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Discover Western Prince William
June/July 2026
16
By Sarah Smarrelli
Honoring a Legacy of Service:
Prince William Schools 2026 Retirees
More than 250 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) employees--including educators,
support staff, and administrators--were recognized last month during a retirement ceremony
celebrating their years of service to students. Through their commitment, leadership, and care,
these individuals have helped create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments
where students develop the
knowledge, skills, and habits
of mind needed to build a
thriving future for themselves
and their communities.
During the celebration,
the Marsteller Middle School
8th Grade Women's Choir
and the Marshall Elementary
School Singing Squad
presented special musical
performances.
Support the 2nd Annual PWC Hunger-Free Rally and Food Drive
According to the 2025 Hunger Report, Prince William County
has the second-highest food insecurity rate in the Washington,
D.C. metropolitan region at 43%. Food insecurity is a community
problem, and the PWC Hunger-Free Initiative was built on the
belief of neighbors helping neighbors. To help support local food
pantries, service organizations, faith communities, public school food
pantries, and neighbors from across Prince William County, the 2nd
annual PWC Hunger-Free Rally and Food Drive is set for
June 13 from
11:00 a.m.2:00 p.m. at the Harris Pavilion in Historic Manassas (9201
Center Street).
During this free community event, non-perishable food items and monetary
donations will be accepted, and participants can learn about food and
nutrition needs in the community while enjoying family-friendly activities.
Take a chance at dunking local elected officials and Prince William
County School principals in a dunk tank, and enjoy music, bubbles, face
painting, and more. Even if you miss this event, donations are always
accepted online at
secure.actblue.com/donate/pwc-hunger-free or by
scanning the QR code.
Prince William County Hosts Flag Retirement Program
Many summer holidays incorporate the American flag as a symbol of
honor, pride, and patriotic decoration. In honor of Flag Day--which is a
time to recognize the history and significance of the "Stars and Stripes"
and to reflect on the respect it deserves--the Prince William County
Solid Waste Division reminds residents about their flag collection and
retirement program. Residents can bring old, faded, or tattered American
flags to the Prince William County Landfill or the Compost Facility during
regular hours of operation (MondayWednesday and FridaySunday
from 7:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. and Thursday 7:00 a.m.6:00 p.m.)
Collected flags are appropriately retired by local Scout groups in a traditional ceremony, or
a private one at the Covanta waste-to-energy facility in Fairfax. On Flag Day and other flag-
waving holidays, residents and business owners are encouraged to inspect their flags. If the
American Flag is faded, torn, tattered, or frayed, it should be replaced. For more information,
visit
pwcva.gov/trashandrecycling.
Library Books are Available by Mail
Books by Mail is a free service from Prince William Public Libraries for Prince William County
and the City of Manassas residents who are physically unable to visit the library due to a
temporary or permanent disability or impairment. Through this service, library materials are
delivered directly to your home, making it easier to stay connected to reading, learning, and
entertainment.
Participants can only request large print books, audiobooks on CD, DVDs, and Blu-rays.
Materials are shipped in a postage-paid library mailing bag, with a pre-addressed pouch
included for easy returns. Delivery typically takes up to one
week, and materials are returned simply by switching the
labels and placing the package in a mailbox--no trips to the
library required.
For more information and to print the Books by Mail
registration form, visit
pwcva.gov/department/library/
community-outreach-services, or contact Community
Outreach Services Books by Mail by calling
(703) 792-4871
or sending an email to
LibBooksbyMail@pwcgov.org.
Local Farmers' Markets Open for the Season
Summer is prime season for local farmers' markets, and the Prince William area has several,
all offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy the fresh air while shopping for fresh produce,
baked goods, specialty items, and more.
Since 1987, the Historic Manassas
Farmer's Market has been a local tradition,
held in two different locations on Thursdays
and Saturdays. The
Thursday market at
Harris Pavilion (9201 Center Street) is open
8:00 a.m.1:00 p.m., through October 29,
and the
Saturday market at the Commuter
Parking Lot (9024 Prince William Street)
is open
8:00 a.m.1:00 p.m., through
November 21. In addition to a wide variety
of vendors, each market day features live
performances from talented musicians. For
a full list of vendors and entertainment line-
up, visit
historicmanassas.org/market-
information.
The Haymarket Farmers Market, located in front of Town Hall (15000 Washington Street),
is held every
Sunday from 9:00 a.m.1:00 p.m. through November 15. From farm-grown
produce and baked goods to handmade items and specialty foods, there's something for
everyone to enjoy! For more information visit
va-haymarket.civicplus.com/1214/Farmers-
Market.
Manassas Park hosts its own Farmer's Market every
Saturday through November 21
from
9:00 a.m.1:00 p.m., rain or shine, at the City Hall Parking Lot (100 Park Central
Plaza). A variety of vendors--all locally owned and operated small businesses--offer fresh
produce, baked goods, hot foods, home goods, gifts, and more. For more information, visit
manassasparkva.gov/events/farmers_market.php.
Gaff-n-Go Rodeo Tests NOVEC Lineworker Skills
Last month, Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) lineworkers made a strong
showing at the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives' annual
Gaff-n-Go Rodeo. Three apprentices and six teams of three journeymen each competed for
NOVEC, which is headquartered in Manassas and provides electricity to more than 180,000
homes and businesses in Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford
counties, the City of Manassas Park, and the Town of Clifton.
Regional lineworkers from electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, municipal systems,
and private contractors competed in 16 events that reflected their daily work, including
pole climbing, equipment operation, and drone challenges. Competitors are judged on
safety, efficiency, and completion time. NOVEC's Manager of System Construction, Mark
DeChristopher, explained that the Gaff-n-Go is more than a competition showcasing
linemen's skills; it is also a celebration of an entire
community behind the trade, recognizing the hard work
and dedication that define the line work profession.
In the Hurtman Rescue event, competitors rescued a
mannequin representing an injured co-worker at the top of
a pole. The journeyman team of Anthony Helsley, Connor
Jost, and Kyle Sarvis placed first in both this contest and
the Over-Voltage competition, as well as second in the
Recloser Close Out event. In Friday night's equipment
operators competition, the team placed second overall
for NOVEC, first in the Bucket Truck Hurtman Rescue,
and third in the OCR Changeout and the Digger Derrick
Mini Ex Obstacle Course.
Journeymen Evan Bache, Jeremy Jenkins, and Jake Till
took first in the Working Skills event, and Nick Carpenter,
Johnny Lanzetta, and Robbie Studds placed third.
NOVEC's Dan Greene won the apprentice climbing skills
competition, and Chase Campbell placed second.
NOVEC Journeyman Kyle Sarvis
competes at the 2026 Gaff-n-Go
The Marsteller Middle School 8th Grade Women's Choir
performed during the PWCS Retirement Celebration