James Newman dreams of becoming a pilot. 

The 17-year-old student at Patriot High School is interested in all things aviation. Like most his age, he’s into video games. His favorite — a flight simulator. 

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LORTON, VA / September 12, 2018 – The Workhouse Arts Center is thrilled to announce the return of Madhaunter’s Madhouse haunted trail of terror to the Workhouse (9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA 22079) for a third year of scares on select nights from October 5 – 31, 2018.

 

Chosen as 2018’s “#1 Must-See Haunt” in Virginia by thousands of passionate fans at https://thescarefactor.com Madhaunter’s continues to achieve both popular and critical success, being chosen as Virginia’s “Top Haunt” in 2016 and runner-up in 2017 by industry experts at https://frightfind.com as well as scaring the souls out of nearly ten thousand guests each year.

 

In 2018, screams will echo across the 55-acre historic Workhouse campus, built on the grounds of the once-abandoned and notorious DC Department of Corrections Lorton Reformatory. Our frightmasters will debut redesigned trails, spookier scenes, creepier characters, and more spectacular special effects, all designed to bring our guests’ darkest fears and nightmares to life. And the popular, zombie-themed Madhaunter Escape Room will be on-site during the haunt, too.

 

Based on guest feedback from our first two years, our Madhaunter’s Madhouse event will also bring back fan-favorite entertainment experiences at our Ghost Bar Cinema, including local food trucks, themed bar, and scary movies projected onto a giant movie screen.

 

Members of the media are invited to visit the haunt during our haunt hours (schedule below) or during the day if you’re easily scared; press passes or site visits can be requested by emailing Frank Pappas, Managing Director at the Workhouse Arts Center, at [email protected].

 

More information, tickets ($20), and volunteer opportunities for Madhaunter’s Madhouse are available online at https://workhousearts.org/madhaunter.

 

DATES AND TIMES

Oct 5, 7-11p

Oct 6, 7-11p

Oct 12, 7-11p

Oct 13, 7-11p

October 19, 7-11p

October 20, 7-11p

October 21, 7-10p

October 26, 7-11p

October 27, 7-11p

October 28, 7-10p

October 31, 7-11p

 

ABOUT THE WORKHOUSE

Located in Lorton, Virginia, on 55 acres once occupied by the historic Lorton Workhouse prison, the Workhouse Arts Center is a vibrant community of visual artists, performing artists, and arts educators working together to serve over 125,000 visitors annually from communities throughout Fairfax County and the greater Northern Virginia region. Nearly 100 regional artists create or exhibit their art at the Workhouse, and the Workhouse annually hosts more than 100 arts exhibitions, 300 performances, and 800 arts education classes, in addition to exciting events like Workhouse Fireworks and Brewfest. More information on the Workhouse is available online at https://WorkhouseArts.org.

 

Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William’s Executive Director Kendra Kielbasa has decided to relocate with her husband who has accepted a new position in Pennsylvania. She will continue to support the organization during the transition. From the press release:

Leadership Transition at Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William
From Larry Hughes, Chairman Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William (SBGPW)

It is with mixed emotions that I share this update with you. Kendra Kielbasa, our Executive Director, has moved to State College, Pennsylvania to join her husband who accepted a new position in that area. While we are happy for Kendra and the opportunities that await her, we are very sad to see her leave. Fortunately, Kendra has agreed to continue to provide support to SBGPW during the transition.

Under Kendra’s leadership, we have made great strides for young children and their families in our community. We are grateful for her relationship-building skills that have fostered partnerships and collaborations and have brought in a team of highly adept volunteers who provide the backbone for our programs and initiatives. We wish to thank Kendra for dedication which resulted in numerous achievements, including:

An increase of over 1,100% of at-risk four-year-olds who receive quality pre-school through Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)
Providing over 6,000 newborns their first book and literacy support kit through Books 4 Babies
Launching Directors Forums which support the professional development, networking, and collaboration of area child care directors
Partnering with higher education (NOVA) to provide professional development and training to over 300 early childhood professionals
Establishing of our School Readiness Committee which provides Parenting Education and Support, and professional development to Early Childhood Professionals
Distributing over 2,000 literacy kits to rising kindergarteners who have never been to preschool
Smart Beginnings 4 Tomorrow’s Workforce, a sold-out event highlighting the business case for early childhood. Key-note speakers and collaborators were from Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Center for Education and Workforce
Healthy Initiatives and Obesity Prevention training through CDC and Nemours Health Initiative, benefiting thousands of area children in a childcare setting.

It is our intent and priority to continue the work and growth that SBGPW is experiencing. This is a priority for Kendra and our entire Board of Directors. Here is what you need to know:

Our priorities remain the same; 1) Increase pre-literacy skills, 2) Increase access to high quality early learning, 3) comprehensive health, and 4) increased community awareness of the critical window of opportunity that exists during early childhood.

Kendra, [email protected] will continue to support SBGPW with consulting and coordination services on a modified schedule until a new Executive Director is identified.

 

Gina Parr, [email protected] remains as our part-time Outreach Liaison.

 

Sharon Henry, Executive Director, SPARK, remains as the fiscal agent for SBGPW.

 

The following initiatives will continue as follows throughout the current school year:

 

School Readiness Committee – Chairman, Debi Stepien, [email protected]. Typically meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at the Head Start Offices, 14715 Joplin Rd., Manassas, 20112 from 9:30 am – 11:00 am. The next meeting is on September 25th.

 

Parent Training and Engagement will continue through the School Readiness Committee. There is a calendar of scheduled presentations throughout the school year.

 

The Directors Forums will continue a regular schedule. This committee is part of the School Readiness Committee.

 

Books 4 Babies will continue to provide books and support materials to newborns at Novant Health UVA Prince William Medical Center and Novant Health UVA Haymarket Medical Center.

 

In-person representation on advisory boards, committees, boards, etc. will be picked-up by SBGPW Board members or Volunteers. Please reach out to Kendra to see how this will best work for your organization.

 

We can not thank Kendra enough for her leadership, dedication, and passion. She will truly be missed by the Board, staff, volunteers, and partners. We look forward to following her and are happy about the opportunity for Kendra and her family. With your continued support, we will remain diligent in our quest to increase kindergarten readiness, both as an educational initiative and as a workforce development initiative. If you have questions during this transition, you may reach out to Kendra at [email protected] or Sharon Henry at [email protected].

 

Sincerely,

Larry Hughes, Chairman, Board of Directors, Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William

 

From Kendra Kielbasa, Executive Director, Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William

 

After nearly seven years with Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William (SBGPW), it is time to transition to a different role. I’ll be joining my husband in Pennsylvania where he has relocated due to a new career opportunity. While I have a mix of emotions as I move into this next chapter, I am confident the forward momentum in our local early childhood initiatives will continue to grow at an increasing rate.

 

I am so grateful to those individuals and organizations who have been supportive of both SBGPW and me personally over the years. This gratitude extends to board members, volunteers, partners, and funders. You have grown this organization, made it what it is, and the laid the groundwork for what is yet to come. I am honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to lead this organization as we have grown in both awareness and improved early childhood well-being in our area. I look forward with much anticipation to see the growth that I know is coming.

 

All the best,

Kendra

“At Thrive, we believe standards for senior living have been too low for too long,” said Les Strech, President of Thrive, in a press release. “The benchmark of ‘providing great care’ causes residents to feel like objects in need of care — rather than individuals with a purpose and a great deal to offer others.  Thrive creates an environment where older adults can build new and meaningful relationships, and ‘great care’ follows as a natural result. Our new campaign intentionally crosses a line and illustrates our non-traditional approach. While we can grow gardenias and bake a killer cupcake with the best of them, this campaign illustrates our commitment to our residents’ greater wellbeing and sense of purpose.”

“When I first got involved with the senior living industry, I was honestly mortified, and I started looking into what our competitors were like. There was no life in the building, there was no energy, there was no excitement, you could tell there wasn’t a lot of thought put into the design. With that very first community I vowed, I’m going to do this differently,” said Jeremy Ragsdale, president and founder, in an interview on the company’s YouTube channel.

Thrive Senior Living provides assisted living and memory care communities that are disrupting the industry of elder care. Rather than simply providing a care facility, they are creating communities where seniors can thrive instead of just surviving. Seniors enjoy amenities like cocktail hours and fine dining. They promote independence and assist their members 24 hours a day.  

Advisory to Virginia Dam Owners ahead of Hurricane Florence

 

RICHMOND, Va. — As of Monday Sept. 10, the National Weather Service has forecasted the potential for a major hurricane-level storm event in Virginia within the next week. Rainfall projections are currently forecasted to be from approximately 10 to 20 inches in some areas of the state if the storm were to slow down or “stall.”

 

In preparation for this potential storm event, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Dam Safety Program is offering the following information to dam owners.

 

1. Reach out to your professional engineer and discuss the specifics of your dam and what to do during an emergency situation.

2. Locate and review your dam’s emergency action plan if one is in place. Ensure that all contacts and contact information are up-to-date. Provide any updates to the local emergency services contact and DCR Dam Safety.

3. If your dam has a working low-flow valve, you as the dam owner should consider consulting with your professional engineer about possibly lowering your lake level by up to 6 inches per day (24-hour period). By lowering the normal water level in your lake, you provide extra storage for when rainfall begins. Note that lowering lake levels by more than 6 inches per day is not allowed as rapid drawdown of a lake level could result in critical damage to your dam.

4. Visually inspect your dam and remove any debris from the primary and emergency spillways. Contact your professional engineer if any dam-related issues are found (seepage, slope failures, rodent holes, etc.)

 

For information about the Virginia Dam Safety Program, go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains.

OmniRide is encouraging mass participation in two initiatives: Try Transit Week and Car Free Day. From the press release:

Try Transit Week and Car Free Day Encourage Driving Alternatives

 Pledge to participate and win some great prizes

WOODBRIDGE, VA – OmniRide is encouraging everyone to participate in two upcoming events designed to highlight alternatives to driving alone.

Try Transit Week will be held September 17-21, and Car Free Day is being expanded this year to span two days – September 21 and 22. These promotions are opportunities for area residents to consider using public transportation, sharing a ride with others, teleworking and helping to reduce the number of vehicles on our roadways.

“Public transportation riders save time and money by traveling in Express Lanes, taking advantage of free parking, and reducing the number of times they have to put fuel in their vehicle. They also have the advantage of a relaxing commute so they arrive at their destinations stress-free,” said OmniRide Executive Director Bob Schneider.

Registration for both September events is now open, and participants can qualify for great prizes this year even if they already use transit!

Those who pledge to try transit during Try Transit Week are automatically entered for a chance to win one year of free transit service from a participating Virginia transit operator as well as a pair of round-trip tickets aboard Amtrak’s Northeast Regional train! But that’s not all! Participating transit providers, including OmniRide, are offering additional prizes. OmniRide will award one lucky winner with a $50 SmarTrip card, and two additional winners will each receive $25 SmarTrip cards.

Try Transit Week is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. Pledges will be accepted through September 21, 2018 at TryTransitWeek.org/pledge.

Car Free Day was expanded to two days this year to allow more people to participate and qualify for prize drawings. Those who can’t go without their car for a day or two are encouraged to go Car-Lite by reducing the number of solo vehicle trips they make and sharing any rides with others. Even small gestures like that help to make the air cleaner and the roads less congested!

Everyone who pledges to go Car Free or Car-Lite on one or both days will be eligible to win prizes including $25 SmarTrip cards, Giant grocery gift cards, KIND Healthy Snacks gift bags, an Apple iPod, Capital Bikeshare memberships, and more.  Car Free Day is sponsored locally by Commuter Connections. Register for Car Free Day at CarFreeMetroDC.org.                                                                                                                                                                 

About Us

The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), operating as OmniRide, provides express and local bus services as well as ridesharing services in Prince William County, the City of Manassas and the City of Manassas Park. It also co-sponsors the Virginia Railway Express in partnership with the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission.

From the Prince William Humane Society press release on the Paws-N-Pints fundraiser:

Paws-N-Pints is Coming!

The Prince William Humane Society’s 6th Annual Paws-N-Pints fund-raising event and silent auction will take place on Sunday, October 7^th, 2018, from 12 – 5 p.m. at 2 Silos Brewing Company on the 8-acre Farm Brew LIVE at Innovation campus in Manassas, VA.  This year our fund-raising efforts will go to support Prince William Humane Society programs including our new Fur-Ever Together Pet Retention Program that is intended to preserve the loving bond between pet owners and pets, reduce shelter intake, and prevent pet homelessness. 

 Prince William Humane Society is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization whose mission is to promote animal welfare, increase homeless pet adoptions, and enhance the quality of life for people and their pets.  This past year we saved over 350 lives and we remain committed to realizing our vision in which all citizens regard companion animals as lifelong, valued family members, and embrace their responsibility for the welfare of animals.  

Formerly known as ‘Wags-N-Wine’, Paws-N-Pints is our largest fundraiser of the year and we are thrilled to be holding this year’s event at 2 Silos Brewery.  Come join us for an afternoon of fun and frolic with our adorable adoptable pets!  2 Silos Brewery features craft beers, wine and cider for tasting, excellent food and gourmet ice cream.  This amazing event will include live music, games, and fun for the entire family!  We welcome those from across DC, MD and the VA area to participate in what promises to be a fabulous day.

Tickets are $45 in advance ($50 at the door) and include:  Beer or Wine tasting, a commemorative souvenir glass, event t-shirt, a goody bag, a raffle ticket, bandanas for your furry family members and lots of fun.   And, for an extra special afternoon, check out our VIP Experience on our website and other special offers.

Tickets are available online at www.PWHumane.org or stop by our Adopt Shop at:

17983 Dumfries Shopping Plaza (Rte 1), Dumfries, VA 22026

Please call 703-634-0880 for more information and for group reservations!

From the Virginia State Police press release:

TRAFFIC FATALITIES ON VIRGINIA HIGHWAYS MORE THAN DOUBLE DURING LABOR DAY WEEKEND COMPARED TO 2017

Every hour approximately 11 motorists cited for seat belt violations

RICHMOND
– Traffic deaths in Virginia reached a three-year high during the 2018 Labor Day weekend. According to preliminary reports, a dozen individuals were killed in 11 fatal crashes during the four-day statistical counting period (12:01 a.m. Aug. 31, 2018 – 12 a.m. Sept. 3, 2018), which marks the highest number of crashes recorded since 2015 when 16 fatalities occurred over the holiday weekend. In 2017, there were five traffic crashes on Virginia’s highways.

This year’s 11 holiday fatal crashes took place in the counties of Carroll, Culpeper, Fairfax, Page, Prince William, Smyth, Tazewell and York and the cities of Lawrenceville, Newport News and  Norfolk. These crashes claimed the lives of three motorcyclists, a motorcycle passenger and three pedestrians. Of the remaining five crashes, two involved individuals who were not wearing a seat belt.

“For most, Labor Day marks the close of summer, the last neighborhood cookout and the start of a new school year, but for 12 families – the families of those who experienced the loss of a loved one this weekend – this holiday is forever changed, ” said Col. Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “It’s nothing short of alarming to have a 140 percent increase in fatalities  compared to last year. What’s more surprising is that many of the crashes we see on Virginia’s highways could be prevented if we all do our part toward safety. That means buckling up, never driving impaired and always keeping our focus on the road.”

Once again this year, Virginia State Police participated in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), which is a state-sponsored, national traffic safety initiative intended to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speed and failing to wear a seat belt through increased law enforcement visibility and traffic enforcement during major holidays.

During the 2018 Labor Day weekend, Virginia State Police troopers cited 8,427 speeders and 2,050 reckless drivers. They also issued citations for 1,024 occupant restraint violations, including 227 to adult motorists who failed to secure a juvenile passenger in a child safety seat, booster seat or seat belt. In addition, 72 drunk drivers were arrested and charged with DUI.

Funds generated from summonses issued by Virginia State Police go directly to court fees and the state’s Literary Fund, which benefits public school construction, technology funding and teacher retirement.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation has released the 2017 state and local economic impact data.  It is another record year for Virginia with expenditures reaching $25 billion supporting 230,000 jobs, $5.9 billion in salaries & wages and $1.7 billion in state & local taxes. 

All Virginia localities saw an increase in travel expenditures in 2017 compared to previous year.  The travel industry in the Commonwealth has continued to grow eight years in a row.  Travel expenditures increased at a compound annual growth rate of 3.9% since 2010.  

In Manassas tourism-related expenditures rose 4.5% to $71,114,795.  Annual payroll rose 4.7% to $12,124,407.  Employment rose 1.5% to 589 and local tax receipts rose 2.7% to $1,851,267.

Tourism is an important part of the local economy in many communities and especially in the City of Manassas.  Few localities in the nation experienced such seminal events as Manassas did during the Civil War.  The First and Second Battles of Manassas helped define our City’s place in history and historical-based tourism is a key market for the City.  The Manassas National Battlefield Park, Liberia Plantation and Manassas Museum serve as key attractions for visitors.

However, the City’s appeal to visitors now also includes the charm of its Historic Downtown (a Virginia Main Street community), its specialty shopping and dining, and special events.  Special events and activities alone account for 300,000 annual visitors to Downtown.  In addition to the jobs it creates and the revenue it generates, visitors may be prospective business owners or residents who become attracted to a community because of its tourism vibrancy.  Tourism is economic development.