The National Wildlife Federation and EcoSchools U.S. awarded Forest Park High School the Green Flag, making it the first school in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) to receive this prestigious recognition. The award highlights the schoolâs commitment to sustainability education and promoting positive environmental change within the community.
For Ashley Tayon, the schoolâs sustainability coordinator, and her students, the Green Flag was the main goal for the year. âIt was truly an honor to be part of the new sustainability movement within PWCS,â Tayon stated in a press release, adding that the achievement was a collaborative effort among students, staff, and community partners. Their initiatives included collecting data, developing action plans, and diverting 1,600 pounds of waste from landfills.
Melinda Landry, sustainability coordinator for PWCS, praised Forest Park for piloting the EcoSchools program. âTheir students actively addressed local environmental challenges and underscored their efforts by also winning first place at the PWCS Student Environmental Action Showcase,â Landry said. Looking ahead, the Forest Park team plans to create an outdoor classroom, establish a garden and greenhouse, and launch a mentorship program called âForest Friendsâ to help other schools pursue their own Green Flag awards.
Meanwhile, Battlefield, Charles J. Colgan Sr., Gainesville, and Gar-Field High Schools were named 2024-25 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools. This national honor celebrates their commitment to rigorous STEM programs that unlock student potential.
âThis recognition properly belongs to our PLTW engineering students, who unfailingly apply themselves to the toughest challenges,â said John Ruf, PLTW lead teacher at Gar-Field High. To earn the distinction, schools must offer at least three PLTW courses and meet participation benchmarks that show strong student engagement in STEM learning.
These accomplishments reflect PWCSâs broader efforts to provide high-quality, future-focused education, preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. More than 6,000 schools nationwide participate in the EcoSchools U.S. program, and millions of students benefit from PLTWâs hands-on learning.
Nestled in the heart of Stafford, Zibibbo 73 Trattoria Italiana & Bar brings the essence of Italy to Northern Virginia. With its warm ambiance and delectable menu, it's the perfect spot for couples seeking a cozy and intimate dining experience.
đœïž Three-Course Menu Suggestion
Starter:
Fried Calamari
Lightly battered and fried to perfection, these tender calamari rings are served with a zesty marinara sauce, offering a delightful start to your meal.
Main Course:
Chicken Marsala
Succulent chicken breasts sautéed with mushrooms in a rich Marsala wine sauce, served over a bed of al dente pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Dessert:
Limoncello Cake
A moist and tangy lemon cake infused with Limoncello liqueur, providing a sweet and refreshing end to your dining experience.
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Abigail Huser, a life science teacher and department lead at Metz Middle School, has been named Manassas City Public Schoolsâ 2025 Washington Post Teacher of the Year. Known for her energy, leadership, and dedication, Huser is being recognized for going the extra mile to support studentsâ academic and personal growth.
Huser joined MCPS in 2022 and quickly became a mentor, coach, and instructional leader. From translating lessons for multilingual learners to coaching the volleyball team, she brings creativity and heart to everything she does. Metz Principal Juliet Finnegan called her âthe teacher every student hopes to have,â praising her ability to create a classroom culture rooted in curiosity and respect.
Her impact was on full display during a recent school math event, where students showcased their math skills in interactive ways. A crowd favorite was Dash the Robot, which helped students explore coding through hands-on programming activities. The school community turned out in force, with staff, families, and volunteers all contributing to the eventâs success.
âSheâs more than just a teacherâsheâs a role model who empowers students and builds lasting connections,â said a parent of one of Huserâs students. Former students echoed that praise, calling her classes fun, engaging, and a safe space to learn and grow.
Huser was one of 13 finalists from the region considered for the prestigious Washington Post honor.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. â A troubling cluster of discarded tires was recently found lodged on a sandbar near channel marker 15, just downstream from the Route 1 bridge over the Occoquan River.
Local residents and longtime conservation advocates K.P. and Myra Lau, co-founders of the Belmont Bay Paddlers (BBP), a kayak club that has been organizing river cleanups since 2015, made the discovery.
âPreviously, we found them along the southern bank from the railway bridge to this same spot,â said K.P., who helped coordinate the most recent cleanup. âThe location hasnât changed muchâitâs just as concerning now as it was then.â
Most of the tires appear to be from commercial vehicles. âThere were a few smaller ones, but the size and number indicate illegal commercial dumping,â K.P. said, noting that the tires included both truck and standard car sizes.
While Prince William County officials have expressed interest in the issue, local action has been limited. K.P. said Supervisor Victor Angry voiced support for installing surveillance cameras on the Route 1 bridge but acknowledged that someone would need to spearhead the effort for it to move forward.
In the meantime, BBP continues to partner with the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District. After retrieving the tires, the group contacts Veronica Tangiri, who coordinates tire disposal through the countyâs Adopt-A-Stream Program.
Although the Laus are no longer formally managing the BBP organization, they still lead biannual cleanup efforts. âWe used to have crews of kayakers go out, but this year Myra and I just did it ourselves once we realized how many tires were out there,â K.P. said. He added that cleanups often coincide with broader neighborhood events to reinforce the message that trash on land eventually ends up in the river.
K.P. calls for increased public awareness and visible warnings to deter future dumping. âSigns that say âNo Tire Dumpingâ and the possibility of tracking tire serial numbers might make people think twice,â he said. âEnforcement existsâitâs a Class I misdemeanorâbut awareness and visibility are key.â
Emmanuel Nwokeabia, a 2024 graduate of GMUâs Costello College of Business, took home the $13,000 top prize at this yearâs Patriot Pitch Competition for his startup, Viralbite. His platform connects content creatorsâespecially those who already post food photosâwith restaurants looking to promote their dishes. Instead of relying on follower count, Viralbite rewards users based on actual engagement.
âWhat sparked the idea was seeing how hard it is for influencers to earn from their content, while restaurants pay heavily for photos and videos,â Nwokeabia said. âI thought, what if we connect the two in a way that benefits both?â
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WOODBRIDGE, Va. â Get ready to show your support as police officers and Special Olympians take part in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in Prince William County.
The event will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Participants will gather at the Charlie T. Deane Central District Station, located at 5036 Davis Ford Road in Woodbridge, to kick off the six-mile run. The torch, symbolizing the start of the Special Olympics Summer Games in Richmond, begins its journey in Arlington and is carried by law enforcement and Special Olympians across the state.
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Step into a slice of the Mediterranean right here in Historic Downtown Manassas. Katerinaâs Greek Cuisine offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where authentic Greek flavors and family traditions come together to create a dining experience that feels both elevated and homey. Whether itâs your first visit or your fiftieth, every bite promises to transport you to a coastal taverna in Greece.
A Taste of Greece: Three-Course Date Night Menu
Starter
Dolmades â Grape leaves delicately stuffed with a savory mix of rice, herbs, and lemon, served warm with a side of creamy avgolemono sauce. A perfect balance of tangy and comforting.
Main Course
Lamb Souvlaki â Tender, marinated lamb skewers grilled to perfection, served with fluffy pita, tzatziki, and a side of lemon potatoes. Smoky, juicy, and full of robust Mediterranean spices.
Dessert
Baklava â Flaky layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and drenched in a honey-cinnamon syrup. A sweet, sticky finish youâll be dreaming about on the ride home.
Ambiance & Experience
Katerinaâs sets the tone with warm lighting, rustic dĂ©cor, and the gentle hum of Mediterranean music. The dining room is intimate yet lively â perfect for sharing stories over mezze and wine. The walls are adorned with nods to Greek culture, while the kitchen sends out waves of olive oil, garlic, and lemon that awaken the senses. Outdoor patio seating is available when weather permits, adding to the charming small-town atmosphere.
Reservation & Visitor Info
9212 Center Street, Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 361-4976
Dress Code: Smart casual
Pro Tip: Arrive a little early to explore the quaint shops along Center Street before dinner â or grab a post-dinner stroll for the full romantic effect.
Share Your Experience
Fell in love with the baklava? Snapped a cozy table-for-two selfie? Share your evening at Katerinaâs using #DateNightSpotlight â and let us know in the comments which dish made your night unforgettable.
MANASSAS PARK, Va. â Teens with a flair for cooking can spice up their summer at the Manassas Park Community Centerâs Chopped Teen Summer Camp. đł
Open to ages 13â17, this weeklong camp immerses participants in the culinary arts, teaching them to prepare budget-friendly meals, experiment with diverse flavors, and compete in a “Chopped Challenge” inspired by the popular TV show. Campers will work in teams to tackle mystery ingredient baskets, honing their creativity and kitchen skills.
The camp is part of the Community Centerâs broader summer program lineup, which includes field trips, arts, and sports activities. Teen camps also feature outings to local attractions like museums and water parks.
Manassas Park Community Center
Registration is now open, and spots are limited. To enroll, visit the Manassas Park Community Centerâs summer camps page or stop by the center at 99 Adams Street. For questions, call 703-335-8872.
MANASSAS, Va. â Actors Theatre at the ARTfactory is bringing high-energy comedy to the stage this summer with Lend Me a Soprano, a fast-paced farce by acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig. The show runs from June 13 to 22 at the Wind River Theatre in downtown Manassas.
This gender-swapped take on Tony Ludwigâs Lend Me a Tenor, directed by Vince Worthington, is set in 1934 at the fictional Cleveland Grand Opera Company. Audiences can expect a night full of backstage mayhem as the characters scramble to save a performance of Carmen when their star soprano arrives late, a jealous husband crashes the scene, and a young assistant must think on her feet to prevent a disaster.
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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. â Prince William County Parks & Recreation is inviting residents to get outside â both to enjoy free summer fun and to help shape the future of the countyâs trails and blueways system.
On Thursday, May 29, the department will host a Countywide Trails Planning Charette from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center (14715 Bristow Rd, Manassas). The interactive public meeting is the first step in updating the Countywide Trails Master Plan, and outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to weigh in on what connections the county should prioritize. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, or paddling, this is your chance to help expand and improve local trails and water access.
Prince William Countyâs trail network includes more than 100 miles of paved and natural surface trails spread across over 50 parks and natural areas. The system includes popular routes like the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk and the Broad Run trail network, offering everything from scenic views and wildlife spotting to fitness and commuter paths. The countyâs âbluewaysâ â water trails for kayaking and canoeing â are also an important part of the outdoor experience, especially along the Occoquan and Potomac rivers.
