On September 19, First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin and social psychologist Dr. Jonathan Haidt will hold a fireside chat to discuss Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. The event will explore the impact of social media and cell phone use on childhood and mental health, focusing on how communities and schools can address these issues.

The event will be broadcast live to participating schools, which are encouraged to use it as an opportunity for discussions with parents, educators, students, and families about cell phone and social media use. Schools will receive a facilitator’s guide with materials and technical support for these conversations.

Many school districts updated their cell phone usage policies prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year. Stafford County schools require students keep their phones stored out of sight. In Prince William County, phones are prohibited during instructional time.

In Stafford County, both Anthony Burns Elementary School and Widewater Elementary School are participating in the fireside chat. Pre-registration is required using an online form, and doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

In Prince William County, Old Bridge Elementary School is participating. Pre-registration is required through an online form.

Youngkin, a mother of four children, works alongside husband Governor Glenn Youngkin to address various community needs. Her focus includes issues such as mental and behavioral healthcare, workforce preparedness, and addressing the fentanyl crisis.

Haidt is a professor at New York University and an author known for his research on morality and its cultural variations. His recent work has focused on the role of social media in the mental health decline among teens. The Anxious Generation, published in 2024, addresses the effects of technology on childhood development.

The Fredericksburg Area Builder’s Association (FABA) held their annual Bourbon & Oysters meeting at Spotsylvania’s A. Smith Bowman Distillery on September 12 to network and discuss upcoming industry needs.

Karl Eckhardt, Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs at the National Association of Home Builders, discussed his efforts to engage with local and state governments, emphasizing the importance of advocacy in addressing housing development challenges. He discussed the hurdles posed by new Housing and Urban Development  (HUD) energy regulations and the national shortage of skilled labor needed for home construction. Eckhardt also highlighted upcoming tax reforms that could impact small businesses and shared his outlook on potential shifts in Congress after the next election. He stressed the importance of financial support for FABA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) to help support legislative decisions in favor of the housing industry. 

When asked about residents’ concerns about new construction, Eckhardt said, “The majority of the new people coming [are] moving into existing homes…not new construction.” He estimated 80% of growth is in existing homes and noted that new homes are much more environmentally friendly than older homes that haven’t incorporated new energy standards or materials. Eckhardt also mentioned that the millennial and Gen Z populations don’t see homeownership as possible in the current economy. Eckhardt said if those individuals vote for candidates who favor development and housing programs, they may have a chance, but “it’s got to be a priority for them at the ballot box.”

Recently, HUD made a new rule that could affect how homes are built. Starting next year, any housing projects that get money from specific federal programs, like USDA or HUD loans, must follow stricter energy-saving rules from 2021. This means buildings need to be more energy-efficient. 

But many states, like Virginia, haven’t fully adopted these rules. Developers are worried that this could make building homes harder and more expensive in certain areas, so some groups are trying to get HUD to change the rule or fight it in court. Builder Magazine suggests these rules may result in a $31,000 increase in home costs, which would be prohibitive to first-time home buyers.

Sean Miller, FABA’s Director of Government Affairs, outlined his role as the point person for tracking legislative changes that impact the building industry. His primary focus is addressing local issues that increase costs for builders and developers, ultimately impacting homebuyers. Miller noted regulations like impact fees and zoning regulations in Stafford County and parking space requirements in Caroline County. 

Miller emphasized the importance of supporting FABA’s political efforts to help elect pro-builder candidates to county Boards of Supervisors. By increasing donations from members of the building community, he said they can have a greater influence on local elections and, in turn, promote policies that benefit the industry. Miller suggested a goal of one or two pro-builder candidates for each county board.

When asked about concerns regarding overcrowding of schools and increased traffic from continued development, Miller said the movement of people supports the need for more housing development and building more schools. Miller supported the idea of proffers, provided they aren’t exorbitant.  He added, “You have to accommodate the people who are coming because they’re coming anyway, right?”

Jeh Hicks, FABA’s First Vice President, emphasized the importance of FABA as a united advocacy group, not just a networking organization. He called on members to take a more active role in promoting and defending the building industry, which provides a basic necessity: housing. Hicks highlighted the negative perception of the industry and urged members to better communicate the value they bring to the community. Hicks noted the building industry generates jobs for plumbers, electricians, and carpenters and many other trades.

Hicks stressed the need for collective action, including financial support through FABA’s PAC to help elect local politicians who support builders. Hicks concluded by encouraging members to work together, be proud of their profession, and advocate for the industry to keep it thriving.

FABA is a trade association with hundreds of members, including builders and associates, whose work supports thousands of individuals in building-related industries. FABA is affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Home Builders Association of Virginia (HBAV). Its mission is to educate, promote, and represent the building industry while contributing to the quality of life in the region. FABA serves the City of Fredericksburg and surrounding counties, including Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, Caroline, Culpeper, and Orange. The group was established in 1968 and incorporated in 1980.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is inviting residents of the Fredericksburg region to participate in a public hearing on a proposed project to modify the intersection at Route 1 and Augustine Avenue, near Allman’s BBQ. The project aims to improve traffic flow and safety at several key intersections along Route 1, including Stafford Avenue, College Avenue, and Eagle Village Drive.

The project is being funded through Virginia’s SMART SCALE state transportation program. The application for this project was submitted by the City of Fredericksburg.

An in-person, open house format public hearing will take place Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hugh Mercer Elementary School at 2100 Cowan Boulevard. In case of a rescheduled date, the hearing will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the same time and location.

Attendees will be able to review project materials, ask questions, and speak with VDOT staff members. Displays of the proposed plans will be available, and VDOT encourages feedback from the public. For those unable to attend, project materials and an online survey are available on the project webpage. The survey will remain open through Oct. 5, 2024, and comments can also be submitted via email or traditional mail.

Major design changes include:

• Adding a right turn lane on southbound Route 1 onto Augustine Avenue.
• Restricting right turns from northbound Route 1 onto Augustine Avenue (east of Route 1).
• Closing access to Snowden Drive at Route 1 on both the east and west sides.
• Modifying the curb and median islands at the Powhatan Street/Augustine Avenue intersection.
• Removing the service road along the west side of Route 1 from Eagle Village Drive to Augustine Avenue.
• Installing sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, and crossing signal equipment at Eagle Village Drive and Route 1.
• Installing a sidewalk along the west side of Route 1 between Eagle Village Drive and Stafford Avenue.
• Relocating the right turn stop bars at Eagle Village Drive and College Avenue at the Route 1 intersection.

The project would be advertised for construction to start in May 2027.

Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) and Madison Energy Infrastructure (MEI) celebrated a major step toward sustainability today with the unveiling of Virginia’s largest school solar array, a 1.8-megawatt installation atop North Stafford High School that is set to provide 90% of the school’s electricity while saving an estimated $2.8 million in energy costs over the next 25 years.

On September 12, officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to unveil Virginia’s most extensive school solar array. “Today’s ribbon cutting marks an exciting step forward for our school and community. The installation of this rooftop solar array not only reduces our environmental footprint but also serves as a powerful educational tool for our students,” said Stafford County Public Schools Acting Superintendent Chris R. Fulmer. “Through this project, students are learning the real-world benefits of renewable energy and how it contributes to a sustainable future.”

Principal Dashan Turner said, “Our new rooftop solar array is a remarkable addition to our school, not just in reducing energy costs, but as a living example for our students of environmental responsibility.”

The array has 3,300 solar panels, slated to save the school system an estimated $2.8 million in electric bills over the next 25 years. The array will generate 54 million kilowatt hours of clean energy and offset 41,583 tons of CO2.

Elected officials in attendance, including Stafford County Supervisors Dr. Pamela Yeung and Monica Gary, Delegate Paul Milde (R), and Senators Tara Durant (R) and Jeremy McPike (D), were invited to tour the rooftop while the public looked on. MEI said it would provide stock photos of the array to interested parties.

Joshua Schimpf, Energy Management and Regulatory Compliance Coordinator at Stafford County Public Schools said the planning and application process for the panels began in 2020 as legislative changes allowed school districts to enter into power purchasing agreements. Schimpf, a North Stafford High graduate, explored solar panels to reduce overall operating costs. He said, “The project cost to the division will be zero dollars. It was installed under the parameters of a Power Purchase Agreement in which the investor/system owner recoups their costs through monthly energy payments from the school division. The energy cost is a reduced rate from the local host utility.”

Schimpf said no major roof reinforcement was needed, and the panels have a 30—to 35-year lifespan. As they age and energy capture decreases, the lower energy capture will be offset by financial adjustments with MEI.

MEI will be responsible for all maintenance and will provide 24-hour monitoring of the solar panels. Schimpf explained, “The solar array is remotely monitored 24/7 by MEI’s asset management team, a division of Sun Tribe Solar. Any deficiencies or performance modifications are the responsibility of the the host management team. Stafford Schools personnel will not be required to maintain or repair any parts of the system.”

“It’s an honor to partner with Stafford County Public Schools on this monumental project, with implications for school systems across Virginia as they look toward the future of clean energy,” said Rich Allevi, Vice President of Energy Solutions with MEI. “This project at North Stafford High School will pave the way for a greener outlook while serving as an inspirational model for other school districts across the state and nation.”

“This investment, not only supports a greener future but also ensures long-term financial savings for the entire community,” said Durant, who noted that by reducing the school’s dependence on traditional energy sources, which lowers overall operational costs, the savings benefits taxpayers by allowing the saved funds to be directed toward educational improvements.

“This rooftop solar array represents a significant milestone for our school division,” said Maureen Siegmund, Stafford School Board Chair. “We are proud to be a part of this energy and cost savings project while also providing our students with real-world educational opportunities to engage in this field at North Stafford High School.”

In addition to savings for the school system, this project will provide students with continuous learning opportunities. Students will engage with MEI’s Solar Empowered Schools curriculum, which integrates real-time data from the solar panels into energy and science lessons, providing invaluable insights into renewable energy and environmental stewardship. Students have already begun participation in MEI’s interactive learning opportunities, including solar-empowered school modules and VR educational tours of the rooftop array.

Installation of the solar array began in February 2024, and today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony officially marks the completion of the project.

Stafford County has announced the return of its annual Fall Festival on Oct. 5 at John Lee Pratt Memorial Park. The family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The festival will include several food trucks and vendors, as well as live music from the Leroy Burks Band. Alpacas, hayrides, a petting zoo and pony rides will be on site. Those wishing to participate in the Pumpkin Derby are asked to pre-register.

Stafford Tourism Program Director Lisa Logan said the Fall Family Festival was designed “to promote a sense of community, to provide new and innovative programming for all ages, and to enhance family-oriented recreational opportunities within our community.”  The event was first began in 2015, and was centered around the Annual Pumpkin Derby, Logan said. The festival typically has around 500 guests.

There is no charge for admission.

Nestled in downtown Fredericksburg, Bella Manzo brings a blend of authentic Italian flavors and American comfort to the local dining scene. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Ruth and Jose Matus, the restaurant represents over 25 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry. After working in corporate dining since 1995, the duo made the leap to open their own establishment in July 2023 at 715 Caroline Street, crafting a warm, inviting space for family and friends.

Ruth said the restaurant stands as a tribute to the excellence of American beef, known as “Good Beef”, or Bello Manzo.  The menu, designed with the help of a Chicago-based Executive Chef, features food ranging from “Manzo Traditionals” (Italian Beef sandwiches), creamy and tomato-based pastas, soups and salads, fish and chicken sandwiches, and desserts. 

The most popular dishes are the Manzo Pasta, a creamy spaghetti dish with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, and their signature Italian Beef sandwich with smoked beef, and giardiniera on a hoagie bun served with au jus, according to Ruth. 

The staff’s favorites however, two appetizers: arancini, fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella and provole cheese and served with homemade marinara sauce, and meatballs simmered in homemade marinara sauce and topped with parmesan.

Ruth, the heart of the business, loves interacting with guests, often saying, “Come in as a guest, leave as family.” Bello Manzo has quickly earned the community’s support, with two outdoor eating areas and a full bar with a stage in the back. On September’s First Friday, the restaurant was pleasantly packed as patrons trickled in for live music or sat out front and watched the sidewalks. The restaurant has recently launched online ordering and is expanding its catering services.

Looking forward, Ruth and Jose plan to grow their live music events and continue being a place for friends and family to gather in Fredericksburg, where the motto is “La mia casa e la tua casa”—”my house is your house.”

Our third week of candidate survey questions generated responses from all four candidates. To help voters in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District make an informed decision, we continue a feature series offering insights into each candidate’s stand on critical issues affecting our area.

Candidates are emailed a question and asked to reply by a deadline. This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come election day.

Early voting in Virginia begins Sept. 20. Senator Tim Kaine and Hung Cao are running for the U.S. Senate. Derrick Anderson and Eugene Vindman are running for the District 7 seat in the House of Representatives.

The third question focused on border security and national defense. We asked all four candidates the following question:

Kaine responded:

I am prepared to work with anyone to secure our southern border, restore order to our immigration system, and increase resources to combat the fentanyl crisis. In 2012, 50 Virginians died from fentanyl overdoses. In 2022, that number was nearly 2,000. That’s why I recently supported a tough bipartisan border security bill, which would have provided critical resources to combat the fentanyl crisis and impose order to a chaotic situation at the southern border. That bill failed when Donald Trump encouraged Republican legislators to oppose the bill because they would rather complain about the problem than fix it. The Republican failure to join in bipartisan solutions is nothing new. Over the course of my Senate career, I’ve voted for nearly $300 billion in funding for border security and worked across the aisle to pass the FEND Off Fentanyl Act and Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act, which became law through the FY 2024 NDAA. But three efforts at more comprehensive reforms—in 2013, 2018, and 2024—fell apart when Republican leadership opposed even stronger bipartisan proposals. We need Republican leadership to work together to find solutions and quit using the issue as a political talking point.

As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, I have used my perch to spotlight threats to our military operations and worked across the aisle to keep our servicemembers safe. Moreover, I have passed meaningful legislation such as the EMBRACE Act, which authorized the Department of Defense to carry out stormwater management projects at military installations to protect our military bases and environment from the effects of climate change.

Cao responded:

Our open border is a national security threat as tens of thousands of military-aged males from China, Yemen and Syria enter daily. When I’m elected, my first priority is to secure our border by supporting efforts to finish the border wall system. This wall system has integrated fiberoptic cables for ElectroOptical and Infrared (EO/IR) cameras and seismic sensors. We will root out terrorists who entered the U.S. illegally. As a 25-year Navy combat  veteran, I believe we also need to protect Virginia’s military installations from potential threats, and that begins with closing our border to terrorists, gangs, and military-aged males seeking to undermine us. Everything that’s going wrong in our country stems from our open border. Housing costs are at an all-time high because there’s millions who were not here a few years ago for which we need to provide housing. The Biden-Harris administration spends a billion dollars a day which includes free cell phones and gift cards upon arrival, driving up costs. We need to put the American people first and that begins with closing our border.

Anderson responded:

We need a complete overhaul of the current open borders approach, which has brought crime, drugs, and national security threats to Virginia’s 7th District. This is a big contrast in this race: my opponent supports the current open borders policies, and I oppose them. The list of actions we need to take is long: round up illegal border-crossers and deport them, with a particular focus on national security threats and criminals. Increase funding and support for Border Patrol — both in terms of agents and technology. Overhaul the gridlocked legal system. And our leaders need to make it clear that illegal immigration into the US will not be tolerated. Look at the fentanyl crisis in Virginia: 5 people overdose each day here. We have to recognize that the current policies have failed America, and we need change. Instead, my opponent wants to continue the failures of the past.

Vindman responded:

Our country deserves leaders who are committed to securing our border, and keeping our men and women in uniform and their families safe. In Congress that is exactly what I will do.

As a 25-year Army veteran and a former White House National Security Council advisor, I know how important it is to defend our sovereign territory. We must have a strong border, with the necessary investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital to ensure that we know who and what is crossing our borders on land and at sea and stop illegal immigration and the trafficking of drugs like fentanyl in both domains. In Congress, I will be proud to support the bipartisan border security legislation that would invest over $20 Billion to strengthen our border and has been endorsed by the Border Patrol union. This proposal would hire thousands of additional border patrol agents, deploy state-of-the-art monitoring technology, and provide funding for border security infrastructure.

As a former Army JAG prosecutor, I worked all the time with law enforcement on military bases. There is a robust threat assessment and response mechanism at every military installation including the four installations within or on the borders of the 7th congressional district. Besides the sensitive military assets on these installations, there are thousands of servicemembers and families. Their security is a top priority. In addition to meeting with installation commanders and stakeholders on the installation, I would get a threat assessment brief from leaders in the Pentagon. If warranted, I would sponsor legislation to supplement security on our military installations. Our security must be sufficient to eliminate physical, cyber, and intelligence penetration or threats. In Congress, I will work across the aisle to ensure our military installations have the resources necessary to physically harden against threats both foreign and domestic, as well as the intelligence resources to stop these attacks before they happen.

In Congress, I will work with leaders from both parties and across the military and intelligence communities as well as state and local elected officials here in Virginia, to identify vulnerabilities and stop breaches or attacks before they happen. Recently Marine Corps Base Quantico had an attempted breach that was effectively stopped by base personnel – this attempted penetration was just another example of the need to provide our domestic military installations with the resources necessary to protect themselves.

Correction (Sept. 12): The dates listed for Candidates Anderson and Vindman are not all debates. We have updated the information to reflect whether they are debates or forums. Debates allow candidates to answer questions and respond to their opponent’s comments. Forums are typically statements with no back-and-forth between candidates. Anderson has previously agreed to participate in six debates; Vindman has agreed to participate in one debate at University of Mary Washington. Vindman previously declined a televised debate hosted by ABC news.

As election season heats up, Virginia’s candidates for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives District 7 have announced their debate schedules.

The race for Virginia’s Senate is between incumbent Tim Kaine (D) and Hung Cao (R).

Kaine, a Richmond resident, practiced law in Richmond before being elected to the Richmond City Council in 1994, then elected Mayor in 1998, and served Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 2002 to 2006 and Governor from 2006 to 2010. Kaine was elected to the Senate in 2012. Kaine is a member of the Armed Services, Budget, Foreign Relations, and other Senate Committees.

Cao moved to Virginia as a child refugee from Vietnam in 1975 and graduated from Alexandria’s Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. He served as a Special Operations Officer in the Navy and with Special Forces overseas. Cao has worked at the Pentagon, with the FBI, and with Homeland Security. He and his family now live in Purcellville.

Both candidates have agreed to participate in a debate on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at Norfolk State University. The debate will be televised state-wide. There were initially three proposed debates, two of which Cao declined.

The race for District 7 is between Derrick Anderson (R) and Eugene Vindman (D).

Anderson, who grew up in Spotsylvania and graduated from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VA Tech), served in the U.S. Army and as a leader of the Green Berets. After graduating from Georgetown University Law Center, Anderson also served in the White House under President Trump’s administration. Anderson is currently a Major in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Vindman moved to New York as a child refugee from Soviet Ukraine in 1979. He grew up in New York and enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from Bingham University. He earned a law degree and served in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps where he was assigned to the Pentagon and moved to Dale City. Vindman and his brother raised concerns about a 2019 phone call between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which became a key element in the President’s impeachment inquiry.

As of Sept. 9, Vindman and Anderson will meet in four debates.

Monday, Sept. 16, Forum hosted by Fredericksburg Free Press

Tuesday Sept. 17, Forum hosted by Coalition for Action

Wednesday, Oct. 2, Debate hosted by University of Mary Washington

Monday, Oct. 7, Forum hosted by ARC of Northern Virginia

All four candidates have participated in our ongoing Candidate Survey Series, where we ask one question each week and share their responses with readers. Week three’s question tackling border security will be published on Wednesday, Sept. 11