NORTH STAFFORD, Va. -- A commercial ambulance collided with two vehicles Monday on U.S. 1 in North Stafford.

The collision occurred at 3:45 p.m., in the 3800 block of Jefferson Davis Highway in the area of El Gran Charro restaurant and Aquia Towne Center, said Stafford fire and rescue spokesman Mark Doyle.

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Potomac Local's 40 Under 40 award winners were announced Saturday at a ceremony at Potomac  Shores Golf Club in Woodbridge.

Forty talented professionals under age 40 from Prince William and Stafford counties, as well as the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park were honored at the event.

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I’m going to ask you to work a little bit today. Normally, I blend links into my column so you can just click if you want more information, but the links are not obtrusive, Today, I’d like you to take a few minutes and click these links. Try to keep an open mind. Try not to let what you already think influence you.

These thoughts, ideas, stories and images are shaping my opinions:

Homelessness in America:
news.msn.com/us/court-overturns-los-angeles-ban-on-living-in-cars
treehugger.com/tiny-houses/latest-tiny-houses-live-billboard.html
fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/homelessness-in-our-community.htm
nbcwashington.com/news/local/Dale-City-Homeless-Camp-Cleared-Out-119031379.html

The number of homeless New Yorkers has risen by 75 percent since 2002 and in recent years has reached the highest levels since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Around 60,000 homeless men, women and children bed down in New York’s shelters and thousands more sleep rough on the streets or elsewhere.

Unemployment:
news.msn.com/us/detroit-violating-human-rights-by-closing-water-taps-un
time.com/3001280/microsoft-to-cut-18000-jobs/
www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/07/08/1312594/-Labor-Secretary-wants-to-punch-politicians-can-you-blame-him?detail=facebook#

Unemployment in America appears to be declining, but there are a lot of factors to consider in those reports, such as many people have simply ceased to seek employment. That’s not because they have found a job-they have simply given up hope of finding one. There are at least 9.5 million people who do not have a job, and after 17 months, I can tell you my husband is one of them.

Immigration:
https://www.pewhispanic.org/2013/01/29/a-nation-of-immigrants/
https://news.msn.com/us/up-to-dollar1000-a-day-to-care-for-child-migrants-1
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/honduran-child-migrants-leave-home-because-of-poverty-and-fear/2014/07/15/9f073040-a56d-488c-9473-1265d1a8c2aa_story.html

Crime:

crimeinamerica.net/crime-rates-united-states/
newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2014/07/bill-de-blasio-violent-crime-challenges.html
sentencingproject.org/template/page.cfm?id=107

Images:

andrewlmoore.com/photography/detroit/park-ave-detroit/
businessinsider.com/american-slums-2011-4?op=1
sultanknish.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-chicagoization-of-america.html

Thought Provoking:

america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/7/9/goverment-improperpayments100billion.html
www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/06/the-pitchforks-are-coming-for-us-plutocrats-108014.html#.U7hhk7HI2MZ
washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/07/08/this-is-what-happened-when-i-drove-my-mercedes-to-pick-up-food-stamps/

So, here’s my takeaway for this week. I am willing to help. I just need to know where the money is coming from to do so. I surely don’t have any money to donate to support homelessness or immigrants.

In fact, my husband and I are beginning to consider we may have to sell our home to keep from accessing the funds from our retirement that we did not intend to touch for another five years. If we use that retirement money now, will we run out before we die? Will we become the very people we have spent our entire lives trying to help?

I do want to make this statement: Don’t call me a racist or a bigot because I am concerned about the immigration issue. It has nothing to do with Hispanic people (or Asian or Chinese or anyone else.) It has everything to do with all our lives in America. I want to know how we can continue to increase social and welfare programs to care for those in need. I want to know how we will provide jobs for those who need them.

Good morning  – It’s COMING . . . Christmas in July! Don’t forget to join us for fun activities to benefit our Un Trim A Tree Holiday Gift program for needy kids living right here in our community. Christmas in July is a two day event starting at 5pm on July 24th with Old Town Manassas Restaurants collecting toys and donating a portion of their receipts to the program so this is the perfect way to treat your family to dinner out on a Thursday night in Old Town. Please visit your choice of the following restaurants: City Square, Mackey’s, Philly Tavern, Malone’s, Bad to the Bone, Siam Classic, Grounds Central Station, Old Town Sports Pub, Monza/Carmelo’s, El Cactus, or Katerina’s!

On July 25th please join the wonderful folks at the Columbus Grill in Manassas for their Annual benefit event including dinner, drinks, dancing to a live band and DJ, Santa and tons of fun for just $35 and two toys for the kids. Columbus Grill throws a super party! Reserve your seats today at: www.columbusgrill.net – On Dasher . . .

· Saved Hands Foundation offers a number of services to homeless individuals in Woodbridge. Volunteers are needed to teach Microsoft Office during traditional business hours. They also need a grant writer to help solicit resources to help their clients and a Human Resources Director to manage resources services, policies, and programs. Learn more by visiting them on the web at www.SavedHandsFoundation.org and click on Volunteer Opportunities. Come be part of this expanding team – please call Pamela at (703) 895-6681 to learn more.

· The Prince William Conservation Alliance has upcoming events for all you outdoor enthusiasts: Sunday, July 27 from 8-10am is weed and water day at K9 Gunner Dog Park buffer area Colby Drive and Minnieville Rd. – this area was transformed with over 200 trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Now it is time for some maintenance work! If you want to help with this project or become a regular volunteer at Merrimac Farm contact Karen at [email protected] or call 703-499-4954.

· Hey students, get a jump on those community service hours for school! SERVE in Manassas has a need for volunteers age 16 and up who can help serve dinner to shelter residents on weeknights. Timeframe is 4:30pm to 6:30pm, and training is provided. You will help set-up the serving line, serve the meal, and help with cleanup.

· Another great youth opportunity – make your summer count! The Manassas Department of Family Services has a special request of food donations for homeless individuals. These folks do not have the ability to cook or prepare meals as we do at home so items needed include tuna and chicken in pouches, pop-top fruits, cup of soup where you pour the hot water over and let it sit, trail mixes, hand wipes and other fun things you come across in the grocery store. Please drop off your donations at Family Services- 9324 West Street Manassas during traditional business hours of 8:30-4:30pm.

· The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to provide administrative support to their leadership councils and special events. Duties include database management, communication with donors and typical administrative tasks. Minimum age is 18 and this position promises to be very helpful to your resume. Please call Pamela at (703) 584-8444 to learn more.

· Give the gift of literacy to Prince William area adults! If you would like to help adults reach their life goals through improved literacy skills, contact Literacy Volunteers of America – they will train you to become a certified adult literacy tutor! The next training workshop is September 20, 2014 (8:45am to 4pm) and October 4, 2014 (9am to noon). Attendance both days is required. Contact them at 703-67-5702 or [email protected]. To visit them on the web: www.lvapw.org.

· Capital Caring is starting a new program and is need of artists and regular, amazing people with time to share to bring wonder of creating something beautiful to their patients. Contact Rachael at 703-957-1785 or [email protected].

· BEACON Adult Literacy needs volunteers to work with ESL adult learners. No prior experience is needed as you will be given all the tools needed to make a successful partnership with your student. The next training is August 23rd. Please call Caroline at (703) 368-7491 to learn more.

· Transitional Housing BARN needs adult volunteers to help sort and organize donations for their monthly yard sales. Come join the team that works during the week between 8am-2pm. They also need volunteers the second Saturday of each month to set up from 6am-8:30 am and then take down late morning. This is perfect for all the early birds out there and then you can get your round of golf in. Please call Tammy at (703) 369-1325 for more info.

· Coming August 12-14! It is National Health Center Week and the Greater Prince William Community Health Center will hold its 6th annual celebration under the tents at Ridgewood Health Center between 8am and 2pm. Volunteers are needed to help. Please call Richard at 703-680-7950 Ext. 3107.

· If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call my wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William. Coleen can help you with the Retired and Senior Volunteer (RSVP) opportunities at (703) 369-5292 ext. 207, Shelley can help with any individual or group project and send you weekly updates if you’d like. Shelley is at (703) 369-5292 ext. 201, and Bonnie can help you with opportunities available in Disaster Preparedness at (703) 369-5292 ext. 202. Please visit our newly re-vamped website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.

OCCOQUAN, Va. -- The owner of the Cock & Bowl restaurant in Occoquan made a pretty astute observation: A sign was erected heralding the coming of nothing. And that, said the restaurant’s owners, is refreshing.

Occoquan officials recently closed a deal that gives the town ownership of a 17-acre parcel of land, the once controversial Oaks III property, which will be turned into, well, absolutely nothing.

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OCCOQUAN, Va. -- Clogged drains in Occoquan could have contributed to some minor flooding Tuesday night.

As heavy rain moved through the region about 7:30 p.m. the Ballywhack Creek that runs alongside Tanyard Hill Road spilled its banks. The creek is known to flood.

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“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”

Rated: PG-13

4 stars out of 5

I set my clock for “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” today and the result was alarming. They are not monkeying around this time.

All that experimental brain testing they did in the last movie that made the apes smart also unleashed a viral infection that killed off most of the humans. Over the last 10 years, Caesar (Andy Serkis from “Death of a Superhero“) and the rest of the zoo escapees have multiplied and created a beautiful home in Muir Woods Park in Marin County. So the movie glossed over some critical things like 6 billion people dying and how the apes got a building permit in the Park.

A small group of genetically immune, human survivors remain in San Francisco. They are struggling with diminishing resources and need electricity to try and connect with other survivors.

Separate but equal was working just fine until Malcolm (Jason Clarke from “White House Down”) and his team enter the ape world to restart the hydroelectric power plant at the dam. Caesar senses their desperation and agrees to give them access. Many of the other apes do not share Caesar’s trust of their former oppressors. Caesar’s understanding of humans is an asset and a liability.

“Ape shall not kill ape” is their number one law. For humans, thou shall not kill shows up sixth on the Commandments list, as if humans still follow their original rules. We can see the parallels in societal evolution and family values. The quest for power and the burden of leadership is universal. Hate has to be taught. Therefore, both species lack trust and the will or strength to forgive. Malcolm and Caesar share this vision, but most of the others can’t see past their angry fists.

The values we teach our children are more important than anything else we could achieve. I know I learned that everything radical starts in California. This movie attempts to keep the threads of the original movies connected using 3-D CGI and stunning action sequences. It’s not as charming as the original, but it looks cool, and maybe that opens the door for some of the thought provoking moments.

They do such a good job with the apes looking and acting like apes, it is hard to see their humanity. That may be the point, that most humans make a snap judgment based upon their outward appearance and do not get the time to know them. You understand their motives and sympathize with their plight, but the only ape I felt any connection to was Caesar.

I applaud the filmmakers for using their special effects to illuminate and not just ignite the powder keg of problems presented in this movie. For that reason, I am giving this movie 4 stars out 5. I will be interested to see what they do with the next revolution.

Tom Basham is an indie filmmaker. Here is a link to his movie review site:? bashmovies.wordpress.com

WOODBRIDGE, Va. --  In response to a rise in Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses in the county, local experts gathered to discussed Lyme and other tick-borne diseases at a forum hosted by Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA 1) at the Ferlazzo Building June 10.

Lyme disease and similar illnesses caused by tick bites have become more prevalent in Virginia over the last decade, and most of the attendees of the meeting suffered from Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses themselves, or cared for a close family member who has been affected.

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BRISTOW, Va. -- There are unaccompanied illegal immigrant children in Bristow, and Prince William County officials say they’re not paying for them.

Youth for Tomorrow, a development founded by former Redskins coach Joe Gibbs center serving at-risk youth, came under fire this week from conservative bloggers after they learned about the facility’s Unaccompanied Minors Program – a partnership between the center and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides help for children who are in the U.S. illegally.

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DUMFRIES, Va. — Since coming to the U.S. more than 15 years ago, owning his own restaurant is something Francesco Leone has dreamed about.

Leone lives in Woodbridge with his wife, a his daughter, 6, and two sons ages 2 and 4, and recently made his dream come true. He purchased the Montclair Family Restaurant on Va. 234 outside Dumfries.

After spending the past 13 years working under this father-in-law at Armetta’s Restaurant on Minnieville Road in Dale City, getting an eatery of his own was the next logical step.

“Little by little, if I put a lot of hard work into this we will continue to be successful,” he said.

Hard work is something Leone is no stranger to. I worked with him, in what seems like another lifetime, at Tony’s Pizza on Va. 234 in 2001 (Armetta’s and Tony’s Pizza are under the same ownership). Leone was often behind the grill, taking orders, and making them in the back of the restaurant helping to ensure the place never ran out of food.

At Montclair, he says he’s thankful to inherit staff that has worked at the diner for years and a customer base of familiar faces that come almost daily.

Leone says the previous owner was hesitant to sell, but he eventually brought Leone in, showed him the books, and then he agreed to sell.

Those who come and sit at one of the 19 tables inside the diner shouldn’t expect too many changes on the menu. Rooted in Greek and American fare, the gyros here are very popular and come loaded with feta cheese and thick shanks of lamb, beef, or chicken. Burgers are popular here, and Leone also takes pride in the rotisserie chicken and the green beans freshly prepared here. Breakfast is also a big hit with regulars.

“When I went into the kitchen for the first time I had to ask the cooks where the microwave was. It was so small and hidden,” said Leone. “We have one,’ they said, ‘but we don’t use it that much.’”

Leone came to live in the U.S. in 1998 and married his wife at a ceremony back in his native Italy a year later. His family has been supportive of him stepping up and running his own business, and he says his children are the light of his life.

“If I can do this job for someone else for so many years, I know I can do it for myself,” he said.

Montclair Family Restaurant is located at 17001 Dumfries Road near Dumfries and is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Reservations, walk-ins, large groups are all welcome and take out is available.

Before he was a news reporter, Uriah Kiser was a restaurant server at several area restaurants. He still values many of the friendships made while working in the restaurant business and still likes to go out to eat.