The ARTfactory is looking for high school students to submit their artwork to their 21st annual “Off the Wall” art exhibit and competition.

The exhibit, which runs from Dec. 18 to Jan. 19, 2025, features art created by Manassas City, Manassas Park and Prince William County high school students. Eligible mediums of art include art and technology; painting and drawing; poetry; wearable art; and photography. Students have the opportunity to showcase their work and be judged by a professional in their respective fields.

Here’s some more information on each of the categories from the ARTfactory:

Art & Technology: ie: 3-d printing/digital designs – 2-d digital designs (primarily created with computer software) are included in this category. Work must be printed and framed to hang on gallery walls or ARTfactory can provide gallery pedestals for display if the work is standalone sculptural (contact jexum@VirginiaARTfactory if pedestal is required for display). Entries must be submitted in .jpg/png format with a recommended resolution of 300 dpi.

Photography: Photos from mobile device cameras are eligible. Minor digital manipulation or alteration of content is permitted; however, please note: If the majority of the photograph is heavily manipulated/enhanced with software, your submission may be more appropriate for the Art & Tech.category. We recommend using a resolution of 300 dpi .jpg format to ensure the photograph is not grainy.

Painting/Drawing: Create an original painting/drawing using acrylic, watercolor, tempera, oil, pastel chalk, charcoal, colored pencils, graphite, etc. (or any combination of these) on a surface of your choosing (keep in mind all works must be framed). All paintings and drawings must be original artwork. Painting/Drawing pieces will be submitted electronically as high-quality photographs of the original artwork. Images should show only the artwork, not any mats or frames. Note: Mixed media works are included in this category.

Poetry: Enter a one-page poem and within the structure of the poem include the phrase: When Thoughts Wander. The first place poetry winner will be invited to recite their poem at the Awards Ceremony on Jan. 11. Poetry Submission Idea: Email a video or audio clip of your poetry recitation for additional impact! Poetry judges love to be able to hear a poet’s inflection and tone. Please send any videos or audio clips to: [email protected] Note: Central Library’s makerspace in Manassas has a recording studio perfect for recording.

In addition to assisting with the Art and Tech. category, Central Library’s makerspace is also equipped with a recording studio and sewing and embroidery machines suitable for the Poetry and Wearable Art category! Leading up to the competition students can visit the Central Library Makerspace during Open Hours or by appointment to work on their “Off the Wall” creations.

Wearable Art: Make something different in 3-D! You’ll get to show off during the “Off the Wall” Awards Ceremony at ARTfactory, January 11, 2024. This category is judged on site.

• Contest rules for wearable “art”:
  • Make something original that can be worn, either you or your own selected model will wear the art for judging purposes at the “Off the Wall” Open House.
  • Use a layer of clothing underneath to build your art, around or attached, and be able to easily get in and out of it. Test what works: shorts and a loose top, a jumpsuit, short dress or tights and a top.
  • Use at least 50% recycled materials

You may not want to wear your wearable art traveling between your home and our venue, so think about this in planning your construction.

Show up at 2:15 pm at the “Off the Wall” Awards Ceremony. You can wear or bring your wearable art with you, and we will allow you a private space on our second floor to change.

Please note: Wearable art participants may submit “in progress” pics for this category.

Students have until Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. to submit their proposal via Jotform. They will then be notified if their artwork is to be displayed on Nov. 22 via email. Students are also responsible for delivering their own artwork to the ARTfactory either on Dec. 13 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or on Dec. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. The awards ceremony will take place on Jan. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Press release:

Journey Theater is pleased to present the World Premiere of Dr. Harry J. Kantrovich’s and Bruce H. “Doc” Norton’s Voices From Vietnam, a collection of interviews, stories, letter and reflections from Vietnam Veterans; Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines as well as the Nurses and Women who served, POWs, MIA families, a Vietnamese refugee, an embassy statesman and college and school students.

In February 2023, Harry Kantrovich, a retired Navy Master Chief met Bruce H. “Doc” Norton, a retired Marine Corps Major and Vietnam Veteran. Harry asked Doc to collaborate on a play and an accompanying book about Vietnam. Journey Theater in Warrenton, VA agreed to premiere the play and the accompanying book.

Performances in 2024 will be at Journey Theater at Vint Hill, 4175 Bludau Drive, Warrenton, VA on Fridays and Saturdays, November 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 PM and Sundays, November 10, 17, 24 at 2:00 PM.

There will be a Special November 16 Matinee for students, teachers and parents at a reduced price. Matinee Performances will feature post-show talkback sessions with panelists answering questions from the audience. The show is being produced by Stacie Duvall, Walter Meyer and Douglas Barylski. Order tickets today at: Journey Church, Vint Hill | Theater

From Boy Scouts of America

The Prince William District of National Capital Area Council, BSA (NCAC) hosted a successful 2024 John D. Jenkins Good Scout Award Dinner on October 17, 2024, at Old Hickory Golf Course in Woodbridge, VA. The event honored outstanding individuals who exemplify the ideals of Scouting and attracted community leaders, elected officials, business owners, Scout volunteers, and friends, creating a memorable evening of inspiration and recognition while raising $40,000 for Scouting programs.

The evening commenced with a warm welcome from Host Committee Co-Chair Marty Nohe, followed by an invocation led by Pastor Stephen Bohannon of St. Matthews Lutheran Church. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner while connecting with fellow attendees and reflecting on the importance of community service.

The program opened with the Eagle Scout Keynote Address delivered by Sam Sigrest, an accomplished Eagle Scout and senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School. Sam shared his personal journey in scouting, emphasizing leadership and dedication to community service, stating, “Scouts has not only guided me to learn all about ethics and leadership tactics but it has also taught me about myself. Before Scouting I was just a kid looking to spend time outdoors. Now, a 17-year-old Eagle Scout, I know that my life’s purpose is to lead others embodying the points of the Scout Oath and Law.”

The Good Scout Award presentations honored three distinguished community leaders:
Carlos Castro, President and CEO of Todos Supermarket, recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to mentoring future leaders.
Cheryl Macias, Assistant Governor of District 7610, Rotary International, celebrated for her extensive public service and dedication to youth development, especially in Scouting.
Marion Wall, Owner of Potomac Wall Agency, honored for his lifelong commitment to community involvement and leadership in organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club.

The dinner concluded with remarks from NCAC’s CEO, Mario Pérez. “Scouting is character education using outdoor methods. Our Council is committed to helping more youth from all backgrounds have access to Scouting. Your support tonight will continue our mission of preparing the next generation of leaders for this country.”

Boy Scouts of America (BSA) provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, helping young people be “Prepared. For Life.” The Boy Scouts of America will rebrand to Scouting America on February 8, 2025, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to welcome every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting.
National Capital Area Council, BSA delivers the promise of Scouting to youth in the Washington, D.C., metro area, including the District of Columbia and 16 counties in Maryland and Virginia, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and U.S. citizens abroad in North, Central, and South America. Our programs teach young people to “be prepared!” for adventure, education, service, and leadership.

For more information, please visit www.NCACBSA.org.

 

The Bull Run Rotary Club will host its 8th Annual Flags for Heroes event from November 8 to November 16, 2024, at the Manassas Museum lawn at 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas. This event will feature hundreds of American flags displayed in honor of Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, frontline workers, and Local First Responders who have sacrificed significantly to protect and serve their communities and country.

The opening ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, marking the beginning of this week-long tribute. All proceeds raised through hero sponsorships will benefit the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, a facility dedicated to supporting wounded veterans by providing them a peaceful place to heal and reconnect with their families.

Over the past eight years, Flags for Heroes has raised over $35,000 in honor of those who have selflessly served. Individuals interested in sponsoring a hero can purchase a flag for $50 each. The sponsorship form allows participants to dedicate a flag in memory or honor of their hero, and all proceeds go directly to supporting the Warrior Retreat.

The event committee encourages the public to visit the display during the week and reflect on the sacrifices made by those represented by each flag. Community members are also invited to the opening ceremony to celebrate and honor these brave individuals.

For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page. Additionally, to spread awareness, the event will be listed on the Historic Manassas, Inc. (HMI) website and city event alerts.

Update from Mayor Earnie Porta:

Join us Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. for our annual family-friendly Halloween Costume Parade and Contest. Meet at the Riverwalk Shops at 125 Mill Street, from which we will begin our parade down Mill Street to River Mill Park. At the park judging will take place for the categories of cutest, scariest, funniest, most original, and family/group. First place winners in each category will receive $25 gift certificates that can be used at select businesses in town. No advance registration is necessary, there is no fee to participate, and this event is open to everyone. (To accommodate the parade Mill Street will be closed briefly on a rolling basis between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m.). For more information go to the Visit Occoquan web site at https://www.visitoccoquanva.com/costumeparade. Hope that you can join us for this popular annual Occoquan event.

Original post — Halloween decorations have brought the spooks and goblins to Occoquan. Skeletons, witches, pumpkins, and more line the windows and storefronts on Mill Street.

From chisels to chills, Stafford High School’s (SHS) carpentry students have found a new way to haunt locals with their talent.

The Fredericksburg Fairgrounds’ upcoming Dead Whispers Haunted Attraction will feature a haunted maze, which is entirely the work of these budding carpenters. Led by carpentry teacher Dan Harding, the students have spent weeks constructing the maze, which adds a new element of scare and excitement to the Halloween event. 

The SHS Carpentry Program is part of the BOOTS program (Bringing Occupational Opportunities to Students). Students learn about Residential Construction and various parts of Commercial Construction. The BOOTS program allows students to learn Construction trades off-site while building a house to be sold upon completion. Harding said this is a non-profit organization.

Harding, a residential carpenter for 25 years before joining Stafford High School 16 years ago, said he thought the project would be a good opportunity for first-year carpentry students. When he met with the Fairgrounds team, he learned the initial plans involved 180 framed panels and covered an area 50” by 80”. Harding asked if his students could build the panels and install them according to the plan. His second and third-year carpentry students enthusiastically signed off on the project.

Harding said the structure’s temporary nature provided a challenge.

“Students needed a way of connecting these panels in a way that they were rigid, yet easy to dismantle and store for future functions. These panels couldn’t be fastened to the floor, and with them having plywood on both sides, were not easy to connect.” The project also needed to follow strict Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications, so the group had to revisit plans to make sure accessibility wasn’t blocked by some of the support posts.

Harding added, “We discussed options as a group and made it work.”

In the carpentry program, Harding said students learn workplace skills that will translate to any profession. If a student chooses carpentry, the hands-on, live construction experience from the BOOTS program enhances their chances for success and advancement.

Harding said visitors to Dead Whispers will notice the size and design of the maze. He said, “The students were walking the maze after completion…and it literally took us about 20 minutes.”

He said that was when students realized the scope of the work they just completed. Harding said, “The themes of the rooms and passageways are going to be scary and fun; I can’t wait to see reactions from the community.” He also added, “The folks we worked with at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds were great to work with, and I welcome any chance to work with them in the future.”

The maze is part of Dead Whispers, an attraction that features live actors and effects designed to make visitors feel like they’re in a horror movie. Funds raised through ticket purchases will support musicians and veterans with disabilities through the Bill Carroll Foundation . The event website notes “Our Foundation’s built-in Design and Production Team has developed our Haunted Attraction with the help from people with all levels of disabilities.”

Dead Whispers will run October 25 through November 2, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night. On Oct. 27, a Family Day will run from noon to 4 p.m., before the evening hours.

The Fredericksburg Fairgrounds are located at 2400 Airport Avenue. Parking and the hayride are free, while food, beverages, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

Press Release:

Sheriff Roger Harris is honored to host our 3nd annual celebration in honor of Veterans of all military branches. The event will be held on November 9, 2024, between 10am and 2pm at the Spotsylvania Public Safety Building located at 9119 Dean Ridings Lane, Spotsylvania, Virginia 22553. Please join us at the opening ceremony at 10 am. A variety of guest speakers will help kick off our event. There will be performances by the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and the Kena Highlanders Pipes and Drums Team.

Multiple military equipment displays and various presentations from other military vendors will be on hand for attendees along with all military recruiter branches. This event is open to the public and we hope you and your family can join us to honor our military veterans.

The ARTfactory will host its inaugural haunted house, Factory of Fear: Where Nightmares are Forged, on Friday and Saturday.

The ARTfactory’s building, which many believe is haunted, will be transformed into different levels of scariness for visitors to enjoy. Ahyrel Tinker, director of education at the ARTfactory, created the haunted house.

“There’s nothing like this downtown and our community of spooky season lovers need something Manassas strong to haunt them this season,” Tinker said. “We listened to the feedback from last year’s sold-out Haunted Hallows event, and decided to ramp up the scare factor.”

According to a press release, a Factory of Fear Committee was developed to oversee the creation and implementation of the haunted house. The ARTfactory had many donations of decorations and props that made the haunted house possible.

If you’re going:

• When: Friday and Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m.
• Where: ARTfactory (9419 Battle St.)
• Information: Tickets are $25 per person.

The Town of Dumfries will host the Pink and Purple Brunch on October 27, 2024, at the Clyde Washington Community Center to raise awareness about breast cancer and domestic violence. This free event will feature local advocates and healthcare professionals, and attendees must register by October 23, 2024, as seating is limited.

Press Release:

The Town of Dumfries is proud to present the Pink and Purple Brunch, an event dedicated to raising awareness and promoting an end to breast cancer and domestic violence. This free event will occur on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Clyde Washington Community Center, located at 3800 Graham Park Road in Dumfries, VA. The Pink and Purple Brunch is a timely and urgent call to action. It serves as a platform for education, support, and solidarity with survivors and those affected by these two pressing issues. Attendees will hear from local advocates, healthcare professionals, and community leaders who are working tirelessly to bring about change. By combining the fight against breast cancer with efforts to end domestic violence, this event fosters a unique opportunity to shed light on these critical challenges that impact many lives. The urgency of these issues should motivate us to act now, and your participation is a crucial step in this direction. Vice Mayor Monaé Nickerson, a strong advocate for community empowerment, and Chair Pro Tem Selonia Miles, recognized for her leadership in public service, are championing this event, reinforcing the Town’s commitment to health and safety. “We come together in pink and purple to support not only those who have been impacted but to take meaningful action as a community,” said Vice Mayor Nickerson. “We hope this event encourages others to continue raising awareness and advocating for change.”

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024
• Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Location: Clyde Washington Community Center, 3800 Graham Park Rd, Dumfries, VA
• Cost: Free (Seating is limited; registration is required)
• Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Space is limited for this impactful event. Early registration is encouraged to ensure participation. Register online at https://bit.ly/pinkandpurplebrunch. Together, we can make a difference by raising awareness and taking steps to bring an end to breast cancer and domestic violence.