If you’re in Dumfries and are looking for a great cup of coffee and a treat, then look no further than Emoni’s Dessert Bar & Café. Emoni’s has been open for just three months, in the previous Dumfries Coffee location, but has already been warmly received by various members of the Dumfries community, due to Emoni’s wide variety of offerings and excellent baked treats. The word “emoni” means faith in Swahili, and Emoni’s CEO Cici Matthews has quite a bit of faith in her business and her product.
Matthews, a Los Angeles native, and 17-year Virginia resident has had the opportunity to see the impact and importance of a strong community, and this is something that is being incorporated into her business model.
The dessert bar and café is named after Matthew’s daughter Emoni, a student at Woodbridge Senior High School, and this is appropriate when considering all that Emoni’s aims to do for residents of Dumfries. In addition to offering quality baked goods, the café plans to host several cultural and community events, working with poets and artists from the DC metro area, like poet Phillip Gregory, to get children, teens and adults reinvested in the Dumfries community.
“I believe that you have to put seeds in other people’s dreams and talents, in order to get your own seeds for your dreams,” Matthews said.
Emoni’s also offers coffee and wine pairing educational talks with customers, teaching customers about the impact and reasoning as to why certain coffees and wines pair with different desserts, allowing customers to get the full flavor experience. They also offer free WiFi to all of their customers, which means that you can have your cake and eat it too, when it comes to grabbing a treat and getting some work done.
They offer cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, brownies, pies, and cheese cakes, and will take special orders within 24 hours. All of these bakery items are made daily and fresh on the premises, and all of the left-over products are donated to local charities and organizations in the community.
And like any good reporter, I took it upon myself to perform the grueling task of sampling various dessert offerings that you’ll find at Emoni’s. The lemon cupcakes were fresh and light, a perfect pick me up when you want dessert, but without the afterward heavy bloated feeling. The Kentucky Derby pie didn’t disappoint, and was crisp and flaky like a pie should be when made just right. But overall, my hands down favorite had to be the German chocolate cake. There was just the right amount of fudge and coconut topping to blend together, and didn’t leave my mouth with an overly sweet or chocolatey taste.
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Students in Stafford and King George counties will start school later than usual today due to extreme cold weather conditions.
In Stafford County, all schools will open on a two-hour delay to ensure the safety of students and staff during the frigid morning temperatures.
Similarly, King George County Schools announced a two-hour delay due to cold and inclement weather.
Families are encouraged to monitor updates from their respective school systems for any further changes. Stay warm and safe.
Commuter traffic in the Washington, D.C. metro area is set to surge as President Donald Trump issues an executive order ending remote work for federal employees. The Center Square reports that Trump’s directive mandates federal workers return to their offices full-time, with limited exemptions determined by department heads. The move is welcomed by regional leaders like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who have long urged a return to in-person work to bolster public transit ridership and address underused federal buildings. Federal employees, who constitute a significant portion of D.C.-area residents, are pivotal to the region’s economy.
Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause. Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.
In a pivotal discussion during the January 21, 2025, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding measures for a new fire station in the Brentsville District, addressing a pressing need for expanded emergency services. The debate revolved around whether to utilize proffer funds—developer-contributed resources earmarked for public infrastructure—or tap into the county’s fire levy fund.
Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy initiated an amendment to the funding resolution, proposing the use of Brentsville District fire proffers “to the greatest extent possible” before considering the fire levy fund. With $3 million available in Brentsville fire proffers, Gordy emphasized aligning these restricted funds with their intended purpose: supporting fire and rescue services.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
