I’ve learned that former Council Member Bob Oliver has passed away last evening, July 26, 2011.  I did get to know Mr. Oliver somewhat before my election.  We didn’t run for election at the same time, he was retiring when I first ran for office.  He and I chatted at some length about Council, politics and the like.  I know that he was on Finance and I believe usually handled some pretty tough parts of the budget.  I liked the guy, he was very helpful to me early in my Council service and, maybe more telling, was liked and held in high regard by just about everyone that I respect.

The viewing will take place on Monday August 1, 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Pierce Funeral Home on Center St, Manassas. The funeral mass is on Tuesday August 2, 10am at All Saints Church in Manassas. Following the mass, his burial will be at 12 noon at Quantico National Cemetery, and then the reception will be held in Gainesville at the Heritage Hunt Clubhouse.

OK, one of the biggest questions I’ve been getting has to do with the road closures and event info for the 150th commemeration.  Here is the best info I’ve got:

GIS maps (really good) http://www.manassascity.org/index.aspx?NID=1098#Sesquicentennial Scroll down a little to see them.

Calendar of all events:  http://manassascivilwar.org/planned-events-details

Map of all events:  http://files.manassascivilwar.org/150_Map.pdf

Traffic and Parking Plan:  http://files.manassascivilwar.org/Road-Closures.pdf

Candy Factory events:  http://media.center-for-the-arts.org/events/viewevent.aspx?id=7151

Yep, this is going to be a bit challenging but be cool (haha, it’s going to be hot!) and enjoy it.  I think it’s going to be one of the best things to come to town in a long time!