News - Page 11 of 1911 - Potomac Local News

Stafford to Kick Off Virginia’s 250th With Special Memorial Day Ceremony Featuring The Old Guard

Published May 19, 2025 at 3:22PM

Service members assigned to the Military District of Washington Joint Armed Forces Color Guard prepare to present the national colors on the infield stage at Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fl., February 16, 2025. The service members were in Daytona to participate in the national anthem performance during the pre-race ceremonies for the 67th Annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Cup Series Race. (U.S.Army photo by SGT. Gabriel J. Bacchus)

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County will honor America’s fallen heroes with a special Memorial Day Ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. The event will be held at the Armed Services Memorial on the campus of the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, located at 1300 Courthouse Road in Stafford.

This year’s program will feature a special appearance by The Old Guard, the U.S. Army’s Third Infantry Regiment. Known as the Army’s official ceremonial unit and the escort to the president, The Old Guard performs military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, guards the Tomb of the Unknowns around the clock, and represents the Army at ceremonies in the nation’s capital and beyond.

Live Music, Food Trucks & Fun: ‘Fridays at 5’ Returns to Woodbridge

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 19, 2025 at 1:46PM

Held at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza in Woodbridge, the outdoor shows kick off at 5 p.m. and feature performances from local favorites like The Chocolate Factory Band, The Deloreans, and Whiskey Acolyte. DJ Moe Vibez spins between sets. Admission and parking are free.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring chairs or picnic blankets. Food and drinks, including beer and wine for those 21 and older, will be available. No pets are allowed, except for service dogs.

‘We Did It Together’: Fredericksburg Couple Celebrates Side-by-Side Doctorate Degrees From Liberty University

By Potomac Local News

Published May 19, 2025 at 11:00AM | Updated May 19, 2025 at 1:33PM

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. – What began as an unexpected career pivot has led to an achievement for one Fredericksburg-area couple. Drs. Edmond and Sherri Bergeron, both United States military veterans, recently earned their Doctorates in Education from Liberty University—crossing the stage together on May 8, 2025, after four years of hard work, determination, and mutual encouragement.

A New Mission After Military Service

New Manassas-Area Event Venue to Host Grand Opening This Sunday

By Potomac Local News

Published May 16, 2025 at 1:48PM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A new 28,000-square-foot event venue in Manassas is preparing to open its doors to the community this weekend.

Magnoliya Grand, located at 6991 Infantry Ridge Road near the Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus, will hold its Grand Opening and Open House on Sunday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include an opening ceremony at 11 a.m., live performances from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and an open house from 1 to 4 p.m., according to the venue’s announcement.

No Dancing Ban Here: Dumfries Delays Festival Rule Change

By Potomac Local News

Published May 16, 2025 at 9:06AM

DUMFRIES, Va. – In the 1984 movie Footloose, a small town famously banned dancing, sparking pushback from teens who just wanted to have fun. This week in Dumfries, a similar debate surfaced over whether the small town is going too far with proposed new rules for music festivals.

During its May 6, 2025, meeting, the Dumfries Town Council held a public hearing on a proposal to revise the town’s Musical and Entertainment Festivals Ordinance. Among the proposed changes is a requirement that anyone under 18 be accompanied by an adult at outdoor concerts and festivals.

Stafford School Board Makes It Easier for Bus Employees to Bring Children on Board

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 16, 2025 at 8:58AM

The updated policy, Policy 7205 – Access to Division Transportation Services, now allows not only bus drivers but also bus attendants to bring their minor child or grandchild on board during their assigned routes. This change, approved as part of the Board’s consent agenda, builds on the previous rule that limited this option to preschool-aged children of bus drivers only.

What’s Changing?

PWCS Students Rule the Court—Again

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 16, 2025 at 8:57AM

RICHMOND, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) students have once again claimed top honors at the 47th Annual Model Judiciary Program Supreme Court Round, marking their third consecutive victory at the state level.

According to a PWCS release, Battlefield High School students Anandya Sampath, a senior, and Sakshi Gowda, a sophomore, were named overall winners after presenting appellate arguments before justices from the Virginia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Their performance topped the competition, which simulates real court proceedings.

NOVA Grads Pack Arena in One of School’s Biggest Ceremonies Yet

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 16, 2025 at 8:53AM

FAIRFAX, Va. – More than 7,500 Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) students were celebrated this week during one of the college’s largest-ever commencements.

Held May 12 at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena, the graduation ceremony drew over 1,600 graduates and more than 5,000 guests. The crowd was so big that overflow seating and a livestream were set up in a nearby concert hall, according to a release from the college.

Date Night Spotlight: SEMIFREDDO Italian Cuisine in Manassas

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 15, 2025 at 11:00AM

Looking for a romantic Italian escape without leaving Prince William County? Step into SEMIFREDDO Italian Cuisine—a charming culinary gem in Manassas offering a warm, intimate setting and a menu bursting with traditional and Mediterranean flavors. With over 20 years of chef-driven expertise, this locally owned favorite is ideal for couples seeking a memorable night out over wine, pasta, and candlelight.

Three-Course Menu Suggestion

War, Protest, and Family: New Musical Into the Sun Hits the Vint Hill Stage This June

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 15, 2025 at 8:00AM

Presented by Triune Entertainment, Into the Sun follows Freddy and Mary Sigfried as they navigate the emotional and moral upheavals of World War I. Freddy, eager to serve, rises through the military ranks but is haunted by the consequences of leadership. Meanwhile, Mary breaks with tradition by taking a job in a munitions factory, eventually grappling with the ethics of her work.

Director Esther Wells called the show “an honor” to direct, highlighting its local roots and cast of talented regional performers. Leading roles include Ryan Schaffer as Freddy and Audrey Mollo as Mary, joined by Cam Ezell, Joseph Allen, and others in a rich ensemble cast.