Features - Page 34 of 140 - Potomac Local News

Power Rangers Star Tracy Lynn Cruz to Appear at Nova Gateway Comics and Toys in Fredericksburg, Advocates for Autism Awareness

Published August 8, 2024 at 3:39PM

Tracy Lynn Cruz

Tracy Lynn Cruz, known for her role as Ashley Hammond, the Yellow Ranger, in the 1990s Power Rangers series, will appear at Nova Gateway Comics and Toys, 2340 Plank Road, in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Cruz, who is also a mother of four, including two children impacted by Autism, uses her platform to support families facing similar challenges.

“I love meeting people. At the cons, I do a lot of meet and greets, and there’s also a lot of networking opportunities,” said Cruz. “That’s how I got connected with Nova Gateway Comics—through networking at conventions.”

WoodbridgeNaz Church to Reopen Food Pantry with Ribbon-Cutting and Free Grocery Distribution

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 8, 2024 at 10:30AM

WoodbridgeNaz church's food pantry under construction in April 2024 [From the church's Facebook page]

Press release:

WoodbridgeNaz (a Church of the Nazarene) is pleased to announce the grand reopening of the Woodbridge Nazarene Food Pantry Aug.13 featuring two events.

Orlando Awaits: Chiquita Pena’s Path to Miss Veteran America

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 5, 2024 at 12:00PM | Updated August 5, 2024 at 2:21PM

Pena

Chiquita Pena is set to compete in the Miss Veteran America competition in Orlando this October.

Pena, of Woodbridge, has been a Virginia resident for 13 years, originally hailing from North Carolina. “The military is how I found my way to Virginia,” Pena said. She served as an Army reservist, working in banking and later as a financial specialist and public affairs professional, with deployments to Afghanistan twice. “I served for 16 years,” she added.

Tommy Richman’s Hit Song “Million Dollar Baby” Name-Drops a Virginia Karaoke Bar

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 3, 2024 at 11:00AM | Updated August 8, 2024 at 11:55AM

Photo: Tommy Richman Facebook

Washingtonian: Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” is one of the biggest hits of the summer. The track debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 just below Taylor Swift. There are viral TikTok dances to the song. And it’s catapulted the Woodbridge, Virginia, native into the international spotlight. (more…)

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band to Perform at National Museum of the Marine Corps

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 2, 2024 at 9:00AM

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will perform at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on August 22. The concert will start at 7 p.m. in the museum’s outdoor plaza.

The band, the premier band of the United States Marine Corps, will play various music. This includes patriotic and martial favorites, selections from the wind band repertoire, works by contemporary composers, and scores from film and theatre.

Prince William County Deputy Chief Jarad Phelps Retires, Appointed Chief in Jacksonville, N.C.

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 2, 2024 at 7:00AM | Updated August 4, 2024 at 8:47AM

Prince William County Deputy Chief Jarad Phelps has retired after over 28 years of service. Phelps has been appointed as the Chief of Police for the Jacksonville Police Department in North Carolina.

“Jarad has served the Prince William County community with the utmost distinction for nearly three decades,” said Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham. “I sincerely congratulate him on his second chapter and future success, and I know he will serve the community of Jacksonville with the same compassion and professionalism he has shown here.”

Wild Waylon’s BBQ Settles Down in Stafford

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 1, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated August 5, 2024 at 1:02PM

Wild Waylon's BBQ

Nestled in the corner of a Stafford shopping center, a new restaurant has arrived off White Oak Road: Wild Waylon’s BBQ, a family-owned restaurant that has quickly made a name for itself with its scratch-made barbecue and weekend specials.

Founded by the Murphy family—David and Molly, and David’s parents Tom and Linda—Wild Waylon’s BBQ is the culmination of a lifelong passion for cooking and a deep love for barbecue. David Murphy said he grew up smoking pork for family events alongside his father, Tom. He followed his mother’s footsteps, working in restaurants after college. In 2023, David and his mom Linda worked in the same restaurant and decided it was time to launch their own family spot. Waylon is David’s son, and the restaurant’s namesake.

New Season Announced at Workhouse Arts Center: From Dracula to Jesus Christ Superstar

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 1, 2024 at 8:30AM

The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton announced its 2024-2025 theater season, featuring a lineup of musicals and comedies. The season begins with “Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors” from September 6 to October 27, followed by “Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame” from December 7 to January 12, 2025. “Clyde’s” will run from March 8 to April 6, and “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be performed from May 10 to June 15. Shows will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets are available for $25 to $40 on the Workhouse Arts Center’s website.

Press release:

Riverside Center Transitions to Non-Profit, Promises Big Changes Ahead

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 30, 2024 at 2:00PM | Updated August 4, 2024 at 8:49AM

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Director Patrick A'Hearn speaks about the theater's transition to a non-profit corporation.

Uriah’s Note: Members always get the first read of our original reporting. Thanks for your continued support.

Updated July 31 — The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts held a press conference on Monday, July 29, 2024, to announce its transition from a for-profit business to a non-profit entity. Theater Director Patrick A’Hearn made the announcement, outlined the theater’s new direction, and announced upcoming changes.

New Specialty Van Enhances Animal Control Operations in Prince William County

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 29, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated August 4, 2024 at 8:51AM

The Prince William County Animal Shelter has introduced a new van equipped with 10 adjustable kennels, enhancing the efficiency and comfort for animal control operations. This addition is a significant upgrade from the existing four-by-four vehicles that house fewer vehicles and lack modern amenities.

Debbie Haight, spokesperson for the county animal shelter, detailed the van’s layout and its capacity to adapt to various sizes of animals. “It has 10 containers, and these units can be modified to accommodate larger animals if necessary,” Haight explained. Unlike the current units that require animals to be brought back immediately due to inadequate facilities, the new van features a sophisticated HVAC system, allowing officers to manage multiple pickups without returning.