Prince William

The Spring RiverFest and Craft Show, held June 7–8, drew crowds despite intermittent rain, thanks to the efforts of nearly 90 volunteers and a dedicated town staff. New events coordinator Tammy Hassett and Town Manager Adam Lynn were credited with steering the complex operation. Hassett, known for her modesty, emphasized the team effort and praised police officers, municipal employees, and volunteers alike.

Mayor Ernie Porta extended his appreciation to the participants and supporters who made the festival a success. “We appreciate all of you and the substantial effort you exerted,” Porta said on the Occoquan Radio Podcast. “Without you, of course, it could not have been such a success.” He also thanked former events director Julie Little, who recently retired but helped with the event right up to her official departure.


Obituaries

On June 5, 2025, Joseph Miller Dunivin, lifelong Virginia resident, died peacefully in the presence of his family. Joe (as he was known to everyone) was born on February 15,1928 in Bridgewater, Rockingham County, Virginia, to Grace Darling Rebecca Miller and Alvin Joseph Dunivin. He grew up in the Shenandoah Valley and, at ten years of age with his parents and five siblings, moved to Lorton, Fairfax County, Virginia. After graduating from Mount Vernon High School, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps. His service took him to the South Pacific – Okinawa and Guam, and state-side in Arizona. Upon completion of his tour of duty, Joe returned to civilian life with his parents and brothers.

Joe married his childhood sweetheart, Dorothy White (whom he lovingly called “Dot), on November 5, 1951, in New York City, on the Bride and Groom television program. Students in the local elementary school where Dot taught were released from classes so they could watch the wedding of their beloved teacher. A local paper reported that “the bride televised beautifully, and her poise could well be envied by professionals. Lorton was justly proud of its representatives and rejoiced with the young couple.” They soon moved to Woodbridge, Virginia to raise their family and begin an active life in the community and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.


Neighborhood Notes

Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to headline a Fourth of July naturalization ceremony in Mount Vernon, while a truck fire temporarily shut down Route 17 in Stafford. Plus, dangerous heat is slowing VRE trains and prompting new cooling options across the region.


Manassas

WOODBRIDGE, Va. –A surge in riders across OmniRide commuter bus routes is triggering overcrowding issues on several key lines, prompting officials at the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) to weigh how and where they can expand service — especially as the region heads into a busy fall season.

Speaking during the June 5 PRTC Board of Commissioners meeting, Executive Director Dr. Bob Schneider said ridership dipped slightly in May due to seasonal factors like Memorial Day and rainy weather, but overall remains strong.


Fredericksburg

On June 16, the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) Policy Committee approved Resolution 2550, selecting Option C—a route connecting Celebrate Virginia Parkway in Stafford County with Gordon W. Shelton Boulevard in Fredericksburg—as the preferred corridor. The approval allows consultants to complete cost estimates and finalize documents ahead of a federally required environmental review (NEPA).

Fredericksburg officials supported Option C with a 6-1 vote, and Stafford County unanimously endorsed it. Spotsylvania County declined to endorse a specific route, raising concerns about potential impacts on local roads such as Fall Hill Avenue, Bragg Road, and River Road.


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News

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Virginia Railway Express (VRE) CEO Rich Dalton announced his retirement at the VRE Operations Board meeting on Friday, June 20, 2025. Dalton, who has led the agency since stepping in as interim CEO in 2019 and becoming permanent CEO in 2020, will officially retire on October 3, 2025.

Dalton’s tenure at VRE spans more than 16 years, beginning in 2009 when he joined as Chief Operating Officer. However, his connection to the commuter rail service extends even further. Through his earlier work at locomotive manufacturer Morrison-Knudsen (now Wabtec), Dalton supported VRE operations from the launch of its first trains in June 1992.


Manassas

The Manassas City Council is preparing to present a new set of legislative priorities to state lawmakers during its annual Legislative Breakfast, scheduled for July 15, 2025, at the Manassas Museum.

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