[Photo: Courtesy of Prince William Public Libraries]With the month of October upon us, there will be plenty of Halloween-themed events to go to this month. Here’s a comprehensive list of various events across Prince William County and the City of Manassas to celebrate the spooky season!
Aspiring teen writers are challenged by the Haymarket Gainesville Library to write the scariest story in just two sentences. Submissions are due by Oct. 25, and make sure to collect a bag of treats when you turn in your story!
Email a photo of your pet in their Halloween costume to [email protected] until Oct. 20. Votes can be cast from Oct. 21 to Oct. 26 at Manassas City Library or on social media, and the winner will be announced on Oct. 31.
The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) has announced a sustained increase in ridership through August 2024, reflecting a growing reliance on public transit amid various operational challenges, including service reductions and fare adjustments.
In August 2024, PRTC experienced an average daily ridership of 2,753 passengers, a 22% increase compared to last year. This rise comes despite significant service cuts implemented at the end of July and a $2 fare increase at the start of the month. Even a tropical storm at the beginning of August failed to significantly deter passengers, underscoring the essential role of PRTC in the daily lives of many in the region, said OmniRide CEO Dr. Robert A. “Bob” Schneider.
Throughout the summer months of June, July, and August, PRTC has seen a 15% year-over-year increase in ridership. Specifically, in June, the ridership figures stood at 161,071 total passengers, up from 146,952 in June of the previous year. This growth was supported by a consistent service performance across various routes, with notable increases reported particularly on the busiest lines, said Schneider.
The ‘Express’ services, which connect commuters from outlying areas to major employment centers, accounted for a substantial portion of the ridership, with 76,733 passengers in June 2024 alone, up from 65,933 in June 2023. Schnieder adds that this service segment is committed to facilitating efficient and reliable connections for daily commuters.
The ‘Local’ routes, catering to more localized travel, especially in eastern Prince William County, maintained robust figures with 59,201 riders in June 2024, only slightly up from 58,628 in the previous year.
Greetings, Prince William: Happening in 3 weeks – Volunteer Prince William’s Fall Reverse Raffle & Dinner in support of Untrim-A-Tree, October 19, 6:30 p.m. at Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas 20112! Doors open at 6pm, the raffle begins at 7pm. Tickets are $100, and include dinner for 2, two drink tickets per ticket and the opportunity to win prizes leading up to the Grand Prize of $10,000! It’ll be a fun evening of good food, networking, and a chance to win the Grand Prize, all to support a cause which will guarantee vulnerable children in our community have a Merry Christmas on December 25! Tickets can be purchased on our website, www.volunteerprincewilliam.org.
Support our veterans by giving the gift of a lift! Our VETS program has an ongoing need for volunteers age 21+ to provide transportation to local veterans and their spouse on weekdays to medical appointments, shopping, etc. If you’re a veteran looking to connect with fellow vets or looking to fill up your day, this is a meaningful experience. Schedules are flexible, and you’ll feel great as you provide a ride, a friendly face and help this population meet their needs! Please visit https://bit.ly/4eWwrdB for details, email [email protected] for more information. . This opportunity is made possible by a grant from Potomac Health Foundation.
You can help senior citizens facing food insecurity! ACTS needs dedicated volunteers to deliver boxes of food to homebound seniors and people with disabilities in eastern Prince William County Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.. Volunteers need a valid driver’s license and can use any size vehicle, though a van may be provided if necessary. Boxes can weigh up to 40 pounds. Volunteers typically call or text recipients to notify them that their delivery is on the way. You’ll feel great as you ensure that those who are unable to leave their homes receive the food they need! Note: Client Intake Volunteers are also needed! Duties include assisting clients with booking appointments, registering new clients, and ensuring every client receives the support they need. Familiarity with client intake software and fluency in Spanish is helpful, but not necessary! For more information, please email [email protected].
BEACON for English Language and Literacy is recruiting volunteers to teach adult ESOL students! They have an Urgent Need for In-Person Evening Volunteers for the current Fall semester, along with their upcoming Winter session which begins on December 2 (online and morning teaching options are available for the Winter semester). Morning classes meet on Monday and Wednesday 9:30am-11:30am and evening classes meet on Tuesday and Thursday 7pm-9pm. No teaching or language experience is required, and training is provided. To learn more, please sign up for a virtual information session at Info session sign-up or contact Seth at 571.428.2524.
The hard-working staff at Boxes of Basics reports they have an URGENT need for short-sleeved shirts for both Boys and Girls since they’re currently providing clothing for over 100 children weekly! Boys’ sizes range from 5 through 16, for Girls’ sizes from size 6 through 16. You can do one of three things to help: 1) Donate gently used, clean clothing; 2) Shop at home on their Amazon wish list: https://a.co/ig2zwK3; or 3) Pick up some shirts on your next shopping trip! You’ll feel great as you help vulnerable kids have fresh, clean clothing they can wear to school, playtime, etc.!
Brain Injury Services (BIS) has an ongoing need for volunteers to be PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) for survivors of brain injury. This is a one-to-one friendship program for brain injury survivors; the program connects BIS clients with volunteers who can help them socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. Once a month outings for coffee, walks, chess, lunch, etc. can help a client get their life back on track following such a traumatic occurrence! Please visit www.braininjurysvcs.org/volunteer/ for more information.
Do you enjoy supporting live concerts? Clearbrook Center of the Arts located in Lake Ridge needs volunteer Event Stagehands age 18+ to contribute to the smooth running of their events. Jobs include guiding show bands to their designated staging areas, assisting bands with load-in/breakdown and helping with stage setup/breakdown. You get to enjoy some great live music and get Free admission to a future Clearbrook concert of your choice! To view the concert schedule, please visit www.clearbrookcenterofthearts.org, visit their SignUp Genius page at https://signup.com/go/gjAhPZb to volunteer.
Education Majors and Retired Teachers! The Literacy Engagement Action Project (LEAP) at George Mason University is seeking volunteers age 18+ to provide literacy tutoring for students in grades K-5 at Boys & Girls Club in Dumfries and the Community Center in Georgetown South in Manassas. This is a paid internship running through the school year on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Training and materials are provided. Interns must successfully complete a background check. You’ll get excited as you help a child open new worlds through literacy and reading! Please visit https://leap.cehd.gmu.edu/ to learn how you can get involved.
It’s that time again – Historic Manassas, Inc. needs volunteers to support the upcoming Fall Jubilee October 5, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. in Old Town Manassas! Volunteers of any age are welcome, volunteers under age 16 must volunteer with an adult over 18. Duties include setup, keeping trash picked up, helping to monitor Kids Areas and the Stage Area. You’ll have a fun time enjoying all the sights, food, and music of this event while you help to promote the advantages of visiting Old Town! Please visit https://bit.ly/3Sp91TJ to sign up.
“Farm livin’ is the life for me…” Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting Farm Field Days October 9 and 10, 8am-1pm at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas 20112. Volunteers are needed to support this event which educates 4th graders about agriculture and farm life. Duties include helping set up, check in volunteers, monitor various agricultural stations, set up/monitor the concession stand and guide student groups from one station to the next. No farm experience is needed! Lunch will be provided to volunteers once the event ends. This should be lots of fun as you help educate students about farm living! Please visit https://bit.ly/3smBobx to register. Questions? Please call 571.379.7514 to learn more.
If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.
On September 26, officers investigated an abduction in Gainesville involving a 22-year-old woman who was forced into a vehicle by a friend and then inappropriately touched. The suspect was arrested and charged with abduction, sexual assault, and assault and battery.
Press Release from Prince William Police:
Abduction | Sexual Assault – On September 26 at 10:30PM, officers responded to investigate an abduction that was reported to have occurred in the 12100 block of Sierra Sunset Ln. in Gainesville (20155) at approximately 11:00PM on September 25. The investigation revealed the victim, a 22-year-old woman, was approached by an acquaintance, identified as the accused. When the victim refused to go with the accused, he grabbed her arm and forced her into his vehicle. The accused then drove to a parking lot on Gateway Promenade Pl. where he inappropriately touched the victim. The victim reported minor injuries at the time of the incident. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Marlon Danilo Neftaly MO-CHOC, was arrested.
Arrested on September 27:
Marlon Danilo Neftaly MO-CHOC, 20, of 9739 Beech Pl. in Manassas
Charged with abduction, sexual assault, and assault & battery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond
Meanwhile, Prince William County detectives completed an investigation into a sexual assault near the Manassas area involving an underage victim. The accused was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault.
Press Release from Prince William Police:
Edwards, J. E.
Sexual Assault Investigation – On September 20, detectives concluded an investigation into a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred [near] the Manassas (20109) area of Prince William County between January 2023 and February 2024. The investigation revealed the victim, who was under the age of 10 at the time of the incident, was inappropriately touched by the accused, who was known to the victim. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as James Eugene EDWARDS, was arrested.
Arrested on September 20:
James Eugene EDWARDS, 58, of 20425 Doncaster Ter. in Sterling
CFH is hosting its 7th Annual 5K Run-Walk and 2nd Annual Cornhole Toss Tournament at Occoquan Regional Park on October 6, with a virtual 5K option available from October 6 to October 20. Participants are invited to bring non-perishable food items for CFH’s food pantry.
Press Release:
CFH, a 45-year-old Northern Virginia housing nonprofit, has announced that its 7th Annual CFH 5K Run-Walk for Affordable Housing and 2nd Annual Cornhole Toss Tournament will take place at Occoquan Regional Park at 9:30 am on October 6. The virtual 5k race will take place from October 6 – October 20, with registrants choosing their own course and time to participate. Interested participants can find more information and register online at cfhva.org. As part of this annual fundraiser, CFH is also asking race participants to bring non-perishable food items for its food pantry.
This annual fundraising event is held in honor of the late Father Gerard Creedon, a Northern Virginia Catholic priest who inspired a group of his parishioners to establish CFH in 1979 and guided the group to seek out ways to assist the community until his passing in 2017. In addition to its rescue and ongoing management of the East End Mobile Home Park in Manassas, Va., CFH conducts a variety of programs related to affordable rental housing, first-time homeownership and senior emergency assistance, and also runs a food pantry from East End.
Based in Manassas, Va., CFH helps individuals and families along a path of self- sufficiency, providing assistance to individuals and families all along the continuum of housing needs. The CFH board of directors represents a diverse group of individuals who provide expertise in business, development, architecture, financial services and real estate.
Manassas is gearing up for an engaging Mayoral Forum on October 1, 2024. The event, featuring incumbent Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger (D) and challenger Xiao-Yin Tang Byrom (R), will be held at the Manassas Museum, located at 9101 Prince William Street. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the program will commence promptly at 6:30 p.m.
Organized to give residents a direct channel to hear from the candidates about their visions and policies, the forum promises a thorough discourse on local issues. It will be moderated by trusted local entities, including InsideNova and the Prince William Times, and Potomac Local News.
Registration is mandatory for those planning to attend in person. Details are available on the event’s website. The venue will also provide light refreshments.
Understanding the importance of reaching a broader audience, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce will extend its service to the community by streaming the debate live on its official Facebook page. This service primarily targets those who cannot attend the forum in person. Interested viewers can access the live stream at facebook.com/pwchamber.
The Prince William Chamber notes that while it aims to provide uninterrupted streaming, it reserves the right to end the broadcast at any time and is not responsible for any potential streaming interruptions. This measure ensures that the event remains exclusive to registered and present attendees should there be any unforeseen issues with the online broadcast, the chamber states.
The Prince William Chamber provided the candidates with the questions in advance.
Early voting for the mayoral election, three open seats on the city council, and two on the school board is underway at the city’s voter registration office. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
In a ceremony filled with camaraderie and nostalgia, former Mayor Hal Parrish was celebrated at the City Council chambers with the unveiling of his portrait. This event gathered community members and local dignitaries to honor his decades of service. The picture, a creation by Mary Reilly of Creative Brush Studios, captures Parrish’s dedication and service to the city he loves.
Reflecting on his extensive service, Hal Parrish shared, “I’ve had the privilege of serving in this very room, and while much has changed, my commitment to Manassas has only grown. It’s about service—to our country, our community, and the wonderful people who make up this city.”
Parrish’s tenure as mayor saw significant developments, including the revitalization of Old Town and the construction of the Hylton Performing Arts Center, which has become a cultural beacon in the region. “The transformation of Old Town into a bustling district for dining and shopping and the establishment of the Hylton Performing Arts Center are among the accomplishments I cherish most,” said Parrish. “These projects weren’t just about building structures, but fostering community and culture.”
During the ceremony, Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R), a former Manassas City Councilman who served with Parrish, presented a proclamation from the Virginia General Assembly commending Parrish for his “integrity and commitment to civic leadership.” In a touching moment, Parrish was also presented with a Virginia flag that had flown over the Capitol, symbolizing the widespread appreciation for his public service efforts.
The portrait reveal was a moment of pride for Parrish and the community. “Seeing the portrait for the first time, I was reminded of every wrinkle, every laugh, every challenge we’ve faced together. Mary captured not just my likeness but the essence of what we’ve accomplished together in Manassas,” Parrish commented.
As family, friends, and colleagues gathered for photographs, the warmth and affection for the former mayor were palpable. The evening concluded with Parrish inviting the Monassas Cattlemen’s Association, a group he humorously noted would have their fun with his ‘angelic face’ comment, to join him for a memorable photo.
Hal Parrish’s portrait will hang in the City Council chambers, serving as a lasting tribute to a leader who shaped the city with vision and relentless dedication. As Parrish himself put it, “This portrait is not just of me, but of all of us who believe in the power of community service.”
Birmingham Green has been recognized as one of "America's Best Nursing Homes" by Newsweek Magazine, ranking #1 in Northern Virginia for facilities with over 150 beds and #2 statewide. The rankings, compiled by Newsweek and Statista, evaluate nursing homes based on quality metrics, online surveys, accreditation data, and Google reviews, emphasizing medical performance indicators. CEO Denise Chadwick Wright and Administrator Aaron Rebuck attribute this achievement to their team's dedication to providing comprehensive and personalized care, enhancing residents' physical, emotional, and social well-being. Birmingham Green, serving Northern Virginians for over 90 years, continues its mission through a public-private partnership, offering essential long-term care services.
Manassas voters did not face long lines to vote on the first day of voting, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo by Alan Gloss]The first four days of early voting statistics for 2024 in Prince William County, Stafford County, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg show varying trends compared to the 2020 figures.
So far this year, Stafford County reported the highest number of early ballots cast among the listed jurisdictions, with 4,682 votes, showing a significant increase from 2,779 in 2020.
Manassas saw a decrease in early voting numbers, with 2,652 ballots cast in 2024 compared to 3,051 in 2020. Prince William County also experienced a notable drop, with 1,022 early votes in 2024, down from 3,096 in the previous election cycle.
In Fredericksburg and Manassas Park, where no early voting data is available from 2020, 688 and 966 ballots were cast in 2024, so far.
Prince William County Voter Registrar Eric Olsen shared his expectations for the turnout on the first day of early voting, Friday, September 202, 2024, emphasizing the expanded capacity at the polling location. “I would say at least 1,000, probably as many as a couple thousand [voters today],” Olsen said. “We’ve expanded our capacity inside, so we have more check-in stations. We can get through a couple thousand people today if we need to.” Ultimately, when polls closed at 4:30, a little over 1200 voters cast their ballots in Prince William County.
While Olsen noted the potential for a solid early turnout, he said early voting activity often happens closer to Election Day. “We saw 80% of our voting happen in the last three weeks [of early voting in previous years],” he explained. “We contracted the early voting period [in the first few weeks], but expanded the number of locations, weekends, and extended hours during the last three weeks because that’s when people most commonly vote.”
Olsen encouraged residents to use official sources of information to plan their voting, stating, “Go to pwcvotes.org to get all the hours, locations, and dates. You can apply for a mail ballot online if you’d rather not wait in line.” As of the opening hours on the first day, Olsen estimated that about 30 to 40 voters had already lined up. “So far this morning, maybe a 10 or 15-minute wait at the start, which isn’t too bad.”
Prince William County Supervisor for the Coles District Yesli Vega, made a point to be at the polls today because “Voting is the most important thing we can do as citizens. I encourage every eligible voter to get out and vote as early as they can.” Vega was the only County elected official observed at the poll site although Chair Deshundra Jefferson did put out a social media post inviting citizens to vote.
First-Day Voter Experiences
Susan Dunn, a voter from Bristow, was among those who cast her vote early. She said the process was smooth, but practical considerations influenced her decision to vote early. “Once you vote, they take you off the [mail] register. So all those mailers you get will save [campaigns] money, and that way they can focus on other people,” Dunn explained.
When asked about concerns over voter fraud, Dunn acknowledged the lingering doubt some voters feel. “I always wonder whether my vote counts after the last election fiasco, but I’ll do what I have to do to get it in,” she said. “I would hate to hear my voice if I got there to vote and they said, ‘Sorry, our records show you voted already,’ that would not be the end of it.”
For those still considering when to vote, Dunn encouraged early participation. “I’d suggest they come out early, get their vote in, make it count. Do it sooner rather than later,” she said.
Manassas Candidates Share Their Views
As early voting got underway, several local candidates also shared their perspectives on the key issues facing voters in the region. Tom Osina, a Manassas City Council candidate running for re-election, highlighted the economic growth efforts in the city. “For us, it’s things like we brought commercial air service, we have done several land purchases that are going to bring continued prosperity here,” Osina said. He pointed to projects such as the redevelopment of the Mathis Avenue Shopping Center and the construction of new facilities like the Marstellar community center and a new firehouse. “The vision for the future is not only continuing that work here, but actually trying to now use those pieces as catalysts to do better services for the public.”
Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, also running for re-election, stressed the importance of voter participation. “It is so important to exercise that right, no matter what,” Davis-Younger said. “I often say it doesn’t matter [your] party because we all want what’s best for this country and locally here, so just exercise the right because it is your voice.”
On the issues facing Manassas City, Davis-Younger identified the city’s rapid development as a central concern. “The growth, how we’re handling the growth of the city, making sure that the infrastructure is here and that we’re able to handle the new developments that we’re doing,” she said, adding that maintaining coordination between the City Council and the School Board is essential to the city’s progress.
Lynn Forkell Green, another candidate for Manassas City Council, expressed concerns over education, infrastructure, and public safety. “Our infrastructure needs to be addressed in a proactive nature,” Green said. “We have a lot of growth happening right now. We have data centers that have already been approved and we’re going to need to really assess our needs, our grid capacity, and what we’re going to have to do so that we’re not being reactive down the road.” Green also called for reforms in the city’s schools, criticizing their current performance and pushing for new leadership on the school board. “No matter how much money we’re throwing at the schools, they’re just not performing. We have to address that.”
On public safety, Green noted a rise in crime, pointing to recent incidents in the city. “We need to do a lot of evaluation,” she said, suggesting that more police officers may be necessary. “I think the answer is probably yes.”
Voting Logistics and Information
Prince William County
Residents can vote at 9250 Lee Ave, Suite 1, Manassas. Voting hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Weekend voting will begin on October 13.
Manassas
Early voting occurs at 9025 Center Street, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office will be closed on Monday, October 14, in observance of Columbus Day.
Additional in-person early voting dates have been scheduled for Sunday, October 13, from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, October 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – the final day for early in-person voting.
Stafford County
Early voting will occur at the Registrar’s Office at 124 Old Potomac Church Road, Suite 205, Stafford. Voters are reminded that early voting is not being held at the Government Center this year. The early voting period runs until Friday, November 1, with hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Saturday voting will also be available on October 26 and November 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voters should note the office will be closed on October 14, and November 2 is the county’s final day for early voting.
Fredericksburg
Residents can vote early at the Office of Voter Registration and Elections at 601 Caroline Street, Suite 500. Early voting starts on Friday, September 20, with regular hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Extended hours will be available on Thursday, October 24, and Wednesday, October 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday voting is available on October 26 and November 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Manassas Park
Residents can vote early in person through Saturday, November 2, 2024. To cast their absentee ballot, voters can visit the General Registrar’s office at City Hall. No prior application is needed to vote absentee in person.
City Hall will be open for early voting Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition, drop boxes will be available for voters to submit their mailed absentee ballots, including on Election Day, November 5, 2024.
City Hall will offer two Saturday voting days for those who prefer to vote on weekends. The first will be on October 26, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a final Saturday voting opportunity on November 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This will be the last chance to vote early in person before Election Day.
Residents can apply for absentee voting through the Virginia Department of Elections at vote.elections.virginia.gov/voterinformation.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, and polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger is seeking another term and poses for a photo with supporters. [Photo by Alan Gloss]Manassas Republicans were out, showing excitement. This is the second year Republicans have pushed their voters to get to the polls early. [Photo by Alan Gloss]Prince William County Coles District Supervisor takes questions from constituents. Vega was the only elected official from Prince William County we observed at the polls today. [Photo by Alan Gloss]
Abduction | Sexual Assault – On September 26 at 10:30PM, officers responded to investigate an abduction that was reported to have occurred in the 12100 block of Sierra Sunset Ln. in Gainesville (20155) at approximately 11:00PM on September 25. The investigation revealed the victim, a 22-year-old woman, was approached by an acquaintance, identified as the accused. When the victim refused to go with the accused, he grabbed her arm and forced her into his vehicle. The accused then drove to a parking lot on Gateway Promenade Pl. where he inappropriately touched the victim. The victim reported minor injuries at the time of the incident. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Marlon Danilo Neftaly MO-CHOC, was arrested.
