Prince William Times: As part of its sustainability strategy for 2030, IKEA’s Woodbridge store has unveiled new vegan and vegetarian menu items as well as new shopping options aimed at encouraging reuse and reducing waste.
The Sentara Century Building at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge is closed today due to a gas leak affecting all medical appointments at this location. There are plans to update the reopening status later this afternoon.
The Sentara Century Building houses several specialty medical offices, including the Sentara Advanced Imaging Center Century, Sentara Cancer Network Resource Center, Sentara Internal Medicine Physicians, Sentara Surgery Specialists, and the Sentara Therapy Center Century. These facilities provide a range of services, from advanced imaging and cancer resources to internal medicine, surgical specialties, and therapeutic treatments, catering to the diverse medical needs of the community.
Press release:
The Sentara Century Building, located on the campus of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center at 2280 Opitz Blvd. is closed today, due to a gas leak detected outside of the building. Washington Gas is currently onsite addressing the situation. There are no reported injuries to patients or medical personnel. However, all offices in the Sentara Century Building are closed for the day.
The closure affects patients who had scheduled appointments with the Sentara Imaging Center, Sentara Therapy Center, and Sentara Medical Group at the Century Building location. Patients will be contacted by staff to reschedule. People with appointments at the other medical practices located in the Century Building should expect to hear from their provider with information on rescheduling those appointments.
A notice on the status of the building’s operation for Tuesday, August 20, will be released later in the afternoon.
Visitors entering the main parking lot should proceed to the entrance near the Surgical Services Center to access the parking lot as the main entrance by Opitz Blvd. and Potomac Center Blvd., is closed for the day.
On Monday, August 12, 2024, fire and rescue crews from Prince William and Fairfax counties were dispatched to Mountcastle-Turch Funeral Home in Woodbridge’s 13400 block of Woodbridge Street. The call was received at 10:23 a.m. after reports of extra smoke coming from the funeral home’s chimney and garage.
Upon arrival, crews investigated the source of the smoke and found a malfunctioning crematorium. Initial information from the scene indicated that a body was being cremated at the facility. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
The units cleared the area at 10:40 a.m.
Mountcastle-Turch Funeral Home & Crematory provides funeral and cremation services to Woodbridge and Dale City residents.
Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye will hold a town hall meeting to discuss the proposed Hoadly Square development.
The meeting will address the request to rezone approximately 56 acres of land between Hoadly Road and Prince William Parkway near Woodbridge. The developer, JR Real Estate Group, submitted the rezoning request to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in January 2024.
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Press release:
On August 9-11 and August 16-18, the 1989 dark comedy Heathers comes to life onstage at Castaways Theatre with Heathers: The Musical, featuring a talent-stacked cast of performers from across the DMV.
Heathers centers on high school student, Veronica Sawyer, fighting to survive the senior year to end all senior years, contending with bully jocks, clueless teachers, backstabbing “friends” and, of course—murder.
Heathers presents a heightened reality where the social stakes of high school are literally life or death. The bright, cartoonish color palette is contrasted by the dark and oftentimes controversial subject matter, offering the audience moments of shock, heartbreak, and laughter—heavy on the laughter.
“My favorite thing is the amount of play I’m able to get away with,” says Maddie Siepe, who plays Heather Chandler, one of the show’s central villains. “The freedom to be unhinged and big in my choices is something that I’ve been starving for.”
While the original film was released in 1989, according to Castaways’ cast of young performers, the central themes of Heathers still ring true.
“I believe this show resonates with a lot of people in different ways because it’s such a universal experience,” says Sophia Sharaa, who plays protagonist Veronica Sawyer, portrayed in the film by Winona Ryder. “Who am I? What am I doing? Where am I going? Why am I here? Those words resonate to everyone.”
“Those who hurt others hurt only themselves in the end,” adds Jax Berg, who plays Veronica’s brooding love interest, Jason “JD” Dean, played in the film by Christian Slater.
Revisit this nostalgic favorite set to a rousing pop-rock score, and enjoy the characters and catchphrases of the classic film like never before.
Heathers runs August 9-11 and August 16-18 at the A.J. Ferlazzo Building, 15941 Donald Curtis Dr., Woodbridge, VA 22191.
Tickets run $18 – $20 and are available for purchase at the door, or at castawaystheatre.org under “Production & Auditions.”
About Castaways Theatre
Since 1981, we’ve been committed to the local community, award-winning performances, and having fun in the process by producing plays and musicals. www.castawaystheatre.org
“The fall 2024 opening date for the 95 Express Lanes Opitz Boulevard ramp was communicated to stakeholders in an update sent earlier this summer and reflects the contractor’s current schedule,” said Jacqueline Woodbridge, a spokeswoman for Transurban. She noted that the delay resulted from a shift in the contractor’s schedule, which can be affected by various factors, including weather conditions.
Potomac Local News has received emails from frustrated drivers who live near the work zone.
I reside nearby the project being built that will connect Opitz boulevard to the I-95 express lane boondoggle. I am not happy to learn that this ramp which was originally supposed to open in July is now supposed to open in November.
I am sick and tired of the disruption and the lack of transparency and the delays. My neighbors are as well.
Woodbridge acknowledged the frustration caused by construction-related congestion and delays but emphasized the new ramp’s benefits. “We are looking forward to providing faster, more reliable trips on the Express Lanes for southern Prince William County this November,” she said.
The Opitz Boulevard ramp is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the transportation infrastructure in the area. We’ve been reporting on a $53 million parking garage set to open near the new ramp behind Wegmans grocery store at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center. The garage opening is also delayed but is now slated to occur in October.
The 1,400-parking-space garage will become a transit hub for eastern Prince William County. OmniRide will shift its bus operations from its nearby headquarters on Telegraph Road to the garage, and riders will use the garage instead of the transit center’s headquarters building as a transfer point.
From the latest Transurban shareholder report:
North America Toll Revenue and Infrastructure Developments
In FY24, North America’s toll revenue showed significant growth, increasing by 8.7% to $252 million. Traffic across the region also rose by 5.5%, contributing to this revenue growth. The EBITDA margin for the North American market reached 66.9%.
Greater Washington Area Infrastructure Updates
Several key infrastructure projects were highlighted in the Greater Washington Area:
Fredericksburg Extension: The construction of the Fredericksburg Extension was completed, following the opening of the roadway in August 2023. Additional access points are set to open in December 2023. This project extended the two-lane reversible facility by approximately 16 kilometers, making the 95 Express Lanes the longest reversible road in the United States.
495 NEXT Project: Construction activity on the 495 NEXT project has intensified, with work on roadways, bridges, and walls now 50% complete. The project is scheduled for completion and opening in December 2025.
Opitz Boulevard Project: This project is expected to open in November 2024. It will provide Express Lanes access to residential and commercial areas, as well as to a major hospital and medical center.
Bi-Directional Travel on 95 Express Lanes: Discussions with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are ongoing regarding the addition of bi-directional travel on a segment of the 95 Express Lanes. Design planning for this initiative is currently underway.
Greater Montreal Area Highlights
Electric Vehicle Traffic: Electric vehicle traffic in the Greater Montreal Area increased from 11.7% to 15.6% of total traffic. The Quebec government has extended the free toll program for electric vehicles until April 2027.
Community Contributions
The company made its fifth annual contribution to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission’s Commuter Choice Program, bringing total investments in transit projects to nearly $80 million. These investments have supported the development of bus lines, park-and-ride lots, and commuter rail improvements throughout the 95 Express Lanes corridor.
Future Market Opportunities
Looking ahead, the company is assessing several market opportunities:
Bi-Directional Travel on 95 Express Lanes: Feasibility assessments are ongoing for adding bi-directional travel on a segment of the 95 Express Lanes. Currently, the lanes operate northbound in the morning and southbound in the evening on weekdays.
495 Express Lanes Southern Extension: VDOT is evaluating the 495 Express Lanes Southern Extension, with the environmental analysis expected to conclude by late 2024. A Federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) decision is anticipated by then, with potential inclusion in the region’s transportation plan by late 2025.
The Prince William Library Foundation mourns the loss of founding member and Board Secretary Joyce Eagles, who was instrumental in the organization’s activities and achievements since its inception in 1997.
From her obituary:
Joyce Eagles, 81, of Woodbridge, passed away on this July 24th, 2024.
Joyce was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Tirzah and Antranig Juskalian on April 12, 1943. She went to school in Belchertown, Massachusetts. She married Douglas Eagles on June 26, 1967 in Belchertown; they had 57 great years of marriage together. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a BA in Zoology. Joyce worked at the Belchertown State School helping mentally handicapped children for six years before moving on to other pursuits and to Iowa as Doug completed his PhD and post-doc work. There, their first son, Scott, was born in 1973.
Joyce and Doug moved to Manassas, Va. in 1974 and grew their family to another son, Ross, in 1978. Their family moved and ultimately settled in Woodbridge, Va. where they have lived for over forty years with travel to and from the area. Most of Joyce’s work has been as a volunteer, showing her passions for education, nature, history, conservation, and preservation.
Joyce Eagles served her community since 1990 on the Prince William Water Board of Directors. She was the first female board member and the longest serving board member with over 34 years of service. During that time, Joyce served as Chair for six years, Vice-Chair for eight years, and Secretary Treasurer for nine years. She was the Chair of the Audit Committee and participated in numerous community outreach events each year- including the ”Water Art Invitationals”. She provided valuable oversight and guidance- always caring about the customer, the community, and the employees she served.
Joyce supported Prince William Cooperative Extension’s and PW Housing Fairs’ community outreach- from teaching first home buyers financial planning to dressing as Glinda, the good witch, for “There’s no place like a home.” Joyce was a founding member of the Prince William Library Foundation in 1997 and served consecutively on the executive board of directors. Joyce loved our public library system and the many essential programs the Foundation was able to fund for our community..
Her advocacy was paramount from chairing the committee to analyze the expansion of development of the Manassas Battlefield to preserving the acres of the wetlands of the now Occoquan Bay Wildlife Refuge, Joyce has been recognized as a supporter of the environment.
With several other community members, Joyce organized meetings to establish the Greater Manassas branch of the American Association of University Women in 1975 as one of its charter members. A life member of AAUW, she joined the Woodbridge branch in 1982 and actively supported STEM endeavors for science fair judging and career roles for girls at regional conferences. For AAUW of Virginia, she served as Parliamentarian for the state board.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents Tirzah and Antranig Juskalian, her spouse’s parents Clyde and Helen Eagles, and her son, Scott Eagles.
She is survived by her husband Douglas, her son Ross, brothers Richard (Susan) and Andrew (Carolyn); nephews John, Russ (Clara) and Brett (Tara); nieces Kelly, Andrea and Tirzah; and great nieces Marlene, Vincent and Catalina – among the many immediate and extended family members.
Memorials may be given in her name to Virginia Hospital Center – https://vhchealthfoundation.org/; Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center – https://sentara.tfaforms.net/4709133 ; and The American Heart Association – https://www.heart.org/?form=FUNELYZXFBW The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses of the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington’s Intensive Care Unit and the emergency room doctors and nurses of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge.
Flowers may be sent to Mountcastle Turch Life Celebration Funeral Home, 4143 Dale Blvd, Dale City, VA 22193 in time with her August 9th Ceremony, from 2-4pm. Sympathy cards may be mailed directly to the family home.
Press release:
WoodbridgeNaz (a Church of the Nazarene) is pleased to announce the grand reopening of the Woodbridge Nazarene Food Pantry Aug.13 featuring two events.
At noon, community representatives and donors are invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour. Please RSVP at [email protected]
That evening, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., clients will receive free groceries. Thereafter, the pantry will be open the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. On-site registration is required and is provided during distribution hours. No income qualifications are required. The church is located at 14001 Smoketown Road, Woodbridge, Virginia, 22912. The food pantry pavilion is at the rear of the building.
“Re-opening our pantry has been journey built on patience, collaboration, and trusting God. This celebration is a blessing for us and the community we serve,” said the Rev. Pamm Fontana, Senior Pastor. “Isaiah 58:10 teaches us, ‘Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be bright as noon.’ We are grateful for the opportunity to use the resources God has entrusted to us to be a good neighbor to our community.”
The food pantry paused in November 2023 to allow for construction. Prior to the administrative pause, the pantry served more than 20,000 people in the past year. Community members can volunteer to prepare and serve groceries. Contact [email protected] for pantry orientation dates. Potential clients can register for pantry updates in English and Spanish by texting (833) 417-5568.
The pantry is a joint effort between WoodbridgeNaz and Iglesia del Nazareno de Woodbridge. Generous support from surrounding communities helped make it happen. The Human Services Alliance of Greater Prince William provided funding for installation of a walk-in cooler and pavilion. Sentara Cares donated to remodeling the kitchen. Capital Area Food Bank and Northern Virginia Food Rescue (and their partners) generously provide food.
WoodbridgeNaz has long partnered with other organizations to be a food distribution site for our zip code, 22192. This area, along with neighboring zip codes 22125, 22193, and 22191, currently have high food insecurity rates.
The church actively serves the community in a variety of ways. A free Clothing Closet is available by appointment. A Community Connection Closet connects new, donated household goods to local non-profits and case workers. Together, these charitable endeavors are called the Community Connection Ministries.
The WoodbridgeNaz Community Connection Ministries mission statement is “Demonstrating the love of God through compassionate commitment to the community one person at a time” which support’s the church’s overall mission statement of making Christ-like disciples in all nations who are real, relevant, and relational.
WoodbridgeNaz was established in Woodbridge, Virginia, in 1966. Members built the current campus on the then-rural Smoketown Road in 1974. For over 55 years WoodbridgeNaz has worshipped Jesus and ministered to the needy and homeless in Prince William County and DC, while supporting the Church of the Nazarene’s ministries in 165 world areas. Church of the Nazarene is a protestant denomination in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. There are over 30,000 Nazarene churches globally with 2.7 million members.
For more information on the pantry and church, call (703) 670-2252; email [email protected]; or visit https://www.woodbridgenaz.com.
A town hall meeting is scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, August 6, 2024, to discuss the proposed development of 300 new homes at Belmont Bay in Woodbridge. The conference, hosted by developer Miller & Smith, will occur at 7 p.m. at The Osprey Community Building, 401 Belmont Bay Drive, Woodbridge.
Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson and Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin will attend the event to inform residents about the development project and offer a platform for community feedback.
Dr. Jack Kooyoomjian, President of the Lake Ridge-Occoquan-Coles Civic Association (LOCCA), emphasized the importance of resident participation in this Open House to ensure the developers hear community concerns and suggestions.
Residents of Belmont Bay are encouraged to attend to learn more about the project and to have their questions addressed by representatives from Miller & Smith. The developers will present details about the new homes and gather input from the community regarding the proposal.
