On Monday, November 18, 2024, the Manassas City Council and School Board convened a joint meeting to discuss findings from a space needs study and the future of shared facilities for critical city and school operations. The study, presented by Assistant City Manager Steve Burke, identified a 40,000 to 52,000 square foot requirement to house the Department of Social Services, the voter registrar, and the School Board's central office.
Past and Current Facility Plans
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On Nov. 15, UVA Health announced its medical centers in Haymarket and Manassas received “A” safety grades — the highest possible grade — for the fall by the Leapfrog Group.
The group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns a letter grade from A to F to hospitals across the United States based on more than 30 measures, including errors, accidents, injuries, infections and systems in place to prevent harm.
Hospitals that receive As “excel in 22 evidence-based measures and by actively protecting patients from harm and improving outcomes such as reduced length of stay and mortality rates,” a press release from UVA Health stated.
The UVA Health centers in Haymarket and Manassas received the A grade for the 13th year in a row; less than 30% of hospitals in the U.S. received this distinction this year.
“I am proud to once again recognize the dedication and hard work of our exceptional healthcare team, whose commitment to meeting the needs of our communities while prioritizing patient safety is unwavering,” Erik Shannon, CEO of UVA Health’s community medical centers and clinics in Northern Virginia and Culpeper, said. “Quality and patient safety are central to our 10-year strategic plan and guide us on delivering a positive patient experience. Our extraordinary team exemplifies dedication to a culture of safety and continuous improvement, ensuring the highest standards of care for everyone, every day.”
Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, said this was a significant accomplishment for the local hospitals.
“It reflects enormous dedication to your patients and their families, and your whole community should be proud. I extend my congratulations to UVA Health Haymarket and Prince William Medical Centers, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts to put patients first,” Binder said.
Welcome (or welcome back) to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.”
We started this series at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year with the nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County Schools, but now let's turn our attention to the new and existing Manassas City Public Schools principals. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
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Ed Stephenson, Ph.D., Manassas City Public Schools' (MCPS) director of instruction, spoke to the Board about two potential options for each of the upcoming school years, which would follow a similar pattern to the current 2024-2025 schedule.
In the spring, MCPS went through an overhaul of the current year's calendar in an effort to maximize instructional time and professional development. The changes also moved certain holiday observances to align with professional development schedules. For example, the 2024-25 calendar extended winter break through Jan. 6 instead of having students return on Jan. 2, which is typical for most school districts.
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Grab your scarves, gloves, and a sense of adventure—ice skating season is back in Manassas! The beloved ice rink at the Harris Pavilion is set to open this Friday, November 22, just in time to kickstart the holiday spirit. Whether you’re a pro gliding effortlessly across the ice or someone still mastering the art of staying upright, skating is magical under the pavilion lights.
This year’s skating season is a little shorter than usual, ending on January 5. Why the early end? The rink will undergo some much-needed repairs to improve the ice quality and prepare for an exciting concert season next year. So, please make the most of the skating season while it lasts.
What to Know Before You Go
Admission: $8 per skater, with skate rentals available for an additional cost.
Group Admission: Planning a fun outing with friends, family, or coworkers? Groups of 10 or more can snag a special rate of $13 per skater, which includes skate rentals.
Booking: Don’t wait until the last minute—secure your spot on the ice early! Admission and skate rental tickets can be reserved online.
Why We Love the Harris Pavilion Rink
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Manassas, the Harris Pavilion is more than just an ice skating rink—it’s a winter tradition. Skating here feels like stepping into a snow globe, surrounded by the charm of historic buildings, twinkling lights, and the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. After your skate, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa from one of the nearby cafes or take a stroll to see the holiday decorations around the city.
Mark Your Calendar!
Whether it’s your first time on the ice or your 100th, the Manassas City Ice Skating Rink offers an unforgettable way to embrace the season. So dust off your skates (or rent a pair), rally your crew, and join the fun this Friday. Let’s make some memories before the repairs begin—January 5 will be here before we know it!
For tickets and more information, visit the Harris Pavilion website. See you on the ice!
More than 300 people were at the unveiling of the new aircraft in Manassas, including industry professionals, partners, customers and government officials.
According to a press release from Electra, the hybrid aircraft will be able to conduct “ultra-short” takeoffs and landings in soccer field-size spaces, which were previously limited to helicopter landings.
“This unlocks thousands of new locations for direct air service, including small regional airports or unconventional sites like grass fields or parking lots, offering seamless point-to-point regional connectivity for both passengers and cargo,” the press release stated.
The EL9 also operates with lower carbon emissions and noise than conventional planes. The press release stated the plane can recharge while in flight.
“[Wednesday’s] reveal of the EL9 showcases the dedication of our incredible team and partners,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “This aircraft is more than a new design — it’s the gateway to a cleaner, quieter and more affordable future for regional travel.”
THe plane can take off and land in 150 feet and cruises at 175 knots. The EL9 has the capacity for nine passengers and a cargo weight limited to 3,000 pounds. So far, Electra has received more than 2,100 orders from 52 global operators. The first test flights are planned for 2027, with certification and service entry anticipated in 2029.
Held at the school driver's education range, the event was meant to "inspire students to consider careers in public service and skilled trades," a county press release stated.
FFM showcased various vehicles in the fleet and its maintenance equipment. The Prince William County Police Department also brought some emergency vehicles to show URHS students how to manage and maintain the vehicle during an emergency.
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Because the county, the City of Manassas and Manassas Park receive $3 million in federal funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the county is administering this survey to best determine where the highest needs are in the community.
Some of the questions on the form are:
- In your opinion, what type of housing is needed?
- What type of public improvements are needed?
- What public service needs do you see in your community?
- What groups of people have the most need?
- What types of community facilities are needed?
- What types of needs are in your community for people experiencing or at risk-of homelessness?
Joan Duckett, the director of OHCD, emphasized the importance of community input.
“Hearing directly from residents provides us with valuable guidance on how to prioritize and direct our resources. Community feedback is essential to shaping programs that meet the unique needs of our area, and it allows us to make informed decisions that support a stronger, more resilient community,” Duckett said.
There is an opportunity to participate in a work group to discuss further the housing and community needs. Responses are kept anonymous.
The ARTfactory’s transition marks a significant one for the area, as it is the only professional theatre company in the Greater Manassas area.
Talya Conroy, CEO of the ARTfactory, said paying actors is part of the organization’s mission and the nonprofit was ready to take the leap.
“We have worked hard to be able to pay production teams for their time and talents, and now the ARTfactory is in a position to extend that professional credit to local actors,” she said in a press release.
In an interview, Conroy said this was a big step for the nonprofit to take, but it provides more grant opportunities both in the Commonwealth and in the United States if they were to pay their actors. She also noted with the community’s support and volunteers, this was made a possibility.
As for the professional status, this was another leap the nonprofit took on its own. Conroy said she and Producing Artistic Director Kimberly Kemp presented the opportunity to gain a professional status to the ARTfactory’s Board of Directors.
Conroy clarified the only difference moving forward is that the nonprofit now pays its people, but it will always be community-oriented.
“Our culture … will always remain: that community-based culture. We are just going to the next step, but we are community-based and invite everyone to participate and audition,” she said.
Update Nov. 12, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.: An earlier version of this article stated the ARTfactory would become the only professional theater company in the Greater Prince William County area. There is another professional theater company in Bristow. This article has been updated with the correct information.
