News

Review: ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Suzanne Carr Rossi]

Ashlee Waldbauer returns to the Riverside stage with a show-stealing performance as Carole King. Her rendition of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” melts the audience and reminds us why King’s music continues to resonate across generations. Waldbaur, who also starred in Riverside’s spring production of They’re Playing Our Song, showcases an ability to channel the emotional depth and vulnerability that made King’s music timeless.

Another Riverside veteran, Zachary Spafford, brings powerhouse vocals to his portrayal of characters like one of the Righteous Brothers, delivering a stunning performance of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.” Audiences will remember Spafford from his standout role as Frankie Valli in Riverside’s acclaimed production of Jersey Boys earlier this year, and his talent for hitting those high notes remains an undeniable highlight of the show.

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Prince William County Supervisor Proposes Tax Break for Terminally Ill Residents

By Uriah Kiser
Yesli Vega (R), 7th District Congressional candidate and Pr. Wm. County Supervisor

Supervisor Yesli Vega has put forth a proposal to explore providing a tax break for terminally ill residents in the county, aiming to ease the financial burden on families dealing with the high costs of medical care.

At the recent Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting, Vega directed county staff to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the potential implementation of the tax break. Vega emphasized the importance of providing relief to residents who are struggling with the financial challenges that come with terminal illness.

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Prince William Supervisors Approve Tax Exemption for Serving Our Willing Warriors Nonprofit

By Uriah Kiser
SOWW retreat in Haymarket [Photo: SOWW Facebook page]

SOWW provides vital support to wounded veterans through cost-free respite stays and programs aimed at helping them and their families recover from the physical and emotional tolls of military service. The tax exemption applies to four properties owned by the organization on Waterfall Road in Haymarket, allowing SOWW to allocate more resources directly toward its services for veterans.

Sarah Ford, the executive director of SOWW, expressed her gratitude to the Board, stating, “This vote will not only impact our warrior retreat but also the warriors and their families that we serve now and into the future.” She emphasized that the exemption would enable the organization to expand its programs, which have already served over 2,400 veterans, with no suicide losses among those who have stayed at the retreat.

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Tragic End: Couple Found Dead in Dumfries Home in Suspected Murder-Suicide

By Uriah Kiser

Detectives are investigating a murder-suicide incident where Davaughn Jamaal Henderson, 33, and Ashleigh Kaylynn Cash, 30, both from Dumfries, were found dead from gunshot wounds inside a residence on Fort Monroe Circle in Dumfries on August 7.

The investigation suggests that Henderson shot Cash and then himself following an altercation between the two, who were in a relationship. The event is believed to be domestic in nature. A firearm was recovered at the scene, and police are continuing their investigation, seeking any additional information from the public.

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UVA Health Awards Grants to Dozens of Local Nonprofits

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Photo: Courtesy of UVA Health]

The nonprofits were chosen based on the “unwavering commitment” to address community health needs as identified in the UVA Health Community Health Needs Assessment Study. The study focused on mental and behavioral health, substance use and chronic diseases.

The 24 nonprofits Prince William that were awarded include:

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Manassas Park to Host Community Forum on Domestic Violence after Bhatt Disappearance

By Uriah Kiser
Hundreds of residents gathered at Signal Hill Park on Saturday, August 24, for a vigil to share their thoughts about the missing Manassas Park mother, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who is believed to have been murdered in her home. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

Local officials, including Delegate Michelle Maldonado (D), Vice Mayor Alanna Mensing, and Council Members Yesy Amaya and Darryl Moore, organized the event to create a safe and supportive environment for domestic violence survivors, they said during a governing body meeting on Sept. 17, 2024. A panel of representatives from various community-serving nonprofits will offer vital information on services available to victims and their families.

Attendees can hear from experts, ask questions, and gain insights into locally available resources. Among the organizations participating are agencies focused on mental health and emergency housing and advocates who work directly with survivors.

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Meet the Principal: Q+A with Unity Braxton Middle’s New Principal, Erin Sikes-Thurston

By Caitlyn Meisner

Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Today, get to know Erin Sikes-Thurston, Ed.D., the new principal of Unity Braxton Middle in Manassas. Sikes-Thurston has been an educator for nearly 20 years and has spent the majority of her career in Northern Virginia.

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Michelle Davis Younger on School Performance, Economic Growth, and Why She’s Seeking Another Term as Mayor

By Alan Gloss
Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger

In her first interview with Potomac Local News since being elected four years ago, Mayor Michelle Davis Younger (D) shared her vision and priorities for her November 2024 re-election campaign.

Davis Younger emphasized the importance of voter participation, urging residents to exercise their right to vote. “It’s so important to get out and vote,” she stated. “No matter what, we all want what’s best for our community.” Davis Younger is vying for a second term as mayor and is challenged by longtime city businesswoman  Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom (R).

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