Today, the Bull Run Rotary Club kicks off its 8th Annual Flags for Heroes ceremony, a moving tribute honoring veterans, active-duty service members, frontline workers, and local first responders. This event, hosted on the lawn of the Manassas Museum at 9101 Prince William Street, begins with an opening ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and will remain on display until November 16.

Throughout the morning, Bull Run Rotary members and volunteers have been busy setting up the flag display and transforming the museum lawn with hundreds of American flags, each dedicated to a hero. Over the past eight years, the Flags for Heroes initiative has raised more than $35,000 through flag sponsorships, with proceeds benefiting the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. This organization provides a peaceful sanctuary for wounded veterans, helping them reconnect with family and find respite.

For a $50 donation, community members can sponsor a flag in honor or memory of a loved one who has served. The public is encouraged to visit the display to reflect on the sacrifices made by these individuals, each flag symbolizing dedication and bravery.

The Flags for Heroes event is more than just a display—it’s an opportunity for the Manassas community to unite, celebrate its heroes, and support a cause dedicated to those who have given so much.

For more details, visit the event’s Facebook page.

With local Democratic victories and federal Republican victories, a large swath of elected officials and political groups took to X — formerly Twitter — to express gratitude, sadness and to celebrate.

Thank you, Virginia. It’s an honor to be your Senator. pic.twitter.com/iyVvFj5uVO

— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) November 6, 2024

Thank you, Virginia! pic.twitter.com/D4gVsG2zVM

— Eugene Vindman (@YVindman) November 6, 2024

Nationally, I'm at a lost for words, so I'm focusing on Virginia broadly and SD-30 specifically.
Locally, our Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park Democrats swept the seats they contested: 2 mayors, 6 city council seats (3 per city) and 3/4 of the Manassas School Board seats. ?

— Sen. Danica Roem (@pwcdanica) November 6, 2024

I am honored and humbled that the people of Virginia’s 10th District put their trust in me to take on the toughest fights and deliver results in Congress. This district is my home. I got married here, my wife Miranda and I are raising our daughters here, and the issues our… pic.twitter.com/rV1Kez0Evn

— Suhas Subramanyam (@SuhasforVA) November 6, 2024

CONGRATULATIONS @SuhasforVA!

I couldn’t be prouder to call Suhas my next Congressman, and to have him carry on my legacy fighting for the families of #VA10.

Suhas is going to be an outstanding leader who will bring our community together. pic.twitter.com/NBu4DdXw1R

— Jennifer Wexton (@JenniferWexton) November 6, 2024

Congratulations @SuhasforVA! Mid-and-Western Prince William County will be well-served.

Thank you again, @JenniferWexton for your years of service to our shared constituents. https://t.co/eP5qdJS1Sv

— Kenny A. Boddye (@KennyBoddye) November 6, 2024

The #Latino Vote….Historic Shift, 41%!!! Hard working folks who love America and know in their hearts, we deserve so much more.

Gracias mi gente hermosa! ???? pic.twitter.com/2Lr82m1fA3

— Yesli Vega (@yestoyesli) November 6, 2024

Congratulations to the Congressman-Elect for Virginia's 7th District: @YVindman!

Thank you to @SpanbergerForVA for helping to pave the way to keeping VA-7 blue through your tireless service to our shared constituents! https://t.co/eNQrfoBVNT

— Kenny A. Boddye (@KennyBoddye) November 6, 2024

The #Latino Vote….Historic Shift, 41%!!! Hard working folks who love America and know in their hearts, we deserve so much more.

Gracias mi gente hermosa! ???? pic.twitter.com/2Lr82m1fA3

— Yesli Vega (@yestoyesli) November 6, 2024

pic.twitter.com/KQWK5BVsTA

— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) November 6, 2024

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.

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%)

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will deploy federal monitors to observe elections in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park on Election Day. These monitors will focus on ensuring local compliance with federal voting laws, specifically related to accessibility for voters with disabilities and the availability of language assistance.

Susan Reed, the Voter Registrar for Manassas, confirmed the DOJ’s involvement, stating, “DOJ has contacted me and have agreed to allow DOJ to monitor the precincts. The DOJ monitored right after Manassas City was language required several years ago. The DOJ’s focus is ensuring localities are making progress with ADA and language requirements. I have had positive feedback and also helpful suggestions from them. The DOJ’s monitors are doing their job to ensure federal laws are being followed, and Manassas City wants to adhere to federal law.”

Eric Olsen, the Director of Elections and General Registrar for Prince William County, noted that DOJ monitoring is not new to the area. “The Dept. of Justice has had monitors in several counties around the state, including Prince William County, for several recent general elections. They are generally focused on compliance with federal laws such as ADA and language assistance, so this isn’t anything new,” Olsen explained. “Their feedback is generally helpful, and we want to make sure we are compliant with all federal laws. DOJ has had monitors at polling places for many elections I have been a part of in MD, DC, and VA over the last 14 years. They must comply with the same observation rules that partisan and international observers must adhere to.”

Monitoring Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park is part of a broader DOJ initiative to oversee compliance with federal voting rights laws in 86 jurisdictions nationwide on Election Day.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will coordinate the effort, deploying personnel from multiple divisions, including the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management. Throughout Election Day, DOJ representatives will contact state and local election officials to address potential issues.

The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces federal statutes designed to protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, and various Civil Rights Acts. The division’s Disability Rights Section ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), guaranteeing full and equal voting access for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the Criminal Section enforces statutes against voter intimidation and suppression based on race, color, national origin, or religion.

On Election Day, the public can report potential voting rights violations directly to DOJ personnel. Complaints can be filed through the department’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by calling 800-253-3931.

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.