Stafford

Shop Local, Gift Local: Clay Creations and Holiday Inspiration at Corgi Clay

By Kelly Sienkowski

A family of handmade snowmen, a tree luminary, and hand-sculpted ornaments: Corgi Clay Art Center’s classes this month are focusing on the holidays. Corgi Clay has classes available for a wide range of ages and abilities, from teens learning to spin clay for the first time to advanced sculptors learning detailed techniques. Owner Deb Balestreri said the center is “Stafford County’s first vibrant, creative community that offers ceramics and other art classes, firing services, artist residencies, teaching and exhibition opportunities, and memberships for potters.”

Balestreri, a University of Mary Washington alum, opened Corgi Clay in 2020 after serving as the Director of Visual Arts Education at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. The center is hosting a holiday marketplace through January, featuring unique artwork, apparel, pottery, and more.

Go to Shop Local, Gift Local: Clay Creations and Holiday Inspiration at Corgi Clay Read more

Crime News: Attempted Sexual Assault Reported at Nokesville Park; Police Seek Suspect

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William County police are investigating an attempted sexual assault that occurred on Tuesday, December 10, at Nokesville Community Park, 12560 Aden Road, near Manassas. A woman was walking along a trail near Hickerson Lane around 9 a.m. when she was approached by a masked man who attempted to assault her. The victim fought back, and the suspect fled after a struggle. Another park visitor assisted the victim in contacting the police.

She was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Go to Crime News: Attempted Sexual Assault Reported at Nokesville Park; Police Seek Suspect Read more

Navy Roots, Ninja Moves: USA Ninja Challenge Launches in Stafford

By Kelly Sienkowski

After serving in the Navy for 10 years and working in corporate America building data centers, Dan Umpa has launched USA Ninja Challenge Stafford, an indoor obstacle course training program that combines basic skill sets from gymnastics, climbing, cross training, and track and field.

Umpa, who graduated from the Naval Academy, originally planned to open a gym. He had spent ten years working in the corporate world, building data centers, and knew this type of career didn’t fit his needs for more time with his family or his active lifestyle.

Go to Navy Roots, Ninja Moves: USA Ninja Challenge Launches in Stafford Read more

Stafford Schools Raise $27,000 to Fight Hunger

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Stafford County Public Schools (Stafford Schools) is pleased to announce the 14th annual Band Together to Fight Hunger, organized by Stafford County’s five high school marching bands, raised $27,593 and collected 3,778 pounds of food this year, equating to 58,333 meals for the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. The culminating event featured individual performances by each marching band from Brooke Point, Colonial Forge, Mountain View, North Stafford, and Stafford High Schools. Nearly 400 student musicians performed in a combined finale, led by North Stafford High School Assistant Principal Brandon Neal, showcasing unity and talent while supporting local families in need.

Contributions at a Glance:

Go to Stafford Schools Raise $27,000 to Fight Hunger Read more

Updated: Stafford Supervisors Special Meeting Canceled Amid Controversy; CRRL Announces New Trustee

By Uriah Kiser

A special Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, initially scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, has been canceled. Stafford County spokesman Andrew Spence stated that the cancellation was due to a procedural issue with the meeting notice.

“Chairman [Meg] Bohmke canceled the meeting originally scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, due to a procedural issue with the meeting notice. At this time, there is no information about it being rescheduled,” Spence said.

Go to Updated: Stafford Supervisors Special Meeting Canceled Amid Controversy; CRRL Announces New Trustee Read more

Hike, Hunt, and Holiday Cheer: Stafford’s Annual Candy Cane Hunt Returns

By Kelly Sienkowski

Stafford County Parks, Recreation and Tourism is hosting its annual Candy Cane Hunt on Government Island on December 14. The family-friendly event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and registration is required in order to receive the activities bag, which contains the scavenger hunt information.

Giant candy canes will be hidden in the woods throughout the island. Participants can use a scavenger hunt map provided by Stafford Tourism to mark off their finds.

Go to Hike, Hunt, and Holiday Cheer: Stafford’s Annual Candy Cane Hunt Returns Read more

Shop Local, Gift Local: Olde Virginia Gourmet’s Picks for Holiday Gifts

By Kelly Sienkowski
Olde Virginia Gourmet's festive decorations

We’ll be featuring local businesses in our holiday gift-giving series. We’ve asked local businesses to tell us about their holidays, and to suggest gift ideas for a wide range of people.

Stafford’s Olde Virginia Gourmet recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Open since 2004, owners Sean and Annabelle Tarallo run a gourmet and gift shop that focuses on Virginia products, including wines, beers, and other gourmet specialties. 

Go to Shop Local, Gift Local: Olde Virginia Gourmet’s Picks for Holiday Gifts Read more

VDOT Publishes Hot Spot Schedule for the Fredericksburg Region

By Aya Karouane
The Falmouth Bridge connects Fredericksburg and Stafford. (Photo: VDOT)

Emergency repairs are underway on the northbound Route 1 lane at the Falmouth Bridge, with delays expected during peak times. Various construction and maintenance projects are ongoing throughout the Fredericksburg District, including road closures, lane restrictions, and bridge repairs across multiple counties, with some projects set to be completed in the coming years.

Press Release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:

Go to VDOT Publishes Hot Spot Schedule for the Fredericksburg Region Read more
View More Stories