County auto decal deadline has passed

Prince William County would like to remind citizens that the deadline for vehicles to display a 2009 Prince William County decal was Saturday. Vehicles not displaying a 2009 decal by today are in violation of Prince William County Code Section 13 Article III and subject to ticketing.

Vehicles that have recently moved into Prince William County have 60 days from the move-in date to obtain and display a 2009 decal. For more information, contact Taxpayer Services at 703-792-6710 or by e-mail at .

Dog licenses on sale for $5

Prince William County dog licenses are now on sale for the coming year. The license fee is $5 per dog, and a current rabies vaccination certificate must be shown for each dog to be licensed. Dog licenses are required by law for all dogs four months of age or older. If your dog is unlicensed, you can be cited and fined.

Even indoor-only dogs and those confined to fenced yards can get loose. Licenses help assure that you can be reunited with your pet. Be sure to have your license tag on your dog's collar at all times to ensure quick return should he or she be found.

The license application is available on the county's Web site at http://www.pwcgov.org, under "Residents—Animals & Pets—Licenses." Licenses may be purchased by mail, at the Animal Shelter or from any Taxpayer Services Office.

Animal Control Bureau

14807 Bristow Road

Manassas, VA 20112

James J. McCoart Administration Building

1 County Complex Court

Prince William, VA 22192

Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building

15948 Donald Curtis Drive

Woodbridge, VA 22191

Sudley North Government Center

7987 Ashton Avenue

Manassas, VA 20109

For questions about dog licenses, call 703-792-6710 or send a question by e-mail to . For all other animal law and control questions, call the Animal Shelter at 703-792-6465 or 703-792-6500 after 5 p.m.

Three technicians named Employees of Month

Three Fire & Rescue Operations Division employees have been selected as Prince William County government's Employees of the Month for November. Walter L. Hunt, technician II; Edward C. McNally, technician II; and Brennan Gilligan, technician I, were nominated by Capt. Curt Brodie, Fire & Rescue's Systems Support Division.

Personnel from Engine 513 were at the Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center for their daily physical fitness training when Gilligan overheard a Chinn staffer discussing a problem: 1,500 pounds of new playground equipment had been delivered to the center, but the private company's delivery personnel would not unload the equipment. Gilligan advised Hunt, the company officer in charge, of the situation, and they told the Chinn staff members that they would assist.

The three technicians moved the equipment the 200 or so feet from the delivery truck to the playground area and placed it where Chinn personnel directed them. The center's manager on duty was grateful and impressed by the actions of the three men.

"As a group, these employees worked in a seamless blend of physical acumen and community spirit," Brodie wrote in his nomination, allowing the Chinn center to keep children's programs up and running while the equipment was installed.

These employees went above and beyond their engine company duties by making the choice to do the right thing to help a fellow agency solve a dilemma.

Paulson chosen volunteer of quarter, July-September

Leslie Paulson is the Prince William County Volunteer of the Quarter for July -September . She was nominated by Nancy Berlin, natural resource specialist, and Paige Thacker, Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) agent, for her contributions as a Prince William Master Gardener Volunteer.

Paulson has been a Master Gardener Volunteer since 2004, contributing 2,686 hours of volunteer service and 359 hours of continuing education to VCE, Environment and Natural Resources Program.

Paulson is involved in every one of the diverse educational programs designed to protect water quality and provide education to residents of Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park in sustainable land management practices.

Her contributions include:

• The Great 'Scapes Lawn Education Program: Paulson has evaluated more than 250,000 square feet of lawn, the equivalent of 10 acres. She has provided excellent leadership in mentoring many new Master Gardener interns, enabling new volunteers to acquire the skills to provide this service to more citizens. Great 'Scapes is designed to teach homeowners how to make their lawns look attractive while protecting our local waterways and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

• Prince William Master Gardener Teaching Garden: Paulson has served in leadership and support roles teaching citizens the importance of environmentally sensitive, research-based, best management practices for landscaping, as well as coordinating teams of volunteers for maintenance and enhancement of the gardens. This outdoor learning space is located at the Benedictine Monastery in Bristow.

• Extension Horticulture Help Desk/Plant Clinics: Paulson has gone above and beyond training other volunteers on how to research information on plant, insect, watershed and wildlife and how to address citizens' questions promptly with excellent customer service.

• Master Gardeners of Prince William: Paulson has served as president and vice president of this organization that supports the local Extension office through fundraising and leadership efforts. Funds support the Teaching Garden as well as other community environmental education events for both the public and continuing education for Master Gardeners.

Paulson acts as a liaison between the VCE staff and more than 150 active Master Gardener Volunteers. She contributes to volunteer training, administrative tasks, public relations and mentoring new volunteers. Paulson organizes volunteer efforts for a six-week "Basics of Gardening" class that puts current, research-based information on environmentally appropriate landscape techniques in the hands of local citizens.

Paulson also spearheads a monthly newsletter to communicate with the Master Gardener Volunteers about accomplishments and volunteer opportunities.

• Lawn and Garden show:  Paulson was the 2008 chairperson for the organization of more than 30 successful educational exhibits designed by volunteers. This event provides information for citizens on various environmental topics ranging from lawn care management to how to erosion control and beauty.

Paulson has taught various community classes on wildlife issues, deer resistant gardening and weed identification and eradication.

Prince William County recognizes Paulson for her expertise, encouragement and energy given to the VCE-Prince William Environment and Natural Resource program. In addition to inspiring other volunteers and staff, Paulson is beautifying and improving our community one landscape at a time.

Prince William Edition focuses on horticultural therapy

This week's Prince William Edition is about Horticultural Therapy. The show takes an in-depth look at this powerful program that support adults with psychiatric and cognitive disabilities. The program airs Monday, through Sunday, Nov. 23.

Prince William Edition is a five-minute, weekly public affairs program featuring the latest news and information on Prince William County government. Prince William Edition airs on CNN Headline News, which is either Channel 28 or 29 for Comcast cable subscribers in the county. The program can be seen seven days a week at various times.