(By Randi Reid, Editor and Publisher, Bull Run Observer)

The Bull Run Observer, western Prince William County’s hometown newspaper and a charter member of the NBA, began its fourth year of publication in August. According to Ms. Reid, the newspaper strives for a positively-focused hometown flavor.

"Everyone tells us they love the Bull Run Observer and read it from cover to cover. People have a need to be connected, and the newspaper’s goal is to help preserve and enhance the feeling of being part of a community as the area grows. Everyone needs to know about the different things going on in their neighborhoods and nearby."

NBA’s projects have sparked a number of interesting stories in the newspaper, including the distinctive Christmas cards, logo shirt sales, the first business directory in 2001, the new Nokesville sign, and the first summer concerts in the park. In addition, the newspaper provides expansive coverage of Nokesville Day; Ms. Reid was the 2001 Nokesville Day Citizen of the Year.

The Bull Run Observer is a sponsor of the second Western Prince William County Farm Tour (September 28-29). The first was such a great experience that several Nokesville area farms are participating again to highlight the importance of farms in the community.

Says Ms. Reid, "The staff can’t be everywhere or know everything, so we depend on our readers to be our eyes and ears in the community." NBA members Tom Basham (President) and Dona Swanson (Secretary), as well as Dorothy Slaga have been especially helpful as community resources. The newspaper is very pleased to have Nokesville residents Genny Nulty, Liliane Vaught and Gail Williams as staff writers, she says.

The Bull Run Observer is mailed free twice a month to 18,2000 homes and post office boxes in its circulation area: Nokesville, the Linton Hall corridor of Bristow, Broad Run, Gainesville, Hay,arket, Catharpin, New Baltimore and Sudley Springs area.