Get ready to usher in the festive season with joy and sparkle at Stafford County’s 3rd Annual Tree Lighting Festival on Friday, December 8, starting at 6 p.m.! Nestled at the heart of the holiday spirit, the George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center transforms into a winter wonderland for a free night of enchanting celebrations.
Live Musical Performances: Immerse yourself in the melodies of the season with captivating live performances by local school choirs and bands. The musical talents of the community will set the perfect tone for a night filled with holiday spirit.
Santa’s Arrival: Bring the little ones for a magical encounter with Santa himself! Capture the joy on your children’s faces as they meet Santa, take photos, and share their holiday wishes.
Parade: Witness a spectacular parade featuring marching bands, festive floats, and entertaining acts.
Family Activities, Food Trucks and Vendors: Delight in the festive atmosphere with family-friendly activities, artisans, crafters, and delicious treats from local food vendors.
Tree Lighting Ceremony: Gather around as we illuminate the towering holiday tree, marking the official start of the season. Feel the warmth and glow of the lights as the community comes together for this heartwarming tradition at 8 p.m.
Convenient Transportation: Parking is hassle-free at the VDOT 630 commuter lot, with convenient buses shuttling guests to and from the government center all evening. ADA buses will be available for accessibility.
Don’t miss Stafford County’s most anticipated holiday event! Join us at the George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554. Unwrap the magic of the season with an unforgettable night of joy, laughter, and community spirit. See you there! Find out more information at www.staffordcountytreelighting.com.
As Howard Rudat, candidate for the Stafford Board of Supervisors representing the Rock Hill District, has been talking to the residents of Rock Hill over the last several months, he has been hearing from many people who aren’t currently happy.
Their top two issues have been consistent: First, they are upset that there was a costly legal settlement in which the Board of Supervisors agreed to pay a $500,000 fine to the Trump Department of Justice along with untold additional legal fees and time spent by the County staff gathering data for the investigation, time they weren’t supporting County needs, all stemming from the development of a Muslim cemetery in the Rock Hill District. Crystal Vanuch, the sitting supervisor, hasn’t even apologized, let alone paid any money back to the county. Rudat states that under his watch, he would never put the county in such a precarious legal position or negative spotlight.
Second, residents are not being heard. “She [Crystal Vanuch] doesn’t respond to our emails or return our phone calls. It’s like once she decided to run for Congress last year, she forgot about us people in Stafford,” said Richard C.
Rudat says Rock Hill residents have a right to be concerned. As an example, he points out that because recurring county costs were paid using one-time federal money, the county plans to use revenue from the Meals Tax to cover the recurring costs in future years. Per County Resolution R21-127, 100% of revenue from the Meals Tax is dedicated to Stafford County Public Schools. This Meals Tax generates over $1,000,000 annually and that money is being siphoned away from the schools to pay other county bills. Again, Rudat points out that under his watch, there will be a well-constructed county budget that has no “Rob Peter to pay Paul” provisions.
Rudat notes that residents are pleased to learn that he has 30 years of experience in the Army and another 14 years as a local business owner in Stafford. Rock Hill residents are confident that he will keep communities safe, fund schools, and bring new businesses to Stafford so everyone can enjoy calling Stafford home.
Retired Army Colonel Howard Rudat Wants Safe Communities, Better Schools, Better Economy — and Crystal Vanuch’s Seat on the Board of Stafford Supervisors.
Howard Rudat wants you to know he is ready to serve Stafford County. Specifically as the Supervisor from the Rock Hill District, in the seat currently held on the Board of Supervisors by Crystal Vanuch.
The 30-year Army veteran and small business owner prides himself on his leadership experience and personal integrity and draws from his legacy of decades of public service in presenting himself as the candidate best suited to lead Rock Hill into the future. He firmly presents a campaign platform based on three main issues of concern that are personal but apply to every citizen residing in the county: “My priorities are safer communities, better schools, and a vibrant economy,” he says.
“Stafford needs safe communities for all its residents with first responders that are trained, equipped, staffed and ready to protect each of us. We need an education system that is funded to allow our educators to focus on our children’s growth in a modern, healthy, and safe environment.”
You can see his platform in detail at his website here.
“I am ready to serve Stafford,” he says. “Our residents deserve entertainment, restaurants, and other quality of life amenities so they can make memories in Stafford. Residents need a government that takes less and does more.”
Election Day is Tuesday, November 7.
Watch an X video of his campaign statement.
— Howard Rudat (@Rudat4RockHill) September 20, 2023
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn and experience the charm of a small-town?
Look no further than the 51st Annual Festival of Leaves in Historic Front Royal! This highly anticipated event, brought to you by the Front Royal Independent Business Alliance, promises to be one of the largest in the Valley.
The Festival of Leaves would like to invite everyone to enjoy the magic of small-town living and the breathtaking scenery of the Shenandoah National Forest. Families and individuals seeking a day getaway will be captivated by the autumnal beauty showcased throughout the festival.
Here’s what you need to know about the Festival of Leaves:
- Date: October 13-14
- Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Admission: Free to the public
Prepare for an exciting day as you explore the offerings of over 180 vendors, crafters, and artisans. This year, we added a Kids’ Zone featuring 2 bounce houses, face painting, an art center, and games for the entire family. Delight your taste buds with delicious treats from 15 food trucks, and enjoy your favorite beverages at the Beer/Wine/Mead Garden.
The festival will be alive with the sounds of 11 live music acts performing on three stages throughout the day. Let the music guide you as you stroll through the historic district, home to over 50 unique shops, eateries, galleries, and museums. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover hidden gems and support local businesses.
Bring your family and friends for a day of fun, entertainment, and celebration of small-town living.
For more information, check out the Festival of Leaves Facebook page.
Mark your calendar and get ready to experience the magic of autumn!
It’s time for fall family fun at its finest!
Join us for Virginia’s favorite award-winning festival on Saturday, October 7 on the Youth For Tomorrow campus in Bristow! Don’t miss the 38th annual Country Fair and Auctions, presented by Toyota.
Enjoy more than seventy-five rides, games, live music from 2 bands, pony rides, a petting zoo, FMX motorbike stunt shows, and more all FREE with your admission ticket! Don’t miss the opening ceremonies, featuring a dramatic paratrooper landing in the midway at noon, the U.S. Army color guard and a special delivery to YFT’s founder, Coach Joe Gibbs in the live auction. You could win a Top Gun fighter pilot experience, luxury vacations, and more! Stop by the military and first responders display, fuel up with delicious food from Paisanos, Chuys, and a whole lot more!
Purchase your tickets today! “Early bird” advance tickets are available until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 6 at a discount rate of $12.50 per person (ages 3 to adult). Tickets are available at the gate on event day for $15 per person (ages 3 to adult). Kids under 3 are FREE. Kids ride and play for FREE all day with their admission ticket.
Check out what’s available in this year’s silent auction at the link below by going to the Silent Auction tab! Bidding begins this Wednesday October 4 at 10 a.m.!
All proceeds support the mission of Youth For Tomorrow in caring for our community’s children and families in crisis.
Do you remember your first museum visit? Or a time you felt inspired walking around a museum? What if you had the chance to help give someone else their best museum memory?
Well now you do!
The National Gallery of Art is recruiting for two volunteer opportunities this fall:
- Visitor experience volunteers, who are the friendly faces behind our information desks.
- School docents, who lead school tours for students in grades PreK-12.
All backgrounds and life experiences welcome; multilingual speakers are encouraged to apply.
Join one of several information sessions held throughout the fall to meet the team, learn more about these opportunities, and apply!
Learn more at nga.gov/volunteer.
It’s time for fall family fun at its finest!
Join us for Virginia’s favorite award-winning festival on Saturday, October 7 on the Youth For Tomorrow campus in Bristow! Don’t miss the 38th annual Country Fair and Auctions, presented by Toyota.
Enjoy more than fifty rides, games, live music from 2 bands, pony rides, a petting zoo, FMX motorbike stunt shows, and more all FREE with your admission ticket! Don’t miss the opening ceremonies, featuring a dramatic paratrooper landing in the midway at noon, the U.S. Army color guard and a special delivery to YFT’s founder, Coach Joe Gibbs in the live auction. You could win a Top Gun fighter pilot experience, luxury vacations, and more! Stop by the military and first responders display, fuel up with delicious food from Paisanos, Chuys, and a whole lot more!
Purchase your tickets today! “Early bird” advance tickets are available until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 6 at a discount rate of $12.50 per person (ages 3 to adult). Tickets are available at the gate on event day for $15 per person (ages 3 to adult). Kids under 3 are FREE. Kids ride and play for FREE all day with their admission ticket.
All proceeds support the mission of Youth For Tomorrow in caring for our community’s children and families in crisis.
The countdown to the region’s favorite social bike ride has officially started, and you can take $20 off your Standard Registration to join now with promo code BIKEDC.
DC Bike Ride invites you to experience 20 miles of live music, photo zones, and other fun surprises in a course designed to welcome riders of all ages and abilities.
No Bike? No Problem!
DC Bike Ride offers bike rentals during sign-up as well as FREE registration for kids and additional discounts for groups.
See you at the Start Line on September 9!
Moving can be a formidable undertaking, whether a local relocation or a cross-country transition. The prospect of packing up your entire life, loading it onto a moving truck, and transporting it to an unfamiliar locale can evoke anticipation, stress, and unease.
BoxStar Movers emerges as a beacon of dependability and professionalism amid these challenges. With a comprehensive array of services and a robust presence in Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland, and Washington, D.C., BoxStar Movers has solidified its standing as a reliable partner for relocation and storage needs.
A Multifaceted Moving Experience
BoxStar Movers stands out by delivering diverse services tailored to meet each client’s requirements. Whether it’s a local residential move, a long-distance journey, or a complex office relocation, the company possesses the expertise to manage all facets.
Local Residential Moves
Transitioning within the same city can be just as demanding as moving across state lines. BoxStar Movers alleviates the pressures of local residential moves by orchestrating a seamless process from start to finish. Their adept team comprehends the nuances of navigating urban neighborhoods and ensures the secure transport of your belongings to your new residence.
Long-Distance Moves
For those embarking on extended journeys, BoxStar Movers offers a trustworthy solution. Boasting a well-maintained fleet of trucks and a team of seasoned drivers, the company guarantees your possessions safe and timely arrival at the intended destination. Their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction are evident throughout every mile they traverse.
Office Relocations
Office moves come with challenges — the imperative of minimizing disruptions to business operations, the delicate handling of sensitive equipment, and coordinating a multifaceted transition. BoxStar Movers’ proficiency in office relocations shines as they adeptly manage logistics and execute a seamless move that curtails downtime.
Packing Services: Save Your Time
The packing phase marks the inception of your belongings’ safety and security. BoxStar Movers’ packing services are designed to alleviate the stress of this pivotal stage. Their team of adept packers employs industry-leading practices to ensure your items are meticulously packed, mitigating the risk of damage during transit, and from delicate glassware to voluminous furniture, your possessions are in capable hands.
Storage Solution: Secure Storage for Your Belongings
In a dynamic world, storage solutions play a pivotal role.
BoxStar Movers offers secure storage options when you require a temporary abode for your belongings. Whether amidst transitions, streamlining your possessions, or necessitating additional space, their cutting-edge storage facilities furnish shelter until you’re prepared to retrieve your items.
Coverage Area: Where Reliability Meets Trust
BoxStar Movers caters to an expansive coverage area encompassing Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland, and the heart of the nation — Washington, D.C. This far-reaching reach exemplifies their dedication to being a dependable ally for individuals and businesses within some of the most vibrant regions in the United States.
Customer-Centric Approach
What truly sets BoxStar Movers apart is their customer-centric approach. They recognize the distinctiveness of each move and invest time in comprehending your specific needs. From the preliminary consultation to the ultimate placement of your items, their team is committed to ensuring your moving experience unfolds smoothly. Their scrupulous attention to detail, transparent communication, and unwavering commitment to top-tier service have garnered them a devoted clientele.
Conclusion
Moving transcends mere transportation of possessions; it embodies the commencement of a new life chapter. BoxStar Movers acknowledges this sentiment and strives for a seamless, stress-free transition. With their extensive spectrum of services — encompassing local residential moves, long-distance relocations, office transfers, packing expertise, and storage solutions — they’ve firmly established themselves as a trusted authority in the realm of relocation.
Their presence in Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland, and Washington, D.C. further solidifies their status as a dependable choice for those seeking an untroubled moving venture. As you embark on your journey to a new destination, entrust BoxStar Movers with the logistical intricacies, permitting you to focus on the exhilaration ahead.
If you want to learn more about BoxStar Movers, you can visit their website, www.boxstarmovers.com, or call them at 202-843-9181. They would happily answer any questions and help you plan your move.
