Fredericksburg - Page 37 of 65 - Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG — FredNats Shut Out in 6-0 Loss to Charleston

Published April 24, 2025 at 11:21PM

Photo: Fredericksburg Nationals

The Fredericksburg Nationals (9-9) were shut out for the first time this season, falling 6-0 to the Charleston RiverDogs (8-10) on Thursday at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Charleston scored all six of its runs in the first two innings, capitalizing on six hits and three Fredericksburg errors.

FredNats starter Alexander Meckley was pulled in the third inning after walking three consecutive batters. Charleston’s Trevor Harrison held the FredNats scoreless over five innings, striking out seven. The FredNats loaded the bases in the second inning with no outs but failed to score and stranded 11 runners overall.

Karen Jonas Brings New Album ‘The Rise and Fall of American Kitsch’ to Sunken Well in Fredericksburg This Saturday

By Mike Salmon

Published April 24, 2025 at 2:00PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:16PM

The polka dot curtain and the calendar hark from an earlier time.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – On the album cover of Karen Jonas’ “The Rise and Fall of American Kitsch,” released in August 2024, Karen is depicted holding a drink and a bottle of liquor, sporting a neutral expression and a few tattoos here and there. Throw in a 1960s floor-model television set, an ashtray, a religious statue, and an electric guitar, and it all screams “kitsch,” from the day when it was hip to be kitsch.

Jonas and a photographer tossed around a couple of ideas before settling on the art for the cover. “We were thinking about it for a couple of months, it was fun,” she said.

Tourist Trap? Towing Reported at Lot Near Old Fredericksburg Visitors Center

By Mike Salmon

Published April 24, 2025 at 10:18AM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:16PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – At one time, the Fredericksburg Visitors’ Center at the corner of Charlotte and Caroline Streets and the little parking lot next door were an adequate place for visitors to park. Last year, the Visitor’s Center relocated to a larger space a block away. The parking lot is now under new ownership, and access to the lot has been restricted. However, not everyone received the notice, so parking enforcement rolls in, which some see as unwarranted.

“I have heard of people being towed,” said Simon Jones, who called the signs “very unclear.” He had a latte from “Anita’s Café” next door to the lot, and the owner, Anita Crossfield, agrees that the signage needs to be clearer. She’s seen cars being towed from the lot, especially on holidays. “It’s not clear,” she said, and an updated version of the sign needs to be included. The new owners should do that, Anita said.

Rare Day Game: RiverDogs Rally Late to Defeat FredNats 6-2

By Potomac Local News

Published April 23, 2025 at 2:54PM | Updated April 23, 2025 at 3:19PM

Photo: Fredericksburg Nationals

The Charleston RiverDogs scored four late runs to top the Fredericksburg Nationals 6-2 on Education Day at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Over 3,000 students attended the early game, where FredNats starter Bryan Polanco allowed just one run in four innings. Cristhian Vaquero went 3-for-5 with an RBI, but Charleston broke a 2-2 tie with a strong finish against Fredericksburg’s bullpen. Robert Cranz (1-2) took the loss.

Next Game: Thursday, 6:35 p.m. — Alexander Meckley (1-1, 5.56) vs. Trevor Harrison (1-1, 4.50)

CTAC Endorses New Route for Rappahannock River Crossing; Regional Vote Set for June 16

By Potomac Local News

Published April 22, 2025 at 3:46PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:16PM

Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River. [VDOT]

The Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), a panel advising the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO), voted 9-4 in favor of a new option, informally dubbed “CTAC Option C.” The route would use Celebrate Virginia Parkway in Stafford County and cross the river where one of the previously studied alternatives—Option D—was proposed.

During a presentation at the April 21 FAMPO Policy Committee meeting, CTAC member Al Watkins said the new route was the result of “many, many, many hours” of analysis by committee members. The preferred alternative aims to reduce environmental impacts, minimize new road construction, and improve regional traffic flow between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.

Health Officials Warn of Measles Risk in Woodbridge, Fredericksburg

By Potomac Local News

Published April 22, 2025 at 3:08PM

Kaiser Permanente on Caton Hill Road in Woodbridge.

Virginia health officials have confirmed the first measles case of 2025, reported in a child from the Northwest Region who had recently traveled internationally. Health officials are now working to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the disease, including individuals who visited two medical centers in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges residents, particularly those in these areas, to check their vaccination status and seek the MMR vaccine if needed. Measles is highly contagious, but vaccination remains the best defense against the disease.

Lights, Camera, Fredericksburg! Film Festival Brings Indie Cinema to Town

By Mike Salmon

Published April 17, 2025 at 3:00PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:16PM

Dalton Okolo, filmmaker and co-organizer of the Fredericksburg Film Festival, reviews shots on his camera during the opening night reception. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

Event organizer Dalton Okolo sported two high-powered cameras as he mingled with the crowd. “This is our second year, we have to figure ourselves out,” he said. The festival is supported by the Fredericksburg Office of Economic Development and Tourism, as well as several local businesses. At the opening reception, it was too early to predict the outcome, but Okolo was optimistic. “There are large amounts of enthusiasm online,” he said. Okolo is joined on the management side by Executive Producer & Experience Designer Wa’ad Adam, and producers Carlos Naranjo, Antonella Membreno, and John Heyn.

Okolo is a director, writer, and producer based in Fredericksburg, known for his Virginia-based short films, including “She’s Mine Now” (2022) and “Missing You” (2021). He is with 1108 Media, where he encourages Virginia-based filmmakers, strengthening the local film community. After the reception, there was a “Shorts Block,” with films “Dirty Towel,” “How to Feel Fullfilled at Work,” and “Waiting for April,” a film by a couple of Alexandria filmmakers Timothy Parsons and Kyle Schick.

Take Me Home Tuesday: Meet Honey, the Rescue Bringing Healing and Hugs

By Potomac Local News

Published April 15, 2025 at 11:00AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — When Diane Wheeler and her family adopted Honey from Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) five years ago, they quickly realized she had a calm, friendly personality well-suited for more than just home life. After five years as a beloved family pet, Honey began the process of becoming a certified therapy dog.

In 2024, Honey earned her certification from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), an international registry that tests and certifies dogs for animal-assisted activities. The process ensures each dog has the right temperament, obedience, and relationship with its handler to provide comfort in therapeutic settings.

Fredericksburg Celebrates Arbor Day, Honors Local Tree Advocates

By Potomac Local News

Published April 11, 2025 at 11:08AM

The Fredericksburg Area Council of Garden Clubs and the City of Fredericksburg celebrated the 37th Annual Arbor Day on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with a special tribute to local environmental champions Anne and Carl Little, along with the organization Tree Fredericksburg.

The event took place at 10 a.m. in Maury Park, located at the corner of William Street and Kenmore Avenue, adjacent to the James Monroe High School football field and just behind the Littles’ home. The park served as a fitting venue for honoring the couple whose tireless efforts have transformed green spaces throughout the city.

The Next Chapter for Fredericksburg Readers: Novel Opens Downtown

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published April 11, 2025 at 9:00AM

Fredericksburg welcomed a new novelty to its downtown business scene last week: Novel, an independent bookstore and plant shop has opened its doors at 212 William Street.

Novel, owned and operated by Andie Ayers, offers a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction titles, unique gifts, and a quiet space designed for connection and conversation.