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The Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact for Military Children awarded three Stafford County Public Schools with 2021 Purple Star Designation; Falmouth Elementary School for the first time, Conway and Rocky Run Elementary Schools for the second time.

The Virginia Purple Star Designation applies to military-friendly schools that demonstrate a major commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military.

“Many of our families work not only at MCB Quantico, Fort Belvoir, and NSF Dahlgren, but also at other major installations in the National Capital Region,” said SCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Stanley Jones. “We understand the unique challenges these families face when entering and exiting our school division, and I am exceptionally proud of all our Purple Star Schools for reinforcing our unconditional support of military families.”

To earn Purple Star recognition, the school must have a primary point of contact who completes Interstate Compact Training, applies on behalf of the school for designation, and conducts school-wide training covering the unique needs of military students.

The school’s website must link to a division-wide page dedicated to military student and family support or maintain a special military families section that includes information for families arriving to the school, the enrollment and registration process, departing from the school, defines academic and advanced academic programs, lists graduation requirements, posts the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, provides information on Special Education services and parental rights to include parental consent, and lists other matters of importance for military families.

Purple Star Designation is valid for three years. Schools must continue to demonstrate a commitment to the military community and reapply for designation.

In Stafford County, Anthony Burns, Conway, Falmouth, Hampton Oaks, Rockhill, Rocky Run, Widewater, and Winding Creek elementary schools hold a Purple Star designation.

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James W. Scott (Jim), 68, of Woodbridge, VA made his transition on November 10, 2021 at Inova Fairfax Hospital with his family and friends by his side, after a long battle with illness. Jim was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. He attended American University in Washington, DC, where he obtained a bachelor degree in computer science.  Jim worked as a software engineer for 35 years at various software companies in the DMV, but spent most of his career with Northrop Grumman. Jim retired in 2013, he spent his time playing sports, watching TV, and traveling.   He met his dear wife, Tracy, in Tokyo, Japan where they fell in love.  They started a family shortly afterwards in Alexandria, VA.

Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  He was a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan, who also enjoyed various sports including playing tennis and basketball.  He loved playing spades and other board games. Jim’s love for his family and friends was constant.  He organized cookouts, trips to jazz festivals, football draft nights, loved sports cars, mentored friends and family. He was a steady loyal friend and a beloved “community husband.”

Mr. Scott is preceded in death by his parents, James and Vera Scott; his brothers, William and Andrew.  He is survived by his loving wife, Tracy; his two sons, Wesley and Jordan; his daughter, Toi; his two grandsons, Chans and Phoenix, his two sisters Sharon (Chicago) and Yvonne (Philadelphia), his brother Dennis, his brother-in-law Noble, his nieces Paris, Vera and Heather, and nephews Kyle and Kenneth, and many family and friends.

The family will receive visitors from 10am to 11am on November 24, 2021. The Going Home Ceremony is scheduled for 11am at Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at 1:30pm at Quantico National Cemetery.

Flowers can be sent on Tuesday afternoon only, November 23, 2021 to Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home, 4143 Dale Blvd, Dale City, VA 22193.

The Town of Occoquan and Occoquan Business Partners is pleased to announce the lineup for the annual HolidayFest in historic Occoquan. There will be plenty of shopping, entertainment, and family fun planned for this magical time of year.

ANNUAL TOWN TREE LIGHTING & SHOP LATE NIGHT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Historic District
Shop Occoquan throughout the day, while enjoying visits from Santa. When you #shopsmall and #shoplocal, you’re supporting your neighborhood artists, shop keeps, restaurant owners and their hardworking staff. Businesses are busy curating unique holiday selections just for you. Many businesses will be open until 8 pm or later this evening.

After you’ve had a bite to eat and checked some names off that gift-giving list, join us at 8 pm in front of Town Hall (314 Mill Street) for our annual holiday tree lighting. Mayor Earnie Porta will officiate this time-honored tradition as Occoquan residents and visitors gather to kick off the holiday season.

There will be a free shuttle service 12 pm-8:30 pm from the Rt 123/Old Bridge commuter lot.

HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 11 am-8 pm
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 11 am-4 pm
River Mill Park
This year, our Holiday Artisan Market transforms River Mill Park into a magical holiday shopping experience. Join us on December 4 & 5 when artisans and craft persons will offer original, handmade work in a full range of media. From handmade bath and body
products, candles, gourmet food products, and home décor to fine art and jewelry, you are sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list–and maybe something for yourself too.

Free shuttle service from the commuter lot at 123 and Old Bridge Road will be available December 4, 11 am to 9 pm, and December 5, 11 am to 5 pm.

VISIT WITH SANTA
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4
Visit Santa while you are in town. The big guy will arrive by boat at the town dock at
Mamie Davis Park (202 Mill Street) on December 4 at 10:30 am. Kids of all ages are then invited to escort Santa to River Mill Park (458 Mill Street). He will be ready to visit with families from 11 am to 1:30 pm both market days.

SWEETS WITH SANTA
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4
River Mill Park
From 4 pm-7 pm on December 4, fire pits will be burning and ready to roast some marshmallows. S’more packets and hot cocoa will be available for purchase and Santa may make an appearance too.

SHOP, DINE, & WIN! CONTEST
NOVEMBER 20 – DECEMBER 12
Historic District
Shop and dine at your favorite Occoquan businesses for a chance to win $1,600+ in Occoquan business gift cards. Over 30 businesses are participating:

• Anewed Soul Designs
• Art A La Carte Gallery
• Artists’ Undertaking Gallery
• Babba and Me
• Ballywhack Shack
• Bar J Chili Parlor
• D’Roccos Grille
• Forever Young
• Gift & Gather
• Glory Be
• Grind N Crepe
• Hitchcock Paper Co.
• Jerry’s Occoquan Jewelers
• Leaf & Petal
• Madigan’s Waterfront
• Man Overboard Enterprises
• Marin Woodturning
• Nazbros
• Organic Allure
• Patriot Scuba
• Potomac Chocolate
• Puzzle Palooza Etc
• Sincerely Yours Stained Glass Studio
• So Bohemian
• So Olive
• The Loft Gallery
• The Reclaimed Treasures
• The Spot on Mill Street
• theOCQ.com
• Third Base Pizza & Frozen Custard
• VanEch Studio Home & Garden
• Zorba’s Grill

A CHRISTMAS CAROL STAGED READING
DECEMBER 11 AT 3PM & 5PM
DECEMBER 12 AT 3PM & 5PM
River Mill Park
Get in the holiday spirit with a festive production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This staged reading from Castaways Repertory Theatre will take place outdoors in River Mill Park at 458 Mill Street. Tickets are $5 for adults/youth; ages 12 and under are free. Bring camp chairs and dress appropriately for an outdoor performance. Tickets are on sale now HERE.

LETTERS TO SANTA
NOVEMBER 20 – DECEMBER 24
Drop your letter to Santa in our North Pole mailboxes at Town Hall (314 Mill Street) or Hitchcock Paper Co. (125 Mill Street). Free coloring and fill-in Santa letters with envelopes will be available to kids of all ages at Hitchcock Paper Co. If you include a return address, Santa will send a personalized letter back.

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Zhabriell Perkins of Woodbridge Virginia on November 5,2021, at the young age of 20.

Zhay was full of life and an energetic and caring person. He was always there for his family as well as friends. Many times, the life of the party without trying to be, always making everyone smile and laugh. Zhabriell was taken from us at such a young age. He will forever be loved and missed.

He was a talented music artist, and basketball player. He leaves behind his cherished mother Latoya Horsley, Father Demetrius Perkins. Stepfather Damian Horsley. Cherished brother to Za’Niya, Zerenity,Zariyanna, Zhakye, Ameena,Brooklyn, Damian Jr., Zavier Lee, Lyric, Zaire, Zoey, and Naima. His Grandparents, Yael Hunt, Lennie Walker, and Louie Perkins and a host of aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends.

Zhay’s legacy will forever live on!