Health officials have confirmed the presence of rabies in Fredericksburg.

A stray cat that had bitten a human was confirmed positive for rabies on April 2, 2021.  The cat was collected from the 100 Block of Longstreet Avenue in Fredericksburg on March 31, 2021.

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Eric James Moody, 71, of Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away at home on Friday, March 26, 2021 after a bravely-fought battle with cancer over the course of several years.

A memorial gathering will be held at a future date. A graveside remembrance service for the family will also be held during the summer at Barnum Cemetery in Mayfield, Michigan.

Eric was born in Anderson, Indiana on December 3, 1949 to Sigurd V. Moody and Jane Ann Reichard Moody. He grew up in Indiana and Illinois until he was 14 years old, when his father entered the U.S. Foreign Service and the family moved to Pakistan. While there, Eric had an opportunity to fly in a glider, which ignited a lifelong interest in aviation. After Pakistan, the family moved to Turkey, where Eric graduated from George Marshall High School in Ankara. He also joined his parents for several months in India later on. Throughout his life, he returned to his family’s Michigan roots and spent summer vacations at a cottage built by his grandparents on Arbutus Lake in Mayfield.

Eric attended Northwestern Michigan College, where he earned his private pilot’s license. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1970 and became an aviation electrician.

On July 21, 1973, Eric married Grace Higginbottom of Royal Oak, Michigan. They made their home in Washington, DC for several years until they moved to Woodbridge, and their daughter, Ingrid Browning Moody, was born.

Eric was a self-directed, independent and creative person who pursued a variety of interests throughout his life and was generally self-taught. He was always curious and questioning, devoting himself fully to new interests. Upon leaving the Navy, he attended Pilchuck Glass School near Seattle, WA and opened a stained glass studio in Alexandria, VA. He created numerous commissions, including a remarkably large lampshade depicting historic homes in Alexandria that hung in an Old Town restaurant. In addition, he sponsored workshops with nationally-known glass artists. He became interested in computers and subsequently pursued a lifelong passion for technology, working for several years as a computer programmer and systems analyst. He also enjoyed driving a school bus for Prince William County Public Schools.

Eric had an adventurous spirit and a great love for bicycling. He completed several 100-mile “century” rides with friends. He was an avid drone enthusiast with certification from the FAA.

A quiet and friendly person, Eric enjoyed his family relationships over all others. We will miss his gentle humor and loving presence, not to mention the way he could always solve our technology-related problems!

Eric was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Timothy. He is survived by his wife, Grace Higginbottom; his daughter, Ingrid LaRiviere; his grandson, Milo LaRiviere; and his sisters, Ann Elise Schneider of Alexandria, VA, Christine Waller of Harrisonburg, VA, and Beth Knox of Vancouver, BC, Canada, as well as nephews and nieces.

Today we are gathered here to celebrate Sandra Shalter. Sandra lead an extraordinary life.

Shall we start at the beginning?

Born to Alice Janet Althouse and Ralph Shalter in 1944 in Reading, Pennsylvania. She and her brother, Michael, were raised by their very independent mother “Janet” after Ralph passed from heart complications due to scarlet fever in his youth. They shared many happy memories with cousins David, Diane and Kathy.

Sandra had an infectious laugh, a wonderful sense of humor, and embraced life. Her passions were travel, she was a voracious reader and an amazing cook. She was a devoted Nana to six grandchildren- Anthony, Gabriel, Braxton, Freya, Virginia and Vesna. And a loving Mother to her two children ‘Lisa Kate’ and Joe. Thomas was as a devoted son.

Sandra lived her happiest years in Rome, Italy with her second husband of 25 years, Roberto Magini. In Italy she divided her time between Rome, Arezzo and Boccali, Reggio Calabria. As an educator by profession, it was in Rome that she enjoyed teaching British English at The British School for many years. In Arezzo, Sandra and Roberto renovated a 100 year old Magini Family villa. The villa held much history. It was in the villa that The Magini family had hid Jewish citizens from the Nazis during World War 2. In the tunnels in the mountainside the family had hid during the Allied bombings. Sandra loved the rich history this house held and its beautiful Tuscan views. Their farmer made olive oil from their olive groves. Mom spent countless hours gardening the lovely hillside.

But Roberto and Sandra’s story first began in her 20’s in Boccali, Reggio Calabria, in the toe of Italy’s boot. My Mother had just graduated college and went on a European vacation with her girlfriends. On the Italian beachside leg of the trip, my Mother met Roberto on Boccali’s stone beaches. Boccali was Roberto’s birthplace and yet another place she and Roberto would later spend much of their time, enjoying the wine produced on the Family lands. Their love affair began there until life carried them in separate directions only to be reunited again in 1984.

Sandra’s brother, Mike, had long since moved to France, to start his family and profession and settled in Riom. Janet, their Mother, joined Mike in Riom. Mike had two children, beloved by Sandra, Yanette and Christopher. Janet lived her final years in a small convent in the French countryside, which is where she was laid to rest. Sandra’s nephew, Christopher, whom she had longed to reunite, was killed in the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, while he was out for an evening with friends at the Bataclan nightclub. News of Christopher’s death forever took a piece of my Mother’s heart.

Sandra had many dear lifelong friends that were as sisters to her. Daniela, her best friend in Rome. Sally a childhood friend from Pennsylvania. Ann and Cindy life long friends here in the DMV area.

Roberto’s family were as her own. Beloved Nonna, sisters Gabriela and Anna Maria and their children, Francesca Romana, Tulia, Lydia and Gitano. Cousins Paolo, Francesca, Sirio, Mary Ann.

We also may not forget, Bella, Sandra’s Maltese companion. She was forever on her lap…

As we grieve her loss, let us remember the amazing woman we hold in our hearts. My Mother was my kindred spirit in so many ways. She lived life to the fullest, in her earlier years, embracing all that life had to offer.

My Mother asked for a Celebration of Life, similar to what she described as an ‘Irish Style Wake.’ Mom requested margaritas and snacks, a time to tell stories and remembrances, rather than a tearful goodbye. Upon research, I learned traditionally in the Irish countryside, wakes were held as a send off for loved ones, there were white linens and white flowers, described to be a glorious send off, with smiles and warmth, food and drink in the person’s home with music.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Sandra Lynn Shalter, my Beloved Mother, as we listen to another of my Mother’s great loves, arias by Andrea Bocelli.

Fond farewell to one held so dear

Miss me – but let me go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no tears in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little – but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me – but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone
It’s part of the Master’s plan
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good works
Miss me – but let me go.

Perhaps if we could see
The splendour of the land
To which our loved are called
From you and me.
We’d understand

Perhaps is we could hear
The welcome they receive
From old familiar voices
All so dear.
We would not grieve.

Perhaps if we could know
The reason why they went,
We’d smile – and wipe away
The tears that flow:
We’d wait content.

Greetings, Prince William – if you are fluent in English and Spanish, the Prince William County Office of Emergency Management wants to hear from you!

They need Spanish-English Interpreters at the Manassas Mall COVID vaccination site, 8300 Sudley Road, Manassas 20109.  The site is located inside the mall, near Uptown Alley.  Volunteers are needed weekdays, 9 am to 4 pm.  It’s a great way to help our Spanish-speaking residents receive critical information on this life-saving vaccine! Please email Lauren at [email protected] to learn more.

Non-COVID-19 Opportunities:

• CRi – Choice. Respect. independence. needs handy volunteers who can make Corn Hole Boards, Bean Bags and Kindness Cards to bring some cheer and fun to their residents.  Please visit www.volunteerprincewilliam.org and search for cri under Organizations for details, or email [email protected] to learn more.

• Mark your calendar – the next DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held April 24, 10am-2pm.  The two Novant Health UVA Health facilities in Manassas and Haymarket, along with Sentara Lake Ridge in Woodbridge, will accept and safely dispose of your unused and expired medications.  This is a good way to clear out your medicine cabinets before anything falls into the wrong hands.  Please visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/ for more information.

• Celebrate Earth Day with Keep Prince William Beautiful!  They, along with Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin, are hosting an Earth Day Community Cleanup on April 24, 10am-1pm.  Volunteers will be working to tackle the litter problem on Route 1 from Woodbridge to Dumfries.  Youth volunteers age 5 thru 15 are welcome but must volunteer with an adult.  Fresh air and a clean community – what could be better?  Please visit https://tinyurl.com/KPWBroute1cleanup to register.  Email [email protected] for more information.

• Pink Space Theory needs volunteers age 16+ who can assist with graduation planning for their programs at local elementary schools, assist with delivering class supplies to schools and any additional local help as needed. Email [email protected] to learn more.

• Did You Know:  Prince William Food Rescue Heroes who are “55 and better” can also join the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)!  Along with the benefits of volunteering to do home food deliveries, RSVP members also receive a mileage stipend and insurance coverage while on their volunteer shift.  Just an hour or so of your time helps provide food to local families facing food insecurity!  Please email [email protected] to learn how you can join.

• The SERVE Hunger Resource Center needs Food Recovery Driver volunteers to make routine pick-ups from grocery stores and restaurants.  Shifts are Monday-Friday, 8am-12pm with a commitment of at least one day a week.  Must commit to serve in this position at least 6 months.  Volunteers must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license.  Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.  Ride along training with experienced volunteer or staff and vehicle provided.  One day a week can make a life-long impact on a family in need!  Please email [email protected] to learn more.

• Virginia Cooperative Extension will be holding virtual training for Certified Master Financial Educators May 3 thru June 21.  Sessions will meet every Monday, 6:30pm-9:30pm.  If you like helping families sort through their finances and get back on their feet, this could be the opportunity for you!  Please email [email protected] or call 703.792.6287 for more information.

COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities:

Medical Reserve Corps  Support your local health department and your community during a public health emergency!  Volunteers are needed to support several missions, including public health education and outreach, disease investigation, vaccine clinics, and more!  Medical experience is not required; they have roles for everyone!  Bilingual volunteers are especially needed.  Volunteers must be 18 years of age, complete minimum training, and pass a state background check to serve.  Please fill out an application at vamrc.org.  Questions?  Please email Amy at [email protected] for more information.

• American Red Cross needs volunteers to be Shelter Service Associates in the event of a disaster during COVID-19.  Volunteers work in person in a Red Cross shelter before, during and/or after a disaster event, completing tasks necessary for shelter operations and providing assistance for disaster clients. Duties include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information or other areas within a shelter.  Please email [email protected] for more information.

• Prince William Food Rescue (PWFR) needs Food Rescue Heroes as the program is super busy delivering food to both ACTS and SERVE homebound senior citizens.  Volunteers are urgently needed countywide!  Home food deliveries are no contact and follow social distancing guidelines.  PWFR is an app-based program enabling volunteers to pick up viable, close to expiration food from supermarkets, restaurants, food pantries, etc., and then deliver it to a program that can immediately use the food. Just an hour of your time will do much to provide relief for food-insecure families in our community!  More info on PWFR may be found at https://pwfoodrescue.org/.  Please contact Rebecca at [email protected] or call 845.521.0118 for more information.

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292.  You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org.  Thanks so much for all you do in our community.

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Albert Calloway Shelton
Of Manassas, VA peacefully left this earthly life for his heavenly home on March 24, 2021. He was born in Selma, Alabama and is survived by his former wife, Louretha Shelton and their sons Rodney and Derrick Shelton; grandchildren Kristian Nielsen and Ishaya Shelton; sisters Nettie Riddick and Dorothy Mixon; brothers Eddie and George Shelton; fifteen nephews, nineteen nieces, and numerous relatives and friends. Services will be held at 11 am on Monday, April 12 at First Mount Zion Baptist Church, 16622 Dumfries Road, Dumfries, VA 22025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Albert Shelton’s honor to the International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607, https://myeloma.org/donate.