HAYMARKET, Va. — The Town of Haymarket welcomed a flavorful new addition to its dining scene on Friday, April 19, with the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Himalayan Grill, located at 6624 Watts Rd, Haymarket.
Mayor TracyLynn Pater, joined by Police Chief Allen Sibert, members of the Town Council, police officers, local business owners, family, and friends, helped celebrate the occasion. The ribbon was ceremoniously cut by Mayor Pater and Aanvi Thapa, the 8-year-old daughter of owners Nepal and Anita Thapa, who are longtime Gainesville residents.
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Chief Allen Sibert of the Town of Haymarket Police Department is gearing up for the second annual Senior Summit, a free, one-of-a-kind event focused on empowering older adults with vital resources and protection from scams.
The event will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Park Valley Church, located at 4500 Waverly Farm Drive in Haymarket.
I sat down with Chief Sibert for a candid conversation on the Potomac Local Podcast to talk about the inspiration behind the event, what attendees can expect, and why the summit is just as much about community building as it is crime prevention.
“We want to make sure our seniors get the education they need to protect themselves, but also have the opportunity to connect with trusted, local providers—from in-home care and emergency services to financial planning and home accessibility,” said Chief Sibert.
The event features:
- An hour-long educational summit focused on scam prevention
- A free lunch provided by local sponsors
- Access to a wide variety of resources for seniors and caregivers
- No sales pitches—just helpful information from people who care
Chief Sibert also emphasized that adult children and caregivers are encouraged to attend. “If you’re helping take care of your parents or a loved one, this event is for you, too,” he said.
Registration is required and space is limited to 350 attendees.
Register now at ParkValleyChurch.com/SeniorSummit
Watch our full conversation above or catch it on the Potomac Local Podcast YouTube playlist.
The Haymarket Town Council revisited the proposed Islamic Center at 14600 Washington Street during a work session on March 31, continuing its review of a special use permit (SUP) application submitted by Mohammed Kasim Gul. The application seeks approval to establish a permanent place of worship in the old Pace West school building for the local Muslim community.
It would share the space with federal contractor QBE.
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From a single closet shared by two churches to a bustling community lifeline helping tens of thousands annually, the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year — and its mission is more critical than ever.
Since its founding, the pantry has assisted more than 500,000 people, thanks to the support of 10,000 donors and an army of volunteers. What began as a small operation by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Haymarket has become a vital resource for families facing hunger across western Prince William County.
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Willing Warriors, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting recovering service members and their families, will hold a community-wide event this spring to celebrate a decade of healing and hope.
The organization will mark its 10-year anniversary with a celebration on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run near Haymarket. The retreat provides free, week-long stays for wounded service members and their families, offering them rest, reconnection, and recovery in a peaceful setting.
Since opening its doors in 2015, the Warrior Retreat has hosted nearly 2,700 warriors and their loved ones, helping to restore hope, rebuild relationships, and provide a supportive environment for healing.
“We’ve seen lives changed, marriages saved, and families restored,” said Shirley Dominick, founder of Willing Warriors. “When warriors arrive on Friday, they are often tired and discouraged. When they leave, they are smiling, hopeful, and ready to move forward.”
Dominick accepted a proclamation from the Prince William Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday, March 18, recognizing March 16–22, 2025, as Women Veterans Week and honoring the contributions of women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. During the ceremony, she reflected on the vital role the community has played in the retreat’s success.
“It is you—this community—that made all of this possible,” she told the board. “Your financial support, your volunteer hours, your belief in our mission—it has all helped us serve our nation’s heroes in a meaningful way.”
Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir read the proclamation, noting that women veterans are the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population, with many calling Prince William County home.
Sarah Ford, Executive Director of Willing Warriors, encouraged residents to attend the May 26 event. “This anniversary isn’t just about us—it’s about what this community has done together,” Ford said. “We want everyone to come out, celebrate, and be part of the next chapter.”
Willing Warriors continues to offer no-cost stays for service members recovering from both physical and invisible wounds, supported by a network of volunteers, donors, and local partners. The retreat includes private suites, accessible amenities, and access to nearby medical facilities and outdoor activities.
For more information about the anniversary event or to support Willing Warriors, visit willingwarriors.org.
The Board of County Supervisors has directed staff to review agreements between the Prince William County Police Department and incorporated towns regarding using the Mike Pennington Scenario-Based Training Center. The move comes after Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir requested a formal review of the Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) governing town law enforcement agencies' access to the facility.
At a March 4, 2025 board meeting, Supervisor Weir, a former Haymarket Town Council member, emphasized that town residents are also county residents and contribute to county taxes. He proposed an amendment to the existing MOAs allowing town police departments to use the facility at no cost, shifting the financial burden to the county’s police department budget.
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The Haymarket Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two individuals involved in an illegal dumping incident that occurred on Jordan Lane on February 23, 2025, at 4:58 p.m.
According to Chief of Police Allen Sibert, the suspects were seen driving a black Ford F-150 Platinum 4X4 pickup truck at the time of the incident.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the individuals or their whereabouts to contact Officer James Galbreath at [email protected].
Prince William County officials are raising concerns about a high-voltage transmission line project proposed by Dominion Energy. The project could affect public parks, a public safety training center, and other county-owned properties.
According to Dominion's preliminary plans, the Wishing Star to Morrisville transmission line would run from Loudoun County into Fauquier County, requiring new right-of-way acquisitions and easements.
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The Haymarket Town Council has deferred a decision on a special use permit (SUP) application for the proposed Islamic Center at 14600 Washington Street, opting to continue discussions at a March 31 work session at 7 p.m.
The application, submitted by Mohammed Kasim Gul, seeks approval to establish a permanent place of worship for the local Muslim community in the old Pace West school building at 14600 Washington Street, now home to QBE, a federal contracting firm in the old school building. The nearest Islamic center is about 13 miles away, requiring residents to travel 20-30 minutes for daily and Friday prayers.
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Looking for ways to make a difference in your community? Check out these volunteer opportunities and get involved.
Help Seniors with Snow Removal
Volunteer Prince William is recruiting snow shovelers, ages 16 and older, to assist senior citizens with clearing sidewalks and driveways after snowstorms. Volunteers under 16 are welcome with a parent or guardian.
- When: As needed through March 31, one to three days after snowfall
- What to bring: Your own shovel and the ability to lift wet, heavy snow
- Impact: Help vulnerable seniors access medical appointments and safely enter their homes
- Sign up: Click here and select “Respond”
- Questions: Email jhaw…@volunteerprincewilliam.org
ASL Volunteer Needed for Influential Women Awards
Prince William Living is looking for a volunteer fluent in American Sign Language to assist a deaf nominee during the Influential Women Awards.
- When: March 5, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Sweeney Barn, 9310 Discovery Boulevard, Manassas
- Perks: Free ticket, includes a light dinner
- Contact: Email Diane at dpuigd…@princewilliamliving.com
Volunteer Teachers Needed for English Language and Literacy
BEACON for English Language and Literacy is seeking morning and evening volunteer teachers and substitutes for the spring semester. No teaching or foreign language experience is required, and training is provided.
- When: March 7 to June 25
- Where: In-person in Manassas and Manassas Park or online via Zoom
- Morning classes: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Evening classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Sign up: Click here for a virtual information session
- Contact: Seth at 571.428.2524
Volunteer Opportunity for Fishing Enthusiasts
Brain Injury Services is looking for a volunteer to support a brain injury survivor in Prince William County who enjoys fishing. The volunteer will also meet with the individual once a month for activities such as coffee, walks, chess, or lunch.
- Learn more: Visit Brain Injury Services Volunteer Page
- Contact: Email mth…@braininjurysvcs.org or call 703.451.8881 ext. 232
Bull Run Watershed Spring Cleanup
The Bull Run Watershed Protectors are hosting their annual spring cleanup, and volunteers are needed to help remove litter from the stream valley behind Costco. Families, students, scouts, and other groups are welcome.
- When: March 8, 9 to 11 a.m. (Rain date: March 15)
- Where: Meet at Walgreens parking lot, 10671 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas
- Supplies: Gloves, safety vests, trash bags, and grabbers will be provided
- Sign up: Click here
CASA Volunteers Needed to Support Children
CASA CIS is seeking volunteers, age 21 and older, to advocate for abused and neglected children.
- Virtual information session: February 26, 6 to 7 p.m.
- Contact: Email jpo…@casacis.org or call 703.330.8145 for the meeting link or alternate dates
Family-Friendly Day of Service
Catholic Charities St. Lucy Food Project is hosting a family-friendly Day of Service. Volunteers will help pack and sort food donations.
- When: March 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: St. Lucy Food Warehouse, 8426 Kao Circle, Manassas
- Requirements: Closed-toed shoes, ability to lift heavy items. Parental consent forms required for minors.
- Sign up: Click here
- Contact: Email Ian…[email protected] or call 703.349.0974
Sewing Volunteers Needed for Uniform Repair
USO Quantico Main is hosting a uniform repair event, seeking volunteers skilled in sewing to assist with minor uniform repairs for active-duty Marines.
- When: February 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: USO Quantico Main, 3049 Bordelon Street, Marine Corps Base Quantico
- Bring: Sewing machine and basic stitching supplies
- Sign up: Click here
- Contact: Email hsul…@uso.org for more information
Volunteer at Willing Warriors Retreat
Willing Warriors in Haymarket is looking for volunteers to support their mission of providing free retreat stays and programs for wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and their families. Opportunities include administrative support, event assistance, fundraising, and more.
- Contact: Email volu…@willingwarriors.org
Provide Meals for the Homeless
Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries is seeking groups to prepare and drop off meals for 30 adult residents at its hypothermia shelter.
- When: Nightly through March 31. Meals should be dropped off between 6:30 and 7 p.m.
- Where: Streetlight Hypothermia Shelter, 14716 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge
- Sign up: Click here
- Contact: Email thermal…@thestreetlight.org or call 571.677.2883
More Opportunities
If you are looking for additional ways to volunteer, contact Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292 or visit www.volunteerprincewilliam.org.
Thank you for making a difference in the community.
