Fredericksburg - Page 28 of 49 - Potomac Local News

Don’t Miss ‘Seussical Jr.’ at Riverside Center – A Fun Family Experience

Published February 6, 2025 at 2:12PM

This limited-run show features the classic Dr. Seuss story of Horton the Elephant and his journey to protect the Whos and an egg left in his care. The show runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from February 4 to March 1, 2025, with an additional Saturday show on March 1. Tickets are just $20 per person, and children under three are free.

The Children’s Theatre returns with an amazing performance for all ages! You can even bring your own lunch to enjoy before the show on Tuesday and Thursday performances. Group tickets are available for Tuesday and Thursday shows by calling 540-479-1356, while Saturday matinees can be purchased online or by calling 540-370-4300.

Fredericksburg City Public Schools to Launch Career and Technical Education Program with $1 Million Donation

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 6, 2025 at 10:32AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:21AM

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‘Virginia, I’m Home’: Emily Woodhull’s Path From DC to Fredericksburg’s Music Scene

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published February 6, 2025 at 10:30AM | Updated February 11, 2025 at 8:06AM

Emily Woodhull

A journey from DC’s Capitol Hill to Shenandoah’s mountains led Emily Woodhull to Fredericksburg’s music scene.

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Flush Your Troubles Down the Drain: Pipefitter Opens in Fredericksburg

By Mike Salmon

Published February 4, 2025 at 6:30PM | Updated February 4, 2025 at 7:08PM

Mr. Rooter opens a new plumbing office in Fredericksburg [Photo: Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce]

When the toilet gets clogged, or the pipe springs a leak, it might be time to call Mr. Rooter, the newest plumbing place in Fredericksburg, to fix the problem.

Officials gathered on Thursday, January 30, 2025, to cut the ribbon on the new Westwood Center office just east of I-95.

“When we started Mr. Rooter here in Fredericksburg, we set out to create not just another plumbing service, but a local business that our community can trust — whether it is for routine plumbing repair, an emergency fix, or a major installation,” said Gilbert Mwenedata, owner of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Fredericksburg. “We’re proud to be part of this wonderful community, and we look forward to building lasting relationships with our neighbors, customers, and other local businesses,” he said.

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Legislation Update: What Your State Senators Are Working on This Session

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published January 31, 2025 at 2:30PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Virignia State Capitol

Virginia’s General Assembly convened on January 8 for the start of its 30-day session; to keep readers informed on their local representatives’ efforts, we’ve reviewed some of their bills and votes.

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Fredericksburg Notes: Treasurer Brenda Wood Announces Retirement, Urban Forestry Program Flourishes

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 31, 2025 at 1:32PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Wood

After more than two decades of dedicated service to the community, City Treasurer Brenda Wood has announced her retirement, effective at the end of the year. Wood, the City Treasurer since January 2014, will not seek re-election in November 2025.

Wood’s career with the City spans more than 23 years, with her most notable role being Treasurer. Before stepping into that role, she served as Chief Deputy Treasurer under G.M. Haney. Wood’s leadership helped bring the Treasurer’s office to new heights, including successfully implementing new financial systems and the recent upgrade to the city’s online payment portal. Under her watch, the office achieved accreditation, a mark of excellence in municipal finance.

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Legislation Update: What Your State Delegates Are Working on This Session

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published January 31, 2025 at 10:30AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Photo: Virginia Department of Historic Resources

Virginia’s General Assembly convened on January 8 for the start of its 30-day session; to keep readers informed on their local representatives’ efforts, we’ve reviewed some of their bills and votes. Virginia shares bills, votes, and schedules online through the Legislative Information System.

Virginia has 100 delegates who serve two-year terms. Between Jan. 8 and Jan. 30, 2,370 bills were introduced by delegates and senators. A total of 287 have failed the House of Delegates so far, and 306 have passed the House, many of which have moved into a committee for further review.

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Fredericksburg Data Center Debate Heats Up: Concerns Grow Over Transparency and Environmental Impact

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 29, 2025 at 4:55PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:50AM

Fredericksburg City Hall

The ongoing debate over the construction of data centers in Fredericksburg took center stage during the City Council meeting on January 28, 2025, with residents and council members expressing mounting concerns about the potential environmental consequences and the lack of transparency in the approval process.

At the heart of the controversy is the city’s aggressive timeline for approving zoning changes and facilitating the development of new data centers. Local residents have voiced their concerns about the environmental impact of such large-scale projects, particularly in areas close to residential neighborhoods and natural resources like the Rappahannock River. While proponents argue that data centers could bring significant economic benefits, critics worry that the city is rushing to approve projects without fully understanding or addressing the long-term consequences.

Hamilton Palmer, a Fredericksburg resident, raised alarms about the transparency of the decision-making process. At the meeting, Palmer expressed frustration over the council’s handling of the issue, particularly regarding releasing information about the proposed data centers. “There has been little effort by the city to engage the public on data centers until this past year,” Palmer said, emphasizing that many residents are still unclear about the full scope of the projects and their potential impact on the community.

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Hundreds Attend First Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 29, 2025 at 3:18PM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:36PM

Greg Kihlström, a best-selling author and consultant specializing in marketing technology and digital transformation, was the keynote speaker at the inaugural Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center.

Small business owners and marketing professionals from across Virginia gathered in Stafford County on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, for the inaugural Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center.

The one-day, free event focused on digital marketing, branding, and artificial intelligence, providing attendees with insights into how businesses can enhance their outreach and advertising strategies. The summit featured a keynote address by Greg Kihlström, a best-selling author and consultant specializing in marketing technology and digital transformation.

The summit’s agenda included breakout sessions on social media strategies, branding, and data analytics, giving business owners tools to enhance their marketing efforts. A panel discussion closed the event, allowing industry experts to share their thoughts on the latest trends in digital marketing.

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Local Musicians Gather for Eric Becker Memorial Concert to Benefit SPCA

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published January 29, 2025 at 11:30AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:36PM

On Saturday, February 1, local musicians and bands are gathering at Strangeways Brewing for the Eric Becker Memorial Concert benefiting the Fredericksburg SPCA.

A member of Radar Theory, bandmate Johnny Boothe said Becker was known for being genuinely caring to everyone in his life. He “loved his friends, his family, and his wife Kathleen deeply,” Boothe said.

Becker and Boothe met in 2021 at an Adventure Brewery Open Mic night and decided to form a band called Radar Theory.

In the fall of 2022, Becker noticed chest pain during a rehearsal and went to the hospital a few days later. He was diagnosed with cancer and began aggressive treatment immediately. Becker had several months of treatment and seemed to be doing well for a few months in 2023 before his cancer returned.
A member of Radar Theory, bandmate Johnny Boothe said Becker was known for being genuinely caring to everyone in his life. He “loved his friends, his family, and his wife Kathleen deeply,” Boothe said.

Becker and Boothe met in 2021 at an Adventure Brewery Open Mic night and decided to form a band called Radar Theory.

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