Rappahannock Area Community Services Board will present its “Art of Recovery” exhibition from May 2 to 31 at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in Fredericksburg. The exhibit features artwork created by individuals living with mental health conditions and coincides with National Mental Health Month. An opening reception will be held on May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Here’s the full press release:

Fredericksburg, Virginia – A picture might be worth a thousand words, but images of recovery from mental illness transcend any lexicon. Rappahannock Area Community Services Board is proud to announce its upcoming exhibition, Art of Recovery, a compelling showcase of work created by talented artists living with mental health conditions.

The exhibition will run May 2 through 31 at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library at 1201 Caroline Street in Fredericksburg.

“The Art of Recovery aims to challenge stigma, foster understanding, and celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of these artists,” said Anna Loftis, coordinator of Kenmore Club, RACSB’s day program for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. “This exhibit provides an invaluable platform for artists to share their voices and talents with our community, offering a powerful reminder of resilience and creative spirit.”

This diverse collection of masterpieces will explore a wide range of themes, reflecting the artists’ personal journeys and creativity.

The opening reception will be held on May 2 from 5-8 p.m. at the exhibition space. The reception is free and open to the public and will feature light refreshments and the opportunity to purchase art.

The exhibit coincides with National Mental Health Month and will be on display through May 31. RACSB believes in the power of art to connect, heal and inspire. This exhibition is part of its ongoing commitment to reducing stigma, promoting mental health awareness and sparking hope in the community.

Event Details
The Art of Recovery
May 2–31
Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline Street in Fredericksburg
Opening Reception: May 2, 5–8 p.m.
Admission: Free
www.rappahannockareacsb.org/art-of-recovery

Founded in 1970, RACSB provides public behavioral health and developmental disability services to residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford. To learn more, visit www.rappahannockareacsb.org.

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STAFFORD, Va. — Stafford County Public Schools officials are asking the Board of Supervisors to approve a $2.95 million property purchase for warehouse and training space currently used by the school division.

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MANASSAS, Va. – Visitors to Historic Downtown Manassas now have more parking options, thanks to the opening of a new lot located between Main, Center, East, and Church streets.

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Editor's Note:

This is the final part of our three-part series exploring Virginia Railway Express' vision for the future. Thank you for following along.

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Prince William County police have identified Joseph Anthony Cassell, 26, as the man who died during an officer-involved shooting on April 26, 2025, inside an apartment at Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living Home, located at 12191 Clipper Drive. The investigation remains active and is being led by the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). More information will be released when available.

Here’s the full press release:

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation DECEASED IDENTIFIED – Prince William County police have identified the man who died during an officer-involved shooting that occurred inside an apartment within the Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living Home located at 12191 Clipper Drive in Woodbridge (22192) on April 26. The deceased was identified as Joseph Anthony CASSELL, 26. The investigation into the encounter between the officers and the deceased remains active and led by the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation [Previously Released] – On April 26 at 9:58AM, two Prince William County police officers were involved in an officer-involved shooting at the Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living Home located in the 12100 block of Clipper Drive in Woodbridge (22192).

Preliminarily, officers were called to the scene in reference to a male in crisis who was armed with a knife. Upon making contact with the male inside the residence he approached the officers with the knife.

Officers gave the man commands which he disregarded. The officers discharged their service weapons firing multiple rounds. After the initial confrontation with the officers, the man then began to attack the victim, identified as a 91-year-old woman, leading to officers discharging their weapons again. Officers provided first aid to both the male and the female. The female was flown to an area hospital for serious injuries and is expected to recover. The male died at the scene.

No officers were injured during the incident, which remained contained to the residence. During the investigation officers determined the parties involved were related.

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The City of Manassas Republican Party has nominated Nathaniel “Nate” Fritzen for City Treasurer and Deon Shamberger for Commissioner of Revenue in the November 2025 General Election. Patricia Richie-Folks, a Democrat and the current Treasurer, was first elected in 2016 and won reelection in 2021 with 53.7% of the vote against Republican Anna Vincenza Phillips, who received 45.9%. Tim Demeria, a Democrat and the current Commissioner of the Revenue, was first elected in 2021, winning 51.4% of the vote against Republican Stacia Marie Jennings, who received 48.2%.

Here’s the full press release:

The City of Manassas Republican Party is proud to announce its nominees for city offices that will appear on the 2025 General Election ballot in November: Nathaniel “Nate” Fritzen for City Treasurer and Deon Shamberger for Commissioner of Revenue.

Nate Fritzen for City Treasurer

A long-time Manassas resident and graduate of Osbourn High School, Nate Fritzen brings a strong background in financial oversight and team leadership. Currently serving in a food service supervisory role, he manages budgeting, inventory tracking, and daily operations. Nate holds an Associate’s Degree in Political Science from Northern Virginia Community College, and continuing education with certifications in food safety and service operations. His campaign emphasizes transparency, fiscal discipline, and responsive customer service.

Deon Shamberger for Commissioner of Revenue

Deon Shamberger is a seasoned professional who has served the public with hands-on experience in tax assessments, including managing auto tax assessments. He has a strong background in business-to-business sales and customer service, having worked with companies such as GEICO and Toyota. As a small business owner and licensed insurance agent, Deon emphasizes efficiency, accuracy, and community engagement. His commitment to fair and transparent revenue practices ensures exceptional service for residents and businesses alike.

Both candidates are committed to restoring fiscal prudence and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly.

For more information, visit:
Nate Fritzen for Treasurer: https://www.manassascitygop.com/nate
Deon Shamberger for Commissioner of Revenue: https://www.manassascitygop.com/deon

U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly announced he will retire at the end of his current term in Congress. Connolly, who has represented Virginia’s 11th Congressional District since 2009, shared the news in a letter to supporters. He cited a recent cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatments, stating the cancer had returned despite initial progress.

Connolly served Prince William County residents until 2022, when redistricting left the 11th District comprising only Fairfax County. He also announced he will step down as Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee. Connolly emphasized his pride in his more than 30 years of public service and thanked his family, staff, and constituents.

His term ends in 2026.

Here’s the full press release:

Dear Friends,

I want to begin by thanking you for your good wishes and compassion as I continue to tackle my diagnosis. Your outpouring of love and support has given me strength in my fights – both against cancer and in our collective defense of democracy.

When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency. After grueling treatments, we’ve learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. I’ll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace.

The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress. I will be stepping back as Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee soon. With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we’ve accomplished together over 30 years. My loving family and staff sustain me. My extended family – you all have been a joy to serve.

Your friend and public servant,

Gerry Connolly

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Stafford County Government and Stafford County Public Schools will host a joint job fair on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 1:30 to 7 p.m. at the Rowser Building, 1739 Richmond Highway, Stafford. Stafford County Government is hiring for positions including Administrative Specialist II, Deputy Sheriff, Building Inspections Supervisor, Environmental Inspector, and Transportation Program Director. Stafford County Public Schools is hiring teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses, and more. The event is aimed at helping federal employees and others continue their careers in public service.

Here’s the full press release:

Stafford County Government and Stafford Schools will host a joint job fair on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to showcase available jobs and support federal employees seeking to continue their government service.

The event will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Rowser Building, Room A, 1739 Richmond Highway, Stafford, VA 22554. Both Stafford County Government and Stafford Schools have various job openings, including engineers, nurses, teachers, paraprofessionals, managers, tax specialists, deputies, economic development managers, land conservation specialists, park attendants, and more.

This joint job fair town hall is part of an ongoing commitment by Board of Supervisors Chairman Deuntay Diggs and School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund to strengthen collaboration between the two boards as they work to meet the community’s evolving needs.

“We understand this is a difficult time for our residents who are federal workers. We want them to know that we are hiring and would welcome them moving forward in their public service career,” said Chairman Diggs. “I am grateful to the Schools for collaborating on this event at a critical time for our community.”

“Stafford Schools is proud to join with our County partners in supporting the community and opening doors to meaningful careers. This job fair reflects our shared commitment to public service and to helping individuals continue making a difference in our community,” said Chair Siegmund.

This collaborative event reflects a shared desire to invite residents and federal employees to #ChooseStafford to live, work, and learn. Jobs available at Stafford County Government may be found at www.staffordcountyva.gov/jobs. Jobs available at the Schools may be found at www.staffordschools.schoolspring.com.

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MANASSAS, Va. — Trains will take center stage once again as Manassas hosts its 31st Annual Railway Festival on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

The family-friendly event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., spanning the historic downtown area between the train station parking lot and Harris Pavilion. Attractions include model train exhibits from groups like the National Capital Trackers and the Piedmont Railroaders, as well as safety displays from Amtrak and VRE.

Children can enjoy bounce houses, barrel train rides, and a variety of other activities. VRE will offer special train excursions to Clifton at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Tickets cost $8 in cash or $9 by card, and are on sale now.

“The festival celebrates Manassas’ rich railway heritage with Norfolk Southern, VRE, and Amtrak,” said Kristen Kiefer, Executive Director of Historic Manassas Inc. “It’s a way to honor where we’ve come from and where we’re going as a historic train town.”

Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Manassas Museum and learn about the city’s evolution around its rail lines.

Adding to the excitement, Amtrak is partnering more closely with Historic Manassas to promote the city as a destination. Plans include a new ticket kiosk at the Manassas station and updated marketing materials highlighting the area’s historic sites.

“Manassas isn’t just a stop — it’s becoming a destination in itself,” Kiefer said.

Stafford County Fire and Rescue units responded to a structure fire at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in the 00 block of Churchill Lane in the western part of the county. Crews arrived about eight minutes later to find heavy fire coming from the front and roof of a two-story, single-family residence. The fire was brought under control in about 40 minutes. The sole occupant evacuated safely and is being assisted by the American Red Cross. One firefighter was evaluated for a minor medical emergency. The Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Here’s the full press release:

Overnight Fire Damages Stafford Home
Stafford, VA—At approximately 11:40 P.M. on Sunday, April 27th, Stafford County Fire and Rescue units (SCFR) responded for a structure fire in the 00 block of Churchill Lane in the western part of the county. First arriving units marked on scene approximately 8 minutes later and reported heavy fire coming from the front and roof of a large, two-story, single-family residence. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire, despite structural instability, and brought the structure fire under control in approximately 40 minutes.
The single occupant of the residence was able to evacuate prior to the arrival of units and is being assisted by the American Red Cross. One firefighter was evaluated for a minor medical emergency.
The fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.

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