Fairfax - Page 2 of 12 - Potomac Local News

Workhouse Arts Center Collaborates with OAR NOVA for Annual Toy Drive

Published December 5, 2024 at 9:09PM

The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, is hosting its Annual Toy Drive in partnership with OAR NOVA to support local families affected by the criminal justice system. Running through December 8, the community is encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys at drop-off locations across the Workhouse campus. The drive aims to bring holiday joy while emphasizing the center’s commitment to creativity, compassion, and community engagement. For more information, visit the Workhouse Arts Center’s website.

Press Release:

‘From Darkness to Light’ Holiday Concert is Gainesville Choir’s Largest Yet

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published November 20, 2024 at 8:44AM

Gainesville Community Choir (GCC) will perform a collaborative concert this winter entitled “From Darkness to Light” featuring Dan Forrest’s LUX: the Dawn from On High and other songs for the season with Fairfax Choral Society. Performances will take place at Grace United Methodist Church in Manassas on Friday, December 6, and Annandale United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 7, both concerts starting at 7:30 p.m. This highly anticipated concert will feature over 200 musicians, making it the largest group of singers ever amassed by the Gainesville-based group.

Since its formation in 2013, GCC has always been committed to its mission to enrich, educate, and entertain through intentional community-building and developing and supporting musical excellence. Gainesville Community Choir was honored to receive the Seefeldt Award for Outstanding Arts Organization in 2023. In addition to that distinction, conductor and co-founder Jacob Lash recently received the 2024 Seefeldt Award for Outstanding Arts Educator. GCC’s Board of Directors believes that both vocal technique and expression are essential to achieving this mission. Rehearsals incorporate lessons in vocal technique and music literacy, and the choir strives to thoughtfully impact the hearts and souls of audiences and the surrounding communities through their performances.

Cox Farms in Centreville Seeks Anti-Trump Messages for Roadside Marquee

By Potomac Local News

Published November 8, 2024 at 9:29AM

Cox Farms, a staple of Fairfax County’s fall festivities, has sparked conversations once again – not for its famous pumpkin patch, but for the witty political messages it displays on its roadside marquee. The farm, known for taking a clear stance against President-Elect Donald Trump, has become a local landmark for seasonal fun and its outspoken signage.

The popular Centreville farm, which recently wrapped up its fall season on November 5, is seeking input from the community to help keep its marquee fresh with new anti-Trump messages. Known as a “Never Trump” farm, Cox Farms’ previous signs have included statements like, “OMG SO EMBARRASSING,” “EW CRINGE,” “WE NEVER LIKED HIM,” and “WE’RE NOT MAD, WE’RE DISAPPOINTED (AND AFRAID).”

Congressman Gerry Connolly Diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer Following Election Victory

By Potomac Local News

Published November 7, 2024 at 10:00AM

Just days after securing another ninth term in Congress, Representative Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly revealed he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The diagnosis came as a surprise to Connolly, who noted he had experienced only mild, intermittent abdominal aches and pains with no major symptoms. He shared the news in a heartfelt message to constituents, explaining his treatment plan, which includes chemotherapy and immunotherapy, set to begin immediately.

Connolly, a Democrat representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, won his November 5 election with a decisive 66.5% of the vote, totaling 250,962 ballots in his favor. His opponent, Republican Mike L. Van Meter, garnered 33.06% of the vote, with 124,780 votes. This victory marks another term for Connolly, who has been a prominent advocate for the people of Northern Virginia.

Hayfield High School Football Banned from 2024 and 2025 Playoffs Amid Recruitment Probe

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published November 5, 2024 at 8:30AM

“The Virginia High School League has banned Hayfield High School’s football team from the 2024 and 2025 postseasons, according to a source deeply familiar with the situation,” reports InsideNova.

Hayfield High School’s football team was previously investigated for possible recruitment violations. Fairfax County Schools found no violations occurred, but the Virginia High School League has the authority to complete its own investigation.

Scheduled Lane Closures for Route 28 in Centreville

By Dalila Conde

Published November 5, 2024 at 7:12AM

[Photo: Virginia Department of Transportation on Facebook]

Three left lanes will close starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, leaving two right lanes open. By 11 a.m. Sunday, an additional lane will reopen, allowing three lanes of traffic. The ramp from I-66 East to Route 28 North will also be limited to a single lane.

All lanes are expected to reopen by 7 p.m. Sunday, though the schedule may change due to weather. For updates, visit the project website or follow @VaDOTNOVA on X.

Updated: OmniRide Plans New Front Royal Commuter Service on I-66 Corridor, Eliminating Gainesville-Reston Route

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 30, 2024 at 2:00PM | Updated October 5, 2024 at 2:57PM

Updated 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 — In a significant shift aimed at enhancing commuter services along the I-66 corridor, the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) has approved a plan to introduce new state-funded bus routes and eliminate the underused Gainesville-Reston commuter bus route 618. This decision comes after thorough studies identified the need for expanded services and better resource utilization.

The new routes, proposed to serve Front Royal and Warrenton, are designed to support the recently expanded I-66 express lanes and introduce new commuting options for residents. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Long-Distance Commuter Bus Study and the Shenandoah County Public Transit Feasibility Study identified these routes as necessary.

Fairfax Schools Finish Investigation of Hayfield High School Football Recruiting Scandal

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 29, 2024 at 1:30PM | Updated August 29, 2024 at 9:42PM

Fairfax County Public Schools has completed its investigation into allegations of recruitment violations and retaliatory practices by Daryl Overton, Head Football Coach at Hayfield High School in Fairfax.

“A two-month investigation found Hayfield High School’s football program did nothing wrong regarding transfers and eligibility. Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid announced the findings of the investigation Tuesday night,” reports InsideNova.

Workhouse Haunt Returns with Twisted Tales of Terror This Halloween Season

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 22, 2024 at 8:00AM | Updated August 22, 2024 at 1:57PM

The Workhouse Haunt returns for its 11th season, featuring the theme “Twisted Tales of Terror” with a creepy outdoor trail and live-action scenes of classic fairy tales gone wrong. Running from October 4 to November 2, the event includes Halloween-themed entertainment, food, and drinks, with tickets starting at $25 per person and special sensory-friendly trail times on October 20.

Press release:

Update on Ft. Belvoir Security Changes: Share Your Experiences

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 7, 2024 at 8:51PM

Fort Belvoir has updated its gate access control policies, introducing new measures for deliveries, identification requirements, and visitor passes. These changes aim to enhance security and streamline entry procedures for various groups.

Have you been affected by the recent changes at Fort Belvoir? Share your experiences with us.