The hustle and bustle of the holiday season are upon us. I’m surprised at how fast it creeps up on us every year.
This Thanksgiving, as we do each year, will take a break for a holiday and reflect on the many blessings in our lives.
News
National Park Service: “Kick-off the 2023 holiday season with the National Christmas Tree Lighting. This tradition is presented by the National Park Service (NPS) and the National Park Foundation (NPF), and will feature musical performances and the official lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park in Washington, D.C.”
“This year, the ceremony and official lighting will take place on Nov. 30. Hosted by American country artist Mickey Guyton, this year’s event features Darren Criss, Samara Joy, Ledisi, Reneé Rapp, St. Vincent, Joe Walsh, and Dionne Warwick. The event will also feature performances by the United States Coast Guard’s Guardians Big Band.”
Manassas Park Police: “The Manassas Park Police Department is currently investigating a homicide. On November 21, 2023, at approximately 7:37 PM, Officers responded to a residence on Jessica Drive for a report of a shooting. The victim, Jose Alonso Bedregal, 25, of Bristow, was located in the residence suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
“The suspect, identified as Anthony Andrade, 25, of Manassas Park, was charged with Second Degree Murder and the Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. He was subsequently held without bond at the Prince William County ADC. This continues to be an active investigation; due to the ongoing investigation, certain details will not be released.”
Manassas Park Government: “The Annual Light Parade will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.. New this year, the parade will start at the Public Works building & travel East towards Blooms Crossing. Click here for more details on the new route and to participate in the parade.”
“Participant floats are still needed! Price is $10 Per Car/Float. Must complete vendor form. For more information on the 2023 Light Parade, please contact Kaitlyn Collier at: [email protected].”
Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “On November 19th at approximately 12:51 a.m. deputies responded to a residence on Thomas Jefferson Place for the report of a choking child. Deputy S. Waheed was the first to arrive on scene and began performing life saving measures on the two-year-old child as medical staff arrived. While he was informed the child was choking on a hash brown, Deputy Waheed observed signs consistent with someone who would be overdosing. Medical staff was able to transport the child to a nearby hospital and began treatment.”
“Later on, Deputy Waheed would receive a call from Child Protective Services. They informed him hospital staff discovered the child did not in fact choke, but that he had overdosed. It was further advised fentanyl, THC, and cannabinoids were located in the child’s system. Due to the updated information, the Criminal Investigations Division was promptly notified.”
Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “On November 19th at approximately 2:31 a.m. Deputy S.A. Fulford responded to the intersection of Ferry Road and Hillcrest Terrace for a single vehicle crash. Deputy Fulford was first to arrive and located a vehicle halfway through a fence.”
“It was determined the vehicle was traveling South on Ferry Road at a high rate of speed when it crossed the center line and went off the road before brutally punching through the fence. Deputy Fulford made contact with the driver, identified as Katherine Watson, who advised she was traveling approximately 70MPH in a 35 MPH because she wanted to get home faster.”
Stafford Sheriff’s Office: “On November 18th at approximately 3:25 p.m. Deputy A.T. Leckemby responded to Kohl’s, located at 1220 Stafford Market Place, for a larceny. Staff advised two males, with suitcases full of merchandise, and a female, with items concealed in her bag, just exited the store.”
“As Deputy A.T. Leckemby went to the store to obtain additional information, a be on the lookout was sent out to nearby deputies for a black SUV with no front license plate. Deputy F.A. Martinez was in the area of Mine Road and, using his powers of deduction, hypothesized the suspect vehicle was heading in his direction. While looking, a vehicle that matched the suspect vehicle perfectly drove by him. The driver and passengers made eye contact with Deputy Martinez with a “wide gaze.” Deputy Martinez was able to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle at the Quality Inn, located at 28 Greenspring Drive, as Deputy B.E. Vaughn responded to assist.”
Fredericksburg.com: “At its Dec. 13 meeting, Stafford County’s Planning Commission will take on the issue of what medical facilities are allowed within which zoning ordinances — and have 100 days from then to take action or defer.”
“Stafford’s Board of Supervisors sent the item to the planners last week, looking for a recommendation on what’s been a hot-button issue since the summer. That’s when residents discovered that Concerted Care Group, a Maryland-based business, is opening a 9,100-square-foot clinic next to Weis grocery store in the Woodlawn Shopping Center, off Deacon Road.”
“This race has moved back to its original race distance – 5K!!! Why? Well, to be honest, Frosty 5K sounds a LOT better than Frosty 3 Miler and we have a great USATF Certified 5K course available!! This race is back for its 7th year in Stafford and it’s definitely become a holiday tradition for many.”
“The Frosty 5K is the 5th and final race in the Stafford Race Series and the 12th and final race in the Coldwell Banker Elite Grand Prix Series. If you have completed all 5 races in the Stafford Race Series, be sure to pick up your SRS swag after the race.”
Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation: “Virginia State Parks will host the annual #OptOutside event to encourage people to take a break from indoor activities and opt to spend time outdoors instead. The campaign will run from Nov. 24 through Nov. 26 at all Virginia State Park locations.”
“Park guests of all ages can indulge in self-guided and ranger-led activities to create Thanksgiving memories. Guests are encouraged to hike, bike or star watch and experience nature while enjoying one of Virginia’s forty-two state parks.”