City of Manassas Press Release: The City of Manassas honored eight volunteers for their extraordinary contributions to the community in 2023 during a volunteer reception and dinner on Tuesday, April 23.

Those honored are:

• Myra Brent, a member of the Architectural Review Board, for her recent efforts to save the Cottage House on Jefferson Street, which was an original building of the Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth. When she noticed that the current owner of the Cottage House was planning to demolish the structure to provide access to a new electric transmission line, she alerted City staff. Thanks to her efforts in recognizing the importance of this building, the owner will adjust the project and save the structure.
• Harriet Carter, a Beautification Committee member who has generously shared her knowledge of plants and advocated for the use of native plants in our green spaces. You can often find Harriet getting her hands dirty in gardens at Liberia, Annaburg, and the Master Gardeners Teaching Garden—which use native plants, of course—or helping to create holiday greenery baskets for Historic Downtown with her own donated greens.
• Mike Crump, a Visitor Center volunteer who takes the initiative, volunteers for special events, and contributes to the Historic Manassas, Inc. (HMI) newsletter. As a true ambassador for our City, he greets all our visitors warmly, tells them about our rich history, and promotes and recommends our local businesses and restaurants.
• Yvonne Greenberg, a Beautification Committee member who participated in 61 trash cleanups in the City last year. She not only takes to the streets for the sole purpose of collecting trash, but she makes the best use of her time and picks up trash while walking home from appointments. She also helps weed the garden at Annaburg Manor and Liberia House and lends a hand beautifying downtown businesses with plants and flowers.
• Robyn Johnson, who, as a member of the Advisory Board to Social Services, engaged local faith leaders, participated in shelter training, and supported Child Abuse Prevention Month and Christmas in July events. She supports Social Services in its goal of helping Manassas residents achieve safety, independence, and overall well-being by connecting with people from all walks of life and creating a positive and inclusive community atmosphere, whether as a Board member, church member, or Delta Sigma Theta sorority volunteer.
• For over 15 years, Pete Rockx has answered calls as an Emergency Medical Technician, served in various administrative roles, and has had a hand in managing almost every need the Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad has faced. He managed the renovation of Hutton Hall, and the transition of operations from Center Street–where the Squad had been since the 1960s–to the new Fire and Rescue Station on Dumfries Road. He is not only ready to fill in for others, but he is ready with a wrench to fix leaking water fountains, and a shovel to landscape the grounds.
• Ross Snare, IV, Chair of the Airport Commission, Manassas Business Council, Treasurer of HMI, and ex officio member of the Economic Development Authority, helps organize and align the resources of outside employers and non-profits. His engagement with some of the City’s most critical and active economic development-related committees brings resources and work plans into better alignment.
• Sheila Sunday, a Manassas Museum volunteer, is the face of the City for visitors from all over the world, guiding visitors to Museum resources and also destinations throughout the City. Her enthusiasm for greeting and orienting visitors to the Museum’s new spaces, and her willingness to help with additional projects or tasks makes her a role model for other volunteers.

The annual Volunteer Reception honors volunteers who support the City in a variety of roles. About 200 volunteers attended, representing various boards, commissions and committees, those assisting with the Police and Fire and Rescue Departments, and those working on Beautification, Parks, Culture and Recreation initiatives.

Prince William Police Department incident report: On April 21 at 10:10 p.m., crash investigators responded to the Red Roof Inn located at 10610 Automotive Drive in Manassas to investigate a hit-and-run crash.

The investigation revealed the victim, a 51-year-old man, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a physical altercation in the parking lot of the motel.

The encounter escalated when the accused intentionally drove towards the victim and struck him with the vehicle before fleeing the area. The victim was treated at an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Michael Lee BEACH, was arrested. Arrested on April 22: Michael Lee BEACH, 53, of no fixed address. Charged with aggravated malicious wounding, felony hit & run, and assault & battery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.

The commercial space at 610 Caroline Street is starting to show life, beginning with a new neon “Bistro,” sign in the front window. In early May, the new tenant “Always Flavored,” will complete their move from the current location on Princess Anne Street, giving the Fredericksburg dining crowd another option but this time adding beer and wine.

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On Friday, May 10, Dumfries will celebrate the 275th anniversary of the original charter for Dumfries. 

The festivities will begin May 10 with a sold-out black-tie dinner at the National Museum for the Marine Corps. The dinner will have keynote speeches by local dignitaries, historical presentations on Dumfries’ intriguing history as a port town, and a commemorative program. The keynote speaker has yet to be announced.  

A family-friendly festival on May 11 and 12 at Garrison Park, behind the town hall, will include free historical tours,  re-enactors, and music, food, and vendors.  The  festival is free to attend.

Dumfries has previously held annual celebrations of Charter Day. The town’s original charter date is May 11, 1749. Much of the town’s colonial history has been lost over the years. The town was once a major east coast seaport and the early center of Prince William County’s’ government, economy, and social activities.

This year’s theme, “Rediscover Dumfries: Our Past, Present, and Future,” aims to highlight Dumfries’s journey through a curated selection of individuals, landmarks, and stories representing the town’s spirit and resilience. According to the council, the gala and celebration activities will honor Dumfries’ rich history and will also assist in the ongoing economic revitalization efforts.

The town’s website shows the 2024 Budget includes a budget of $197,5000 for Special Events for the newly created Office of Civic Engagement. The event will be primarily funded through a combination of taxpayer funds and private sponsorship, which Mayor Derrick Wood believes with emphasize the town council’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and community partnerships. 

The town manager Tangela Innis, in her letter published in the 2024 budget, notes the Civic Engagement office “will begin to fulfill the need for public services throughout more community events, free vaccination clinics, a new Farmer’s Market…and partnerships with [Prince William Parks & Recreations] to provide for after school activities.” She notes the 275th anniversary celebration is a one-time funding plan.

The 2024 budget also reports Dumfries’ population has a median income of $71,784 with 14.1% of persons in poverty. In her letter, Innis stated the desire to “Create an inclusive and financially sustainable environment where residents of all ages and backgrounds have access to quality housing, essential services, employment, and recreational opportunities”.

The council notes they have taken several steps to ensure taxpayer dollars are utilized efficiently for the celebrations, including using existing resources to minimize rental costs; encouraging volunteers to boost community spirit while lowering labor costs; and using transparent competitive bidding for services.

Tickets to the May 10 gala are $100 As of April 25, the event website states they are sold out. 

Sarah Romero contributed to this article.

Kelly Sienkowski is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.

The checkerboard tower next to the train station in downtown Fredericksburg is getting a makeover that will say less “Purina,” and more “upgrade,” as officials go with a blue checkerboard pattern and “Welcome to Fredericksburg.”

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Prince William Parks and Recreation sponsors today’s weather forecast.

Summer Job Alert: Parks and Recreation Hiring Seasonal Workers Now! Want to earn some extra cash this summer and enjoy your job at the same time? PWC Parks and Recreation is now hiring for seasonal jobs.. Camp Counselors, Lifeguards, Cooks and more…

As we head into the weekend, we can expect a mix of weather patterns, with a gradual transition from cooler temperatures to a significant warm-up.

Starting today, a surface high-pressure system will shift southward along the eastern Appalachians, bringing cooler temperatures and increased cloud cover. While morning cloudiness is expected, especially west of U.S. 15, the afternoon promises more sunshine, with temperatures reaching the low to mid-60s. Tonight, temperatures will not drop as low as previous nights, settling in the low to mid-40s.

Moving into Saturday, a weak mid-level disturbance combined with a warm front lifting through the area will result in scattered showers, particularly west of U.S. 15. Cloudy conditions are expected, with temperatures slightly cooler in the upper 50s to low 60s. Saturday night will be milder, with lows in the 50s.

Sunday marks a significant change as deep ridging dominates much of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, ushering in dry, partly cloudy, and notably warmer conditions. Highs are expected to soar into the low to mid-80s, approximately 20-25 degrees higher than Saturday. While there’s a chance for isolated showers or thunderstorms west of the Blue Ridge in the afternoon, any convective activity will be short-lived due to dry low-levels and deep mixing. Sunday night will remain mild, with temperatures ranging from the upper 50s to low 60s.

Looking ahead to the start of the new week, Monday promises sunny skies and even warmer temperatures, with highs reaching around 90 degrees.

Merianne Jensen, the newly appointed Vice Chair of the Prince William County Republican Committee, discussed her journey into politics and outlined her plans to invigorate the local Republican Party and secure victories in upcoming elections.

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Once on the edge of selling to a private owner, a beloved community pool has a new board of directors working to rejuvenate the facility and keep the neighborhood pool tradition alive. 

Ferry Farm Community Pool, in Stafford County near Fredericksburg, is hosting a fundraiser at Stafford’s Highmark Brewery on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The family-friendly event includes live music, a bounce house, face painting for children, and a cornhole tournament with a cash prize. The pool is a non-profit community pool located near Ferry Farm. Memberships are available to the public.

Several guest bartenders will be taking shifts during the event. Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky, Treasurer Mike Sienkowski, and George Washington District Supervisor Deputy Deuntay Diggs will join Jeremy Grey, host of the morning show on WBQB-FM, and others in pouring beers.  Several businesses have donated to themed raffle baskets, which will accompany a silent auction and 50/50 raffle.

Justin Barcas, vice president of the swimming pool board of directors explained, “The pool is a piece of Americana. It represents community.” In an email, Barcas states he grew up spending summers at the pool and wants future generations, including his children, to have access to the same experiences.

In 1956, the Ferry Farms Civic Association committee surveyed teenagers to determine the area’s recreation needs, and a pool was the number one request. Committee co-chair Ralph Nieman invested personal funds to build the pool. In 1957, the pool cost $20,900 to build.

Barcas wrote, “The pool soon became home to the Ferry Farm Flying Fish…one of the first teams in the Rappahannock Swim League.  Of historical note, Jeff Rouse, Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder in the 100m backstroke [and for whom the Jeff Rouse Swim & Sport Center in Embrey Mill is named], began his swimming career at age five. “

The swimming pool’s new board of directors took charge in Fall 2023. The previous board faced repair estimates of $60,000 and proposed selling Ferry Farm pool to Little Fish, a swim lessons company. Brittany Reddan, event coordinator, said several pool members stepped up to create a new board to explore alternative ideas and solutions to fundraise and finance the needed repairs, including Reddan herself.

The Highmark fundraiser will be the second pool fundraising event hosted by the new board. Patrick Gerrard, board president, wrote “The community support for both the yard sale and Highmark Brewery fundraiser have seen phenomenal community support. The yard sale had about 10 families either show up to sell or donate their goods to the pool. The Highmark Brewery fundraiser has seen more community engagement than we could have asked for.” In his email, he said they have also been exploring other avenues, including working with Stafford County’s Economic Development Authority and exploring grants.

Reddan said she was “blown away by the outpouring of support for our small community pool.” In her email, she said so many people in the area have shared their experiences spending summers at the pool, doing swim team, and lifeguarding. Many now bring their own children. Reddan said the pool “has clearly made a positive impact for so many people in south Stafford.”

Co-secretary Bridget Baxter emphasized the fundraiser’s goal is to raise funding to replaster the pool and avoid passing the financial burden to members. In her email, Baxter added the board’s mission is to keep the pool community-owned and focused on being a safe place for families. Donations are also being accepted online.

The fundraiser is from 1 to  6 p.m. at 390 Kings Highway.

Kelly Sienkowski is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.