the I-95 HOV lanes will be closed from Exit 152, Dumfries Road (Route 234) to Exit 169, Franconia Road /Keene Mill Road (Route 644) from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Friday night, August 3, this closure will be in place from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m.

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