The George Mason University Patriots women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 76-66 victory over the University of Massachusetts during the annual #Play4Kay Pink Game at EagleBank Arena on Sunday, February 16. The event, sponsored for the sixth consecutive year by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC), brought together fans, survivors, and medical professionals to raise awareness of women’s cancers and honor those affected by breast cancer.

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In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, host Uriah Kiser interviews Dr. Amarda Shehu, the Associate Vice President of Research for the Institute for Digital Innovation and the inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at George Mason University.

Dr. Shehu discusses her groundbreaking role at Mason, the university’s proactive approach to AI, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on education, the workforce, and the economy.

Topics Covered:

• The role of a Chief AI Officer in higher education
• How AI is reshaping education and workforce preparation
• Ethical considerations in AI integration
• The intersection of AI and economic transformation
• Mason’s vision for responsible and innovative AI use

Stay informed about how AI is shaping our communities and the opportunities it presents.

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Prince William County could soon be home to a new inline hockey rink at the Hylton Boys and Girls Club in Dale City, following an in-depth discussion by the Board of County Supervisors during their December 17, 2024, meeting. The facility results from a partnership between the Boys and Girls Club, Prince William Ice Center, the Washington Capitals, and George Mason University.

Seth Hendler-Voss, the county’s Director of Parks and Recreation, introduced the project, describing it as “an exciting partnership opportunity to bring a new recreation amenity to Prince William County.” He outlined the proposed location and the collaboration required to make the rink a reality.

“The proposed terms of the project are as follows, and these are just in draft form,” Hendler-Voss explained. “The rink, when constructed, will be made available for the Hylton Boys and Girls Club participants, Ice Center patrons, and the general public.”

Hendler-Voss highlighted that the Ice Center, located next to the Boys and Girls Club on Dale Boulevard in Dale City, would operate and maintain the rink, ensuring no operating impact on the county, except for an estimated $10,000 increase in insurance premiums. He also noted that under the current lease, the Boys and Girls Club would need to amend its agreement with the county to allow construction on the property.

“We’re recommending that you allow us to set a public hearing for this lease amendment, which we will bring back to you after the new year,” Hendler-Voss said. “If approved, we hope to break ground in the spring or summer and cut the ribbon in the fall.”

Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Wier raised concerns about the clarity of the agreement, particularly regarding public access and operational responsibilities.

“I think before the public hearing, we need to clean up a couple of things,” Weir said. “In the resolution, it says the Ice Center will operate and maintain the rink and assume liability, but in the lease agreement, it says the landlord or tenant agrees that the landlord — us — and/or the Prince William Ice Center and their employees and contractors shall maintain, operate, program, and manage the rink. I’d like those two things to jive.”

He also pointed out ambiguities about guarantees of public access, citing conflicting language in the agreement.

“It doesn’t seem like there’s any guarantee of public access at least by that language,” Weir noted. “If we could just get this all cleaned up before the public hearing, that would be really nice.”

Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey echoed Weir’s concerns and asked for more details about programming opportunities for the Boys and Girls Club.

“We are going to, of course, allow the Boys and Girls Club leagues to have dedicated access to that rink and for their programs,” Hendler-Voss responded. “The Ice Center has offered to help conduct those programs, teaching participants how to play hockey and skate.”

Chair At-large DeShundra Jefferson also raised a concern about facility security, particularly regarding the locking of the rink.

“It says [locking the facility] shall be permitted,” Jefferson said. “I wonder if there’s any objection to [requiring] it to be locked during non-operating hours since the county will have liabilities there.”

Hendler-Voss assured the board that the matter would be addressed.

Supervisor Angry strongly supported the project, highlighting its potential to revitalize an underutilized field and rekindle a partnership between the Boys and Girls Club and the Ice Center. “This came to my desk about eight months ago,” Angry said. “I’m excited about this because we continue talking about creating opportunities for our youth, which we clearly have created here.”

He praised the Washington Capitals for their involvement and emphasized the importance of the initiative.

“Now we have this opportunity to create [the partnership] again,” Angry said. “I think [it] is invaluable, is impressive, and speaking for the board, I’m honored that Prince William County gets to be a part of this.”

The Board unanimously voted to authorize a public hearing on the lease amendment, which will take place in early 2025. If approved, construction could begin by spring, with the rink opening in the fall of 2025.

“This is just the beginning,” Angry said. “We’re putting this before the public and bringing it back to this board to hopefully get it done.”

Prince William County has completed a $30-million infrastructure project along Prince William Parkway and Discovery Boulevard, funded by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. The improvements include expanded lanes, a shared-use path, and a sidewalk, aimed at reducing congestion and supporting economic growth in the area.

Press Release:

Prince William County has successfully completed substantial improvements along 5,000 feet of Prince William Parkway and 1,500 feet along Discovery Boulevard, including enhancements at the intersection of Discovery Boulevard and Hornbaker Road.

The $30-million project, funded entirely by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, or NVTA, features a new 10-foot-wide asphalt shared-use path and a five-foot-wide concrete sidewalk. It also adds a lane in each direction on Prince William Parkway, expanding the road to three lanes in each direction within the project limits. Discovery Boulevard now includes a 2,000-foot extension as a four-lane divided roadway from its intersection with University Boulevard.

The improvements are expected to significantly reduce wait times at traffic signals along Prince William Parkway and enhance access to key county destinations, particularly in the Brentsville Magisterial District.

“This interchange is the main gateway to Innovation Park, George Mason University SciTech campus and the future Innovation district,” Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy said at a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony. “And these are all magnets for economic development for Prince William County. By next year, we will see a town center coming to life, and having this interchange complete before the new traffic comes ensures that we will be able to accommodate the growth that we hope to see from all these investments.”

Prince William County Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson agreed with Gordy’s comments.

“This critical project improves access to Innovation Technology Park,” Jefferson said. “This is an area of critical importance to the county, and it’ll be great to have the infrastructure in place to support future growth.”

Jefferson went on to thank the NVTA for funding the project.

“This $30 million project would not have been completed without funding from NVTA, and NVTA has been a vital partner on so many transportation projects across our county; and this is just the latest project we’ve collaborated on together,” Jefferson said.

NVTA Executive Director Monica Backmon said she remembers the groundbreaking for the project in 2018.

“It just speaks to what we do and who we are at the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority,” said Backmon. “Multi-modal is what we do… reduced congestion means improved quality of life… reducing congestion means a direct impact and a positive impact on the economy.”

Christina Winn, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, emphasized the importance of the new transportation infrastructure in supporting Prince William County’s economic development goals.

“When you look at really being able to attract jobs and improve the quality of life for employees, having an amazing transportation network is paramount,” Winn said. “This project is going to continue to move Innovation Park and Prince William County forward.”

With these upgrades, Prince William County residents and visitors will benefit from improved mobility, reduced congestion and increased economic opportunities.

Watch the Buzz video from the event.

Press release:

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Greetings, Prince William: Happening in 3 weeks – Volunteer Prince William’s Fall Reverse Raffle & Dinner in support of Untrim-A-Tree, October 19, 6:30 p.m. at Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas 20112! Doors open at 6pm, the raffle begins at 7pm. Tickets are $100, and include dinner for 2, two drink tickets per ticket and the opportunity to win prizes leading up to the Grand Prize of $10,000! It’ll be a fun evening of good food, networking, and a chance to win the Grand Prize, all to support a cause which will guarantee vulnerable children in our community have a Merry Christmas on December 25! Tickets can be purchased on our website, www.volunteerprincewilliam.org.

• Support our veterans by giving the gift of a lift! Our VETS program has an ongoing need for volunteers age 21+ to provide transportation to local veterans and their spouse on weekdays to medical appointments, shopping, etc. If you’re a veteran looking to connect with fellow vets or looking to fill up your day, this is a meaningful experience. Schedules are flexible, and you’ll feel great as you provide a ride, a friendly face and help this population meet their needs! Please visit https://bit.ly/4eWwrdB for details, email [email protected] for more information. . This opportunity is made possible by a grant from Potomac Health Foundation.
• You can help senior citizens facing food insecurity! ACTS needs dedicated volunteers to deliver boxes of food to homebound seniors and people with disabilities in eastern Prince William County Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.. Volunteers need a valid driver’s license and can use any size vehicle, though a van may be provided if necessary. Boxes can weigh up to 40 pounds. Volunteers typically call or text recipients to notify them that their delivery is on the way. You’ll feel great as you ensure that those who are unable to leave their homes receive the food they need! Note: Client Intake Volunteers are also needed! Duties include assisting clients with booking appointments, registering new clients, and ensuring every client receives the support they need. Familiarity with client intake software and fluency in Spanish is helpful, but not necessary! For more information, please email [email protected].
• BEACON for English Language and Literacy is recruiting volunteers to teach adult ESOL students! They have an Urgent Need for In-Person Evening Volunteers for the current Fall semester, along with their upcoming Winter session which begins on December 2 (online and morning teaching options are available for the Winter semester). Morning classes meet on Monday and Wednesday 9:30am-11:30am and evening classes meet on Tuesday and Thursday 7pm-9pm. No teaching or language experience is required, and training is provided. To learn more, please sign up for a virtual information session at Info session sign-up or contact Seth at 571.428.2524.
• The hard-working staff at Boxes of Basics reports they have an URGENT need for short-sleeved shirts for both Boys and Girls since they’re currently providing clothing for over 100 children weekly! Boys’ sizes range from 5 through 16, for Girls’ sizes from size 6 through 16. You can do one of three things to help: 1) Donate gently used, clean clothing; 2) Shop at home on their Amazon wish list: https://a.co/ig2zwK3; or 3) Pick up some shirts on your next shopping trip! You’ll feel great as you help vulnerable kids have fresh, clean clothing they can wear to school, playtime, etc.!
• Brain Injury Services (BIS) has an ongoing need for volunteers to be PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) for survivors of brain injury. This is a one-to-one friendship program for brain injury survivors; the program connects BIS clients with volunteers who can help them socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. Once a month outings for coffee, walks, chess, lunch, etc. can help a client get their life back on track following such a traumatic occurrence! Please visit www.braininjurysvcs.org/volunteer/ for more information.
• Do you enjoy supporting live concerts? Clearbrook Center of the Arts located in Lake Ridge needs volunteer Event Stagehands age 18+ to contribute to the smooth running of their events. Jobs include guiding show bands to their designated staging areas, assisting bands with load-in/breakdown and helping with stage setup/breakdown. You get to enjoy some great live music and get Free admission to a future Clearbrook concert of your choice! To view the concert schedule, please visit www.clearbrookcenterofthearts.org, visit their SignUp Genius page at https://signup.com/go/gjAhPZb to volunteer.
• Education Majors and Retired Teachers! The Literacy Engagement Action Project (LEAP) at George Mason University is seeking volunteers age 18+ to provide literacy tutoring for students in grades K-5 at Boys & Girls Club in Dumfries and the Community Center in Georgetown South in Manassas. This is a paid internship running through the school year on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Training and materials are provided. Interns must successfully complete a background check. You’ll get excited as you help a child open new worlds through literacy and reading! Please visit https://leap.cehd.gmu.edu/ to learn how you can get involved.
• It’s that time again – Historic Manassas, Inc. needs volunteers to support the upcoming Fall Jubilee October 5, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. in Old Town Manassas! Volunteers of any age are welcome, volunteers under age 16 must volunteer with an adult over 18. Duties include setup, keeping trash picked up, helping to monitor Kids Areas and the Stage Area. You’ll have a fun time enjoying all the sights, food, and music of this event while you help to promote the advantages of visiting Old Town! Please visit https://bit.ly/3Sp91TJ to sign up.
• “Farm livin’ is the life for me…” Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting Farm Field Days October 9 and 10, 8am-1pm at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas 20112. Volunteers are needed to support this event which educates 4th graders about agriculture and farm life. Duties include helping set up, check in volunteers, monitor various agricultural stations, set up/monitor the concession stand and guide student groups from one station to the next. No farm experience is needed! Lunch will be provided to volunteers once the event ends. This should be lots of fun as you help educate students about farm living! Please visit https://bit.ly/3smBobx to register. Questions? Please call 571.379.7514 to learn more.

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.

Prince William County is navigating challenges as it seeks to balance the growing demand for data centers with its aspirations for technological innovation and education, particularly around the George Mason University SciTech Campus.

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George Mason University’s Potomac Science Center in Woodbridge is raising funds for a new dock and a boat to enhance its environmental research and education efforts. Dr. Chris Jones, the academic director of the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center, discussed the initiative at The Health of Our Waterways Gala event on June 28, 2024, held at the science center in Belmont Bay.

The new dock will enable students and researchers to access the Potomac River for hands-on learning experiences. Dr. Jones emphasized the importance of fieldwork, stating, “Rather than just giving lectures or showing videos about sampling and studying aquatic organisms in their habitat, we go out and collect them, experience them, make measurements in the field, and demonstrate the concepts that they’ve learned in lab and lecture in the real world.”

The center’s current location poses challenges due to shallow waters extending 500 feet from the shore, making it difficult to launch boats. Dr. Jones explained, “We ended up here by a process. Let’s just say that we needed donation of land on the water, and there was not a lot of thought put into how would we access the water once we were there.”

The proposed dock will include a long raised walkway to deeper water, with five boat slips, including one at channel depth for larger vessels. “We have to have a long gangway, essentially just a raised walkway to get out to near where the water is deep enough to have boats,” said Dr. Jones. The project is estimated to cost between $1.2 million and $1.4 million. An initial architecture and engineering study is expected to cost $300,000.

In addition to the dock, the center aims to acquire a trailer-able boat, costing around $70,000, to facilitate access to different parts of the Potomac River, including areas near the Chesapeake Bay. “The boat that we’re asking for does not require a pier. It is trailerable, so we can keep it on a trailer out here and drive near where we want to sample, launch it, and go out and sample,” Dr. Jones said.

This boat will allow for more reliable sampling and studying of diverse aquatic environments. Dr. Jones highlighted the research opportunities, particularly in studying stratification in estuaries and the impact of anoxic (low or no oxygen) conditions on bacteria. “Up here, the river is well mixed from the surface to bottom. But in a classic estuary, you have stratification where the freshwater glides over the salt water, leading to potential anoxic conditions.”

The university has already received $100,000 from the College of Science dean for the initial design study but requires additional funding to complete the project. The center’s efforts to enhance its research infrastructure aim to provide students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities and contribute to understanding aquatic ecosystems.

George Mason University's Patriot Pitch Competition awarded its top prize in the General Entrepreneurship Track to Zachary Suh, a 19-year-old freshman from Ashburn studying marketing.

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