Madina Habib, Author at Potomac Local News

Occoquan announces free fall shuttle service

Published August 23, 2023 at 9:46AM

Town of Occoquan: “The Town of Occoquan announces free shuttle service into the historic district, Saturdays this fall beginning September 2 and running through December 16, 2023. This free service runs from the VDOT lot on Route 123 & Old Bridge Road and drops off at Mamie Davis Park in historic Occoquan, Saturdays, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.”

“To catch the shuttle, park at the Old Bridge VDOT commuter lot, located at 1325 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge. Then catch the shuttle at the VDOT bus shelter.”

News

Airport exhibit to feature Tuskegee Airmen Plane

By Madina Habib

Published August 21, 2023 at 9:53AM

The visual exhibit will be featured at the Manassas Regional Airport from Aug. 22-27: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The free RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit features a fully functional mobile theater that shows two original short films telling the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASP, and the obstacles they both overcame to be able to serve their country during WWII.”

Features

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation breaks ground on Semper Fidelis Memorial Park Pavilion

By Madina Habib

Published August 15, 2023 at 8:16AM

Rendering of the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park Memorial Pavilion

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation: “The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation has begun construction work on the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park Pavilion, part of the expansion of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, adjoining the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia.”

“The pavilion is part of a larger enhancement of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, scheduled to be finished in Spring 2024. When completed, the Park will feature 17 additional memorial locations, three new rally points, a new memorial wall for unit plaques, space for over 22,000 new commemorative bricks to be placed along with pathway, and almost another mile of ADA compliant pathways for visitors.”

Health

Sentara donates $25,000 to PWCCF Back-to-School Event

By Madina Habib

Published August 8, 2023 at 10:14AM

Photo: L to R: Valerie Keane, Vice President of Operations at SNVMC; Dr. Alice Tang, SNVMC Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Vanessa Gattis, President of PWCCF; Christy Grabus, SNVMC Chief Nursing Officer; Michele Eckhardt, SNVMC Physician and Community Relations.

Sentara Health: “Sentara Health is a sponsor of the Prince William County Community Foundation’s (PWCCF) 2023 Back-to-School Community Event, contributing $25,000 through its Sentara Cares initiative.”

The 2022 Back-to-School Community Event drew more than 2,500 community members with over 40 sponsors. The event distributed 1,000 backpacks, 400 food boxes, and countless resources from community partners to families in Prince William County. PWCCF expects this year’s event to reach even more community members.

Quantico

U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters join Summer Concert Series

By Madina Habib

Published August 3, 2023 at 7:00AM

Photo: The National Museum of the Marine Corps Facebook page

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation: “The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation announces the addition of the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, the Navy’s official Chorus, to its Summer Concert series.”

”The Sea Chanters will perform on August 10 at 7 p.m. on the outdoor plaza at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia. The chorus performs traditional choral music, sea chanteys, patriotic fare, opera, Broadway and contemporary music.”

Politics

Woodbridge candidate claims votes were manipulated in election

By Madina Habib

Published July 31, 2023 at 7:00AM

InsideNova: “An unsuccessful candidate in the 19th District House of Delegates primary claims the results were illegitimate and has asked that Democratic leaders nominate her instead, a move that party operatives say they’re legally unable to do.”

“Woodbridge resident and former FBI employee Makya Little lost her party’s nomination to Prince William County Historical Commission member and Woodbridge native Rozia Henson by 49 votes.”

Features

‘Heron’s Haven’ wins Occoquan ‘Name the Island’ contest

By Madina Habib

Published July 27, 2023 at 8:50AM

Young herons like this one are frequently seen at Occoquan Bay. (Photo: Bob Blakney)

Town of Occoquan: “Congratulations to Tom and Mary Craig, whose submission “Heron’s Haven” was selected by the Occoquan Town Council from more than forty entries submitted in the inaugural “Name the Island” contest held during Occoquan’s Riverfest and Craft Show in June.”

“The contest, which will be held annually at Riverfest, asked participants to submit a name for the island adjacent to the Route 123 bridge that sits on the remains of a dike built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1893. A sign will be placed on the island designating it as “Heron’s Haven” and displaying Tom and Mary’s names through June 30, 2024.”

News

Stafford County places nationally for best technology practices

By Madina Habib

Published July 25, 2023 at 7:00AM

A student uses a laptop computer [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

“The survey, developed in partnership with the National Association of Counties and conducted by the Center for Digital Government, identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline the delivery of government services: provide data analytics to allow decisions based on performance and outcomes; enhance cybersecurity; and apply innovative and emerging technologies to county priorities.”

“Stafford gained recognition for its Virginia Smart Community Testbed, which houses developing technologies for the commonwealth. These developments include Internet of Things platforms that will fully integrate with 5G and other new and emerging technologies for smart cities.”

Schools

Fredericksburg homeschool group earns top awards for teen-related traffic crash and fatality prevention efforts

By Madina Habib

Published July 24, 2023 at 10:55AM

Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety: “REACH Homeschool in Fredericksburg was among the 21 award winners recognized during the annual Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO) Awards Banquet held Saturday night, July 15, at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg”

“REACH Homeschool was presented two awards for their efforts to prevent teen driver-related crashes, fatalities, and injuries. A student from REACH and the YOVASO club sponsor, were also recognized for their ongoing support of YOVASO and youth traffic safety initiatives.”

Prince William

Prince William ranked first in Digital Counties survey

By Madina Habib

Published July 24, 2023 at 10:54AM

[Photo by John Tuesday on Unsplash]

“The annual award recognizes a distinguished group of counties that have worked hard to improve their digital, citizen and government experience through technology and leadership, and is sponsored by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo). The county won second place in 2022 and third place in 2021.”

“Prince William County earned first place this year by demonstrating a continued commitment to delivering technology services that are tightly aligned with the county’s seven strategic goals.”