Matters e-newsletter

CatherineCatherine Morretta, Director

In Manassas Park, schools play an integral role in our jurisdictional sustainability. In addi-tion to their educational function, a school can provide an anchor in any neighborhood by creat-ing a large work center and a diverse community pro�le. Read about how collaboration between local government and schools is a critical key to community building on page 5. Schools are not the only asset that strength-ens our city, by the way. Safety and security are two important factors one considers when choosing a place to live. Read about how the Manassas Park Fire and Police Departments are two agencies that keep rising to the challenge on pages 6 and 7. Whether it’s the reaccreditation of the Police Department or the community pro-grams the Fire Department supports, the public safety departments are a big part of what makes Manassas Park pretty special. As I close out the �rst year of newsletters, I hope you have found them to be useful and informative. The next edition will takes us back into ‘Heath’ as we explore that topic with another year under our belt. With July 4th just around the corner I would like to invite everyone out to Signal Hill Park to view the annual Independence Day �reworks. The show begins around 9:15 p.m. and it’s a spectacular 30 minutes you won’t want to miss!! Thanks again for taking the time to read Communit-”e” Matters and if I don’t run into you on the 4th, whether you �nd yourself poolside, lakeside, or surfside – happy Summer!!

Community. We all hear about it, we often read about it, but what exactly is it that makes the idea of ‘community’ so important? Why does community matter? In this issue we will do our best to introduce, inform, and educate the reader on all the things that make community and qual-ity of life paramount. Starting with the Commonwealth, this edition of Communit-”e” Matters introduces the reader to a few reasons why the State of Virginia is a great place to reside. From cost of living to average income, Virginia ranks as the #1 place to make a living; check it out on page 2. Community, however, or a sense of com-munity, doesn’t just happen. Deciding where you want to live, work, or play is only one part of making your community vital – it’s also what you do that in�uences the quality of life of any neigh-borhood. Check out how the City of Hampton, Virginia is nationally and internationally recog-nized for their efforts in community building. Speaking of community building, the fabu-lous group of adults just above the headline are members of the ‘Buddy Club’. When a facility was closed last year in another jurisdiction these adults lost space to meet and socialize. With the new Manassas Park Community Center open, we couldn’t think of a better place to bring these adults to leisurely recreate at their own pace. Meeting every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, these ‘Buddies’ would love to meet you and show you around - better yet, why wait... meet them on Page 4. We

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Communit-health leadership communitybusiness e

Community IssueSummer 2012

We hear about it all the time. Quality of life. But what makes our life ‘quality’? Check out some of these de�nitions:

“WHAT IS QOL? QOL, re�ects the difference between the hopes and expectations of a person and their present experi-ence.” -Janssen Quality-of-life Studies

“Our de�nition of quality of life is: The degree to which a person enjoys the important possibili-ties of his/her life.” - Quality of Life Research Unit, University of Toronto.

“In quality of life research one often distinguishes between the subjective and objective quality of life. Subjective quality of life is about feeling good and being satis�ed with things in general. Objective quality of life is about ful�lling the societal and cultural demands for material wealth, social status and physi-cal well-being.” - Quality-of-Life Research Center, Denmark

There are essentially two per-spectives taken in quality of life research: social indicators research which considers the elites' valuation of what the people need, and conventional quality of life research which studies what people want, in order to improve their quality of life. - Quality of Life, Ram-krishna Mukherjee, Sage Publi-cations, 1989.

{CLICK HERE FOR MORE}

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Quality ofWhen MoneyRates.com sought to determine where the best place to make a living in America was, they conducted a state-by-state study. Hey Virginians, guess what, your state was ranked the place to make a living!

States were looked at and judged on the following: Average income, Cost of living (based on the ACCRA Cost of Living Index), State income tax rate (based on the bracket for the state's average income) and Unemployment rate.

When compared to the 2011 results, Virginia jumped from 4th to 1st place this year! {CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER WHY}

Quality of life can be measured many ways! Home to 160 wineries and 16 wine trails, Virginia was recently named ‘One of the Best 10 Wine Travel Destina-tions of 2012’ by Wine Enthusiast. A little wine never hurt anything!!

Begin your Virginia wine journey in Washington, D.C., and take in terri�c winer-ies via scenic drives through Loudoun County and Charlottesville. {CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO}

10 Best

Hey Virginians...Life

Check out this incredible video, pro-vided by the Atlantic {CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTICLE}, that asks ‘one simple but profound question: What does community mean to you?’.

Wine Travel Destinations

What’s Your Ideal Community?

#1

{PLAY}

Click Playto see whatother peopleare saying!

What determines a neighborhoods ‘holistic heatlh’? How can a locality create an environment where youth can contribute to the community’s quality of life? What is neighborhood capacity and why is it important to build a sus-tainable community? Would you be surprised to �nd out the that City of Hampton, Virginia is nationally and internationally recognized for their efforts in community building? {CLICK HERE TO READ THIS INSPIRING REPORT}

Learning From Neighborhoods.

A recent article in Governing Maga-zine spoke of ‘the next big idea in urban planning’, localities giving up parking spaces and other large impervious surfaces in order to incorporate green public spaces for people to sit. These places are called Parklets! Beginning in 2005 in San Francisco and now taking hold in communities such as Boston, urban communities are turning 3 parking space sized lots into an urban oasis with park benches and shade trees. {CLICK HERE} to read more.

Community Building...It’s a Process

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When MoneyRates.com sought to determine where the best place to make a living in America was, they conducted a state-by-state study. Hey Virginians, guess what, your state was ranked the place to make a living!

States were looked at and judged on the following: Average income, Cost of living (based on the ACCRA Cost of Living Index), State income tax rate (based on the bracket for the state's average income) and Unemployment rate.

When compared to the 2011 results, Virginia jumped from 4th to 1st place this year! {CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER WHY}

Quality of life can be measured many ways! Home to 160 wineries and 16 wine trails, Virginia was recently named ‘One of the Best 10 Wine Travel Destina-tions of 2012’ by Wine Enthusiast. A little wine never hurt anything!!

Begin your Virginia wine journey in Washington, D.C., and take in terri�c winer-ies via scenic drives through Loudoun County and Charlottesville. {CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO}

Are you spending time volun-teering at the local church, little league, girl scout troop or Rotary club? Did you know that while you were donating your time for these worthy causes you were also ‘building com-munity’?

Here are some factors, 28 to be exact, that relate to the com-munity building process. Who knew?!

1. Characteristics of the com-munity. These are the social, psychological, and geographi-cal attributes of a community and its residents which con-

tribute to the success of a com-munity building effort.

{CLICK HERE FOR MORE}CEOs FOR CITIES is a global learning com-munity and partner-hip network that connects urban lead-ers to eachother and to smart ideas and practices for making cities successful. In it’s CITY VITALS Report, CEOs FOR

CITIES developed a detailed set of statisti-cal measures for urban leaders to under-stand their city’s performance in four key areas: talent, innovation, connections and distinctiveness. {CLICK HERE} to read more about the four key areas.

Parklets: The Next Big Tiny Idea in Urban Planning

Recommended Surfing: CEOs For CITIES.com

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A diverse park system includes amenities for all potential park users. The Manassas Park Dog Park, an off leash exercise area in Costello Park, was built with and supported by donations of time and money from our dog enthusi-asts. Dogs are able to exercise and socialize in a fun and inviting atmosphere. To visit the Manassas

Park Dog Park, follow the signs along Manas-sas Drive or {CLICK

HERE} to get directions.

This fabulous group of adults are participants of the Manassas Park Buddy Club. The Buddy Club, a unique self facilitated adult day program for individuals with disabilities and their companions, began through a simple request from a parent, Linda Posten. Less than one year later, this request has

Active Kids Say Quality of Life is Better. A recent study from the Perelman School of Medicine, Univer-sity of Pennsylvania, reported that adoles-cents that are physi-cally active scored higher on the quality of life scale than their sedentary peers. Sur-prised? {CLICK HERE FOR MORE}

Any piece of land gardened by a group of people is considered a com-munity garden. There are tons of bene�ts to ‘urban agriculture’ opportunities in your neighborhood:

1. Improves the quality of life for people in the garden2. Provides a catalyst for neighbor- hood and community develop- ment3. Stimulates social interact4. Encourages self-reliance5. Beauti�es neighborhoods

{CLICK HERE FOR MORE}

The Time is Ripe - for Community Gardens.

Meet the Manassas Park Buddy Club

grown from three participants to 26...and growing. With full access to the Community Center resources, these adults pursue leisure at their own pace every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-2:30pm. Whether it’s participating in a therapeutic yoga class, a group water aerobics session, using the

computer lab, watching a movie, walk-ing in the park, or simply socializing with their peers - the Buddy Club participants are as excited to be in Manassas Park as staff is to have them on-site! We love our Buddies!!! If you would like to volunteer to help or know of an adult friend or family member that would bene�t from the Buddy Club, please contact Tony Thomas. {CLICK HERE}

Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation’s of�-cial Park and Rec-

reation Month. The National Recreation

and Park Association encourages all communities to GET WILD about parks and recreation! Do you think one month is enough? {CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MORE FROM NRPA}

View your Department of Parks and Recreation’s July events and programs {HERE}.

{CLICK HERE} to see pics of our Buddies!

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A diverse park system includes amenities for all potential park users. The Manassas Park Dog Park, an off leash exercise area in Costello Park, was built with and supported by donations of time and money from our dog enthusi-asts. Dogs are able to exercise and socialize in a fun and inviting atmosphere. To visit the Manassas

Park Dog Park, follow the signs along Manas-sas Drive or {CLICK

HERE} to get directions.

A Community Oriented Approach

Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation’s of�-cial Park and Rec-

reation Month. The National Recreation

and Park Association encourages all communities to GET WILD about parks and recreation! Do you think one month is enough? {CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MORE FROM NRPA}

View your Department of Parks and Recreation’s July events and programs {HERE}.

In Manassas Park, as in many cities and towns, “schools serve as anchors that support greater com-munity interaction, engagement, and pride”. In addition to creating a ‘work center’ in the Blooms Crossing neighborhood, the elementary school campus also creates a sense of community through the diverse socio-economic composition of its students. How is this possible? Check out this great read, Local Governments and Schools: ACommunity Oriented Approach,

from the ICMA press. Collabora-tion is key in building community.We couldn’t agree more! {CLICK HERE}.

If you thought it was a coinci-dence that the Manassas Park High School Boys Soccer team won the State of Virginia VHSL ‘A’ championship last year... well, think again. For the second year in a row, this team de�ed the odds and took home back to back championships! Congrats to the boys - what an inspiration to our community! {CLICK HERE} to read about it.

The Little Teamthat Did!

Let’s face it, our kids simply are not as active as they could be. 1 out of every 3

children are obese. Diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma - all chronic obesity related ailments - are rising in our children. To help bring national attention to a problem those of us in public

parks and recreation are all too familiar with, First Lady Michele Obama launched the Let’s Move Campaign in 2009. Intended to provide the tools for communi-ties to raise a healthier next generation, the Let’s Move Cam-paign dedicates its efforts to solving the challenge of child-hood obesity. Political af�liation aside, this is a message we all can get behind! {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}

By involving a wide range of people in local land use planning, we can make a great community. An example of collaboration in Manas-sas Park is the recent Safe Routes to School Grant to build a pedes-trian access through an industrial corridor to the high school. The Department of Public Works worked with the city school system to craft a proposal that ultimately achieved an awarding of funds, 1 of 18 in the State of Virginia, neces-sary to complete this long awaited project. Impressive! {CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}

Great Schools Collaborate

{CLICK HERE} to see pics of our Buddies!

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When it happens to you, will you be prepared?

With the July 4th celebration just around the corner, �re-works are everywhere. To ensure you and your kids make happy memories this summer, follow some of these common sense tips to make the most out of the festivities:

Kids should never play with �reworks.

Buy only legal �reworks.

Fireworks Safety for Kids Never try to make your own �reworks.

Always use �reworks out-side and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.

Steer clear of others. Don't hold �reworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting.

{CLICK HERE FOR MORE TIPS}

How will you respond when a disaster strikes where you live or work? If you haven’t given it much thought, don’t worry, Ready NOVA, Preparedness Planners have developed basic emergency plans for businesses and families that can help guide you while creating your own emergency plan. Easy to access and easier to use. {CLICK HERE} and get prepared.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced the 2012 Fire Prevention Week theme as ‘Have Two Ways Out!’. Recognized every Octo-ber, local Fire Departments will encourage families across the country to prioritize �re escape planning and practice. {CLICK HERE} to read more about the program.

2 Ways OutIn April, Chief David Dixon began his service to the City of Manassas Park. A welcomed addition to an already stellar department, Chief Dixon comes to the city with over 30 years of �re and rescue and supervisory experience. {CLICK HERE FOR MORE}

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

{PLAY}

Click “Play”

to watch

the video!

Manassas Park Selects New Fire Chief!

The American Red Cross just released it’s ‘American Red Cross App’ for iPhone and Android devices. With this FREE App, you can have expert advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand! {CLICK HERE}

There’s an App for That!

Fire & Rescue Departments of NOVAThe Fire & Rescue Departments of Northern Virginia, a regional coalition of 14 member jurisdictions, aims to provide the Northern Virginia region with the best possible emer-gency services through shared use of resources and coordinated emergency response. {CLICK HERE} to see how Manassas Park collaborates with the NOVA region!

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Save the Date: August 7th

Happy 40th AnniversaryNeighborhood Watch!

This great community policing effort, created by the National Sher-iffs Association, began in 1972 via a grant from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. Devel-oped to assist local law enforce-ment by adding extra ‘eyes and ears’ in any neighborhood, the Neighborhood Watch continues to positively impact areas citizens are actively reporting suspicious activi-ties. Read more about the Neigh-borhood Watch {HERE}. If you are interested in beginning a watch program in your neighborhood, {CLICK HERE}.

Never try to make your own �reworks.

Always use �reworks out-side and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.

Steer clear of others. Don't hold �reworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting.

{CLICK HERE FOR MORE TIPS}

How will you respond when a disaster strikes where you live or work? If you haven’t given it much thought, don’t worry, Ready NOVA, Preparedness Planners have developed basic emergency plans for businesses and families that can help guide you while creating your own emergency plan. Easy to access and easier to use. {CLICK HERE} and get prepared.

In April, Chief David Dixon began his service to the City of Manassas Park. A welcomed addition to an already stellar department, Chief Dixon comes to the city with over 30 years of �re and rescue and supervisory experience. {CLICK HERE FOR MORE}

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

{PLAY}

If you missed last

year’s NNO, check

out this video!

As a partner program to the G.W. Bush administration ‘Citizens Corps’, the Volunteers in Police Service (V.I.P.S) aims to provide support and resources to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement by utilizing volunteers. Did you know the Manassas Park Police Depart-ment is an active member of the V.I.P.S program? Check out the national program {HERE}. To go directly to the MPPD site, {CLICK HERE}.

The City of Manassas Park has a speci�cally trained police of�cer to act as a liaison between the community and the police department. Focusing on crime prevention, the Community Resource Of�cer works with various citizen groups through activities such as personal safety, workplace violence, burglary prevention, identity theft, holiday safety and gang aware-ness. Of�cer William Quesenberry is the Com-munity Resource Of�cer for the city - email him {HERE}...or check out the Manassas Park Police Department website to view the type of com-munity services the MPPD supports, {HERE}.

Community Resource Officer

Manassas Park Police Department Accreditation

V.I.P.S

The Fire & Rescue Departments of Northern Virginia, a regional coalition of 14 member jurisdictions, aims to provide the Northern Virginia region with the best possible emer-gency services through shared use of resources and coordinated emergency response. {CLICK HERE} to see how Manassas Park collaborates with the NOVA region!

You may have read that the Manassas Park Police Department received accredita-tion in 2003 and was recently reaccredited. But what does that mean to you? Accreditation increases the law enforcement agency’s ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and ef�cient delivery of law enforcement services to the community it serves. A successful accreditation process, with oversight provided by the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, enhances the communities understanding of policing and increases public con�-dence. {CLICK HERE} to read more on the accreditation process.

Block off your calendar - cancel your plans - leave work early and get

over to Signal Hill Park for the annual National Night Out (NNO)!

NNO, in it’s 29th year, is a neat crime prevention event that is spon-

sored by the National Association of Town Watch, implemented by

the Manassas Park Police Department, is geared to heighten crime

and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anti crime

programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community

partnerships. Check out the national site {HERE}.

Corner

Are your out of school days covered? The Extended Care Program at the Manassas Park Community Center is a licensed daycare program through the State of Virginia Department of Social Services. This summer your child will embark on many journeys that are planned for each 2 week session.

Our Extended Care Program is offered to Resi-dents and Non-Residents of Manassas Park. For info, contact Sue Jurjevic {HERE}.

{CLICK HERE}

Your GUIDE to Summer fun!

eSummer Extended Care

Activities include: • Trips to Leesylvania State Park,

Blandy Experimental Farm, Leesburg Petting Zoo and Atlantis Water Park • Mad science workshop

• Reptiles Alive! • Water games at MPCC

upcoming summer events6/23: Family Fun Night - Luau5pm-7:30pm at Signal Bay Water Park

6/29: Summer Movie - Happy Feet8pm at Signal Hill Park

7/4: July 4th Celebration5pm at Signal Hill Park

7/13: Summer Movie - Dolphin Tale8pm at Costello Park

7/21: Raise the ‘Woof’TM Pup Rally12pm-3pm at the Manassas Park Dog Park

7/21: Family Fun Night - Christmas in July5pm-7:30pm at Signal Bay Water Park

7/27: Summer Movie - Cars 28pm at Signal Hill Park

8/17: Summer Movie - The Lorax8pm at Costello Park

8/25: Canine Wellness Day12pm-3pm at the Manassas Park Dog Park

MOSAIC

The Manassas Park

Summer CampsSummer Camps

CLICKHERE!

Ask us about our MEMBERSHIP EXCHANGE PROGRAM and how you can get FREE ACCESS to the Community

Center by volunteering your time with us!

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