By VERN McHARGUE
WOODBRIGDE, Va. – It’s true that the good Dr. Benjamin Franklin favored the turkey over the Bald Eagle as the national bird for the United States. But the residents of Dawson Landing, where the American Bald Eagle soars, are glad he didn’t get his choice of national bird.
Ideally situated in Woodbridge near the Potomac River and Virginia Railway Express’ Rippon Landing train station, Dawson Landing is a tranquil neighborhood of 266 single family homes – all built on land once owned by Richard Blackburn, architect who designed Mount Vernon and the Falls Church.
Blackburn also built Rippon Lodge around 1747, one of the two oldest remaining homes in all of Prince William County. It was situated along the frequently traveled Potomac Path, and hosted the George & Martha Washington for overnight stays on several occasions.
The historically-significant home within walking distance of Dawson Landing.
With no community center or pool, Dawson Landing residents have to think outside the box when it comes to social gatherings. The HOA recently implemented a new page on neighborgator.com to promote events and keep home owners connected with neighborhood news and activities.
On September 15, the HOA hosted a “Bring Your Best Ride” car show, complete with coffee, doughnuts and, of course, cars.
The HOA also provided landscaping and gardening classes conducted by a certified master gardener who lives in the neighborhood. And don’t forget the occasional block parties to keep neighbors connected.
Nearby shopping centers and restaurants at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center and Potomac Mills help make Dawson Landing a great blend of history, nature and modern day conveniences. And if the new Potomac Nationals baseball stadium will be built near Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Dawson Landing residents can add minor league baseball to the list of things that make it a great Woodbridge community.
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The Haymarket Town Council is set to meet tonight, Monday, February 3, 2025, at 7 p.m. to receive an update from the town manager on several ongoing projects and initiatives. The meeting will occur at the Council Chambers, located at 15000 Washington St., Suite 100, in Haymarket.
Among the key topics on the agenda, town officials will discuss:
Park Sidewalk Project: Progress continues on the asphalt work, tree planting, and signage installation along Washington Street, with lighting and benches set to be delivered soon.
Stormwater Assessment Program: Officials have identified three major problem areas for stormwater drainage improvements, with full surveying expected to be completed by April 2025.
Town Center Development: Town staff are reviewing the latest submission of the site plan, with discussions focused on prioritization and financing.
Highpointe at Haymarket: The rezoning application for a proposed workforce housing project remains on hold.
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.
The Prince William Mounted Patrol Unit has become a fixture within the police department. Serving on horseback, they go where regular officers cannot.
We spoke with Sergeant Jeramy Ramos, one of the officers on the Mounted Patrol Unit, to learn more about their role within the community.
The Mounted Patrol Unit was established in 2006 as a part-time unit. Taking inspiration from a similar unit within Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, the mounted patrol unit, the Prince William Police Department partnered with the National Parks Service at the Manassas National Battlefield Park to load the horses.
On Saturday, February 1, 2024, Stafford County Public Schools hosted its highly anticipated Health and Wellness Fair at Colonial Forge High School, drawing hundreds of community members to participate in a day filled with activities, demonstrations, and fun.
The fair offered attendees a variety of informative experiences, including CPR and “Stop the Bleeding” demonstrations. Participants had the opportunity to engage in hands-on training, learning critical life-saving techniques. One popular demonstration involved a “Stop the Bleed” course, where attendees practiced applying pressure and gauze to a simulated wound, preparing them to respond effectively in an emergency situation.
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.
