Press Release

On Saturday, December 13, Virginia Railway Express (VRE), Virginia’s commuter rail service, held its 18^th annual “Operation Lifesaver Santa Trains.” Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s helpers rode the rails and walked through the train to meet, greet and hand out candy canes. Helper elves passed out Operation Lifesaver railroad safety information coloring books and carolers from Riverbend, Chancellor, West Potomac, Thomas Edison, Stonewall Jackson, and Osbourn Park High School choirs made sure everyone was entertained. VRE operated 13 sold-out Santa Trains while entertaining nearly 9,000 attendees from the Manassas, Burke Centre, Fredericksburg and Woodbridge VRE stations during this annual holiday event.

“You can’t believe how much happiness VRE Santa Trains deliver until you experience it yourself” said Doug Allen, VRE’s Chief Executive Officer. “Whether you are a staff member working the trains, a parent, or a caroler, there is no greater satisfaction than seeing the excitement of children’s faces when they meet Santa. It’s rare when we get the opportunity to educate people about railroad safety while spreading holiday spirit but that’s what Santa Trains are all about,” said Mr. Allen.  

Wednesday night, Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank J. Principi hosted Virginia Secretary of Transportation, Aubrey Layne, and his senior leadership team at a town hall to discuss Better Transportation in the Woodbridge Magisterial District. “I believe this is the first time that we have had this many transportation leaders in one room in Prince William County”, said Supervisor Principi. Those who attended include:

Within limited dollars available for transportation projects, Secretary Layne briefed the attendees on the new process for funding transportation projects moving forward. “All state projects will now go through a competitive process created with House Bill 2,” Said Secretary Layne. “It requires the Commonwealth Transportation Board to use five factors to rank projects: congestion mitigation, economic development, accessibility, safety and environmental quality.” Secretary Layne also spoke about the Route 1 widening project and Fast Ferry service on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers.

New Life Anointed Ministries Int’l (The Life) moved its administrative offices from Marumsco Plaza to 12680 Darby Brook Court in Brooke Centre Plaza in Lake Ridge on December 1, 2014. Sunday Worship Services will continue to be held at 9 a.m. at CD Hylton High School, 14051 Spriggs Road in Woodbridge.

The Life will hold an open house at its new administrative offices in Brooke Centre Tuesday, December 23, 2014 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm.

Virginia Railway Express riders gave from their hearts and wallets Wednesday and donated a truck full of toys and nearly $19,000 in the commuter rail agency’s annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign. Riders were asked to leave toys on their seats when exiting morning trains and train conductors collected cash and checks from riders, which were then given to the Toys for Tots Program. “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of VRE riders and the number of toys and donations we received today. Undoubtedly Scrooge does not ride VRE,” said Doug Allen, CEO of VRE.

Marine Corps Staff Sergeants Eichelberger and Herbert presented Mr. Allen a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for VRE’s participation in the annual Toys for Tots event. VRE riders have been one of the largest contributors in our service area to the Toys for Tots Program in recent years. VRE and U.S Marine Corps staff will continue Toys for Tots collections this Saturday at stations served during VRE’s 18^th annual Operation Life Saver Santa Train events.

Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decora- tions may increase your chances of fire. Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 250 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 170 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year. Together, these fires resulted in 21 deaths and 43 injuries. Follow- ing a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy. Learn how to prevent a fire and what to do in case a fire starts in your home. Make sure all exits are accessible and not blocked by decorations or trees. Help ensure that you have a fire safe holiday season.

Maintain your Holiday Lights

The office of Virginia State Delegate Richard L. Anderson (R-51) has announced that the Prince William County legislator will host his third annual “51st House District Future Delegate Program” at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond during the months of January and February 2015.

The program is open to students from grades 7 through 12. They may be enrolled in any public or private school, to include home-schooled students. The 51st House District stretches from Occoquan Town westward through Lake Ridge, the county portions of Manassas, and into Brentsville and Nokesville.

Project Mend-A-House (PMAH) has moved from the Prince William County Complex off Prince William Parkway to the Falcon Building on Technology Drive in Manassas. For the first time in it’s 30 year history, PMAH will not be housed in Prince William County office space. The Technology Drive location consolidates office and storage space in a single location. The office includes conference room space for meetings and training events.

“This is the beginning of a new chapter for Project Mend-A-House,” said PMAH Executive Director, Jennifer Schock-Bolles, “we are excited about the opportunities in our new space will make possible.”