MANASSAS, Va. – The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative donated 280 tree seedlings to Manassas Park Elementary School fourth graders on April 24, 2014, in recognition of Arbor Day. Principal Stacey R. Mamon and Assistant Principal Melissa Pitts accepted the trees from Donna Snellings, NOVEC public and government relations liaison, and Eddie Bartalos, a NOVEC employee and Manassas Park resident.
“NOVEC has participated in the National Fourth Grade Foresters Program for many years,” stated Snellings. “We’ve given tree seedlings to Manassas Park Elementary fourth graders for three years. We hope our donation will help them learn how trees help to reduce carbon dioxide in the air we breathe.”
Arbor Day, which originated in Nebraska in 1872, encourages individuals and groups to plant and care for trees. NOVEC recognizes Arbor Day as part of its “green” environmental stewardship program.
Melissa Pitts, Manassas Park Elementary School assistant principal, thanked Snellings and said, “This is our first year of all students from third to fifth grade having 70 minutes of STEM [Science, Technology, Engineer, and Mathematics] every day in their curriculum. The donation of the trees is another tool that can be used in the teaching process for the program.”
Snellings said NOVEC hopes the students will “gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and benefits of nature all around us.”
Manassas Park Elementary School earned a LEED — Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — Gold designation in 2010. According to the Green Building Council, a LEED certification, “demonstrates leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.” For a building built in 2009 to earn the LEED designation, it had to satisfy all LEED prerequisites and earn a minimum of 40 points on a 100-point rating system scale. To earn a Gold certification, the school had to earn 60-79 points.
Recent Stories
Police are investigating after an 18-year-old man was fatally struck by a train early Friday morning near Manassas Drive.
Potomac Local News is giving away free tickets to one of the most powerful shows of the summer—Next to Normal at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts—and entering is as simple as filling out a form.
This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rambler in Fauquier County just saw a price reduction and is ready to welcome new owners looking for peaceful country living with modern comforts.
Fireworks will light up the sky over Garrison Park this Sunday as the Town of Dumfries hosts its annual Independence Fireworks Show.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
