Manassas, Va. — The Christmas tree in Old Town Manassas will once again be lit up for the holiday season with the help of New York City firefighters.
The tree lighting will take place tonight at 6:30 outside the Manassas Museum, but the festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with holiday music and the arrival of Santa Claus, according to city officials.
This will not be the first time New York City firefighters have been in attendance for the tree lighting ceremony, as a group of them attended Manassas’ tree lighting ceremony in Dec. 2001, months after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
This year eight firefighters will be escorted alongside the City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Department’s Honor Guard.
John Martin, Chair of the Manassas Christmas Parade Committee, shared some thoughts on seeing the firefighters arrive in Manassas 10-years-ago:
As you know the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade Committee has invited the New York City Firefighters back to Manassas for the kickoff of the holiday season at this weekend’s Merry Old Town festivities. I wanted to relate a story regarding the first year they were here in Manassas for Merry Old Town in December of 2001.
There were 21 firefighters and 2 New York City police officers that came that year and after I met with them Friday afternoon to fill them in on the events for the weekend, they met with Mayor Gilliam and received a key to the city. In return, the Mayor was gifted a FDNY rain coat.
At the Christmas Tree Lighting that night- Santa arrived on the VRE and we escorted him over to the Museum, as we always do, for the Christmas tree lighting where over 5000 citizen’s had assembled. The stage was set to welcome Santa and light the tree, all the dignitaries had been introduced, but our guests from New York City had not arrived.
All of a sudden, from the street we could hear applause but we couldn’t see what or who was there to warrant such a welcome. Finally, we saw the crowd part and down the sidewalk marching 2 by 2 were the Firefighters and Police Officers from New York, walking towards the stage. By the time they got to the steps the applause was thunderous and there was not a dry eye among the crowd, or these brave men. When I saw a tear coming down Santa’s cheek, I knew their presence had touched everyone. I found out later the story from our New York friends, that as touched as they were by the reception they got from the crowd, the real water works started when about half way down the sidewalk to the museum steps they heard a little boy on his Daddy’s shoulders say, “Daddy get closer so I can touch a Hero”. I still say it’s not the amount of breaths we take, but how many moments that take your breath away that count.
-John Martin
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
For event inquiries, contact: 540-372-1216 | [email protected]
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
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King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
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.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
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.
Featuring:
