Ready to chill out for a great cause? Special Olympics Virginia’s annual Polar Plunge events are back, and it’s time to make a splash! Registration is now OPEN for the coolest, most exhilarating event series in the state. Get your swimsuit ready (and maybe some warm towels) because this year’s plunges are bigger, bolder and even more fun!
From the icy shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the frigid waters of lakes and pools statewide, thousands of brave participants will jump into freezing waters – all for the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Virginia. Whether you’re a first-time plunger or a seasoned veteran, this is your chance to be FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON!
EVENT LOCATIONS
You can plunge at multiple locations across Virginia – choose your own adventure!Richmond – December 14, 2024: Take the plunge at Pocahontas Park! It’s an unforgettable experience right in the heart of RVA.
Northern Virginia / Mosaic District – January 25, 2025: Test your mettle at this pool-Plunge in the Mosaic District, an urban shopping center in Northern Virginia.Cool School Challenge – February 7, 2025: Gather your classmates for this student-led Plunge in Virginia Beach. Spend a Friday at the beach in support of your school and your community!
Virginia Beach – February 8, 2025: The flagship event with the iconic oceanfront plunge, costume contests and live entertainment. It’s an all-day festival! Plus, don’t miss the 5K Run/Waddle and Pre-Plunge Party on the beach the Friday evening before (Feb. 7).
Northern Virginia / Leesylvania State Park – February 17, 2025: Go for the cold at our second Northern Virginia Plunge and make a splash in the cold river waters of the Potomac.
New River Valley – March 1, 2025: We’re diving into Blue Ridge waters at Bisset Park for a unique Plunge experience – perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
HOW TO REGISTER
Signing up is easy! Gather your team, your family or take the plunge solo – all we ask is that you bring your best attitude and a sense of adventure. Register online at www.polarplunge.com.Registration is just the beginning – once you sign up, start fundraising to support Special Olympics Virginia’s 20,000+ athletes. Every dollar you raise helps provide year-round sports training, competition, and health and wellness programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
WHY PLUNGE?
Polar Plunge is more than just a chilly dip – it’s a heartwarming opportunity to make a difference in the lives of incredible athletes. Every plunge and every donation directly impacts the athletes of Special Olympics Virginia, empowering them to reach their full potential through the power of sports.And did we mention the fun? There will be live music, costume contests, food trucks, incentives and more! Whether you’re plunging or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a day full of thrills and chills.
FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON – LET’S DO THIS!
So what are you waiting for? Bundle up, sign up and get ready to plunge! With events happening all across Virginia, there’s a Polar Plunge in every corner of Virginia. Register today and be part of the coolest event of the season.For more information or to register, visit www.polarplunge.com. Freeze you there!
From The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia:
Two executives at a contractor for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) pled guilty to theft of government property after diverting over $12 million from an Air Force contract to pay for unrelated personal and business expenses.
According to court documents, Thomas D. Burns, 74, of Gainesville, and Daniel B. Tolley, 63, of Purcellville, founded SP Global, Inc. (SPG) in 2012. Burns served, at various times, as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, and President. Tolley served, at various times, as Chief Technology Officer, President, and a member of the Board of Directors. In 2016, SPG incorporated SPG Institute, Inc. (SPGI).
On Dec. 20, 2017, the United States Air Force (USAF) issued a Request for Information to initiate a collaborative research consortium for developing autonomy technologies, the Autonomy Research Collaboration Network (ARCNet). SPGI bid on and was ultimately awarded the project for over $196 million.
The Prince William Planning Commission unanimously approved a special use permit for the project during its Sept. 11 meeting. Measuring 50,215 square feet, the dealership is planned for a 7.9-acre pad site due west of a Home Depot and will include over 300 surface parking spaces. The project has yet to appear on a Board of County Supervisors agenda.”
Just The News: “The nonpartisan Cook Political Report on Tuesday shifted two House races towards Republicans, with a New Jersey House race becoming “lean Republican” instead of toss up, and a Virginia race becoming a “toss up” instead of leaning Democrat.”
“The Virginia race adds pressure to Democratic candidate Eugene Vindman, who is trying to defeat Republican Derrick Anderson in the state’s seventh district. Anderson and Vindman won their respective primaries in June, and are seeking to replace Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is running for governor. Both men are Army veterans.”
The 7th District includes portions of Prince William County, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, and Fredericksburg.
There will be several different special guests, performances, challenges and local agencies present at the expo. Read more below for the event schedule.
Schedule
- Noon to 12:10 p.m.: Opening ceremony (Ball Field 2)
- 12:10 to 12:35 p.m.: Prince William County Pipes & Drums
- 1 to 1:30 p.m.: Woodbridge High School Marching Band
- 1:30 to 2 p.m.: Make the Right Call Presentation
- 2 to 2:30 p.m.: Manassas Park High School Drum Line
- 2:30 to 3 p.m.: Egg Drop Challenge (Demo Alley)
- 3 to 3:30 p.m.: Vehicle Extrication
- 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: School of Rock Haymarket House Band (Courtyard)
Exhibitors
FIRE & RESCUE
- PWC Fire & Rescue System
- Fire Marshal’s Office
- HAZMAT
- Life & Fire Safety Programs
- Office of Emergency Management
- Department of Fire & Rescue CPAT/Human Resources Office
- City of Manassas Fire & Rescue Department
- Manassas Park Fire & Rescue Department
LAW ENFORCEMENT
- Prince William County Police Department
- Prince William County Sheriff’s Office
- Manassas Park Police Department
- Town of Haymarket Police Department
- Town of Occoquan Police Department
- Quantico Police Department
- Dumfries Police Department
- Virginia State Police
LOCAL & REGIONAL AGENCIES
- AirCare 1 (PHI Air Medical Manassas)
- Department of Forestry
- Virginia Forestry
- Civil Air Patrol
- Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital
- Prince William District Scouts
- Prince William County Community Foundation
- NOVA Food Rescue
- PWC Animal Services
- Saving Prince William’s Littles
- Area Agency on Aging
- PWC Public Safety Communications 911
- Office of Executive Management
- Human Rights Commission
- Community Services Wellness & Prevention
- Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court Seals on Wheels
- PWC Building Development Building Code Enforcement
- Prince William Public Libraries’ Mobile Library Unit
- Office of Housing and Community Development
- Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry
- Volunteer Prince William
- Public Works/Solid Waste Management
- Office of Procurement Services
- PWC Department of Facilities & Fleet Management
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- PWCFRS Honor Guard
- Prince William County Pipes & Drums
- Antique Fire & Rescue Apparatus
- MedStar Health – Bleeding Control VR Experience
- PSCC 911 – Make the Right Call Presentation
- Firefighter/EMS Gear Dress Up Station
- Face Painting
- Egg Drop Challenge
- Rules
- Registration Form (closes Wed., Oct.9th @ 5 p.m.)
SPECIAL GUESTS
- Sparky the Fire Dog
- McGruff the Crime Dog
- Smokey the Bear
MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
- Woodbridge High School Marching Band
- Manassas Park High School Drum Line
- School of Rock Haymarket House Band
FOOD TRUCKS
- Two Smooth Dudes
- Virginia Grill
- Sweet Frog
- Bella’s Cafe
AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
FredericksburgFreePress.com: “The historic downtown Fredericksburg Square property has a new owner. Luigi Castiglia, the longtime owner of the William Street restaurant that still bears his name, bought the 19,000-square-foot building at 525 Caroline St. last week. The sales price for the 0.45-acre property was $1.9 million, according to Fitzhugh Johnson III, whose Johnson Realty Advisors firm had the listing.”
Mark your calendars for the 41st Annual Fall Jubilee in Historic Downtown Manassas on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event promises a day of fun for all ages.
With over 100 craft and community booths, live music, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy games, shop for unique handmade items, and explore the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Manassas. Don’t miss this beloved community tradition, offering a perfect way to celebrate the fall season.
For more information, visit Historic Manassas online.
Get ready to transform your home into a cozy haven this winter! Embrace the upcoming season by attending the Fall Home Show, your one-stop destination for all things home improvement.
Join Stafford County Parks Recreation Facilities and Tourism for a day full of autumn fun and festivities at our annual Fall Family Festival.
