We clamor and cajole to be heard, to share our opinions, and to convince others of our “rightness”. We are forever trying to get people to see OUR point of view.
I am no different. I plead guilty. I fully admit to using any means possible to wake up and connect the community where I live. I use blogs and Facebook as well as many other types of social media like Twitter and LinkedIn.
I interview community leaders in a video series, Nights at the Round Table. I leave my opinion on blogs and at the Washington Post, and numerous other on-line news sources. I send email, I write newsletters, I sit on committees and boards and councils, and I talk. I talk to anyone who will listen and try to explain my point of view, my concern, my caring for where I live. I talk to friends, strangers and politicians who are often some combination of those three preceding nouns.
I don’t just talk. I also try to lead by example. I am not ashamed or embarrassed to pick up trash from the gutter or edge an overgrown sidewalk. The people who leave that trash for some 60 year old woman to pick up should be ashamed, but for me, it’s a mission.
Sometimes, while I’m spending hard hours in the heat, pushing and pulling an edger, creating a choking cloud of dust, straining my arthritic joints and praying that if I die on the spot, no one will say, “She died doing what she loved.”
I don’t love doing that. I don’t love picking up used condoms and tampons that people with no shame have discarded on the street instead of disposing properly. I don’t love painting over graffiti and I don’t love stepping in dog feces while mowing some god-forsaken piece of property that doesn’t belong to me. I don’t love the endless hours of my life I spend reporting dump heaps and illegal signs.
What I do love is my community. It’s worth fighting for and it’s worth working for.
I complain, but I try to fix what’s wrong. Not everyone likes that. Some people are afraid that acknowledging what is lacking is detrimental to our appearance. Many people seem to think it is not their business or it is not their responsibility. Some people think drawing attention to our shortcomings is a mistake. I think it’s a mistake to ignore those shortcomings. None of the problems will go away of their own accord. That’s why Neabsco Action Alliance was created.
Prince William County is a wonderful place to live. We are not perfect, nor will we ever be. I celebrate the good parts but I continue to look for solutions for the parts that need improvement. That starts at the ground level with community maintenance and rises to policy decisions. I address as many issues as I can fit in a day and if I can’t fix it myself, I advocate issues to people who may be able to help.
Recent Stories
Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.
A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.
Katie Brady, county fire department spokeswoman and Fire Life Safety Manager, clarified that “wildfire” is a broad blanket term. Stafford is likelier to experience “brush fires” than quick-moving wildfires that cause widespread destruction like California’s. Brushfires can range in size from a few feet to several acres and can be precursors to a larger wildfire capable of causing significant damage. Brushfires are more common when the area experiences drought conditions, like in 2024.
The disciplinary action taken against Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop earlier this month is the latest chapter in a turbulent tenure at the school, Insidenova.com reports.
Bishop was placed on involuntary leave, the school announced Jan. 9.
The school division did not provide further details upon request from InsideNoVa because it is a “personnel matter,” said Diana Gulotta, the school system’s director of communications.
Fredericksburg police arrested Daquan Warren, 24, for a December 2024 shooting and investigated a January 20 shots fired and burglary incident on Townsend Boulevard. Stafford County saw assaults at Chatham Heights Road and North Stafford High School, a break-in on Ripley Road, and larcenies at Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings, and an ABC store. In Prince William County, a strong-arm robbery on Balls Ford Road resulted in the arrest of Jose Fernando Martinez-Gonzalez. Authorities urge public assistance with investigations and provide tips hotlines for each jurisdiction.
Looking for a furry companion to brighten your days? Meet Harley, a 6 ½-year-old neutered male Domestic with short hair and a loving personality. Harley is ready to find his forever home and is available for adoption now.
Harley is waiting for you at the Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter. This local shelter is dedicated to finding loving homes for animals in need.
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.
