Changing Directions : Local Theater Director Deb Hansen Encourages Everyone to Play their Part 

Theater teacher Deb Hansen accompanies her students to a New York show.
Hansen decided to direct the musical “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play,” but not in the traditional manner. Rather than having the cast of 19 adults and four children just stand at microphones, Hansen plans to have them move about the intimate space.
LIFESTYLES
Katherine Gotthardt

Bristow Author Katherine Gotthardt Releases 13th Book 'The World Has Changed from When I Last Was Here'

  Louisa County, Va: Author and poet Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt has released her 13th book, The World Has Changed from When I Last was Here (ATW Publishing), a collection of award-winning and …

Bristow Author Publishes Third Book in Nightmarish Series 

Highway to Hell Local author publishes third book in nightmarish series  BY KATHERINE MERCURIO GOTTHARDT    When it comes to the place of eternal suffering, John …
COMMUNITY

Patriot High School PTSA Holiday Market

Patriot High School PTSA Holiday Market 100+ vendors, plus Foodtrucks   10504 Kettle Run Road Nokesville, Va. 20181   …

Fauquier Health Names DAISY Award Honoree

Rebecca Segal, FACHE, CEO; Valarie Washington, MHA, BSN-RN, Director of Cardiovascular Services; Kari Schwind, RN, BSN, Danielle Quesenberry, BSN, RNC-OB; and Toni Maxwell, APRN, FNP-BC, CNO with the banner that is signed by DAISY honorees and displayed in their unit.

 Kari Schwind, RN, BSN was named Fauquier Health’s DAISY Award Honoree for the third quarter of 2024. The award celebrates and recognizes nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families, and co-workers.

Nokesville Girl Stars in Independent Monster Movie 'Bloodspawn'

L-R "Bloodspawn" director David Rotan, actress Evanna Parker, actor Raw Lieba and director Derrek Campbell on location for the film in 2021.

If you catch theatric premiere of the new indie film “Bloodspawn” at the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, this weekend, you may think the young girl resembles someone from your …

LOCAL NEWS
ACCIDENT/POLICE REPORT
Prince William Police vehicle

Police Investigate Hit & Run of Cyclist in Manassas

The investigation revealed the bike rider was riding within the roadway northbound on Sudley Road when struck by an unknown vehicle.

Crash Closes Ball Ford Road Overpass

The Balls Ford Road overpass in Manassas is shut down in both directions Tuesday in response to an accident   …

Police Search for Missing Endangered Woman Last Seen in Haymarket on Oct. 23

The Prince William County Police Department is asking for the public's help locating Lareina Naomi Colon Rodriguez whose vehicle was left unoccupied in Gainesville on Oct. 28
"The family dog has been rescued," said Prince William Assistant Fire Chief Matt Smolsky.
 Prince William Fire & Rescue units were dispatched to the 13700 block of Chardonnay Place, in the Linton Crest area of Bristow for several reports of a house fire, Oct. 11 at 1:55 p.m.
The explosion appears to be caused by a leaking gas line.
A Manassas man was charged with a double homicide of tenants, following an act of violence against two different individuals, both relatives, living in the home.  
LIFESTYLES!

The Making of a Rock Star

"The Making of a Rock Star" was originally published in the Sept. 2024 issue of Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle

Menacker, 16, of Bristow, recounts the journey that led her to attend Grammy Camp in July.

Adelle Settle is Settling School Meal Debt

If your child’s lunch card has ever gone in the red and they were still able to buy a hot lunch, you can thank Adelle Settle, a Gainesville mom, attorney and activist. Settle is helping K-12 students across the nation eat a hot school meal without being singled out.

Back to School = Back to Basics  

Models are children of Boxes of Basics supporters.

Haymarket mom Sarah Tyndall’s act of kindness in 2017– helping a woman who needed clothes for her kids – changed the trajectory of her life as well.

COMMUNITY

Silver Eagle Stable Hosts Bristoe Station Community Horseback Riding Event

Bristoe Station residents waves at his children as he rides past on a horse at Silver Eagle Stable of Nokesville.

Silver Eagle Stable hosts a community event for residents of Bristoe Station in the City of Manassas.

Patriot High School PTSA Holiday Market

Patriot High School PTSA Holiday Market 100+ vendors, plus Foodtrucks   10504 Kettle Run Road Nokesville, Va. 20181   …

Patriot Culinary Students Win 5 Top-Tier Awards in Epcot Cooking Competition

Patriot Culinary students are excited to have won five awards at the Epcot

They say too many cooks can spoil the soup; however, in the case of Patriot High School’s Culinary Program, 31 students from three local high schools: Patriot, Brentsville and Battlefield, …

EDUCATION/BUSINESS
Megan Barefoot, Director of The Learning Experience in Bristow, is a welcoming face at the school along with TLE's playful characters, like Bubbles the Elephant.

The Learning Experience Opens Early Childhood Academy in Bristow

When The Learning Experience: Academy of Early Education offered Megan Barefoot the position of site director at their new Bristow center, she jumped at the opportunity. Barefoot is an early …

Significant News

UPDATE: Police Arrest Manassas Man Suspected of Kidnapping Local Teenager

A teenager was abducted in the City of Manassas Friday morning, but was able to escape the suspect's vehicle.
Mamta Kafle Bhatt.

Naresh Bhatt denied bond due to 'overwhelming,' 'horrific' testimony

Naresh Bhatt was denied bond Friday in Prince William County Circuit Court after prosecutors revealed incriminating new evidence and an updated timeline in the disappearance of Mamta Kafle Bhatt.

Police Arrest Suspect in Cold Case of Missing Nokesville Man Shane Ryan Donahue

Prince William County Police have charged the man who left Shane Ryan Donahue's parents' home with him before the family reported their son missing.
VIRGINIA STATE NEWS

Virginia Department of Education Issues Draft Guidance for Cell Phone-Free Education

The draft guidance defines cell phone-free education in Virginia’s schools as “bell-to-bell", meaning phones should be turned off and stored away from the first bell at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the academic school day. “Bell-to-bell” includes lunch and time in between class periods. 

Va Police Hope to See Traffic Fatalities Decrease

VIRGINIA STATE POLICE HOPING TO SEE TRAFFIC FATALITIES FALL AS SUMMER SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE Increased Enforcement Planned for Labor Day Weekend     RICHMOND – …

Gov. Glenn Youngkin Issues Executive Order Establishing Cell Phone-Free Education in Va K-12 Public Schools

Executive Order 33 directs the Virginia Department of Education [VDOE] to draft guidance for public school divisions to adopt local policies and procedures establishing cell phone-free education.  
Kids & Family

Ultimate gift guide to spark endless creativity in kids

(BPT) - The best holiday gifts keep kids engaged and creatively entertained for hours. So, if you're looking for exciting new gifts to spark the imagination of the kids in your life, check out the …

Contributing to college funds could be this year's best gift

(BPT) - Did you know the cost of a four-year college education has increased 38% at private schools and 32% at public colleges/universities over the past decade?[1] Between these increasing college …

The power of your eyes: How your eyes compare to the latest tech, and tips to keep them at their best

(BPT) - In today's tech-driven world, staying up to date with the latest gadgets has become essential, with 77% of Americans prioritizing new technology. If you love everything today's smartphones or …

Donate to Marine Toys for Tots on Giving TOYSday!

Donate to Marine Toys for Tots on Giving TOYSday!

(NewsUSA) - As the holiday season approaches, people around the world unite in a Global Day of Giving—Giving Tuesday—on December 3rd to support the charitable causes they respect and admire. For …

Gen Z heads home: How to navigate the evolving parent-child relationship as kids become adults

Emerging adult children and their parents can experience growing pains as they navigate a changing relationship.

Parenting’s ultimate goal is raising healthy, happy, successful children. Figuring out how to keep parenting once the kids are adults is just another transition.

USC study finds connection between pollution and decreased memory in kids

The LA Post shares insights from a recent USC study that revealed that exposure to air pollution can harm children's learning and memory.

5 DIY Holiday Gift Ideas to Make the Season Extra Special

(BPT) - Looking to create unique, heartfelt woodworking gifts for your friends and family this holiday season? With Minwax®, crafting personalized gifts and decorations is easier than you think! …

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth with a Better-for-You Swap
(Culinary.net) Baking doesn't have to be hard when you make simple swaps and use ingredients that keep things easy.
Perfect Homemade Holiday Decor with a Pop
(Culinary.net) These Holiday Wreath Popcorn Treats and Cranberry Popcorn Balls join forces for a dashingly decorative and delicious dessert that show off your festive side.
7 delicious ways to add fruits and vegetables to your holiday feast
(BPT) - Holiday gatherings are all about friends, family, and fabulous food — and adding more fruits and veggies to the mix can be a great way to keep the party delicious and nutritious. Only 1 …
Transform Holiday Leftovers into Vibrant, Flavorful Meals
(Family Features) Reinvent your holiday extras through fresh takes on classic dishes like this comforting Leftover Holiday Biscuit Pot Pie or spicy Leftover Turkey Carnitas Tacos.
Tips to help prevent holiday kitchen fires (and what to do if you have one)
(BPT) - The holidays are just around the corner and for many people, that means big plans. It's about traditional family recipes, new favorite dishes and your loved ones gathered around the table …

Santa Bass shares 10 holiday gift ideas for American anglers

(BPT) - Have you been a good angler this year? Were you helpful at the boat landing? Did you pick up some trash while you were fishing? Did you introduce someone new to fishing? Did you avoid hogging …

5 ways outdoor Wi-Fi can kick your quality of life up a notch

(BPT) - The idea of working from home rocketed in popularity and is now a preferred way of life for millions of people. But have you ever settled in at your backyard patio table with your laptop, a …