Fredericksburg's STEP VA Inc. has announced Disney's "Finding Nemo, Jr." will be its 2025 spring musical. The organization, which empowers people with disabilities through artistic expression, has chosen the show as its fourth licensed musical, following previous productions like "The Lion King, Kids!" and "Seussical Jr."
The STEP VA musical selection committee of 14 STEP VA participants ranging from middle school-age to adults worked together over four sessions to narrow down show options. The committee then presented the options to the production team, who made the final choice and submitted it to the licensing organization for approval.
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Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) has been awarded the prestigious Magnet certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, an honor distinguishing it among the top tier of hospitals nationwide.
During a recent interview with Potomac Local News, Jeff Joyner, President of SNVMC, and Christy Grabus, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, they discussed the significance of this recognition. “Magnet certification is not an easy designation to obtain. It involves a rigorous, multi-year process emphasizing a commitment to nursing excellence and the highest quality of care,” explained Grabus.
The certification process typically spans about five years for first-time applicants and includes extensive data submissions and a comprehensive site visit. “It sets the stage to ensure that nurses have a voice in decision-making at the point of care,” Grabus added, highlighting the hospital’s democratic approach to staff involvement through multiple councils and teams.
Joyner emphasized the direct benefits to the community, stating, “Achieving Magnet status is not only about internal recognition but also impacts how we recruit top talent and improve patient care.” He noted that Magnet facilities attract professionals who are looking for a supportive and innovative working environment.
The hospital’s efforts to achieve this status were driven by a desire to enhance care quality and nurse satisfaction. “Our nursing team is integral, standing side by side with our patients every day, making their voices pivotal in our operations and community outreach,” Joyner said.
SNVMC’s Magnet recognition places it among the less than 10% of hospitals in the United States to hold this credential, underscoring its commitment to superior care and professional nursing practice. As part of the Sentara Healthcare system, which includes 10 hospitals with Magnet status, SNVMC continues to lead in setting standards for patient care and nursing excellence across the region.
The hospital has implemented a robust shared governance structure that includes the formation of six distinct councils, which have evolved from an initial two. These councils, along with several specialized teams, play a pivotal role in shaping patient care strategies and operational policies. “These councils and teams allow for a flow of ideas and ensure that everyone’s voice can be heard, from the ground level to system-wide initiatives,” Grabus stated.
From Prince William police:
The Prince William County Police Department will host a community fair on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, to celebrate the county’s diversity, to embrace unity among the various communities in the county and showcase the many facets of police work in the county with displays, fun activities, appointments with a recruiter, pet adoptions and much more.Â
The event is from noon to 4 p.m. at the Sean Â
Connaughton Plaza, 1 County Complex Court, Â
Woodbridge, VA 22192. County residents are Â
cordially invited to the community fair, which also Â
will feature displays from numerous County publicÂ
safety agencies and other County government Â
organizations, live music and food trucks.Â
Background investigators and recruiters will be Â
present to speak to anyone interested in a career as a police officer. The Department is committed to a diverse workforce and encourages all interested applicants to contact the Prince William County Police Personnel Bureau at (703) 792-6580 or visit the Department’s recruiting website at www.joinpwcpd.org.Â
The Manassas Rotary Club is gearing up to host its Second Annual Cornhole Tournament on September 29, 2024, at The Salisbury Center in Manassas.
This event promises to be a fun-filled day for participants of all ages while supporting a worthy cause—Willing Warriors, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic retreats for wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families.
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Prince William County Parks and Recreation has launched a new mobile application, RecMapper, designed to help residents and visitors easily access information about the county’s parks, facilities, and historic properties. The app is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
The RecMapper app offers a range of features to enhance users’ experiences. Through the app, users can view photos and details of various parks, playgrounds, pavilions, fitness centers, pools, and other amenities.
The app allows users to search for facilities by map or list, filter results based on specific needs, and get directions to their chosen locations. Sports teams and leagues can also find specific field locations within parks, while other users can stay updated on upcoming activities and events. Additionally, the app includes a feed of the department’s social media posts, accessible without needing a social media account.
Amir Wenrich, Prince William County Parks and Recreation spokesman, highlighted the app’s goal of making park information more accessible to the community. “We encourage everyone to download the app on your mobile device and start exploring our parks virtually and planning your next visit,” Wenrich said.
The app’s development was driven by the need for an improved user experience compared to the previous web-based version of RecMapper. According to Wenrich, the earlier version lacked the capability to offer detailed information on park amenities, prompting the department to create a more advanced tool. The development process for the new app took a little over six months.
In terms of community engagement, Wenrich expressed optimism that the app will encourage more residents to explore the county’s parks and take advantage of recreational activities they may not have known about. The department plans to track user engagement and trends over the next six months to inform future strategies.
Looking ahead, the app will continue to evolve with planned updates, including the addition of detailed trail information, gamification features like contests and scavenger hunts, and push notifications to keep users informed about new developments.
Since the app’s launch, initial feedback from users has been positive. Many have expressed excitement about discovering new parks and amenities they were previously unaware of. However, as of now, there are no partnerships with local businesses or organizations to promote or enhance the app’s features.
The Workhouse Haunt returns for its 11th season, featuring the theme "Twisted Tales of Terror" with a creepy outdoor trail and live-action scenes of classic fairy tales gone wrong. Running from October 4 to November 2, the event includes Halloween-themed entertainment, food, and drinks, with tickets starting at $25 per person and special sensory-friendly trail times on October 20.
Press release:
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Prince William Times: As part of its sustainability strategy for 2030, IKEA’s Woodbridge store has unveiled new vegan and vegetarian menu items as well as new shopping options aimed at encouraging reuse and reducing waste.
The show at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts centers on Hercule Poirot, the famed Belgian detective, tasked with unraveling the mystery of an American tycoon found dead in his compartment. The victim was stabbed multiple times, and the door to his room was locked from the inside. With the train immobilized and no escape possible, Poirot must sift through the alibis and secrets of the eclectic group of passengers to find the killer before they strike again.
Kevin Cleary steps into the shoes of Detective Poirot, delivering a performance that aligns well with the iconic sleuth’s meticulous and observant nature. His portrayal anchors the show, guiding the audience through the intricate investigation. Andrea Kahane, as Mrs. Hubbard, adds a layer of charm and wit to the production. Her character injects humor into the otherwise tense atmosphere, making her a memorable presence on stage. Kathy Helenda’s depiction of Princess Dragonmiroff is also noteworthy, particularly in her interactions with Stephanie Wood, who plays Greta Ohlosson. The chemistry between these characters enhances the unfolding drama and keeps the audience engaged.
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Widewater State Park's boat ramp in Stafford County, which was closed in mid-April due to a significant buildup of silt rendering it unusable, has reopened after a maintenance dredging project. The $26,383 dredging contract, awarded to Lake Services of Woodbridge through a competitive bid, successfully cleared the ramp, which officially reopened on July 12, 2023, followed by the scheduled opening of the paddle craft launch on August 16, 2023.
Press release
The boat ramp is open at Widewater State Park. The?ramp?area has been improved and is ready for use again after being closed for several months due to a maintenance dredging project.
