LAKE RIDGE, Va. — Doris Woodring turned 103-years-old on Monday. For that milestone, she went grocery shopping.
Woodring has lived in the Westminster at Lake Ridge retirement community since 1995. Ever since she moved in, she has went to a Giant Food store in Lake Ridge at least twice a week.
Because sheâs been a faithful customer for nearly 20 years, Giant Food and its employees held a celebration for Woodring on Monday. They welcomed her into the store for what she thought was going to be a routine shopping trip, only to surprise her with fanfare.
âAll of my friends who have gone on to Heaven must think Iâve died but that Iâm not coming,â said Woodring of turning 103.
![Giant store Manager Larry Merritt gives Doris Woodring a hug at a surprise birthday party the store held in her honor. [Mary Davidson / Potomac Local News]](https://potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/061213-Woodring.jpg)
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[Graphic courtesy of Prince William County Schools]The Prince William County School Board (PWCS) revised the adopted 2025-2026 school year calendar at its Jan. 22 meeting in a unanimous decision. The…
Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Jan. 27 regular meeting. This weekâs meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center St. The Department of Economic Development, led by Director Patrick Small, will present its fiscal year 2024 report to City Council.
Fiscal year 2024 â from July 2023 to July 2024 â showed an increase in industrial and retail vacancies in the last two quarters of the fiscal year. However, office space vacancies increased slightly over the fiscal year to just over 3.5%.
The city generated $12.9 million in sales taxes and $6.25 million in meal taxes, both increases from fiscal year 2023, the department’s presentation states. The department estimates nearly 340,000 people visited Manassas in fiscal year 2024, generating $60.5 million in spending in the city.
Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford Countyâs Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.
A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.
Katie Brady, county fire department spokeswoman and Fire Life Safety Manager, clarified that âwildfireâ is a broad blanket term. Stafford is likelier to experience âbrush firesâ than quick-moving wildfires that cause widespread destruction like Californiaâs. Brushfires can range in size from a few feet to several acres and can be precursors to a larger wildfire capable of causing significant damage. Brushfires are more common when the area experiences drought conditions, like in 2024.
The disciplinary action taken against Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop earlier this month is the latest chapter in a turbulent tenure at the school, Insidenova.com reports.
Bishop was placed on involuntary leave, the school announced Jan. 9.
The school division did not provide further details upon request from InsideNoVa because it is a âpersonnel matter,â said Diana Gulotta, the school systemâs director of communications.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditionsâno 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 treatâit’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fĂšve (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and donât worryâthere will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But thatâs not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Yearâs wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. Weâre bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
Whatâs in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Pucciniâs âThe Girl from the Golden Westâ.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Pucciniâs masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
