“Nothing is worth more than this day.”

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Reflection: Today is the only day you can actually use. Make it count.

A project that could make walking and bicycling near the Woodbridge VRE station much safer has reached another milestone.

Prince William County's construction solicitation for the North Woodbridge Pedestrian Bridge had an October 8 bid deadline.

The project will construct a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over six lanes of Richmond Highway, connecting the Woodbridge VRE station with existing trails and future development on the opposite side of Route 1.

The proposed bridge will be approximately 425 feet long and include accessible ramps.

County officials previously announced $1 million in federal funding to help move the project forward.

Why it matters: Anyone familiar with Route 1 knows that crossing a busy six-lane highway on foot isn't something to take lightly. The bridge would provide a safer connection between transit, neighborhoods and future businesses.

The construction contract has not yet been awarded, and a confirmed construction start date remains pending. More→

Something special is coming to George Hellwig Memorial Park in Manassas.

Prince William County Parks & Recreation is partnering with community organizations to build a new kid-designed, inclusive playground on Friday, October 23.

The playground will be located at 14420 Bristow Road, near the Dr. Richard Tami Miracle Field.

Here's what makes the project different: local children helped inspire the design.

In August, children from the community submitted drawings showing what they wanted in their playground. Those ideas helped shape the final design.

County officials estimate the playground will serve more than 900 children annually.

Volunteers will participate in the October 23 construction effort, with a celebration planned for later that afternoon. An official public opening date has not yet been announced.

Why it matters: Inclusive playgrounds are designed to help children with different abilities enjoy recreation together. That's an investment in both accessibility and community connection. Potomac Local→

Here's an opportunity for residents to help shape the county's future.

Beginning Monday, October 12, Prince William County will open its 2026 Community Survey to all county residents.

The survey began in September with randomly selected households. The second phase allows everyone else to participate.

County leaders use survey results to understand residents' priorities and help guide decisions involving public services, programs and future initiatives.

Previous survey results helped shape Prince William's current Strategic Plan.

The countywide survey will remain open through November 2.

Why it matters: Whether your biggest concern is transportation, growth, county services or neighborhood quality of life, this is an opportunity to share your perspective directly with county officials.

The survey isn't open to the general public until Monday, so readers should wait for the county's official participation link. More→

Here's a development that gives more Prince William students an opportunity to participate in school athletics.

Prince William County Public Schools has added boys volleyball at all 13 county high schools this fall.

The expansion followed months of advocacy by students and families who wanted more opportunities for boys to play the sport at the high-school level.

According to reporting published Thursday, the startup cost exceeded $176,000.

And the new teams are already making an impression.

Colgan High School opened its season with an 8–0 record.

The expansion creates another competitive athletic opportunity for students across the county, including eastern Prince William schools.

Why it matters: Adding a sport countywide means students no longer have to depend exclusively on private clubs or travel programs to participate competitively.

Potomac Local→

A powerful weather system developing hundreds of miles away could affect our weekend.

Hurricane Isaias strengthened over the Gulf of Mexico Thursday and is expected to approach the northern Gulf Coast late Friday.

While Prince William County is not expected to experience hurricane-force conditions, forecasters say the storm's remnants could bring significant rainfall to the Washington metropolitan region.

According to NBC Washington's October 8 forecast, rain could begin Sunday morning and become heavier Sunday evening.

Current projections suggest approximately three-quarters of an inch to 1.5 inches of rain across the region, although some locations could receive more.

The exact rainfall amounts and timing remain uncertain.

For Prince William residents, this is primarily a rainfall and weekend-planning concern, not a hurricane evacuation situation.

The weather could affect Sunday outdoor activities, driving conditions and low-lying areas that collect water during heavy rain.

Residents can take a few simple precautions before the rain arrives: clear leaves from gutters and drains, secure loose outdoor items, and avoid driving through flooded roadways. Fox5→

A proposed $67 billion merger between NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy is attracting scrutiny in Virginia over electricity prices, consumer protections, and utility oversight.

According to reporting published October 6, the proposed deal has prompted concerns about rising energy costs, particularly as Virginia's data-center industry continues expanding. Proposals discussed include billions in customer bill credits and commitments to protect jobs, but the merger still faces regulatory scrutiny.

Why It Matters Here: Many Prince William households depend on Dominion Energy. Decisions about utility ownership, rates, and infrastructure investments could eventually affect electricity bills for residents and operating costs for local businesses. More→

Bourbon & Fig brings Bassam and Jill Medawar’s lifelong vision to life in Northern Virginia. Born in Lebanon, Bassam spent 40 years in hospitality, including extensive work in private clubs. He brings a belief that every guest should feel welcomed, recognized, and genuinely cared for.

Jill’s experience in floral arrangement and event planning shapes the restaurant’s atmosphere, blending timeless elegance with contemporary comfort. Together, they have created a place where personalized service and thoughtful design reflect their shared commitment to the community—and make a meal feel memorable. Visit them here→

Refined French cuisine & wines are served in a quaint setting with the feeling of a village auberge.
Located in the historic Occoquan Waterfront Area, Bistro L'Hermitage is a Classic French Bistro offering a romantic and sophisticated dining experience.

Visit them here→

We offer a large selection of menu options, from our hearty breakfast platters and daily specials, to our slow-roasted rotisserie chicken and gourmet desserts.

At our cafe, we strive to bring you the flavors and traditions of the South through our carefully crafted menu. From classic Southern favorites such as fried chicken, fried and smothered pork chops, red beans and rice, potato salad, collard greens, and cornbread to innovative dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques, our culinary team ensures every dish is a memorable taste sensation. Visit Them Here→

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