The ARTfactory is looking for high school students to submit their artwork to their 21st annual “Off the Wall” art exhibit and competition.

The exhibit, which runs from Dec. 18 to Jan. 19, 2025, features art created by Manassas City, Manassas Park and Prince William County high school students. Eligible mediums of art include art and technology; painting and drawing; poetry; wearable art; and photography. Students have the opportunity to showcase their work and be judged by a professional in their respective fields.

Here’s some more information on each of the categories from the ARTfactory:

Art & Technology: ie: 3-d printing/digital designs – 2-d digital designs (primarily created with computer software) are included in this category. Work must be printed and framed to hang on gallery walls or ARTfactory can provide gallery pedestals for display if the work is standalone sculptural (contact jexum@VirginiaARTfactory if pedestal is required for display). Entries must be submitted in .jpg/png format with a recommended resolution of 300 dpi.

Photography: Photos from mobile device cameras are eligible. Minor digital manipulation or alteration of content is permitted; however, please note: If the majority of the photograph is heavily manipulated/enhanced with software, your submission may be more appropriate for the Art & Tech.category. We recommend using a resolution of 300 dpi .jpg format to ensure the photograph is not grainy.

Painting/Drawing: Create an original painting/drawing using acrylic, watercolor, tempera, oil, pastel chalk, charcoal, colored pencils, graphite, etc. (or any combination of these) on a surface of your choosing (keep in mind all works must be framed). All paintings and drawings must be original artwork. Painting/Drawing pieces will be submitted electronically as high-quality photographs of the original artwork. Images should show only the artwork, not any mats or frames. Note: Mixed media works are included in this category.

Poetry: Enter a one-page poem and within the structure of the poem include the phrase: When Thoughts Wander. The first place poetry winner will be invited to recite their poem at the Awards Ceremony on Jan. 11. Poetry Submission Idea: Email a video or audio clip of your poetry recitation for additional impact! Poetry judges love to be able to hear a poet’s inflection and tone. Please send any videos or audio clips to: [email protected] Note: Central Library’s makerspace in Manassas has a recording studio perfect for recording.

In addition to assisting with the Art and Tech. category, Central Library’s makerspace is also equipped with a recording studio and sewing and embroidery machines suitable for the Poetry and Wearable Art category! Leading up to the competition students can visit the Central Library Makerspace during Open Hours or by appointment to work on their “Off the Wall” creations.

Wearable Art: Make something different in 3-D! You’ll get to show off during the “Off the Wall” Awards Ceremony at ARTfactory, January 11, 2024. This category is judged on site.

• Contest rules for wearable “art”:
  • Make something original that can be worn, either you or your own selected model will wear the art for judging purposes at the “Off the Wall” Open House.
  • Use a layer of clothing underneath to build your art, around or attached, and be able to easily get in and out of it. Test what works: shorts and a loose top, a jumpsuit, short dress or tights and a top.
  • Use at least 50% recycled materials

You may not want to wear your wearable art traveling between your home and our venue, so think about this in planning your construction.

Show up at 2:15 pm at the “Off the Wall” Awards Ceremony. You can wear or bring your wearable art with you, and we will allow you a private space on our second floor to change.

Please note: Wearable art participants may submit “in progress” pics for this category.

Students have until Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. to submit their proposal via Jotform. They will then be notified if their artwork is to be displayed on Nov. 22 via email. Students are also responsible for delivering their own artwork to the ARTfactory either on Dec. 13 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or on Dec. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. The awards ceremony will take place on Jan. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Twelve inmates at the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center (ADC) recently completed the “Speak to Me: Reentry” public speaking workshop as they prepare to be released.

Throughout the six-week course, inmates are able to develop their communication skills, build their confidence, develop active listening skills and articulate their stories with intent and purpose, a county press release stated.

Nick Baskerville, who coaches the workshop, emphasized the powerful tool that is storytelling. Baskerville is a storyteller and comedian.

“My mission for the class was to teach how to use storytelling as a tool to interact and connect with people,” Baskerville said. “I also hope the attendees understand the importance of their story and their perspective.”

“It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the transformation of our reentry community as they gain confidence and new perspectives on their journey. We all have a role to play in supporting them because they are the credible messengers who can inspire and uplift those often overlooked,” the Office of Community Safety’s Kimberly Sparkes said.

Many of the inmates who went through the course expressed their gratitude for their program, stating it pushed themselves and instilled more confidence in them.

Capt. Allen West II from the ADC said communication is an important aspect of being successful when released from prison.

“We want them to be able to have that voice where they will be able to get that interview for that job, be hired for that job and potentially make a career for themselves,” West said. “This is just to give them those tools to be successful because communication is one of the most essential tools that we need.”

From The Center Square:

Democratic state Sen. Suhas Subramanyam defeated Republican challenger Mike Clancy for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.

Subramanyam won by 52.1%-47.9% with more than 95% of votes in.

Subramanyam, having represented Virginians in the state House of Delegates and Senate for four years and served as a White House technology policy advisor to President Obama, put out a formal statement at 9:20 PM, with 89% of the vote in and before the race had been called by the Associated Press or the New York Times.

In the latest Manassas municipal elections, Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger secured a decisive victory to continue as the city’s mayor, marking the start of her second term in office. A Democrat, Davis-Younger received 8,463 votes (56.91%), defeating Republican challenger Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom, who garnered 6,358 votes (42.75%).

According to the final campaign finance reports, Davis-Younger raised $46,724, while Byrom raised $41,596.

City Council Elections: Hutson Joins, Republicans Face Setbacks

In the City Council race, Democrats retained control, with the top three vote-getters, Mark Wolfe, newcomer Ashley Hutson, and Tom Osina, all Democrats, securing seats. Hutson will replace outgoing Democrat Pamela Sebesky, continuing the party’s strong presence. Theresa Coates Ellis remains the lone Republican voice on the council.

Here’s a breakdown of the vote counts for City Council:

– Mark D. Wolfe: 7,616 votes (19.27%)
– Ashley R. Hutson: 7,325 votes (18.54%)
– Tom C. Osina: 6,456 votes (16.34%)

Close behind were Republicans Robyn R. Williams, Lynn Forkell Greene, and Stephen D. Kent.

School Board Race: Democrats Hold, With GOP Endorsed Candidate Miles Securing a Seat

The School Board election also saw limited success for Republicans, as GOP-endorsed candidate Dayna-Marie Miles won a seat, capturing 6,242 votes (13.19%). She joins top vote-getters Suzanne Seaberg, Zella M. Jones Diana Ivette Brown, all of whom were endorsed by the Democrats and received 6,633 votes (14.02%).

Longtime School Board member Christina S. Brooks did not retain her seat, losing with 3,318 votes (7.01%) after one term.

The top four finishers for the School Board were as follows:

– Suzanne Seaberg: 6,871 votes (14.52%)
– Diana Ivette Brown: 6,633 votes (14.02%)
– Zella M. Jones: 6,363 votes (13.45%)
– Dayna-Marie Miles: 6,242 votes (13.19%)

 

According to a small business report from Prince William County’s Department of Development Services, 29 small businesses opened in August. This marks 259 total small businesses opening in the county since January.

Here are the businesses that opened their doors in August:

Gainesville

• Gainesville Solutions, 7371 Atlas Walk Way
• MacBoys Café, 7945 Heritage Village Plaza
• Paisano’s Pizza & Subs, 7368 Atlas Walk Way

Manassas

• FPG Construction, Suite 300, 10432 Balls Ford Road
• Linear Innovation Movement, Suite 300, 10432 Balls Ford Road
• MBH Settlement Group, Suite 140, 7900 Sudley Road
• Medical Massage Specialties, Suite A, 10600 Crestwood Drive
• Osmow’s, Suite 105, 9685 Liberia Ave.
• Russell & White Ventures, Suite D, 8577 Sudley Road
• Shine Threading & Spa, 7853 Sudley Road
• Solid Construction, Suite 126, 11900 Livingston Road
• Support Service, 10702 Vandor Lane
• The Many Pieces of Me Serenity Center, Suite 300, 10432 Balls Ford Road
• Twinkle, Suite 300, 10432 Balls Ford Road

Woodbridge

• A&S Design Studio, Suite K121, 2700 Potomac Mills Circle
• AMC Shell, 14352 Gideon Drive
• Anytime Fitness, Suite 110, 12751 Marblestone Drive
• DUAA, 2072 Daniel Stuart Sq.
• EZ Prado Construction, 14863 Farm Creek Drive
• Gold Luxe Braiding and Beauty, Suite 237, 13895 Hedgewood Drive
• Healing Therapy VA, Suite B, 12510 Lake Ridge Drive
• Home Health Care, Suite 101, 2700 Neabsco Common Place
• Linear Innovation Movement, Suite 101, 2700 Neabsco Common Place
• Mulier, Suite 224, 2700 Potomac Mills Circle
• Oakley Home Access, 3083 PS Business Center
• Smoki Kabos, 13428 Richmond Highway
• The Church – God’s Assembly, 13327 Woodbridge St.
• The Nail Corner, 2471 Prince William Parkway

Quantico

• Quantico 94 Dry Cleaner, 313 Potomac Ave.

Route 28 North in Centreville will have multiple lane closures from Saturday evening, Nov. 9, through Sunday evening, Nov. 10, for underground pipe repairs as part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project.

Three left lanes will close starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, leaving two right lanes open. By 11 a.m. Sunday, an additional lane will reopen, allowing three lanes of traffic. The ramp from I-66 East to Route 28 North will also be limited to a single lane.

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Several Manassas police officers were recognized for bravery at a recent ceremony on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.

From Manassas police :

On January 14, 2024, Officers responded to the Brentwood Apartments area for a possible shooting. Once on scene, Officers located a subject suffering from gunshot wounds.
The subject was rapidly losing blood and consciousness. Officer Stadtman provided Officer Ricapito with a tourniquet.

Officer Rios held the subject still and applied pressure to the wounds while Officer Ricapito applied a tourniquet to one of the subject’s limbs. Officer Siemek continued to speak with the victim and tried to keep him from losing consciousness while the Officers awaited an ambulance.

At this point, the Officers on the scene had no knowledge of what had occurred, so there was a possibility the shooter was still nearby. Officer Stadtman approached the scene with his rifle and established a safety perimeter around the Officers.

While maintaining security, Officer Stadtman interacted with the nearby citizens to gather dynamic intelligence while directing traffic around the crime scene to maintain the integrity of the crime scene. The incident occurred in the early evening, and the victim was next to an intersection that needed to be closed to preserve evidence.

These variables added to the chaotic nature of the scene. Together, Officer Ricapito and Officer Rios applied bandages and wrapped the victim’s leg.

Rescue personnel arrived and took over lifesaving measures. The victim was ultimately transported to Fairfax Hospital and survived the incident.

The quick actions of the above-named Officers led to the victim’s survival of the incident. Without the exceptional teamwork and performances of the involved employees, the victim would likely not have survived.

On August 1, 2023, at [7 p.m.] officers responded to the report of a shooting in progress near Taney Rd and Hood Rd. Sergeant Casteline was one of the first on the scene and immediately started directing incoming officers.

Officers located a sizeable crime scene that spanned Taney Rd. from Hood Rd to Hampton Rd. The preliminary investigation revealed that over twenty rounds had been fired between multiple suspects.

Multiple cars had been struck and one residence. At 2206hrs officers were once again dispatched to 9370 Taney Rd for a shooting in progress.

Sergeant Casteline and Officers Barrett, Stanikzai, Curry, Bowden, G, and Rios were first on the scene. One officer secured the main level while the other officers located the victim, a 19-year-old male, who had an apparent gunshot wound in the neck.

The officers did not know where the shooter was but recognized the severity of the injury and they immediately started rendering aid using their Tactical Emergency Casualty Care kit.
MPO Curry grabbed a towel to apply pressure and stanch the bleeding. MPO Barrett utilized the TECC kit and provided MPO Curry with a medical bandage to further stop the bleeding because the towel was insufficient, while SPO Stanikzai elevated the victim’s legs in a passive leg raise to keep the blood flowing to the victim’s heart and prevent shock.

SPO Bowden, Ofc G, and Sergeant Casteline set up a protective corridor allowing for rescue to take over medical treatment. Outside the residence officers and supervisors worked together to protect the crime scene and manage unruly spectators and involved parties.
The victim sustained a serious injury that required multiple surgeries and survived.”

On July 26, 2023, at [12:21 a.m.] officers responded to the report of a suicidal subject on the top of the parking garage. Officers located the person in crisis (PIC) and he was seated against the wall twirling a razor blade.

MPO Barrett immediately started to speak with the person in crisis from a reasonable and safe distance while Officers Diaz, Rios, and Koncen provided cover. During the twenty minutes that MPO Barrett attempted to establish a rapport, it was evident that PIC would not engage officers.

He would not speak to officers or respond in any way. He would only stare at the razor blade and twirl it in his fingers.

A tactical plan was devised in the event it became necessary to forcibly subdue the PIC to initiate an Emergency Custody Order. While MPO Barrett was speaking to the PIC the PIC looked up at the officers and started to cut his right wrist.

SPO Koncen who already had his Taser concealed, and at the ready, was able to quickly shoot the PIC with Taser probes incapacitating him allowing MPO Barrett and Officers Diaz and Rios to remove the razor and handcuff the PIC. When the subject began to harm himself with the razor officers risked their own safety to save his life.”

On the night of December 14, 2023, Master Detective Petitt was driving home in her personal vehicle after completing her shift as the evening detective. While traveling on 1-66 at Winchester Rd., Detective Petitt observed a vehicle abruptly and aggressively drive across several lanes.

Detective Petitt soon understood why when she observed a vehicle facing the opposite direction of traffic with no headlights and the air bags deployed. Detective Petitt quickly pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway to render aid.

Meanwhile, several vehicles, to include semitrucks, were approaching the citizen vehicle at high rates of speed. Detective Petitt approached the vehicle and observed that there was one male occupant in the driver’s seat.

Detective Petitt quickly took note that the driver appeared confused and dazed. Detective Petitt tried several times to get the driver out of the vehicle.

She had to explain to him that they were in danger of being hit and that they were facing oncoming traffic. Just as Detective Petitt got the citizen out of the vehicle, a semi-truck was observed rapidly approaching them.

The semi-truck narrowly missed the citizen vehicle and Detective Petitt’s personal vehicle. Safely away from oncoming traffic, Detective Petitt was able to call 911 and relay the location of the accident.

Meanwhile, she was able to gain information from the citizen in which he stated that he had fallen asleep. While waiting for police arrival, two off-duty firefighters were able to assist and use their trucks as barriers for the vehicles from oncoming traffic.

Once police arrived, Detective Petitt provided them with all of the information she observed. It was later learned that the driver was arrested for DUI.

When most people might have driven by and gone home after a long day, Detective Petitt chose to put herself in harm’s way to ensure that a citizen would get to safety. Due to these actions, I believe that Detective Petitt displayed heroic actions on that day and should be awarded with the Medal of Valor.

The City of Manassas recently announced the acquisition of the 20-acre Marsteller Middle School property at 8730 Sudley Road, marking a significant step forward in its plans to establish a community hub and address a longstanding need for park and recreational facilities.

To engage the community in shaping this new center, Manassas will hold a public meeting titled “Community Conversations,” inviting residents to share their vision and ideas. The public meeting, open to all residents, will take place on Nov. 12 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Marsteller Park & Community Center. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in envisioning the city’s first community center and recreational facility.

This project comes when the need for more recreational spaces in Manassas has become critical. The purchase of the Marsteller site, previously owned by Manassas Baptist Church for an estimated $10 million, excludes the church’s main building and an adjacent six acres. The remainder of the site, however, will be transformed into the city’s 21st public park, with plans to include a community center, athletic fields, open green space and potentially a fire station.

City officials have emphasized that the Marsteller Park & Community Center will serve as a resource for a wide range of community needs, including leisure activities, youth sports and emergency services. The acquisition eliminates the need for commercial real estate redevelopment, allowing the city to maximize green spaces for public use.

The project also comes amid the construction of the new Jennie Dean Elementary School within Jennie Dean Park, one of the city’s last remaining park areas. The Marsteller site acquisition helps offset the impact of this potential development on green space, providing much-needed park facilities.

While the existing Marsteller Middle School facilities will be available for limited use initially, the city aims to conduct a comprehensive space needs analysis and gather community feedback before moving forward with extensive renovations. Early-stage developments include additional sports fields to meet the rising demand for youth recreational activities in the city.

This initiative represents a collaborative effort between city officials and residents to create a sustainable and inclusive community space.