Letter to the editor
Maya Angelou once said “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
No, this is not 2003 and Hilda Barg is not running for reelection for Woodbridge District Supervisor but having knocked on over 4,000 doors in the Woodbridge District this year, I have gained great appreciation and admiration for her legendary name in Woodbridge.
I have heard countless heartwarming stories of her determination, compassion, listening, serving and bringing people together. Her actions are, to me, what a district supervisor should be and what we need in a Woodbridge Supervisor to return to.
About a month ago I met a woman door knocking in the River Oaks precinct. Currently she is a government contractor, her son is a track coach at a local high school, part time, as well as having a full time profession.
In high school he was an extraordinary athlete and was invited to run on the Great Wall in China. Accommodations and flights are expensive; this woman reached out to then Supervisor Hilda Barg and asked if the county had funds to help with this cost. Mrs. Barg said “No”, but saw what a tremendous opportunity this was for the young man and a way to promote the talented people we have living in our area.
Besides vision, she decided to lead the effort to raise the money by hosting a pig roast fundraiser,on the athletes behalf. She even prepared her what I am told her famous baked beans.
Hilda got things done and the athlete had an experience of a lifetime…at no tax payer’s expense. As Supervisor, she brought Woodbridge together and got results. Route 1 projects we see today were approved under her leadership with the 2006 Road Bond.
It’s poor management of the current supervisor why it has taken nearly 10 years and still not close to complete. With Stone Bridge at Potomac Town Center, [Barg] bought developers, stakeholders, the community and landowners together which created a new cornerstone development for Woodbridge in 2004.
The current Supervisor likes to take credit for her work. Hilda Barg homeless shelter abundantly and compassionately serves our most vulnerable neighbors.
Last December, my then 5 and 2-year-old sons, my office staff I had the privilege to serve dinner to the shelters residents. I sat and spoke with each of the residents. While serving, I met a woman who had a daughter in kindergarten, the same age as my oldest son. It broke my heart to hear her struggles as an immigrant from Africa, living in a car, before it was repossessed, then in and out of temporary shelters. I could tell she was a hard worker, she just needed an opportunity.
She was a Certified Nursing Assistant by trade so I called a friend of mine who owns a senior care-giving business to ask for a job for her and then loaned her a vehicle to get her to and from work. When I retrieved the car a few months later, she had transitioned out of the shelter into a shared single family home, her daughter was attending Featherstone Elementary and she had full time employment.
None of those blessings would have been possible without Hilda Barg. Everyone has something to give. If everyone does something, think how much better Woodbridge will be.
Although I’ve spoken with Mrs. Barg and received her council just a few times during the campaign I hadn’t had the pleasure to personally meet her until the ARC Family Dinner a few weeks ago, she really cares about all people, it was wonderful to witness the love, appreciation and admiration for her. While Hilda is a strident Democrat, she has taught me through her words and deeds, there is no room for partisanship in local politics. Partisanship is divisive.
You can’t be divisive, hold grudges, pick winners and losers as well as build a community. It’s about connecting with people and getting things done, that’s her legacy and that’s the legacy I want to continue as your next Woodbridge District Supervisor.
Steve Chapman is running for Woodbridge District Supervisor.
Recent Stories
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
“The Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project is one of several pedestrian improvement efforts we’ve pursued over the years,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta. “This specific project will create a safer, more contiguous connection to Mill Street and the town’s historic and business district.”
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.
Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.
Looking for a musical treat this January? St. George’s Episcopal Church in historic downtown Fredericksburg is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., featuring local favorite Hazel Run.
This talented folk group, comprised of Linda LaFave, Karen Richardson, and Stuart Whitford, blends Americana, soul, and rock influences to create a sound you won’t want to miss. While the concert is free, donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
St. George’s is known for its beautiful music in a beautiful space, with a concert series that celebrates both local and visiting talent. You’re warmly invited to enjoy the music and experience the welcoming community at St. George’s.
Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginia’s legislative programs. Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page. These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith praised the students, stating that these roles will help develop leadership skills and inspire civic engagement. Both programs include working with legislators, participating in committee meetings, and engaging in civics and leadership education. Pages will also take part in mock legislative sessions and community service projects.
Siegmund, a high-achieving middle schooler with a 4.0+ GPA, is active in Model United Nations, the National Junior Honors Society, and other academic programs and is the daughter of county school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Lewis, a talented artist and performer, is also deeply involved in her church and community.
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:
