Features

Regional library (CRRL) deactivates X (formerly Twitter) account due to low engagement

By Uriah Kiser
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library Fredericksburg Branch at 1201 Caroline Street.

In a move to streamline its social media presence, Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) announced the deactivation of its X (formerly Twitter) account. The decision was made in response to low user engagement on the platform. Sean Bonney, a spokesman for the library, provided insight into the decision, stating, “CRRL focuses on connecting with users in our service region, and unfortunately, the X account did not generate the desired level of engagement.”

According to Bonney, CRRL, which serves the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland, commits to reaching its community through various channels. While the X account has been deactivated, the library assured that its events, services, and news will continue to be actively promoted on CRRL’s other social media accounts. There are no plans to add or remove any additional accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Flickr.

Go to Regional library (CRRL) deactivates X (formerly Twitter) account due to low engagement Read more

Souper Bowl: A culinary adventure to kick off First Friday events in 2024

By Uriah Kiser
Downtown Manassas [Photo: Manassas Economic Development]

According to Jheanel Butler, HMI event coordinator, the diverse soups include Sancocho from Puerto Rico Café, a hearty stew with a unique blend of beef cuts, chicken, and root vegetables. Grounds Central Station will serve roasted butternut squash soup, while SemiFreddo Italian Cuisine will present green lentil soup with prosciutto. Other highlights include Creamy Potato Soup from Vera’s Kitchen, Beef Brisket Chili from The Bone, Brunswick Stew from Hog Shack Bar-B-Q, and the intriguing Cheese Burger Soup topped with bacon from The Philadelphia Tavern. Vegans can delight in the Vegan Tomato Soup with a non-vegan grilled cheese bite from Honey & Ivy Gluten-free.

This year’s ticket includes a collectible anniversary mug for attendees, who can choose to use it at the event. Disposable tasting containers will also be provided. To add an interactive element, attendees will receive a map of all the stops with a QR code for online voting.

Go to Souper Bowl: A culinary adventure to kick off First Friday events in 2024 Read more

Broadway on Caroline at Fredericksburg Square: A night of music and craft beer

By Uriah Kiser
Fredericksburg Square, located at 525 Caroline Street in Historic Downtown Fredericksburg

As Broadway comes to Caroline Street at the newly revitalized Fredericksburg Square, residents and visitors are in for a treat.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, the historic venue will host “Broadway on Caroline – Riverside Downtown,” promising a night of live performances, craft beer, and culinary delights.

Go to Broadway on Caroline at Fredericksburg Square: A night of music and craft beer Read more

Fredericksburg Tourism Revamp: Visitor’s center, economic development office relocate for modernization, collaboration

By Mike Salmon
The current center is full of Fredericksburg maps, hats and sweatshirts. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

The city’s Visitor’s Center and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism office are being relocated to modernize Fredericksburg’s tourism industry and make destinations accessible to all.

The new office, at 601 Caroline Street, is across from the current center and one block south. It is a more modern building with more of the infrastructure the city departments need.

Go to Fredericksburg Tourism Revamp: Visitor’s center, economic development office relocate for modernization, collaboration Read more

Colonial Forge High School to host 3rd annual Community Health and Wellness Fair

By Uriah Kiser
S.E.R.V.E. stands for "Stafford Emergency Relief through Volunteer Efforts. [Photo: S.E.R.V.E. Facebook page]

This year’s fair introduces the Polar Pals Fun Run for elementary students at 10:15 a.m., with a route around the high school. The Polar Crew welcomes participants at 10 a.m.; hot chocolate is available after the run. Registration is open for those eager to join.

Attendees can enjoy activities, including giveaways, school nutrition tastings, health screenings, life-saving technique demonstrations, and interactions with local organizations and businesses. The Fair emphasizes Stafford Schools’ eight wellness areas: Occupational, Physical, Emotional, Social, Spiritual, Intellectual, Financial, and Environmental. The goal is to inspire healthy living, empower the community, and foster overall family wellness, according to the school division.

Go to Colonial Forge High School to host 3rd annual Community Health and Wellness Fair Read more

Gainesville Middle School 7th grader wins publishing contest

By Uriah Kiser
Misra

Each year, the iWRITE literacy organization organizes a publishing contest for young writers and illustrators in grades three through 12.

This year, Anushka Misra, a seventh-grade student at Gainesville Middle School, emerged as one of the 125 winners chosen from across the globe.

Go to Gainesville Middle School 7th grader wins publishing contest Read more

Colgan administrator named 2024 outstanding assistant principal

By Uriah Kiser
Riddle

On January 17, 2024, Karyn Riddle, Assistant Principal at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School, was honored as the 2024 Outstanding Secondary School Assistant Principal of Virginia by the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP). According to a Prince William County Schools spokeswoman, a panel of school leaders, including principals and division superintendents, carefully selected Riddle for this prestigious recognition.

Riddle, a proud graduate of Osbourn Park High School, has dedicated 24 years to the education of students in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS). Her journey began at Osbourn Park High, where she spent a decade teaching and served as the school’s assistant principal for four years. Subsequently, Riddle contributed eight years in the central office as a student management supervisor, specializing in leadership development. In 2018, she assumed the role of assistant principal at Colgan High.

Go to Colgan administrator named 2024 outstanding assistant principal Read more

Castaways Theatre asks community for input on future productions

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Castaways Theatre]

To widen and vary the audience scope, Castaways Theatre has initiated a survey to collect opinions from the community on the types of plays they would like to see in future productions. The goal is to ensure that the theater caters to diverse preferences.

The recent productions, including the stage adaptation of the award-winning 1985 film documentary “SHOAH” and the upcoming performance of “Heathers,” highlight Castaways Theatre’s commitment to presenting various theatrical experiences.

Go to Castaways Theatre asks community for input on future productions Read more

‘Jersey Boys’ hit the stage: A musical journey from streets to stardom

By Uriah Kiser

Snow, ice, or wind won’t deter audiences from experiencing this award-winning musical’s phenomenal music, memorable characters, and captivating storytelling.

“Jersey Boys” chronicles the evolution of four blue-collar children who became one of the greatest success stories in pop music history – Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards and Olivier Awards, the show provides an intimate look behind the scenes at the 40-year friendship that propelled these young talents from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom.

Go to ‘Jersey Boys’ hit the stage: A musical journey from streets to stardom Read more
View More Stories