Most Northern Virginia Community College students will not be returning to campus for the spring semester.

In a statement released by the school’s president, Anne M. Kress, it was announced that the college’s spring semester would be conducted mostly remotely due to the fact that the pandemic has “not appreciably changed.” This decision will also apply to most of the college’s instructors, who will remain in a temporary telework status until being able to return to campus. 

This is a continuation of the college’s current policy, as most students are currently taking classes via Zoom or other distance-learning tools, and most instructors currently participating in telework for the fall semester due to the health risks.

“Yet, this is an academic year unlike any other, and the challenges posed by the pandemic that led us to start this year remotely have not appreciably changed. As much as we would love to return fully to campus life, your health and safety comes first,” states Kress.

The college’s spring semester, while mostly virtual, is set to start on time on January 11, with certain students being allowed on campus to take classes that require hands-on learning.

These classes include:

• Automotive Technology
• Dental Studies,
• Engineering Technology
• HVAC
• Nursing
• Workforce Development

There will also be a limited number of students participating in hybrid format classes, limited amounts of students being allowed to use the campus libraries and computer labs, and free wi-fi in campus parking lots for student use.

The college has also created virtual student resources, including call center support, advising, financial aid counseling, tutoring, student support programming, and the virtual student union.

Students attending classes in person or utilizing campus resources will be required to wear face masks while on campus and use the daily symptom tracking app GoCanvas. There will also be increased cleaning and disinfection of high-traffic areas on the campus.

“Please remember that the continued health and wellness of our NOVA community is a shared responsibility: we have an obligation to each other to help reduce the spread and stop any resurgence of COVID-19,” states Kress.

While the college has already deemed the spring semester remote, it is not impossible for it to change that decision if conditions approve. According to Kress, the school is prepared to bring students back to campus during the spring semester if possible.

“NOVA will be prepared to move more individuals back to or away from our campuses as Virginia public health restrictions and the local situation change,” said Kress in a statement.

It doesn’t open until next fall, and there is already a call to rename an area high school.

Richard Jessie, the husband of Lillie Jessie, who represents the Occoquan District on the Prince William County School Board, created a petition to rename the unopened Gainesville High School due to its name’s ties to Thomas Brawner Gaines, a prominent land and slave owner before the Civil War. The petition, having only been active for days, has over 100 signatures.

It comes nearly three months after the School Board renamed Stonewall Jackson middle and high schools outside Manassas, due to their association with a slave-owning confederate general.

“This petition is not asking for the renaming of any existing building, city, district, or anything else. But what I am saying is how dare the School Board and the School Division knowingly allow a school to be named after a slave owner now!” states Richard Jessie in his petition.

His wife voted in favor of naming the school “Gainesville High School,” and did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

According to Richard Jessie, the day after the school board approved the name Gainesville High School, it received an email from a Prince William County resident ‘expressing bewilderment that Prince William County School Board named the new high school Gainesville’ and explaining Thomas Brawner Gaines’ slaveholding legacy.

The email, according to Jessie, stated: Gainesville is named after Thomas Brawner Gaines, a prominent landholder in western Prince William County before the Civil War. Like almost all Prince William County landholders of the period, Mr. Gaines was a slaveholder. Not only did Thomas Gaines own slaves, but he was a “constable” for Prince William County. Mr. Gaines shows up in several Prince William Circuit Court records regarding the disposition of other county residents’ slaves, recommending where those slaves should reside upon the death of their masters.

These findings, according to Jessie, were verified by his wife.

“School Board Member, Lillie Jessie, spoke to this person. Mrs. Jessie verified the findings, and verbally passed this information on to selected members of the Board. Mrs. Jessie also spoke to the Associate Superintendent of Support Services in a telephone conversation. The Associate agreed but indicated there are numerous schools that have been named after slave owners and those who have questionable backgrounds,” stated Jessie in the petition.

While the petition has garnered support, there is no plan or indication that the school board will vote to change the high school’s name, according to school division spokeswoman Diana Gulotta. At least one school board member, has, however, voiced their disfavor for renaming the school.

“To be clear, the new high school is not named Thomas Gaines. Its name is Gainesville High School. The school is named after the thriving and ethnically diverse Gainesville community from which most of its students will come. Aside from the practical difficulties and costs for renaming schools, I personally think it is a slippery slope, especially here in Virginia, to begin erasing any vestiges of our troubled past regardless of how much time has passed, how many steps removed, or what the modern reputation of a community is today,” said Jennifer T. Wall, the Gainesville District member of the Prince William County School Board.

School Board Chairman At-large Babur Lateef had no comment on the matter.

Gainesville High School will be the the 13th high school in Prince William County when it opens in September 2021. It’s located in Gainesville, behind Jiffy Lube Live.

The School Board voted to name it ‘Gainesville’ during their June 10th board meeting, as well as its library media center in honor of fallen police officer Ashley Marie Guindon and its student services center in honor of retired Prince William County teacher and counselor Lillian Orlich.

Investigators will review how Fredericksburg police handled a series of riots in the city over the summer. During demonstrations following the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd, police used tear gas to disperse protestors who descended on the city.

Demonstrations in the city lasted for more than a month.

More in a press release:

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) is independently reviewing the City of Fredericksburg’s response to the mass demonstrations between May 31 and June 2 in Fredericksburg. The research team visited Fredericksburg on August 24-27 to conduct a series of meetings and focus groups with members of the community to get a sense of the public perceptions of these events.

The researchers would like to continue to receive feedback from community stakeholders, and they invite members of the public to email their written comments now through September 30, 2020. All are welcome to share any thoughts, perceptions, eyewitness accounts, and general impressions of the events of May 31 – June 2 and their impact on the community.  Please send all comments to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>.

PERF’s scope of work is outlined in the public document <https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/11676?fileID=9549> presented during the July 14, 2020, City Council meeting and is expected to take 6-8 months. The work is being handled by a six-member team PERF specially selected for Fredericksburg that includes two law enforcement professionals, including a certified training expert, and four civilian members specializing in criminology, use of force, research, data analysis, and public policy. PERF was selected for its unique ability to evaluate the City’s policies, procedures, practices, tactics and training on mass demonstrations and less-lethal force. PERF is a recognized leader in the industry with more than 40 years of experience, inclusive of hundreds of studies with police agencies throughout the U.S. Read more about the PERF team here fredericksburgva.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/11676?fileID=9549.

Cynthia E. Hudson, a Richmond attorney who is the chair of Governor Ralph Northam’s Commission to Examine Racial Inequity in Virginia Law and former Virginia Chief Deputy Attorney General, assisted the City in identifying PERF as the best-qualified third-party review firm.

Please be sure to submit all comments to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> before the end of September. For more information about the Police Executive Research Forum, please visit policeforum.org.

A 35-year-old man remains hospitalized after he was shot outside of the Potomac Ridge Apartment Homes in Woodbridge. Police are searching for suspects

More from Prince William police:

Shooting Investigation – On September 12 at 2:54PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 16500 block of Sherwood Pl. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shots fired call. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, a 35-year-old man, outside of the residence suffering from gunshot injuries.

Officers rendered aid to the victim before he was flown to an area hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation revealed that a verbal altercation occurred earlier in the day between two groups, one of which included the victim. The groups eventually dispersed and separated.

A short time later, an occupant in a dark colored vehicle drove by the residence and fired towards the victim, striking him in the lower body. The suspect vehicle then fled the area and the police were contacted. While canvassing, officers located two unoccupied vehicles with damage from being struck by projectiles. This incident does not appear to be random. No additional injuries or property damage were reported. The investigation continues.

Prince William police also reported these incidents:

Aggravated Malicious Wounding – On September 12 at 1:58AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 2800 block of Bowes Ln in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed that the accused arrived at the home of an acquaintance where a verbal altercation ensued.

During the encounter, the accused brandished a firearm and shot the victim, identified as a 48-year-old man. The accused fled the home prior to police arriving in the area. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. A police K-9 and helicopter with Fairfax County police responded to search for the suspect who was not located. Following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Daniel Amankwah GYASI.

Attempts to locate the accused were unsuccessful. Wanted: [Photo from October 2019] Daniel Amankwah GYASI, 30, of the 800 block of Wind Ridge Dr in Stafford Described as a black male, 5’5”, 150lbs with black hair, brown eyes, and tattoos on both arms Wanted for aggravated malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Armed Robbery – On September 13 at 7:20PM, officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred near the 7600 block of Dublin Dr. in Manassas (20109) around 12:00PM on September 12. The victim, a 28-year-old man, reported to police that while in the above area, an unknown man got out of a black SUV brandishing a firearm and demanded the victim to get into the vehicle.

While inside the vehicle, the suspect demanded the victim’s money. The victim got out of the vehicle shortly before the suspects fled the area. The victim returned to his residence and eventually contacted an acquaintance who notified the police. No injuries were reported. An undisclosed amount of money was reported missing. The only suspect descriptions are two black men wearing dark clothing.

Strong-Arm Robbery – On September 12 at 12:30AM, officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred in the area of Crooked Branch Ct. and Hersch Farm Ln. in Manassas (20112) around 11:00PM on September 11. The victim, a 17-year-old male juvenile, reported to police that he arranged to buy marijuana from an unknown person via social media. While in the above area, the victim was approached by two unknown men who began striking and kicking the victim.

During the encounter, the suspects took an undisclosed amount of money from the victim before fleeing in a black sedan. The vehicle was driven by a third unknown individual who was not observed by the victim. The victim went to a local hospital for treatment of significant injuries where police were contacted. The investigation continues. Suspect Descriptions: A black male, approximately 6’0”, with a thin build and short black hair A white male, approximately 6’00”, with a thin build and brown hair

Commercial Burglary – On September 11 at 9:28AM, officers responded to Route 28 Vapes located at 8103 Centreville Rd. in Manassas (20111) to investigate a burglary. The business manager reported to police that the burglary occurred at approximately 1:42AM. Video surveillance showed a light-colored vehicle pull into the parking lot where eight individuals were seen getting out of the vehicle and approaching the business. The suspects forcibly entered the business by damaging the glass door.

The manager reported a cash register, tobacco products, a printer, a monitor and an undisclosed amount of money were missing. The only suspect descriptions at this time are individuals wearing dark colored clothing.

Commercial Burglary – On September 11 at 9:25AM, officers responded to Manassas Pharmacy located at 8573 Sudley Rd. in Manassas (20110) to investigate a burglary. An employee reported to police that the burglary occurred sometime between 5:00PM on September 10 and 9:20AM on September 11. The investigation revealed that entry was made into the building through the front door and then into the business through the main door, both of which were found damaged. No property was reported missing.

Strangulation | Abduction – On September 13 at 11:04PM, officers responded to the 7000 block of Kodiak Ct. in Manassas (20111) to investigate a domestic reportedly occurring inside a vehicle. When officers located the vehicle, the passenger got out of the vehicle and was detained. The investigation revealed that the victim was attempting to drop items off at a residence when a family member, identified as the accused, followed her to the vehicle and engaged in a verbal altercation. The altercation escalated when the accused struck the victim before taking her phone and grabbing her throat more than once. During the encounter, the accused refused to let the victim leave and physically dragged her back into the vehicle. The victim reported significant injuries. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as David Wayne FISHER, was arrested. Arrested on September 13: David Wayne FISHER, 39, of 9007 Yorkshire Ln. in Manassas Charged with 1 count of abduction, 1 count of strangulation, 1 count of domestic assault and battery and 1 count of obstruction of justice. Court Date: Pending. Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.

Abduction | Domestic Related – On September 13 at 5:40PM, officers responded to the Wyndham Pointe Apartments located in the 16600 block of Harwood Oaks Ct. in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a domestic. The victim, a 26-year-old woman, reported to police that she and a family member, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation. Upon officers arriving at the location, the accused prevented the victim from speaking to police before pushing her. Eventually both parties came out of the apartment and the accused was detained. During the investigation, the accused refused to provide officers with his identifying information was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Walter Ofilio PINEDA, was arrested. Arrested on September 13: Walter Ofilio PINEDA, 30, of the 16600 block of Harwood Oaks Ct. in Dumfries Charged with abduction, domestic assault and battery, obstruction of justice and intoxicated in public Court Date: Pending. Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.

Strong-Arm Robbery – On September 14 at 10:12PM, officers responded to the area in the 1400 block of Horner Rd. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a robbery. The victim, a 37-year-old woman, reported to police that while in the above area, she was approached by an acquaintance, identified as the accused. During the encounter, the accused struck the victim and pushed her to the ground before taking her backpack. Officers canvassing the area located the accused who was carrying the backpack and detained him. The victim reported minor injuries. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as, Matthew Blake BERNSTEIN, was arrested. Arrested on September 14: Matthew Blake BERNSTEIN, 36, of 103 Fay St. in Winchester Charged with robbery Court Date: Pending. Bond: Unavailable.

Indecent Exposure – On September 12 at 5:40PM, officers responded to the intersection of Cardinal Dr. and Beau Ridge Dr. in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate an indecent exposure. The investigation revealed that while walking in the above area, an unknown man exposed himself to the victim, a 40-year-old man and a family member. The accused walked away following the incident and the victim contacted the police. During the investigation, the victim reported that the accused was the same person who exposed himself to him on August 29. That investigation revealed that on that day the accused exposed himself to a group of people, including the victim and his 4-yearold daughter, while they were walking in the above area. No physical contact was made between the accused and any of the victims. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Terrell Antonio CHAPMAN, was arrested. Arrested on September 12: Terrell Antonio CHAPMAN, 33, of no fixed address Charged with 1 count of indecent liberties and 6 counts of indecent exposure Court Date: December 10, 2020. Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

Residents with information on any of these events should contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703-792-7000 or submit a tip to www.pwcgov.org/policetip.

Retirees formerly employed by Stafford County Public Schools will soon have a different health insurance provider.

The School Board has unanimously approved a one-year contract with United Healthcare as the new retiree supplemental group health insurance provider for retirees who are eligible for Medicare Part B.

This new provider comes as a result of  ‘a joint request for proposals for services with Stafford County Public Schools and the Stafford County Government,’ according to a Stafford County School Board meeting agenda.

This change, effective January 1, is set to benefit the school division’s 548 retirees, as well as 155 members of the local government by giving them lower premium costs and benefit enhancements.

• Retirees’ premiums will now be $412.05 per policy, a $133.81 decrease from the division’s previous insurance provider The Hartford and Express Scripts, and their benefits will also now include hearing aid assistance and a fitness program.
• These changes will not, however, affect the Retiree Health Insurance Reimbursement program nor coverage for supplemental benefits.

Most retirees and their spouses will additionally see a change in monthly contribution to their insurance plans, depending on the amount Stafford County Public Schools subsidizes for them, with the higher the subsidy meaning the lower the change in contribution.

Those receiving a 100% subsidy will see a $0 change, a 75% subsidy will see a $34 change, a 50% subsidy will see a $67 change, a 25% subsidy will see a $1oo change, a 15% subsidy will see a $114 change, a 0% subsidy will see a $134 change, and spouses of retirees will see a $134 change.

“Stafford County’s goal is for retirees to experience a smooth transition from the current insurers to UHC [United Healthcare],” stated a presentation given to the Stafford County School Board.

In addition to retirees, the school division is also set to benefit from this change. With United Healthcare, it is set to save $900,000 in total annual costs and $500,000 in total net annual costs. Previously, it cost the school division $3.6 million annually to provide retirees with insurance, but with their new contract with United Healthcare, it will only cost $2.7 million annually.

These savings come at a difficult financial time for the school division, as it is dealing with the implications and impact of the new coronavirus on its procedures and revenue flow.

“Stafford County went out to bid for an insurer with the primary goal of protecting the benefits for its Medicare retirees, to the maximum extent possible. Savings were not a goal, but also not an unexpected outcome due to: a competitive bid process, fewer fees for administration, and no commissions,” stated a presentation given to the Stafford County School Board.

Two OmniRide contractors have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the first of the company’s hundreds of tested contract employees. The cases were reported on August 31.

In light of the test results, OmniRide has taken appropriate actions such as contact tracing and deep cleaning to ensure the safety of its employees, customers, and the general public.

More in a press release:

“OmniRide has confirmed its first case of COVID-19 among our nearly 300 employees. Two employees tested positive late last week and notified First Transit, which began internal contact tracing with the employees immediately. First Transit operates and maintains OmniRide’s bus service.

The affected employees last worked early last week, and did not return to OmniRide upon feeling ill. Out of precaution, additional rounds of vehicle and facility cleaning occurred following the first reports of illness. These measures were taken based on the employees’ reported illness, even prior to their positive diagnosis. In any instance where employees have identified possible risk or exposure, the equipment and facility have been further sanitized.

“First, our thoughts are with the two employees and with their loved ones. We wish them a full and speedy recovery. We truly appreciate them following COVID-19 protocol by notifying us quickly of their illness,” said OmniRide Executive Director Bob Schneider.

“Second, we understand how difficult and worrisome this news is for everyone involved with OmniRide and First Transit. We want to reiterate that the health and safety of our employees and customers is our top priority. We have been following the guidance of the Virginia Department of Health and will continue to do so.”

Protocols that have been in place on our local and commuter service since the beginning of the pandemic include the following:

Enhanced cleaning was occurring as early as February with gloves, sanitizer, and masks available to all employees as soon as the supplies were delivered by our Emergency Operations Center partners.

Instituted local fare elimination, cashless express fares, and rear door entry to minimize passenger/operator interaction. OmniRide marked off seats to keep operators distanced from passengers, temporarily closed the facility to visitors and passengers, and instituted improved layouts to prevent passenger gatherings. Passenger capacity remains limited on buses.

OmniRide has additional cloth face coverings available to employees for distribution to passengers, their family, or general public. OmniRide also continues to provide personal protective equipment including gloves, face coverings, and hand sanitizer to all employees.

Daily mid-shift vehicle sanitization with a focus on high contact surfaces.

Field Specialists were pulled from their regular duties to ensure rigorous cleaning protocols were taking place, and we recently created and filled a full-time position to support enhanced COVID-19 prevention efforts.

“OmniRide has been operating services six days a week for nearly six months since the pandemic began spreading in Northern Virginia, yet this is our first positive case. This does not happen by accident—this success only happens because of the vigilant attention we have given to the health of employees and passengers,” said Schneider.

The transit agency has resumed full-service yesterday following a worker strike that led to limited bus service late last week.

Authorities are investigating reports of fraud

More in a press release:

DRUGS Carnaby Street/Valdosta Drive, 9/12, 3:56 a.m. Deputy E.E. West responded to a suspicious person screaming and hitting cars near the playground in this area. She located Asiel Butler, 27, of Stafford, coming from the playground hitting himself and screaming. Deputy West learned Butler had an active warrant in Spotsylvania for fraud. Butler was taken into custody and a cut straw with powder residue was found in his pocket. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance, public intoxication and the Spotsylvania warrant. Butler was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,000 secure bond.

DUI Mine Road Commuter Lot, 9/11, 10:38 p.m. Deputy K.P. Hall responded to Larkwood Court for a hit and run accident. An unoccupied dark colored SUV was damaged on the street and Deputy Hall located a white fender panel left on the scene by the suspect vehicle. Just after midnight, Deputy A.T. Leckemby located the suspect vehicle in the commuter lot. Samantha Bunch, 45, of Stafford, was found inside the vehicle with a strong odor of alcoholic beverage on her breath. Field sobriety tests were offered and she was arrested for DUI.

Bunch was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $3,500 secure bond for hit and run, DUI second in five years and driving after forfeiture of license. Warrenton Road/Cambridge Street, 9/12, 7:03 a.m. Sergeant J.J. Kreider observed a Chevrolet Impala weaving in the lane of travel. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was identified as Kevin Jackson, 33, of Warrenton. Jackson had bloodshot eyes and an odor of alcoholic beverage coming from him. He was arrested for DUI and a search warrant for blood was executed. Jackson was charged with DUI third in ten years and driving after forfeiture of license.

He was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $5,000 secure bond. Greenbriar Apartments, 3366 Jefferson Davis Highway, 9/12, 8:21 p.m. Deputy E.E. West responded to an unknown problem at the apartments. As she pulled into the parking lot, she was nearly struck head on by another vehicle. That vehicle parked in the lot and Deputy West identified the driver as Victoria Rupprecht, 51, of Stafford.

Rupprecht had a strong odor of alcoholic beverage on her breath and slurred speech. Field sobriety tests were administered and she was arrested for DUI. Rupprecht was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,500 unsecure bond. Warrenton Road/ Cambridge Street, 9/12, 9:24 p.m. Deputy A.J. Deasy responded to the area for a subject that was asleep in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in southbound traffic.

The driver was identified as Michael Melone, 30, of Spotsylvania. Field sobriety tests were administered and Melone was arrested for DUI. A suspected controlled substance was found in Melone’s pocket. A search warrant for blood was executed at Stafford Hospital. Melone was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond for DUI second in ten years and possession of a controlled substance.

100 Block of Mine Road, 9/13, 2:19 a.m. Deputy T.A. Vasquez stopped a vehicle in this area that was unable to maintain the lane of travel. The driver was identified as Nashara Jacques, 34, of Stafford. Jacques had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Field sobriety tests were administered and she was arrested for DUI. Jacques was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,500 unsecure bond.

FRAUD Kellogg Mill Road, 9/11, 9:45 a.m. Resident reported two unauthorized charges on her Lowe’s credit card totaling over $1,000. The transactions took place at Lowe’s stores in Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg. The incident is under investigation. Ford T. Humphrey Public Safety Building, 1225 Courthouse Road, 9/11, 1:12 p.m. Resident came to the Sheriff’s Office lobby to report unauthorized charges on his credit card. There were four unauthorized charges totaling $600 that were made in Boston, Massachusetts. The incident is under investigation.

LARCENY Cardinal Forest Subdivision, 9/13, 10:54 a.m. Two residents in the subdivision reported their vehicles were entered overnight and personal property was stolen. The incidents are under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact First Sergeant J.D. Floirendo at 540- 658-4400.

ROBBERY 7-Eleven, 25 Solomon Drive, 9/13, 5:46 a.m. Deputies responded to the convenience store for a report of an armed robbery. They learned a suspect produced a handgun and ordered the clerk to put money and tobacco products in a bag. The suspect then fled on foot through the parking lot. The Sheriff’s Office Unmanned Aircraft Systems team and K-9 responded to search for the suspect, but were unable to locate him. The suspect is described as a black male, 20-30 years old, 6’ tall and approximately 165 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective K.W. McBride at 540-658-4400.

WEAPONS Excel Inn and Suites, 594 Warrenton Road, 9/11, 1:04 p.m. Deputies responded to the hotel for a disturbance with a weapon. Deputy C.C. Lee learned that De’Andre Proctor, 23, of Stafford had brandished a handgun during an argument with another guest at the hotel. He also threatened to shoot through the window of the hotel room. Proctor was reported to be inside a room of the hotel. Deputies established a perimeter and Proctor eventually surrendered peacefully. He was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,100 secure bond for brandishing and threats. A .38 revolver was seized from the hotel room as evidence.

Any resident with information on these events should contact the sheriff’s office at 540-658-4400.

George Mason University’s Center for the Arts has been forced to cancel two outdoor performances due to international travel restrictions brought on by the coronavirus: Cirque FLIP Fabrique and Cameron Carpenter. Those who purchased tickets to these canceled events will be contacted by the ticket office. 

More in a press release:

“The Center for the Arts at George Mason University announced today it must cancel two previously announced outdoor performances: Cirque FLIP Fabrique on October 17 and Cameron Carpenter on October 24. Both artists would have been traveling from outside the United States, and travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19 have made their tours no longer possible.

“We are so disappointed to have to cancel our outdoor performances at the Center for the Arts, but we recognize the complexities of travel logistics in these unprecedented times,” shares Director of Programming Adrienne Bryant Godwin. “We will look forward to bringing these artists to the Center when it is possible. While we have to put this performance model on hold in Fairfax, we hope that our patrons will either join us for outdoor concerts at our sister venue the Hylton Performing Arts Center or tune in to our digital offerings as part of Mason Arts at Home this fall.”

Patrons who have purchased tickets to the October performances are being contacted by the Center for the Arts Ticket Office.

For a full schedule of Mason Arts at Home digital content, visit: cfa.gmu.edu/maah.”

Seventy World War II aircraft will be flying over Washington D.C. in historically sequenced formations on September 25. Twenty different types of planes will be included in the flight, including the P-40 Warhawk, P-39 Airacobra, P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, and the P-47 Thunderbolt.

More in a press release:

“Approximately 70 World War II aircraft will take to the skies over Washington D.C. on September 25th. Starting at 11:30 am ET, these historically sequenced warbird formations will fly over the Washington Mall in two-minute intervals. The formations will represent the War’s major battles concluding with a missing man formation.

More than 20 different types of vintage military aircraft are expected to participate in the flyover. Aircraft are being provided by multiple organizations and individuals whose mission is to preserve these historic artifacts in flying condition. Some of the historic aircraft expected to participate include the P-40 Warhawk, P-39 Airacobra, P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, F4U Corsair, B-25 Mitchell, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-29 Superfortress, and others.”

The aircraft will take off from various airports around Northern Virginia. The organizers tell us they want to discourage the public from gathering at any one airport to view the planes before the flight. due to the coronavirus.