Neighborhood news: Park Authority plans for land acquisition

According to the Prince William Conservation Alliance, The Prince William County Park Authority has about $3 million for land acquisition (90 percent secured through developer monetary proffers) and is interested in expanding the park system.

Staff has developed a short list of potential properties for purchase and has completed appraisals. The Park Author-ity board reviewed the list and, at its July 22 meeting, authorized Executive Director Jay Ellington to move forward with the purchases.

The conservation alliance said that because land negotiations can be sensitive, information on specific parcels is generally discussed in closed meetings.

At the moment, it is unclear if district supervisors have approved the locations of the parcels listed for purchase.

According to the Park Authority board's resolution, the acquisition of specific parcels cannot be completed unless board members approve final purchase prices, the Board of County Supervisors approves the parcels as pub-lic land/parks and open space and the Planning Commission approves a public park site through a public facilities review.

The supervisors and planning commissioners processes require public notification and public hearings.

Shop early and support Nokesville businesses

Support the Nokesville Business Association and shop early for Christmas.

Nokesville Printing (12826 Fitzwater Drive) has 3-D, 24-karat gold-flashed brass ornaments with a colorful Santa in Cinderella's carriage. "Nokesville" is printed at the base of the ornament. The cost is $10.

The purpose of the association is to encourage the establishment, growth and promotion of businesses in Nokesville. It improves and strengthens the business climate through active communication among members and with residents and other groups that desire to make Nokesville a better place in which to live and work.

The association also aims to revitalize community and maintain the rural character of Nokesville.

Spiritual Care Support Ministries to host breakfast

Spiritual Care Support Ministries' Bristow/Manassas Satellite Office will host a breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 15, at Great American Steak & Buffet, 8365 Sudley Road, Manassas.

The breakfast offers an opportunity to meet for fellowship and encouragement and to establish new relationships, feel valued and listened to.

A weekly support group for the chronically ill meets Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Bristow/Manassas Satel-lite Office, at the Manassas Assembly of God Church, 11500 New Life Way.

The office is open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing nondenominational support, education and a Bibli-cal perspective to those who are ill, dying, grieving, or experiencing personal loss, and to those who journey with them. Individual counseling is also available.

For information, call Chaplain Liz Danielsen at 540-349-5814.

She will get back to you

I will have limited e-mail access this week. Please continue to send e-mail, but don't be offended if I don't get back to you right away. Enjoy your week!

Katherine Gotthardt reports your neighborhood news from the Nokesville, Bristow and Brentsville areas every Friday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Katherine at kgotthardt@comcast.net.