Recycling changes are taking effect in Prince William County.

Glass and certain plastic containers will no longer be accepted through curbside collection.

Revised regulations enforced by some countries, including China, are leading to the change.

“You’re paying more now to process recycling than you are to dispose of waste in the landfill or waste energy facility,” the county’s Public Works Solid Waste Division Chief Tom Smith said in a release. “It’s created a burden on our local haulers, who are facing increased costs.”

Most glass that’s disposed of in the recycling bins goes to the landfill after it’s processed by the Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

Removing glass from curbside collection can cut costs hauling companies must pay the facility.

Starting in mid- or late-April, county officials will begin accepting glass at bins that will be located at the Prince William County Landfill, 14811 Dumfries Road in Manassas, and the Balls Ford Road Yard Waste Compost Facility, 13000 Balls Ford Road in Manassas.

It will be brought to a crushing facility and used for construction work.

The county is going to continue recycling various materials, including cardboard, plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

Residents are asked to make sure that the items they put in containers are empty, clean and dry.

They shouldn’t be placed in plastic bags, which can be recycled at grocery stores.

More information about trash and recycling is available on the county’s website.

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Community members are tidying up Route 1.

The third annual Great Prince William Cleanup is taking place from 9 a.m. to Noon on April 20.

“We’re hosting a cleanup — along with Supervisor Frank Principi — of a large portion of the Route 1 highway in order to bring awareness to the litter problem we have in the county,” Keep Prince William Beautiful (KPWB) Executive Director Lynda Kummelt said.

KPWB in Woodbridge is seeking volunteers for the event.

Those interested in participating must be at least 10 years old. An adult should be present with children who are under 15.

To learn more information, visit the non-profit’s website.

For questions, email info@kpwb.org or call 571-285-3772.

Registration is available on eventbrite.

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Small businesses are receiving assistance from a local resource.

Department of Development Services (DDS) Director Wade Hugh spoke at an Economic Development Committee meeting in Manassas.

Hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce on March 11, the presentation focused on the county’s Small Business Project Management Program.

The Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) adopted the initiative, which took effect in fiscal 2019. It seeks to improve Project Management services to small businesses.

Between October 15, 2018 and January 18, 2019, 108 Small Business Project cases were processed.

About 85 percent of customers spend at least 30 minutes meeting with a Project Manager, a practice Hugh encourages even to those who have yet to sign a lease.

“Why do I say that?” he said. “Well, a number of things — most important is there are, when properties go through rezonings, a lot of times those proffer conditions attach to it.”  

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A local jeweler is sharing his craft with the public.

Terry Quinn from Quinn’s Goldsmith in Woodbridge, entered one of his designs into a recent competition.

The bracelet won first place at the Independent Jewelers Organization conference.

“I started entering about five years ago,” the jewelry store Owner said. “I thought, ‘Well, I’m making jewelry for so many people. Why don’t I make some to show the world?’”

It’s one of many pieces of jewelry that are designed for customers.

“You can come in and buy a custom piece and then have it customized within the day or two — or an hour or two — and you’re [going] to take something that’s different than anywhere else in the world,” he said.

Quinn invites others into the process of creating jewelry through videos that can be found on the Quinn’s Goldsmith Facebook page.

Before opening Quinn’s Goldsmith, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in August, Quinn worked for a jewelry store located in a mall.

“They said, ‘Don’t fix their jewelry. Don’t do repairs. Sell them another piece’ … And I thought, ‘That’s a terrible philosophy. The philosophy should be — we’re here to help,’” he said.

Quinn’s Goldsmith is located at 14901 Potomac Town Place, Suite 170.

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Spring is starting to settle in.

Organizations are celebrating the new season and Easter by hosting various events.

Below, are a several programs that are taking place in Prince William County.

Easter Eggstravaganza at Manassas Mall

• April 5 – 20, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Manassas Mall
  • 8300 Sudley Road in Manassas

Caring Bunny Easter Bunny Photos at Potomac Mills Mall

• April 7, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Potomac Mills Mall
  • 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Suite 307 in Woodbridge

Potomac Mills Spring Carnival

• April 11 – 22,
• Potomac Mills Mall

Eggstravaganza at Ben Lomond!

• April 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Ben Lomond Historic Site
  • 10321 Sudley Manor Drive in Manassas

Easter Egg Hunt at BeeHive Indoor Playground

• April 19, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Beehive Indoor Playground
  • 13412 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Suite J1 in Woodbridge

Free Breakfast with the Easter Bunny & Egg Hunt

• April 20, 9 a.m.
• Lutheran Church of the Covenant
  • 15008 Cloverdale Road in Dale City

Historic Occoquan Peep Show

• April 20, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Mill Street in Occoquan

Rippon Lodge Easter Egg Hunt

• April 20, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Rippon Lodge Historic Site
  • 15520 Blackburn Road in Woodbridge

Hoppy Easter at the Farm Brewery at Broad Run

• April 20, Noon – 10 p.m.
• The Farm Brewery at Broad Run
  • 16015 John Marshall Highway in Broad Run

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Leesylvania State Park

• April 20, 2:30 p.m.
• Leesylvania State Park
  • 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive in Woodbridge

Bristow’s Annual Spring Fling

• April 20, Noon – 5 p.m.
• Sweet Zen7 Ice Dreamery & Health Bar
  • 12757 Braemar Village Plaza in Bristow

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Local volunteers have united in the fight against hunger.

Lutheran Church of the Covenant (LCOC) and the Woodbridge Rotary Club packed almost 34,000 meals.

More than 140 community members created the packets at the annual meal packing program on Saturday.

They contained rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and vitamins, according to Event Coordinator Patti Beattie.

Rise Against Hunger, a global non-profit, will distribute the food to hungry children and families who are living in another country.

Last year, participants packed 32,000 meals. LCOC and individuals from area organizations have created more than 102,000 packets since the event began five years ago.

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Motorists could avoid becoming automotive theft victims.

On April 13, a free VIN etching event is being hosted in Manassas.

Automobiles have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). During the program, officials will use a solution to inscribe VINs onto windows and windshields.

This can discourage thieves, who may attempt to sell the glass parts.

The Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD), Manassas City Police Department, and Virginia State Police’s H.E.A.T. Program are sponsoring the program.

It will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shops at Signal Hill shopping center, 9692 Liberia Avenue.

Participants must bring a valid driver’s license and registration. Only motorists listed on a vehicle’s registration are allowed to approve a VIN etching.

To learn more, call Prince William County Police Crime Prevention Specialist Officer Jason Alicie at 703-792-4425, or Manassas City Police Public Information Officer and Crime Prevention Specialist Sarah Maroney at 703-257-8064.

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Children in the county are hitting the books at an early age.

The Prince William Public Library System (PWPLS) has reached its one million books goal through the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program.

Founded in 2015, the program seeks to motivate caregivers and kids to read 1,000 written pieces before starting school.

It receives funding through the PWPLS Foundation, according to a release from Prince William County.

“For young children to have reached one million books read in just over three years speaks volumes to the excellent job done by our library staff in promoting this program,” Foundation President Bryanna Altman said in a release. “Parents, grandparents, and caregivers rave about the program and its effectiveness in introducing reading and books to children from birth to kindergarten.”

Participants may read any book in the library, at daycare or at home.

“We just want to introduce kids to the exciting world of reading,” PWPLS Communications Services Division Chief Rachel Johnson said in a release.

Reading to children is one way parents and caregivers can prepare them for learning, according to Johnson.

“Children who are read to frequently are more likely to recognize all letters of the alphabet, count to 20 or higher, and can write their own names,” Johnson said.

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Woodbridge residents and visitors are seeking refuge from the busyness of Northern Virginia in a family owned restaurant.

Forty-three years ago, Alex Kolovos opened Astoria Pizza.

His wife, Rita, now owns and runs the business.

“[Alex] always worked in restaurants back home in Greece, and then he moved to the states,” Rita Kolovos said. “His dream was to open his own place, and this is his own place.”

Located at 13436 Jefferson Davis Highway, the restaurant offers an array of items.

“Here, at Astoria Pizza, we specialize in our New York style pizza and our Gyro platters — they’re one of the best in town,” Manager Chris Gillam said.

Subs, pastas and salads are also available.

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One road closure is beginning in Nokesville next week.

Between 8 a.m. and Monday to 3 p.m. on April 4, a section of Stephen Street will be closed.

Emergency personnel, school buses and residents will be allowed to travel through the space, which is from Aden Road to Guyer Drive.

Motorists traveling on Stephen Street will be rerouted along Aden Road, Leary Street and Guyer Drive, according to a release from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

The road closure is a result of stormwater pipe that’s being replaced.

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Personal struggles are plaguing Prince William County’s residents.

Many are finding resources and support in Dumfries.

Since it was founded 50 years ago, Action in Community Through Service (ACTS) programs have provided assistance to those in need.

It celebrated its anniversary at a recent gala that was held in Manassas.

“There’s thousands of people who come every single month for food. We have hundreds of children that we work with every year who have been assaulted by people that they trust,” CEO Steve Liga said. “We have thousands of families who have been involved in domestic violence situation[s] — your neighbors — who come to us looking for hope and healing.”

A Helpline and Emergency Financial Assistance are a couple of other services ACTS provides.

The Dumfries-based non-profit also runs a Hunger Prevention Center, which opened in August.

“We work with different types of clients — those who are in need of food; those who may have lost a job, can’t provide food for their family; and, also, for those who are sick and shut-in,” Center Manager Phil Edney said.

It partners with the Woodbridge High School food pantry, according to Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) Superintendent Steve Walts.

“The school food drive collects nearly 10,000 pounds of food for the Hunger Prevention Center each year,” Walts said.

Multiple businesses, including Wegmans in Woodbridge and Shoppers in Dumfries, also work alongside the center.

“All of the local grocery stores value the community and know that people are hungry, and they know that by supporting ACTS we will get that good food to the people who need it,” Liga said.

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Virginia Bluebells will be stars of an upcoming event.

The annual Bluebell Festival is taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 14.

Held at Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Nokesville, the free program will show off the bluebells that grow along the Cedar Run shore.

Participants will also have an opportunity to meet with area organizations. They are encouraged to wear long pants and sturdy shoes.

Tours will be offered, starting at 10:20 a.m. and continuing until 3 p.m.

Below, is the tour schedule:

• 10:20 a.m.: Dave Larson; PWCA – Birding the Bluebell Trail
• 10:40 a.m.: Anna Ritter; Bull Run Mountain Conservancy – Plant communities in the floodplain
• 11 a.m.: Kevin Parker; PWCA – A Home for Every Bird
• 11:20 a.m.: Bill Olson, Jannell Bryant; PWCA and Historic PW – History and habitats in the woods at Green Level Cemetry
• 11:40 a.m.: Julie Flanagan; New Earth Photography – Native trees, forest ecosystems
• 12:00 p.m.: Rachel Habig-Myers; PWCA – Easy Winter Tree ID
• 12:20 p.m.: Valerie Huelsman; PWC Forest Pest Management – How do bugs affect forest health?
• 12:40 p.m.: Eli Hosen; PWCA – People and Nature
• 1 p.m.: Charlie Grymes; PWCA – Floodplain ecology
• 1:20 p.m.: Larry Meade; NoVA Bird Club – Things that fly: Birds, butterflies and dragonflies
• 1:40 p.m.: Nancy Vehrs; Prince William Wildflower Society – Woodland wildflowers and other native plants
• 2 p.m.: Jim Klackowicz; Friends of Leesylvania State Park – Riparian Ecosystems
• 2:20 p.m.: Jim McGlone; VA Dept. of Forestry – Forest Ecosystems
• 3 p.m.: Judy Gallagher; PWCA/VA Master Naturalists – Wildflowers, bees and other pollinators

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Prince William Conservation Alliance and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries are supporting the festival.

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Leaders will be developing new skills in Manassas.

George Mason University’s (GMU) Science and Technology Campus is hosting a Leadercast Live event on May 10.

Scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the leadership program will teach participants how to build healthy teams.

It will occur in room 1017A of Beacon Hall, 10945 George Mason Circle.

Registration is available on GMU’s website.

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Courageous actions were recently recalled and celebrated.

Emergency personnel were recognized at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s Valor Awards on March 19.

More than 600 community members attended the annual event, which was held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas.

The program was opened up to the public for the first time this year.

Aaron Gilchrest from NBC4 retold the stories about the honorees.

“We all enjoyed the positive high energy felt by the Award recipients and attendees alike when the dramatic and daring scenarios of heroism were read aloud,” Chamber President and CEO, Debbie Jones said in a release. “We are proud to be apart of this wonderful community.”

Here are the individuals who were recognized at the Valor Awards:

City of Manassas Park Department of Fire & Rescue

• Valorous Unit Award
  • Battalion 589, Battalion Chief Adam Jones, Engine 509, Fire Medic Randy Leach, Firefighter/EMT  Kentry Snow, Medic 509, Captain Josh Brandon, Fire Medic John Pearre, Master Firefighter David Sullivan

Haymarket Police Department

• Merit Award for Valor
  • Officer John Gregory

Manassas City Police Department

• Merit Award for Valor
  • Senior Police Officer Alexander
• Merit Award for Valor
  • Parking Enforcement Officer Isabel Meyers
• Merit Award for Valor
  • Officer Joshua Aussems, Officer Shaun Barrett, Officer Ethan Eustace, Officer Juan Armas
• Hillary Robinette Award
  • Senior Detective Speights
• Hillary Robinette Award
  • Lieutenant Elia Alfonso, Sergeant Serena Bowers, Master Detective Michael Gemmell, Master Detective Tim Urey, Master Detective Jonathan Agule, Senior Detective Speights, Detective Luis Armas, Officer Ryan McCarthy, Crime Analyst Alemayehu

Manassas Volunteer Fire Company

• Bronze Award for Valor
  • Firefighter Terry Norling

Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue

• Valorous Unit
  • Swift Water Boat 524, Captain Brian Ferguson, Technician I Victor Vega, Technician I Aldo Bonilla, Technician I Michael Chergosky
• Merit Award for Valor
  • Technician I Cody Durham
• Merit Award for Valor
  • Lieutenant Kenneth Zack
• Merit Award for Valor
  • Lieutenant Nick Feliciano, Technician II Chris Gott
• Valorous Unit
  • Rescue Squad 510, Technician II Christopher Clark, Driver: Technician II Daniel Jackson, Officer Bucket:  Technician I Kevin Ganssle, Driver Bucket: Technician I Michael Baker

Prince William County Police Department

• Investigative Merit Award
  • Officer Ronald Carpio, Detective Lourdes Cainas, Detective Donald DeShazo, Rose Hellmann, Crime Scene Specialist Shreya Kamath,       Crime Analyst Rebekah Kushner, Detective Katherine, Zaimis, Detective Jonathan Kennedy
• Investigative Merit Award
  • Detective Nathan Thomas, Detective Robyn Hyatt, Detective Victor Cordero, Detective Josh Lane, Crime Analyst Jacquelin Graham, Crime Analyst Dawn Locke-Trillhaase
• Merit Award for Valor
  • Officer Sean K. Richards
• Hillary Robinette Award
  • Detective Helga Thorsdottir
• Hilary Robinette Award
  • Officer Darrick Dillon, Detective Joshua Lane, Detective John Agule(MCPD), Detective Derrick Black (MCPD), Detective Jeremy              Booth, Detective Simon Chu, Detective Christopher Koglin (MPPD), Detective Alicia Larkins, Detective Kevin Morin, Detective Matthew Newton, Detective Walter O’Neal, Detective Daniel Sekely, Detective Wayne             Smith, Detective Nicholas Waymire, Detective Robert White, Sergeant Gavin Young (MCPD), Sergeant Ryan Pavol, First Sergeant Kenneth Hulsey
• Silver Award for Valor
  • Officer Joshua Myers, Officer Christopher Hume, Officer Jordanis Lozier, Officer Jonathan Seals, Officer Nicholas Kelly, Investigator Robert Drumm, Officer Brian Kimble
• Gold Award for Valor
  • Officer John Yenchak, Officer Franco Martinez, Officer Rachel Mynier, Officer Matthew Takats, Officer Nicholas Kelly, Officer Evan Jurgensen, Officer Jordanis Lozier, Officer Taylor Claton, Officer Benjamin Infanti, Officer Wade Dickinson, Officer Travis Hardman, First Sergeant Daniel Crawford, Officer Kevin Vasquez, Sergeant David Bliss

Stonewall Jackson Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad

• Merit Award for Valor
  • Firefighter/EMT Carlos Ambrosini
• Silver Award for Valor
  • Firefighter Ian Lauderdale

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Northern Virginia residents and business owners are being warned about the dangers of flying kites, balloons, drones and other objects near power lines.

Power outages may occur if they touch the lines, according to a release from Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC). Those who are touching a metallic kite or balloon could be electrocuted, as well.

“Be aware of your surroundings and always keep flying objects far from power lines,” Construction Manager Skip Hollcroft said in the release.

Youth and adults are advised to fly nonmetallic items and devices in open fields.

They are also encouraged to use strings for kites and balloons. A weight can help prevent balloons from floating off.

Anything that becomes stuck on a power line shouldn’t be removed by community members. Instead, NOVEC in Manassas must be contacted at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500.

More safety suggestions are available on NOVEC’s website. Balloon safety information can be found on Balloons Blow’s website or the U.S Fish & Wildlife Services website.

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A Rockville, Md., resident is taking home a prize from the Virginia Lottery.

Bernard Blancada has won $100,000 after purchasing a Virginia Lottery ticket in Woodbridge.

The construction worker bought the ticket from Tobacco County, 14332 Jefferson Davis Highway.

Blancada played 10X The Money, which offers winnings that are between $5 and $100,000. One top prize hasn’t been claimed.

Players have a 1 in 1,049,143 chance of winning $100,000. The possibility of receiving a prize is 1 in 4.28.

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An updated landmark is returning to Woodbridge.

Crews are installing the new 140-foot sign for Potomac Mills Mall along I-95 in Woodbridge this week.

It’s expected to be completed between Saturday and April 8, according to American/Interstate Signcrafters Field Project Manager Thomas Miller.

The structure will replace the 180-foot sign, which was removed in March 2018 after it was damaged by strong winds.

Parts of I-95 and Telegraph Road were closed while the sign, which had begun to lean, was inspected and taken down.

Miller said he believes the new sign’s steel poles are larger and stronger.

“Hopefully that ensures that this will be up for a lifetime,” he said.

Working on the project has been an honor for Miller.

“I know when I first came up here and we just broke ground, it seemed that all the locals were very happy that the sign was going back up,” he said. “So, it actually gives you a little sense of pride that we were restoring something that everybody has missed.”

Project leaders began the project about four weeks ago.

They have faced some challenges with the site’s logistics, Patriot Steel Fabrication Field Operations Manager and Project Manager Rick Boothe explained.

However, he added, it has also been a “great project.”

“It’s been fun working out in that community. We’ve had a lot of visitors come through — a lot of local people asking questions. It’s been fun on that side of things, as well,” Boothe said. “And it’s been fun to put up something different than we normally do on a day-to-day basis. We typically put up structural steel, and stairs and rails.”

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Eight years ago, Adriana Hill became the parent liaison for West Gate Elementary School in Manassas.

Through the position, she has played many roles and has worked alongside members of the community.

“My main role is — I’m like the bridge, the connection between the families and the school,” Hill said.

Her efforts will be honored at the Allies in Prevention Awards Ceremony in McLean on Friday. 

Hill is the 2019 Allies in Prevention Award recipient for Prince William County, a recognition she will receive from Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN).

She was nominated by Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Program Manager Rozlyn Giddens.

VCE works with Child Protective Partnership, a coalition SCAN is a member of.

“We’re so excited that she’s being recognized for the good work that she’s been doing, and I was really impressed with Adriana’s passion for the community that she works with, her students and really felt like she would be the exemplary person to receive this honor for [the] Prince William County area,” Giddens said.

In addition to coordinating the Blessings in a Backpack program, Hill has started a parenting class at the school.

“We did it there, because we tried to accommodate for their time when their kids are in school it’s easier for the parents to come and take the class,” Hill said. “It is open to the entire county, so sometimes we do have other people joining us.”

The class is one of many offered to parents of young children, school-aged children and teenagers through VCE.

“Parents are invited to attend these classes for a nominal fee and learn about the different stages and development their children are facing, and really connect with other parents in the community,” Giddens said.

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Local children are preparing to search for precious items — Easter eggs.

From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on April 13, those 12 and under will participate in the fourth annual Dale City Community Easter Egg Hunt.

The free event is being held at Bel Air Elementary School, 14151 Ferndale Road.

It’s one of several Spring and Easter events that are occurring throughout Prince William County this month.

Hosted by the Dale City Civic Association (DCCA), it will feature games and balloons that are being handed out by the Easter Bunny.

Attendees may purchase food and beverages from vendors.

To learn more about the Dale City Community Easter Egg Hunt, email Niki Jones at ninijones79@yahoo.com or call Lisa Hicks at 571-723-2493.

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Woodbridge residents are being paid a visit by a former astronaut and National Football League (NFL) player.

Leland Melvin is speaking at Chinn Park Regional Library at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

He will sign his book “Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances,” as well.

The book talks about obstacles Melvin faced while serving as an NFL player and astronaut, according to a release from Prince William County.

Hamstring injuries led to the University of Richmond graduate to leave the NFL. Later on, he lost his hearing because of a NASA training mishap.

Melvin eventually began to hear again and was able to travel on the space shuttle, Atlantis, 11 years ago.

“I had kind of a different journey into space, but I ended up there anyway, and it was one of the best things I could have done. It provides a great platform to help people get a different perspective, back on the planet, to learn about how we live and work together as one race — the human race,” he said in a release.

On Saturday, Melvin plans to talk about determination.

“By not giving up and having that perseverance and having people that have your back when you don’t think anyone does, those are the things that help you overcome obstacles and rise,” he said.

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