Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 Leadership and Board Members

By Dalila Conde
Stafford Economic Development: Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced Michelle Caldwell Thompson, owner and President of CTI Real Estate, as the 2025 Chair of the Board. The Chamber also welcomes its new board members for 2025, including George Barnick of Fredericksburg Technology, Latasha Brooks of A&B Creative Events, Chip Boyles of the George Washington Regional Commission, Barbara Gustavson of Discover Next Step, and Werner Jansen of Bloomia. Additionally, Jennifer McGovern of Parrish Snead Franklin Simpson, PLC, has been named the Chamber’s legal counsel for the upcoming year.

The board officers for 2025 include Michelle Caldwell Thompson as Chair, Ginni Matern of Matern Staffing as Vice Chair, Kevin Dillard of LifeCare Medical Transports as Immediate Past Chair, Shawn Sloan of The Media Partners as Treasurer, and Susan Garnett Spears continuing as President and CEO.

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Shop Local, Gift Local: Sprelly’s Flights Take PB&J To New Heights

By Kelly Sienkowski

A bright gold and purple building on Princess Anne street offers creative twists on a beloved classic – Sprelly specializes in gourmet nut butter spreads and jellies that redefine the traditional PB&J with nearly two dozen exotic flavors. 

Founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Adrian and Casey Silversmith, Sprelly moved from the Made in Virginia store in downtown Fredericksburg to the Canal Quarter District in 2021.

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Man, 23, Shot and Killed in Downtown Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser

At 1 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, Fredericksburg Police responded to reports of gunfire in the 400 block of William Street in Downtown Fredericksburg. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds on the adjacent Charles Street and provided aid until rescue personnel arrived.

The victim, identified as Tyler Lee Jones, 23, of Fredericksburg, was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

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Dr. Tim Duffy Announces Resignation from Fredericksburg City Council

By Uriah Kiser
Duffy takes the oath of office in 2018. [Photo: Fredericksburg City Goverment]

In a statement, Dr. Duffy shared that recent developments within his family and his ongoing battle with prostate cancer, initially treated in 2019, prompted him to reprioritize his commitments. “My family needs me, and I need them,” Dr. Duffy stated, visibly moved as he addressed his colleagues and the public.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Duffy expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and collaborate with fellow council members and city staff. “This body means so much to me and this city. It has been an amazing experience,” he said. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about his decision, calling himself “the luckiest person you will ever meet.”

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Shop Local, Gift Local: Elysian Float Spa Offers a Way to Let It Go

By Kelly Sienkowski

No sound, no touch, no light: Elysian Float Spa offers a sensory deprivation spa experience to take away the stress of the holidays. Located in Fredericksburg, Elysian offers 60 minute or 90 minute float therapy sessions. Owner Debbie Elkins said float therapy has three main targets: athletic recovery, chronic pain,, and mental wellness (anxiety, depression, PTSD).

Two couples, Mark and Debbie Elkins from Stafford and Jason and Christy Ostrander met 15 years ago at a small church group. After a float spa experience in Williamsburg, Mark and Debbie told Jason, a career massage therapist, that this type of wellness experience was needed in the Fredericksburg area. 

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