Poll

Black Friday crowds, early-morning bargain hunters, and plenty of folks who stayed home instead — how did you tackle this year’s shopping rush? Vote in our quick poll and let us know whether you braved the stores before sunrise, waited it out, or clicked your way through the sales online.


Sponsored

“BLACK FRIDAY IS OFFICIALLY HERE — and so are our BIGGEST deals of the year!” Manassas Park Community Center announced. “These deals drop once a year — don’t miss your chance to save HUGE!”

“50% off any new or renewed All Access or Basic ANNUAL memberships + receive a Signal Bay Waterpark passport voucher,” the center stated, adding that the discount also applies to “50% off any single-date Banquet Hall or Multipurpose Room rental, + receive a 1-month membership.”


Schools

“The black-box theater awaits student thespians, their lines memorized, spouting high school drama,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “And the band and locker rooms stand ready for the sounds of Friday night football victories.” “Hartwood High School, one of three new schools Stafford is opening next fall, is coming along, on schedule and within budget,” the publication added.

The update came during a recent media tour and a presentation to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, where officials said the school remains on track to open for students next year.


Event

Celebrate the season with the New Dominion Choraliers as they present Celebrate Hope and Joy, a vibrant holiday program filled with sacred works, beloved carols, and familiar favorites from The Grinch and Irving Berlin. Under the artistic direction of Katherine Nelson-Tracey, the concerts feature string accompaniment by the founders of The Onyx Project—champions of diversity and inclusivity in the arts—along with the energetic musicians of Legacy Brass. Dancers from Dance Etc. School of the Arts add visual beauty to select musical pieces.

Performances take place Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 3:30 p.m. at First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City. Tickets: $10 per individual or $25 per family of three or more at newdominionchoraliers.org or at the door.


Newslinks

Under HB 7, officers who violate the prohibition could face serious consequences. The bill authorizes disciplinary action (including dismissal, suspension, demotion, transfer, or decertification), establishes a Class 1 misdemeanor for unauthorized face-covering use (unless the employing agency has a written policy allowing it), and enables civil lawsuits — allowing a person injured by misconduct of an officer knowingly wearing a prohibited covering to sue for damages, with sovereign immunity waived.

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Newslinks

The survey comes as national polls show similar restraint, with Gallup and Deloitte reporting flat or declining holiday budgets across the U.S. The Roanoke College survey points to price pressures and a softening job market as factors shaping household expectations.

Be a Local in the Know. Get All the News & Fewer Ads. Since 2010, Potomac Local News has produced honest, trusted local news reporting. Please become a member today for 100% access, and support community journalism.


Opinion

This Thanksgiving, all of us at Potomac Local News want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you — our readers, supporters, and members — for being part of this community and for trusting us to tell the stories that matter in Prince William, Stafford, Fredericksburg, Manassas, and the surrounding region.

Your continued support throughout the year makes our work possible. Every time you read a story, share a link, send in a tip, or invest in local news through a membership, you help sustain independent journalism right here at home.


Prince William

“A special visitor showed up at Neabsco Regional Park, a wild turkey wandering through its natural habitat,” PWCParks announced. “With a rich diversity of bird species, the park is always full of life.” “Reminder: Enjoy from a distance and don’t feed the wildlife, they thrive best on their natural diets.”

Neabsco Regional Park, located at 15125 Blackburn Road in Woodbridge, is known for its wetlands, boardwalk, and abundant birdlife, making wildlife sightings like this a common treat for visitors.


Fredericksburg

Spotsylvania Towne Centre is getting into the holiday spirit early this year, opening its doors at 6 a.m. on Black Friday, November 28, with giveaways, entertainment, and cheerful surprises for shoppers. The first 200 people through the door will receive free swag bags filled with goodies—including a chocolate bar that could win one lucky visitor a $500 gift card.

Shoppers can also stop by the mall’s holiday gift wrapping station, located near Pandora and hosted by the Chancellor High School Lightning Regiment Marching Band, to have their purchases wrapped for the season.


Stafford

“I have also prepared a letter in opposition of the proposed project with suggestions to mitigate impacts,” Rock Hill District Supervisor Crystal Vanuch said in a recent social-media post. She added that Darrell English, Hartwood District Supervisor, will sign the letter and that she plans to invite other Board colleagues to join after the upcoming meeting.

Vanuch noted that the county’s options are limited, urging concerned residents to engage their state delegate and senator as the county learns more about the plans. She also said she copied all of Stafford’s state representation on the letter she will send after the Board’s Dec. 2 meeting.