Features - Potomac Local News

Riverside Center’s White Christmas Brings the Holiday Spirit Home

Published November 13, 2025 at 3:43PM | Updated November 13, 2025 at 4:29PM

Martha Watson (played by Kathy Halenda), Judy Haynes (played by Sarah Mae Andersen), and Phil Davis (played by Jordan Thomas Burnett) share a festive moment in *Irving Berlin’s White Christmas* at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg. [Suzanne Carr Rossi]

When my wife and I walked into the lobby, the holiday spirit hit us right away. The halls are decked, a big Christmas tree shines in the center, and the sound of carols fills the room. As we sat down to dinner, she looked around and said, “This just feels like Christmas.” And she was right — it did.

If you’ve seen the 1954 movie, you’ll recognize the story. Bob Wallace and Phil Davis are Army buddies turned entertainers who cross paths with the Haynes sisters, Betty and Judy. There’s romance, comedy, and plenty of old-fashioned charm as the two acts head north to put on a show — and maybe fall in love along the way.

Downtown Fredericksburg Welcomes the Holidays With Lights, Music, and Family Fun

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 12, 2025 at 9:54AM

“The most magical & festive time of the year is here in Downtown Fredericksburg!” Fredericksburg Main Street announced. “From twinkling lights to festive events and family fun, there’s something for everyone in downtown Fredericksburg.”

The holiday season kicks off November 15 and 16 with the Holiday Open House Weekend, featuring festive shop specials, holiday treats, and the start of the Window Wonderland Riddle Contest. The Fredericksburg Tree Lighting follows on Saturday, November 15, at 4 p.m. in Riverfront Park, with live performances, food vendors, and photos with Santa.

Spotsylvania Teen Honored with National Young Marines Award in Washington, D.C.

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 11, 2025 at 4:35PM

“Young Marine Sgt. Clevenger represents the very best of today’s youth,” Col. William P. Davis, USMC (Ret.), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines, said. “She combines humility with drive, leadership with compassion, and discipline with service. Faith has made her family, her unit, and the entire Young Marines organization proud.”

“As a proud member of the Young Marines, I’ve grown not only in self-discipline and leadership, but also in my ability to serve others through storytelling and design,” said Sgt. Faith Clevenger of Spotsylvania. “These experiences have shaped my passion for communication and creative service—skills I hope to carry forward into my professional journey.”

House of Mercy Hosts Annual “Stuff the Truck” Toy Drive in Manassas on November 15

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 11, 2025 at 4:14PM

“Grow Your Own Vegetable Garden” free class will be at House of Mercy Tuesday November 17, 7-9pm. You must register for this class. Dinner will be served.

“Join us for the annual Stuff the Truck Toy Drive and help bring the magic of Christmas to life!” House of Mercy announced. “Your donation of a new, unwrapped toy makes a meaningful impact, ensuring a happy holiday for a child in need.”

The event supports the organization’s Christmas with Mercy program, which last year provided more than 6,000 new toys to over 1,300 local children. This year’s drive is a simple, drive-up, drop-off event taking place Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8170 Flannery Court in Manassas.

Germanna Students Provide Free Dental Care at Piedmont Smiles Mission of Mercy

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 9, 2025 at 9:33AM

“We’re so proud of our Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene students who joined faculty members Stephanie Bettis and Ariyana Canty to provide patient care at this year’s Piedmont Smiles Mission of Mercy project,” Germanna Community College shared. “Together with volunteers statewide, they helped deliver 1,311 procedures for 259 patients—totaling more than $122,000 in free dental care.”

Piedmont Smiles held its fourth annual free dental clinic on October 18, 2025, at Liberty High School in Bealeton, providing essential services such as cleanings, extractions, and X-rays to more than 280 patients. The event is organized through a partnership among the Virginia Dental Association Foundation’s Missions of Mercy program, the Fauquier Free Clinic, and community volunteers.

Prince William Little Theatre brings “It’s a Wonderful Life” to life as a 1940s radio play this December

By Potomac Local News

Published November 7, 2025 at 3:00PM | Updated November 7, 2025 at 11:49PM

The Prince William Little Theatre will bring one of America’s most cherished Christmas stories to the stage this December — not as a traditional play, but as a live 1940s-style radio broadcast.

From December 12 through 21, 2025, audiences at the Gregory Family Theater inside the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas will step back in time for It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry. The show reimagines Frank Capra’s beloved holiday classic through the lens of a vintage radio studio, complete with actors at standing microphones, an “On Air” sign, and a live Foley artist creating real-time sound effects.

Virginia State Parks Launch Ranger Conservation Corps Internship Program

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 6, 2025 at 1:56PM

Life in the Dark: Widewater State Park (via Tour Stafford VA)

“This program is an investment in the future of Virginia State Parks and in the people who will carry forward our commitment to conservation, recreation and education,” Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker said. “Ranger Conservation Corps will prepare the next generation of leaders while positively benefiting our parks and visitors.”

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Virginia State Parks announced the creation of the Ranger Conservation Corps (RCC), a new internship program designed to build career pathways in outdoor recreation and conservation while strengthening park operations across the commonwealth. The program combines elements from past successful initiatives — the Virginia Service and Conservation Corps and the Park Ranger Career Development Program — offering immersive, hands-on training across multiple park operations and career tracks.

Central Rappahannock Regional Library Hosts Ninth Annual Rappahannock Writers’ Conference

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 6, 2025 at 8:13AM

“The conference will feature keynote speeches from Austin S. Camacho, author of the Hannibal Jones mystery series and the Stark & O’Brien adventure series, and New York Times-bestselling author and Emmy and Writer’s Guild of America-nominated writer-producer Tom Straw,” Central Rappahannock Regional Library announced.

The daylong event will be held Saturday, November 8, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Germanna Community College’s Fredericksburg Area Campus, Workforce and Technology Center. Sessions will include “Books and Beasties,” “Why Your Second Draft Should Be the First Time You Start to Self-Edit,” and “The Intersection of Fiction and Nonfiction—How to Blend Genres and Keep Readers Hooked.”

Downtown Manassas Gears Up for Final First Friday of the Year

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 5, 2025 at 9:49PM

Downtown Manassas

“The final First Friday of the year is happening this Friday, November 7, from 6 to 9 p.m.,” the City of Manassas announced. “The forecast looks great, with daytime highs in the mid-60s and evening temps settling into the 50s—pretty comfortable for November.”

The night will feature live music across Old Town, including The Reflex at Sinistral Brewing Company, the Josh Allen Band at Monza, DJ Shon Washington at Studio Luxe and The City, and Cracked Sky at CJ Finz. Grupo Quimbao performs at Mariachis Tequileria & Restaurant, while Grounds Central Station hosts a patio bar. Visitors can also check out Artpalooza at Old Towne Man Cave and try their hand at Axe Addicts. Most shops will stay open late for the celebration.

“White Christmas” Opens Today at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 5, 2025 at 2:13PM

The holiday season has arrived early at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, where Irving Berlin’s White Christmas opens today!

This beloved holiday musical follows veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, a successful song-and-dance duo after World War II. When they meet a pair of talented singing sisters, Betty and Judy Haynes, romance and comedy ensue as the group travels to Vermont to perform a Christmas show. The twist? The inn hosting their holiday spectacular is owned by the men’s former army commander.