The historic 1851 Mt. Zion Baptist Church, sitting alongside Rt. 50 east of Gilbert’s Corner, will open its doors to the public on the 4th Sundays of the month beginning on April 26th, from 1p.m. to 5p.m. It will be open each fourth Sunday of the month through October.
Used as a place of worship by members of the Old School Baptists from 1851 until 1980, Mt. Zion Church and its adjoining cemetery witnessed fighting during the Civil War, but also served in the aftermath of battle as a hospital for the wounded and as a final resting place for some who fought in the war. It’s also known as the first, and frequent, meeting site of Confederate guerilla fighter John Singleton Mosby and his Rangers, and saw intermittent use as a barracks and prison during the war.
As in past years, the 4th Sunday programs will highlight the Civil War history of the church, but visitors will also hear of its early beginnings as a place of worship in the Aldie community. Local historian Wynne Saffer will share the church’s history, as well as that of the adjacent cemetery. Volunteer Jim Cromer will be on hand to interpret the use of the site as a field hospital after the cavalry battles of Aldie, Middleburg and Upperville in June of 1863, and historic graffiti found on sections of the interior walls will be on view. According to Site Manager Tracy J. Gillespie, “Mt. Zion is one of several sites where soldiers from both North and South spent time, recuperating from wounds or illness. Perhaps as a way to say ‘I was here and I mattered,’ they sometimes signed their names and regiment affiliation on the walls.” Mt. Zion is one of five sites featured on the Northern Virginia Civil War Graffiti Trail.
Admission to the fourth Sunday programs & tours is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
For more information, contact Tracy J. Gillespie at [email protected] or call her at Aldie Mill Historic Park, 703-327-9777. Mt. Zion Historic Park is owned and operated by NOVA Parks. For more information, visit www.NOVAParks.com.
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Public safety officials recently gathered at Dunkin’ Donuts locations from Stafford County to Manassas to meet with community members in two separate events fostering engagement and conversation.
In Stafford County, Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins celebrated the grand reopening of their Next Generation restaurant on Warrenton Road with a unique community event on Saturday, February 8. Customers enjoyed free medium hot or iced coffee while participating in fun activities, including a prize wheel, face painting, and a visit from Dunkin’s mascot, Cuppy. As part of the event, local franchisee Pravina Bhalani hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and presented a $500 donation to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue expressed their appreciation, stating, “Thank you to Dunkin’ (Warrenton Road) for the invite to their reopening and thank you for the generous $500 contribution to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation.”
The Dale City Farmers Market is open Sundays year-round, rain or shine! From December to March, shop from 10 AM – 1 PM at 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City.
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Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page has been appointed to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees to represent Stafford County. She replaces Mary Becelia, who was removed in 2024. The Board oversees library policies across Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties. Brown-Page, a retired federal senior manager and mediation expert, brings extensive experience in human and community relations. Her appointment follows the censure of Stafford Supervisor Monica Gary, accused of political maneuvering in Becelia’s removal.
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.
