Twelve inmates at the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center (ADC) recently completed the “Speak to Me: Reentry” public speaking workshop as they prepare to be released.

Throughout the six-week course, inmates are able to develop their communication skills, build their confidence, develop active listening skills and articulate their stories with intent and purpose, a county press release stated.

Nick Baskerville, who coaches the workshop, emphasized the powerful tool that is storytelling. Baskerville is a storyteller and comedian.

“My mission for the class was to teach how to use storytelling as a tool to interact and connect with people,” Baskerville said. “I also hope the attendees understand the importance of their story and their perspective.”

“It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the transformation of our reentry community as they gain confidence and new perspectives on their journey. We all have a role to play in supporting them because they are the credible messengers who can inspire and uplift those often overlooked,” the Office of Community Safety’s Kimberly Sparkes said.

Many of the inmates who went through the course expressed their gratitude for their program, stating it pushed themselves and instilled more confidence in them.

Capt. Allen West II from the ADC said communication is an important aspect of being successful when released from prison.

“We want them to be able to have that voice where they will be able to get that interview for that job, be hired for that job and potentially make a career for themselves,” West said. “This is just to give them those tools to be successful because communication is one of the most essential tools that we need.”

According to a small business report from Prince William County’s Department of Development Services, 29 small businesses opened in August. This marks 259 total small businesses opening in the county since January.

Here are the businesses that opened their doors in August:

Gainesville

• Gainesville Solutions, 7371 Atlas Walk Way
• MacBoys Café, 7945 Heritage Village Plaza
• Paisano’s Pizza & Subs, 7368 Atlas Walk Way

Manassas

• FPG Construction, Suite 300, 10432 Balls Ford Road
• Linear Innovation Movement, Suite 300, 10432 Balls Ford Road
• MBH Settlement Group, Suite 140, 7900 Sudley Road
• Medical Massage Specialties, Suite A, 10600 Crestwood Drive
• Osmow’s, Suite 105, 9685 Liberia Ave.
• Russell & White Ventures, Suite D, 8577 Sudley Road
• Shine Threading & Spa, 7853 Sudley Road
• Solid Construction, Suite 126, 11900 Livingston Road
• Support Service, 10702 Vandor Lane
• The Many Pieces of Me Serenity Center, Suite 300, 10432 Balls Ford Road
• Twinkle, Suite 300, 10432 Balls Ford Road

Woodbridge

• A&S Design Studio, Suite K121, 2700 Potomac Mills Circle
• AMC Shell, 14352 Gideon Drive
• Anytime Fitness, Suite 110, 12751 Marblestone Drive
• DUAA, 2072 Daniel Stuart Sq.
• EZ Prado Construction, 14863 Farm Creek Drive
• Gold Luxe Braiding and Beauty, Suite 237, 13895 Hedgewood Drive
• Healing Therapy VA, Suite B, 12510 Lake Ridge Drive
• Home Health Care, Suite 101, 2700 Neabsco Common Place
• Linear Innovation Movement, Suite 101, 2700 Neabsco Common Place
• Mulier, Suite 224, 2700 Potomac Mills Circle
• Oakley Home Access, 3083 PS Business Center
• Smoki Kabos, 13428 Richmond Highway
• The Church – God’s Assembly, 13327 Woodbridge St.
• The Nail Corner, 2471 Prince William Parkway

Quantico

• Quantico 94 Dry Cleaner, 313 Potomac Ave.

Chinn Park Library (Woodbridge) will close to the public from Nov. 18 to Dec. 8 for renovations of staff offices and shared employee spaces.

These spaces haven’t been renovated since the library opened in 1991, a press release stated. The renovations are part of the county’s Public Libraries’ Strategic Plan, which aims to provide updated and modernized workspaces to equip library staff with “the tools and space needed to enhance their expertise and better serve the community.”

“Modernizing the staff areas at Chinn Park Library will promote well-being and productivity, contributing to a positive workplace culture. This aligns with PWPL’s focus on creating welcoming spaces that benefit staff and the public,” the press release stated.

Chinn Park Library — one of the busiest libraries in Prince William County — was last renovated in 2018; upgrades included redesigned computer workstations, reconfiguring the children’s area and storytime area, a new meeting room and new carpet throughout the entire library.

During the renovation period, patrons are still able to access the book drop. But, any holds at the Chinn Park Library will be forwarded to the Lake Ridge Library (Woodbridge) starting Nov. 16.

The City of Manassas recently announced the acquisition of the 20-acre Marsteller Middle School property at 8730 Sudley Road, marking a significant step forward in its plans to establish a community hub and address a longstanding need for park and recreational facilities.

To engage the community in shaping this new center, Manassas will hold a public meeting titled “Community Conversations,” inviting residents to share their vision and ideas. The public meeting, open to all residents, will take place on Nov. 12 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Marsteller Park & Community Center. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in envisioning the city’s first community center and recreational facility.

This project comes when the need for more recreational spaces in Manassas has become critical. The purchase of the Marsteller site, previously owned by Manassas Baptist Church for an estimated $10 million, excludes the church’s main building and an adjacent six acres. The remainder of the site, however, will be transformed into the city’s 21st public park, with plans to include a community center, athletic fields, open green space and potentially a fire station.

City officials have emphasized that the Marsteller Park & Community Center will serve as a resource for a wide range of community needs, including leisure activities, youth sports and emergency services. The acquisition eliminates the need for commercial real estate redevelopment, allowing the city to maximize green spaces for public use.

The project also comes amid the construction of the new Jennie Dean Elementary School within Jennie Dean Park, one of the city’s last remaining park areas. The Marsteller site acquisition helps offset the impact of this potential development on green space, providing much-needed park facilities.

While the existing Marsteller Middle School facilities will be available for limited use initially, the city aims to conduct a comprehensive space needs analysis and gather community feedback before moving forward with extensive renovations. Early-stage developments include additional sports fields to meet the rising demand for youth recreational activities in the city.

This initiative represents a collaborative effort between city officials and residents to create a sustainable and inclusive community space.

The new Dean Park is well on its way to completion, with the fields and courts on track to open in March 2025 following a years-long planning and renovation process.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.

It’s November, and you know what that means. Election Day is upon us! Early voting is still available until Saturday (Nov. 2), and there are plenty of early polling locations in our area depending on your jurisdiction.

If you don’t plan on voting early, make sure to double-check your current polling place on the Virginia Department of Elections website. On Election Day, polling places will be open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Here’s a comprehensive list of early voting locations along with ways to access sample ballots.

Prince William County

Prince William County has six early voting locations, including:

• Woodbridge Department of Motor Vehicles, 2731 Caton Hill Road
• A.J. Ferlazzo Building, 15941 Donald Curtis Drive (Woodbridge)
• Dumfries Community Center, 17757 Main St.
• Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14780 Lightner Road (Haymarket)
• Prince William County Office of Elections, 9250 Lee Ave. (Manassas)
• Brentsville Courthouse, 12229 Bristow Road

The county has a website where voters can check the wait times at each location before heading out to the location. Check out the sample ballots before heading to the polls.

City of Manassas

Early voting is available in the City of Manassas at 9025 Center St. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The city has six Election Day polling places.

Here is a sample ballot to check before heading to the polls.

Manassas Park

In Manassas Park, early voting is available at City Hall (100 Park Central Plaza) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. There are three polling places for Election Day, and can be found on the state’s website or on a searchable spreadsheet.

Here’s a sample ballot to check out before heading to the polls.

Stafford County

Early voting is available at the new location of the Registrar’s Office at 124 Old Potomac Church Road Suite 205 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. There are several polling places on Election Day, so be sure to check the state’s or Stafford County’s websites.

Here’s a sample ballot.

City of Fredericksburg

City of Fredericksburg residents can head out to the Office of Voter Registration and Elections for early voting, located at 601 Caroline St. Suite 500 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

There are a few precincts in the city, so check your specific polling place through the state’s or Fredericksburg’s websites.

Here’s a sample ballot.

Spotsylvania County

Early voting is available in Spotsylvania County at the Lee Hill 1 Building (10300 Spotsylvania Ave., Suite 101) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Check your specific Election Day polling place at the state’s website.

Here’s a sample ballot.

The City of Manassas has several boards and commissions that work to inform City Council’s decisions by studying issues, plans and policies.

There are several vacancies in Manassas, and here’s a comprehensive list of the immediate openings with the roles and responsibilities. If any of these positions are of interest, there’s an application and interview process for each.

For information on expired or ending terms, please visit the boards and commissions website.

Board of Zoning Appeals

The purpose of the Board of Zoning and Appeals is to hear and decide requests for variances from the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and to hear and decide appeals from the decisions of the Zoning Administrator. This Board requires a filing of the State Disclosure of Real Estate Holdings.

• How many vacancies? One
• When is it open? Immediately. The term lasts until June 30, 2027.
• How long is this term? Five years.
• When do they meet? Second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m.
• Who can I contact? Christen Miller, Community Development Admin Associate II; [email protected], 703-257-8223

Cemeteries Committee

The Citizens Advisory Committee for Cemeteries advises the city on the maintenance and improvement of existing cemeteries within the city.

• How many vacancies? One.
• When is it open? Immediately. The term lasts until June 30.
• When do they meet? Third Wednesday of each month.
• Who can I contact? Tim Fitzwater, Buildings and Grounds Manager; [email protected], 703-257-8372

Historic Resources Board

The Manassas Historic Resources Board (HRB) advises City Council on matters of historical interest to the city, including historic preservation, education, cultural programs and tourism promotion. The HRB acts as an advisory board to the Manassas Museum System within the Parks, Culture, and Recreation Division, fosters wider awareness of the city’s historic legacy and promotes responsible stewardship of historic resources, both public and private.

• How many vacancies? Two.
• When is it open? Immediately. One position lasts until June 30, 2026, and the other lasts until June 30, 2027.
• When do they meet? First Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
• Who can I contact? Jean Jensen; [email protected], 703-257-8451

Manassas Regional Airport Commission

The Manassas Regional Airport Commission advises management by overseeing the operation and maintenance of existing and future facilities to ensure the enforcement of the Minimum Standards and the Rules and Regulations of the Airport as adopted and amended.

• How many vacancies? One.
• When is it open? Immediately and lasts until June 30, 2026.
• When do they meet? Third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
• Who can I contact? Patricia Bibber; [email protected], 703-257-8261

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee encourages and develops community awareness, appreciation, involvement, and use of the City’s recreation and park facilities, services,and programs. The Parks and Recreation Committee acts as an advisory group to the Parks, Culture, and Recreation Division on parks, facilities, services and programs.

• How many vacancies? One.
• When is it open? Immediately and lasts until June 30, 2026.
• When do they meet? Second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
• Who can I contact? Kisha Wilson-Sogunro; [email protected], 703-257-8240

Solid Waste Committee

Advise Manassas City Council, as appropriate, on matters regarding solid waste and recycling within the City. This includes but is not limited to refuse and recycling collection, education and community outreach, litter control activity and enforcement. Advise Public Works via the Refuse and Recycling Coordinator. Evaluate and formulate policy recommendations for approval by the City Council, this includes, but not limited to, strategic planning. Work in cooperation with community organizations, Homeowners Associations and other groups for the general benefit of the residents of Manassas on matter related to Solid Waste and Recycling. Foster wider awareness of the responsibility that residents share with the City of Manassas to ensure that solid waste is handled and disposed of in an environmentally safe, practical, and sustainable manner and that positive efforts are made to reduce and recycle waste wherever possible. Consider and comment on other matters of general community interest and concern as requested by City Council or the Refuse and Recycling Coordinator.

• How many vacancies? Three.
• When is it open? Immediately. One term lasts until June 30, 2025, and another lasts until June 30, 2026.
• When do they meet? Third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.
• Who can I contact? Colleen Burroughs, Refuse and Recycling Coordinator; [email protected], 703-257-8256

Utility Commission

The Utility Commission is primarily responsible for existing and any future water, sanitary sewer and electric utilities belonging to the city.

• How many vacancies? One.
• When is it open? Immediately and lasts until June 30, 2025.
• When do they meet? Second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
• Who can I contact? Ana Davis, Acting Utilities Director; [email protected], 703-257-8276

The Prince William County Fire & Rescue Department issued a list of warnings and guidance for everyone as Halloween festivities commence Thursday night.

Be Safe, Be Seen on Halloween

If you plan on trick-or- treating, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) summarizes Halloween safety as the following:

Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.

Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the
amount of treats you eat.

Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.

Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin and
eye irritation.

Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever
possible.

Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.

Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the
cook well.

Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.

Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Additional Safety Tips for the Halloweener

• Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

At Home

If you’re expecting trick-or-treaters or hosting a Halloween party, be sure:

• Walking areas are well-lit and free of obstacles.
• Items lit with candles, i.e., jack-o-lanterns and luminaries:
  • Place away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains.
  • Place on sturdy tables.
  • Keep out of reach from children and small pets.
  • NEVER leave unattended.

On the Road

• Drive slowly and safely while being observant of children at intersections, medians, and curbs.  Trick-or-treaters may move in unpredictable ways such as avoiding the use of sidewalks and running between parked cars. 
• Slowly and carefullyenter and exit driveways and alleys.
• Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
• Reduce any distractions inside your car, such as talking on the phone or eating.

*Remember: typical trick or treat hours are between 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Halloween Decorations

When decorating for that added special effect follow these simple safety tips:

• Inspect decorations for loose connections, frayed or bare wires and broken or cracked sockets. Hang lights using plastic hooks or clips to reduce the risk of electric shock and fire hazards. NEVER nail or staple light strings.
• Don’t overload extension cords. Use special, heavy duty extension cords for high wattage decorations such as fog machines and electrically powered inflatable decorations.
• Look for the UL Mark on light strings, electrical decorations, and extension cords. The UL Mark means the product has been found free of foreseeable hazards and is safer for your family.
• Keep candles away from items that easily catch fire, such as decorations, window treatments, and paper.

For more information on Halloween Safety, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Safe Kids Worldwide, the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Fire Administration & Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!