The Stafford County Democratic Committee will hold a firehouse primary on June 10, 2023, between noon and 5 p.m. at the Courthouse Community Center, 29 Stafford Avenue in Stafford.
The purpose of the gathering is to nominate Democratic candidates for the following: County Supervisor (three Districts) and Constitutional Offices in Stafford County in the November 7, 2023, General Election –
- Griffis-Widewater District Supervisor
- Rock Hill District Supervisor
- George Washington District Supervisor
- Commonwealthâs Attorney
- Clerk of the Court
- Commissioner of Revenue
- Treasurer
- Sheriff
Each person seeking to become the Democratic Nominee for the General Election for these County and Constitutional Offices must file a Declaration of Candidacy form with the Stafford County Democratic Committee Chair and pay a $100 nonrefundable fee to the Stafford County Democratic Committee, payable either by check or through ActBlue at http://secure.actblue.com/
The form and fee must be received by Keith Lockett, Stafford County Democratic Committee Chair, no later than June 3, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., by mail or in person at 240 Revell Road in Stafford. Democratic Candidates may also submit the Declaration of Candidacy form online by e-mail to [email protected].
The Declaration of Candidacy form will be posted on the Stafford County Democratic Committee website: www.stafforddemocrats.org, or is available from Chairman Lockett.
âEvery Democrat who is a registered voter in Stafford County is urged to attend and participate,â said Chairman Lockett. âOur goal is to provide the citizens of Stafford with well-qualified choices for the local elected offices.â
Caucus participants must sign a written declaration stating that they:
- Are a Democrat and not a member of any other political party;
- Do not intend to support any candidate who is opposed to a Democratic nominee in this General Election;
- Have not participated in and will not participate in the nominating process of any other party for the positions listed above; and
- Are registered to vote in Stafford County.
Voting begins at noon, and doors close at 5 p.m. on June 10, 2023. Those in line at the 5:00 p.m. closing time will be permitted to vote. The complete âCall to Caucusâ and the âRules of the Caucusâ are posted at stafforddemocrats.org.
Democrats are also urged to participate in the Democratic Primary at their regular polling locations on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Primary will determine the Democratic candidates for new State Senate Districts 27 and 29 for the November 7 General Election.
Early voting for the primary has already begun.
The Stafford County Economic Development Authority (EDA) held their annual Business Appreciation Reception on May 17, 2023, at Cyber Bytes Foundation, at 1010 Corporate Drive in Stafford County.
This yearâs theme âCelebrating Businesses through the Decadesâ exemplified the Stafford communityâs growth over the years and shadowed the future of business.
Three Stafford businesses were honored during the reception; Business of the Year-Aquia Realty, Innovation Award- G3 Community Services, and Long Family Market as the second awardee of the dedicated Donald H. Newlin Community Stewardship Award.
Newlin has served on the EDA for forty-eight years and has dedicated his work and life to business and community support in Stafford County.
The Healthy Lifestyle Expo will open its doors and make fitness fun for thousands of runners and guests on Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20.
The Expo is free and open to the public at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center (2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway). It is conveniently located near Central Park Shopping Complex and near Historic Downtown Fredericksburgâs restaurants and shops. Free parking is available.
The times are as follows:
Friday, May 19 at 3:30 p.m. – Healthy Lifestyle Expo Opening Ceremonies
Friday, May 19, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Healthy Lifestyle Expo and Packet Pick-up
Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Healthy Lifestyle Expo and Packet Pick-up
The festivities kick off with the Expo Opening Ceremony, featuring a special presentation from Building Homes for Heroes, Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) Charity Partner, to an area Veteran.
The Expo will feature athletic wear, giveaways, the latest endurance and recovery products, and more. Runners will experience a diverse expo experience with a range of wellness products, active interests, and canât-miss photo opportunities. Check out these incredible moments:
- A yoga session with YogaSix Fredericksburg
- Virginia-based small businesses are selling local products like peanut butter and teas.
- Snap a selfie with fun photo backdrops like the Coleman Motor Company military truck.
- CPR demos from Cogent Steps
- Opportunity to sign the special cheer banner from the City of Fredericksburg
- Military-related organizations and other running events from around the region
The Expo also hosts Packet Pick-up, where runners will pick up their packets, including the official bib with timing device, competitor shirt, and more.
Limited entries remain available for the Marine Corps Historic Half, Semper 5ive, and Devil Dog Double. Visit marinemarathon.com to register or for more information about Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend.
A new auxiliary lane on southbound I-95 from Route 123 (Gordon Boulevard, Exit 160) to Prince William Parkway (Route 294, Exit 158) is now open, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
About a mile and a half of the southbound I-95 right shoulder was converted to a travel lane between the ramp from southbound Route 123 and the ramp to westbound Prince William Parkway. The auxiliary lane aims to make it easier for drivers to merge into and out of traffic between the ramps. Southbound I-95 averages about 80,000 vehicles a day in this area.
“Our team is proud to provide transportation solutions for northern Virginia,â said Bill Cuttler, P.E., VDOT’s Northern Virginia Deputy District Engineer. âThis auxiliary ramp will allow drivers to begin exiting one mile earlier, which will make a big difference for drivers caught in southbound congestion.â
Construction on the I-95 Southbound Auxiliary Lane Project began in June 2021, with work still occurring in the coming weeks until final completion. The $23.7 million project is being completed as part of the I-95 Corridor Improvement Plan, and is financed with a portion of the concession fee provided under the 95 Express Lanes Project Comprehensive Agreement.
Students from Stafford County high schools completed the Bringing Occupational Opportunities to Students (BOOTS) House 27 on May 5, 2023.
The house can be found at 125 Little Whim Road near Fredericksburg.
âThe BOOTS program is a timeless example of Staffordâs commitment to preparing every student for a life after high school,â said Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, Stafford Schools Superintendent, in a Stafford County Public Schools press release.
Students built the four-bedroom, 3.5-bath home in four areas: carpentry, drafting, electricity, and masonry. Over 40 business partners donated time, equipment, and materials to the project.
More information can be found online.
How many of us remember 1973? A dozen eggs cost 45 cents, gasoline cost 40 cents a gallon, and the average new home would set you back about $32,500.
And, importantly, Sally Baldwin began volunteering at the new Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge. The hospital is now Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and Sally Baldwin is marking her 50th year as a volunteer!
In 1972 Baldwinâs three children were all in school. She had done scouts, the swim team, and other activities for her kids, but as the hospital was preparing to open its doors, Baldwin thought it would be nice to volunteer and serve the community differently.
She began her volunteer journey working in the hospital gift shop, which was managed solely by the volunteer auxiliary at that time. From there, her volunteer experience expanded significantly.
Sally remembers a particularly interesting day when a bus of tourists from France arrived at the hospital because someone in their party needed medical attention. Volunteers on duty welcomed these international guests and were able to provide meals and hospitality while they were onsite.
Even Baldwinâs daughter, who was a candy striper at the time and spoke a bit of French, helped make these guests comfortable. Hospital staff noticed how well Sally interacted with these special guests and she was encouraged to expand her areas of service.
After an opening became available at the registration/information desk, Baldwin was asked to take on this assignment. Over the years, she has worked in numerous volunteer positions throughout the hospital. She has served in multiple leadership roles on the Volunteer Auxiliary Board, spearheaded unique fundraising events, chaired the Junior Volunteers for several years, and helped the Volunteer Auxiliary evolve into an integral part of the hospital system.
âIt just warms my heart, it really does,â said Baldwin. âItâs also a good learning experience as there are so many different ways to be of service. Buy you know, just being able to see a friendly face in the hospital brings so much satisfaction as a volunteer.â
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center sits at 2300 Opitz Boulevard in Woodbridge. The hospital opened in 1972.
Stafford County Public Schools recognized and announced its 2022-2023 Staff of the Year in instructional and service positions at a ceremony held on May 2.
The school division held the event at the Inn at the Old Silk Mill, at 1707 Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg, a wedding and event venue.
During the ceremony, recipients were announced from 112 finalists across all schools and departments in the school division.
âThe staff recognized during our Gold Star Gala demonstrate the very best of Stafford Schools. They work with impressive resiliency and determination to support our students every day,â said Stafford Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor. âStafford is a great place to live, work, and learn because these educators, staff members, and administrators continually inspire and empower every student to excel. I am tremendously proud of Team Stafford, and congratulate all of our finalists.â
Congratulations to all who attended the inaugural Gold Star Gala! Stafford Schools is proud to recognize all Staff of the Year in license and service positions. Your efforts truly #ElevateStafford. pic.twitter.com/IlplYhxqY9
— Stafford Schools (@SCPSchools) May 2, 2023
The evening we introduced a new recognition award for School Resource Officers. The partnership between the school division and the Stafford County Sheriffâs Office ensures our schools provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for students, staff, and visitors.
âSafety is our number one priority for Stafford County Public Schools. Recognizing the role of the SRO alongside our staff was overdue,â said Dr. Taylor. âWe are continually appreciative of our partnership with law enforcement, and thank Sheriff Decatur and his entire team for their tireless work in keeping Stafford safe.â Read More
All five Stafford County High Schools and Project Search interns participated in the nationwide Decision Day event, honoring the plans of every graduate to either enlist in the military, enroll in continuing education, or join the employment force. This event follows through on the promises students made to themselves in October at the school divisionâs Chart Your Future expo.
âStafford Schools is committed to inspiring and empowering our students so that they are prepared for bright futures. Our promise to them is that we will invest in them from the moment they walk through our doors. Culminating events such as Chart Your Future and Decision Day are evidence of that commitment,â said Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, Stafford Schools Superintendent. âAfter careful thought and guidance from school counselors and family members, our students told the world about their intentions to be enrolled, enlisted, or employed upon graduation.â
Decision Day was filled with enthusiastic welcomes, special breakfast or lunch, opportunities to publicly declare intentions, and presentation of certificates honoring their future plans.
âWe are so proud of every single one of our more than 2,100 seniors, and we wish them the very best no matter which path they chose to pursue after graduation,â said Dr. Taylor. âThis is such an exciting time for them as we wind down the final few days of their K-12 pursuits â an achievement that deserves special recognition.â
Planning for Decision Day began in October as Stafford seniors attended Chart Your Future at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center. More than 80 local community and business leaders connected directly with students to answer questions regarding the joys and challenges of their profession and offer them individual advice on the required training and skills necessary for their future career choices. Exhibitors offered students the opportunity to apply for jobs, internships, military service, or college while at their booth. Students attended seminars to prepare them for life after high school, including sessions on financial management, FAFSA applications, workplace readiness, and leveraging their language abilities.
After returning to school, Stafford seniors completed and provided their school counselors with a card detailing their plans for life after high school. These cards were used to help students develop a plan for success, read aloud during the Decision Day ceremonies.
For more information about Stafford County Public schools visit www.staffordschools.net.
Stafford County mourns the passing of former County Board of Supervisors member Charles âTogieâ Payne. Payne served on the Board of Supervisors from 1978 to 1981. He was elected Chairman by his fellow Board members in 1981.
Payneâs family has a long history in Stafford County, starting in 1721. He loved Stafford County and was very proud of his community of Falmouth. Payne was instrumental in modernizing Staffordâs water system.
âOn behalf of the Board and the citizens of Stafford County, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Charles âTogieâ Payne,â said Stafford Board of Supervisors Chairman Dr. Pamela Yeung. âBy all accounts, Mr. Payne was very dedicated to moving Stafford County forward and serving the community. We are grateful for his efforts on behalf of the county.â
Payne was instrumental in obtaining federal and state grants for the Abel Lake Reservoir and facilitating the establishment a public water system in Stafford County. He was very proud of his ability to work with jurisdictions such as the City of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County. He loved working with his fellow Board members, particularly Alvin Bandy. At the time of his election, he was the youngest member ever to serve on the Board of Supervisors.
Payneâs funeral arrangements are at Charles Payne Obituary (1943 – 2023).