DUMFRIES, Va. — On the heels of the start of their summer camp for area youths, the Boys and Girls Club in Dumfries celebrated some life improvements on Saturday.
IKEA of Woodbridge renovated two rooms at the General Joseph M Heiser, Jr. Boys and Girls Club – a teen lounge for those 13-years-old and older and a multipurpose game room. New couches, computer desks, decorative linens, a new TV set, and a new video game system were added to the building. The makeover was part of a $10,000 “Life Improvement” grant from the Swedish furniture maker and distributor, and the Dumfries club was one of nearly 100 applicants for the grant, said IKEA Woodbridge spokeswoman Wendy Rogers.
Unlike it’s counterparts in Dale City and Manassas, the Dumfries Boys and Girls Club is not a full-time facility. It offers only morning and after-school activities for children and teens.
With the community’s help and more interest form children, teens, and their parents, Dumfries club Program Aide Romona Goodwin said they aim to seek full accreditation and seek more activities.
“Hopefully, by this fall, we’ll have everything up to par and up to code so we can be a full-service club like the one in Manassas and Dale City,” said Goodwin.
The Heiser Club reopened last year after being closed down for about two years.
Saturday’s event was filled with musical performances, free child ID services by the Prince William County Sheriff’s Department, and a host of local business vendors.
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Lateef, an ophthalmologist and longtime public servant, has served on the Prince William County School Board since 2018. Under his leadership, teacher salaries have increased by 61%, making the county more competitive with neighboring school divisions. Additionally, the county’s graduation rate has risen to 95%, the highest in its history.
When the toilet gets clogged, or the pipe springs a leak, it might be time to call Mr. Rooter, the newest plumbing place in Fredericksburg, to fix the problem.
Officials gathered on Thursday, January 30, 2025, to cut the ribbon on the new Westwood Center office just east of I-95.
“When we started Mr. Rooter here in Fredericksburg, we set out to create not just another plumbing service, but a local business that our community can trust — whether it is for routine plumbing repair, an emergency fix, or a major installation,” said Gilbert Mwenedata, owner of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Fredericksburg. “We’re proud to be part of this wonderful community, and we look forward to building lasting relationships with our neighbors, customers, and other local businesses,” he said.
The Haymarket Town Council is set to meet tonight, Monday, February 3, 2025, at 7 p.m. to receive an update from the town manager on several ongoing projects and initiatives. The meeting will occur at the Council Chambers, located at 15000 Washington St., Suite 100, in Haymarket.
Among the key topics on the agenda, town officials will discuss:
Park Sidewalk Project: Progress continues on the asphalt work, tree planting, and signage installation along Washington Street, with lighting and benches set to be delivered soon.
Stormwater Assessment Program: Officials have identified three major problem areas for stormwater drainage improvements, with full surveying expected to be completed by April 2025.
Town Center Development: Town staff are reviewing the latest submission of the site plan, with discussions focused on prioritization and financing.
Highpointe at Haymarket: The rezoning application for a proposed workforce housing project remains on hold.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
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.