🌱 VA Task Force 1 Returns From Turkey + New Veteran Pop-Up Shop

Good morning, hello! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Woodbridge Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community today.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Warm with periods of sun. High: 65 Low: 36.
• Wednesday: Cooler with a little rain. High: 50 Low: 45.

Business owners and marketers in Woodbridge: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 3 stories in Woodbridge today:

1. Virginia Task Force 1 is preparing to come home after helping with the earthquake relief efforts in Turkey. The 79-person elite search and rescue team has been in the country for nearly two weeks searching for survivors. In sharing their experiences, the force said, "We are humbled by the strength and graciousness of the people of Türkiye. We wish you the best as you rebuild and recover." (WJLA)
2. Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Donnell E. Johns Sr. is bringing pop-up veteran businesses to Woodbridge with Veterans Growing America, Inc. The idea is to bring military-associated individuals together to sell their products, conduct business, and develop entrepreneurial skills together. He hopes that this endeavor will shine a positive life on the creative and hardworking military members and their families. (Inside NoVA)
3. Woodbridge native Petty Officer 3rd Class Cesar Chang was one of the sailors who maintained the aircraft for Strike Fighter Squadron VFA 122 for the 2023 Super Bowl LVII flyover. The flyover formation included two F/A-18F Super Hornets, an F-35C Lightning II, and an EA-18G Growler. Chang has been in the Navy for four years and currently serves as an aviation electrician’s mate. (Inside NoVA)

Today and tomorrow in and around Woodbridge:

Tuesday, February 21

• Shrove Pancake Supper At All Saints' Church (5:00 PM)
• Open Mic Comedy At The Electric Palm Restaurant (7:30 PM)

Wednesday, February 22

• Ash Wednesday At Good Shepard Lutheran Church (6:00 AM)
• Baby Story Time At Potomac Community Library (10:30 AM)
• Downsizing and Decluttering–You Can’t Take It with You At Montclair Library in Dumfries (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Director of Prince William County Parks, Recreation & Tourism will give the state of the parks address on Mar. 2 at 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. (Prince William County Parks, Recreation & Tourism via Facebook)
• Registration for Miracle League Baseball, which eliminates the main barriers to participation for youth and adults with mental and physical disabilities, is now open. More information about schedules, volunteer opportunities, and more are available at the link. (Prince William County Parks, Recreation & Tourism via Facebook)
• The William County Police Department will be conducting a Community Satisfaction Survey over the next 45 days. Residents may receive a call asking them to participate, and responses will remain anonymous. (Prince William County Police Department via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show (February 26)
• Manassas Symphony Presents "Inspirations" with Pianist Joseph Kingma (March 4)
• Add your event

Featured job listings:

• Home Companion (Details)
• Add your job listing

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early soon with a new update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.