Three members of the Committee of 100 Board of Directors resigned on Saturday.
Vice President Marlo Thomas Watson, treasurer Harry Wiggins, and committee program chair Bill Golden all walked away from the group when it met Saturday at the Montclair Country Club.
Their resignations come weeks after newly elected committee president James Young turned to Facebook to post opinions on a move by the Alabama government’s decision to stop issuing state marriage licenses after federal government forced the state to recognize same-sex marriages.
Young, a 20-year member of the Committee of 100, called the
move by the state an “assault on marriage” and an attempt to “force acceptance of sexual deviancy.”
Wiggins, who also is the Prince William County Democratic Committee Chairman, took exception with Young’s comments. The committee has always billed itself as a bi-partisan group that fosters community conversation.
“As soon as I read that, I called James and told him ‘you’re the president of the Committee of 100. You have gay members who are a part of the committee.’ It was like taking to a brick wall,” said Wiggins.
James Young had no comment for this story.
Marlo Thomas Watson said she resigned her position as vice president, but declined to elaborate on why she left.
“I will continue to work to bring together people of all races, colors and creeds,” said Thomas Watson.
She will consider attending Committee of 100 events and functions in the future, and she said her resignation was “met with sadness.”
For the past year, committee program chair Bill Golden organized many of the programs and political debate hosted by the organization.
“I did indeed step down early as the Committee of 100 Program Committee Chair. Â I was given the opportunity to continue on for the next program year, but felt it best that the new leadership under President James Young put together its own team for the new program year,”said Golden. “Under the prior board of directors, I had a lot of freedom and support to craft programs designed to appeal to the public as well as the membership.”
Golden said he will remain active in the committee despite resigning his leadership position.
The resignations come on the heels of a very well attended committee program earlier this year on the homelessness problem in Prince William County. Also held at the Montclair Country Club, the event brought together community residents, activists, and politicians on a dialogue on what can be done for those living in the woods just off major highways in the county.
The Committee has also been instrumental in hosting political debates featuring candidates for local, state, and congressional offices. Many politicians and prominent community members list committee membership on their resumes.
Membership in the Prince William Committee of 100 has grown by 10% over the past year.
As the November General Election inches closer, Wiggins said Democrat candidates vow not to participate in any debate or political function hosted by the Committee of 100 after Young made his comments online.
The City of Manassas, along with Prince William County, were the recipients of the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commissionâs Leadership Award for the areaâs efforts in commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War during the past seven years.
The City of Manassas partnered with Prince William County, the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division and many area museums, parks, and historic sites to coordinate dozens of local events that brought history to life for thousands of residents and visitors from across the country. The Prince William County/Manassas Committee began meeting in 2007, and helped plan and promote the signature 2011 Sesquicentennial commemoration at multiple sites across the city and county.
The local committee also fostered a strong partnership with the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission. The Manassas Museum hosted both the Commissionâs traveling exhibit, An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia, and the Legacy Project, an effort to scan and archive the Civil War-era documents of local residents. The city also twice hosted another of the Commissionâs traveling exhibits, the award-winning Civil War 150 HistoryMobile.
On average, more than 11,000 visitors a day attended events in the city during the four-day July 2011 Sesquicentennial commemoration despite an average heat index of 103 to 105 degrees. The city saw a 14% increase in meals taxes and a 55% increase in sales taxes during the month of the event, and garnered significant national media attention for its expansive free programs.
The annual Manassas Civil War Weekend, scheduled for August 21-23 this year, was created as a result of the popularity of the 2011 and 2012 Sesquicentennial commemorations held throughout the City of Manassas. The Weekendâs program tells the story not just of Civil War battles, but of the Warâs impact on civilians and African-Americans.
The Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission was created by the General Assembly to plan and commemorate Civil War events in the Commonwealth. The Commission officially ended its work this year with a Memorial Day award ceremony and concert on the Capitol steps in Richmond. Virginia House Speaker William J. Howell served as Chairman, and State Senator Charles J. Colgan, Sr., served as Vice-Chairman of the Commission.
[ngg_images gallery_ids=”434″ display_type=”ds-nextgen_royalsliderâ]
Find perfect pairings for salads, chicken, even ice cream
At Manassas Olive Oil Company, you have the opportunity to sample over 45 flavors of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
From mild to robust, these oils fill up metal fusties that are placed throughout the room. Empty bottles are lined up beneath them, and tasting cups are waiting to be filled with fresh oils and vinegar.
A tasting experience can vary.
You may end up spending an hour with friends sampling a large variety, or you might just be looking for something to create a perfect marinade for tonightâs chicken entree.
âWe encourage people to spend as much time as they want finding what they love in here,â says store manager Cameron Thomson. âIf you donât want to spend an hour and change in here tasting everything, I can ask you what youâre looking to use it for and then help you find what youâre looking for.â
Thomson says itâs an experience that most people arenât expecting. âTypically most people, what theyâve had their whole life is nothing like this, so theyâre going to be caught very off guard by what theyâre about to taste,â Thomson says.
To sample any of the olive oils or balsamic vinegar, you just have to fill up a small plastic ramekin of the flavor you want. Thomson says itâs important to smell it before taking a swig. He also suggests slurping the oils in order to really discern their tastes.
For people that might be put off by drinking the oils on their own, there are jars of bread available for tastings. You can dunk the small pieces of bread into the various flavors in order to get a sense of their taste.
âSometimes itâs good to break up the taste of it,â said Thomson. “Some of the oils have very strong flavor by themselves, so sometimes its good to have something neutral to taste it with.”
After sampling a variety of flavors, you may end up with a French Walnut olive oil and Black Cherry vinegar pairing that will make a perfect dressing for your salad, a Mushroom Sage as marinade for tomorrow nightâs pork dinner, and a raspberry vinegar to drizzle on that vanilla ice cream in your freezer.
After narrowing down your choices, employees will help you fill the empty glass bottles with the fresh balsamic vinegar and olive oils.
Thomson says this is something fun and new that everyone will love trying out.
âOpen up your mind to the new possibility of tasting very fresh olive oil,âhe said.
Manassas Olive Oil Company opened its doors in May. Hours are Monday thru Thursday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
[ngg_images gallery_ids=”433″ display_type=”ds-nextgen_royalsliderâ]
It may come as a surprise, but in many backyards free, local, nutritious food is growing!
Many plants that people consider weeds are edible, and with a little bit of knowledge, those weeds can become delicious sustenance. For instance, Autumn Olive is an invasive shrub that has become very common in Northern Virginia. But did you know that in the fall it produces loads of edible berries that can be used to make jams and fruit leather?
Or consider the dandelion. Not many people realize it, but every part of the plant is edible. You can add the flowers and leaves to your salads, and the roots can be processed into a coffee-like drink.
Of course, before you start pulling up weeds and eating them, itâs important to know what youâre doing. It is essential to identify plants correctly, harvest them safely and ethically, and prepare them properly. There are many plant identification books on the market; however, the best way to learn about wild edibles is from an experienced forager.
In the coming weeks, Earth Village Education, a nonprofit nature education center located near Marshall, Virginia, will conduct two classes about wild edible plants.
The first class on Saturday, June 20, will be a great introduction to the subject. Students will learn plant identification and safety principles, then go for a plant walk, visiting fields, forests, and wetlands to find and harvest a variety of plants that are in season.
The second class from Saturday, July 11 through Sunday, July 12, will cover the same basics in greater depth, and will also feature information about the medicinal uses of wild plants. No prior experience is necessary for either class, and the fee for each class is on a sliding scale.
For more information and to register, visit EarthVillageEducation.org, and transform a stroll in your backyard into a foraging adventure!
Close to 100 people gathered at the Center for the Arts for the inaugural Manassas Business Appreciation Breakfast where they celebrated the Cityâs entrepreneurial spirit and thriving business community. The City of Manassas and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce hosted the event to recognize local businesses.
In his opening remarks, Mayor Harry J. Parrish II thanked the audience for choosing Manassas and âfor all that you bring to the community.â Beyond creating jobs and boosting the local economy, he acknowledged the many business leaders who serve on boards and commissions and participate in the robust calendar of events.
See photos from the event
Those in the room took a moment to welcome the newcomers to downtown, which include Amyâs Bridal, Totally Vintage Designs, and Scatter Seeds as well as the soon-to-open Cut Rate Barbershop and Jitterbug ice cream shop. H Mart and Firehouse Subs, which recently opened on Liberia Avenue, were recognized as well. Dalena Kanouse, the CEO of MTCI Management and Training Consultants, Inc., and incoming chair of the Prince William Chamber, pointed out that her well-established company was once a newcomer to the City of Manassas. She told the tight-knit business community that MTCI moved from Dumfries to take advantage of the opportunities in Manassas and are happy to be here.
Existing businesses in the City are flourishing, too. Fauquier Bank relocated within the City to accommodate its anticipated expansion. Maloneâs opened a second floor to accommodate their growing business. Another expansion in the City is Aurora Flight Science who are sub-leasing the airportâs FlightWorks hanger and envision creating 50 new jobs over the next several years. B. Hayes Framme, advisor for infrastructure and development for the Commonwealth of Virginia, acknowledged that most businesses have âChief âEverythingâ Officers.â He also identified high-growth opportunities in Virginia like cyber security and biotechnology and discussed incentives and policies that support job creation.
The City strives to create a business-friendly environment and is always interested in speaking to prospective business owners who wish to join this supportive community. For more information, call the economic development department at 703-257-8881.
[ngg_images gallery_ids=”404″ display_type=”ds-nextgen_royalsliderâ]
Can you hear the far off whistle? Can you feel the rumble as the train lumbers down the tracks?
Get ready! The 21st Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival is on June 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Historic Downtown Manassas. This is a family-friendly celebration of railroad history.
There will be live performances on two stages. Folsom Prisoners, Justin Trawick and High Grass Bluegrass Band are a few of the performers lined up for the day. Enjoy great food and lots to see and do. Take a train ride on the a VRE train with a princess for $6 per person, or just peruse the memorabilia and the model trains under the Harris Pavilion.
On Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, the inaugural trips of the 611 Steam Train will be rolling through the City. Norfolk & Western 611 will pull passengers from Manassas to Front Royal and back. This is part of Norfolk Southernâs 21st Century Steam program.
Owned by the Virginia Museum of Transportation, 611 recently underwent a massive restoration after more than two decades in retirement. The Steam Engine will be available for photos near the Harris Pavilion after its Saturday trip. Tickets for both trips start at $109 and may be purchased online.
Whether you are a railroad enthusiast or just looking for something to do, this event is a great way to spend a Saturday.
On Friday, June 5, from 5 to 9 p.m. come to First Friday in Historic Downtown. The June First Friday features corn hole playing and corn hole tournaments throughout downtown, plus, great food and wonderful shops.
On Sunday, June 7, get ready for the Taste of Historic Manassas from noon to 4:30 p.m. This annual event transforms Historic Downtown Manassas into a lively festival with local entertainment and lots of great food. For more information on these and other events in the City of Manassas, go to visitmanassas.org.
The Prince William Public Library Foundation, an area non-profit, has awarded the Prince William library system more then $14,000 to fund two new programs.
The first program, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, is a national early literacy program. The program provides books and ways to incorporate reading into a family routine. With the Library Foundationâs full funding of the program, around 2,000 preschoolers will be able to participate within the first year, said a release.
The second program coming to the Prince William public library system is the introduction of Apple iPads for use with electronic reading apps. All of the countyâs libraries, including the upcoming Haymarket Gainesville and Montclair Community libraries, will be equipped with the iPads.
In addition to the reading apps, librarians will be able to instruct residents on how to use the device, and use them as tools during other program activities at the libraries, said a release.
âWe are overjoyed with the Foundationâs leadership in funding two indispensable programs such as early literacy and electronic assistance. I canât thank Bryanna [Altman, Foundation Board President] and the rest of the Board enough for their continued support,â commented Connie Gilman, the Prince William Public Library System director.
[ngg_images gallery_ids=”367″ display_type=”ds-nextgen_royalsliderâ]
On April 9 the City of Manassas Farmerâs Market opened for the season. This is the 24th season the Cityâs Farmerâs Market has been delivering fresh produce and goods to residents and visitors of the City of Manassas. On Thursdays, the Farmerâs Market is located in the Harris Pavilion and on Saturdays it is located in parking lot B or the water tower lot. Both markets are open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  In June, July and August there is a summer evening market from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Harris Pavilion.
About five years ago the Cityâs Farmerâs Market became a SNAP distributor by applying to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. This opened the door for people that are receiving assistance to purchase fresh fruits and vegetable from the market. In addition, Historic Manassas, Inc. has formed a partnership with INOVA, who supplied matching funds for dollars spent by SNAP recipients. The City of Manassas Farmers Market was one of the very first in this region to be able to offer this service to customers.
Jeff Adams has been selling Walnut Hill Farms poultry, eggs, pork, beef and lamb at the market for about five years. His motto is âfrom birth to plate, we know what we ate.â Jeff is a former biology teacher and telephone company employee. He bought his farm in 2001 after saying goodbye to corporate America.
Ron Burleson of Skyline Premium Meats has been a part of the City of Manassas Farmer’s Market for seven seasons.  Burleson and his wife, Suzy run a farm in Unionville, Virginia, where they raise calves. Ron and Suzy also maintain a greenhouse, and depending on the season, produce eggs. They raise an array of annuals; from hanging baskets to potted vegetable plants and beautiful handmade Christmas wreaths in the winter season.Â
These are just two of the many wonderful vendors at the City of Manassas Farmerâs Market. Visit the City of Manassas Farmerâs Market soon!
[ngg_images gallery_ids=”363″ display_type=”ds-nextgen_royalslider”]
On May 2, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Manassas Airshow is bringing in Breitling Jet Team, the largest professional civilian flight jet team. This team demonstrates aerobatics with precision, speed, mastery and style. The Breitling Team coordinates a meticulous ballet in which planes sometimes fly within three meters of each other at speeds of over 700 kilometers per hour.
They are really a sight to see and the event is free to the public.
Also performing this year are the 3rd Dimension Parachute Team, the American Helicopters Demonstration Team, Andrew McKenna P-51 and T-6 Aerobatics, the Flying Circus Stearman Flight, Scott Francis MXS Aerobatics, Jack Knutson Extra 300 Aerobatics, Matt Chapman CAP 580 Aerobatics, Randy Devere CJ-6 Aerobatics and there will be an RC Modeler Jet Demonstration. Along with these performers, the Manassas Airshow offers aircraft displays, military re-enactors and much more.
Also at the Manassas Regional Airport on April 26 at 7:30 a.m. runners will be getting ready to race the Manassas Runway 10K/5K presented by the Bull Run and Manassas Rotary Clubs. This is the flattest run in the area, being held on the actual runway.
The Texas Raiders B-17 will be at the Manassas Regional Airport from May 3 to 6 offering rides on their B-17, which is one of only eleven B-17 flying fortresses still flying today. On May 8 from noon to 1 p.m. 15 historically sequenced warbird formations will participate in the World War II Victory Capitol Flyover in honor of the 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. While several of these majestic warbirds are visiting the Manassas Regional Airport, they will be giving tours, May 9-10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information on any of these events, visit manassascity.org/airportevents.
