PotomacLocal.com congratulates Barbara Dorver of Woodbridge for winning a $50 gas card for submitting her commuter tale to Slug Tales – the weekly online column that’s focused on your commute in Northern Virginia.
Read below for Barbara’s harrowing account of being stuck in traffic on “The Day the Springfield Interchange Iced Over.”
During Ice Storm, Bathrooms on I-395 Hard to Find
If you are a native of the Northern Virginia area, I am sure you have a traffic nightmare horror story. Nothing in this area is gauged by sheer mileage, it gauged by a complicated equation based on mileage, weather conditions, time of day, direction traveled and percentage of roadwork being done on that particular day.
My horror story comes from the fateful evening of February 12, 2008 or as most of you natives know it as “The Day the Springfield Interchange Iced Over.” Oh yes, for most of us it was a glorious commute home of no less than a ridiculous amount hours. For me, it was six hours in the car with two slugs I picked up from the Pentagon–who just happened to be Officers in the Army. First there was the Colonel, a stern man who took the front seat and stared straight ahead for most of the trip. The Lieutenant Colonel took the backseat.
The first hour stuck in the dead stopped traffic was not so bad. Some small talk ensued as we sat between the concrete barricades on the HOV lanes on 395. Into about the third hour, we realized we hadn’t moved at all. This caused my bladder (and myself) to come to terms with the fact we were all going to have to pee at some point.
The Lieutenant Colonel was first to admit he needed to utilize the facilities (which at this point was an open door to the car facing the concrete barrier. Easy enough for him. In the fourth hour I realized I couldn’t hold it anymore. Being female, it was a more complicated process. I had to kindly ask both gentlemen to exit my car, stand on the opposite side of the vehicle while I opened both doors and relieved my bladder…and peed all over the back of my pants.
The next two hours were complete akward silence in my car, which now reeked of urine-and embarrassment.
I have never picked up slugs again as I envision they told all their slug friends of my misfortune. I was officially labeled “The girl who peed herself” and self exiled from the slug world. That, my friends, is a risk you take everyday as a resident of the NOVA area.
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On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Manassas City Council received the Electoral Board’s annual report, presented by Pamela Kincheloe, who is secretary of the city’s electoral board. The report highlighted voter participation trends, the logistics of the 2024 election, and the city’s electoral outcomes. The 2024 voter turnout was 65.46%, down from 72.6% in 2020 and 66.7% in 2016. Early voting continued to grow, accounting for 44.73% of total votes, surpassing in-person voting on Election Day (43.22%), while mail-in voting made up 12.05%. Sunday voting also saw an increase, with 131 voters participating compared to previous years. Turnout by precinct ranged from 61% at Dean Elementary to 73.71% at Rand Elementary. Same-day registration presented logistical challenges, particularly at Weems Elementary, where wait times were extended due to high demand and the additional burden of curbside voting. Same-day voter registration, which began in Virginia with the 2022 General Election, allows individuals to register and vote provisionally after the traditional registration deadline.
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
The Manassas City Council voted unanimously on Monday, January 13, 2024, to purchase a 1.56-acre property in Downtown Manassas from the Manassas Ice and Fuel Company (MIFCO). The $3.1 million acquisition is part of the city’s ongoing strategy to control downtown development and foster community-focused growth.
The newly purchased property, which includes multiple parcels on Center Street, is zoned for industrial use (I-2), allowing developments up to 75 feet in height. City officials highlighted the importance of acquiring the land to guide its future use and prevent projects that may not align with the downtown’s character.
“This purchase ensures that we, as a city, can decide what happens on this key piece of land,” said Vice Mayor Wolfe. “Without this step, the property could have been developed by-right into something like a storage facility or data center, which may not align with our downtown vision.”
Finding the right property management company can make all the difference in ensuring a rental experience that is both profitable for owners and enjoyable for tenants.
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At Freedom Property Management, customer service isn’t just a priority; it’s a promise. Tiffany emphasizes the team’s commitment to delivering a responsive, hands-on experience that keeps clients happy. “Our team is dedicated to making every interaction positive and productive, whether helping a tenant or communicating with an owner. We recently helped a client navigate a complex property issue with a tenant, and we handled every step—keeping them informed without adding stress to their day.” This focus on customer service creates lasting relationships with clients who appreciate the consistent support.
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
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