This year. the 71st Annual Manassas Christmas Parade on December 2 featured two outstanding citizens as its Parade Grand Marshal and Woman of the Year. John O. Gregory, veteran, accomplished businessman and pillar of the community, will serve as the parade’s Grand Marshal. Robin Perkins, who served as treasurer for the City of Manassas for over 18 years is this year’s Woman of the Year. Both are longtime Manassas residents who are passionate about giving back to their communities.
Grand Marshal John O. Gregory
Lifelong Manassas resident John O. Gregory has dedicated himself to his community and his country well over his lifetime. He served in both the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy and is a veteran of World War II. He also served as Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars for 6 terms.
Gregory literally helped build the community in Manassas as founder of Gregory Construction Company, a design-build firm. He designed and built over 2000 community projects, including elementary and high schools, churches and religious buildings. He was one of the founders of Prince William Hospital and served on its Board of Directors for many years. He also co-founded and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for a local bank, Security Bank, which is now part of BB&T Banking System.
Former President George H.W. Bush invited Gregory to the White House in 1988 and remarked, “You are the perfect example of the “1000 Points of Light” for your volunteer service.” Gregory has supported many volunteer causes through the Lions Clubs International, including serving as International Director for Lions Clubs for 3 years. He was recognized for his good works when he received the Melvin Jones Award for Service and the Ambassador of Good Will.
Gregory also raised his family in Manassas and now has two granddaughters and one grandson. His grandchildren frequently accompany him to his lifelong church, Bethel Lutheran Church in Manassas.
Woman of the Year Robin Perkins
Robin Perkins has made a career of giving back. She started as a volunteer for the Treasurer’s Office a few days a week. She was first elected treasurer for the City of Manassas back in 1997 when tax records were kept on a binary card system. Perkins helped create the original tax database for residents. Her career was spent handling the City of Manassas’ investment portfolio, collecting taxes and paying invoices. She was a public servant for over 35 years, having been re-elected 4 times before retiring.
A Manassas local, Perkins raised her family here after graduating from Osbourn High School. Although her career as a civil servant came to a close, she’s not done being active in her community. This mom of two and grandmother of three enjoys giving back to her community as a scout leader, youth bowling director, volunteer for Manassas City Schools and scouting cookie mom. She also serves on the board of the Manassas Rotary Club.
For more information on the parade, visit www.gmchristmasparade.org.
Recent Stories
The Manassas City Council voted to extend a lucrative tax incentive for Micron Technology Inc. through 2035, solidifying the semiconductor company’s continued presence in the city. The deal, passed during the February 10, 2025, council meeting, ensures Micron’s annual tax payments increase by 4% while maintaining a lower tax rate than other manufacturers.
However, the decision has raised questions about a potential conflict of interest involving Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. Multiple sources have indicated that Davis-Younger is in a relationship with Delbert Parks, Vice President and Site Director at Micron’s Manassas facility.
Parks is named in an official letter from the mayor, dated the same day as the vote, outlining the incentives offered to Micron. During the meeting, Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe alluded to the relationship, stating that “some of the comments floating around online are BS,” referring to speculation that the mayor’s ties to Parks influenced the tax break discussions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Unity Reed High School.
On February 4, 2025, the board approved Rezoning #REZ2024-00042, NVA05C, changing the property’s zoning from agricultural and business districts to Planned Business District (PBD) to accommodate a data center. The site, located 700 feet southwest of Freedom Center Boulevard and Wellington Road, is part of Innovation Park, an area designated for high-tech development.
The rezoning application was submitted by STACK Infrastructure, which operates data centers in multiple locations across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. Some key Northern Virginia locations include:Â Manassas, Ashburn, and Leesburg.
Fredericksburg is taking another step forward to become a more walkable community with the recent start of construction off LaFayette Boulevard, which is part of the city’s Twin Lake Drive and Kensington Pedestrian Connector project.
This $2.4 million project includes extending a 10-foot wide paved shared-use path along the north side of Lafayette Boulevard between Twin Lake Drive and St. Paul Street in the City of Fredericksburg. The path will be accessible, with ramps and crosswalks built where the route intersects with Twin Lakes Drive, Springwood Drive, Kensington Place, and St. Paul Street.
The project includes a paved access point to the Virginia Central Railway Trail from the cul-de-sac of Springwood Drive, and a bike repair station will be installed at Alum Spring Park.
The process Fredericksburg City Council is following to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat could conflict with state code—especially with a provision added last year that states that governing bodies must publicly announce the names of those being considered to fill a vacant seat at least seven days before the appointment is made.
? A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras! ?
?? Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
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:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
