Fredericksburg spent the weekend commemorating the 200th anniversary of General Lafayette’s historic 1824 visit. The Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration Weekend featured two free public events that closely mirrored the original activities hosted in Lafayette’s honor.

Today will begin with a special Masonic Welcome at Fredericksburg’s historic Masonic Lodge No. 4, located at 803 Princess Anne Street. From 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., General Lafayette, portrayed by Mark Schneider of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, was made an honorary Lodge Member in a ceremony that highlighted artifacts from his original 1824 visit, including the very punch bowl used during the reception two centuries ago.


Giorgio’s Family Restaurant is mourning the loss of its founder, Chef George Lampros, whose passion for food and community built the establishment into a local institution. Chef Lampros passed away this week, leaving behind a legacy of culinary excellence and community connection that has spanned more than two decades.

Chef Lampros, a proud Greek immigrant who fulfilled the American dream, opened Giorgio’s in 1999. Starting as a small 12-seat deli, the restaurant expanded over the years into a bustling 130-seat full-service establishment, complete with banquet and catering services. In 2008, Lampros further enhanced the dining experience by integrating WineStyles of Montclair, a wine shop and bar offering an extensive selection of wines from around the globe.


Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County) has introduced legislation aimed at closing a loophole created last year by HB 790, which inadvertently allowed underage students to possess tobacco and vaping devices on school grounds without facing legal consequences.

The proposed legislation comes in response to growing concerns from law enforcement and community leaders who have noted the impact of the loophole on schools and extracurricular activities. While Stafford County schools reported a 21% decrease in vaping incidents over the past year, with 23 incidents in 2024 compared to 29 in 2023, officials remain vigilant about preventing access to these products by minors.


On November 16, 2024, an intoxicated driver caused a head-on collision on Interstate 95 near Quantico, resulting in one fatality and leaving a passenger hospitalized with severe injuries. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the survivor with medical expenses, therapy, and other needs during his recovery from both physical and emotional trauma.

GoFundMe Description:


With the return of the city’s safe exchange zone at the Manassas City Police Department, residents of Manassas now have a designated safe space to conduct online purchases and child custody exchanges.

Located behind the Public Safety Facility at 9608 Grant Ave., the zone is marked and offers a secure environment for community members to meet.


Mayor Michele Davis Younger posted on her official mayoral Facebook page the news of her mother’s passing on Nov. 21. Deaconess Thelma Davis, who endured a challenging health journey over the past six months, was remembered by her daughter as a “profound blessing” in her life.

“With a heavy heart, I share that my beloved mother, Deaconess Thelma Davis, transitioned to eternal rest yesterday, November 21st,” Davis Younger wrote in her post on Nov. 22. “While it is difficult to say goodbye, I find comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and is now singing joyfully among the angels.”


Santa Claus made a festive entrance at Potomac Mills mall today at 2 p.m., marking the beginning of the holiday season with a cheerful celebration in the Grand Court, located next to TJ Maxx.

Children and families were treated to a lively Santa’s Arrival Party, which included face painting, balloon twisting, ornament-making, and coloring activities. A “Letters to Santa” station allowed kids to jot down their holiday wishes, adding a magical touch to the event. Santa’s area was bustling with activity, surrounded by multiple elves, ensuring everyone had a merry time.


By Morgan Sweeney

(The Center Square) — The average American’s energy bill could increase from 25% to 70% in the next 10 years without intervention from policymakers, according to a new study from Washington, D.C.-based think tank the Jack Kemp Foundation.


On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the Rotary Club of Manassas significantly contributed to the local community by donating $24,000 to Willing Warriors, a nonprofit organization that supports wounded service members and their families. The donation was announced during the Rotary’s noon meeting at City Tavern in Manassas.

The funds were raised during the Rotary’s annual Cornhole Tournament, held on September 29, 2024, at The Salisbury Center in Manassas. The event featured a competitive and social tournament, drawing many participants and supporters. Prizes worth over $4,500 were distributed during the game.


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