I have cornered the market with the gift of gab. When people ask me what I do, my response varies among several descriptions, such as, “volunteer, professional volunteer, and community activist.”
Closer to the truth may be that I simply talk!
Just when I need that gift, it has failed me. I started this column three times with three different opening sentences before acceding I do not have the capability to sum up nearly 30 years as a Prince William County resident in 500 words, so I just want to thank you.
Thanks to my editor, Uriah Kiser for allowing me space, week after week to share my thoughts with readers. (If anyone is interested in writing an opinion column, I’m sure Uriah will be pleased to talk to you about it. Eric Vasey, here’s your chance!)
Thanks to all the Prince William County employees who have worked hard to meet my requests, answer my questions and shared my concerns, worked after office hours, and participated in events.
I am so grateful to the many groups and organizations who have worked with me and allowed me to serve my community: Dale City Lions, LOCCA, O.W.N. Optimists, Prince William Committee of 100, PWTSC, Business Women of Prince William County, Americans in Wartime Museum, Habitat PWC, KPWB, Lake Ridge Lions, NLG, Leadership Prince William, DCCA, OLR, WPCCA, MIDCO, Volunteer Prince William, PWC Chamber Prince William Crime Prevention Council and all those who supported Neabsco Action Alliance.
For all the people who have touched my heart, thank you for giving me a reason to live my life here with a purpose. Thanks to everyone who is making my departure as painless as possible. Thank you for the gifts, the cards, and the offers to help.
My philosophy has been simple: Lead by example. No job is too demeaning, no position too low, no task is beneath you. Making your place in the world is not about power. Making your place is about connecting people to benefit each other, not to benefit yourself. If someone needs help, offer your time and your talents.
The future in Prince William County depends on new ideas and willingness to work together toward a better quality of life for all. It also depends on the truth. There are a lot of wealthy, powerful people living in Prince William County and there are a lot of poor, powerless people here, too. It is not the job of the powerful to command change. It is not the job of the poor to accept their circumstance. It is the job of each and every one of you to work together to create solutions beneficial to everyone.
Stop dividing each other with your niche groups and your party politics. Work together as partners, make opportunities that will strengthen the community. Admit it when there are shortcomings. Realize that the best way is not necessarily YOUR way.
I don’t need to say “Goodbye,” as Facebook and the internet will keep us connected, but oh, how I will miss seeing so many of you face to face!
Recent Stories
Osbourn Park High School has received the Virginia School Breakfast Award from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for its success in expanding breakfast access, maintaining nutritional integrity, and serving more scratch-cooked meals. The school is one of three recipients this year.
Cafeteria manager Nidia Bruno expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the team’s dedication to feeding students. Andrea Early, director of Food and Nutrition, noted that breakfast participation at Osbourn Park has increased by 30% and praised the cafeteria team for efficiently managing the expanded program. The school benefits from the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students.
(FXBG Advance) – Local delegates Joshua Cole, a Democrat, and Hillary Pugh Kent, a Republican, have been appointed to an emergency committee that will monitor the impact to Virginia of the…
Nothing Bundt Cakes has officially opened its doors just outside Manassas, bringing its signature, handcrafted bundt cakes to the community. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new bakery at 9825 Liberia Avenue, Suite 101.
The popular national bakery chain, known for its rich, moist cakes and signature cream cheese frosting, offers a variety of flavors and sizes, from bite-sized Bundtinis to 10-inch Bundt cakes perfect for special occasions. The store aims to be a go-to destination for birthdays, anniversaries, and everyday celebrations.
“We are ecstatic to have them join the thriving business community in Prince William County,” said a representative from the Chamber. “Their presence adds to the diverse selection of locally owned and franchised businesses that make this area a great place to shop and dine.”
Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia recently secured convictions in multiple high-profile cases. A Maryland man was convicted of trafficking cocaine and fentanyl to Fredericksburg, while a Stafford man was found guilty of assaulting a deaf passenger during a flight. A Honduran national was sentenced for illegally reentering the U.S. and failing to register as a sex offender, and a Dumfries man pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds. Each case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to hold criminals accountable. Read on for case details and links to full press releases.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
