Manassas Journal Messenger | Out West
Today is Arbor Day in Prince William County.
Local children are scheduled to sing and read poetry at the McCoart Administration Complex starting at noon today. The county’s arborist is also expected to be on hand at the event.
Virginia celebrates Arbor Day on the second Friday in April.
Here’s what’s happening in western Prince William County:
Atlas Walk is nearing completion within the Virginia Gateway shopping center in Gainesville. It’s located on the site of the former Atlas Iron Works steel plant. R.W. Murray, project manager, has reported that World Gym is scheduled to open soon. Starbucks and the UPS Store are now open. Scheduled to open in the next few weeks are Cold Stone Creamery and Papa John’s Pizza. Pizzaria Uno is scheduled to open by mid-May and the International House of Pancakes is opening by the end of April. In June, 5 Guys Hamburgers, Bubbles Salon, Serenity Salon and Day Spa and Panera Bread are scheduled to open.
The Department of Environmental Quality held a hearing April 5 to begin its study of local stream quality. Scientists are looking for sources of pollution, including fecal coliform and sediment in area Occoquan watershed streams.
Invasive plants, over-browsing herbivores, gypsy moths and habitat loss are real threats to the Bull Run Mountain Conservancy. On Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon the group hosts a workshop on these regional threats to the conservancy. The conservancy manages public access on the southern 800 acres of the 2,500-acre Bull Run Mountains State Natural Area Preserve. Registration for the workshop is required and a $10 donation is recommended. For more information, call (703) 753-2631 or visit http://www.brmconservancy.org
It’s time to think about summer camp for your child. The Prince William County Office on Youth has published a comprehensive list of many summer camps in the area. They include day camps, volunteer opportunities, mini-camps, residential camps, self-development programs and recreation activities. The informational sheet also includes a summer event calendar. Copies of the summer suggestions can be picked up at all local libraries and can be found online at http://www.pwcgov.org/youth. For a mailed copy or more information, call (703) 792-6095.
The Prince William County Planning Commission recommended denying a Holy Family Academy application to expand its Catholic school operation in Buckhall. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors hears the case May 17.
Seedlings, lectures, lawn mower races, children activities, admission and parking are free at the sixth annual Lawn and Garden show and sale. The Virginia Cooperative Extension is partnering with area businesses to host the show April 23 at the Prince William Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (703) 792-6285.
Catharpin Peddler is an antique and Tabasco product shop that recently opened on Sudley Road in Catharpin. It’s located next to the United States Post Office at Sudley Road and Sanders Lane. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. On Saturday Catharpin Peddler is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays the store is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Monday and Tuesday the antique shop is closed.
Complied by Lillian Kafka, your western Prince William County reporter who lives for iced espresso, the latest news and your comments. Want to share some? Call (703) 878-8091 or email [email protected].