Volunteer Prince William has opened up several new opportunities through the holiday season. Make sure to check out some below.

Greetings, Prince William: Although we’re in the holiday season, Martin Luther King Day isn’t too far off, and the MLK Youth Community Choir is seeking students in grades K-12 to join the choir and make a joyful noise!  Participants will rehearse for a pre-event concert at Chinn Park Regional Library on Jan. 4 at 1:30 p.m. in the Community Room followed by a special performance at the Prince William Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta (PWCAC- DST) 40th Annual Dr. King Youth Oratorical Competition and Program being held Jan. 18.  Rehearsals have begun, but more participants are welcome – no tryout is needed!

• If you love helping others learn, we have a wonderful opportunity for you!  The winter semester for BEACON for English Language and Literacy is currently underway!  They’re still urgently recruiting for a few in-person and online evening volunteer teachers for this semester.  One-day-a-week and two-day-a-week evening options are available at various class levels.  Evening classes meet from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Manassas, Manassas Park or on Zoom. No teaching or foreign language experience is required and training is provided.  To learn more, please sign up for a virtual information session or contact Seth Mazzaro at 571-428-2524.
• The “Power of A Knock” can help a homebound senior get nutritious meals!  Meals on Wheels urgently needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens on weekday mornings.  Volunteers must pass a criminal and driving record background check.  Routes take about 1.5 hours to complete, training is provided.  You’ll feel great when you find out how inspiring it is to serve this vulnerable population and make their day!
• The holidays may be here, but hunger never takes a holiday!  The SERVE campus of Northern Virginia Family Service has an ongoing need for Food Recovery Driver volunteers age 21+ to make routine pick-ups to rescue food from grocery stores and restaurants to help food insecure families.  Shifts are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon; their greatest need is for Monday drivers.  Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one shift per week for at least six months or longer.  Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and should be prepared to lift up to 50 lbs.  Ride-along training with experienced volunteers or staff and vehicle provided.  Just one day a week can make a life-long impact on a family in need!
• The hard-working staff at Northern Virginia Food Rescue is looking for volunteers who are available to be On-Call to help with offloading large truckloads of food deliveries when they arrive at their warehouse located at 10535 Battleview Parkway, Manassas 20109. This role is vital in ensuring that they can quickly rescue and distribute food to families in need.  Volunteers would be on call from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. with varying delivery times.  Communication is done via text message when a delivery is on the way and help is needed.  Volunteers should be prepared to lift heavy items.  A brief mandatory training will be held for those volunteers selected for this position.  You’ll feel great knowing you’re doing your part to help food-insecure families in our local community!  Please text 571-370-3073 to let them know you’re interested.
• Your office, group or club can provide the comfort of a hot meal during the winter months!  Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries’ hypothermia shelter located at 14716 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge has an ongoing need for groups to prepare and drop off meals for 30 adult residents through March 30, 2025.  Meals are needed each night and should be prepared off-site and dropped off at the shelter between 6:30 and 7 p.m.  There are many openings in January, and you’ll feel great providing a hot, nourishing meal for the homeless to enjoy!

Manassas Park celebrated the holiday season with its fourth annual Winter Light Extravaganza. Organized by the City’s Community Maintenance Working Group, the event brought festive cheer as residents adorned their homes with dazzling light displays.

Over 20 homes participated in this year’s contest, with awards in categories such as Best Citywide, Best House, and Committee Favorite. Scout Troop 1372 judges scored the homes, commending creativity and holiday spirit.

According to Manassas Park Councilwoman Laura Hampton, the top honor, Best Citywide, was awarded to 9221 Arnie Court, whose spectacular display earned the homeowner the title of 2025 Light Parade Grand Marshall.

Winners by Category:

Best Everything Decorated:
– 114 Cabbel Dr
– 9416 Katelyn Ct

Best House:
– 115 Tremont St
– 9201 Matthew Dr

Best Yard:
– 155 Lambert Dr
– 9208 Fairway Ct

Committee Favorite:
– 217 Cabbel Dr

Each participant received a Winter Light Extravaganza sign to display in their yard, showcasing their involvement in the beloved community tradition. All winners will be formally recognized at a January 2025 Governing Body meeting.

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In an era of rapid development and change, few leaders, like Mayor Janette Rishell of Manassas Park, leave a lasting impact. After 12 years of dedicated service—four on the City Council and eight as Mayor—Mayor Rishell is stepping down, leaving behind a transformed city with a brighter future.

On the latest episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, our founder, Uriah Kiser, sits down with Mayor Rishell for an insightful conversation about her journey, her achievements, and her vision for Manassas Park’s future.

Why Listen to This Episode?

1. A City Transformed
Mayor Rishell reflects on how Manassas Park emerged from financial challenges to become a vibrant community with a thriving community center and a new downtown development. Her leadership helped the city avoid state intervention for fiscal distress and achieve a strong credit rating.

2. Leadership Lessons
As a supporter of term limits, Mayor Rishell shares her thoughts on balanced governance, teamwork, and the importance of a shared vision in achieving success.

3. The Road Ahead
Learn about Mayor Rishell’s hopes for the city’s continued growth, from filling downtown storefronts to improving economic development and lowering taxes. She also shares heartfelt advice for residents to stay involved and support their community.

4. A Personal Touch
This episode offers a glimpse into the personal side of leadership. Mayor Rishell discusses her unique hobbies, including translating ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, and her plans to spend more time with family and pursue her passions in retirement.

Whether you’re a Manassas Park resident or someone interested in community growth and leadership, this podcast episode offers inspiration and insight into the dedication required to lead a city through challenging times.

Don’t miss this chance to hear from a leader who has guided her city with resilience and vision. Subscribe to the Potomac Local News Podcast today and join the conversation about shaping the future of our communities.

On Jan. 18, the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PWCAC-DST) will host its 40th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Competition.

DST is one of the Divine Nine organizations, a group of historically African American fraternities and sororities that the National Pan-Hellenic Council governs. PWCAC-DST has been hosting this oratorical event for 40 years, which predates the first national celebration of the holiday in 1986.

Middle and high school students throughout the Prince William County area, including the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, will display their oratorical skills. According to a press release from the organization, this year’s six regional competitors must center their speeches on “Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy: My Voice, My Choice, My Future.”

There’s also a one- to two-page writing contest for fourth and fifth graders about democracy and using one’s voice to make an important decision. Judges will select two to three essays per grade level and the winners will be recognized during the Jan. 18 event. Submissions were due on Nov. 22.

A press release states that children of all ages from the MLK Youth Community Choir will sing “songs of celebration.” The choir has been practicing since November for the performance.

Those interested in attending can also bring ready-to-eat items or microwaveable food items to support the work of Northern Virginia Food Rescue.

If you’re going:

• When: Jan. 18 starting at 11 a.m. (Doors open at 10 a.m.)
• Where: Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 18410 Chapel St. in Triangle
• Snow date: Jan. 25

The City of Manassas Park has two terms expiring. Manassas Park School Board term expires June 30, 2026.

? The City of Manassas Park has two terms expiring. Manassas Park School Board term expiring June 30, 2026. Interim appointment Manassas Park Governing Body due to Alanna Mensing winning seat as Mayor. Resumes accepted until 4pm on January 7, 2025. https://t.co/9Gfsk9Ubhz pic.twitter.com/jF9oDymMTL

— City of Manassas Park (@ManassasParkGov) December 12, 2024

Following Saturday’s 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, the winners were announced on Facebook Sunday evening in several categories.

The parade organizers released a comprehensive list of winners in performance and float categories. The Chairman’s Award was given to the Manassas Park High School Marching Cougars, who earned a perfect score for their performance during the parade. The Parade Committee Award went to Caporales San Simon VA USA, a Bolivian cultural association.

All of the award winners will be celebrated at a ceremony on Jan. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Manassas City Hall. Winners will receive a trophy and certificate.

Here are the rest of the awards:

Dance Company

1st: Stage Door Dance Studio

2nd: Manassas Ballet Theatre

3rd: Prince William Dance Academy

Cheerleading, Majorette, Step Teams

1st: Unity Reed High School AF JROTC

2nd: Grace E. Metz Middle School Cheer

3rd: Osbourn Park High School Cheer Program

Float – Other

1st: Mayfield Intermediate School

2nd: St. Thomas United Methodist Church

3rd: Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center

Float – Business

1st: K&M Roofing and Contracting LLC.

2nd: American Drengr Krav Maga

3rd: Ameri-Cans

Business Vehicles

1st: Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia – Arlington to Haymarket

2nd: Move4Free Realty LLC

3rd: Ashton Family Restaurant

Equestrian / Animals

1st: Union de asociaciones de charros del estado de Virginia

2nd: Peace of Mind K9

3rd: Dream in NOVA

Nonprofit Organization

1st: Historic Manassas, Inc.

2nd: Alpha-Bet Cooperative Preschool

3rd: Prince William Chamber of Commerce

Volunteer Prince William has opened up several new opportunities through the holiday season. Make sure to check out some below.

• Get into the holiday spirit by supporting the Town of Dumfries Holiday Parade on Dec. 14! Volunteers age 18+ are needed to help direct patrons, provide traffic control, act as route monitors and any other help needed to make this a fun and safe event for everyone. Volunteers should report beginning at 7 a.m., the parade steps off at 10 a.m. and will end around noon. It happens rain, snow or shine and you’ll feel loads of Christmas spirit as you get to enjoy the bands, floats, car clubs and performing groups who are participating!  Please contact Yvette at 571-363-5200 for more information.
• If you love helping others learn, we have a wonderful opportunity for you! The winter semester for BEACON for English Language and Literacy is currently underway, and they are still urgently recruiting for a few in-person and online evening Volunteer Teachers for this semester. They have one-day-a-week and two-day-a-week evening options available at various class levels. Evening classes meet from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Manassas, Manassas Park or on Zoom. No teaching or foreign language experience is required, and training is provided. Please sign up for a virtual information session or contact Seth Mazzaro at 571-428-2524.
• You can provide new, warm clothing for a vulnerable child! The fantastic staff at Boxes of Basics need sponsors who can make the holidays brighter for a local child by sponsoring a Box of Basics. It’s super easy: 1) Visit their Sign Up Genius page; 2) Select a size/gender Box of Basics and sign up; 3) Use their shopping list to buy items to help fill Boxes of Basics; 4) Drop off your unwrapped purchases at one of their convenient donation locations by Dec. 20. Please visit their website for a list of donation sites. Imagine how happy you’ll make a child and their family feel this Christmas when they receive new clothing they are proud to be seen in!
• If you enjoy decorating for the holidays, here’s a wonderful opportunity for you! CRi, Choice. Respect. independence needs volunteers aged 12+ to put up decorations around the exterior of their group homes. Decorations can be homemade or purchased, just please make sure they can withstand the weather for the duration of the holiday month. While third parties are not allowed inside the homes, decorations can be made and given to staff to hang indoors. Commercial holiday decorations are welcome such as string lights, Santa, ornaments and Christmas trees; string lights are a HUGE hit with residents in all the group homes!  This family friendly opportunity will be sure to put you in the holiday mood as you brighten up the lives of these clients who deal with developmental disabilities and/or mental health issues.
• The wonderful staff at House of Mercy need volunteer Elves to support their Christmas with Mercy program which started Dec. 3.  Preparation help is still needed from Monday to Thursday. Help is also needed Saturday and Sunday to assist clients with “shopping” for their families.  Volunteers age 16+ are welcome, volunteers age 12 to 15 are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian. All sorts of fun jobs are available, and you’ll get into the holiday spirit as you help provide vulnerable families with a wonderful Christmas! Please visit the SignUp Genius page for more information and to register.
• Although we’re in the holiday season, Martin Luther King Day isn’t too far off, and the MLK Youth Community Choir is seeking students in grades K-12 to join the choir and make a joyful noise! Participants will rehearse for a special performance at the Prince William Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta  40th Annual Dr. King Youth Oratorical Competition and Program being held on Jan. 18, 2025.  Rehearsals have begun, but more participants are welcome – no tryout is needed!
• The “Power of A Knock” can help a homebound senior get nutritious meals! Meals on Wheels urgently needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens on weekday mornings. Volunteers must pass a criminal and driving record background check. Routes take about 1.5 hours to complete, training is provided.  You’ll feel great when you find out how inspiring it is to serve this vulnerable population and make their day! Please visit their website for more information.
• Your office, group or club can provide holiday comfort during December! Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries’ hypothermia shelter located at 14716 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge has an ongoing need for groups to prepare and drop off meals for 30 adult residents through March 30, 2025.  Meals are needed each night and should be prepared off-site and dropped off at the shelter between 6:30 and 7 p.m. There are still several openings in December, and you’ll feel great providing a hot, nourishing meal for the homeless to enjoy!  Please visit their website to sign up and get more information.
• If you want to get firsthand experience working directly with the homeless, here’s a perfect opportunity! Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries needs volunteers age 25+ to assist staff at their hypothermia shelter, 14716 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge.  Two volunteers are needed each evening through March 31, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m.  Duties include assisting with preparing and serving dinner, passing out supplies as needed and light set-up and/or clean-up.  You’ll feel great knowing you are providing this vulnerable population with a way to get out of the cold for a hot meal and a warm place to sleep! Please visit their sign up page.

Manassas Park’s downtown revitalization project is gaining momentum with the planned opening of a new B&B Theatres location. The luxury eight-screen cinema, complete with a restaurant and entertainment amenities, will anchor the city’s redevelopment initiative and fill the void left by Cinema Café’s withdrawal in 2022.

Originally, Cinema Café, a Hampton Roads-based movie theater and dining chain, had announced plans to establish a combination movie house and restaurant in Manassas Park’s Park Central development. However, by September 2022, the company backed out of the deal, citing concerns over rising inflation. This decision temporarily left the city without a major tenant for its downtown revitalization efforts.

In the city’s downtown area, an All American Steakhouse and Sports Theater and a new Jirani Coffee are also slated to open.

B&B Theatres, the fifth-largest cinema chain in the United States, has stepped in to fill the gap. With more than 50 locations across 14 states, including Virginia, the company is known for its innovative facilities, such as dine-in auditoriums and premium large-format screens. Its nearest current location to Northern Virginia is the B&B Theatres Blacksburg 11, which also features bowling alleys and arcade amenities.

The new Manassas Park location represents a significant move closer to the Washington, D.C. metro area. As part of the development, B&B Theatres will contribute to the city’s vision of a vibrant downtown hub, offering entertainment options including a restaurant and community event spaces.

The city of Manassas Park is supporting the project with $1.6 million in funding for enhancements, including a large outdoor screen and plaza improvements. Officials have also approved a $10 sale of Parcel B-2 to B&B Theatres, on which the company will build.

The Park Central project in Manassas Park is a significant redevelopment initiative to create a pedestrian-friendly downtown area. Manassas Park, in partnership with Norton Scott LLC, a leading local developer, spearheads this transformation.

A key feature of Park Central is its integration with the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station. The development includes a new parking garage adjacent to the VRE commuter rail station, enhancing commuter accessibility and supporting the city’s transit-oriented development goals.

The city’s efforts to develop Park Central have been ongoing for several years. In April 2021, construction began on the Village at Manassas Park, a component of the downtown redevelopment.

The first phase, completed in July 2022, included the new City Hall and public library. The project continues progressing, with additional amenities and infrastructure being developed to realize the city’s vision for a dynamic downtown.

In front of Prince William Circuit Court Judge Kimberly A. Irving on December 4, 2024, prosecutors read the additional charges of First Degree Murder and Defiling a Dead Body to the defendant Naresh Bhatt.

He was indicted on First Degree Murder and Physically Defiling charges in the disappearance of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, 28, in August.

In a joint motion, prosecutors and Prince William County Senior Assistant Public Defender Shalev Ben-Avraham requested a continuance to stack the charges into a single trial. The defendant waived his constitutional right to a speedy trial to allow Ben-Avraham to mount a defense.

Ben-Avraham previously made motions to have the original charge go through court before any other charges could be added, a strategy that ultimately did not work out. Bhatt could be seen shaking his head as the new indictments were read.

The prosecution agreed to provide the defense with discovery by February 18, 2025.

Court TV requested permission to broadcast the trial. “Obviously, I have an issue with what they want,” Ben-Avraham told the Judge. The prosecution did not say they were for or against having the trial broadcast live to a national audience. Irving will hold a pre-trial conference in the future to hear arguments for or against allowing the media coverage.

Irving ruled the 16-day trial will start on September 8, 2025.