On Friday, Nov. 22, the American Red Cross will mark the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art blood donation center in Manassas. This new facility will collect thousands of blood products each year from generous donors who roll up a sleeve to help save lives.

GMS Gymnastics will host Flip for the Fight this weekend from Friday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. through Sunday, Feb. 22 at 9 p.m. at the NOVA Fieldhouse located at 14810 Murdock Street in Chantilly. This is the sixth annual event since its inception 2009. Some 1400 athletes are expected. The general public is invited. Tickets at the door are $5-$10.

I cannot tell you how often I have heard the above phrase from parents, politicians, and yes, educators themselves. Parents, usually those with formal education, like me, expressed sorrow for me during my principal era saying, "If only parents did their jobs!" My response, "Most do."

School Board Member Betty D. Covington (Potomac) will be honored soon when the Dumfries Elementary School library is dedicated. The date has not been announced.

In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia. This action does not apply to individuals or private businesses.

The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring up to 300 Soldiers, Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force on state active duty for possible assistance with the state’s severe weather response operations.

Windy, winter days are still ahead, and the City of Manassas Public Works suggests these curbside trash tips that can help customers make trash pick-up a little easier and help keep a lid on their curbside trash.

Trash collection in the City of Manassas has been suspended for Tuesday, Feb. 17, due to snow. Call the Manassas Trashline at 703-257-8252 or check http://www.manassascity.org/trash for trash information.

Virginia State Police have fielded 2,200+ calls for service within the past 12 hours. There was one fatality at US 15 and US 50. Two state troopers were injured.