Falun Gong practitioners had their voices heard as they work to raise awareness of forced organ harvesting in China.
Two practitioners of Falun Gong–a religious movement founded in China in the 1990s and now banned by the country’s government, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) spoke at the Prince William Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday.
Forced organ harvesting by the CCP continues to be a problem in China, and Falun Gong practitioners and Uighur Muslims are the victims of the CCP’s efforts to commit genocide.
The practice has led to instances of elderly U.S. residents traveling to China to get fast-tracked organ transplants.
“The terminally ill are told if they come to China, they don’t have to wait months for an organ transplant,” said Jim Gerigosian of Catharpin. “They just don’t tell us where the organs are coming from.”
The practice of organ harvesting gets little news coverage in the U.S. Falon Gong practitioners in Prince William County met with three Board of County Supervisors members to educate them on the practice.
Following that meeting, Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega issued a proclamation warning county residents of the risks of traveling to China and to print them from becoming accomplices of the CCP’s practice of harvesting organs from political prisoners.
“Extensive and credible reports have revealed the mass killing of prisoners of conscience in the People’s Republic of China,” the resolution states.
Lien Pham, a Falun Gong practitioner of Woodbridge, also thanked Supervisors Margaret Franklin and Victor Angry for listening to their concerns.
“Very few Prince William residents have heard of this issue,” she said.
There are many former CCP prisoners in Virginia, all with horrific stories to tell, added Pham.
In addition to removing their organs, the CCP subjects prisoners to regularly forced x-rays, sonograms, and blood tests to determine organ compatibility, she added.
The CCP began its crackdown on Falun Gong in 1999 when it started a propaganda campaign to eradicate the practice after it viewed it as a threat due to its spiritual teachings.
More than 70 million Falun Gong practitioners across the U.S. aim to gain s through exercise and meditation. After fleeing the CCP, the religion is now based in New York.
Two successful media properties, The Epoch Times and NTD (New Tang Dynasty), have sprung up in the U.S. in recent years, both supported by Falun Gong.
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With the swearing-in of Donald Trump as America’s 47th President on Monday, considering the new administration, we called some of the Fredericksburg area’s elected representatives to ask about their visions for 2025.
Senator Mark Warner (D) said:
“I’ve been proud to be a member of many bipartisan gangs during my time in the Senate. In fact, it’s through bipartisan work that we managed to tackle COVID-19, fund our national parks, bring back American manufacturing, fuel investment in underserved communities, and so much more. It’s my priority to ensure that this bipartisan work continues – even under a Trump administration. As we dive deeper into the 119th Congress, I’m looking forward to defending and building on the progress we made under President Biden. To do that, I’ll continue to work with anyone who has a good idea, regardless of party affiliation.”
This winter, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is rockin’ with the sounds of Elvis Presley as the high-energy bio-musical Heartbreak Hotel takes the stage.
Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
In a recent interview, Elliot Litherland, who portrays the older Elvis Presley, and Luke Purcell, playing teen Elvis, opened up about their unique experiences bringing the King of Rock and Roll to life on the Riverside Center stage.
Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge for a packed agenda that includes major decisions on land development and state legislation. The meeting is open to the public.
Woodbridge Land Development
Supervisors are expected to approve $250,000 to hire consultants to determine the best use for 21.85 acres of land in Woodbridge, previously considered for an indoor sports and recreation center. The funding, drawn from the Economic Development Opportunity Fund, will support planning for a vibrant mixed-use community hub. The land is part of a larger 70-acre property targeted for an indoor sports venue, focusing on creating live-work-play environments and generating tax revenue.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. at the County Government Center at 1300 Courthouse Road. One of the key items on the agenda is a proposal to bring a new outpatient behavioral therapy clinic to the Griffis-Widewater District.
Renaissance Healthcare Group Virginia, LLC has applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP24155647) to operate a hospital use within the B-2 Urban Commercial Zoning District at 125 Woodstream Blvd, Suite 401. If approved, the clinic will provide adult behavioral therapy and counseling services, with operations limited to 5,050 square feet and open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The staff has recommended approval of the proposal, stating that it aligns with the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which supports commercial development in suburban areas. Additionally, the clinic’s location and intended use are consistent with the existing development pattern along Garrisonville Road.
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.
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.
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