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Greetings!
October has been a busy month, but I hope you and your family have been able to find time to enjoy the season. As you enjoy the vibrant Autumn colors, I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some information about what is happening in the Occoquan District. |
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Prescription Drug Take-Back Day | | |
Do you have bottles of prescription drugs that have expired or that you no longer need to take? You may be aware that you should not throw them in the trash, flush them down the toilet, dump them down the sink or the garbage disposal, or leave them sitting in a cabinet or medicine chest. So what do you do with them?
On Saturday, October 29, the Prince William County Police Department will join with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to provide you with a safe and legal way to dispose of these unwanted items. Simply bring your prescription drugs to the collection sites at Manassas Mall and Potomac Mills Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last April, 557 pounds of expired prescription drugs and other medicines were collected in Prince William County during the DEA's spring "Take-Back" initiative.
This nationwide prescription drug "Take-Back" initiative seeks to prevent pill abuse and theft. According to the DEA, rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
During this initiative, prescription and over the counter solid dosage medications (i.e. tablets and capsules) will be accepted. Intravenous solutions, injectables, and needles will not be accepted. Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine will also not be accepted during National Take-Back Day.
For more information on this program, including updates on the Police Department collection sites, click here. You can enter your ZIP code to find the collection site nearest you.
For more information, please call 703-792-7270. |
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A First Hand Perspective of Traumatic Stress and PTSD | | |
On Saturday, October 29, Chief Mike Wade of the US Navy will present "Psychological Combat Readiness (A First Hand Perspective of Traumatic Stress and PTSD)" at VFW Post 1503 (14631 Minnieville Road, Dale City). Beginning at 1 p.m., this course is being presented for local veterans and veteran organizations, area military personnel, local law enforcement and emergency services providers, and is also open to the general public. Admission is free.
Anyone who has had stress or traumatic events in their life, or anyone who knows of someone who has had stress or traumatic events, is highly encouraged to attend. For some that have attended this course, it has truly been a positive life changing event. |
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Bark For Life | | |
Relay For Life of EPWC (Eastern Prince William County) invites you to their 2nd Annual Bark for Life, Pups on the Plaza! event this Saturday, October 29. On-site registration begins at 11:30 a.m. at Connaughton Plaza and the opening ceremony starts at 12 p.m. Registration is $10 per dog and all money will go to the American Cancer Society. Please remember dogs must be on a lease and remember to clean-up after your four-legged friends. Event features family and dog friendly events.
For more information visit www.epwcrelay.org or call 703-868-8082. |
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Don't Let Your Halloween Turn Into A Nightmare | | |
Halloween has become a dangerous and deadly time of year due to a jump in drunk driving. More than 40 percent of the nation's traffic fatalities that occur on Halloween night are tied to alcohol abuse. To combat this, the Prince William County Police urge all Halloween party-goers to designate a sober driver. In addition, police remind all motorists to wear a safety belt as the best defense against an impaired driver.
That's why Prince William County police are joining with other national, state and local highway safety officials this season to promote the designated driver message before the Halloween parties begin.
"Our message is simple this Halloween - Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest," said Police Chief Charlie T. Deane. "We want anyone planning on using alcohol this Halloween to play it smart and designate a sober driver before the party begins."
Prince William County Police offered these simple reminders for a safer Halloween weekend:
- Be responsible and never drive impaired.
- If you plan to drink, choose your sober driver before going out.
- Once impaired, use mass transit, call a cab or ask a sober friend to get you home. This year, SoberRide is offering free taxi rides to impaired persons (up to a $30 fare) from 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, to 6 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30. Call 1-800-200-TAXI to arrange for a If all else fails, just stay where you are and sleep it off.
- Always buckle up - it's still your best defense against an impaired driver.
- If you are hosting a Halloween party, make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.
Designate a sober driver - don't let your Halloween turn into a real-life nightmare. |
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Halloween Safety Tips | | |
The Prince William County Police Department wants to remind you that Halloween is on Monday, October 31. Though PWC does not designate an official date for trick-or-treating for parents trick-or-treat time can be a little tricky. Concerns about children's safety - whether they are out in the neighborhood, gathering candy at a mall or shopping center, or back home with bags of treats - can darken the day more quickly than a black cat.To make Halloween a treat for all, follow these safety tips:
- Make sure kids wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes.
- Trick-or-treaters should always be in groups so they aren't a temping target for real-life goblins. Parents should accompany young children.
- Make sure kids know not to enter strange houses or strangers' cars. Children should stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on.
- Kids need to know not to eat their treats until they get home. One way to keep trick-ortreaters from digging in while they're still out is to feed them a meal or a snack beforehand.
- Check out all treats at home in a well-lighted place.
If you need to contact the police, you may call the non-emergency number: 703-792-6500 (or for an emergency dial 9-1-1). |
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Holiness Tabernacle's Annual Hallowed Ones Day | |
On Monday, October 31, bring your entire family to Holiness Tabernacle for this fun and exciting event designed as an alternative to Halloween. Enjoy carnival rides, jumpers, games and many more activities! Don't forget to fill your plate with ribs, hot dogs, popcorn, chips and of course... candy! Children under age 13 are not permitted to take part in any activity without their parent or guardian's supervision.
For more information, visit www.holinesstabernaclecogic.org or call (703)-467-7928. |
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VA Select Family Day | |
The Virginia Select Basketball Organization invites you and your family to Family Day on Satuday, November 5. The event, which doubles as the season opener, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Manassas Christian School (9296 W. Cardondelet Drive). Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. For more information please visit the organization website. |
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2011 Santa's Old Bridge Parade | |
On Saturday, November 12, a Lake Ridge holiday tradition returns with the 2011 Santa's Old Bridge Parade. Themed "Holidays Around the World", the parade is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. in the vincitny of Mohican Road and Lake Ridge Middle School and then continue west along Old Bridge Road to Smoketown Road. We hope to see you and your family there!
If you wish to be a participation in the parade, there is still time to register. The deadline for entry is Thursday, November 10.
For more information please visit the Santa's Old Bridge Parade website. |
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Holiness Tabernacle's Annual 'Tis the Season to Give Thanks' | | |
For the third consecutive year, HolinessTabernacle Church Of God In Christ is sponsoring 'Tis the Season to Give Thanks - and giving away free turkeys for the Thanksgiving holiday, Saturday, November 19 beginning at 10 a.m. The church is located at 1440 Old Bridge Road in Woodbridge.
In 2010, Holiness Tabernacle provided more than 200 Turkeys for families in the Woodbridge area. This year the church plans to double last year's amount with 500 turkeys.
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Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans | |
The Prince William Area Agency on Aging wants to remind you that its not to late to enroll for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Open enrollment began October 15 and runs through December 7. Medicare recipients of any age can call Rosemari Walker, Medicare Counselor, at 703-792-4156 for assistance. |
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Help Needed | | |
The Prince William Area Agency on Aging is working with a war veteran who is having knee replacement and cannot drive. He needs transportation to VA/DC. His insurance will cover any driver the owner designates. This vet is willing to pay someone to be his "chauffeur" and will negotiate a rate. Driver will also need to provide wheelchair assistance.
If you know of anyone willing to help, please have them contact Barbara Diehl via email at bdiehl@pwcgov.org or call 703-792-7175. |
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Holiness Tabernacle Food Bank | |
Holiness Tabernacle distributes food to the local community every second Monday from 12 - 3 p.m. If you or someone you know is in need of food, please call the church Missions Department at 703-497-7928. All calls are kept confidential. |
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