The hustle and bustle of the holiday season are upon us. I’m surprised at how fast it creeps up on us every year. It seems like just yesterday I was writing about the end of the summer swimming pool season, and here we are on turkey day’s doorstep.
This Thanksgiving, as we do each year, will take a break for a holiday and reflect on the many blessings in our lives.
This is my 12th Thanksgiving as the founder and publisher of this news organization, Potomac Local News. I’m grateful for the many people like you, our members, advertisers, and freelance writers I’ve had along the way that have helped me build this business into a product you read and trust each day.
On Thanksgiving, I look forward to spending my day with my family, away from a computer screen. I hope you, too, take some time to enjoy the holiday.
We’ll see you again on Friday.
Oh, and don’t forget about the upcoming Small Business Saturday. So many mom-and-pop merchants in our community need your support to keep the lights shining.
If you’re headed out to support our local merchants this weekend, please share your photos with me so we can share them with everyone else and do our part to support small businesses.
Recent Stories

Every Sunday from May until November, the Dale City Farmer’s Market offered to donate their leftover fresh produce to the North Virginia Food Rescue to help those struggling with hunger.
The Dale City Farmers Market has been serving its local community since 1987. It is one of the largest open-air markets in the area. Their first donation last May was over 3,300 lbs of produce. That single donation provided 2,825 meals to food insecure communities.
Since that time, they have completed 28 food donations totaling nearly 127,000 lbs taken to the food bank by Paxton Van Lines. This provided more than 105,800 fresh meals to those in need.

Miller & Smith announces Cascades at Embrey Mill, is now selling. The age qualified 55+ Active Adult community offers main level living with low- maintenance homes designed for homeowners to enjoy a carefree lifestyle in Stafford, Virginia, near Fredericksburg, Quantico and Washington, D.C. The villa style attached homes at Cascades at Embrey Mill are priced from the upper $400,000s. The Rainier plan is available with and without a walkout lower level delivering three to four bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms and up to 2,800 square feet with a two-car front entry garage. The Rainier plan prioritizes space and flexibility via uninterrupted flow between rooms. Top wish list items such as a primary suite located on the main level, walk-in closets, and optional add-ons such as vaulted ceilings and zero entry primary showers attract prospective buyers. Other add-ons include a screened- in porch, patio and patio with screened-in porch. Buyers who need extra space can select a Rainier with a walkout lower-level plan. A community surrounded by a wealth of natural beauty, the Cascades at Embrey Mill offers residents 10 miles of trails and community gardens, pools, parks, a community café and multiple gathering spaces. An easy connection via I-95 to nearby national hotspots allows residents to live a universally fun and fulfilled life just minutes from home. Prospective buyers are encouraged to visit the newly decorated model home at 247 Smokebush Drive to see the Rainier model firsthand. Contact Debora Flora at 703-300-1333 for information.
Potomac District Community Town Hall
Potomac District community town hall-County officials and Supervisor Bailey will give important updates regarding the happenings in the district relative to transportation, social services, planning, and future projects.
Van Metre 5K Run
Calling all serious runners, occasional joggers, and weekend walkers of all levels! Participate in the 31st Annual Van Metre 5K Run supporting Children’s National Hospital–the event that goes a long way!
Date: Saturday, April 29, 2023
Time: 8:30AM
Location: Broadlands