Features - Page 14 of 130 - Potomac Local News

Goolrick Pool Reopens After Extensive Renovation at UMW

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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Fredericksburg’s New Year Pear Drop: Gone But Not Forgotten

By Mike Salmon

Published December 30, 2024 at 3:00PM

On Caroline Street, the pear drop was a big event.

For 11 years, Fredericksburg marked the new year by dropping a six-foot paper mâché pear from a spot above Caroline Street.

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From One Veteran to Hundreds: The Story of Simply Angels

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published December 17, 2024 at 9:15AM | Updated December 20, 2024 at 10:10AM

From delivering meals to providing emotional support, Simply Angels Veterans Outreach has become a vital resource for hundreds of veterans living with disabilities in Virginia.

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UNITS Moving Hauls Toy Donation from Manassas to Stafford

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 13, 2024 at 6:05AM | Updated December 13, 2024 at 4:15PM

Submitted photo

UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Northern Virginia has helped spread holiday cheer with its largest-ever involvement in the Toys for Tots program. Yesterday, Thursday, December 11, 2024, the Manassas-based company delivered hope and joy to needy children with its “Sleighs of Storage Caravan.”

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Chilly Temps Can’t Freeze the Festive Spirit at Fredericksburg Christmas Parade

By Mike Salmon

Published December 9, 2024 at 2:19PM

A toymaker from one of the holiday performances. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

Fredericksburg’s Christmas parade kicked off in style, with chilly temperatures setting the mood for hot chocolate and family gatherings up and down Caroline and Princess Anne streets on Saturday night, December 7, 2024.

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Stafford Lights Christmas Tree Tonight

By Potomac Local News

Published December 6, 2024 at 11:28AM

The Stafford County Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on December 2, 2022.

Stafford County is gearing up for a magical evening to kick off the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Event, scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Stafford County Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road.

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