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NOVEC’s Chris Fasenmyer, Zach Bell, Kyle Sarvis, Aaron Church and Robbie Studds left Northern Virginia Sept. 27 to help other electric coops with power restoration after Hurricane Helene. [Photo courtesy of Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative]
In light of Hurricane Helene’s damage in southern Virginia and North Carolina, Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) sent crews to restore power.

The category 4 hurricane hit the southeastern region of the United States in late September and was the deadliest to strike the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Parts of North Carolina had access cut off due to flash floods and landslides.

These two teams — one made of five men and the other of four — helped local cooperatives restore power to the more than 1.4 million coop households in these impacted areas.

The team of five (pictured above) was first sent on Sept. 27 to southwestern Virginia, then, on Oct. 3, the crew was deployed to Lenoir, N.C. to assist Blue Ridge Energy. The four-man crew began in New Castle, Va., on Oct. 1, before being sent to assist Blue Ridge Energy to join the other crew on Oct. 2.

Blue Ridge Energy, according to a NOVEC press release, had 6,800 miles of its 8,500 miles of lines damaged in Hurricane Helene.

“We do know there are parts of our system that will take weeks to repair or rebuild. In many cases, there is no road — not even dirt — where there once was one and our poles are down mountainsides or in the river in some cases,” Renee Walker, director of public relations at Blue Ridge, said.

The cost of Hurricane Helene’s damage is in the billions, according to several reports and analyses. The death toll is above 200 people as well.

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Prince William County’s Fire Department is hosting an all-county safety expo. [Photo by Craig Adderley via Pexels]
Prince William County Fire and Rescue Services is hosting an All-County Public Safety Expo on Saturday at Pfitzner Stadium (7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge) from noon to 5 p.m.

There will be several different special guests, performances, challenges and local agencies present at the expo. Read more below for the event schedule.

Schedule

  • Noon to 12:10 p.m.: Opening ceremony (Ball Field 2)
  • 12:10 to 12:35 p.m.: Prince William County Pipes & Drums
  • 1 to 1:30 p.m.: Woodbridge High School Marching Band
  • 1:30 to 2 p.m.: Make the Right Call Presentation
  • 2 to 2:30 p.m.: Manassas Park High School Drum Line
  • 2:30 to 3 p.m.: Egg Drop Challenge (Demo Alley)
  • 3 to 3:30 p.m.: Vehicle Extrication
  • 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: School of Rock Haymarket House Band (Courtyard)

Exhibitors

FIRE & RESCUE

  • PWC Fire & Rescue System
    • Fire Marshal’s Office
    • HAZMAT
    • Life & Fire Safety Programs
    • Office of Emergency Management
    • Department of Fire & Rescue CPAT/Human Resources Office
  • City of Manassas Fire & Rescue Department
  • Manassas Park Fire & Rescue Department

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • Prince William County Police Department
  • Prince William County Sheriff’s Office
  • Manassas Park Police Department
  • Town of Haymarket Police Department
  • Town of Occoquan Police Department
  • Quantico Police Department
  • Dumfries Police Department
  • Virginia State Police

LOCAL & REGIONAL AGENCIES

  • AirCare 1 (PHI Air Medical Manassas)
  • Department of Forestry
  • Virginia Forestry
  • Civil Air Patrol
  • Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital
  • Prince William District Scouts
  • Prince William County Community Foundation
  • NOVA Food Rescue
  • PWC Animal Services
  • Saving Prince William’s Littles
  • Area Agency on Aging
  • PWC Public Safety Communications 911
  • Office of Executive Management
  • Human Rights Commission
  • Community Services Wellness & Prevention
  • Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court Seals on Wheels
  • PWC Building Development Building Code Enforcement
  • Prince William Public Libraries’ Mobile Library Unit
  • Office of Housing and Community Development
  • Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry
  • Volunteer Prince William
  • Public Works/Solid Waste Management
  • Office of Procurement Services
  • PWC Department of Facilities & Fleet Management

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • PWCFRS Honor Guard
  • Prince William County Pipes & Drums
  • Antique Fire & Rescue Apparatus
  • MedStar Health – Bleeding Control VR Experience
  • PSCC 911 – Make the Right Call Presentation
  • Firefighter/EMS Gear Dress Up Station
  • Face Painting
  • Egg Drop Challenge

SPECIAL GUESTS

  • Sparky the Fire Dog
  • McGruff the Crime Dog
  • Smokey the Bear

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

  • Woodbridge High School Marching Band
  • Manassas Park High School Drum Line
  • School of Rock Haymarket House Band

FOOD TRUCKS

  • Two Smooth Dudes
  • Virginia Grill
  • Sweet Frog
  • Bella’s Cafe

AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!

 

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Dill Dinker’s Pickleball, co-founded by Denise Richards and her husband Will, emerged from an unexpected but fortuitous shift in their lives. Like many others during the pandemic, the couple searched for ways to stay active and connected while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

After nearly two decades in outside sales, Denise discovered pickleball and quickly fell in love with the game. This passion ultimately laid the foundation for a thriving business that would soon expand nationwide.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

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As Manassas prepares for Election Day on November 5, 2024, Mayor Michelle Davis Younger’s actions during her time in office have shown a concerning pattern: a tendency to make politics personal, holding grudges against those who disagree with her, and even daring to ask challenging questions.

Mayor Davis Younger has consistently demonstrated that she only values positive press and wants to control the narrative about her time in office. Her use of the phrase “Our Manassas” over the past four years implies a sense of unity, but it’s a unity that seems conditional—only extending to those who fully support her vision and leadership. Anyone who questions her motives or approach, whether political opponents or local journalists, finds themselves on the receiving end of her ire.

A striking example of this came during a voter forum organized by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce on October 1, 2024. Davis Younger expressed frustration that it wasn’t a debate where she could directly challenge her opponent, Xiao Yin “Tang” Byrom. But beyond that, she made her distaste for Potomac Local’s presence known, stating, “They invited a journalist that has never said anything nice about me.” This comment is baffling, given that we have written several positive articles about her, covering her community initiatives like “Walks with the Mayor” and “Friday Lunch with the Mayor.”

However, it seems the mayor’s definition of “nice” only applies to outlets that avoid asking critical questions. Despite our efforts to provide balanced coverage, including following up with direct questions and covering her public meetings, Davis Younger has refused to grant us an interview since announcing her candidacy for mayor in 2019.

It was only under pressure, during this election season, that she finally provided an exclusive statement—but only after being confronted by a freelance reporter at an early voting polling station. Her disdain for open dialogue and transparency with the press speaks volumes about how she views the role of media in politics.

Even more troubling, Mayor Davis Younger has played the victim card, lamenting to a majority Black congregation at First Baptist Church of Manassas that she has faced “hate” as the first Black woman to serve as Manassas mayor. While there is no denying the unfortunate reality of discrimination, the mayor’s reluctance to elaborate on these claims or provide specific examples raises questions about whether she is using identity as a shield from legitimate criticism.

This pattern of personalizing politics extends beyond the press. Stories have emerged from citizens like Simone Reddington, host of the “Until They Kick Us Out” podcast, who recounted how Davis Younger refused to speak with her after a “Lunch with the Mayor” event because she knew Reddington supported her opponent. Such behavior is not only unprofessional but undemocratic. A mayor should be willing to engage with all constituents, regardless of their political affiliations.

As voters in Manassas head to the polls, they should ask themselves: Do we want a mayor who makes politics personal and retaliates against those who question her, or do we want a leader who can handle dissent with grace and foster an open, inclusive environment for all? The future of “Our Manassas” depends on that answer.

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Early voting is open in Virginia! Starting on Sept. 20, Virginians can begin voting in the Nov. 5 general election and local election. Potomac Local News is dedicated to informing the community about candidates vying for one of three open seats on the Manassas City Council and the mayor’s seat.

To help voters make an informed decision, we are continuing a new feature series, “One-Question Manassas City Council Candidate Survey.” This series will run throughout the campaign season, offering insights into each candidate’s stand on key issues affecting our city. Our seventh one, which ran on Sept. 24, focused on power outages and the electrical grid.

The candidates are given 10 days to respond to a Google Form, and their answers will be compiled into a single post on PotomacLocalNews.com. This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come Election Day.

Today’s topic: Schools.

The candidates were asked: Public school performance is a critical issue for many families in Manassas. With the School Board controlling school management but the City Council being a chief funding source, how do you plan to address the challenges our public schools face, such as lagging Standards of Learning (SOL) scores, provisional accreditation for Osbourn High and Metz Middle and the need for equal resources across all schools? Specifically, would you support setting benchmarks when the school board comes asking for funding during the upcoming budget cycle? Additionally, how do you propose to ensure transparency in the use of public funds, and how would you approach the ongoing discussions about funding and constructing new school facilities to accommodate growing student populations?

Mayoral candidates

Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom (R)

Improving our schools is near and dear to my heart and will be a key priority if I am

Byrom

honored to be your next mayor. Our schools are underperforming, and this creates a ripple effect that impacts everything — public safety, economic development, property values and overall quality of life.

Osbourn and Metz have now failed to gain accreditation for the third year in a row. If our water supply were contaminated, we’d all act quickly to fix it. Our schools need the same urgency — they’re at a critical point, and it’s time to stop placing blame and start working together to find solutions.

Every day, voters tell me we need to fix our schools. I won’t rest until this decline is reversed. Despite having one of the highest tax rates in Northern Virginia, we’re not seeing results. During the 2022-2023 school year, we invested between $15,000 and $16,000 per student. We need to make sure this money is being spent effectively, ensuring students have the necessary tools and resources to succeed.

As your next mayor, I will unite students, parents, teachers, the School Board, Council and the community to address these challenges and aim for excellence. We need to identify the resources our students need to reach their full potential. No more excuses. Let’s focus on discipline, respect and responsibility, and give our kids the opportunity to achieve their dreams. It’s time for us to come together and take action.

Byrom, the owner of Tang’s Bridal and Alterations in the Canterbury Village shopping center at 8675 Sudley Road, opened her Manassas store as an alteration shop in 1999. She eventually expanded her business to include bridal and formal wear. Her business employs 17 people.

Michelle Davis-Younger (D-Incumbent)

NO RESPONSE

Davis Younger

Davis-Younger is seeking a second term as mayor, after being elected in 2020. She owns and operates a Human Resources Consulting firm located in Historic Downtown Manassas called The1ForHR, LLC, which focuses on career coaching and resume writing.

City Council candidates

Lynn Forkell Greene (R)

Manassas City stands at a pivotal moment in our journey. Our community is calling for our public

Forkell Greene

schools to fulfill their mission of providing a quality education for every student. With lagging SOL scores and provisional accreditation for Osbourn High and Metz Middle, we must embrace a proactive and collaborative approach to set us on a path to success because right now, we are falling short.

The city’s current plan to replace aging schools every ten years was an important first step, but true transformation requires a stronger partnership between the City Council and the School Board. In our compact 10-square-mile city, sharing resources, such as land and building, is essential. Together, we can tackle challenges and create a sustainable vision for our current students and future generations.

Effective communication is key. We need a comprehensive strategy that addresses our current student population while anticipating future growth. Although projections suggest enrollment won’t exceed our existing capacity, we must remain innovative to ensure every school is equipped for excellence.

The lessons learned from the new Jennie Dean project highlight the importance of collaboration. We cannot afford to repeat past missteps; both the City Council and School Board must engage actively in long-term strategic planning. Embracing the spirit of #OneManassas means working together as a unified community.

While I do not support tying funding directly to performance benchmarks, I believe in establishing measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) to track educational outcomes. These KPIs serve as tools for accountability and transparency, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement without directly affecting funding decisions. Just as city departments are held accountable for measurable results, our schools can benefit from this culture of growth and evaluation. Public officials have a crucial responsibility to meet community expectations by providing the high-quality services residents deserve and pay for.

Investing in our educators and their resources is essential. We can achieve better results by combining accountability with robust support for our schools. Cutting support for struggling schools is not the solution; instead, we must empower them to ensure every child receives the quality education they deserve. Additionally, we must be open to evolving our strategies, recognizing when something isn’t working and embracing innovative approaches. This commitment to adaptation will help us create a stronger educational system for everyone.

By fostering collaboration, prioritizing equitable resources, and ensuring accountability, we can significantly enhance the educational experience for every student in Manassas. Education is the cornerstone of our community and deserves our unwavering investment and attention.

We are fortunate to have dedicated teachers, exceptional students and supportive families. Let’s acknowledge our challenges while celebrating our successes. Together, we can build a future where every student has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Let’s unite in this vision and illuminate the path to success for all.

Lynn Forkell Greene is seeking to regain a seat on City Council, where she served for 14 months, from fall 2021 to December 2022. Forkell Green served the remainder of Davis-Younger’s term, a seat vacated when Davis-Younger was elected mayor.

She is an administrative director for a nonprofit. Forkell Greene and her husband share four adult children and three grandchildren. Before announcing her reelection bid, Forkell Green was a freelance reporter covering city issues for Potomac Local News.

Ashley Hutson (D)

Through my work at the Heavy Construction Contractors Association, particularly

Hutson

through our “Women in Construction” group, I have had the pleasure of participating in several career fairs and ‘women in the trades’ events at Osbourn High School. I have spoken to engaging and ready-to-work students at these events, and I am constantly impressed by the efforts of the Career and Technical Education department at MCPS.

Recognizing that SOL scores and accreditation are at top of mind for many MCPS families, I have spoken to School Board members to hear their perspective on the work being done to address these concerns. I learned about the “by name, by need” initiative in which teachers are actively assessing every student’s progress in key areas, like literacy and math, every day. Through their active assessments, teachers can consider the individual needs of each student and help them learn on a forward-moving path. This level of dedication to individual needs is only possible in a school system the size of MCPS.

Regarding funding, I want to ensure teachers and school staff are being paid competitive wages and our schools have the resources needed for every student to thrive. As more and more residents come forward with concerns about school quality and resources, I think increased school funding in the next budget cycle is highly likely, but there must be a clear and wise plan for spending. I expect budgets from both City Council and the School Board to address the concerns and needs of the community — if a particular service is commonly requested, then the City Council and School Board should strive to fund a solution in their respective arenas. In efforts to maximize transparency, there will be continued opportunities for public comment, and I plan to make myself accessible for conversation once elected to Council.

The city’s Comprehensive Plan sets a goal of providing state-of-the-art education facilities promote high quality learning. As such, Jennie Dean, a facility where the infrastructure and style is far outdated, is set to be replaced by a modernized school that will serve the community long into the future. Four years ago, our City Council and School Board worked together to set an increasing amount of funds aside each year to prepare for future school renovations and re-builds. When I am on Council, I will support the continuation of forward-thinking budgeting and smart spending to enhance Manassas City Public Schools.

Hutson is seeking her first term on City Council. She is the director of Member Engagement of the Heavy Construction Contractors Association in Manassas. Hutson has served on the Manassas Board of Building Code Appeals, Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board and Community Advisory Committee. She graduated from Osbourn Park High School and Christopher Newport University.

Stephen Kent (R)

The situation with low academic performance from Manassas City Public Schools is a

Kent

crisis for this city. Poorly rated schools are one of the first things a prospective homebuyer will see when they research and consider moving to Manassas. As a commuter town with an amazing VRE commuter rail system for Washington, D.C. area professionals, we should be a top destination for families taking jobs in this area and looking for a place to settle outside the city. But we aren’t, and education quality is why. Underperforming schools are deterring would-be taxpayers who could come here and add to the local economy, and it’s driving away longtime residents who can see there are better rated schools just twenty minutes west in the county. Poor school ratings are greatly suppressing home values and local investments. If I haven’t been clear enough, this is an emergency for Manassas. First, it is absolutely the case that our educators and teachers are working overtime against a rising tide of stressors on their job, and I commend any teacher for their work in our schools. Second, city officials are not doing everything that can be done to set up teachers and students for success.

My primary concern with this as a candidate for Council is that our current leadership rejects responsibility for public education outcomes when it is convenient for them. If you point out the failing schools in Manassas, they point the finger at School Board. If you point out that almost 50 cents of every dollar Manassas spends is on public education and ask why our investment is not producing an above 60% pass rates in writing, they point to the School Board and say this is none of Council’s business. It is very much Council’s business. You can see that in how current council members seeking reelection change their tune very quickly if anything is working well in the schools, such as the CTE program within Osbourn High School.

The root issues are not a mystery. InsideNova reported accurately in 2023 that Manassas has the highest percentage of English language learners in the state of Virginia. This is a challenge, and those kids need our help. The pass rates for that cohort is 41% in reading, 38% in math and 28% in science.

We have a School Board that sets voluntarily low standards in the classroom such as 50% grade floor. Kids can’t make a 0 on their work. The low standards on behavior and academics diminish the authority teachers in the classroom, both to set expectations on assignments and also to enforce codes of conduct. City Council has a role to play in communicating these views to School Board and using whatever influence available to compel them to do the right thing for the city.

City Council, instead of having a worthwhile debate with the School Board about academic standards in the schools they help fund, chooses to fight with them over land and the use of buildings such as the old Jennie Dean Elementary School. Manassas City Public Schools owns that property and should make a determination about the future of that asset themselves.

I do not support benchmarks for the School Board’s funding requests. That’s an inappropriate carrot-stick approach to funding public education. You can always look for areas of wasteful spending and suggest changes be made. After all, the School Board did sign a four year contract with Evolv for a weapons detection system in Osbourn that costs $104,000 annually, and the company is now under federal investigation by the SEC and FTC for fraud and misleading buyers about the tech’s capabilities. But you don’t do funding cuts to attack low academic performance.

I like the idea of having new educational facilities for our steadily growing net population. I’m enthusiastic about the idea of using the now city owned land at Marsteller on Sudley for a trade school focused on providing high school students in Manassas a whole facility dedicated to skills training in high-demand trade jobs. We could also work with the School Board to use the Jennie Dean property for such a facility and vastly expand the CTE program for Osbourn to include more trades such as cooking and hospitality.

Manassas has a growing need for this, not a community center on Sudley. We also have to consider the need for an alternative school in Manassas to provide a different track for kids who decline to stay at school during the day. Truant teenagers skipping class are everywhere in Manassas, and our police department needs help in order to manage that problem. That will require investments in a facility those kids can go to until parents pick them up, and staff to manage it. This will free up teachers and students in Metz and Osborn who want to focus on education, to do so.

We have a lot of work to do, and that starts with Council being honest about the existence of the problem. Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger was asked in the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce debate last week for the grade she would give the school system based on performance. She declined and said it couldn’t possibly be graded and that “children want to hear about how good they’re doing.” Well, we are not children, we are adults, and our role is to be truthful and put together a plan for progress based on the best data. I will be part of that change if elected to Manassas City Council.

Kent is seeking his first term on City Council. He is an author and public relations professional. He and his wife, Melony “Mel” Kent, share a child. Mel Kent ran for the city School Board in 2022.

Tom Osina (D-Incumbent)

Should Benchmarks Be Set? I am on the record as not supporting benchmarks for

Osina

the Manassas City Public School Board because such an effort is not enforceable and it circumvents power rightly left to YOU, the voter!

For example, if City Council told the School Board that the graduation rate had to be 100% by the following year and it was not achieved, what happens then? The only power City Council has is to cut funding. How would that make schools better? The one thing it would do is put us out of compliance with the statutes of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Fundamentally, benchmarks skirt the power of voters to pick who they want leading the School Board every two years. Shouldn’t you and I be the ones deciding what we want in our schools when we vote? Beware of those who want such benchmarks as they threaten the choices we make in local elections. I have great faith in the decisions voters make. I will not be a party to any attempt to dilute the results of local elections.

Plans to Address Public School Challenges: If we are serious about improving education for our students, I believe a paradigm shift has to be made in our thinking. What if class size, especially for fundamental subjects, was reduced so that teachers could have more time to interact with learners? This would result in more individual attention and personal learning leading to better test scores and greater educational attainment. These are the very things that critics are saying are missing in Manassas City Public Schools. Just from my own personal experience as a teacher, I found working with smaller groups of students actually accelerates instruction especially with socioeconomically disadvantaged and culturally diverse kids. This would also benefit first generation learners who we have in our schools.

How to Ensure Transparency in Government? At the first meeting at which I was installed as a member of City Council, my proposal to have all Council agendas made public one week before a meeting was adopted — prior to my term, the practice was to issue it 2 work days before a meeting. This was then expanded to include any reports, documents, power points or videos that would be used at the actual meeting. That way, residents could see what would be discussed at a Council meeting at the same time as me. I pushed to have all City Council meetings and work sessions broadcast on a reliable network as well as recorded. I was successful and even Council’s annual retreats are recorded. Residents can watch our discussions in real time or later. This is a key and fundamental way that residents have transparency is our discussions, our funding decisions and our votes.

Approach to Future School Construction: I was part of the Democratic majority of City Council which developed a plan four years ago to have both the city and the schools set aside the same amount of money each year for the purposes of school repair and/or construction. Each budget cycle, both entities add an additional amount which is designed to pay for not only a replacement Dean Elementary School in this decade, but to be able to address future school construction needs in subsequent decades. As long as future City Councils and School Boards set aside money for this purpose, our residents and businesses will be saved any spikes in taxes for school construction.

Manassas is not perfect, but it has always been my goal to make it better. My motto is “Every day is a chance to make our city better.” I ask for your vote to another term on Manassas City Council. Thank you.

Osina is seeking his second term on City Council. He and his husband have lived in the Georgetown South community for more than 20 years. He is the father of two grown children.

Robyn Williams (R)

In 2016, when I first ran for the School Board, both of my children were about to enter

Williams

Metz Middle School, which was not accredited at the time. Many families, including my neighbors, faced difficult decisions: should they keep their children in MCPS, move out of the city or invest in private schooling or homeschooling? For me, it was essential that my sons attend their local schools because schools are the heart of any strong community. That’s why I chose to run for the school board — to work towards making our schools better for everyone.

After I was elected, I’m proud to say that all of our schools achieved full accreditation! Unfortunately, Metz and Osbourn High School are no longer fully accredited. Metz faces academic challenges in subjects like math and science, while Osbourn struggles with both academics and chronic absenteeism. If elected to the City Council, I intend to improve coordination between the School Board and City Council to address these needs. It’s crucial that discussions about funding also include large capital improvement projects as student populations grow and instructional needs evolve. My experience as part of a compensation task force, which involved collaboration between selected School Board and City Council members, demonstrated that this type of partnership can be highly effective. School funding needs to focus on flexible, needs-based support. Setting benchmarks for school funding is counterproductive.

I also plan to increase transparency by involving all stakeholders in discussions about City Council’s school funding decisions. Open forums for feedback will ensure that community concerns are addressed and that resources are allocated to where they are most needed. By working together and maintaining open communication, we can strengthen our schools and provide every student in Manassas with the quality education they deserve. The future of our community depends on it.

Williams is seeking her first term on City Council. She has served two terms on the Manassas City School Board. Williams holds a bachelor’s of science in economics from George Mason University. She found her background in finance and economics valuable on the MCPS School Board, in addition to her more than 10 years as a broker/owner of Redstone Realty, specializing in residential real estate.

Williams’ public service in Manassas began with the Beautification Committee, where she served as a member and eventually chairperson. She also volunteered as a teacher assistant at Haydon Elementary for several years and taught modules in schools through the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation Department.

Mark Wolfe (D-Incumbent)

NO RESPONSE

Wolfe

Wolfe is seeking a fourth term on City Council. He has lived in the City of Manassas since 1990. Wolfe has executive leadership experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors and is currently the chief operating officer of MovieComm. Amy, his wife of 36 years, is the artistic director and CEO of Manassas Ballet Theatre. They have two children, both of whom graduated from Osbourn High School.

We hope this series engaged the community and fostered a more informed electorate. Thanks for tuning in!

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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 7 p.m. to deliberate and vote on a proposed residential development in the Coles Magisterial District. The project, known as Bradley South, seeks to rezone approximately 10.15 acres of land from A-1 (Agricultural) to PMR (Planned Mixed Residential) to allow for the construction of 102 townhomes.

The site is on the east side of Dumfries Road (Route 234), about 115 feet northeast of the intersection with Godwin Drive, near Manassas, near a newly-opened interchange with Prince William Parkway.

The rezoning application proposes a shift in land use for the property, which is currently designated as A-1, Agricultural, in the Comprehensive Plan. If approved, the property would be transformed into a residential neighborhood consistent with the RN-3 (Residential Neighborhood) designation in the county’s plan, which calls for mixed residential development.

The Prince William County Planning Commission previously reviewed the project and recommended approving the rezoning request on July 17, 2024. The Board of County Supervisors will now determine the project’s fate after hearing from interested citizens during the public hearing portion of Tuesday’s meeting.

Stanley Martin Homes, LLC, is the applicant behind the proposal, with plans to build single-family attached townhomes on the property. The development plan also includes various modifications and waivers for building configurations, landscape buffers, and transportation improvements to integrate with the surrounding area.

Residents and stakeholders have had the opportunity to review the plans over the past few months, with county staff ultimately recommending approval based on the project’s alignment with public necessity, general welfare, and zoning principles.

The meeting will occur at 1 County Complex in Woodbridge. Here’s the agenda, and information to view it online.

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Aiden Brennan and Erin Rigby in the ARTFactory’s production of ‘Into the Woods.’ [Photo courtesy of the ARTFactory]
“Into the Woods,” the Tony Award-winning musical by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim, will be getting its own production at the ARTfactory starting Oct. 11.

One of Sondheim’s most popular musicals details the tale of the Baker and his wife, who in their quest to have a child, make a bargain with a vengeful witch. The couple finds themselves on a journey through the woods encountering familiar fairytale characters.

Performances will be held in the Wind River Theater at the ARTfactory from Oct. 11 to Oct. 20.

If you’re going:

  • Tickets can be purchased on the ARTfactory’s website
  • All performances will be held in the Wind River Theater
  • Schedule of shows:
    • Oct. 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7 p.m.
    • Oct. 13 and Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.

Directed by David Johnson. The cast includes Aiden Brennan, Erin Rigby, Chloe Steverso, Logan Bintz, Glenna Moore, JJ Calavas, Kaitlyn Byrdy, Petra McMahan, Ellie Bowling, Vaughn Schweitzer, Maya Vilchik, Isabella Lacson, Amelia Robertson, Alexis Cottrell, Casey Williams, Anthony Palladino, Deen Lateef, Ysabella Nicastro, Parker Bowling, Sara Lepore, Kaylee Tilch, Juliet Durham, Betsy Woodward, Grace Mulligan and Keaton Brennan.

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[Photo courtesy of Prince William County]
October is bound to be a spooky and busy month around Prince William County with several events and activities scheduled. If you’re looking for Halloween-related events, visit our story from Wednesday that details all of the spooky events.

Take a look at some highlighted events.

Saturday (Oct. 5)

Oct. 8

Oct. 9

Oct. 10

Oct. 11

Oct. 12

Oct. 14

Oct. 15

Oct. 17

Oct. 19

Oct. 22

Oct. 23

Oct. 24

Oct. 26

Oct. 28

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Mark your calendars for the 41st Annual Fall Jubilee in Historic Downtown Manassas on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event promises a day of fun for all ages.

With over 100 craft and community booths, live music, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy games, shop for unique handmade items, and explore the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Manassas. Don’t miss this beloved community tradition, offering a perfect way to celebrate the fall season.

For more information, visit Historic Manassas online.

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