By Stephanie Tipple
For PotomacLocal.com
Occoquan, Va. — Now that the holiday season is in full swing for many, this time of year can be a major hardship for many families. With the economy still on rocky soil, many families cannot afford to purchase the basic amenities and all of the gifts for their children and family members , but Occoquan residents and merchants are working together to bring the holiday cheer to these disadvantaged families.
Prince William County, Va. — While the holidays are on the minds of many area residents, it won’t be long until state legislators head back to Richmond to convene the 2012 General Assembly on Jan. 12. The annual meeting of the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate, the primary lawmaking bodies in the state, each year introduce new legislation that, if ultimately passed, is signed into law by the governor.
Prince William County officials have made it clear what legislative priorities they support for the upcoming session:
Police were called to the 2000 block of Mayflower Drive, off Clipper Drive and Old Bridge Road, about 1:40 a.m. Wednesday. The residents there told police they heard glass breaking in the front of their town home and then saw a small fire after they went to investigate, said Prince William fire and rescue spokesman Joseph Robertson.
The residents extinguished the fire and called 911.
Woodbridge, Va. — Two men walked into a Woodbridge convenience store and robbed the place in broad daylight.
It happened at 7:02 a.m. at the Handy Dandy Market on at the corner of Horner and Occoquan roads in Woodbridge.
Woodbridge, Va. — Some residents in Woodbridge’s flood-ravaged Holly Acres Mobile Home Park want to rebuild. The Prince William County Board of Supervisors, despite a recommendation from zoning officials, says no.
But will they go to court over the issue? A vote to do so was delayed Tuesday and the Washington Post has more on why officials decided to not to vote.
Manassas, Va. — Back by popular demand, the National Capital Trackers will be exhibiting their festive, magical and truly awe-inspiring Christmas landscape at the Annual Winter Wonderland Train Show in Manassas.
The Winter Wonderland Model Train Show is Dec. 13-16 from 5 to 8 pm and Dec. 17 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, one block from the Train Depot. Santa is expected to be “in the house” on Dec. 16 and Dec. 17.
North Stafford, Va. — Those who eat at Chili’s in at Stafford Marketplace today can help donate to a good cause.
The Stafford County SPCA will hold a “spirit night fundraiser” from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the North Stafford eatery where 20 percent of all sales for the day will be donated to the organization – the county’s first and only no-kill animal shelter.
The victim was walking along the tracks in the area of Range Road when it appears he was struck by a passing train, police said.
The victim was pronounced dead on the scene, and police said his death appears to be an accident.
During’s body was found by a search and rescue team at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in a wooded area of Rocky Way Drive, near the intersection of Eustace Road and Northhampton Boulevard. Police don’t know how he died but said foul play is not suspected.
During was reported missing just before midnight Wednesday. Police said they were called to his home on Whitson Ridge Drive, off Eustace Road in North Stafford, where family members told them During had been missing since Nov. 18, said Stafford sheriff’s spokesman Bill Kennedy.
During this time of unprecedented need in our community, we are working to increase nutritious meal availability to allow our children every opportunity to be healthy and eager learners.
Five community partners, including Grace United Methodist Church, Upper Room Christian Cathedral, the Manassas chapters of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and Wellington Community are working with Manassas City Public Schools to expand the “Backpack Snack Attack” program that will provide 40 weekend meal packs for selected elementary students each week through 2012, for a total of 4,400 weekend meals over 24 weeks. The packs promote healthy eating and provide a much needed source of nutrition for students on weekends when school meals are not available.
