Business

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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Manassas

Brightening the Holidays: Ways to Give Back in Prince William County

By Teresa Davidson

Submitted by Volunteer Prince William:

Greetings, Prince William:  Breaking News:  You can still help support the Volunteer Prince William Untrim a Tree and Senior Basket Program!  Head over to Texas Roadhouse, 9875 Liberia Avenue, Manassas this Saturday, December 14 from 11am until 3pm for an amazing meal and to help support Untrim a Tree!  Dine in or order to go and have your server share your receipt, which will allow TEN PERCENT of your total food purchase to be donated to Volunteer Prince William!  We hope to see you there!

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News

Stafford County Looking to Recognize Parks Volunteers

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Stafford County is preparing to recognize individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to its parks system and the character development of its youth. The annual Florence D. Helms Award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in volunteer activities in memory of one of Stafford’s most inspiring parks volunteers, Florence Helms.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our many parks and recreational offerings,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Meg Bohmke, Falmouth District. “The Florence Helms Award recognizes those who share her dedication and loyalty to the youth of Stafford.”

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Event

World of Travel Show 2027

Event location

BlackRock Center for the Arts

12901 Town Commons Dr

Germantown, Maryland 20874

Add to Calendar

Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for the World of Travel Show 2027 on Saturday, February 6, 2027, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in The BlackBox at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.

Meet representatives from 13 respected travel brands covering family and adults-only cruises, premium and luxury ocean voyages, European river cruises, expedition and Galápagos adventures, small-ship sailing, guided land tours, and customized vacations.

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News

Police Roundup: Driver Killed in Lorton Crash

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Alan Gloss]

Two vehicles were traveling northbound at a high rate of speed when one of them, a 2013 BMW 650I, changed lanes and struck a 2020 Mercedes E-Class, which was not involved in the speeding. The Mercedes hit the guardrail, while the BMW struck the jersey wall, ejecting its driver. The Mercedes then struck the driver of the BMW.

The driver of the BMW, Kenneth D. Buckner, 35, of Washington, D.C., died at the scene. Police confirmed he was not wearing a seatbelt. A passenger in the BMW, Tyra Williams, 29, was partially ejected and sustained serious injuries. She was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

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Manassas

Manassas City Schools to Partner with Outside Tutoring Service Starting in January

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Kindel Media via Pexels]

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

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Business

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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Features

From One Veteran to Hundreds: The Story of Simply Angels

By Kelly Sienkowski

From delivering meals to providing emotional support, Simply Angels Veterans Outreach has become a vital resource for hundreds of veterans living with disabilities in Virginia. Simply Angels Veterans Outreach, a nonprofit organization that supports disabled and homebound veterans, has been serving six Virginia counties for nearly 40 years.

Founded by veteran Susan Purks, the group began when she helped a severely burned veteran regain his passion for life. Over time, Purks expanded her efforts to assist other disabled veterans, focusing on career plans tailored to their physical and emotional needs.

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News

First Quarter Chronic Absenteeism Rises in Prince William Schools

By Caitlyn Meisner
Chronic absenteeism has risen since the start of the 2023-2024 school year in Prince William County Schools. [Chart courtesy of PWCS]

According to a presentation given at the Dec. 4 PWCS School Board meeting, 15.4% of students are considered chronically absent as of Oct. 31, which marked the end of the first quarter. In the 2023-24 school year at the same time, only 14.7% of students were considered chronically absent.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more or 18 days of school for an enrolled student by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Excused and unexcused absences count toward the chronic absenteeism rate.

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