From delivering meals to providing emotional support, Simply Angels Veterans Outreach has become a vital resource for hundreds of veterans living with disabilities in Virginia. Simply Angels Veterans Outreach, a nonprofit organization that supports disabled and homebound veterans, has been serving six Virginia counties for nearly 40 years.
Founded by veteran Susan Purks, the group began when she helped a severely burned veteran regain his passion for life. Over time, Purks expanded her efforts to assist other disabled veterans, focusing on career plans tailored to their physical and emotional needs.
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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.
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“Fredericksburg Toyland” was the theme of this year’s parade, and this paved the way for creativity in the form of lighted floats and energetic teens. Some may have been staying active just to keep warm on this frigid night. Just about every family gathered on the curbside had a few blankets draped over everyone.
“My face is frozen,” said one man on Caroline Street, but it seemed there were lots of vendors handing out hot chocolate, including the Christian Motorcyclists Association who were up on Princess Anne Street handing out free hot chocolate. This year wasn’t their first parade. “We’ve been doing this for a whole lot of years,” said one of the members.
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Stafford County is gearing up for a magical evening to kick off the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Event, scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Stafford County Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road. Beginning at 6 p.m., the event promises various performances, activities, and surprises for the whole family.
Attendees will be treated to holiday music from local choirs and bands, showcasing the talents of Stafford's youth and community groups. For art enthusiasts, artisans and crafters will offer unique holiday-themed creations.
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Fredericksburg will host its annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in downtown. The weather will be clear and cold on Saturday night, with temperatures dropping to 28 degrees.
The parade route will follow Caroline and Princess Anne Streets. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and wear walking shoes. The event is free and open to the public.
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The magic of the holiday season returns to Northern Virginia as the 78th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade takes to the streets on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 10 a.m. Themed “Christmas in Candyland,” this year’s parade promises a of marching bands, floats, balloons, and holiday cheer.
The parade, a staple of the community for over seven decades, is among the largest holiday celebrations in Northern Virginia. With over 100 units participating, attendees can look forward to performances by local marching bands, including those from Osbourn High School in Manassas, Freedom High School in Woodbridge, and others, alongside decorated floats, dancers, and balloons.
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Founded in 1934, VACo aims to monitor state and national laws that will impact local governments and recommend actions at the annual conference in November. According to its website, VACo often represents local governments in the Commonwealth at both the state and national levels.
"These VACo awards exemplify Prince William County’s dedication to preserving our rich cultural heritage and creating meaningful career pathways for our youth," County Executive Chris Shorter said. "They reflect our ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant, resilient community where history is honored, and opportunities are accessible to all."
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Juliocesar Flores, a senior at Potomac High School, achieved success in regional and state FBLA competitions and earned second place at the National Leadership Conference. He attributes his accomplishments to the guidance of his teacher, Felix Sandy, and the skills gained through FBLA as he prepares to pursue a career in business.
Press Release from Prince William County Public Schools:
Juliocesar Flores, a senior at Potomac High School, has achieved significant success by participating in conferences offered by the world's largest business career and technical student organization, the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). As a junior, Flores won in accounting at both the regional and state levels, which led him to the FBLA’s National Leadership Conference, where he placed second.
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Press release:
Virginia State Parks invites visitors of all ages to experience the magic of the holidays with various festive events across the state. From historic educational programs to enchanting light displays, many parks offer unique ways to create memories and celebrate the holidays amidst Virginia’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
Here’s a glimpse of what guests can look forward to this holiday season:
Holiday lights
- Southwest Virginia Museum: Festival of Trees, Nov. 10-Dec. 31
- Natural Bridge: Festival of Trees, Nov. 22-Dec. 31, and Luminary Nights, Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22
- Wilderness Road: Karlan Christmas: Parade of Trees, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22
- Bear Creek: Lights at the Lake, Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-14
- Staunton River Battlefield: Lighting of the Bridge, Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15
- Natural Tunnel: Christmas Lighting of the Tunnel, Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21
- Caledon: Night Before Christmas Wagon Ride: Dec. 6, Dec. 8, Dec. 13-15, Dec. 20-22
Educational programs
- Mason Neck: Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans, Dec. 7, Dec. 8, Dec. 21 and Dec. 22
- Machicomoco: Christmas at Timberneck, Dec. 14
- Powhatan: Winter Birding, Dec. 14
- Southwest Virginia Museum: Birding in the Gap, Dec. 14
- Wilderness Road: A Frontier Christmas, Dec. 14
- Sweet Run: Christmas Bird Count, Dec. 15
- High Bridge: Christmas in the Camps, Dec. 21
- Sailor’s Creek Battlefield: The Science Behind the Star of Bethlehem, Nov. 30 and Dec. 21
Crafts
- Pocahontas: Winter Wreath Workshop, Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 7, and Handmade Holidays, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22 and Dec. 29
- Widewater: Deck the Halls, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22 and Dec. 29
Claytor Lake: Holiday Cheer Celebration, Dec. 7- False Cape: Tree Cookies and Cocoa Ornament Workshop, Dec. 7
Guided walks/hikes
- First Landing: Season’s Greetings Nature Walk, Nov. 23
- Sky Meadows: A Winter Tree-mendous Hike, Dec. 7
- Belle Isle: A Walk on the Wild Side: Nature in Winter, Dec. 12
- Pocahontas: Winter Solstice Rambles, Dec. 21
Some events are free with standard park admission, while others may require pre-registration or additional fees. Learn more and find other upcoming events at virginiastateparks.gov/events.
Depending on the park, overnight accommodations, including cabins, family lodges or campsites may still be available. Go to reservevaparks.com for more information.
