In time for Thanksgiving and the rest of the 2024 holiday season, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), builder and operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, recently provided a donation of $10,000 to support the Hunger Resource Center (HRC) of Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS).

Headquartered at NVFS’s SERVE campus in Manassas, the HRC provides approximately 400 families from around Prince William County with emergency food assistance, nutrition information, and helpful strategies for buying healthy food on a budget.

“Too many families in our area are forced to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. With support from partners like I-66 EMP, the Hunger Resource Center helps those families avoid that difficult choice,” said Kathleen McMahon, executive vice president of development and communications for NVFS. “We’re immensely grateful to I-66 EMP for this contribution. They’re one of our most dependable partners, not just around the holidays but all year long.”

Fighting food insecurity has always been fundamental to I-66 EMP’s mission of improving quality of life in the community it serves. The roadway operator supports multiple food banks serving the region, including Food For Others and the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry, and in December 2023 made contributions totaling $5,000 to support NVFS’s holiday giving programs benefiting food-insecure families.

“We strive to partner with nonprofits that make a substantial positive impact in our region, and NVFS is a prime example,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “It’s wonderful to see how many families receive food assistance from the Hunger Resource Center. We’re pleased to support the center’s mission so more families can enjoy the holidays.”

This December, Prince William County residents are in for a treat as two pastimes—reading and ice skating—come together at the Winter Reading Kick-Off event.

Hosted by Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) and sponsored by the Prince William Ice Center in Dale City, the event promises an afternoon of fun for all ages on Sunday, December 1, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The event’s highlight is a free skating session for the first 300 attendees, complete with complimentary skate rentals provided by the Ice Center. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., when PWPL staff will be on-site to assist attendees in registering for the library’s Winter Reading Program. Starting that morning, registration can also be completed online via the Beanstack Tracker app or at pwcva.gov/library.

The Winter Reading Program runs from December 1 to January 31 and encourages participants to dive into the magic of books. By reading 10 books or completing 10 activities, participants earn a free prize and entry into an exciting prize drawing. With no age restrictions, the program invites readers of all generations to join in and make reading a cozy winter tradition.

The Winter Reading Kick-Off is more than just a skating session—it’s an opportunity to connect with the community, enjoy a winter sport, and set the tone for a season of discovery through books. Families and individuals are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot on the ice, as the free skating session is limited to the first 300 participants.

“We’re excited to join Prince William Ice Center for this year’s kick-off event,” said Rachel Johnson, PWPL’s Communications and Marketing Director. “Bringing family and friends together to read, skate, and enjoy all that winter has to offer–we love being a small part of the memories they’re creating.”

Skates will be available in various sizes to accommodate children and adults, but attendees are encouraged to contact the Ice Center in advance to confirm availability.

Press Release:

OmniRide is excited to announce the launch of two new Express Commuter routes operating from Front Royal and Warrenton. Both routes are expected to start on Monday, December 9, with fares set at $5.50 each way.

The Front Royal to State Department-Washington, DC (611-FR) Express Commuter route will begin at the Crooked Run Commuter Lot located at US 522 and Riverton Road in Front Royal. Then the route will serve the University Commuter Lot before following the existing Gainesville-Washington (611) routing through downtown DC. Initially, it will offer three morning trips and three evening trips. This service will utilize extensions of existing trips alongside new trips to encourage ridership growth in Front Royal and the University Lot, while also offering a transfer connection at the University Lot to other Express commuter routes.

The Warrenton to Pentagon-Navy Yard (612-W) Express Commuter route will start at the Warrenton Park-and-Ride Commuter Lot at US 29 and Colonial Drive in Warrenton. Like the Front Royal route, it will also serve the University Commuter Lot before taking the current Gainesville-Pentagon-L’Enfant Plaza-Navy Yard (612) routing to the Pentagon and through downtown Washington, DC. This route will launch with six morning trips and eight evening trips. It will also combine extensions of existing trips with new trips to facilitate ridership growth in Warrenton and the University Lot, while also providing a transfer connection at the University Lot to other Express commuter routes.

The new Express Commuter routes are a part of OmniRide’s service change that will take effect on Monday, December 9. In addition, all timetables for Express, Metro Express, and Local routes have been revised resulting in changes to all schedules. New schedules will be available online and from bus operators starting Monday, December 2. OmniRide will also begin serving the new Neabsco Commuter Garage located in Woodbridge across from Sentara Medical Center. Several routes that previously served the OmniRide Transit Center will move to the Neabsco Commuter Garage. For a detailed list of changes, please visit OmniRide.com.

Press Release:

The City of Fredericksburg is excited to announce a new project to replace 95 old streetlights in the Mayfield neighborhood with new, energy-saving LED lights. This initiative reflects City Council’s commitment to being a climate-forward city, with a goal to have 100% renewable energy power municipal operations by 2035. The new LED lights will save money, help the environment, and make our neighborhoods safer.

This pilot project will replace the traditional high-pressure sodium and mercury vapor streetlights with energy-efficient LED streetlights. Work is expected to begin on Monday, December 2, 2024 and take approximately one week to complete all of the installations. Dominion Energy and their contractor, River City Construction, will be working along the city streets with minimal disruption to the neighborhood. Work on each light pole will take approximately 20-30 minutes. Residents need not take any action.

The Mayfield neighborhood was selected for this important energy-saving initiative for several reasons. This neighborhood has many streetlights within a city block layout, which is the ideal setting to evaluate the effectiveness and the impact of this new LED technology. Additionally, the Mayfield community has been actively requesting improvements for better street lighting for both visibility and neighborhood safety. This focused area is also an ideal setting for the City to gather data for future upgrades to streetlights across the city.

The LED conversion is expected to bring substantial energy savings, reducing the utility bill for Mayfield’s street lighting by an estimated 18% annually. Along with cost savings, this project will help reduce the city’s environmental impact by reducing approximately 30 metric tons of CO? emissions associated with power generated for the old streetlights each year. The new LED fixtures come with a guaranteed lifespan of 10 years, though they can last up to 20 years. This far exceeds the traditional streetlights which typically last only 2-5 years. These savings and environmental benefits are part of the City’s larger goal to be more sustainable.

To ensure optimal lighting quality, the City collaborated with Dominion Energy’s lighting specialists, who have developed a municipal LED lighting standard based on years of experience converting municipalities to LED technology. This standard includes carefully selected lighting patterns and color temperatures designed to provide efficient and comfortable illumination. The City currently contracts with Dominion Energy to maintain 1,553 streetlights within the city limits.

As older light fixtures failed, they were replaced with newer and more efficient LED street lights. Residents can expect a slightly cooler light from the new fixtures, similar to the LED fixtures already installed in the neighborhood on Howison Avenue, Tyler Street, Howard Avenue, Frazier Street, and South Street. This cooler, whiter light provides improved visibility, and safety, while maintaining an appealing aesthetic.

The City will monitor performance of these new lights and gather community feedback throughout the pilot project. Contingent on good performance results (and funding), similar upgrades are being planned citywide in 2025 and 2026.

Residents are encouraged to send questions and feedback about this initiative to the Department of Public Works at 540-372-1023 and online at FredericksburgVA.gov.

For more information on City Council’s 100% Renewable Energy Resolution, please visit FredericksburgVA.gov/green.

Prince William County Facility Receives Prestigious OBAT Designation, Enhancing Addiction Treatment Services:

The Prince William County Community Services’ Woodbridge facility has earned the Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) designation from the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, a certification that elevates the clinic’s standards for addiction care. This recognition allows the facility to access additional Medicaid funding, increasing its capacity to tackle the region’s opioid epidemic with expanded services.

The OBAT designation enables the clinic to provide advanced, patient-centered care, bolstering the county’s Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and therapy to treat opioid use disorder and support long-term recovery.

“This designation shows we can engage individuals quickly and get them into treatment within 24 to 48 hours, offering them a beacon of hope in their recovery,” said Daniel Manza, Prince William County Recovery Support Program Manager.

The new funding is particularly vital as the region grapples with a significant opioid crisis. Between 2018 and 2023, 454 opioid-related deaths were reported in Greater Prince William, with non-fatal overdoses more than doubling since 2017.

“This allows us to extend critical, life-saving services to individuals facing addiction, offering a holistic approach that promotes long-term recovery,” said Georgia Bachman, Acting Director of Community Services.

The MAT program goes beyond addiction treatment, offering mental health counseling, housing support, and vocational training to help individuals rebuild their lives and maintain recovery. Participants like Shaumbay Fuller and Alma Lopez share how MAT services have helped them regain control over their lives.

The program not only supports individual recovery but also benefits public health by lowering healthcare costs and fostering community resilience. “This designation and additional funding are crucial in our ongoing fight against the opioid epidemic,” said County Executive Chris Shorter. “By investing in proven solutions, we are saving lives and building a healthier community.”

Press Release:

Greetings, Prince William: It’s All About a Kid and a Toy! Volunteer Prince William’s program Untrim a Tree which provides holiday gifts for local children in Title I schools is in full swing and accepting donor forms! Many thanks and appreciation to everyone who has signed up to sponsor a child – we have just over 600 children who are still waiting on Santa. It’s not too late to help! Please visit https://bit.ly/3QcHLYH to fill out and submit a donor form to sponsor a child. The whole family can participate, and you’ll feel great being part of a program which helps our vulnerable populations have a Happy Christmas! Questions? Please email ut…@volunteerprincewilliam.org.

• Calling All Elves! Volunteer Prince William needs Elf Helpers to help with toy donations for Untrim a Tree December 7-9 at Prince William County Fairgrounds. Duties include greeting donors and assisting with unloading donations from their vehicle, placing senior baskets in their proper area and moving bags of toys from the check-in area to a storage area. Volunteers age 16 and up are needed, volunteers 15 and under are welcome to volunteer with a parent or responsible adult. Be prepared for prolonged standing and lifting of contractor bags which may weigh up to 20 pounds. Put on your elf hat or reindeer antlers and join in the fun! Please visit https://bit.ly/3Z9ARrn to register, email jhaw…@volunteerprincewilliam.org to learn more.
• Volunteer Prince William also needs volunteers the morning of December 10 to deliver Senior Baskets and Gift Bags to the two senior centers in Manassas and Woodbridge. Volunteers will meet at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, load up the baskets/bags and transport them to the appropriate senior center. Just a couple of hours will do much to bring joy to a local homebound senior citizen! Please visit https://bit.ly/3CASs2P to sign up and learn more. Questions? Please email jhaw…@volunteerprincewilliam.org.
• If you love helping others learn, we have a wonderful opportunity for you! BEACON for English Language and Literacy has an urgent need for 8-13 volunteers to teach adult ESOL students for their upcoming Winter session which begins December 3. No teaching or language experience is required, and training is provided. Please visit https://forms.gle/SUuHnLLdfE5HUC3N7 to sign up for an orientation session or contact Seth at 571.428.2524, email smaz…@osbva.org.
• You can make a difference in the life of a child! CASA CIS needs volunteers age 21+ who care about children growing up in a safe, permanent and loving home. The staff will hold their next Virtual Information Session on December 3, 6pm-7pm. Learn how you can help protect abused and neglected children in your community by becoming a volunteer advocate. Please email jpo…@casacis.org or call 703.330.8145 to receive the link to the meeting or to inquire about alternate dates.
• You can help Manassas City families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal! Light of Life Church is hosting a City of Manassas Friendsgiving Outreach to benefit vulnerable families in the city. The event will be held November 27, beginning at 10am at Metz Middle School, 9950 Wellington Road in Manassas. Volunteers are needed to help set up, serve food, hand out coats/personal hygiene products/diapers, etc. and break down/clean up. It’s a wonderful way to get into the spirit of Thanksgiving by helping our less fortunate neighbors! Please sign up for this meaningful event at https://lolc.breezechms.com/form/friendsgiving.
• Ho Ho Ho! Get into the holiday spirit by volunteering for Santa Lights Manassas on December 6 and the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade December 7 in Old Town Manassas! These events would not be possible without the support of over 300 volunteers which let them spread holiday cheer to the community! Volunteers can still help stage the participants, answer spectator questions and keep everyone safe so they can enjoy the parade and the tree lighting. What better way to enjoy the Christmas holidays? Please visit https://elevationleads.net/gmcpvolunteer/ to sign up and ask any questions.
• Calling all Rembrandts and Picassos! The City of Manassas Animal Shelter is looking for Volunteer Artists to do some murals on their walls which will brighten up the place for two-legged and four-legged friends alike! Please email animal…@manassasva.gov or call 703.257.2420 to learn how you can help.
• The wonderful staff at House of Mercy need volunteer Elves to support their Christmas with Mercy program beginning December 3. Preparation help is needed December 3 thru 6 and again December 9 thru 12. Then, help is needed December 13 and 14 to assist clients with “shopping” for their families. Volunteers age 16+ are welcome, volunteers age 12-15 are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian. All sorts of fun jobs are available, and you’ll get into the holiday spirit as you help provide vulnerable families with a wonderful Christmas! Please visit https://bit.ly/4fyY5gq for more information and to register, email kjoh…@houseofmercyva.org for more information.
• The “Power of A Knock” can help a homebound senior get nutritious meals! Meals on Wheels urgently needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens on weekday mornings. Volunteers must pass a criminal and driving record background check. Routes take about 1.5 hours to complete, training is provided. You’ll feel great when you find out how inspiring it is to serve this vulnerable population and make their day! Please visit www.pwcva.gov/department/area-agency-aging/volunteer for more information and forms. Please email tsol…@pwcgov.org or call 703.792.4583 to learn more.
• Is your office, club, Scout troop or service group looking for a volunteer opportunity? Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries has opened their hypothermia shelter located at 14716 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge and groups are needed to prepare and drop off meals for 30 adult residents through March 30, 2025. Meals are needed each night and should be prepared off-site and dropped off at the shelter between 6:30pm-7pm. Your group will provide comfort for the homeless with a hot, nourishing meal they can enjoy during the cold winter months! Please visit https://bit.ly/3XXR5SR to sign up and get more information, email thermal…@thestreetlight.org or call 571.677.2883 to learn more.
• If you want to get firsthand experience working directly with the homeless, here’s a perfect opportunity! Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries needs volunteers age 25+ to assist staff at their hypothermia shelter, 14716 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge. Two volunteers are needed each evening through March 31, 2025, 6pm-10pm. Duties include assisting with preparing and serving dinner, passing out supplies as needed and light set-up and/or clean-up. You’ll feel great knowing you are providing this vulnerable population with a way to get out of the cold for a hot meal and a warm place to sleep! Please visit https://signup.com/go/uxArBJd to sign up, email gti…@thestreetlight.org for more information.

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.

Giorgio’s Family Restaurant is mourning the loss of its founder, Chef George Lampros, whose passion for food and community built the establishment into a local institution. Chef Lampros passed away this week, leaving behind a legacy of culinary excellence and community connection that has spanned more than two decades.

Chef Lampros, a proud Greek immigrant who fulfilled the American dream, opened Giorgio’s in 1999. Starting as a small 12-seat deli, the restaurant expanded over the years into a bustling 130-seat full-service establishment, complete with banquet and catering services. In 2008, Lampros further enhanced the dining experience by integrating WineStyles of Montclair, a wine shop and bar offering an extensive selection of wines from around the globe.

“Giorgio’s Family Restaurant has announced the passing of its founder, Chef George Lampros,” the restaurant shared in a Facebook post. “Known for his deep care for his customers and community, Lampros was a proud Greek immigrant who achieved the American dream by becoming a U.S. citizen. The restaurant will continue to honor Lampros’s legacy by keeping his vision alive for future generations.”

Chef Lampros was known not only for his culinary expertise but also for his deep connection to the community. Giorgio’s became a favorite gathering place for Prince William County residents, offering Greek Nights, wine tastings, and fundraisers that brought neighbors together and strengthened the local bond. Customers have long appreciated the restaurant’s focus on personalized service and a welcoming family atmosphere, setting it apart from corporate chains.

For more than two decades, Giorgio’s has been a testament to Lampros’s dedication, growing into a cornerstone of Montclair’s dining scene. With over 70 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry, the Lampros family built a reputation for serving gourmet meals with a personal touch, keeping local diners returning time and again.

“To those of you who have been with us before, we thank you for your business and look forward to serving you. To those of you who are here for the first time, we welcome you and hope that you have a great experience,” the restaurant’s statement concludes.

Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County) has introduced legislation aimed at closing a loophole created last year by HB 790, which inadvertently allowed underage students to possess tobacco and vaping devices on school grounds without facing legal consequences.

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The Prince William County Police enforce traffic safety all year, and the Department reminds motorists to Wear your seatbelt every time! That is the underlying message of this year’s “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement campaign, which runs from Nov. 23, 2024, through Dec. 1, 2024. Seatbelts save lives!

Prince William County Police join law enforcement agencies throughout Virginia in the “Click It or Ticket” campaign to enforce the Commonwealth’s safety-belt and child safety-seat laws. The Department will participate in high-visibility patrols – day and night – through Sunday, December 1.

Wear your seatbelt every time! Seat belts are mandatory in Virginia for all persons riding in the front seat. Virginia car seat laws also state that:

All children under the age of eight must ride in a federally approved, secured safety seat.
Children between eight and 15 must use a safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt, no matter where in the vehicle the child is riding.
It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure all children, age 15 and under, are secured properly.
Wear your seatbelt every time! Virginia law allows police to cite anyone driving a car in which an occupant under age 16 is not wearing a safety belt or is not in a child safety seat. It also provides that drivers may be cited if they are not properly restrained if stopped for other violations.

“Click It or Ticket” is one of several programs under the Smart, Safe and Sober partnership. Smart, Safe and Sober is a statewide program dedicated to preventing death and injury on Virginia roadways. It is a partnership of the Prince William County Police, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, the Virginia Department of State Police, the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, DRIVE SMART Virginia, and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Wear your seatbelt every time! Unless you want to risk a ticket, or worse, always remember to “Click It or Ticket,” day and night.