Communit-e Matters E-Newsletter - Leadership Issue

reetings.

Leadership Issue Winter 2011

health

leadership

business

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community

CommunitMatters e

-newsletter

I hope this second edition of the Matters newsletter finds Communiteach of you rested after a peaceful Thanksgiving and making a dent in your holiday shopping lists.

Matters, This edition of Communitthe Parks and Recreation Department -Newsletter, will explore the topic of Leadership. Ask 10 different people what ‘leadership means?’, you will probably receive 10 different answers. Are you aware that there are (at least) 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader? John Maxwell, an internationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, coach, and author seems to think so; check them out on page 3! We’ll take a look at leadership with a proverbial “wide angle lens” and how it applies to your life in Manassas Park.

After a little primer on the elected officials that represent your interests at the State Level, take a moment to meet the Governing Body of Manassas Park. We will introduce you to the City Charter, link you to our Code of Ordinances, and even walk you through a Governing Body Meeting Agenda. Did you know that at every meeting there is a dedicated time, “citizens time,” where you can offer your support or concerns? On Page 5, discover how, under the leadership of the Manassas Park City

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School Board, every one of our schools has achieved full accreditation; just another shining example of our school division’s continued commitment to excellence!

We’ll introduce you to some folks in our community who ‘lead by example’ and you’ll see that Manassas Park is filled with people who truly understand ‘Community Matters’!

Coming up in March, CommunitMatters will zero its focus in on “Business”.

As active members of the Greater Prince William County Chamber of Commerce, this issue will introduce the reader to the many varied successful businesses in Manassas Park. If you are not familiar with our Chamber and all the great things they do to keep business interests engaged regionally, the next issue is one you’ll be sure to want to read.

Lastly we, at DPR, with the holidays upon us, wish to extend a very heartfelt “Best of the Seasons” to all. We look forward to continuing to serve all of you in 2012 and thank you, sincerely, for an amazing 2011.

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Enjoy,

Catherine

Catherine Morretta, Director

2

Your

Leading at the State Level.

The Virginia General Assembly, the Senate and House of Delegates, comprises the Commonwealth’s bicameral legislature. The General Assembly meets annually, beginning on the 2nd Wednesday in January for 60 days in evennumbered years and for 30 days in odd-numbered years.

The Senate consist of 40 members. Senators serve a 4 year term, represent an average of 176,000 citizens and receive an annual salary of $18,000. The House of Delegates consist of 100 members. Delegates serve a 2 year term, represent an average of 77,000 citizens and receive an annually salary of $17,640. { CLICK HERE } The City of Manassas Park resides in the 29th Senate district. Senator Chuck Colgan (D) is currently serving the constituents of the 29th district for his 36th year in public office and is recognized as the longest serving member of the State Senate of Virginia. { CLICK HERE } Delegate Bob Marshall (R) represents Manassas Park in the 13th district.

As a result of redistricting, Delegate Marshall now serves the interest of Manassas Park, although his public service to the greater Prince William County region reaches back over 20 years to his first term of service in 1991. { CLICK HERE }

Our Charter.

From the Latin word chartula, a “Charter” simply means a “paper document”. This document, by definition, is “issued by a sovereign or state which outlines under which a corporation, colony, city or other corporate body is organized” and defines its rights and privileges.

Originally adopted in 1962, the Manassas Park Charter, amended as recently as 2007, is the Governing Body’s guiding document. Chapter II, Vestment of Power, grants all “powers of the City and the administration and government of the City shall be vested in the Mayor and City Council...”.

Chapter III designates the City’s municipal officers as “one Mayor, six council members, a City Clerk, a City Treasurer, a Commissioner of Revenue, a City Attorney and a City Manager”.

With the exception of the City Clerk, the City Attorney, and the City Manager, these individuals must be residents of Manassas Park and elected at large. { CLICK HERE FOR MORE }

Its the Law. A Code of Ordinance is an authoritative, general, systematic or written statement of the legal rules and principles applicable

in a legal given order.

Manassas Park City Code represents the “laws”.

The Code covers everything from public park hours to land use, from fire prevention to noise ordinances. Ever wonder why your vehicle can be towed if it’s parked in a designated snow emergency route? Check out Section 19.4-2 of the Manassas Park City Code - you’ll discover the answer! { CLICK HERE } to link to the City Code of Ordinances.

Meet Your

William J. Treuting, Jr.

{ CLICK HERE }

Suhas Naddoni

{ CLICK HERE }

Keith Miller { CLICK HERE }

Your

3

Council - Manager Form of Government.

The City of Manassas Park is gov-

Appointed Managers serve at the

erned within a “council-manager”

pleasure of the governing body and

form of government. Used by many

are bound by whatever action the

cities, towns, and counties, the

council takes, and control is always in

“council-manager” structure com-

the hands of the elected representa-

bines the strong political leadership

tives of the people. The City Manager

of elected officials with the strong

of Manassas Park is James W. Zum-

managerial

an

walt. Mr. Zumwalt joins the city after

appointed manager or administra-

spending many years in Paducah,

tor. { CLICK HERE FOR MORE }

Kentucky.

experience

of

21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader.

1. Character:

4. Communication:

Be a Piece of the Rock

Without it, You Travel Alone

2. Charisma:

5. Competence:

The First Impression Can Seal the Deal

If you build it, they will come

3. Commitment: It Separates Doers from Dreamers

By John Maxwell

{ CLICK HERE FOR MORE }

A Civics Note: Virginia is a ‘Dillion Rule’ State. What does that mean?

Simply stated, it’s a rule of law that limits the authority of local governments to that “which is expressly granted by the state legislature and the Virginia Constitution. ” As such, at times, it puts very real limitations on a local governments power and authority.

Think about it, although the state and federal laws have broad impacts on an individual, it’s your locality that decides on development locations, trash collection rates, or where a sidewalk goes. A vast majority of Virginia citizens are affected most directly by their local government. There are many pros and cons...you decide. { CLICK HERE }

Governing Body Mayor, Frank Jones

{ CLICK HERE }

Brian Leeper { CLICK HERE }

Vice Mayor, Bryan Polk { CLICK HERE }

Preston Banks { CLICK HERE }

City Manager, Jim Zumwalt { CLICK HERE }

4

Did you

01 1 s g n i t e e M

Money Magazine Ranks Manassas Park

#56

The Charter dictates that the Governing Body meets at least once a month. The Manassas Park Governing Body meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday, at City Hall, to conduct general city business. Each meeting is framed in an “Agenda”. The Agenda is your guide to the meeting.

a. Approval of Agenda: Prior review of meeting topics to be considered.

b. Citizens Time: 3 minute time blocks set aside for your comments and concerns.

c. Proclamations:

Issued by the Office of the Mayor to provide an opportunity for the Mayor and Governing Body to recognize exceptional events, groups or people.

d. Recognitions: The Governing Body receives and recognizes outstanding efforts. e. Consent Agenda: Business items, routine in nature, not requiring additional review.

f. Unfinished Business:

Tabled or carried over business from previous meetings requiring continued discussion.

g. New Business: New items for consideration such as contracts, projects and initiatives.

h. Report of the City Manager:

Bi-weekly updates of City Government services.

i. Closed Meeting: If necessary, called. j. Work Session: Governing Body, City Staff or City Commissions and Boards collaborate on items still ‘in the works’ for example: a budget work session.

For the next Agenda

Click Here

CNN Money Magazine reported that Manassas Park is one of the best places to live in the country. The city ranked 56th out of 100 on CNN's annual list of Best Places to Live in the US. Manassas Park was chosen for a number of reasons including its low unemployment rate (5%), diversity and efficient school system. Manassas Park ranked above other cities on the list when it came to job growth

as well. According to the report from 2000 to 2010, Manassas Park saw jobs grow 14.95%. The average city on the list only saw jobs increase 1.38%. { CLICK HERE TO READ MORE}

Leaders of the World: From Robert Gates to Lance Armstrong America's Best Leaders is a collaboration between U.S. News & World Report and the Center for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. The honorees were selected by a committee of academic, government, business, and nonprofit leaders convened by the center. U.S. News did not have a vote.

The committee defined a leader simply as a person who "motivates people to work collaboratively to accomplish great things."

The panelists rated the nominees from to 1 to 5 based on how well they met the following criteria: Sets Direction (25 %): By building

a shared sense of purpose; by setting out to make a positive social impact; by implementing innovative strategies.

Achieves Results (50 %): Of significant depth and breadth; that have a positive social impact; that are sustainable; that exceed expectations.

Cultivates a Culture of Growth (25%): By communicating and embodying positive core values; by inspiring others to lead.

While a nominee's work could be global in scope, it should have substantial impact inside the U.S. { CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF THE HONOREES }

Can’t make it to a meeting? n ei n Tu

We stream each meeting on Cable TV everyday except Tuesdays.

Comcast Ch. 23 & Verizon Ch. 43

in Education “Stability in Leadership Begins with the Superintendent” Those words can be found in an

5

Manassas Park PTO Leaders are not always appointed

amazing document, “A History of officials or paid staff. Behind most Manassas Park City Schools”.

Manassas Park City

School Board The Manassas Park Governing Body appoints a School Board who then appoints a School Superintendent. Although often thought of as a “City service”, the School Board operates, and the Superintendent manages, independent of direct City Government oversight.

Members of the School Board are appointed to advance the interests of the citizens as it pertains to management and oversight of an entire school district. From employee relations to curriculum, from early head start to special education programs, the Manassas Park School Board is committed to excellence. School Board meetings begin with an open session... { CLICK HERE }

“Flikr”....

After all, isn’t that what being “social” is all about?

Au- every initiative in the City, you will

thored by former Manassas Park City find a group of active citizen volunSchools Superintendent and current teers. The Manassas Park Cougar Fredericksburg City Public Schools Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Superintendent, David G. Melton, serves pre-K through 5th grade and if this narrative takes the reader on a you have a child currently enrolled in historical journey documenting the the

schools,

you

are

a

emergence of a school division. It is member! From promoting the wela true testament to the independent fare

of

children

to

providing

spirit of the city’s early architects. resources for the schools in addition Current School Superintendent, Dr. to those provided within the school’s Bruce McDade, leads a dynamic budget, the PTO is working hard for school district that is impressive on our kids. Want to get involved? every level. { READ MORE HERE }

{ CLICK HERE } to find out how.

DOE: Manassas Park City Schools Fully Accredited

Manassas Park City Schools are one

rate is also considered. Elementary

of 97 school divisions in the Common-

schools are considered fully accredited

wealth to have every one of its schools

if students achieve the following pass

meet Virginia Standards of Learning

rates:

requirements and be accredited.

Accreditation is based on the performance of students on Virginia Standards of learning (SOL) tests and other state assessments during 2010-2011.

When considering accreditation, the state Department of Education considers students' performance in English,

www.ManassasParkCommunityCenter.com

public

• English 75% or higher, grades 3-5

• Mathematics 70% or higher, grades 3-5

• Science 70% or higher in grade 5 and 50% or higher in grade 3

mathematics, history and science. In

• History -

the case of high schools, the graduation

{ CLICK HERE FOR MORE }

6 We hit the streets and interviewed some of our community

Leaders

leaders right here in Manassas Park!

Business:

Business:

QMT Windchimes

The Corner Grocer -

Owners: Patty

Jamie

&

Mobile Organic

Baisden

&

Grocery Store

Family

Owners: Kenneth and

How long have you been a Manassas Regina McRae How long have you been a Manassas Park Business?

Park Business?

QMT Windchimes opened it’s doors in We are a brand new start-up business 1986. In 2006, the Baisden family took that opened in October 2011. over the business.

Describe your business/organization Describe your business and how you and how you give back to the commugive back to the community. nity.

We give back to the The Corner Grocer is a proud distributor community by employof organic and healthy food in the ing residents of ManasNorthern Virginia area. Our product list sas Park, giving them consists of everything from organically opportunities to progrown fruits and vegetables to natural vide for themselves dairy, meats and poultry, as well as and their own family. organic baby products. Any produce we We sell our products have that we don’t sell, we give to fami-

across the US, which lies in need that have been identified brings income back to through our church (Christian Life Manassas Park. All of Church in Manassas, VA). As we exp-

How long have you been involved in your Manassas Park organizations?

I have been involved with both since 2011.

Describe your business and how you give back to the community.

I am on the Special Events Committee for Manassas Park. I help plan, organize and run events with Parks and Recreation. I am also a new Girl Scout Leader for a brand new Daisy troop. I think it is important for there to be exciting things to do in the community and I love to have an outlet to use my creativity.

How does what you do Shape the Future of Manassas Park?

One of my primary goals for being both a Special Events Committee member and a Girl Scout Troop Leader is to help change perceptions of Manassas Park.

Yes, it is a little “old” town in the middle of Centreville and PW County, but if you

our products are made and, we would like to align our organiin the US, which gives back on a zation with shelters in the community.

change your outlook you can really see

national

have two choices; I can complain about

scale

employing

various How does what you do Shape the Future

that the community has a lot to offer. I

people throughout the states. And last, of Manassas Park?

it, or I can embrace it and help the

but not least, we give back to those in We believe the City Officials, City

vision to change and create a great/safe

a Employees and local business have percentage of its cost to a charity. Some made great strides through innovative

outlet for people of all

of the charities that we work with are: measures, dedication and commitment Semper Fi Fund & Fisher House Founda- to improving quality of life for the

munity. As

tion, Almost Heaven Habitat for residents of Manassas Park. We believe Humanity, Breast Cancer Research the convenience and opportunity to

Scout for 6 years and

need. Every windchime sold gives

Foundation, Good Shepherd Alliance, shop for organic food and produce without leaving your neighborhood or home Medical Missionaries and many more.

How does what you do Shape the Future and the time it will save will be life changing for busy families, professionof Manassas Park? als and seniors.

When it comes to leadership, we have { CLICK HERE TO VISIT US ONLINE} worked very hard to create a corporate Organization: culture, where everyone feels that they Manassas Park Special are part of something greater. All of our Events Committee / employees love giving back and helping Girl Scouts others just as much as we do.

Name: Jenn Allgaier { CLICK HERE TO VISIT US ONLINE}

ages within the comfor

Girl

Scouts, I was a Girl there was an opportunity for me to share that experience with my daughter, Alyssa. I will admit, I do have a full plate and multiple hats to juggle but being able to see her as well as the other little girls in my troop grow and learn things has already been a very rewarding experience that helps ease my juggling act.

are Leaders, too!

7

What makes a volunteer: Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice? “Instant Messaging”....

According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, a volunteer is: An individual who performs hours of service for a public agency [or organization] for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons, without promise, expectation or receipt of compensation for services rendered. Beyond the legal definitions, there are many variations of the meaning of the term “volunteer.”

Webster’s Dictionary defines a volunteer as: One who enters into

or offers oneself for a service of his/her free will. In this sense, the volunteer is basically distinguished as one who is not coerced to perform services. Further, while normally voluntary services are performed for which the individual neither expects nor receives compensation. It does not, in many cases, preclude the payment of expenses—such as per diem, travel allowances, stipends or ....

After all, isn’t that what being “social” is all about?

{ CLICK HERE FOR MORE}

By Richard D. Young

www.ManassasParkCommunityCenter.com

Make a difference, no matter how old you are!

Whether you are young or "not so young", there are many ways to give that are appropriate for you. Age is not the key factor when it comes to giving. Having a caring heart and willingness to make a positive difference are needed. { CLICK HERE } There are many If you can’t organizations that take the “lead” Give... supporting various services.

If you don’t have the funds to support these valiant efforts, perhaps you can volunteer to help.

CERT - Citizens Emergency Response Team. Be better prepared to respond to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster as an auxiliary. { CLICK HERE } SERVE - Helping western Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park, through emergency shelter facilities, food distribution, job skills and life skills training and support. Help our most vulnerable individuals and families in their time of

HELP.

need. { CLICK HERE } Park West Lions Club Charities, Inc. - A group of men and women who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes in the Manassas, Virginia, area and the world community proudly helping those in need through their motto “We Serve.” Check out the Eyeglass Recycling project! { CLICK HERE } The American Red Cross, National Capital Region - With ongoing volunteer opportunities your support is an integral part of carrying out their mission! In our greatest time of need, the ARC is there - see how you can help. { CLICK HERE } Project Mend-A-House - For over 25 years volunteers have assisted seniors, disabled, and lowincome residents of Manassas

Park! From wheel chair accessible ramps to basic home repairs, learn how you can help others in our community. {CLICK HERE } Prince William County SPCA - As an all volunteer organization, the PWCSPCA relies on volunteers to help with protecting domestic animals from cruelty, neglect, and abandonment. { CLICK HERE } CASA of Greater Prince William (Court Appointed Special Advocates)- Become a sworn officer of the court to help protect children that are being abused, neglected or abandoned. If you are interested and want to learn more, { CLICK HERE }

{ CLICK HERE } for volunteering resources

Corner

8

Leading the Snow Removal Charge.

By Larry Copeland, USA TODAY

What does salt brine and snow have in common? If you said Public Works....you are correct! Last winter the Department of Public Works, { CLICK HERE } operating under the leadership of Director Jay Johnson, implemented a new approach to snow and ice removal in the city of Manassas Park. Traditional methods that applied rock salt to the road-

ways were not only costly, but runoff onto vegetation and soil eventually seeps into streams, lakes and rivers, not only killing roadside vegetation but harming aquatic life. Brine, a mixture of rock salt and water, is applied to the surface before precipitation which prevents ice from bonding to the surface. { CLICK HERE FOR MORE }

By Richard Stengel

Nelson Mandela and His 8 Lessons of Leadership No. 4 No. 1 Courage is not the absence of fear — it's inspiring others to move beyond it.

Know your enemy — and learn about his favorite sport.

Leading with

Compassion

Under the direction of Addie Whitaker, the Manassas Park No. 5 Department of Social Services Keep your friends close — and your {CLICK HERE} staff works to rivals even closer. ensure the welfare of our resiNo. 2 No. 6 Lead from the front — but don't Appearances matter — and dents is paramount. Compasleave your base behind. sionately protecting and placing remember to smile.

No. 3 our vulnerable minor populaLead from the back — and let others tion is the hallmark of their ser{ CLICK HERE FOR MORE } believe they are in front. vice. One effort that comes to Fire and Rescue through the Years mind is the ongoing work to facilitate the adoption of chilCheck out this article from VA FIRE NEWS! It’s a dren in need. Helping a child really nice photo album of Manassas Parks find a “forever family” is an apparatus throughout the years; a visual especially rewardhistory of the vehicles used to respond to emergencies over the many decades. We’ve come a ing process the long way! { CLICK HERE } to view the 1967 Seadepartment is grave Open Cab that once ran at Manassas Park. priveldeged to Visit the Fire Department Facebook Page and support. make sure to “like” them here: facebook.com/manassasparkfireandrescue { CLICK HERE }

You Can’t Fake Leadership...

Even in Sports

By Sally Jenkins

So what exactly is that mysterious matic too. It’s not exactly talent, quality called leadership? It’s not either. According to experts, one exactly charisma; it doesn’t hurt that reason we struggle to define it is Tim Tebow gleams like a superhero, because we look at it from the wrong but the worst despots are charis- side up. { CLICK HERE FOR MORE }

{CLICK HERE}