The center, dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for homeless women and their families, unveiled its plans to increase its capacity and offerings to address the growing issue of homelessness among women and children.
Effective March 1, 2024, VAWFSC expanded its operations with the opening of three new houses located in Haymarket, Gainesville, and Manassas. Additionally, the organization has relocated to a larger office space in Gainesville to accommodate its growing initiatives. These developments mark a significant step forward in the center’s mission to provide shelter and support to homeless pregnant mothers and their families.
With the expansion, VAWFSC now has the capacity to house over 18 pregnant mothers and their families at any given time. The organization is currently in the process of renovating and updating these facilities to ensure they meet the needs of their residents.
In addition to providing housing, VAWFSC is also focusing on offering comprehensive programs aimed at addressing various issues faced by homeless women and families. These programs include mental health support, trauma counseling, maternal wellness services, and workforce development initiatives.
The expansion of services comes at a critical time as homelessness among families continues to be a pressing issue in the region. Recent statistics show a 12.1% increase in homelessness among families in nearby areas, highlighting the urgent need for support and resources for vulnerable populations.
Over the past year, VAWFSC has made significant strides in supporting homeless pregnant women, with 78 individuals benefiting from the organization’s programs and services. These efforts have resulted in tangible outcomes, including increased education completion rates, improved financial management skills, access to trauma care, and enhanced job-related skills.
The impact report released by VAWFSC showcases the organization’s commitment to providing holistic support and empowering women on their journey toward self-sufficiency. Through its expanded services and ongoing initiatives, VAWFSC aims to break the cycle of homelessness and create brighter futures for homeless women and their families.
Individuals interested in supporting VAWFSC’s mission and learning more about its programs can visit their website at vawfsc.org.
Insidenova.com: “Microsoft Corp. recently acquired vacant property zoned for data centers in Gainesville for more than $465 million, according to a Washington Business Journal report.”
“The publication reports the property comprises about 124 acres across two parcels at 13490 University Blvd. and 5941 Wellington Road, directly south of Conway Robinson State Forest and Manassas National Battlefield Park, near where the contentious PW Digital Gateway data center corridor is primed for development.”
Jim Bailey, 54, a resident of Gainesville since 1997, has been umpiring Little League softball and baseball for 12 years and was selected among thousands of umpire candidates nationwide to serve in the 2024 Little League World Series. According to the league, appointment as a volunteer umpire for a World Series event is the highest honor the organization can bestow on an umpire.
“Being named an umpire at one of our seven World Series events is an honor that thousands of Little League umpires strive for each year and has long been known as an opportunity to showcase their hard work and give back by helping to provide a fun and memorable experience for the hundreds of participants from around the world,” said Stu Hartenstein, Little League Director of Umpire Development and Operations, in a press release announcing the umpires’ selections.
Even for Bailey, a veteran official with over a decade of experience on the field, the Little League World Series opportunity still gives him mixed emotions.
“I am nervous and excited,” Bailey said. “…I want to make sure I do my best.”
He said the selection started with a lengthy process that began with Little League training classes and then umpiring at state tournaments. After umpiring there, selected umpires move up to regional tournaments, which are evaluated by Little League regional training staff.
“At the end of the region tournament, you sit down with the training staff to review your strengths and weaknesses, and are scored based on the review form developed by Little League International,” Bailey said.
Umpires must score well to be recommended for the World Series events. The process can take years for an umpire to be appointed for a Little League World Series. In the 2024 Little League World Series, Bailey will serve as an umpire for the Senior League Softball World Series in Lower Sussex, Del., from July 29 – Aug. 4. The Senior League Division is for boys and girls aged 13-16 years old.
“I appreciate what Little League offers to the children in our community and look forward to being involved for many years to come,” Bailey said. He added that his son and daughter also played baseball and softball, and he often saw the “love of the game” from players and their families and enjoyed the camaraderie with other umpires.
He is one of 13 volunteer umpires officiating the Senior League Division games, and other umpires in the division hail from locations like British Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Philippines, and several U.S. states. The games are scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN starting July 27.
Kevin Sandell is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.
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At the Manassas City Council meeting on February 26, 2024, Penny Lee, president and CEO of the Financial Technology Association and chair of Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, delivered a presentation on the Solheim Cup Overview.
Lee showcased a promotional video highlighting previous editions of the cup, emphasizing its significance as a team women’s golf event between the U.S.A. and Europe teams, each comprising 12 women. Notably, Europe enters the tournament as the defending champions.
Lee disclosed that some participating golfers are expected to compete in the Olympics, with team announcements slated for later this year. The forthcoming event is scheduled at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville from September 10-15, 2024. Golfers will be accommodated at the Hilton in Tysons during the tournament while utilizing cottages on the golf club premises between matches.
Anticipating a significant turnout, Lee forecasted attendance figures ranging from 160,000 to 175,000 attendees, surpassing the 140,000 attendees at the 2021 event in Ohio. Live coverage of every match will be broadcast on Golf Channel and NBC, with additional attractions such as a military pavilion and a 9-hole military challenge planned. The official gala will also acknowledge the significance of September 11.
Former presidents have been invited to attend, with expectations of heightened activity in the area during the September 13-15 matches. Lee projected an economic impact exceeding $60 million, aiming to surpass the impressive figures recorded during the 2021 Solheim Cup in Ohio.
Reflecting on the success of past events, Lee expressed hope for exceeding previous numbers, citing the absence of the coronavirus pandemic as a contributing factor. The 2021 Solheim Cup in Ohio attracted attendees from all 50 states, generating over $40 million in economic impact and involving over 2,000 volunteers from 39 states. Lee expects increased visitor engagement, both digitally and physically, compared to the 2023 Spain Solheim Cup.
Caitlyn Meisner documented the Manassas City Council meeting.
Aggravated Malicious Wounding Arrest:
Michael Carlos DUNCAN, aged 43 and a resident of Woodbridge, was apprehended on February 8. He faces charges including abduction, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and aggravated malicious wounding. Duncan’s arrest stems from an incident on October 16, 2023, when a shooting occurred outside a residence on Earlham Ct. in Woodbridge. Montgomery County police assisted in locating and apprehending Duncan, who is slated for a court appearance on April 30, 2024. Previously, Michael Carlos DUNCAN was identified as the suspect in connection to a shooting incident that took place on October 16, 2023, in Woodbridge. During the incident, a 39-year-old man sustained a non-life-threatening injury. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.
Shooting Incident:
On February 13, at approximately 5:01 PM, authorities responded to a shots fired call in the 15300 block of Gatehouse Terrace in Woodbridge. The investigation revealed that during a physical altercation between two men, one of them brandished a firearm and fired multiple rounds, injuring a 21-year-old man who later sought medical treatment. Despite efforts, both individuals involved had fled the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival.
Armed Robbery:
A robbery occurred on February 10 in Woodbridge, where a 19-year-old man was assaulted while sitting in his vehicle. Three unidentified men approached the victim, brandishing firearms, and proceeded to steal his belongings, including marijuana, before fleeing on foot. The victim sustained minor injuries.
Strong-Arm Robbery:
At an ABC Store located at 4255 Cheshire Station Plaza in Woodbridge, a robbery took place on February 11. The suspect, described as a black male wearing all-black clothing and a ski-style mask, threatened an employee and absconded with unpaid merchandise. No injuries were reported.
Sexual Assault Arrest:
Edward GARRETT, aged 59 and residing in Vienna, was arrested on February 9 for sexual battery. The incident occurred on December 12, 2023, at a residence in Woodbridge, where Garrett allegedly assaulted an adult female employee.
Threats to Bomb:
Authorities responded to a threat of bombing at NOVEC, located at 10432 Balls Ford Rd. in Manassas, on February 12. Damien Michaeal BROCKWAY, aged 46 and a resident of Warrenton, was apprehended the following day. The investigation confirmed no active threat.
Impersonating Law Enforcement & Residential Burglary Arrest:
Genie RHINEHART, aged 51 and from Evans, GA, was arrested on February 13 for burglary and impersonating law enforcement. Rhinehart was found inside a residence on Cebu Island Ct. in Lake Ridge and initially claimed to be law enforcement. Further investigation revealed false information, leading to her arrest.
Shooting on Same Street Where Woman Was Killed Last Week
Officers responded to a shooting incident on February 7 at 3:25 PM at Benita Fitzgerald Dr. and Brickwood Dr. in Woodbridge. They found a 17-year-old male juvenile with a gunshot wound inside a residence. The juvenile was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigation revealed the juvenile was walking in the area when multiple shots were fired, striking him. A four-door vehicle was seen fleeing the scene. No additional injuries or property damage were reported. The incident occurred on the same street where a North Carolina woman was shot and killed by a stray bullet on Feb. 2, 2024.
Road Rage Involving Gun on Route 234, Near Colgan High School
Police responded to a fight with weapons call on February 4 at 1:20 PM near Colgan High School. A 52-year-old man was involved in a road rage incident with another driver. During the altercation, the accused brandished a firearm and fired a round, striking a nearby vehicle. A brief struggle over the firearm ensued before the victim took possession of it. The accused, Timmy Mitchell DEANE, 57, was arrested and charged with attempted malicious wounding, shooting from a vehicle, and destruction of property.
Infant Found Sitting Alone on Stairs; Boy, 3, Also Found
Officers responded to a found child report on February 5 at 6:59 PM at High Pointe at Rippon Landing Condominiums. They found a 23-month-old boy sitting unsupervised on a stairwell and a 3-year-old boy asleep and unsupervised inside the residence. The father, identified as Ever PLEITEZ-MARTINEZ, returned to the residence intoxicated. He was arrested and charged with felony child neglect and DUI.
Shots Fired into Home
On February 6 at 9:27 PM, officers responded to shots fired at the Regency Apartments near Manassas. Multiple shots were fired, striking an apartment before a dark-colored van was seen leaving the area. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.
Potomac Mills Shopper Robbed Inside Store
A 17-year-old male juvenile was robbed inside Potomac Mills on February 6 at 5:21 PM. The victim was approached by an unknown male who demanded his clothing, implying he had a weapon. The suspect fled the store with the clothing. The suspect was described as a thin male wearing a black mask, a black jacket, and a grey hooded sweatshirt.
Officer Assaulted
On February 8 at 3:44 PM, officers responded to Somerset Point Apartments in Gainesville for a noise violation. While investigating, officers identified a man with active arrest warrants, identified as Joshua Chidi KING. When officers attempted to arrest him, he resisted and struck an officer. The officer was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. KING was arrested and charged with assault & battery on LEO and obstruction of justice.
“Local activists and officials are joining hands to oppose Dominion Energy’s efforts to build a new substation and transmission lines near Gainesville to fuel data centers,” reports Ben Peters at Insidenova.com.
Several Bristow residents are joining forces to fight the controversial Devlin Technology Park data center rezoning in court, reports Cher Muzyk and Jill Palermo at Prince William Times.
A fire broke out at the La Parrillada Mexican Grill in Gainesville on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023.
Prince William County fire and rescue crews were called to the blaze in the 7900 block of Crescent Park Drive, near Routes 15 and 29, at 3:46 p.m.
More from Prince William fire and rescue:
[Wednesday] afternoon, units were dispatched to the La Parrillada Mexican Grill from calls reporting the building was on fire. Crews arrived to find a working fire in the kitchen’s hood system and spreading to the roof deck. The structure sustained minimal damage. No injuries were reported. The restaurant is undergoing renovations and was not open at the time of the incident. The Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause of the fire was workers welding components of the hood system igniting accumulated grease.
