More than a thanks for parade committee

Ernestine S. Jenkins
Published: July 27, 2008

A simple thank you just isn’t enough for our fabulous 2008 Dale City Parade Committee. Our parade committee is comprised of members of our nine exceptional non-profit organizations. They are the
Dale City Civic Association, Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, Woodbridge Elks Lodge 2355, American Legion Woodbridge Post 364, Dale City Lions Club, Dale City Moose Lodge 2165, Dale City
VFW Post 1503, Dale City Knights of Columbus, and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington. The committee’s work is not easy, but their dedication, commitment and enthusiasm resulted in a
spectacular Fourth of July parade and family fun day for everyone.

My position as parade chairman is so joyful and so much easier because of my wonderful committee. We begin meeting in March and work through the Fourth of July. 

This year I would like to tell you something special about our committee. Dave Dell, Sr. is our staging director, in addition to everything else that he does. He takes a weeks vacation prior to the Fourth to
fine-tune the parade. His 50 + years of transportation expertise truly showed in this year’s parade. There were 135 applicants and a record number of more than 600 vehicles. The parade passed in review
like a fine-tuned symphony. Dave sincerely thanks his staging assistants, David H. Dell, Jr., James Hicks and Bob Corbin. I want to thank Bob Corbin for his beautiful armed forces flag display.  Deputy
Chief Ed Van Horn of the DCVFD is also DCCA’s Citizen of the Year for 2007. Ed provides everything from the American flag at Comcast to tables and chairs. Ed is on our speed dial.  JoAnn Ferguson,
also with DCVFD, drove Ed in this year’s parade. The DCVFD is truly second to none. Commander Ron Laney and Linda Steinway, president ladies auxiliary, will do anything for our country, community
and our parade. They even provided coffee at 6 a.m. on the Fourth for the Prince William County Police Department Traffic Control, marshals, committee members and family fun day members. 

Our PWC Police Traffic Control, Brian Miller and Jacques Poirier and their fine officers, are professional, courteous and always there for your safety. Ray Humenik of the City Knights of Columbus lost his
beloved wife Martha this year. Ray stepped into Martha’s position and did the commentators, books and press, in addition to helping with the marshals and water. We love you Ray!

I thank Michelle Tran, parade administrator and ad designer.  We do generate a lot of paperwork and Michelle works with a smile. Todd (Raider) Crosby of the American Legion coordinated the 50

marshals with the PWCPD, Ray Humenik and Dave Dell, Sr.  I congratulate Laura Horner, American Legion’s new commander. Bill Westhoff, parade treasurer, did and does an outstanding job. Joe

Brown, Dale City Lions Club, helped with the sight and hearing van. Michael of the Elks Lodge picked up and brought 13 dozen donuts provided by the Minnieville/Dale Boulevard 7-Eleven to all working at

6 a.m. on the Fourth. Our 10,000th McDonald’s on Dale Boulevard provided the parade committee with value meals. 

Dr. Ruth Howell Baxter, president of DCCA, totally organized family fun day and brought the Old Mine Ranch to Dale City. She brought smiles, fun and enjoyment to our festivities. Ruth Baxter, Ed

Baxter, Lillian Garland, John David, Jr., Trina Lloyd-Hodge and other members of Ruth’s committee made this our best family fun day ever. The DCCA Youth Group art exhibit was beautiful and we
certainly appreciate the hard work of Willie McShane of the Boys & Girls Club — Hylton Branch.  Dottie Holley, chairman judges and trophies. Her committee did an outstanding job in judging our
participants. 

Dottie spends hundreds of hours preparing. Don Kinnett, Sr., was a great asset to family fun day. Comcast Communications, Dan, Nicholson, Liz Lockhart and staff did a super job broadcasting our
parade.

Irene Dell, our parade coordinator works all year on the parade.  Irene has done this for 15 years.  She is literally everywhere and involved in everything. Her phone never stops ringing and she speaks to
everyone. In fact, it is as if you are the only person she talks with.  Irene loves the parade and she feels “Dale City is a great place to call home.” Her favorite colors are red, white and blue. 

Thank you everyone for joining us. 

ERNESTINE S. JENKINS

Chairman, Dale City Parade Committee