Michael Carter, a plumbing teacher at Woodbridge's Gar-Field High School, was recently named the 2024 Plumbing Instructor of the Year by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC).
PHCC was founded in 1883 and has more than 125 state and local affiliates across the country. In Virginia, there is one state association and two local, one of which is based in Northern Virginia.
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A family of handmade snowmen, a tree luminary, and hand-sculpted ornaments: Corgi Clay Art Center’s classes this month are focusing on the holidays. Corgi Clay has classes available for a wide range of ages and abilities, from teens learning to spin clay for the first time to advanced sculptors learning detailed techniques. Owner Deb Balestreri said the center is “Stafford County’s first vibrant, creative community that offers ceramics and other art classes, firing services, artist residencies, teaching and exhibition opportunities, and memberships for potters.”
Balestreri, a University of Mary Washington alum, opened Corgi Clay in 2020 after serving as the Director of Visual Arts Education at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. The center is hosting a holiday marketplace through January, featuring unique artwork, apparel, pottery, and more.
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The internship is an eight-week-long program for students enrolled in higher education institutions and are interested in local government. According to a county press release, the program provides students the opportunity to go through training, mentoring, networking with executive leadership, field excursions, short-term projects and hands-on experience. The program will run from May 27 through July 18.
"Public service is one of the most meaningful ways to make a lasting impact on the lives of others, and our internship program is an incredible opportunity for students to step into that role," County Executive Chris Shorter said. "This program is about more than just gaining experience; it's about inspiring the next generation of public servants who will shape our communities and lead us into the future."
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In a statement, Dr. Duffy shared that recent developments within his family and his ongoing battle with prostate cancer, initially treated in 2019, prompted him to reprioritize his commitments. "My family needs me, and I need them," Dr. Duffy stated, visibly moved as he addressed his colleagues and the public.
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Duffy expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and collaborate with fellow council members and city staff. "This body means so much to me and this city. It has been an amazing experience," he said. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about his decision, calling himself “the luckiest person you will ever meet.”
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Stafford County Public Schools invites families, staff, and community members to attend the 2025 Budget Town Halls.
Stafford offices, departments, facilities and the Circuit Court will be closed for the Christmas holiday from Monday, December 23, through Wednesday, December 25, 2024. Offices and the Circuit Court will be closed for New Year’s Day on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
The Fredericksburg Planning Commission on Wednesday voted 4-to-2 to recommend the repeal of the Railroad Station Overlay District.
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Northern Virginia has helped spread holiday cheer with its largest-ever involvement in the Toys for Tots program. Yesterday, Thursday, December 11, 2024, the Manassas-based company delivered hope and joy to needy children with its "Sleighs of Storage Caravan."
A convoy of more than a dozen portable storage containers, packed with toys collected across Northern Virginia, arrived at the Toys for Tots warehouse at 736 Warrenton Road in Stafford County, at a former Big Lots store. Adding a touch of modern logistics to the festive event, robots unloaded the containers, stacking them with precision. Local Marines then took charge, sorting the toys and preparing them for distribution to families throughout the region.
![Michael Carter Michael Carter was recognized nationally as a plumbing teacher. [Courtesy of Prince William County Schools]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gar-field-high-plumbing-2-1260x840.jpeg){kind=link}
![Michael Carter is the first high school teacher to receive this award. [Courtesy of Prince William County Schools]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gar-field-plumbing-3-1260x840.jpeg){kind=link}
![Michael Carter with his students at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge. [Courtesy of Prince William County Schools]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gar-field-high-plumbing-4.jpeg){kind=link}
![Michael Carter was recognized nationally as a plumbing teacher. [Courtesy of Prince William County Schools]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/gar-field-high-plumbing-1260x840.jpeg){kind=link}