Prince William County government roundup

By Staff

Published: August 31, 2008

Prince William offers preparedness tips
With the eighth tropical depression brewing in the Atlantic and September being National Preparedness Month, it’s time to start thinking about how to be prepared in case of any emergency. Preparation starts at home, but it is also good to be prepared at work and at school. Prince William County’s aim during National Preparedness Month is to create a culture of preparedness in which individuals, families and businesses take steps to get ready for hazards of all types.

Keys steps to preparing for emergencies:
• Put Together an Emergency Supply Kit. If the power goes out, transportation is unavailable or area businesses are forced to close for an extended period of time, you will need a few essential items. An emergency supply kit includes, among other things, essential items to last at least three days, such as water and non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit and medications. And, don’t forget your pets. They need food and water as well.

• Make a Communication Plan. Talk to your family and friends about how you would communicate during an emergency. Decide on a meeting place if children cannot return to school or if your family cannot return home. Designate an out-of-town friend or relative as a point-of-contact in case you cannot reach your family or friends. And plan for your own specific needs, such as an evacuation destination for pets or transportation for medical equipment.

• Listen for local instructions. Before, during and after a disaster, it is critical to listen for the most up-to-date, local information from emergency officials. Local media will convey instructions from local, state and federal partners concerning evacuation orders or staying safe where you are, and what to do when the emergency has passed.

• Sign Up for PWCAN. Prince William County uses the Prince William Community Alert Network (PWCAN) to contact residents during a major crisis or emergency. PWCAN delivers important emergency alerts, notifications and updates on all devices you register. PWCAN is a personal connection to real-time updates, instructions on where to go, what to do, or what not to do, who to contact and other important information. To register for PWCAN, visit http://www.pwc gov.org/pwcan/.

Park Authority celebrates Patriot Golf Day
Prince William County Park Authority will be celebrating Patriot Golf Day at all three of their 18-hole golf courses.

During the Labor Day extended weekend, players will have the opportunity to contribute an additional $1 to their greens fees. This contribution will be donated to the Folds of Honor Foundation. The Folds of Honor Foundation awards scholarships to children of those individuals who have become severely disabled or lost their lives in military action.

Patriot Golf Day is a joint promotion by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association. Patriot Golf Day is a nationwide event led by Capt. Dan Rooney of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Through his enthusiastic efforts to bring together the golf community to support the families of American heroes and raise funds through voluntary contributions which are in turn, donated to the Folds of Honor Foundation.

• Forest Greens Golf Club at 4500 Poa Annua Lane, Triangle.
For more information, please call 703-221- 0123, or visit http://www.forestgreens.com.

• Generals Ridge Golf Course at 9701 Manassas Drive, Manassas Park.
For more information, please call 703-335- 0777, or visit http://www.generalsridge.com

• Prince William Golf Course at 14631 Vint Hill Road, Nokesville.
For more information, please call 703-754-7111,
or visit http://www.princewilliamgolf.com

Prince William Edition to discuss new school year
This week’s Prince William Edition is the September News. It covers several topics including driving through school zones, school age care, proposed fare increases for Omniride and Omnilink busses, free events on the Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza, and tips on preventing West Nile virus. The news program airs today through Sunday.

Prince William Edition is a five-minute, weekly public affairs program featuring the latest news and information on Prince William County government. Prince William Edition airs on CNN Headline News, which is either Channel 28 or 29 for Comcast cable subscribers in the county. The program can be seen seven days a week at various times.

Events for September set at Connaughton plaza
The Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza, located in the center of Prince William County at the county complex, has four events planned for the month of September:

• Sept. 12, noon, United Way Kick Off Event
From 1 to 3 p.m. meet representatives from 40 United Way agencies who will be distributing materials about their groups.

• Sept. 20, 7 p.m., U.S. Navy cruisers
As the U.S. Navy’s premier contemporary music ensemble, the Cruisers feature seven of the Navy’s most dynamic performers. The Cruisers present a variety of music including classic rock, rhythm and blues, oldies from the 50s and 60s, Motown favorites, as well as today’s top 40 hits.

• Sept. 27, 1 to 4 p.m., Gospel Festival with Maharold Peoples, Jr., and Tribe of Praise
Gospel music from Prince William County Gospel groups including Susan Carter, Julian Awari, the First Mt. Zion Worship & Praise Ensemble and other exciting guests. This is music to lift the spirit.

• Sept. 28, 2 p.m., Prince William Community Band
Relax to some fall selections performed by the Prince William Community Band. This is always a crowd pleasing event.