VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SATURDAY CLEAN UP
DALE CITY, Va. — It’s been a long road back to normal for Carol Hakenson, and now she’s adopted a road of her own in memory of her late son.
On a September night in 2009, Hakenson brought dinner to her son who was living with friends in a house on Kentwood Drive in Dale City. When she pulled up to the house she saw the unthinkable – ambulances and fire trucks staged outside her son’s home.
That night 27-year-old Alan Joshua “Josh” Weaver died in a drug overdose. It changed Hakenson’s life forever.
“He was humble, his laugh was engaging, but he just chose to get involved with the wrong thing,” she said.
Hoping to call attention to her son’s drug addiction in a warning others, and to keep Josh’s memory alive, Hakenson adopted a portion of Kerrydale Road between Dale Boulevard and Kentwood Drive. It’s now up to her, Josh’s friends, and volunteers to clean litter from the street four times a year.
Hakenson hopes the community will join her at Kerrydale Elementary School on Kerrydale Road at 7 a.m. Saturday, where she’ll provide volunteers gloves, vests, juice, and snacks in exchange for helping them keep clean a portion of this neighborhood street.
“The grieving process has been a long one, but another mother I know has done this and she talked me in to this as a way to keep his memory alive,” said Hakenson.
Josh went to Godwin Middle School and later moved to Fairfax County to live with his father. He later moved back to a condo in Lake Ridge, and then to the house in Dale City to live with his friends.
Hakenson hopes to go into the same schools her son attended to share her story with students, illustrating for them the dangers of drug abuse, and showing them what life is like when drugs take the life of someone you love.
“A lot of parents like me don’t want to think their children are doing anything wrong, but if I can help just one parent avoid a loss like mine then I think I’ve done something good,” she said.
Recent Stories
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is considering a zero-tax-increase budget for 2025, which has drawn community members’ support and concern. During the February 4, 2025, meeting, parents and education advocates urged the board to fund Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) fully, emphasizing the need for higher teacher salaries, facility repairs, and student resources.
Speaking during the public comment period, Shannon Fingerholtz, a parent from the Hartwood District, called on the board to take responsibility for properly funding Stafford schools.
“Our students, our teachers, our staff, our community require a quality school system,” Fingerholtz said. “Quality means decently paid staff, buildings in good repair, and adequate materials. These all require funding.”
A stunning lakefront home in Marshall, VA, is now on the market for $1,250,000. Located in the Cobbler Springs Farm Subdivision, this colonial-style home offers privacy, space, and breathtaking water views.
This home features five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, and 3,596 square feet of living space. The main level includes a spacious primary suite, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and skylights, a family room with a wood-burning fireplace, and a sunroom with stone flooring. The upper level has four additional bedrooms, a loft, and three full bathrooms. The lower level offers a large recreation room with a fireplace, a workshop, and ample storage space.
Northern Virginia saw heavy snowfall, with Manassas and Stafford County reaching 9.5 inches. More wintry weather is expected tonight as another system moves in. A cold front will bring gusty winds and dropping temperatures.
Looking for a romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day? Join the Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra for their special concert, “What I Did for Love,” on February 14 at James Monroe Auditorium. Enjoy sweeping string melodies featuring famous pieces like Pachelbel’s Canon in D, Massenet’s “Thais,” and a special rendition of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue performed by pianist Thomas Pandolfi. The evening will end with Elgar’s Enigma Variations.
A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
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:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
