Good morning  – Is it true? Sure feels like spring! Perfect timing for the 5K Run for Hunger to benefit the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry on Saturday April 2nd beginning at 8:00am. Not a runner? Walkers are welcome too! Enjoy the out of doors and support an important cause. Go to www.HaymarketFoodPantry.org for details!
· Come out and enjoy the 2nd annual Spring Into Health Fair at the Boys and Girls Club Hylton Branch in Woodbridge on Saturday, April 9th. Not only can you receive FREE health screenings but there will door prizes as well! Volunteers are still needed for set-up. This is a great collaborative effort among Project Mend-a-House, the Prince William Chamber, and hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs. Sponsors include: NOVEC, Fusion Physical Therapy, and Tribute. Contact Jodie at [email protected] to learn how you can help.
· Trust Annual Park Clean-up Day at Bristoe Station Battlefield. The event is Saturday April 2nd 8am-12 noon. Come maintain, restore and preserve this little jewel. Duties include litter pick up, trail maintenance, cleaning the cemetery throughout the 140 acre park. Wear sturdy work shoes, bring gloves and don’t forget the sunscreen. Tools and snacks provided, please no pets. Meet at the parking lot off of Iron Brigade Unit Ave. Call Bill at (703) 366-3049 with any questions.
· Thinking about buying a home? Attend a FREE Homeownership Seminar Saturday, April 9that 9:00am. Then, learn how to manage your finances by attending a Smart Money Management workshop on Tuesday, April 12 at 7:00pm. Both programs are held at Sudley North Government Center and brought to you by Virginia Cooperative Extension Financial Education & Housing Counseling Program. To register call 703-792-6287 or email [email protected].
· Capital Caring is looking for volunteer massage therapists, reiki masters, artists, musicians and certified pet therapy animals to provide joy and comfort to patients and their families. Please call Rachael at (703) 957-1785 to learn more.
· Brain Injury Services is looking for PALS volunteers to visit folks for friendly conversation as well as summer interns. Contact Michelle for more information: [email protected] or 703-451-8881 X232.
· Keep Prince William Beautiful needs volunteers on Saturday April 16th on route 1 in Woodbridge from 9am-12 noon. Please call Claudia at (571) 285-3772 for the specifics.
· The Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Program is looking for volunteers for their summer camps beginning in June through mid-August. Jobs include assisting with crafts, activities, side walking or leading the horses. It’s a wonderful opportunity to build skills, team building and leadership for teens. Classic Camp June 27th-31st and July 25th-29th is half day camp for students with special needs. Frontier Camp is July 11-15th for rising 5th-9th graders and Girl-Power Camp is August 8th-12th for girls rising 5th-9th graders. Please call Scottie at (703) 754-6159 to learn more.
· Habitat for Humanity ReStore is just bustling with lots of new donations so volunteers are needed to build hoppers for books, racks for granite, sanitizing banquet chairs and many other fun jobs in this super fun place. It’s so easy to join in by signing up on their volunteer calendar at: www.habitatpwc.org.
· Catholic Charities –Hogar Immigrant Services has an urgent need for ESOL teachers for the classes in Manassas. You don’t need teaching experience or speak another language to make a huge difference in the life of another. Please call Cynthia at (571) 208-1572 ext. 103 to join this great team.
· Volunteer Prince William is pleased to schedule our next Volunteer Management Training Series beginning September 14th through October 19th. Come broaden and tune your skill set with these once week trainings over 5 weeks. Please call Shelley for more info at (703) 369-5292 ext. 0
· If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call my wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William. Mary can help you with the Retired and Senior Volunteer (RSVP) opportunities at (703) 369-5292 ext. 1, Shelley can help with any individual or group project and send you weekly updates if you’d like. Shelley is at (703) 369-5292 ext. 0, and Bonnie can help you with opportunities available in Disaster Preparedness at (703) 369-5292 ext. 3. Please visit our newly re-vamped website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.
Call to Action is a column written by Volunteer Prince William Director Mary Foley.
Recent Stories
A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.
The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.
During the podcast, Milde emphasized the safety and traffic issues posed by panhandling in medians.
A speeding incident escalated into a high-speed pursuit Wednesday, January 21, 2025, on Interstate 95, according to Virginia State Police spokesman Matthew Demlein.
At 11:33 a.m., a Virginia State Police trooper attempted to stop a silver sedan traveling northbound on I-95 near the 157-mile marker in Prince William County for speeding—clocked at 93 mph in a 60-mph zone. The driver refused to stop, prompting a police pursuit.
During the chase, the sedan struck the mirror of another vehicle, causing minor damage, but no injuries were reported. The pursuit continued onto eastbound Interstate 495 and ultimately ended at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, marking the Maryland state line. At that point, the pursuit was terminated.
Kristen Senechal. [Photo courtesy of NOVEC]On Wednesday, the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative’s (NOVEC) Board of Directors named Kristen Senechal as the organization’s next president and CEO. “After an eight-month national…
The Stafford County Animal Shelter is celebrating another heartwarming adoption story. Dax, a tri-colored Beagle, arrived at the shelter as a stray in September 2024. Despite his friendly demeanor and gentle nature, Dax spent 68 days waiting for someone to notice him. No one came forward to claim him, and potential adopters often passed him by.
Throughout his stay, shelter volunteers ensured Dax received plenty of care, exercise, and socialization. They took him on outdoor adventures and showered him with affection, but Dax’s longing for a forever home remained.
That changed when a family finally recognized Dax’s charm and decided to adopt him. His new owners report that Dax has fully embraced his new life, earning the title of “ultimate snuggle bug.” Whether it’s curling up on the couch or nestling under a pile of blankets, Dax has quickly become a cherished member of the family.
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.
