Fredericksburg city press release:

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On October 24, a man was charged in connection to a domestic dispute at the Stone Pointe Apartments that occurred on October 23, where the individual allegedly strangled and struck a 23-year-old woman. The suspect faces charges of strangulation and domestic assault, with a court date pending.

Press Release from Prince William Police Department:

Strangulation (Domestic Related) *ARREST – On October 24, the suspect, identified as Remy Devontae FARRELL-JURY, who was sought in connection to the domestic dispute that was reported to have occurred at the Stone Pointe Apartments located in the 14900 block of Potomac Heights Pl. in Woodbridge (22191) on October 23, was arrested.

Arrested on October 24: [No Photo Available]
Remy Devontae FARRELL-JURY, 19, of the 14900 block of Potomac Heights Pl. in Woodbridge
Charged with strangulation and domestic assault & battery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Strangulation (Domestic Related) [Previously Released] – On October 23 at 9:57PM, officers responded to the Stone Pointe Apartments located in the 14900 block of Potomac Heights Pl. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed the victim, a 23-year-old-woman, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused grabbed the victim’s neck and struck her face before leaving the area. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Remy Devontae FARRELL-JURY. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.

Also, police want to know if you’ve seen this man, who is wanted in connection to an unrelated incident that occurred in Woodbridge.

ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY: #PWCPD is asking for assistance in identifying the pictured individual, believed to have been involved in an armed robbery on Potomac Vista Dr in Woodbridge on Oct 26 at 10:50PM. Please contact police if you know this person or have info about the robbery. pic.twitter.com/SA8TwBEJM6

— Prince William County Police Department (@PWCPolice) October 29, 2024

The Virginia Department of Education has recognized 13 Prince William County Public Schools as 2024 Virginia Purple Star schools. This designation is awarded to schools that support military-connected students and families, with schools required to renew their status every three years.

Press Release from Prince William County Public Schools:

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recognized 13 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) as 2024 Virginia Purple Star schools, including eight first-time designees and five renewals. Schools earning this distinction must apply to renew their status every three years. These newly designated schools join 39 existing PWCS Purple Star schools, bringing the total to 47. This impressive achievement means that nearly half (49%) of all PWCS schools now hold the Purple Star Designation. The Virginia Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite.

The following schools earned the Purple Star Designation for 2024. Those schools with an asterisk * have renewed their Purple Star Designation:

• Alvey Elementary School
• Ashland Elementary School*
• Cedar Point Elementary School
• Gar-Field High School
• King Elementary School
• Osbourn Park High School
• Parkside Middle School*
• Pattie Elementary School*
• Porter Traditional School*
• Ronald Wilson Reagan Middle School
• The Nokesville School
• Triangle Elementary School
• Tyler Elementary School*

Pattie and Tyler Elementary schools both earned the Purple Star Designation for the second time. Ashland Elementary, Parkside Middle, and Porter Traditional earned the Purple Star Designation for the third time.

“I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to each of the 13 schools that received the 2024 VDOE Purple Star Designation. When our military families see that a school is Purple Star designated, they can rest assured that their children are in an environment where they feel seen, supported, and valued. The commitment and hard work of these 13 schools is truly commendable. It’s inspiring to see such dedication to providing a nurturing and inclusive space for our military-connected students,” said Kimberly Simpson, PWCS military achievement specialist.

PWCS has nearly 5,000 military-connected students enrolled and is committed to recognizing and supporting their unique educational journeys. These students often face frequent relocations, requiring them to adapt to new academic and social environments more frequently than their civilian peers. Additionally, many experience the stress of a parent’s deployment, which can significantly impact them and their families. The Purple Star Designation program, adopted in numerous states, sets standards to designate military-friendly schools. It aims to address the unique academic and social-emotional challenges faced by military-connected students and their families.

“Virginia is now home to 484 active Purple Star distinguished schools. The programming, required by schools to receive the Purple Star award and maintain it, contributes greatly to fostering a safe and supportive school culture,” said Daniel Dunham, Virginia Department of Education military student and families specialist.

In total, 47 PWCS schools have received the Purple Star Designation since the program’s inception in the 2018-19 school year. For the full list of PWCS Purple Star schools, please visit the PWCS website.

On October 27, police were called to a robbery on Prince William Parkway involving three men who multiple men robbed at gunpoint, police said. The day before, another robbery occurred in Woodbridge where a man with a rifle demanded property from two people sitting inside their car, police said. The two robberies appear to be unrelated.

Press Release from Prince William Police Department:

Armed Robbery – On October 27 at 3:22PM, officers responded to the 2600 block of the Prince William Pkwy [near] Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. Th investigation revealed three male victims between 23-24 years of age, agreed to meet in the above are to purchase marijuana. During the encounter, multiple suspects brandished firearms and robbed the victims of an undisclosed amount of money, firearms, and cell phones before leaving the area in a silver SUV, possibly a Dodge Durango. As the suspects were running towards their vehicle, one of the victims fired a round from their gun. No injuries were reported. This incident does not appear to be random.

Suspect Descriptions:
Three black males, all between 20-30 years of age, 5’10”-5’11”, two reportedly had beards while one
of the men had shoulder length dreadlocks

Press Release from Prince William Police Department:

Armed Robbery – On October 26 at 10:59PM, officers responded to the 1200 block of Potomac Vista Dr in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victims, a 26-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, were in their vehicle in a parking lot of the above area when they were approached by an unknown man. During the encounter, the man brandished a long gun and demanded property from the victims. The suspect took clothing items and a wallet from the victims before leaving the area on foot. No injuries were reported. This incident does not appear to be random. A police K-9 checked the area for the suspect who was not located.

Suspect Description:
Black male, between 20-25 years of age, with a thin build, short black hair and a tattoo on the right
forearm
Last seen wearing gray sweatpants

The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation has granted $75,000 to UVA Health to support the development of healthcare workers in the Culpeper Region through a new program. This initiative aims to create connections among local education and healthcare stakeholders, expose students to healthcare careers, and prepare educators for healthcare-related teaching.

Press Release:

The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation (CMCF) has granted $75,000 to UVA Health to support its mission to build a strong foundation of healthcare workers in the Culpeper Region. The grant is for a Regional Collaborative Program Coordinator, who will be the central point of contact for the new initiative that will enhance and strengthen connections among key Culpeper stakeholders in education and healthcare.

UVA Health is leading the effort in conjunction with Culpeper County Public Schools, Culpeper County Government, and Germanna Community College. Their goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of talent to support the healthcare needs of individuals in the UVA Health footprint.

The Culpeper Regional Collaborative is designed to overcome current challenges in the area by creating programs that expose students to healthcare careers and offer educational opportunities early in academic careers. It also will prepare high school teachers to teach medical terminology to better prepare graduating students for entry-level healthcare careers and/or entry into college with the credentials to move directly into healthcare degree programs.

Another pillar of the program will be to prepare and provide dual-enrollment educators who can support both high school academic needs and meet community college academic requirements for healthcare education.

“Claude Moore is excited to help UVA Health launch this new collaborative for the Culpeper region, and see this program as a great example of building a healthcare ecosystem that will benefit the entire area and all of its residents,” said J. Lambert, CEO of CMCF.

“We are more than grateful for the support of the Claude Moore Foundation in our efforts to help fill gaps in healthcare needs here in the Culpeper region. With this grant, we can better support those who need quality healthcare and those who want to create a successful career in healthcare,” said Donna Staton, Chief Operating Officer UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center and Chief Operating Officer, UVA Health’s community medical centers and clinics in Northern Virginia and Culpeper.

CMCF is a recognized leader in the healthcare workforce field in Virginia and has invested more than $24 million in workforce programs and initiatives designed to provide entry points and advancement in healthcare careers.

The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation

Founded in 1987, The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation’s mission is to provide assistance exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. In addition to the annual support for the Loudoun County Education System and local charities, significant contributions have also been made to the Claude Moore Heritage Farm Park, the University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Nursing, the University of Virginia Medical Library, the Roanoke Higher Education Center, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center at Washington Dulles International Airport, James Madison’s Montpelier, Inova Health Systems, and the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.

For more information, please visit www.claudemoorefoundation.org

 

Patient First is offering free safety blinkers at its medical centers to enhance visibility during trick-or-treating. Additionally, from October 27 to November 1, it will provide free digital X-ray imaging of Halloween candy, allowing parents to check for foreign objects.

Press Release:

Halloween is a time of fun and harmless frights, but parents shouldn’t have to worry about their children’s safety while trick-or-treating. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, Patient First is offering some important reminders, and a special service this Halloween season.

Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating:

• Know the route that your children will take if you do not go with them.
• Younger children should go with adults. There should be at least one adult for every four children.
• If possible, give your children a cell phone and check in with them during the evening.
• Set a time for everyone to be home.
• Make sure no one eats any treats until they have been inspected by an adult.
• Wear bright clothing or reflective gear.

To keep your kids safe after dark, Patient First is offering free safety blinkers at each of our medical centers during the month of October (one per person, while supplies last). These blinking lights can be attached to Halloween costumes to improve visibility. Blinkers are available at the front desk of any Patient First location—no registration or medical care is required.

As an added precaution, Patient First will offer free digital X-ray imaging of Halloween candy. This fun service allows trick-or-treaters, to see what is inside their treats, like peanuts or other surprises. It also makes visiting the doctor’s office a positive experience, which can help reduce anxiety for future visits when they are sick or hurt.

X-ray imaging can also provide parents additional peace of mind about the treats their children receive by possibly detecting objects like metal, or other solid substances.* Parents still need to provide supervision since some foreign materials may not appear in X-rays.

Bring your bag of candy into any Patient First Neighborhood Medical Center from October 27th through November 1st between 6pm and 8pm for a free X-ray screening.

The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board will host an open house for its Myers Drive Respite Home, which provides care and activities for adults with developmental disabilities. The event will take place on November 3rd at 10 Myers Drive in Stafford County, with additional parking and transportation available from a nearby location.

Press Release:

Rappahannock Area Community Services Board invites the community to attend an open house on Nov. 3 for its Myers Drive Respite Home.

Myers Drive gives a break for caregivers of adults with developmental disabilities while providing guests with social outings, leisure activities, specialized care and more.

“Our respite services offer more than a break for caregivers but also a place where guests can enjoy a mini-vacation of their own,” said Angie D’Angelo, Myers Respite Supervisor. “So many guests have really created a fun, safe place for themselves—with favorite rooms, routines and activities. We love to see that this has become a place guests can call their own.”

RACSB opened its respite home in Stafford County in 2013. The agency partnered with philanthropist Doris Buffett to renovate a three-bedroom ranch into a six-bedroom respite center where guests can stay for up to 15 days at a time.

“This type of respite care for adults is rare in Virginia, and RACSB is proud to offer a much-needed service for our community,” Executive Director Joe Wickens said. “Some guests visit for a few hours, others stay a few days or two weeks.”

On Nov. 3, the community will have the opportunity to learn more about these respite services at an open house from 1-4 p.m. at 10 Myers Drive in Stafford County. Additional parking will be available at RACSB’s Scottsdale Estates Group Home, 2 Scottsdale Drive in Stafford. Transportation will be provided from that location to the respite home.

Founded in 1970, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) provides public mental health, developmental disability, substance abuse and prevention/early intervention services to the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford. To learn more, visit www.rappahannockareacsb.org

Press Release:

The Workhouse Arts Center has been awarded a 2025 ArtsFairfax Operating Support Grant to further its mission to support a vibrant arts center that offers a unique combination of visual and performing arts, arts education, historical perspective, and community engagement. In addition, the Workhouse has been awarded a 2025 Project Support Grant to continue developing innovative, new community-based projects. The center is among 58 Operating Support Grant and 12 Project Support Grant recipients based in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church.

“We are so grateful to have the support of our incredible partners at Fairfax County and ArtsFairfax, who have long been supporters of the Workhouse Arts Center,” said Keith Gordon, President and CEO of the Workhouse Arts Foundation. “These two grants represent an important commitment, investment, and a belief in the transformative power of the arts from our County leadership.”

“The arts and culture sector is growing in Fairfax, and ArtsFairfax is doing everything we can to raise public funding for the arts, empower the arts sector with resources, and amplify the opportunities available to artists and local residents,” says Stuart Holt, President & CEO of ArtsFairfax.

Operating Support Grants and Project Support Grants are foundational to the stability of local nonprofit arts and culture organizations. By distributing Fairfax County funds to support arts and culture programs, services, and facilities local nonprofits provide to Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church, ArtsFairfax ensures the vitality of the arts in our community.

The Workhouse Arts Center utilizes its 55-acre campus to host more than 800 classes and public events per year, bringing together people from across the region. More than 100 resident artists and instructors share their talents, fostering creativity with nearly 8000 students who take part in classes and workshops annually. Currently, the Workhouse Arts Center is hosting its annual Haunted Trail which takes guests on an immersive and thrilling experience through the remains of the former Lorton Prison grounds. Learn more by visiting www.workhousearts.org/haunt.

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center recently received accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology and Robotic Surgery, recognizing its adherence to established standards. The hospital utilizes the da Vinci robotic surgical system, which enhances surgical precision and enables quicker patient recovery.

Press Release:

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) recently achieved accreditation from SRC – Surgical Review Corporation – as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology and Robotic Surgery. This accreditation recognizes SNVMC’s commitment and high standard of delivery of quality patient care and safety.

Status as an accredited Center of Excellence means that SNVMC has met nationally and internationally recognized standards. Not all hospitals and surgeons seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous inspection process are granted accreditation.

SNVMC is the first Sentara hospital to have earned this accreditation.

“It’s important that the people in our community know of our dedication and commitment to providing the highest level of surgical services in Northern Virginia,” said SNVMC President Jeff Joyner. “Earning accreditation as a Center of Excellence by SRC is a reflection of the commitment to excellence across our hospital and the entire surgical team.”

Health care facilities and surgeons seeking an SRC accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure the applicant meets SRC’s proven standards and requirements. These requirements include surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures, an emphasis on patient education and continuous quality assessment. Inspectors educate staff in the accredited departments on best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.

“We’re proud to recognize Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this facility is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”

Benefits of Robotic Surgery

SNVMC benefits from having the state-of-the-art da Vinci® robotic surgical system in use. This is a multi-armed precision tool that is used to perform gynecological and general surgery cases The device’s precision tools and a tiny lighted high-resolution camera are inserted through inch-long incisions, which contributes to quicker recovery for patients with less post-surgical pain.

The surgeon operates the system from a console near the operating table, looking through a viewer that magnifies the surgical site to ten times what the human eye can see.

In a Sentara Health Bites informational video, “Benefits of the daVinci® Robot in Gynecologic Surgery,” gynecology surgeon Alf K. Adler explains, “The term robotic surgery is very misleading to people. It’s not the robot doing the surgery. The surgeon is in control of the system. Many of our patients are able to go back to their homes the same day.”

Dr. Adler outlines other benefits to robotic surgery:

• Incisions are smaller with less scaring [sic]
• Bleeding is less
• Pain is significantly less
• Incidence of infection and other complications are much lower
• Recovery is phenomenally quicker

From minimally invasive surgical procedures to highly complex in-patient surgeries, Sentara’s board-certified surgeons provide a full range of procedures. To learn more, visit www.Sentara.com/surgery.