Not everyone is off to the beach or getting ready for back-to-school this Labor Day weekend.
More than 400 tabletop wargamers will be spending Labor Day weekend at the NOVA Open at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, VA. The gamers are traveling from across the U.S., Canada and Europe to participate in wargamming tournaments and other events. Expert painters and miniature designers will be leading hobby and art seminars throughout the weekend.
This is a multi-system event that includes: Warhammer 40K GT, Invitational and Trios Team Tournaments; Warhammer Fantasy; Flames of War; Warmaching/Hordes; and Infinity. Players travel to the event with integrated armies of miniature figures from numerous genres including WW II, Fantasy, Steampunk and Sci-Fi. Using dice and laser pointers to determine sight lines and game effects, players follow their strategy in hopes of winning the tournament. New this year is the trading card game Magic:The Gathering, which includes two Primiere tournaments.
Michael Brandt, a 32-year-old proposal manager from Vienna, VA, started the event five years ago with 35 players in a park in Northern Virginia. The NOVA Open is now the largest East Coast tabletop wargaming event. Brandt also introduced the tournament’s format and style which lets attendees compete on either game strategy or the artistic challenge of the hobby.
Players are generally male, 22 to 40 years old, earning more than $50,000 annually and have been gaming for more than four years.
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The National Weather Service warns of wintry weather this weekend, with light snow or a wintry mix possible late Friday into Saturday morning. Precipitation should turn to rain by midday Saturday, but models show varying chances for light snowfall on Sunday, particularly in western areas.
A powerful Arctic air mass will arrive Sunday night, bringing the coldest temperatures in five years. Highs on Monday, Inauguration Day, will struggle to reach the teens and low 20s, with wind chills dropping to -15°F in the mountains and near 0°F elsewhere. Bitter cold will persist through Wednesday, with overnight lows below zero in some areas, according to the National Weather Service.
We’ll keep you posted with updates on the forecast.
Two lost dogs are currently waiting to reunite with their families at the Stafford County Animal Shelter. If you recognize these pets, please contact the shelter as soon as possible.
Gray and White Mixed Breed Dog
Gender: Male, intact
Weight: 22 pounds
Found: January 14, 2025, on Carriage Hill Road, 22405
Details: No collar, no microchip
Female Yorkie
Weight: Approximately 6 pounds
Found: January 13, 2025, on Little Oak Road, 22405
Details: Wearing a sweater (put on by shelter staff), no collar, microchipped but not registered to the current owner
Proof of ownership, such as a photo ID, is required to claim these dogs.
Join Fredericksburg’s premier improv team for a night of spontaneous comedy and audience participation games, culminating in a unique one-act play crafted with your input.
Event Details:
– Dates: Friday, January 17, 2025 – Saturday, January 18, 2025
– Time: 8 PM
– Location: Stage Door Productions, 810 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
– Tickets: $15
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the event website.
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From left to right: Eric Brent, Ed.D., MCPS Culturally Responsive and Equitable Practices Lead; Craig Gfeller, Deputy Superintendent; Kevin Newman, Ed.D., Superintendent; Tracy Hammond, Special Education Teacher at Haydon Elementary…
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.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
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.
Featuring:
