On December 11th, members of our community gathered at the Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad for “A Community Conversation.”
In light of the Grand Jury decisions in the cases involving Michael Brown and Eric Garner, members of the community gathered to discuss ethnic relations in Prince William County, and how citizens can become more involved in civic engagement opportunities in our communities.
The panel for the Community Conversation included Mr. Willie Toney – Vice Mayor of the Town of Dumfries, Pastor Keith Savage – of First Baptist Church of Manassas and Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement (V.O.I.C.E.), Ms. Hala Ayala – President of PWC NOW, and Mr. Ralph Smith – Civil Rights Leader and PW NAACP.
During the conversation, participants addressed their concerns in our communities involving the economy, cultural inequities, police relations, diversifying the (political) table, and how we can serve our communities. Citizens were encouraged and inspired to become more involved, and to take on leadership roles in their communities as volunteers, serving as mentors for our youth, increased participation in civic organizations, etc. Vice Mayor Toney encouraged participants to serve on Boards and Commissions in their Towns, as well as on the County levels.
Participants were encouraged to attend Board of County Supervisors meetings, School Board meetings, as well as Town Council meetings, and to make citizen’s comments when necessary. It was mutually agreed that minorities need to have a greater presence at community meetings.
“Make your presence a springboard to your power,” said Pastor Keith Savage.
At the conclusion of the “Community Conversation,” participants committed to bringing forth positive change in their communities by actively engaging in civic engagement opportunities. As a result, a Facebook page has been created to: maintain an open line of communication with participants and serve as a platform to continue dialogue from the event, to discuss potential solutions to systematic issues, and to keep everyone aware of community meetings, and opportunities where our presence and voice are needed.
We may not have all of the answers to systematic issues in our community, but one thing we know for sure: having a healthy dialogue is the first step towards finding a solution. Similar events are being planned throughout Greater Prince William, and citizens are encouraged to participate.
“Community Conversations” will be held quarterly in our community. The next event will be held in the spring, and education will be the topic of discussion.
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In this engaging episode, Dayna-Marie shares her journey to the school board, her priorities for education in Manassas City, and her vision for fostering open communication between the board and the community.
Prince William County’s plans for an indoor sports complex in Woodbridge face a significant shift following this week’s decision by the Board of County Supervisors to allocate $250,000 for a consultant to determine the best use for the site. The 21.85-acre property near I-95 and the state’s most enormous commuter lot, the Horner Road lot, had been the centerpiece of a proposal to build a large indoor recreation facility to attract travel teams and host major events like graduations.
The property, once proposed as the location for a large indoor sports and recreation facility, is now part of a broader development plan. County officials aim to aggregate the land with four adjacent parcels, totaling nearly 50 acres of county- and state-owned land, including existing commuter parking lots. The mission is to transform the area into a community hub that harmonizes living, working, and leisure spaces while generating jobs and tax revenue.
Known colloquially as Prince William Landing, the area was previously considered as a potential site for a new Washington Commanders football stadium alongside another location near Potomac Mills mall. Both sites were discussed as part of efforts to keep the team in Northern Virginia after its lease on FedEx Field expires in 2027. However, those plans did not materialize.
According to county documents, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, along with the Finance Department and Office of Procurement Services, is leading the effort to attract a strategic real estate partner. The process will follow the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act of 2002 (PPEA) to identify a development partner capable of delivering a project that strengthens the county’s sense of place and meets diverse community needs.
Three amendments are one step closer to being enshrined in the Virginia Constitution after passing the Senate on Tuesday. These amendments address abortion rights, marriage equality, and the restoration of voting rights for formerly incarcerated felons.
The resolutions on abortion and voting rights passed along party lines, while the marriage equality resolution received bipartisan support with a 24-15 vote. Democrats currently hold a 21-19 majority in the Senate for the four-year terms through December 2027.
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin cannot veto constitutional amendments. The process requires these amendments to be approved twice over two years, with a legislative election in between. If approved again, the proposed amendments will appear on the 2026 ballot for voters’ consideration.
Germanna Community College (GCC) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new Stafford expansion today, January 23, 2025. The event marked the opening of two buildings in Stafford: the Barbara J. Fried Building at 10 Center Street and the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building at 25 Center Street.
GCC was established in 1970 as part of Virginia’s Community College System and has locations in Culpeper, Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. The school’s website says over 13,000 students are enrolled.
The new expansion added 74,000 square feet to the campus with a $20 million investment. GCC plans to double enrollment in allied health services, like nursing. They will also expand their cybersecurity, IT, general education, and dual enrollment programs.
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.
