The Fourth Wish Foundation will hold a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.
The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundation’s “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.
“We want to ensure these children can continue with this worthy program that has already made such a positive impact on their lives,” said Sue Khalatbari, Director of The Fourth Wish Foundation. The foundation is seeking donations to sustain and expand the initiative, helping more children gain confidence, physical fitness, and critical life skills.
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Prince William County government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, as officials anticipate potential impacts from adverse weather conditions. The decision was made to ensure the safety of residents and county employees during what is expected to be a challenging day for travel and operations.
The closure affects all county government buildings, including administrative offices, public libraries, community centers, and other public facilities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the weather forecast and road conditions, taking precautions as necessary to remain safe.
Essential services, such as emergency response teams, will continue to operate during the closure to ensure public safety and address urgent needs in the community. County officials are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed regarding any further adjustments to schedules or services.
For more information and updates, residents can visit the county’s official website or follow its social media channels.
According to a press release, NOVEC will be accepting both trees and greens without any decorations, ornaments, hooks, wires or light strings starting the day after Christmas. Drop-off will be available at its Gainesville Technical Center at 5399 Wellington Branch Road.
“Recycling holiday greens is just another way we help area residents and the environment,” Rick Carpenter, NOVEC Vegetation Management manager, said.
Vegetation Management will use the trees and greens to make mulch, which will reduce holiday landfill waste. According to an Environmental Protection Agency study, commercial waste increases by approximately 25% during the holiday season in comparison to the rest of the year. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, this may result in about 1 million extra tons of waste each week.
Drop-offs don’t have to take place during business hours. Greens can be dropped off in the parking lot demarcated with orange safety cones. For more information, contact the Vegetation Management department at 703-335-0500, ext. 1600, or [email protected].
From Dec. 8 to Dec. 10, multiple I-66 ramps will be closed overnight, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., for drainage work as part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project. Drivers should follow signed detours, and all work is weather and schedule dependent.
Press Release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:
The following ramps are scheduled to be closed multiple nights next week, Sunday, Dec. 8, through Tuesday, Dec. 10, generally from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., for drainage work as part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project. Drivers are advised to follow the signed detours.
I-66 Ramps:
- Ramp from Route 29 North (Gainesville) to I-66 West
- Ramp from Route 29 South (Centreville) to Route 28 North
- Ramp from I-66 West to Route 28 South
- Ramp from Braddock Road East and West to I-66 West
- Ramp from Route 286 (Fairfax County Parkway) North to I-66 East
- Ramp from I-66 East to Route 50 East and West
- Ramp from I-66 West to Route 50 West
All work is weather and schedule dependent and may be rescheduled if necessary.
Construction and lane closure updates are available?on the?project website?and on X?@VaDOTNOVA.
The program will feature music from the Little Zion Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Gainesville High School Ensemble, and the Gainesville Virginia Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, among others. Traditional carols and seasonal favorites will be performed.
Brief messages reflecting on the Christmas season will be shared by Pastor George Carlisle, Pastor James McCray, and President Hans Carlson, who is hosting the event for the first time. Carlson expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the concert’s focus on community and holiday spirit.
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Press Release:
Gainesville Community Choir (GCC) will perform a collaborative concert this winter entitled “From Darkness to Light” featuring Dan Forrest’s LUX: the Dawn from On High and other songs for the season with Fairfax Choral Society. Performances will take place at Grace United Methodist Church in Manassas on Friday, December 6, and Annandale United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 7, both concerts starting at 7:30 p.m. This highly anticipated concert will feature over 200 musicians, making it the largest group of singers ever amassed by the Gainesville-based group.
Since its formation in 2013, GCC has always been committed to its mission to enrich, educate, and entertain through intentional community-building and developing and supporting musical excellence. Gainesville Community Choir was honored to receive the Seefeldt Award for Outstanding Arts Organization in 2023. In addition to that distinction, conductor and co-founder Jacob Lash recently received the 2024 Seefeldt Award for Outstanding Arts Educator. GCC’s Board of Directors believes that both vocal technique and expression are essential to achieving this mission. Rehearsals incorporate lessons in vocal technique and music literacy, and the choir strives to thoughtfully impact the hearts and souls of audiences and the surrounding communities through their performances.
Conductor Jacob Lash holds a Master’s degree in Conducting and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from George Mason University. He is joined by Associate Conductor Preston Atkins, who recently completed his Bachelor’s in Music Education from Ithaca College. Both Lash and Atkins are music teachers in Prince William County and they carry their passion for music education through to their work with GCC and honors choirs throughout the area. Pam Sottosani serves as the group’s accompanist and plays piano for rehearsals and concerts. They are supported by a strong and talented team of section leaders.
As a non-auditioned choir, GCC enables people from every walk of life to experience the joy of singing with others. The members come from all levels of musical experience, training, and background. In Lash’s words, “we come together to celebrate God’s gift of music, and we find great joy in singing together and sharing our music with the communities of Northern Virginia.” The GCC Spring and Fall seasons culminate in major concerts in May and December. Their professionally recorded album Journey Home is available for purchase on their website and will also be available at their concert for $10.00.
Tickets for “From Darkness to Light” are $20 adults, $15 students age 14 through college, and free for age 13 and under. Tickets are available at the event and can be purchased via cash, check, credit card, Venmo, or PayPal. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the concert and seating is general admission. The concert is approximately 90 minutes long with one intermission. Visit GCC’s website for more information: https://gainesvillecommunitychoir.com/tickets/
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has closed the left lane of westbound Balls Ford Road at the bridge over Prince William Parkway, near Gainesville, following damage caused by a truck strike. The closure was announced today, two days after a northbound vehicle on Prince William Parkway struck the bridge’s underside on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
VDOT has confirmed that the lane closure will be in place for an extended period to allow for further inspections and assessments of the bridge’s structural integrity. Officials have stated that an additional inspection will occur in the coming days, after which repair plans will be developed based on the findings.
Travelers using the bridge are advised to expect delays and to exercise caution in the area as crews continue to work on the affected span.
The Balls Ford Road bridge opened to traffic in April 2023 as part of a significant $64 million improvement project to widen a 1.2-mile section of Balls Ford Road between Doane Drive and Ashton Avenue in the Gainesville Magisterial District. This comprehensive upgrade transformed the corridor into a four-lane divided roadway featuring a 16-foot-wide grass median, a 10-foot-wide shared-use path, and a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the north side of the road.
#Manassas: The left lane of westbound Balls Ford Road over Prince William Parkway will have an extended closure due to a bridge strike. Expect delays and pls watch for crews working in the area. @pwcgov @PWCPolice pic.twitter.com/O0toYjzLVI
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) November 14, 2024
Out of the Blue Seafood restaurant in Gainesville has closed its doors after seven years of serving the community. The restaurant announced its closure on its Facebook page on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Shortly after the announcement, the restaurant’s phone line was disconnected, and its Facebook page was removed.
Since opening in 2017, Out of the Blue has been a popular gathering place in Prince William County, hosting numerous community events, including several organized by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant quickly became known for its fresh seafood and welcoming atmosphere, drawing in regulars and new patrons alike.
The closure of the restaurant marks the end of an era for locals who enjoyed its seafood offerings. Out of the Blue played a significant role in the Gainesville dining scene, creating a space for people to gather, celebrate, and connect.
When the restaurant first opened in 2017, Potomac Local News covered the story, highlighting its unique offerings and its owner’s vision for the establishment. You can revisit the opening story here.
As of now, there has been no further information regarding the reason behind the closure or any plans for the property.
Several armed robberies occurred recently in Prince William. On October 20, a 27-year-old man was assaulted and robbed in Gainesville, resulting in injuries and property loss. The day before, a 56-year-old man was threatened with a firearm at a Motel 6, and on October 18, two 17-year-old boys were approached by three armed suspects near Woodbridge.
Press Releases from Prince William Police Department:
Armed Robbery – On October 20 at 1:07AM, officers responded to the 7600 block of Somerset Crossing Dr. in Gainesville (20155) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 27-year-old man, was approached from behind by unknown individuals. During the encounter, the victim was struck with a bat and assaulted before being cut on the hand with a knife. The suspects took the victim’s property and left the area. The victim went to a nearby business and contacted the police. The victim was treated at an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. A phone, clothing, and money were reported missing. The suspects were only described as a Hispanic males wearing dark-colored clothing.
Armed Robbery – On October 19 at 5:56AM, officers responded to the Motel 6 located at 17133 Dumfries Rd. [near] Dumfries (22025) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 56-year-old man, was assisting an unknown woman with a broken-down vehicle when he was approached by an unknown man. During the encounter, the man brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s property before leaving the area with the woman. No injuries were reported. A phone and money were reported missing. The suspects were described as a medium build white male with a goatee and mustache and a medium build white female with long blond hair.
Armed Robbery – On October 18 at 1:58PM, officers responded to the area of Westridge Dr. near Westridge Pond Path [near] Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victims, both 17- year-old male juveniles, were approached by three unknown men, possibly juveniles. During the encounter, the suspects brandished firearms and demanded the victim’s property. A brief altercation ensued before the suspects took the victim’s property and left in a black sedan. Minor injuries were reported by one of the victims. A phone, clothing, a backpack and keys were reported missing. The suspects were described as black males between 15-20 years old, wearing dark-colored clothing.
