City focus

By Kipp Hanley

Published: August 11, 2008

Good morning Manassas and Manassas Park…

Here's what's going on in the neighborhood.

On Tuesday, the Manassas City School Board will wrap up some outstanding business items before attending an all-day retreat at the Johnson Learning Center next to Osbourn High School.

Those items include a discussion on free or reduced tuition for school employees who live outside the city and how to approach the rising cost of fuel. Both items were discussed at length in a July meeting but the board didn't resolve these issues at the time, said school board member Scott M. Albrecht.

The subsequent retreat will likely serve as an introduction to new board member Kermit Holmes Dance as well as a forum on procedural issues and other matters, Albrecht said.

Want to recognize a fellow businessman?

Manassas Mayor Harry J.  "Hal" Parrish II and the Manassas Business Council will recognize outstanding businesses that have played a valuable role in the community at the Mayor's Small Business Awards Breakfast on Oct. 23 at the Center-for-the-Arts in Old Town.

Nominations must be turned in to Economic Development Director Debi Sandlin no later than Aug. 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Past winners have included Creston Owen, Kevin Kelley, Steve Nelson, Debbie Jones, Mike Vanderpool and Joe Martin. Previous recipients are not eligible for nomination.

If you want to get your groove on, this is the final weekend for the Manassas Park-sponsored Friday Night Garage Bands series and Saturdays in the Park series at Signal Hill Park.

Those interested in performing Friday must contact the Parks & Recreation Department ahead of time at 703-335-8872. Show lasts from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Project Natale will play the Saturday series finale. Show runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-369-5738 or via e-mail at

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