Of the many adjectives used to describe him, David Edwin Long was perhaps most proud of being labeled irascible and irreverent. Independent and with a strong moral sense, he spent his life ignoring social convention and doing what he considered to be right. After 83 years, that life ended as he passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Ridge, Virginia on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, surrounded by his family.
David was born on November 21, 1937 in Washington, Georgia, and grew up as the younger son of a Presbyterian minister. At one point he described himself as a Professional Student, earning a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College in North Carolina, a master’s from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, another master’s from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Boston, and a PhD from the George Washington University in Washington DC. He married Barbara Ellen Baggett on December 28, 1962, and immediately whisked her away to the Middle East to begin a long career as a Foreign Service Officer and then civil servant at the State Department. Moving to Washington DC around 1970, he became one of the country’s leading experts on Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. His honest and direct assessments did not always endear him to management, but he was widely respected. He authored and co-authored over a dozen books, including one of the most widely used textbooks on the Middle East. He became a recognized expert on international terrorism, serving as Deputy Director of the State Department’s Office of Counter Terrorism during the late 1980s. He loved teaching, and taught at several universities including Johns Hopkins, American University, the University of Pennsylvania, the US Coast Guard Academy (where for a while he was acting chair of the Humanities Department), and Georgetown (where he was the first Executive Director of the newly formed Center for Contemporary Arab Studies). And he never lost his love of travel: from trekking through the deserts of Sudan, to diving off the coast of Saudi Arabia, to traveling though all 50 states in the US, he loved experiencing new places and connecting with people from all walks of life.
He is survived by his wife Barbara; his three sons Gordon (Elizabeth Metzler), Geoffrey (Sarah Kahn), and Andrew; and four grandchildren: Rachel, David, Stephanie, and Caroline, who knew him as a loving and attentive grandfather, always quick with a story no matter how often his listeners may have heard it before. His belief in choosing one’s own path and striving for self-fulfillment provides deep inspiration for his children and grandchildren, and they will always remember him.
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
For event inquiries, contact: 540-372-1216 | [email protected]
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
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King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
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.
Featuring:
