Meet The County: Supervisor Mike May, Occoquan District

In this series of posts, we'll introduce you to local decision makers and policy-changers.  The goal isn't to be political, and doesn't indicate an endorsement, but is rather to help you learn the faces and positions in Prince William County who you can go to for help, or with your concerns.  You'll notice the question is always the same, "Tell me what you love about Prince William County", and at the end of the post, you'll find a job description of the person listed.  I will not post from people during campaign season (unless it's someone who's mid-term and not currently running for re-election).  Hope this helps you know our county better!!
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So tell us, Supervisor May, what do you love about Prince William County?

As a lifelong resident of northern Virginia , I believe this area is the wonderful place to live, work and play. I grew up in the Springfield area and while working for Congressman Tom Davis, I was first introduced to Prince William County . Right away I realized that this community, and Lake Ridge in particular, offered everything my wife and I desired in looking for a place to raise children.  So we decided to move here and start our family.

PWC is unique in northern Virginia in that even though it has over 400,000 residents, it still maintains a very friendly, small-town atmosphere.  To be sure, the county is urbanizing; however, as it grows, it has done a very good job of preserving its historical resources, parks and open spaces, and rural areas to the west.  As such, the county offers high end dining and retail amenities, while still giving residents the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors or cultural resources in their own backyard.  We are also far enough away from the "hustle and bustle" of DC and the urban core, yet close enough to be able to enjoy visiting these areas.

This dynamic gives Prince William residents the best of all worlds.  For example, my wife and I can go to a winery in Haymarket, a restaurant in Occoquan, or go hiking in Prince William Forest Park on a Saturday--all within Prince William County .  And the very next day, we can take the kids up to D.C. to visit the museums or the zoo.  In short, Prince William County  offers the best of city life, rural life, and suburban life.

In addition to the amenities, Prince William is also a safe community with great schools and friendly people.  It has so much to offer young families.  That's why I am glad that my own family has chosen to make this community our home.

Do I Live in Supervisor May's District?: The Occoquan District is home to not only the Town of Occoquan but also Lake Ridge; Westridge; and all the communities on the north side of the Prince William Parkway between its intersection with Old Bridge Road and Ellis Road , including the Davis Ford and Yates Ford corridors.

And What Does a Supervisor Do, Exactly?: Mike is the Occoquan District’s representative on the Prince William Board County Supervisors.  This is our local level of government.  The Board has oversight over all local matters, including our police and fire and rescue systems, our library system, and our local parks.  As a group, the Board sets countywide policies and approves the annual budget.  It also oversees implementation of the county’s comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance, which shape how our community grows and develops over time.  So, if you see a new office being built or construction in the area, Mike probably knows what is going on—or, if not, he can find out for you!  Mike and his staff also assist residents navigating county government with issues ranging from the permit process, real and personal property taxes, local park issues, and many more.

How Can I find Supervisor Mike May?

Occoquan District Supervisor, Michael C. May

Prince William Board of County Supervisors

2241-K Tacketts Mill Drive

Woodbridge , VA 22192

Phone: (703) 792- 5180 /Fax: (703) 792-4833

Cell: (703) 910-0594

Facebook and Email 

February 2013 at the National Children's Museum

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD (Jan. 23, 2013) – Throughout the month of February, the National Children’s Museum (NCM) will feature innovative programming that aims to introduce children to different forms of music and dance.

Unless otherwise noted, all programs will take place at the National Children’s Museum at 151 St. George Blvd. at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Md. Tickets are available at the NCM box office and can also be purchased online in advance for weekend visits and days when attendance will be at capacity. If timed entry tickets are sold out online, tickets may still be available for purchase in person in advance for the next available admission time. For more information, visitors may go to www.ncm.museum, email info@ncm.museum or call the museum’s main number at 301.392.2400.

Free Family Night sponsored by GEICO

Friday, Feb. 15, 5-6:30 p.m., 6:30-8 p.m.

Families can enjoy free admission to the museum as well as hands-on activities and interactive play in the NCM theatre and exhibit areas. February’s Free Family Night will celebrate Festival of Nations. Please note: Families can attend one of two 90-minute shifts from either 5-6:30 p.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. Free tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the NCM box office beginning at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15. The museum will close for half an hour at 4:30 p.m. to give staff time to prepare for the event. 

Guest Performance: Cantaré’s ¡Mucha Música!

Saturday, Feb. 16, 11-11:30 a.m. and 1-1:30 p.m.

Celebrate Festival of Nations Week with Cantaré's ¡Mucha Música!, a 30-minute musical journey to Latin America. Each exciting, interactive performance will introduce families to the musical heritage of the Caribbean, Central and South America, Cantaré performs songs in Spanish and Portuguese and shares the music's cultural and historical background. Sharing in the same mission of the museum’s Our Worldexhibit, ¡Mucha Música! highlights cultural differences while also communicating the rich fusion that results when diverse traditions come together. Both performances will take place in the NCM Theatre; no separate tickets are required.

Guest Performance: Green Golly & Her Golden Flute

Monday, Feb. 18, 11-11:30 a.m. and 1-1:30 p.m.

This child-friendly introduction to classical music, created and performed by Keith Torgan and Barbara Siesel, inspires children to listen actively and imagine creatively. Based on the story of Rapunzel, Green Golly & Her Golden Flute tells the story of a girl who finds musical inspiration every day life. Both performances will take place in the NCM Theatre; no separate tickets are required.

NCM Celebrates Presidents’ Day

Monday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Events will take place throughout the day)

Visitors can learn about the rich history of the U.S. presidency and what it takes to hold one of the most important jobs in the country. Families can explore the Museum’s large library of presidential-themed books, create artwork from presidential shapes and household objects and write biographies about their favorite presidents.

In addition to its monthly programming, the museum will also begin offering field trip programs on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Field trips are available Tuesday-Friday from 10-11:30 a.m. and

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.  Admission is $8 per child and $10 per adult, with one adult receiving free admission for every five children. For reservations or more information, educators can contact schools@ncm.museum or 301.392.2450.

The National Children's Museum has served more than 30,000 visitors since opening in December 2012. The museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Labor Day and Memorial Day. During the summer months, the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Standard admission is $10 per child or adult and $8 for seniors ages 65 and up. There is no cost of admission for infants 12 months or younger.

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About National Children’s Museum

The National Children’s Museum (NCM) is a world-class cultural and educational center (www.ncm.museum) that inspires children to care about and improve the world. NCM opened in Dec. 2012 at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Md. After operating as a “museum without walls” for several years, the Museum is now Greater Washington’s premier family attraction and the only national museum dedicated especially to children and their families and caregivers. NCM was designated by Congress in 2003 and was founded in 1974 as the Capital Children’s Museum.

Occoquan Frigid February 5k Run/Walk

This 5K run/walk, on Saturday, February 23, weaves through the historic district of Occoquan, Virginia, a town founded in the middle of the 18th century along the banks of the Occoquan River. Today, the town is an eclectic mix of historic sites, and dining and shopping options. Promptly after the race, participants will be able to enjoy breakfast at one of several town casual dining establishments. Net proceeds from the event will benefit the Optimist Club of Occoquan-Woodbridge-Neabsco, which is dedicated to helping children in surrounding elementary schools. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. and is limited to 250 participants. The first 100 participants will receive a race t-shirt. To register, please click here.

Upcoming: Reel Abilities Film Festival

Pioneering Film Festival Opens in Greater Washington Area

ReelAbilities Disabilities Film Festival, February 7-14, 2013

ReelAbilities Film Festival is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities. The festival is coming to the DC and Northern Virginia area from February 7-14, 2013 and is sponsored by the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV). 

Nine films will be screened throughout the festival – features, documentaries, and shorts that present stories incorporating a variety of disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, deafness, and others.  Check out the schedule below:

Thursday, February 7
Mary & Max at Angelika Film Center - 7:45 pm

Saturday, February 9
Ocean Heaven at Angelika Film Center - 3:00 pm
Finding Nemo at DC Public Library - 11:00 am

Sunday, February 10
Anything You Can Do and Finding Nemo at Cinema Arts Theatre - 10:15 am
Me, Too at Angelika Film Center - 2:00 pm
Ocean Heaven at Floris United Methodist Church - 6:30 pm

Monday, February 11
Shooting Beauty at Cinema Arts Theatre - 7:30 pm

Tuesday, February 12

Silent Games at George Mason University - 7:00 pm
Mary & Max at Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington - 7:00 pm
War Eagle at Bethlehem Lutheran Church - 7:00 pm

Wednesday, February 13
Shooting Beauty at Northern Virginia Community College - Manassas Campus - 5:30 pm
Aphasia at Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia - 5:30 pm

Thursday, February 14
Musical Chairs at Angelika Film Center - 7:30 pm

Visit the ReelAbilities DC website to learn more about the featured films and festival events.

Summer Job Openings: Leesylvania State Park

Leesylvania State Park Summer Jobs!

Maintenance Ranger: Weekends and holidays may be required

Responsible, result-oriented individuals needed who are able to work at times without direct supervision and who can prioritize tasks and positively interact with the public.  Duties focus on assisting in the daily running of park facilities and grounds keeping.  This entails a variety of tasks, which changes according to the day of the week, number of visitors or activities.  A large portion of the work will include custodial duties in the bathrooms, picnic area, and maintaining the landscaping.  Other tasks throughout the summer may include:  painting, trail work, carpentry, vehicle and equipment maintenance, assisting with interpretive programs and resource management projects.  Valid driver’s license required.

Contact Ranger: Weekends and holidays may be required

Outgoing applicants needed to assist visitors to Leesylvania by providing information regarding services available and other local attractions.  Duties include fee collection, money handling, and maintaining records of annual pass holders as well as overnight boating/fishing registration.  Contact rangers are required to operate a computer terminal/cash register, and will inform visitors of the rules and regulations for the purpose of protecting and conserving park areas.

Concessionaire Services: Weekends and holidays may be required

Detail-oriented and friendly individuals needed to assist in the operation of Leesylvania’s concessionaire services.  Most duties will center around the park-operated Breakwater Marina Store, located between the two boat launches, and the smaller Snack Shack by the fishing pier.  The store sells fishing and picnic related items, gas out on the dock and operates a short order cook style of food services.  The Snack Shack is smaller and sells ice-cream, other snack items and fishing bait.  Duties at both facilities include money handling, cash register operation, food preparation, setting up and taking down displays, and keeping the store clean and sanitary.

Visitor Center/Interpreter: Weekends and holidays may be required

Outgoing and responsible individuals with a strong interest in working with a wide variety of customers needed to assist with interpretive duties at the Visitor Center.  Interpreters are responsible for keeping the history and environmental museum open and organized, and provide information to visitors about the history of the park and its natural resources.  Duties include taking care of park animals, updating interpretive kiosks throughout the park, leading public programs, setting up monthly displays, money handling, and register operation.  Interpreters assist with school groups, scout programs, fairs, and park programming, and may be trained in leading monthly canoe tours and guided hikes.

Junior Ranger Leader: Weekends and holidays may be required

Responsible and outgoing leaders who are interested in working with children are needed to assist with Leesylvania’s Junior Ranger program.  Focusing on getting children outdoors for a hands-on learning environment, the Junior Ranger program introduces new topics each day with fun and educational activities.  The program is designed with nature in mind, so the majority of the time is spent outdoors in a leadership role, including with some overnight camping events.  Junior Ranger Leaders must work well with others and be able to create a safe and secure learning environment for children and families.  Duties also include those outlined in the description above for Visitor Center/Interpreter.

For all positions, experience is not necessary, but preferred. We provide on the job training. Employee may be required to perform other park related duties during emergencies, or on a non-recurrent basis. Seasonal summer jobs can be an outstanding first step toward a lasting career with the park service.

Interested?

You can pick up & drop off applications at

2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr. Woodbridge, VA 22191

Main Office: Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm.

Visitor Center: Saturday-Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm.

You can also get applications at the web site below, but turn them in at the park: http://dcrintra.dcr.virginia.gov/DCR_Public/Jobs/JobList.cfm

Call (703) 730-8205 for more information.

Benefits of working for Virginia State Parks:

• Working for a State Agency looks good on a resume.
• Majority of work is outdoors at Leesylvania on the Potomac River.
• Make a difference; work to preserve our natural resources.
• Long-term opportunities available.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Opportunities to learn new skills.
• Fun professional work environment.
• Competitive wages.
• Letters of recommendation available.

Gameday Offer From CiCi's Pizza

As far as I'm concerned there's no reason to watch the Superbowl this year.  (I am a slightly bitter Patriots fan....) However, since the men in my house will probably watch the game anyway, that means I'll be in charge of snacks.  CiCis sent me this coupon to share with you guys which allows you to get unlimited large to-go pizzas for $5 each.  The image they sent is pretty fuzzy, but it's one-topping.  Enjoy :)

Giveaway: Whitney Pointe Photography

January 22nd is PwcGrandma's birthday, but we celebrated on Sunday so that everyone would be able to come to dinner.  We headed out to Old Town Manassas for dinner at Carmello's, which is typically the most amazing experience ever, but we learned a valuable lesson about making sure that the "A-Team" of your favorite restaurant isn't away at a Bridal Expo.  Sigh.  Still pretty good, though.

Before dinner, we met up with Whitney Pointe of Whitney Pointe Photography to do a quick preview shoot.  I wasn't camera-ready, and had no aspirations to be, so I decided we'd do some grammy/grandkids pictures to celebrate.  Whitney was friendly and very calm about the kids running all over Manassas (incidentally, pictures before dinner is a pretty good way to get your kiddos to get their wiggles out!) Whitney was named "Photographer of the Year" by InsideNova.  Go Whitney! 

 We headed over to the Harris Pavilion and took advantage of the "Love" sign by the display train.  I had joked about taking a picture of us all crossing the road on the way from Carmello's to the pavilion, and I think I should have gone for that- we could have had an entire Beatles themed shoot! 

 Everyone's loving on Grandma! Whitney was great about letting the kids have a few minutes between shots to play on the trains.  My kids do not make the cutest faces for pictures right now, but I love them anyway :)

 This is me, not being camera-ready.  Somehow I ended up in a picture anyway.  Thing 3 is showing off her way-too-tight-armed pirouette for Whitney.  She's a ham :)

Whitney was friendly and easy to work with, and patient with the kiddos, which is, I think, a great combination.  She's also got some Valentine Mini-Sessions coming up.  For $75 you get a 30 minute shoot, and either 25 Valentines or 1 Digital File with printing rights.  She's going to be doing the pictures in Old Town Occoquan, which is such a fun place for pictures....although maybe she should open up Sunday and use the LOVE sign in Manassas ;)

But, of course, I also have a giveaway for you!!  Whitney is offering a lucky PwcMoms reader:

1 45 Minute Session (over $100 value)

A Disc of 15-20 images with print release

One 8x10 print

$50 print credit with Whitney Pointe Photography

This is a huge package!! You can enter below using the Rafflecopter.  Contest closes on Wednesday, January 30th, 2013.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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PwcMoms received a free 20 minute mini session and digital copies to perform this review.  All opinions are our own.  Giveaway is provided by Whitney Pointe Photography.  Facebook/Twitter are not affiliated with PwcMoms, Whitney Pointe Photography, or this giveaway opportunity.  Winner assumes all liability and risk, and prizes are not exchangeable for cash.