At Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge, “Journey back in time on the Lee’s Woods Trail to discover hundreds of years of human history. Follow a range or volunteer on this guided hike to learn about the people, places, and events that make Leesylvania State Park unique. Expect a moderate walk of about 2 miles. The trail is not stroller-friendly. Meet at the trailhead for the Lee’s Woods Trail. Wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget a reusable water bottle! Children’s Discovery Hike at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm – Potomac Trail. Families join us on an nature adventure through our most popular trail. We will have binoculars, magnifying glasses, bug catching tools and more gear to help children connect to nature and discovery the fun of being outdoors. “The trail is stroller friendly. Please meet at the visitor center and wear comfortable shoes and and don’t forget a reusable water bottle!”

At Widewater State Park in Stafford County, “Begin your new year journey with a Ranger-led hike on Holly Marsh Trail! Starting at the Visitor’s Center, a Ranger will talk to your group about the local wildlife and their winter habitats while guiding you through the forest, past wetlands, and down to the Potomac River; and back again! The hike is 1.8 miles round-trip and the trail is easy-going for children and adults. Be sure to dress warmly, wear the appropriate shoes, and don’t forget to pack water and snacks. “There are three start times available for this hike: 9:00am, 11:00am, and 1:00pm. Registration is FREE, but space is limited to 15 participants per hike. You can sign up for one of the three hike times here.”


Press Release: “The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PWCAC-DST) will host its 39th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Youth Oratorical Competition on Monday, January 15 at 11 a.m.”

“This year’s event will be held at Charles J. Colgan Senior High School, 13833 Dumfries Road, Manassas. Middle school and high school students from throughout the Prince William County area will display their oratorical skills and children of all ages will sing songs of celebration in the Martin Luther King Community Choir.”


Young Marines: “Two Young Marines units from the area were among 28 Young Marines units throughout the United States who traveled to Hawaii this past week to participate in the remembrance ceremonies of the 82nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor.”

“The Young Marines is a national youth organization for boys and girls from age eight through high school graduation.”


Castaways Theatre: “SHOAH is the stage adaptation of the award-winning 1985 film documentary by French director Claude Lanzmann. The original 9-hour film has been condensed for the stage and includes interviews with Holocaust survivors, former members of Nazi organizations, and residents of communities near the death camps. The goal of SHOAH is unique and single-minded: to describe in detail the inhumanity of the “Final Solution” during the World War II years of 1942-1944.”

“The stage adaptation of SHOAH provides an opportunity to educate, understand, and live it in our hearts and minds. As Simone de Beauvoir stated: “It becomes our experience.”


Haymarket Adult Hockey League: “In January and February of 2024, our League is supporting the 25th anniversary of the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative. Hockey Fights Cancer is a partnership between the National Hockey League and the American Cancer Society.”

“We are holding a fundraiser event on January 6, 2024. It is a 3v3 Pond Hockey-style tournament in which 10 teams will participate. One team is coming all the way from Roanoke to join us! We also have Hockey Fights Cancer (HFC) designated games for each of the 22 teams in our league. These cancer awareness games will celebrate cancer survivors and raise donated funds for the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives from cancer.”


Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative: “Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) will accept post-holiday cut Christmas trees and greens at its Gainesville Technical Center at 5399 Wellington Branch Road, near Interstate 66 and U.S. 29.”

“Residents can begin leaving trees and greens on Tuesday, Dec. 26, and NOVEC will continue to accept them through Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. Residents should leave greens in the section of the parking lot marked by orange safety cones; drop off does not have to take place during business hours.”


The supervisor is also collecting toys for children.

Supervisor Yesli Vega: “Help us put a smile on a child’s face this year! Our office is helping to collect new, unwrapped gifts for Toys for Tots. If you are able to help our efforts, you can drop off a gift at the Coles District Office (13476 Dumfries Rd) or bring a toy to our annual Christmas Tree Lighting event. We are accepting donations at our office Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM until Friday, December 15.”


Press Release: “Moe’s Southwest Grill locations are proud to announce their continued partnership with Toys for Tots in its mission of providing toys to children and military families.”

“Moe’s is providing 12 drop-off locations for new and unwrapped toys in Falls Church, Leesburg, Alexandria, Ashburn, Herndon, Manassas and Gainesville, Virginia; Annapolis, Hanover and Frederick, Maryland; and Washington, D.C.”


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