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.
From The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia:
Two executives at a contractor for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) pled guilty to theft of government property after diverting over $12 million from an Air Force contract to pay for unrelated personal and business expenses.
According to court documents, Thomas D. Burns, 74, of Gainesville, and Daniel B. Tolley, 63, of Purcellville, founded SP Global, Inc. (SPG) in 2012. Burns served, at various times, as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, and President. Tolley served, at various times, as Chief Technology Officer, President, and a member of the Board of Directors. In 2016, SPG incorporated SPG Institute, Inc. (SPGI).
On Dec. 20, 2017, the United States Air Force (USAF) issued a Request for Information to initiate a collaborative research consortium for developing autonomy technologies, the Autonomy Research Collaboration Network (ARCNet). SPGI bid on and was ultimately awarded the project for over $196 million.
The National Capital Chapter of the Construction Management Project Achievement Awards Program (CMAA) awarded the project this honor following its completion in late April.
CMAA recognized the project for its “innovative construction management” and collaboration between Prince William County’s Department of Transportation and ATCS, an engineering consulting firm, over the several years it took to finish the project.
“The Department of Transportation is ecstatic to receive this recognition, which reflects not only our collaboration with ATCS, P.L.C. and Lane Construction, but also the strong partnerships we maintained with our funding partners,” Rick Canizales, Director of the Department of Transportation said. “These partnerships were the cornerstone of this successful and award-winning transportation facility.”
The 1.2-mile improvement not only widened the road, but added a 16-foot-wide grass median, a 10-foot-wide shared-use path and a concrete sidewalk. Completing this stretch of road is set to improve commerce in the industrial area.
The total cost of the project was $109 million and it was funded by a Virginia Department of Transportation project, Transform 66 Outside the Beltway.
On Tuesday, October 1 at 2:11 p.m., crash investigators responded to a fatal accident on the I-66 express exit ramp near University Blvd. in Gainesville.
A 2023 Audi Q5, driven by a 75-year-old man from Sterling, failed to slow down or turn while exiting toward University Blvd., leading the vehicle to cross all lanes and crash into a concrete barrier. Both passengers, Alfredo Rodolfo Sobrero, 90, from Sterling, and Liliana Nora Loschiavo Sierra, 67, from Woodbridge, succumbed to their injuries after being taken to local hospitals. The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing, and witnesses are urged to contact the police.
Press release:
Double Fatality Crash Investigation – On October 1 at 2:11PM, investigators with the Crash Investigation Unit responded to the westbound I-66 express exit ramp near University Blvd. in Gainesville (20155) to investigate a single-vehicle crash. The investigation revealed the driver of a 2023 Audi Q5 was traveling westbound on I-66 in the express lanes and took the exit towards University Blvd. As the vehicle neared the end of the ramp, the driver failed to slow or turn onto University Blvd. The vehicle continued straight through the intersection, crossing all travel lanes before colliding with the concrete barrier. Both passengers in the vehicle were transported to area hospitals where they died from their injuries. The driver of the vehicle was treated at an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Both the driver and the front passenger were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. The cause of the crash is still underway. Investigators with the Crash Investigation Unit are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police. The investigation continues.
Identified:
The driver of the 2023 Audi Q5 was identified as a 75-year-old man of Sterling
The deceased front passenger in the 2023 Audi Q5 was identified as Alfredo Rodolfo SOBRERO, 90, of Sterling
The deceased rear passenger in the 2023 Audi Q5 was identified as Liliana Nora Loschiavo SIERRA, 67, of Woodbridge
The dogs had bitten two people and attacked another man despite police commands. An officer discharged their firearm, grazing one of the dogs, which then fled with the other dog. Both were later contained at Hillwood Camping Park, where they and their owner were found. Animal Control took custody of the dogs pending further investigation. Minor injuries were reported in the incidents.
From Prince William police:
Vicious Dog – On September 28 at 12:04PM, officers responded to the 7500 block of Brunson Cl. in
Gainesville (20155) to investigate the report of two loose dogs in the area. The investigation revealed the
dogs, described as German Shepherds, had bitten two separate people. Officers located the two dogs which
ignored commands and attacked another man before charging at the officers. One of the officers discharged
their firearm, grazing one of the dogs. Both dogs then ran off before being contained. Later that day, the
dogs and their owner were located in the Hillwood Camping Park. Animal Control Officers responded to the
scene and took possession of the dogs pending further investigation into the initial bites. Minor injuries were
reported.
