MANASSAS, Va. – The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative donated 280 tree seedlings to Manassas Park Elementary School fourth graders on April 24, 2014, in recognition of Arbor Day. Principal Stacey R. Mamon and Assistant Principal Melissa Pitts accepted the trees from Donna Snellings, NOVEC public and government relations liaison, and Eddie Bartalos, a NOVEC employee and Manassas Park resident.
“NOVEC has participated in the National Fourth Grade Foresters Program for many years,” stated Snellings. “We’ve given tree seedlings to Manassas Park Elementary fourth graders for three years. We hope our donation will help them learn how trees help to reduce carbon dioxide in the air we breathe.”
Arbor Day, which originated in Nebraska in 1872, encourages individuals and groups to plant and care for trees. NOVEC recognizes Arbor Day as part of its “green” environmental stewardship program.
Melissa Pitts, Manassas Park Elementary School assistant principal, thanked Snellings and said, “This is our first year of all students from third to fifth grade having 70 minutes of STEM [Science, Technology, Engineer, and Mathematics] every day in their curriculum. The donation of the trees is another tool that can be used in the teaching process for the program.”
Snellings said NOVEC hopes the students will “gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and benefits of nature all around us.”
Manassas Park Elementary School earned a LEED — Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — Gold designation in 2010. According to the Green Building Council, a LEED certification, “demonstrates leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.” For a building built in 2009 to earn the LEED designation, it had to satisfy all LEED prerequisites and earn a minimum of 40 points on a 100-point rating system scale. To earn a Gold certification, the school had to earn 60-79 points.
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A townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced a family of five late Saturday afternoon after flames spread from the rear of the home into the attic.
Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.
A suspect in a bank robbery on Route 3 was arrested thanks to a tip leading authorities to a Fredericksburg hotel.
Dawson
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred at Truist Bank, located at 3600 Plank Road, next to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. A bank employee called 911 to report that a man had entered the bank and demanded money. The employee complied with the demands, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect did not display a weapon during the robbery, and no injuries were reported. Witnesses at the scene provided law enforcement with a description of the suspect’s getaway vehicle, which was identified as a copper/orange pickup truck.
In loving memory of John Fasulo, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 94.
Catch a night of laughter and Shakespearean fun with The Comedy of Errors on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. Presented by The Acting Company, this modern verse translation by 2022 Tony Award nominee Christina Anderson brings a fresh twist to one of Shakespeare’s earliest and most beloved comedies.
Expect mistaken identities, hilarious chaos, and a race against the clock as Antipholus and his servant, Dromio, navigate a world of confusion.
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.
