The Prince William County Human Rights Commission is seeking nominations for its Universal Human Rights Day Awards, which honor individuals, organizations, and groups that have significantly contributed to advancing human rights and equality in the community.
The Prince William County Human Rights Commission is once again accepting nominations for its Universal Human Rights Day Awards. These awards recognize people in the community who have made significant contributions in fostering equality and advancing human rights for all people in Prince William County. All submissions are due by Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Past awardees have been recognized for their work in combating sex trafficking, addressing homelessness and alleviating food insecurity. Others earned the award through activities such as mentoring Prince William County youth, providing health education and workshops tutoring, supporting college and career planning, and promoting informed decision-making. Past awardees have also demonstrated leadership, excellence, effectiveness and courage that advanced equality. Community members are encouraged to submit nominations for individuals, schools, community groups, organizations or businesses. Award nominees must be Prince William County residents. To submit a nomination, visit pwcva.gov/human-rights-awards and complete the form by Dec. 14, 2024. Nominations can also be mailed or delivered to the Human Rights Office at 15941Donald Curtis Drive, Suite 125, Woodbridge, VA 22191. For questions or further information, contact the Human Rights Office at 703-792-4680 during regular business hours. The awardees will be honored on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at the McCoart Government Center, during the annual Universal Human Rights Day celebration. This year’s event will also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act. The Prince William County Human Rights Commission remains dedicated to its mission of eliminating discrimination and enforcing civil and human rights laws to establish equal opportunity for all people. Through education and advocacy, the commission seeks to cultivate a community where every resident is treated with fairness and dignity. Commission Chair Curtis Porter said it is important to recognize people for their contributions. “We want to recognize people who are making a contribution in the field of human and civil rights in Prince William County. This is an excellent opportunity for the Prince William County Human Rights Commission to do that,” Porter said.Learn more about the Human Rights Office at pwcva.gov/humanrights.
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ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
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Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
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.
