Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Manassas Park, VA

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Manassas, VALocal ClassifiedAnnouncement

James Parker, Neighbor

Nestled in the heart of Manassas, Virginia, Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness Center stands as a premier destination for adventure seekers and fitness enthusiasts. With its state-of-the-art climbing facilities, diverse range of classes, and welcoming community, Vertical Rock has become a hub for those seeking to challenge themselves both physically and mentally. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a beginner looking to try something new, this dynamic center offers a thrilling and inclusive environment for all skill levels.

Unleash Your Inner Adventurer

Vertical Rock is a paradise for climbers, offering an extensive array of indoor climbing walls designed to cater to climbers of all levels. From towering walls with challenging routes to bouldering areas that test strength and agility, the center provides a variety of options to suit different climbing preferences. With top-notch equipment and a team of experienced instructors, Vertical Rock ensures a safe and exhilarating climbing experience for all visitors.

The center also caters to those who are new to climbing, offering introductory classes and workshops to help beginners get started. These sessions cover fundamental climbing techniques, safety protocols, and equipment usage, allowing novices to gain confidence and progress at their own pace.

A Community of Support and Encouragement

Vertical Rock is more than just a climbing facility—it's a vibrant community of individuals bonded by a shared passion for climbing and fitness. The center fosters a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, where climbers of all backgrounds can connect, learn, and grow together. Whether you're climbing for recreation, training for competitions, or simply seeking a fun way to stay active, Vertical Rock provides a sense of camaraderie that keeps climbers coming back for more.

The community aspect extends beyond climbing sessions, with regular events and social gatherings that allow climbers to network, share experiences, and build lasting friendships. Vertical Rock also hosts friendly competitions and special climbing events that add an extra level of excitement and motivation to the climbing journey.

Fitness Beyond Climbing

Vertical Rock goes beyond climbing by offering a range of fitness programs and classes designed to complement and enhance climbers' physical abilities. These offerings include yoga, strength training, flexibility sessions, and cardio workouts. These supplementary fitness programs help climbers improve their overall strength, endurance, and flexibility, contributing to better performance on the walls and reducing the risk of injury.

The center also provides personal training sessions, allowing climbers to work with experienced fitness professionals who tailor workouts to their individual goals and needs. Whether it's building strength, improving technique, or achieving specific fitness milestones, Vertical Rock's trainers provide guidance and support to help climbers reach their full potential.

A Family-Friendly Destination

Vertical Rock in Manassas, Virginia welcomes climbers of all ages, making it an ideal destination for families seeking an active and engaging experience. The center offers youth climbing programs and birthday party packages, allowing young climbers to learn and explore in a safe and supervised environment. These programs introduce children to the fundamentals of climbing while instilling confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Safety First

Safety is of utmost importance at Vertical Rock. The center adheres to strict safety protocols, including regular equipment inspections, staff training, and route maintenance. Instructors prioritize teaching proper climbing techniques and safety procedures, ensuring a secure environment for all participants. Additionally, the center provides top-quality climbing gear available for rent or purchase, ensuring climbers have access to reliable equipment.

Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness Center in Manassas, Virginia, offers an exhilarating and supportive environment for climbers and fitness enthusiasts alike. With its state-of-the-art facilities, diverse programs, and inclusive community, Vertical Rock is the perfect place to challenge oneself, reach new heights, and forge lasting connections. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a beginner looking to embark on a thrilling adventure, Vertical Rock provides the perfect setting to explore the world of climbing and discover the joy of pushing your limits.

The fourth phase of Manassas Park’s downtown development is underway.

Last week, the Manassas Park City Council approved a rezoning for five downtown parcels next to the new city hall complex, clearing the way for two 10-story apartment buildings, parking for nearby stores and a commercial building that comprise phase four of the downtown plan.

The two apartment buildings – to be built next to the current seven-story Artena apartment building – will each feature 200 units, for a total of 450,000 square feet of residential space. As part of the deal, the developer, Prince William County-based Aksoylu Properties, will buy five downtown parcels, one of which is owned by the city. The whole development will be built in its own phased approach, with one apartment building going up at a time with new parking, and the commercial building being constructed last.

The new 7.4-acre development – called Artena Park – will include over 500 parking spaces for residents and 150 new spaces to support potential retail businesses at the Parq 170 development, the city’s ill-fated commercial development built in 2009. The city has long hoped that new parking for the retail portion of Parq 170 would help draw commercial tenants for the currently empty storefronts.

While retail vacancy has long plagued the city’s downtown, residential occupancy has remained consistently high. Askoylu will pay the city $1.5 million when each of the two apartment buildings is constructed, totaling $3 million for the 4-acre city-owned parcel. As part of the deal, which was negotiated in 2020, the owners of Parq 170 will relinquish their development rights to several downtown parcels in exchange for the new parking.

“It allowed us to actually get an agreement done with Parq 170 to release their land control rights, so that the movie theater can actually be built,” City Manager Laszlo Palko told InsideNoVa, referring to the theater complex that Norton Scott is building next door. “And then … these apartments just provide that additional residential density that’s needed to make the town center grow. Apartments have proven to be profitable for the city … and they’ve generated a significant amount of tax base to help us pay off our debt.”

The design for the apartment buildings is still not complete, but Palko said site plan approval will be done in the fall, and that crews could break ground on the first apartment building by next summer.

“This is going to be a beautiful addition to the downtown; it’s going to be just lovely,” Mayor Jeanette Rishell said during the public hearing for the rezoning.

The approval comes amid a flurry of changes in the city’s downtown area, which officials hope will soon be a lively town center with new apartments, dining, entertainment and shopping. Last summer, the city opened its new city hall and library building. Jirani’s Coffeehouse in Manassas and the La Finca Mexican restaurant in Gainesville have plans to open second locations on the ground floor of that building.

Meanwhile, Stanley Martin and Norton Scott are building 300 new downtown townhomes, and the Virginia Railway Express just broke ground on its new parking garage, which will serve both commuters and downtown patrons. Officials hope the eight-screen movie theater will be open in 2025.

Usually when someone receives a high school coach of the year award, it’s for two reasons. Either the coach’s team finished in first place or the coach oversaw a substantial improvement in the team’s win total.

Bryan Contino checked neither box this season. In his first year as Manassas Park High School’s head baseball coach, the 28-year-old went 0-17 in games, which were typically decided by lopsided outcomes.

But when the Class 3 Northwestern District coaches met via Zoom on June 7 to determine their coach of the year along with the all-district team, they bucked convention.

All knew the challenges Contino faced in leading a program short on experience and numbers. And they also knew first-hand how he continued to coach his players to the end even though they were outscored by a total of 381-51.

So as they openly discussed candidates, a consensus quickly built.

“We, as the district coaches, thought that Bryan did a great job keeping all of his players interested in baseball even when they struggled,” said Brentsville’s Brian Knight. “He was very patient and stayed positive with all his players. I noticed they had improved so much when we played them in the season finale. He kept them playing hard all season long and they never gave up.”

Initially, the coaches selected Contino and Knight as co-coaches of the year. But afterward, Knight had second thoughts about that decision. So the next morning, he emailed the district’s other baseball coaches and said Contino earned the award himself. No one disagreed.

The recognition surprised Contino. He voted for Knight because the Tigers won the district. But he appreciated the gesture.

“At first, I thought maybe it was done out of pity,” Contino. “And maybe there is some of that. But it was really about them knowing what I’m doing and that I didn’t give up.”

Contino had no time to kick back and let the game run its course. There was too much to do, things that most high school coaches rightfully assume their players know at this point in their careers.

He had to remind batters that three strikes equal an out. Or that four balls means a walk.

“To use a baseball reference, we’re playing teams that are on a big diamond starting at third base ready to go home,” Contino said. “We’re on a little diamond starting at home plate.”

When he applied for the head coaching job after spending the 2022 season as an assistant, people around him kept asking him the same question: Did he understand what he was getting into?

Contino knew baseball. He earned all-district honors as a pitcher and utility player at Dumont High School in New Jersey and went on to play at McDaniel College in Maryland.

But Manassas Park’s situation would test any coach’s resolve. The Cougars last posted a winning season in 2011 and did not field any teams in 2021.

Contino admits the lack of interest and baseball knowledge shocked him. He expected around 25 players to come out. Instead, he started the season with 14 and finished with 11.

But the special education teacher still saw an opportunity to make a difference. He wanted to provide stability to kids who kept seeing teachers and coaches come and go with high frequency.

So when parents started asking him five games into the season whether he planned to come back next year, Contino knew the answer.

“These kids were not getting the consistency from teachers,” Contino, who came to the area with his fiancée, Osbourn graduate Roxana Aviles, whom he met at McDaniel. “It’s the whole profession. It’s a rotating door. I learned from my dad you have to be dependable.”

The disparity in skill level forced Contino and his assistant coaches to make certain concessions.

If an opponent led by a wide margin and the game was dragging on, he’d meet with the team’s other coach to remedy the situation. The other coach suggested his runner take a bigger lead off from first. That way the runner could be picked off easier by Manassas Park for a quick out and move the game along.

It was an unusual approach, but then this was an unusual circumstance.

Still, Manassas Park experienced positive moments. Not every game finished in five innings due to the 10-run mercy run.

Contino also took pride in seeing his players develop, none bigger than freshman Wesley Howell Jr. Howell had played only one year of baseball before this season and had dealt with off-field adversity in his young life.

But Howell craved improvement. Whatever Contino taught him, Howell absorbed. Howell ended up hitting .350, breaking up a couple of no-hitters and going 4 for 4 in one game from the plate.

Howell even took a leadership role to make sure his teammates kept their heads up in the face of defeat. He saw the progress and most of all a brighter future.

“He said, ‘As long as he’s here, I’m here,’” Contino said. “So let’s get at it.”

Contino can’t wait.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Manassas, VALocal ClassifiedAnnouncement

James Parker, Neighbor

Manassas National Battlefield Park, near Manassas, VA, holds a significant place in American history, being the site of two pivotal Civil War battles. Recently, ongoing research and excavations at the park have led to exciting discoveries that provide new insights into the events that unfolded on these hallowed grounds. These findings shed light on the past, allowing us to better understand the human experiences and sacrifices that occurred during these historic battles. Let's explore some of the recent discoveries at Manassas National Battlefield Park and their implications for our understanding of this critical period in American history.

Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeological excavations at Manassas National Battlefield Park have unearthed artifacts that offer a window into the lives of soldiers and civilians who were present during the battles of First Bull Run (First Manassas) in 1861 and Second Bull Run (Second Manassas) in 1862. Artifacts such as military equipment, personal belongings, and everyday items have been found, providing valuable insights into the daily lives of those who fought and lived on these battlegrounds.

These discoveries also reveal the strategies and tactics employed by the soldiers during the battles. Archaeologists have located remnants of fortifications, trenches, and defensive positions, shedding light on the military engineering and logistics involved in the conflicts. By piecing together these findings, historians can construct a more comprehensive narrative of the battles' progression and outcomes.

Preserving the Past

The recent discoveries at Manassas National Battlefield Park underscore the importance of preservation efforts. The National Park Service, in collaboration with historians and archaeologists, continues to prioritize the protection and conservation of these historically significant sites. By carefully excavating and documenting findings, the park ensures that the stories of bravery and sacrifice from the Civil War era are safeguarded for future generations to learn from and appreciate.

Interpreting History

The new discoveries at Manassas National Battlefield Park enhance the interpretive programs and educational experiences offered to visitors. Park rangers and historians use these findings to provide a deeper understanding of the battles and the people who participated in them. Guided tours and interactive exhibits now incorporate the latest research, enriching the visitor's experience and fostering a stronger connection to the historical events that unfolded on the park's grounds.

Reconnecting with Ancestral Roots

For descendants of soldiers who fought in the battles at Manassas National Battlefield Park, these recent discoveries hold special significance. The artifacts and historical insights allow descendants to reconnect with their ancestral roots and gain a more intimate understanding of their family's contributions to the Civil War.

The discoveries also present an opportunity for descendants to share their family's stories with the broader community, fostering a sense of shared history and strengthening the park's significance as a place of remembrance and reflection.

Enriching Public Engagement

The recent discoveries at Manassas National Battlefield Park have revitalized public interest and engagement in Civil War history. The park's interactive programs, lectures, and living history events now incorporate these new findings, providing visitors with a more immersive and comprehensive understanding of the battles and their impact on American society.

The discoveries also attract scholars, researchers, and history enthusiasts, encouraging further study and exploration of the park's historical significance. As more information becomes available, our collective knowledge of the Civil War period expands, deepening our appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who fought and highlighting the lessons we can learn from this pivotal era in American history.

Manassas National Battlefield Park near Manassas, VA, serves as a vital repository of American history, preserving the stories of two crucial Civil War battles. Recent discoveries through archaeological excavations have unlocked new insights into the events that unfolded on these hallowed grounds, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the soldiers' experiences and strategies during the battles.

As the National Park Service continues its preservation efforts near Manassas, VA, these discoveries contribute to a richer interpretation of the park's history. Guided tours and educational programs are now enriched with the latest research, offering visitors a more immersive experience and a deeper connection to the sacrifices made by those who fought during the Civil War.

Two of the most notoriously congested commuter routes in Northern Virginia are taking steps toward enabling drivers to spend more time moving than stopping.

On Va. Route 28 in Manassas Park, a plan spearheaded by state Del. Danica Roem has received $24 million to begin construction of the first phase of a plan that will replace five current signalized intersections with Restricted Crossing U-Turns, or RCUTs, which reduce the number of conflict points where serious crashes can occur.

Fairfax County and the Virginia Department of Transportation have been widening its portion of Route 28, including the area where it intersects with Va. Route 29, near the continuing improvements on Interstate 66.

On Wednesday, ground will be broken to widen a one-and-a-half-mile stretch of Route 29 from four lanes to six, between Union Mill Road and Buckleys Gate Drive. The Route 29 widening construction aims to alleviate the twice-a-day backups at the intersection, which carries approximately 30,000 vehicles a day, according to VDOT.

Roem said the $24 million approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board will cover the cost of design, engineering and construction of the first RCUT, which will be located at a still-to-finalized location between Manassas Drive and Spruce Street. It will also pay for raised medians and a contiguous sidewalk.

For decades, traffic has crept along Route 28, north of the historic section of Manassas.

“When you’re driving on Route 28 in Yorkshire and Manassas Park, you’ve got a ton of businesses, and even a couple of residential spots that are right along the road,” Roem said. “I mean, the mailboxes are right there,” next to traffic.

Unlike road projects in more remote locations, Roem said the traffic flow and safety improvements will not require much land acquisition and displacement of current owners: “Most of this project, we’re able to do within the existing right of way.”

Roem, who grew up in Prince William County, near Manassas Park, and campaigned on fixing Route 28 said securing full funding for the first portion of the RCUT project will help as she and local officials apply for construction money.

“The part of me that wanted this done six years ago is still, ‘God, I wish this was already done by now,'” said Roem.

Still, with ongoing construction on 28 in Fairfax and Prince William counties, Roem said there would be a downside to doing all of the improvements in a five-mile stretch of Route 28 in one swoop: “I can imagine my constituents would be really frustrated if construction went from New Braddock (in Fairfax County) all the way to Manassas Park.”

Roem expects to hold meetings by early fall with residents about the upcoming project after VDOT takes its next steps to implement the construction.

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