Prince William

Occoquan Celebrates ‘Christmas in July’ With Festive Deals, Costumes, and Holiday Cheer

By Potomac Local News

OCCOQUAN, Va. – Christmas will come early to the riverside town of Occoquan as businesses and visitors gear up for a festive summertime celebration packed with holiday spirit, exclusive deals, and creative twists on winter traditions.

The town’s Christmas in July event returns on Friday, July 25, offering a full day of holiday-themed shopping, refreshments, and activities from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nearly two dozen local shops, galleries, and eateries are participating in the event, each putting a unique spin on Christmas during the summer heat.

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Stafford

Eugene Loew Out as Stafford Parks Director After Four Months on the Job

By Uriah Kiser
Loew

STAFFORD, Va. – Eugene Loew is no longer employed as Stafford County’s Director of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism—just four months after he started the job.

According to records obtained by Potomac Local News through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, Loew was hired on March 10, 2025, at an annual salary of $175,011.20. His last day with the county was July 15, 2025.

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Prince William

Forest Greens Golf Club Just Got a Major Makeover—Here’s What’s New

By Potomac Local News

TRIANGLE, Va. – Community leaders, residents, and golf enthusiasts gathered this week to celebrate the newly renovated clubhouse at Forest Greens Golf Club with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Upgrades to the Triangle-based facility include a refreshed entrance with modern signage, an updated lobby and fireplace, improved grill room, fully renovated restrooms, a new pro shop, and brand-new furniture throughout the building. The improvements were funded through Prince William County Parks and Recreation’s Capital Improvement Program, part of a countywide effort to improve and modernize public facilities.

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Event

Afternoon Matinee Movie – Under the Tuscan Sun (at BlackRock Center For The Arts)

BlackRock Center For The Arts

12901 Town Commons Dr

Germantown, Maryland 20874

Website Contact Social

Join us for a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BlackRock Center for the Arts as Cruise Planners Beth & Rod present a special travel-inspired matinee featuring the beloved film Under the Tuscan Sun.

Date & Time: Sunday, May 31 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

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News

Get Ready—Virginia’s Tax-Free Weekend and Local Mall Deals Are Coming

By Potomac Local News

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Back-to-school shopping is in full swing at Potomac Mills mall, and this year, families can take advantage of Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday running August 1–3, 2025. During this weekend, items like school supplies priced at $20 or less and clothing or shoes costing $100 or less will be exempt from sales tax. Emergency preparedness items like generators and chainsaws also qualify for the discount. A full list of qualifying items is available at tax.virginia.gov.

At Potomac Mills mall, shoppers can enter the Back-to-School Shoe Giveaway from July 25 to August 3 to win a free pair of shoes from brands like Nike, Adidas, or Crocs. Educators can also enjoy year-round discounts at more than 20 retailers by showing a valid school ID. Additional savings are available through the mall’s digital coupon book at the mall’s website.

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Politics

Prince William Chamber Backs George Mason’s President Amid Federal Scrutiny

By Potomac Local News
Dr. Gregory Washington became the eighth president of George Mason University on July 1, 2020. [Photo: George Mason University]

The chamber is one of several signatories to a public letter released July 23 by the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), urging business groups across the state to rally behind Mason and recognize its essential role in the region’s economic future. The statement calls on the university’s Board of Visitors to reaffirm its support for Dr. Washington’s leadership.

“Mason is a cornerstone of Northern Virginia’s economic strength, and its students are the future of our workforce,” said NVTC President and CEO Jennifer Taylor. “We support Dr. Washington because his vision aligns with the needs of our business community.”

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Features

Manassas Gallery Hosts Artist Talk with Painter Behind 30-Year Retrospective

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS, Va. – A Luray-based painter with more than 30 years of experience will close out his solo exhibition with an in-person artist talk in Old Town Manassas.

Scott Hillman, known for his vibrant use of color and layered compositions, will speak at the ARTfactory on Saturday, July 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance at insidenovatix.com.

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Schools

Kaine and Vindman Push to Restore Disability Program Funding Cut from Spotsy Schools

By Potomac Local News

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. – A new bill from Senator Tim Kaine and Congressman Eugene Vindman aims to restore federal funding cut earlier this year from a program that supported high school students with disabilities in Spotsylvania County and across the country.

The “Charting My Path for Future Success” program—launched in 2019—was canceled by the U.S. Department of Education in February 2025, halting services like tutoring and mentoring for more than 1,600 students nationwide. Spotsylvania schools say the funding loss put them in a $2 million bind, threatening over a dozen staff positions and programs for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

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Stafford

What Took Stafford’s Fire Boat Out of Service for Weeks? It’s Finally Back

By Uriah Kiser

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County’s primary fire boat is back in the water and ready to respond after a crash earlier this summer temporarily sidelined the vessel.

Potomac Local News has learned exclusively that the boat struck an underwater object on July 4 while members of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department were conducting routine training and patrol near the boat ramp at Widewater State Park.

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Prince William

What Police Found on the Water: Boaters Faced Citations, Arrests, and Safety Checks

By Uriah Kiser

OCCOQUAN, Va. – Boaters across Prince William County saw an increased law enforcement presence on local waterways over the Fourth of July weekend as the Police Department’s Marine Unit took part in “Operation Dry Water,” a national effort to reduce boating under the influence and promote safe water recreation.

The Marine Unit patrolled busy spots including the Occoquan and Potomac rivers, Leesylvania State Park, Lake Jackson, and the Occoquan Reservoir. The Fourth of July is traditionally one of the busiest times on the nation’s waterways, often leading to a spike in boating incidents and fatalities.

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