Occoquan, Va. — Residents gathered Sunday night at the Ebenezer Baptist Church on the corner of Washington and Commerce streets in Occoquan to attend the annual Town Blessing. This blessing, held by the church’s Reverend Lundy, was a chance for residents to come together to ring in some Christmas cheer and give thanks.
The blessing service was held in the church, where the choir sang Christmas carols and Lundy gave his sermon on the story of Jesus at Christmastime. From there the group moved to a nearby gazebo , where town residents held candles in a circle around Lundy. The reverend then blessed the town and all those who are disadvantaged and in need of assistance this holiday season.
This long standing tradition has been a part of the community for many years, and is a way for community members to come together during the season of giving. Mayor Earnie Porta commented that this tradition of the Town Blessing started far before his time as mayor.
When the Town Blessing concluded, all of the residents moved to nearby Madigan’s Waterfront Restaurant for the annual Occoquan Town Party, with food, drinks and celebration of the Christmas season. Delegate Luke Torian (D-52, Dumfries, Occoquan, Woodbridge), as well as Occoquan Town Council members and town merchants were in attendance.
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Experience the magic of opera up close at Virginia Opera: A Taste of Opera on Wednesday, February 5, at 1:30 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Enjoy a captivating selection of famous arias, duets, Broadway favorites, and more, performed by the talented members of Virginia Opera. This intimate performance promises a mix of drama, passion, and world-class voices.
Tickets are $40 and include both the concert and a dessert reception. The performance runs 60 minutes with no intermission and is perfect for all ages.
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Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade will present her proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to the county school board on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The meeting, open to the public and streamed live on YouTube, will begin at 7 p.m.
A significant component of this year’s budget is a $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), aiming to address overcrowding, modernize aging facilities, and support long-term student enrollment shifts.
Major Investments in New Schools and Renovations
The CIP includes multiple new school construction projects, such as:
Stafford County Public Schools will host the inaugural Career GPS: Guiding Pathways to Success Expo on April 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stafford Regional Airport.
The event is designed to introduce approximately 2,500 sixth-grade students to various career pathways through hands-on learning opportunities, interactive exhibits, and connections with local professionals and businesses. The expo aims to help students begin planning for high school and their future careers by exposing them to various industries.
Director of Career and Technical Education Stephanie Carter emphasized that Career GPS is more than just a field trip. It calls it an opportunity for students to explore possibilities, make informed decisions, and gain confidence in selecting pathways that align with their interests. The event will feature interactive exhibits showcasing different career fields, high school student ambassadors who will share insights into academic programs, and opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) students and staff were honored at the Virginia General Assembly for their work on the FCPS Youth Mental Health Taskforce. The delegation, invited by State Senator Tara Durant, spent the day in Richmond serving as legislators and meeting with state officials.
The students arrived at the Virginia General Assembly Building at 9:45 a.m. January 29, 2025, where they met with Senator Durant before touring the historic Capitol. They then participated in a Q&A session with legislators, discussing the importance of youth mental health initiatives.
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.
