Press release: For visitor safety during a wastewater system improvement project, Prince William Forest Park will close the orienteering course from June 20 through October 27. The project will cause periodic closures at Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground, and many of the points on the course are in or adjacent to the campground – including the starting point. Due to heavy equipment operation and excavation occurring in the area, the park has decided to close the orienteering course while work is ongoing.

“Parking will still be available in a limited capacity at the Turkey Run day-use area while the work is ongoing, though visitors are encouraged to use caution and follow all closures in the area. While visitors will still be able to access Turkey Run Ridge Trail from the day-use area, access to the Little Run Trail loops, Old Blacktop Road, and Mary Bird Branch Trail from the Turkey Run day-use area may be closed periodically due to the infrastructure work. These trails are still accessible from other parking areas in the park such as Parking Lot E, Parking Lot F, and Parking Lot H.”

“Based on this past year’s visitor numbers, we generally have anywhere around 100 to 200 people use the orienteering course each month.”

“*Please note overnight training activity

• June 5, 1:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  Live Fire
• June 6, 1:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  Live Fire
• June 7, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  Live Fire
• June 8, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  Aircraft Movement, Live Fire
• June 9, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  Aircraft Movement, Live Fire”

“Community members wishing to comment on the impact of training should visit https://www.quantico.marines.mil/Info/Noise-Advisories/Noise-Comment/”

“During the single lane closure between 8 p.m. and 12 a.m., the 95 Express Lanes will be traveling southbound. The Lanes are regularly closed between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m. on weeknights for southbound to northbound reversal. When the reversal is complete, the entry points near Courthouse Road and near Garrisonville Road will remain closed until 4 a.m. The southern most entry point into the 95 Express Lanes during this time will be near Dumfries Road.”

“To make traveling through the I-95 corridor in Stafford County easier and faster, the Fredericksburg Extension (Fred Ex) will pick up where the 95 Express Lanes currently end and will extend 10 miles south near Fredericksburg, VA. The lengthened lanes will connect with the 395 Express Lanes to create a connected corridor spanning nearly 50 miles from the Fredericksburg area to the D.C. line.”

In the same press release, the transit agency said buses that service four routes that serve Tysons Corner, Mark Center in Alexandria, the Pentagon, and L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, D.C., will remain dormant.

Meanwhile, a $1.6 million micro-transit service for the Dumfries and Quanitco areas will also begin Monday, June 5, 2023.

At 11 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, the Potomac Region Veterans Council partnered with Quantico National Cemetery and Quantico Marine Corps Base for its annual Memorial Day Ceremony.

RPV Chair Rich Anderson: “I moderated the ceremony with about 500 attendees. The featured speaker was Army Brig. Gen. James W. Ring, Assistant Adjutant General of Virginia who will become Adjutant General next Saturday and be promoted to major general (two stars).”

“The PRVC has been planning and conducting the Memorial Day (in May) and Veterans Day (in November) ceremonies at Quantico National Cemetery since 1972.”

The base sent us photos of the event.

Quantico: “Marine Corps Base Quantico is partnering with Prince William County to conduct a full-scale exercise on the base on May 25 that will simulate a train derailment on main side. The exercise, which is expected to be the largest conducted here in more than a decade, will test the ability of the base and Prince William County to react and work together in a multi-faceted emergency that affects the base and local community.”

“This exercise is one of a kind,” said Jason Terry, the Exercise Director and Emergency Operations Manager for Marine Corps Base Quantico. “The amount of planning and coordination that went into this exercise beginning last summer has been great and has already allowed Quantico and Prince William County to build what is already a strong partnership,” he further explained.

“According to Terry, this exercise also speaks to the importance that both Quantico and Prince William County place on readiness and working together through any emergency. Having a shared understanding of emergency operation tactics, techniques, and procedures enhances both the partnership and emergency response capabilities of Prince William County and Quantico.”

Earlier this month, Mayor Kevin Brown told us no one from the base or county government included the town in the planning exercises for the May 25 event. Quantico is the only civilian town sitting within the borders of a U.S. military installation.

Greetings, Prince William – Here’s an opportunity to help with a disaster exercise!  Prince William County and Marine Corps Base Quantico responders and emergency managers are conducting a Training Exercise to validate capabilities used in an emergency.

First responders and Marines need Volunteer Actors who can simulate survivors of an emergency event. The exercise will take place on Thursday, May 25^th, 2023, from 7:30 am–3 pm at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle 22172. Lunch will be provided. All volunteer actors must preregister and receive confirmation that they have been cleared to participate in the exercise; as such, no walk-up volunteers can be accommodated. For more information or to register, please visit https://ess.ascenttra.com/Registration/PrinceWilliamQuanticoFSEActors/.

• If you’re passionate about fighting hunger, the staff at Action in Community Through Service (ACTS) wants to meet you!  They have a need for volunteers to help in their Hunger Prevention Center with food donations, assembling food packages, and helping with client intakes.  You’ll feel great knowing you are helping our food-insecure neighbors get the help they need to feed their families!  Please email [email protected] for more information.
• You can be a friend to a wounded veteran!  Brain Injury Services is looking for a PALS volunteer (Providing a Link for Survivors) to be a friend and pickleball player to a combat-wounded veteran with a brain injury.  The volunteer would travel to McLean 1-2 times a month.  Please email [email protected] or call 703.451.8881, ext.232, for more information.
• Catholic Charities has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities!  Volunteers are needed to welcome new immigrants, become friends/support older immigrants, support youth services, interpret/translate languages between clients and staff, deliver critically needed items to immigrant families, manage donations, and more!  You’ll get a warm feeling as you help welcome immigrants from other countries into our culture!  Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• Dog Lovers! Guiding Eyes for the Blind needs volunteer Puppy Raisers in Prince William and Stafford County to care for adorable, purpose-bred puppies during their first 14-18 months. Raisers provide the pup with the love, socialization, house manners, and basic obedience they will need to succeed in guide dog training. You’ll meet other dog lovers while learning life lessons and taking pride in knowing you’re doing something extraordinary! No previous dog experience is required, and current pet owners are welcome.  Please visit https://bit.ly/3pc9wpb for more information on this family-friendly opportunity; email [email protected] to learn more.
• “Busy Bee” volunteers are needed!  The Manassas Bee Festival will be held June 24 at Liberia House, 8601 Portner Avenue, Manassas 20110, and volunteers of all ages are needed to make this a “honey” of an event!  The day begins at 7:30 am and wraps up by 3:30 pm. Duties include helping set up the evening before (June 23), helping the day of the event (June 24) with assisting vendors, water for farm animals, assisting and guiding experts/music acts, directing parking, greeting people, safely assisting the beekeepers with supplies and help with any last minute set-up and other jobs as needed.  Volunteers of all ages are welcome, although volunteers age 15 and under should volunteer with an adult.  Please visit www.manassasbeefestival.com and click on Contact to sign up.  Questions?  Please email [email protected].
• If you enjoy children, here’s a fun event! Northern Virginia Family Service’s Healthy Families program is holding a Summer Picnic for their client families, and volunteers are needed to make this a fun afternoon for everyone.  The picnic will be held June 7, 4 pm-7 pm at Signal Hill Park, 9300 Signal View Drive, Manassas Park 20111.  Duties include engaging kids and their guardians at fun activity stations such as a water play area, chalk area, obstacle course, grill food, infant tummy time tent, etc.  Volunteers aged 16+ are welcome. Volunteers aged 13-15 must volunteer with a parent or guardian.  Volunteers must be available to work the full shift and are asked to be vaccinated.  You’ll feel great and have loads of fun as you provide an afternoon of activities, games, and tasty food for vulnerable families!  Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• If you have Mondays off, the hard-working staff at Northern Virginia Food Rescue has a great volunteer opportunity for you!  Starting at the end of May, they need volunteers on Monday mornings, 8 am-11 am, to help sort through the donations of produce they’ll be receiving from the Dale City Farmer’s Market.  Their warehouse is located at 10535 Battleview Parkway, Manassas 20109.  Your work will help make healthy fruits and vegetables accessible to food-insecure families in our local community!  What better way to enjoy summer than by eating some fresh, healthy produce?  Please email [email protected] for more information.
• St. Thomas UMC Food Pantry needs volunteers age 18+ to help with weekly pickups of donated food from area grocery stores.  Donations are typically picked up between 8 am-10 am Monday-Saturday and delivered to the food pantry at St. Thomas UMC, 8899 Sudley Road, Manassas 20110.  A larger vehicle/minivan is recommended due to the amount of donated food.  Volunteers should be prepared to lift boxes weighing approximately 40 pounds.  You’ll feel great as you help deliver food that will be given to food-insecure families in our community!  Please email [email protected] to learn how you can fight hunger.

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292.  You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org.  Thanks so much for all you do in our community.

Greetings, Prince William – Here’s an opportunity to help with a disaster exercise!  Prince William County and Marine Corps Base Quantico responders and emergency managers are conducting a Training Exercise to validate capabilities used in an emergency.

First responders and Marines need Volunteer Actors who can simulate survivors of an emergency event. The exercise will occur on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 7:30 am–3 pm at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle 22172. Lunch will be provided. All volunteer actors must preregister and receive confirmation that they have been cleared to participate in the exercise; as such, no walk-up volunteers can be accommodated. For more information or to register, please visit https://ess.ascenttra.com/Registration/PrinceWilliamQuanticoFSEActors/.

• If you’re passionate about fighting hunger, the staff at Action in Community Through Service (ACTS) wants to meet you!  They have a need for volunteers to help in their Hunger Prevention Center with food donations, assembling food packages, and helping with client intakes.  You’ll feel great knowing you are helping our food-insecure neighbors get the help they need to feed their families!  Please email [email protected] for more information.
• You can be a friend to a wounded veteran!  Brain Injury Services is looking for a PALS volunteer (Providing a Link for Survivors) to be a friend and pickleball player to a combat-wounded veteran with a brain injury.  The volunteer would travel to McLean 1-2 times a month.  Please email [email protected] or call 703.451.8881, ext.232, for more information.
• Catholic Charities has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities!  Volunteers are needed to welcome new immigrants, become a friend/support older immigrants, support youth services, interpret/translate languages between clients and staff, deliver critically needed items to immigrant families, manage donations, and more!  You’ll get a warm feeling as you help welcome immigrants from other countries into our culture!  Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• You can make a difference in the life of a child! Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) needs volunteers age 21+ who care about children growing up in a safe, permanent, and loving home. The staff will hold their next Virtual Information Session on May 17, 6 pm-7 pm.  Learn how you can help protect abused and neglected children in your community by becoming a volunteer advocate. Please email [email protected] or call 703.330.8145 to receive the link to the meeting.
• Girls on the Run of NOVA needs volunteers age 16+ to support their season-ending 5K Celebrations on May 20 and 21.  Events will be held at Fair Oaks Mall, 12000 Fair Oaks Mall, Fair Oaks 22033, on May 20, and BASIS Independent School, 8000 Jones Branch Drive, McLean 22102, on May 21.  Roles include Registration Support, Water Stop, Cheer Marshals, Corral Marshals, Start Finish Line Volunteers, etc.  Volunteers are also needed during packet pick up events that will be held the week before the celebrations.  You’ll feel great as you support and cheer on these young runners who have been working hard on their fitness this season!  Please visit https://bit.ly/3Hwcw5Z to start the sign up process or visit their website at www.gotrnova.org.
• Dog Lovers! Guiding Eyes for the Blind needs volunteer Puppy Raisers in Prince William and Stafford County to care for adorable, purpose-bred puppies during the first 14-18 months of their lives. Raisers provide the pup with the love, socialization, house manners, and basic obedience they will need to succeed in guide dog training. You’ll meet other dog lovers while learning life lessons and taking pride in knowing you’re doing something extraordinary! No previous dog experience is required, and current pet owners are welcome.  Please visit https://bit.ly/3pc9wpb for more information on this family-friendly opportunity. Email [email protected] to learn more.
• New Family-Friendly opportunity!  The wonderful staff at Leopold’s Preserve needs volunteers to tidy up some of their trails on May 20, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm. Tasks include trimming overhanging vegetation, widening narrow sections of trail, and removing stones, fallen branches, or other obstacles on trail surfaces. They provide the equipment; just bring a pair of work gloves and some water to drink.  Families welcome, and you’ll all feel great as you get fresh air and help keep the trails clear for visitors!  Please visit https://bit.ly/3I2EZQZ to sign up, and email [email protected] to learn more.
• If you have Mondays off, the hard-working staff at Northern Virginia Food Rescue has a great volunteer opportunity for you!  Starting at the end of May, they need volunteers on Monday mornings, 8 am-11 am, to help sort through the donations of produce they’ll be receiving from the Dale City Farmer’s Market.  Their warehouse is located at 10535 Battleview Parkway, Manassas 20109.  Your work will help make healthy fruits and vegetables accessible to food-insecure families in our local community!  What better way to enjoy summer than by eating some fresh, healthy produce?  Please email [email protected] for more information.
• Mark your calendars for the Prince William County Mega Paper Shred on May 20, 9 am-1 pm at Pfitzner Stadium, 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge 22192!  County residents can bring up to 4 boxes of confidential documents, bank statements, and tax returns to have them safely destroyed.  It’s a terrific way to clear out backlogged documents from your home!  Please visit www.pwcva.gov/events/mega-paper-shred-pfitzner-stadium-may-20 for more information.
• Does your teen need service hours?  Sweet Julia Grace Foundation is holding an Adult Field Day on May 20 at The Farm Brewery at Broad Run, 16015 John Marshall Hwy, Broad Run 20137, and they need LOTS of volunteers age 12+ to support this event.  Everyone is welcome, whether individual, group, club or office!  Shifts are available on May 19 & 20; you’ll love supporting this event which will raise funds for children who are facing serious illnesses or special needs or currently going through a medical crisis.  Please visit www.sweetjuliagrace.org/eventvolunteer to sign up and learn more.

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292.  You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org.  Thanks so much for all you do in our community.