Features - Page 13 of 130 - Potomac Local News

‘Virginia, I’m Home’: Emily Woodhull’s Path From DC to Fredericksburg’s Music Scene

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published February 6, 2025 at 10:30AM | Updated February 11, 2025 at 8:06AM

Emily Woodhull

A journey from DC’s Capitol Hill to Shenandoah’s mountains led Emily Woodhull to Fredericksburg’s music scene.

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Hoofs on the Ground: Inside the Prince William Mounted Patrol Unit

By Aya Karouane

Published February 3, 2025 at 8:58AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:26AM

Tristan and Dylan Nicolson of Woodbridge get a chance to pet horses from the Prince William County Police Mounted Unit. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

The Prince William Mounted Patrol Unit has become a fixture within the police department. Serving on horseback, they go where regular officers cannot.

We spoke with Sergeant Jeramy Ramos, one of the officers on the Mounted Patrol Unit, to learn more about their role within the community.

The Mounted Patrol Unit was established in 2006 as a part-time unit. Taking inspiration from a similar unit within Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, the mounted patrol unit, the Prince William Police Department partnered with the National Parks Service at the Manassas National Battlefield Park to load the horses.

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Kings Dominion Scraps WinterFest for 2025, Sparks Backlash from Season Pass Holders

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 29, 2025 at 9:36PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:50AM

[Photo: Kings Dominion]

Kings Dominion, the popular amusement park near Richmond, has announced that it will not be hosting its annual Winterfest event for 2025, despite earlier assurances to season pass holders. WinterFest, a festive holiday event that traditionally featured a dazzling light show, live performances, a petting zoo, and the opportunity to ride the park’s signature roller coasters, has been a seasonal favorite for years.

The cancellation, confirmed by WWBT-TV, comes after the event mysteriously did not appear on the park’s annual event schedule, which was released on Wednesday, January 29. Initially, Kings Dominion promised that admission to WinterFest would be included with the purchase of a 2025 season pass. The sudden absence of the event raised concerns among fans, prompting the park to address the matter publicly.

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White Belt Graduation Ceremony Marks Milestone for Children in Healthy Kid Initiative

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 23, 2025 at 8:21AM | Updated January 23, 2025 at 11:33AM

The Fourth Wish Foundation will hold a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.

The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundation’s “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.

Behind the Scenes of Heartbreak Hotel at Riverside Theater | Meet the Stars of Elvis’s Story

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 4:00PM | Updated January 25, 2025 at 11:20AM

Step into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with Riverside Theater’s electrifying production of “Heartbreak Hotel.” Featuring Elliott Litherland as “Old Elvis” and Luke Purcell as “Teen Elvis,” this high-energy show will have you singing, dancing, and cheering all night long.

Goolrick Pool Reopens After Extensive Renovation at UMW

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:52AM | Updated January 25, 2025 at 11:21AM

The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has reopened Goolrick Pool for the spring 2025 semester following a six-month, $1.5 million renovation. The upgraded facility, which first opened in 1969, now boasts modern features designed to enhance functionality and extend the life of the historic pool.

The reopening came just in time for the Eagles’ first home varsity swim meet of the season on Saturday, Jan. 18, which was also Senior Day.

“The primary focus has been on improving and extending the life of our historic facility,” said UMW Aquatics Coordinator and Pool Operator Kyle Diederich, a senior on the men’s swim and dive team. “It has long been a place of opportunity, potential and excitement for those who use it. With this renovation, Goolrick Pool has been transformed into a modernized and improved aquatic facility, continuing to serve its purpose for current and future generations of UMW students and the local community.”

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Students speak on fulfilling ‘the promise of democracy’ at MLK Day event

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 9:59AM

Prince William Times – “Ahead of what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 96th birthday, local middle and high school students delivered speeches Saturday that urged Americans to “fulfill the promise of democracy.”

Inspired by King’s writings, six students spoke about what the promise of democracy means to them during the 40th anniversary of the annual MLK Day event, which was held this year at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Triangle.

The event, hosted by the Prince William County alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, is an annual tradition that again drew a crowd in the hundreds.”

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Riverside Brings the King to Life with ‘Heartbreak Hotel’

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 20, 2025 at 9:14PM | Updated January 25, 2025 at 11:21AM

Photo: Suzanne Carr-Rossi

This winter, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is rockin’ with the sounds of Elvis Presley as the high-energy bio-musical Heartbreak Hotel takes the stage.

Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.

Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.

In a recent interview, Elliot Litherland, who portrays the older Elvis Presley, and Luke Purcell, playing teen Elvis, opened up about their unique experiences bringing the King of Rock and Roll to life on the Riverside Center stage.
Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.

Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.

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From Doubts to Riches: Spotsylvania Family Celebrates $10,000 PCH Win

By Mike Salmon

Published January 20, 2025 at 10:16AM

The initial surprise at the door. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

It was a typical morning at the Hansen household in Spotsylvania County until a black SUV pulled up. Howie Guja from Publishers Clearing House jumped out with an oversized check and bottle of champagne destined for Shelly Hansen, the sweepstakes’ newest winner.

“I saw on the Ring doorbell, a guy with a big check and flowers,” said Shelly’s daughter Vicky. They are now $10,000 richer.

Shelly entered the Publishers Clearing House a few times before and won small prizes but continued to enter their drawing. This time it paid off – hefty, $10,000. However, PCH has given away bigger prizes in the past and continues to have drawings in the millions.

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Fredericksburg Unveils New Visitor Center in Revamped City Center Building

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 10, 2025 at 4:18PM

Fredericksburg celebrated the grand opening of its new Visitor Center on January 10, 2025, with an open-house event that drew hundreds today at the newly renamed City Center government building, formerly known as the Executive Plaza. Community members gathered at 601 Caroline Street to explore the revamped space, enjoy light refreshments, and learn about the Visitor Center’s offerings.

The new facility, described as brighter and more accessible, provides an inviting hub for showcasing Fredericksburg’s artists and businesses. “The center is fabulous,” said Mayor Kerry Devine. “It has space for showcasing our artists and businesses, and we’re just so excited to welcome people to this new center.”

Rita McClenney, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, emphasized the importance of the Visitor Center as a resource for wayfinding and discovering unique experiences in Fredericksburg. “A lot of people research before they travel, but there’s nothing like being on the ground and finding out about a place through the people who know it best,” said McClenney.

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