Today’s newsletter will look at two important upcoming meetings this week.
The first is the Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting in Woodbridge at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Police Chief Peter Newsham is scheduled to brief elected leaders on the county’s rising crime.
Last week, we talked to Newsham, who told us the report is “not good news.” If you live in Prince William and are concerned, find a meeting preview below and information on when and where to attend or to watch online if you can’t go.
SPECIAL REPORT
Meanwhile, if you live in Stafford County, elected leaders are proposing what’s been called the highest tax increase on residents in Virginia history.
The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at the county government center, 1300 Courthouse Road, on a proposal to hike Real Estate taxes by 38%.
The proposed rate is 21% higher than the county’s administrator’s reccomendation, which presented a 14% increase.
The additional funding would fuel increased government spending on salary increases and schools. Full info is below.
Please share this email with a friend or neighbor and give them the information they need to participate and have a voice in the local government.
If you like what you see, please become a member today. Your quarterly membership helps fund three hours of meeting coverage, so you’ll know how our elected leaders manage our community.
Thank you.
Recent Stories
In a unique and chilly demonstration, residents of Fredericksburg gathered Wednesday to protest a proposed data center development near the Rappahannock River by building snowmen.
Organized by the Rappahannock Community Coalition, the âSnowmen Against Data Centersâ rally took place just one day after nearly 10 inches of snow blanketed the region. The snowmen were erected on the Mary Washington University Campus, City Hall, and a house off Harrell Road in Stafford County.
Fredericksburgâs Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has a new star in its kitchen: Chef Stefan Boutchyard. With experience spanning local restaurants and high-profile catering eventsâincluding President Donald Trumpâs inaugurationâBoutchyard is revamping the dinner theaterâs menu. His first creation? A Southern-inspired menu for Heartbreak Hotel, featuring Elvis-themed dishes like cornbread waffles and Viva Las Vegas shrimp cocktail. Looking ahead, heâs planning Mediterranean flavors for Jesus Christ Superstar and launching an interactive sushi-making class. Click the link and read the whole story.
Prince William Countyâs State of the Parks event, initially scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Forest Park High School, has been postponed due to weather conditions and other considerations.
The State of the Parks event, set to feature insights from Prince William County Parks and Recreation Director Seth Hendler-Voss, will be rescheduled, with a new date and time to be announced soon.
âWe want to ensure that all participants have the best possible experience and that the event can take place safely and under optimal conditions,â officials stated in their announcement.
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.
âOur students, our teachers, our staff, our community require a quality school system,â Fingerholtz said. âQuality means decently paid staff, buildings in good repair, and adequate materials. These all require funding.â
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. Donât miss out on the authentic French crĂȘpes, 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 traditionsâno 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 treatâit’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fĂšve (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and donât worryâthere will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But thatâs not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Yearâs wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. Weâre bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
Whatâs 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
