Features

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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Paradise Springs Winery represents Fairfax Global Wine Showcase in Paris

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Visit Fairfax]

The winery, already the first bi-coastal wine brand in the United States after opening a second location in Santa Barbara, CA, will showcase several of its key blends, including last year’s Virginia Governor’s Cup Case Winner, the 2021 Petit Verdot, at the Wine Paris Vinexpo event. The renowned international wine and spirits exhibition, one of the largest wine shows in the world, is scheduled from February 12 – 14 in Paris, France.

In addition to the Petit Verdot, the winery will also be pouring the Cabernet Franc Petit Manseng and the specialty PVT (50% Petit Verdot/50% Tannat), which will also be served at the U.S. Ambassador’s home during the U.S. Ambassador Dinner this week.

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Prince William County Service Authority $200 Million Mooney Water Reclamation Facility upgrade underway

By Uriah Kiser

The start of the construction for the H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility-Wide Improvements Project, known as the Mooney Design-Build Project, signals a significant milestone for the Prince William County Service Authority.

With an investment nearing $200 million, this multi-year initiative is poised to revolutionize the plant’s wastewater treatment processes, paving the way for enhanced operational resiliency.

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Locals Only: The first dish sold at Bob & Edith’s Diner in Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

Bob and Edith’s Diner, a beloved establishment synonymous with classic American dining, proudly announced the grand opening of its latest location in Manassas on January 31.

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Exclusive: Fredericksburg’s Historic Kenmore Inn reimagined as Ironclad Inn and Bourbon Tasting Room; Soft Opening Set for Feb. 20

By Uriah Kiser

Ironclad Distillery Co., renowned for its bourbon whiskey production in Newport News, has made waves in the hospitality industry with its recent acquisition of the historic Kenmore Inn in Fredericksburg.

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Fredericksburg prepares for annual ‘Coldest Night of the Year’ fundraiser to support homeless

By Kelly Sienkowski
Participants gather for "Coldest Night of the Year" 2023 in Fredericksburg. [Photo: Clay Murray]

Area churches and local supporters will gather on Feb. 24, 2024, for its annual fundraiser, “Coldest Night of the Year,” a family-friendly walk to benefit Micah ministries. Micah is a coalition of area churches dedicated to helping Fredericksburg city residents with unmet needs.

According to its website, city congregations have supported the homeless since the 1980s. They banded together in 2005 to establish a permanent location and organization to continue serving the community. Micah and its partnering churches address the community’s needs by offering a hospitality center, meals, job assistance, cold weather shelters, and housing options to residents in need.

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