Woodbridge, VA|News|
15 Events In Northern VA To Keep Kids Busy During School Break
Between Noon Year's Eve, holiday lights and other events, here are ways to keep the kids busy during winter break in Northern Virginia.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
- Ashburn, VA
Emily Leayman has been a local editor with Patch since March 2017. She leads coverage for the Northern Virginia communities of Alexandria, Ashburn, Manassas, Woodbridge and Vienna. At Patch, Emily was named to the Virginia School Boards Association Media Honor Roll in 2023 for her coverage of local schools.
Before joining Patch, Emily reported on education news for Watchdog.org in Washington, DC. Her coverage focused on the impact of school choice and Washington, DC's public charter school system.
Emily graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with a degree in professional writing and minors in public relations and Spanish. During her time at college, Emily freelanced for the Berks-Mont Newspapers, covering local news in Berks County, Pennsylvania. She was an editor at the university's student newspaper, The Keystone, for four years, including two as editor-in-chief.
A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Emily lives in Loudoun County, Virginia. Contact Emily with story ideas at emily.leayman@patch.com and follow her on Twitter @emilyleayman.
Posting Activity
Vienna, VA|News|
Christmas Grocery Store Hours 2025 In Vienna: Giant, Whole Foods, Walmart
Many grocery stores in Vienna will have adjusted hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Manassas, VA|News|
Family Escapes Manassas House Fire, Cause Under Investigation
Smoke detectors alerted residents to a fire early Tuesday in Manassas, allowing them to safely escape.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Manassas, VA|News|
Arlington's Carbonara To Open Second Location In Western Prince William County
Carbonara, which has become a popular dining spot in Arlington, will introduce its second location in Prince William County.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Ashburn|News|
4 Residents Displaced In Loudoun County Fire Tied To Electrical Cause
An electrical fire in outlets caused a fire that displaced four residents, according to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Sickles Named Secretary Of Finance, VA House Special Election Announced
A Virginia delegate in southeastern Fairfax County is taking a role in Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger's administration.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Woodbridge, VA|News|
Shooting From Backyard Injures Man In Woodbridge Home, Arrest Made
Police have arrested and charged a shooter after a man was injured by gunshots entering a home from the backyard.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Vienna, VA|News|
Vienna Resident's Home Circle Platform Grows In D.C. Region
A homegrown platform for connecting residents with service providers is expanding its presence to the D.C. region.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Woodbridge, VA|News|
What's Open, Closed For Christmas 2025 In Woodbridge
The Christmas holiday will result in multi-day closures for some services and other adjustments.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Manassas, VA|News|
What's Open, Closed For Christmas 2025 In Manassas
The Christmas holiday will result in multi-day closures for some services and other adjustments.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Ashburn|News|
Bakers Crust Artisan Kitchen To Close Ashburn Location
The closing Ashburn location is Bakers Crust Artisan Kitchen's only one in Northern Virginia.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Winter 2026 Events In Alexandria: America's 250th, Parade, Restaurant Week
From George Washington's birthday events and Black History Month to the America's 250th celebration, here's what early 2026 will bring.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Woodbridge, VA|News|
Shooting Follows Online Sale Meetup At Dumfries Shopping Center: Police
Police say a victim selling clothes at a meetup faced gunshots from a group in another vehicle.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Manassas, VA|News|
Long Bridge Project Prompts Schedule Changes On VRE's Manassas, Fredericksburg Lines
In January, some trains will have a different end destination or transfer point due to the Long Bridge rail project beginning.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Woodbridge, VA|News|
Workers, First Responders Lauded For Gas Leak Response In Lake Ridge
When a gas leak forced more than 80 people to evacuate, workers helped ensure residents had shelter at Woodbridge High School.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Person With Medical Emergency Found During Fire Response In Alexandria
The Alexandria Fire Department found a person with a medical emergency during a fire response at an apartment building.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Vienna, VA|News|
Driver Charged In Vienna Crash Causing Power Outages: Police
Vienna Police say a driver hit a utility pole in the crash that closed Maple Avenue and caused power outages.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Greater Alexandria, VA|News|
20 Skimming Devices Found In Widespread Search In Fairfax County: See List
Fairfax County Police said a widespread search uncovered skimming devices at various stores. Here's where they were discovered.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Manassas, VA|News|
Sex Trafficking | Shooting Suspect's Police Run-Ins | 2 Dead In House Fire: VA News
Car Slams Into Building | Fatal Crash With Metro Bus | Teen's Philanthropic Music Lesson | Data Center Lawsuits | Special Election Nominees
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
Ashburn|News|
Loudoun County School Board Bids Farewell To 3 Outgoing Members
Three school board members, part of the completely new school board elected in 2023, will depart after their terms end.
Emily Leayman, Patch Staff
