Ensuring that individuals and families don’t go hungry has been a priority for Action in Community Through Service (ACTS).

The non-profit, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in February, opened Prince William County’s first food pantry.

This year, ACTS in Dumfries is hoping to extend its reach.

Through a partnership with 412 Food Rescue, it will launch the Prince William Food Rescue program.

By using a phone app, county residents will be able to help transfer available food to the needy.

“That way not everything has to come to our Hunger Prevention Center,” ACTS CEO Steve Liga said. “We’ll be able to harness the power of you in your community, just folks who are already driving around. It’s like doing an errand.”

In addition to launching a new program, the Dumfries-based organization is planning to fill units at its Women’s Empowerment Center by July 1.

It seeks to help women and families become independent.

Community members can provide support to the Women’s Empowerment Center and other programs by rounding up their utility bill or making a financial contribution directly to ACTS.

“I’m not asking for a hand-out or just to give us a donation. I’m saying invest in your community, invest in the good work that ACTS is doing, ‘cause it pays dividends,” ACTS CEO Steve Liga said. “We are changing people’s lives.”

The post Changing lives: Dumfries organization launching food rescue program appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

It has been more than 36 years since the Cuban Missile Crisis took place.

During the historic event, ballistic missiles were put in Cuba by the Soviet Union.

This led the United States to establish Defcon 2, the highest alert status, according to a release.

Col. Charles Simpson, a retired member of the United States Air Force (USAF), is describing the experience on April 14.

The Cold War Museum in Warrenton and Old Bust Head Brewing Company are organizing the presentation.

It begins at 1 p.m. at the brewery, 7134 Farm Station Road in Vint Hill Farms.

Simpson, who graduated from University of Miami, was in the air force for 30 years. He held various roles, including aircraft maintenance officer, missile maintenance officer, and base commander.

Tickets and more information about the program are available on eventbrite. They cost $35 and include the presentation, a beverage coupon, and a donation to the museum.

Attendees may purchase any available tickets at the door for $45.

Those unable to participate can purchase a ticket online and watch a video of the presentation afterward.

To receive the video link or for more information, email Cold War Museum Executive Director Jason Hall at jason@coldwar.org.

The post Upcoming event focusing on Cuban Missile Crisis appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

At some point in time, BMW drivers may find that the oil filter housing on their engine is leaking.

This can occur when the original, plastic housing warps and cracks.

Automotive technicians are able to replace it with updated housing that’s made out of aluminum.

There can be many places on a BMW engine that leaks oil.

If a lot of oil is covering the engine, it could be difficult to determine where the oil leak is coming from.

Learn about how to find the leak and the length of time it takes.

This article was written by Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire, a locally owned and operated business that has been in service for 36 years. It’s a big supporter of our local community.

The post How BMW drivers can address an oil leak appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

More trails might be coming to Prince William Forest Park.

Feedback about a proposed Comprehensive Trail Plan is being requested by the National Park Service (NPS).

If the proposal is approved, 13 miles of trails would be added at Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, according to the NPS website.

Officials are also hoping modify paths to better connect them and establish 4 miles of additional trails for those who have a disability.

The proposed plan recommends expanding parking where trails begin, as well.

Citizens may provide input on the proposal on the NPS website until April 18.

The post Trails may be added at Prince William Forest Park appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

Unused and expired prescriptions that aren’t disposed of properly can have negative consequences.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), medication that is thrown away is sometimes taken and sold by individuals. When they’re flushed down a toilet, they can taint the water used by a community.

Prescriptions can also cause poisoning and overdoses.

An upcoming event aims to prevent individuals from abusing and stealing unused and expired drugs.

A Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will be hosted between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on April 27, according to a release.

Various agencies, including Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD), the Manassas City Police Department (MCPD), and the DEA are organizing it.

Program participants will be able to turn in prescriptions to Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center in Manassas, Novant Health UVA Health System Haymarket Medical Center, or Sentara Lake Ridge Medical Center.

Officials won’t accept needles, medication administered through veins, and illegal drugs.

If labels can’t be removed, it’s suggest that participants use markers to darken private information.

To learn more about the upcoming program contact the county’s Crime Prevention Unit at 703-792-7270.

The post Agencies collecting unused, expired prescriptions appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

Artists have a chance to show off their work later this month.

Live music and an art competition are a couple of features of One Love Manassas, an event that’s occurring between April 26 and April 28.

Historic Manassas and the City of Manassas are running the program, according to a release from the City of Manassas.

One Love Manassas will kick off at 6 p.m. on April 26 with various activities, including performances at the Harris Pavilion and a juried art reception at the Center for the Arts.

Attendees will also be able to watch videos that have been submitted to the film showcase.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 27, youth can participate in Manassas Reads, which is offering free books, face painting and crafts.

Chasing Light, a 3D art exhibit, will be available for viewing on the Manassas Museum lawn that night.

Workshops on an array of topics, such as Asian Brush Painting and Instructional Egg Tempera, are being held throughout the three-day event.

More information and a schedule of the events can be found on the One Love Manassas website.

The post One Love Manassas scheduled for April 26 – 28 appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

Automotive experts have a recommendation for those driving off-roading vehicles.

The BFGoodrich KO2 tire offers a longer treadlife and aggressive all-terrain traction, which allows you to travel confidently.

Its notched shoulder allows motorists to maneuver through soft soil as well as deep snow.

Sharp rocks are less likely to puncture the BFGoodrich KO2 tire because of its tougher sidewalls.

“What I have found best about the KO2 Tire is when I’m not paying attention while driving down Dale Boulevard,” HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire Owner ST Billingsley said. “You can run over the curb while going 45 miles per hour and maintain control coming back on the road without experiencing any damage to the side wall.”

Read about what you should do when purchasing new tires.

This article was written by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire, an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer in Woodbridge. The auto repair shop performs various services, including oil changes, alignments and computer engine diagnostics.

The post BFGoodrich KO2 tire features off-roading capabilities appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

Education and the economy were focal points at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast.

Northern Virginia representatives gave an overview of the recent legislative session at Old Hickory Golf Club in Woodbridge on Thursday morning.

Senators George Barker, Richard Black and Scott Surovell, and Delegate Luke Torian served as the panelists.

They discussed a few accomplishments.

Amazon’s decision to make Northern Virginia the home of its HQ2 and the $3 billion expansion of Micron Technology in Manassas are among them.

“Those two projects are extraordinarily beneficial to the economy of Virginia,” Barker said.

Surovell highlighted a project that aims to reduce traffic in Occoquan and also described the impact of the Amazon deal.

Amazon employees could live throughout Northern Virginia.

“I think it’s important to remember that’s a regional investment that’s going to pay dividends to all of us, and not just Arlington and Alexandria,” Surovell said.

The legislators also discussed plans to support education.

Providing additional funding to school systems and investing in devices to help prepare students for the workforce.

“We’re making progress, but I still think we have a long way to go,” Surovell said.

Black’s retirement was brought up, as well.

“I appreciate all of the support that I’ve had from Prince William,” Black said. “It is a great county, it’s growing in importance to the Commonwealth every year, and I hope that some of the things that I’ve been able to do — in cooperation with some of your members — will go on and will have a lasting impact.”

The post Local legislators discuss economy, education appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

What’s Up Prince William has been recognized by the Virginia Press Association for the second consecutive year.

The free online news outlet was presented with five awards at VPA’s annual banquet, which took place at Hilton Norfolk The Main on Saturday.

It was also honored at last year’s event.

“We really appreciate the recognition and support we have received from the Virginia Press Association,” Publisher ST Billingsley said. “What’s Up Prince William is excited to continue sharing the stories of our community.”

These are the stories that placed:

What’s Up Prince William is funded by two automotive repair shops — Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire and HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire — in Woodbridge.

The news site provides free coverage and event promotion for non-profits. It also highlights businesses and individuals who are doing good things in the community.

The post What’s Up Prince William honored by Virginia Press Association appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

Pedestrians and motorists passing by the McCoart Government Complex may notice the addition of blue pinwheels.

Community members can show their support for child abuse prevention by attending “Pinwheels for Prevention” on Tuesday.

They will be placing blue pinwheels in the Woodbridge space at 1 p.m., according to a release from Prince William County.

“The idea of planting a pinwheel garden is having that external effort into creating something beautiful, and everyone can do that,” Family Services Worker Alice Harris said in a release. “It’s important to start a conversation with the community, not just addressing child abuse, but discussing what can be done on the prevention end.”

Pinwheels, according to Harris, symbolize youth and the need for children to have solid relationships.

Child abuse can be prevented if caretakers are informed about how they are impacted by stress associated with parenting.

Program participants are encouraged to wear blue for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The post Community planting pinwheels for child abuse prevention appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

This summer, a program will teach about water and waste water in Prince William County.

Registration is now open for the Prince William County Service Authority’s (PWCSA) third annual Water Academy.

Scheduled for June 19 through July 24, the program is occurring on Wednesday evenings.

In addition to activities, participants will be able to tour the H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility in Woodbridge and a water storage tank.

So far, more than 40 citizens have completed the academy.

“We have received extremely positive evaluations from graduates about their Water Academy experiences,” Deputy Communications Director Kathy Bentz said in a release. “Our alumni include teachers, who receive continuing education credits; local business owners; engineers; environmental professionals; college students; and retirees.”

Individuals can learn more information or register on the PWCSA website. Applications are due May 15.

The post Water Academy applications being accepted appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

A project is giving adoptable pets an updated space to stay in.

Construction on the new animal shelter is starting in August.

Officials have finished designing the 27,200-square-foot site, which could be finished as early as February 2021.

It’s replacing a 44-year-old building that stands at 14807 Bristow Road in Manassas, according to a release from Prince William County.

Veterinarian office space and a section dedicated to recovering animals are among the new $15.1 million facility’s features.

Work is continuing for several other area projects, including the Prince William-Manassas Adult Detention Center (ADC) expansion.

Fire and rescue station 6 in Manassas and station 5 in Nokesville are also being rebuilt. Project leaders expect that they will be completed in June and August, respectively.

In June, construction is starting on station 22, a 21,000-square-foot building that will be located at 11600 Balls Ford Road in Manassas.

The post Construction on new animal shelter set to begin appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

An annual event is making sure that children across the country don’t go hungry during summer vacation.

Caliber Collision, a collision repair company, is accepting donations for its eighth annual Rhythm Restoration Food Drive.

The national event seeks to feed needy children during the summer, according to a release.

“We’re asking our local communities to help us fill local food banks and kids’ tanks, so they do not spend the summer running on empty,” CEO Steve Grimshaw said in a release.

Until May 10, county residents can bring food to five sites — 17884 Fraley Boulevard in Dumfries, 7700 Progress Court in Gainesville, 7825 Progress Court in Gainesville, 8300 Quarry Road in Manassas, and 14858 Farm Creek Drive in Woodbridge.

This year, Caliber Collision hopes to collect five million meals across the country that will be brought to the Capital Area Food Bank.

Those interested in making a financial contribution can do so at the donation locations or online.

The post Food drive collecting donations for hungry children appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

Mary Thompson of Manassas no longer needs to rely on space heaters to live comfortably.

For about a year, she has been living without heat or air conditioning.

After multiple decades, the Project Mend-A-House (PMAH) client’s system had broken due to old age.

Her luck changed on Thursday, when she received a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning  (HVAC) unit — free of charge.

“It’s just so wonderful. And [PMAH has] done so many things for me,” Thompson said. “I’m just amazed.”

CE Mid-Atlantic provided the system and accessories, which can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $2,000.

“It’s never a bad thing to give back and contribute to the community, ‘cause that’s only going to help everybody else in it,” Business Development Representative Christina Benedict said. “It was just something that we knew that we could do for them and just made it happen.”

Benedict learned about the need from her client, All Star HVAC Owner John Baker.

Members of Baker’s team — Ben Stock, Alex Molina and Jose Sanchez — installed the unit.

“When you’re a business owner, all you think about everyday is, ‘Bottom line. Bottom Line,’ he explained. “And just to kind of wake up today and just know that not to deal with any of that and just ‘We’re helping somebody, I don’t want a penny for this.’ just feels really good — and we need to do it more often, actually.”

Baker decided to donate the service after hearing about the need from Heide Dykstra.

Dykstra, a customer of the the Warrenton-based company, is also a new PMAH Board Member.

“It really is neighbors helping neighbors,” Dykstra said. “So, it’s really neat to see area businesses giving back to a community that needs help.”

PMAH, a Manassas-based non-profit, provides home repairs to seniors, veterans, low-income individuals, and those who have a disability.

Executive Director Karen Mills said she is grateful to the organizations for helping the vulnerable.

The post Manassas resident receives free heating and cooling system appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

Area organizations are making an impact around the world.

First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City (FUPCDC) and Covenant Presbyterian Church in Dale City are partnering together for a meal packing event on April 27.

Held at FUPCDC, 14391 Minnieville Road, the program will run from 8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m.

They plan to create more than 20,000 packets that contain soy, rice and dehydrated vegetables.

Rise Against Hunger, a non-profit, will deliver the meals to those in need.

To learn more information about the upcoming event, contact Covenant Presbyterian Church at 703-583-4090.

The post Local churches hosting meal packing event, April 27 appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

Neabsco District residents have a new representative on the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS).

Victor Angry was elected to the seat on Tuesday.

The Dale City Volunteer Fire Department (DCVFD) Technician will complete the remainder of John Jenkins’ term, which ends on December 31.

Jenkins, Prince William County’s longest serving Supervisor, passed away in February.

Angry is the founder of A is for Angry LLC, a leadership development company. He served in the United States Army for 23 years.

A swearing-in ceremony has been scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday. It will be held in the atrium at the Prince William County Government Center, 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge.

The post Neabsco District gains new Supervisor appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

Handwriting a Sefer Torah requires time and attention to detail.

Scribes typically spend more than a year working on the scroll, and they must make sure to correctly write the more than 304,000 characters it contains.

Community members celebrated the completion of a new Torah and participated in a dedication ceremony in Gainesville.

The Chabad of Greater Gainesville & Manassas hosted the event on Sunday.

Attendees were able to fill in a letter for the Torah.

Music, dancing and a parade were also offered, according to a release. After the parade, the Torah was placed in the Ark.

“It was an unbelievable event, really seeing the community come together,” Rabbi Shmuly Perlstein told What’s Up Prince William. “The Torah is the bedrock of the Jewish community and it’s our first Torah that we’re actually going to have here … Honestly, I don’t have words to explain how special the event was.”

The post New Torah completed, dedicated in western Prince William County appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

Composting materials has its benefits.

Lengthening a landfill’s lifespan is one of them.

It can also better the quality of soil and water, according to a release from the county’s Solid Waste Division.

On April 27, citizens will have a chance to learn more about the process.

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the Solid Waste Division is running its Compost Awareness Day event at the Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza, 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge.

The annual program will feature workshops on various topics.

Door prizes and samples of compost are going to be handed out and a 4-H Club will sell bins and plants.

The post Compost Awareness Day event to be held in Woodbridge appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

Those driving in Northern Virginia may experience delays on Friday and Monday.

Black Smoke Matters (BSM) is holding a Truckers Shutdown and slow rolls in various parts of the country, including Washington, D.C.

The shutdown is expected to start at 1 a.m. on Friday.

It stems from a requirement that says truck drivers must note their hours of service using electronic logging devices.

Since the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented the practice in December 2017, truck drivers have established Facebook pages and reached out to officials, according to the BSM website.

In October, the United States Transportation Alliance and BSM met with the FMCSA. According to the BSM website, however, many truck drivers feel unheard.

The post Shutdown could impact traffic on April 12, April 15 appeared first on What's Up Prince William.

As the rainfall lessens and mulch begins to dry up, outside fires become more common.

Some steps can be taken to prevent fires, which could damage buildings.

Cigarettes and matches shouldn’t be tossed in grass, bushes or the woods, according to a release from the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue (PWCDFR).

Instead, smokers should completely extinguish and place them in designated areas.

PWCDFR also recommends home and business owners water their plants throughout the warmer months, and remove dead trees and debris.

Fires can also be prevented by stacking firewood 30 feet or more away from a building and giving enough clearance for electronics, such as decorative lights.

It’s also suggested that citizens purchase a hose they can use on landscape or in case a fire occurs.

“Whether at home or on the go, if you discover an outside fire, call 911 Immediately,” Acting System Chief Tim Keen said in a release.

The post Properly disposing of cigarettes can prevent fires appeared first on What's Up Prince William.