Prince William County roundup

From staff reports
Published: August 3, 2008

County gets new tool to eradicate graffiti
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved an ordinance on July 22 to assist in the fight against graffiti. The ordinance declares graffiti — defined as the unauthorized drawing or marking on buildings or other personal property — a nuisance as it devalues and destroys property, instills fear and contributes to a sense of squalor. The ordinance allows the Department of Public Works’ staff or designees to enter private property, after proper notification, to remove or cover graffiti.

Police will continue to investigate graffiti to apprehend criminals. Conviction of the crime carries fines, and parents of convicted minors may be required to cover the costs of removal.

The Neighborhood Services Division of Public Works is now responsible for the legal process of notifying the property owner about the requirements to remove graffiti. If the property owner does not comply, the Prince William Clean Community Council is then responsible for removal.

The Prince William Clean Community Council is a non-profit partner that is initiating a new graffiti abatement program. They are seeking volunteers for removal activities and administrative assistance. Volunteer opportunities range from several hours each month to a couple of hours intermittently throughout the year.

Donations such as self-contained power washers and painting supplies are also needed to support this community maintenance program.

If criminals are spotted applying graffiti, please call 911. To report incidents of graffiti, please call the Police non-emergency number at 703-792-6500.

Questions about the ordinance may be addressed to Neighborhood Services at or 703-792-7018. More details about the volunteer opportunities are available from the Prince William Clean Community Council at 703-792-6272 or .

Sign up for van tour on the Second Battle of Manassas
On Saturday, Aug. 30, the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division is sponsoring a van tour focusing on the campaign leading up to the Second Battle of Manassas. The tour will detail Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson’s famous flank march around the Union Army in August 1862. This march led to the largest battle in Northern Virginia, resulting in more than 18,000 casualties.
The van tour will visit sites along Jackson’s march, including Jeffersonton, Orlean, Marshall, Thoroughfare Gap, Bristoe Station, Conner House and the Brawner Farm on Manassas National Battlefield Park.

The cost is $80 per person, which includes transportation, admission to all sites and a boxed lunch. The tour will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Space is limited and reservations are required.
For more information, please call 703-365-7895 or .

Free money management classes scheduled
Virginia Cooperative Extension’s (VCE) Financial Education Program offers workshops on “Smart Money Management” and free and confidential financial counseling. You can learn to manage your money with help from the VCE.

The Smart Money Management Workshop includes a self-assessment and other hands-on exercises on how to set goals, avoid overspending, improve net worth, good and bad debt, developing spending and savings plans.

You can also sign up for a free, confidential, personal financial assessment to receive specific information tailored to meet your particular needs. Financial counseling can help enhance or improve most financial situations — from relatively healthy to more immediate and urgent concerns.

The one-on-one assessments and workshops are free, but registration is required. Upcoming sessions include

• Today — Smart Money Management Workshop: Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building in Woodbridge from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

• Aug. 20 — Smart Money Management Workshop: Sudley North Government Center in Manassas from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

• Thursdays — Free & Confidential Financial Counseling: Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building and Sudley North Government Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m. by appointment only.

For more information about Financial Education call 703-792-6287. The complete schedule of classes and other services is available at http://www.pwcgov.org/vce/FinEd.