Kelly Sienkowski, Author at Potomac Local News

Week 4: How Will Our Candidates Handle Bipartisanship?

Published September 18, 2024 at 7:30AM | Updated October 1, 2024 at 10:25PM

All four candidates answered our fourth week of candidate survey questions. To help voters in Virginia’s 7th and 10th Congressional Districts make an informed decision, we continue a feature series offering insights into each candidate’s stand on critical issues affecting our area.

Candidates are emailed a question and asked to reply by a deadline. This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come election day.

Local Schools to Join Statewide Discussion on Cell Phone Use and Mental Health with First Lady Youngkin and Dr. Haidt

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 17, 2024 at 12:30PM

On September 19, First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin and social psychologist Dr. Jonathan Haidt will hold a fireside chat to discuss Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. The event will explore the impact of social media and cell phone use on childhood and mental health, focusing on how communities and schools can address these issues.

The event will be broadcast live to participating schools, which are encouraged to use it as an opportunity for discussions with parents, educators, students, and families about cell phone and social media use. Schools will receive a facilitator’s guide with materials and technical support for these conversations.

Fredericksburg

FABA Highlights Region’s Housing Challenges, Advocates for Industry Support, Electing Pro-Build Candidates to Local Boards

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 17, 2024 at 11:00AM

New housing being built off of Stafford's Little Whim Road.

The Fredericksburg Area Builder’s Association (FABA) held their annual Bourbon & Oysters meeting at Spotsylvania’s A. Smith Bowman Distillery on September 12 to network and discuss upcoming industry needs.

Karl Eckhardt, Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs at the National Association of Home Builders, discussed his efforts to engage with local and state governments, emphasizing the importance of advocacy in addressing housing development challenges. He discussed the hurdles posed by new Housing and Urban Development (HUD) energy regulations and the national shortage of skilled labor needed for home construction. Eckhardt also highlighted upcoming tax reforms that could impact small businesses and shared his outlook on potential shifts in Congress after the next election. He stressed the importance of financial support for FABA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) to help support legislative decisions in favor of the housing industry.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Residents Invited to Comment on Route 1 and Augustine Avenue Intersection Improvements

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 16, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated September 16, 2024 at 10:24PM

Augustine and Route 1 (Photo | VDOT)

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is inviting residents of the Fredericksburg region to participate in a public hearing on a proposed project to modify the intersection at Route 1 and Augustine Avenue, near Allman’s BBQ. The project aims to improve traffic flow and safety at several key intersections along Route 1, including Stafford Avenue, College Avenue, and Eagle Village Drive.

The project is being funded through Virginia’s SMART SCALE state transportation program. The application for this project was submitted by the City of Fredericksburg.

News

Shining a New Light: North Stafford High Powers Up Virginia’s Largest School Solar Array

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 12, 2024 at 3:00PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Submitted photo

Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) and Madison Energy Infrastructure (MEI) celebrated a major step toward sustainability today with the unveiling of Virginia’s largest school solar array, a 1.8-megawatt installation atop North Stafford High School that is set to provide 90% of the school’s electricity while saving an estimated $2.8 million in energy costs over the next 25 years.

On September 12, officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to unveil Virginia’s most extensive school solar array. “Today’s ribbon cutting marks an exciting step forward for our school and community. The installation of this rooftop solar array not only reduces our environmental footprint but also serves as a powerful educational tool for our students,” said Stafford County Public Schools Acting Superintendent Chris R. Fulmer. “Through this project, students are learning the real-world benefits of renewable energy and how it contributes to a sustainable future.”

News

Stafford Announces Annual Shredding Event on Oct. 5

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 12, 2024 at 11:00AM

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has announced its annual paper-shredding event will be on October 5, 2024, from 9 to 11 a.m., or until the bins are full. Shredding is $5 per box, with the maximum box size 15 x 12 x 10.

The drive-through event is hosted by Stafford County Crime Solvers. Stafford County Crime Solvers is a community-driven program that encourages public involvement in solving crimes by offering cash rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to arrests, resolutions of unsolved cases, or recovery of stolen property. Callers remain anonymous, and confidentiality is strictly maintained throughout the process. The program is managed by a volunteer board of directors and is funded entirely by private donations.

News

Stafford Continues Annual Fall Festival Oct. 5

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 12, 2024 at 10:00AM

Celebration Stage at John Lee Pratt Park in Stafford County

Stafford County has announced the return of its annual Fall Festival on Oct. 5 at John Lee Pratt Memorial Park. The family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The festival will include several food trucks and vendors, as well as live music from the Leroy Burks Band. Alpacas, hayrides, a petting zoo and pony rides will be on site. Those wishing to participate in the Pumpkin Derby are asked to pre-register.

Fredericksburg

Italian Flavors and Southern Hospitality: Fredericksburg’s Bella Manzo

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 11, 2024 at 11:30AM

Nestled in downtown Fredericksburg, Bella Manzo brings a blend of authentic Italian flavors and American comfort to the local dining scene. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Ruth and Jose Matus, the restaurant represents over 25 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry. After working in corporate dining since 1995, the duo made the leap to open their own establishment in July 2023 at 715 Caroline Street, crafting a warm, inviting space for family and friends.

Ruth said the restaurant stands as a tribute to the excellence of American beef, known as “Good Beef”, or Bello Manzo. The menu, designed with the help of a Chicago-based Executive Chef, features food ranging from “Manzo Traditionals” (Italian Beef sandwiches), creamy and tomato-based pastas, soups and salads, fish and chicken sandwiches, and desserts.

Week 3: What All Four Candidates Said About Border Security

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 11, 2024 at 8:00AM | Updated October 1, 2024 at 10:25PM

Our third week of candidate survey questions generated responses from all four candidates. To help voters in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District make an informed decision, we continue a feature series offering insights into each candidate’s stand on critical issues affecting our area.

Candidates are emailed a question and asked to reply by a deadline. This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come election day.

Virginia’s 2024 Candidates Announce Debate Schedules

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 10, 2024 at 1:00PM | Updated October 1, 2024 at 10:23PM

Correction (Sept. 12): The dates listed for Candidates Anderson and Vindman are not all debates. We have updated the information to reflect whether they are debates or forums. Debates allow candidates to answer questions and respond to their opponent’s comments. Forums are typically statements with no back-and-forth between candidates. Anderson has previously agreed to participate in six debates; Vindman has agreed to participate in one debate at University of Mary Washington. Vindman previously declined a televised debate hosted by ABC news.

As election season heats up, Virginia’s candidates for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives District 7 have announced their debate schedules.