Features - Page 7 of 138 - Potomac Local News

Free Tickets Available for U.S. Army Band ‘Pershing’s Own’ Veterans Day Concert at Hylton Center

Published November 5, 2025 at 1:15PM

“Join us for an afternoon of music and meaningful moments as we give a thunderous ‘thank you’ to our nation’s heroes,” The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” announced. “We’re shining the spotlight on the loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage of our Veterans.”

The U.S. Army Band is partnering with George Mason University’s Veterans and the Arts Initiative to present A Salute to Veterans!—a free concert honoring those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The performance will be held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, and tickets are available at no cost through the Hylton Center Ticket Office.

Prince William County Invites Community to Honor Veterans in Digital Tribute

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 4, 2025 at 4:30AM | Updated November 4, 2025 at 8:28AM

“This Veterans Day, Prince William County is honoring those who’ve served through ‘One Community, Many Heroes,’ a digital tribute built from community submissions,” the county announced. “Every photo tells a story of courage and commitment. Together, they will form a portrait of gratitude.”

Residents are encouraged to submit photos of veterans by Friday, November 7, to be included in the county’s Veterans Day digital tribute recognizing local service members and their families.

Willing Warriors to Celebrate 10 Years of Healing at 10th Anniversary Gala

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 3, 2025 at 9:03AM

“This milestone gala marks a night to honor that journey, with an elegant evening of dinner, dancing, auctions, and impactful stories,” Willing Warriors announced. “Over the past decade, the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run has welcomed more than 3,000 warriors and their families to its peaceful 37-acre Virginia grounds, providing them a ‘Home Away From Home’ where they can heal, reconnect, and find respite.”

The 10th Anniversary Celebration Gala will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. at Lansdowne Resort & Spa in Leesburg, Virginia. The evening will feature Rear Admiral Mike Studeman, USN (Ret.), as Guest of Honor, and James Schenck, CEO of PenFed Foundation and President & CEO of PenFed Credit Union, as Guest Speaker.

“Rhythm & Hues” brings René Dickerson’s jazz-inspired art to the ARTfactory

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 3, 2025 at 8:23AM

“The ARTfactory proudly announces a special exhibition featuring the celebrated artist René Dickerson, whose visionary works bridge the worlds of fine art, jazz, and Motown,” the ARTfactory announced. “The exhibition, titled ‘Rhythm & Hues’, will open on November 12 and run through December 14 at the ARTfactory. An Opening Artist Reception will be held on Saturday, November 15 from 6–8 PM.”

Born in Oakland, California, Dickerson’s signature “Linear Art” style fuses cubism, surrealism, and emotional realism, reflecting influences from both jazz and Motown. The exhibition will showcase new works alongside select pieces from his acclaimed My Girl series, inspired by Smokey Robinson and The Temptations. Dickerson, now based in Historic Manassas, continues to collaborate with the Jazz Legacy Foundation and Ocean City Jazz Festival.

Town of Dumfries to host free Trunk or Treat Halloween celebration

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 30, 2025 at 9:56PM

“Join us for Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Garrison Park, 17749 Main St.,” the Town of Dumfries announced. “Enjoy thrilling music, games, and of course: CANDY!”

The free, family-friendly Halloween event invites residents to dress up, play games, and collect treats in a festive community setting. Hosted by the Town of Dumfries in partnership with the Heavenly Minded Club, the celebration encourages costumes and promises a “spooktacular” evening of fun for all ages.

Prince William Water launches new podcast to highlight water service effort

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 30, 2025 at 8:36PM

Prince William Water has launched a new quarterly video podcast called “Behind the Tap,” offering residents a behind-the-scenes look at the county’s largest water and wastewater utility. The podcast will feature interviews with staff, answers to frequently asked customer questions, and tips on how to protect local water resources.

The debut episode includes an interview with Deputy General Manager and Chief Administrative Officer Ari Nelson, who discusses the national “Imagine a Day Without Water” campaign and the utility’s emphasis on reliability and infrastructure. The podcast aims to raise awareness about the systems that deliver clean water and treat wastewater for over 380,000 people in Prince William County.

Prince William County launches first-ever Rippon Lodge Gingerbread House Contest

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 30, 2025 at 4:30PM

“Do you want to show off your gingerbread architect skills?” the Prince William Office of Historic Preservation announced. “Enter the First Annual Rippon Lodge Gingerbread House Contest and celebrate the holidays by creating a gingerbread masterpiece for all to see.”

The contest features Amateur, Family, and Professional categories, with winners chosen by popular vote. Entry forms are due by December 5, and houses must be dropped off at Rippon Lodge by December 8 for display during the Holidays Through the Ages event. Winners will be announced December 12, and entry is free.

“Off the Wall” invites high school students to showcase their creativity across art, tech, and poetry disciplines

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 30, 2025 at 9:26AM

“The ARTfactory is pleased to present the 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition,” the ARTfactory announced. “Each year, area high school students are invited to share their talent by participating in a high school art exhibit and competition presented by the ARTfactory.”

“The exhibit includes student work in the following categories: Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Poetry, Wearable Art, and Photography,” the organization stated. “Each category is adjudicated by a professional in the field.”

Holiday puppet show “The Velveteen Rabbit” coming to Riverside Center

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 29, 2025 at 10:53PM

“The Velveteen Rabbit, filled with gentle humor and warmth, is Margery Williams’ classic tale of a toy rabbit that dreams of becoming real,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts announced. “Told with hand puppets, storytelling, and song by a solo puppeteer, the story highlights friendship, changes, magic, and what it means to love and be loved.”

The family-friendly 60-minute puppet show arrives November 22 at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, following the success of the puppets featured in The Sound of Music. Children will also have a chance to visit Santa after the show. Tickets can be reserved by calling 540-370-4300.

Empowerhouse marks 35th Annual Candlelight Vigil honoring domestic violence survivors

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 29, 2025 at 10:07PM

“We were honored to take part in this vital community event,” the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office is one of only three law enforcement agencies in the area with an Empowerhouse Advocate co-located within their office.”

Empowerhouse hosted its 35th Annual Candlelight Vigil on October 25, 2025, to honor and celebrate survivors of domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The nonprofit provides free, confidential support services for survivors and their children, focusing on safety, healing, and empowerment. Empowerhouse’s 24-hour hotline is 540-373-9373.