Features

Stafford represented among diverse 140th Virginia State Trooper class

By Potomac Local News
[Photo: Virginie State Police]

This graduating class is unique as it includes both traditional trainees and members of the Expedited Law Enforcement Certified Academy. The latter comprises experienced law enforcement professionals who have already been certified by the Department of Criminal Justice Services and have served at least three years elsewhere in Virginia, according to a police press release.

The new troopers underwent rigorous training, including over 1,300 hours of instruction covering various subjects such as de-escalation techniques, mental health crisis intervention, ethics, constitutional law, and public relations. The Trooper Trainees of the 140th Basic Session began their training on July 26, 2023, while those in the Expedited Academy started on December 28, 2023.

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Manassas gears up for Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

By Potomac Local News
Manassas St. Patricks Day Parade on March 11, 2023 [Photo: Mike Beaty]

The parade, slated to commence at 11 a.m., will kick off at the corner of Prescott Avenue and Quarry Road, winding its way down Center Street before culminating at the iconic Harris Pavilion. Led by Vince Fitzpatrick, President of Inisfail, Inc. Atvale, Inc., the parade is a testament to the rich Irish heritage deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Prince William County and surrounding areas.

This year’s festivities are significant as Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson recently proclaimed March as Irish American Heritage Month. In her proclamation, Jefferson highlighted the enduring contributions of Irish Americans to the nation’s history, from their pivotal role in shaping cities to their significant influence in government, military, and beyond.

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Rooftop Productions’ ‘Miscast Cabaret’ to celebrate ARTfactory’s 40th anniversary

By Potomac Local News
Meagan Morrison-Crabill and cast rehearse for "Miscast Cabaret" at ARTFactory in Manasass.

ARTfactory is gearing up for a celebration in honor of its 40th anniversary with the upcoming Rooftop Productions’ “Miscast Cabaret.” This unique event, set to take place over two weekends in March at the Wind River Theater, promises an evening of unforgettable performances that challenge traditional casting norms.

“Miscast Cabaret” offers a twist on traditional Broadway performances, with cast members taking on roles that they wouldn’t typically be cast in. Audiences can expect to be surprised and delighted as performers breathe new life into classic and contemporary songs from beloved musicals like “Waitress’, ‘The Book of Mormon,” “Into the Woods”, “Annie’, and “Beauty and the Beast”. The event promises to be a refreshing exploration of familiar tunes presented in unexpected contexts.

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Future Dale City Ball Hockey rink gets boost from Washington Capitals

By Mike Salmon
Children playing ball hockey teaches teamwork and sportsmanship

Construction on the rink will begin later this year and will be similar to previous Capitals projects, using a Riley Manufactured board system and a branded Mateflex flooring system.

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Occoquan Town Council unanimously approves new town seal reflecting heritage, community spirit

By Potomac Local News

The Occoquan Town Council unanimously approved a new town seal following a comprehensive review process that included over 20 submissions curated through a crowdsourcing initiative supervised by Vice Mayor Jenn Loges.

The seal, designated for official town documents and related materials, was crafted better to encapsulate the town’s historical narrative and essence, incorporating visual elements emblematic of its commercial heritage, contemporary identity as a communal hub, and the significance of the Occoquan River and its surrounding natural landscape, states Mayor Earnie Porta.

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Burgers@ Manassas brings ‘Go-Go’ music culture, tasty burgers to Manassas Mall

By Kevin Sandell

With its fusion of funk, blues, salsa, and soul, Go-Go music holds a special place in Washington, D.C., and surrounding communities. In fact, in 2020, the musical genre was designated as the D.C’s official music. Now, diners in Northern Virginia can pay homage to the Go-Go culture while enjoying burgers and milkshakes in a new restaurant that could make Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers proud.

Burgers@ Manassas held a “soft” opening on February 10 at the Manassas Mall, which offers a wide range of hamburgers, tenders and wings, beverages, and locally baked desserts. As the second “Burgers@” location in the Washington, D.C. area (the other location is in Camp Springs, Md.), the Burgers@ Manassas restaurant brings the familiar musical culture to Prince William County.

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Black Rifle Coffee Company brews up new Stafford location, serving veterans and coffee enthusiasts alike

By Kelly Sienkowski

Positioned conveniently for drivers heading south on Route 17 at Interstate 95, the company offers both dine-in and drive-through services at this location.

A grand opening celebration is on the horizon, with a date yet to be determined, promising to feature local veteran-owned businesses, according to Allen Fabijan, company spokesman. Fabijan emphasized that this new establishment aligns with the company’s overarching mission of supporting Veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families.

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Annual Polar Plunge raises $140,000 for Special Olympics Virginia at Leesylvania State Park

By Potomac Local News
Polar plungers take a dip in the Potomac River at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. [Photo: Mike Beaty]

Special Olympics Virginia spokeswoman Holly Claytor shared that the event saw participation from more than 280 plungers alongside approximately 400 spectators. In total, an impressive $140,000 was raised to support the cause.

Although adverse weather conditions prevented the scheduled 5K race, attendees still enjoyed various activities and amenities. A food truck offered sustenance, while Starbucks provided complimentary hot drinks and Wawa supplied snacks. Additionally, numerous exhibitors were present, offering diverse goods and services. Attendees could also indulge in the classic treat of s’mores.

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Manassas Ballet Theatre marks 40 years

By Amelia Breeden

Manassas Ballet Theatre celebrated a significant milestone on February 9, 2024, marking its 40th anniversary season. Established in 1983 by Leslie Gearhart, the academy saw a transition in ownership in 1999 when Amy Wolfe took the reins.

Under Wolfe’s leadership, a pivotal moment it occurred in 2007 when she donated the academy to the non-profit Manassas Performing Arts, Inc. This decision not only altered the institution’s name from Manassas School of Ballet to the widely recognized Manassas Ballet Theatre but also underscored its commitment to fostering artistic endeavors in the community.

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