Stafford County Supervisor Crystal Vanuch, recognizing the crucial role of the Fredericksburg Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) in transportation planning, recently reached out seeking data on the teleworking trends among Federal Government employees.

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Greetings, Prince William – The Prince William Health District is offering grant funding of up to $95,000 to increase equity and access to COVID-19 education and vaccinations among populations disproportionally affected by COVID-19. Please visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/prince-william/grant-funding/ for details. The organization must serve Manassas, Manassas Park, or Prince William County. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 19 at 11:59 p.m. Please email [email protected] for more information.

• Do you love going fishing? Brain Injury Services (BIS) is searching for a volunteer to be a PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) for a brain injury client living in Prince William who would like to go on occasional fishing trips. PALS is a one-to-one friendship program for brain injury survivors; the program connects BIS clients with volunteers who can help them socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. You’ll feel great as you enjoy a day at your favorite fishing hole while helping a client get their life back on track following such a traumatic occurrence! Please visit braininjurysvcs.org/volunteer/ for more information, email [email protected] to learn how you can help.
• You can make a difference in the life of a child! CASA Children’s Intervention Services needs volunteers age 21+ who care about children growing up in a safe, permanent and loving home. The staff will hold their next Virtual Information Session on April 24, 6 p.m. – 7p.m. Learn how you can help protect abused and neglected children in your community by becoming a volunteer advocate. Please email [email protected] or call 703.330.8145 to receive the link to the meeting or to inquire about alternate dates.
• CRi (Choice. Respect. independence) is a community-based nonprofit organization with a focus on providing personalized resources to people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. They are currently in need of an American Sign Language (ASL) volunteer age 18+ to service the public at CRi events. This volunteer will communicate with individuals who are hearing impaired and in need of socialization with those who speak ASL. Strong skills in ASL are necessary and you’ll feel great as you share your specialized talent to help someone communicate with the public! Please email [email protected] to learn more.
• If you’re a teen in need of service hours, we’ve got a fun event for you! The wonderful staff at First Home Alliance is hosting a Community Appreciation Day on April 27 at Veterans Memorial Park, 14300 Veterans Drive, Woodbridge 22191. Volunteers age 16+ are needed 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. to help with jobs such as set up/break down, registration table, monitoring the bounce house and yard games for kids, face painting and serving food during lunch. It sounds like it will be a great day while you help this nonprofit thank the community for their support! Please email [email protected] to sign up and learn more.
• The year is speeding by, and Girls on the Run of NOVA is already preparing for their 5K Celebration being held May 18 (Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax) and May 19 (Pentagon City, Arlington)! Over 100 volunteers age 13+ are needed for all sorts of jobs like Greeters, Water Stations, Cheerleaders and more. It sounds like it will be a fantastic event and you’ll feel great as you support and encourage these youth who have been working hard to build up their fitness and confidence! Please visit https://bit.ly/3TCr3lN to sign up or visit gotrnova.org. Hurry, volunteer slots will fill up quickly!
• You can celebrate Earth Day with Leopold’s Preserve! They need volunteers to help plant 200 donated trees on their facility at 16290 Thoroughfare Road in Broad Run on Saturday, April 20. Two shifts are available, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 3p.m. This sounds like a wonderful activity for the whole family! Please visit leopoldspreserve.com/calendar to sign up. Please email [email protected] or call 571.358.2098 to learn more.
• If you love working with special needs youth and horses and you’re at least 14 years old, Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center, 16198 Silver Lake Road in Haymarket, wants to meet you! They’re in need of volunteers age 14+ to spend a couple of hours a week supporting students with physical, cognitive, and mental health disabilities through therapeutic riding. No horse experience necessary, training provided, and you’ll feel great as you help this organization achieve their mission of “Changing Lives One Hoofbeat at a Time!” Please visit rainbowriding.org to fill out an online volunteer application, email [email protected] or call 703.794.5308 for more information.
• If your office, group or club is looking for a meaningful volunteer experience, the SERVE Family Shelter in Manassas needs groups of 5-7 people to provide, prepare and deliver nutritious meals for about 60 guests on weekends/holidays. Volunteers have the option to prepare the meal offsite and do a drive-by drop-off delivery of the meal to the shelter or to prepare and serve onsite in the shelter kitchen (must be at least 18 to serve meals onsite). You’ll feel great knowing you’re providing a home-cooked nutritious meal for those coping with homelessness! Dates are available Memorial Day weekend through the end of June! Please email [email protected] for more information and a list of other open dates in 2024.
• Mark your calendar! Walk MS: Manassas 2024 will be held May 4 at Harris Pavilion in Manassas, and LOTS of volunteers age 15+ are needed to make this successful! Jobs include Event Set-Up, Volunteer Check-in, Route Marshals, Hydration Stations, and much more! You’ll feel great as you get involved with this community walk whose goal is to end Multiple Sclerosis (MS) forever! Please visit https://bit.ly/4cHgvut and to sign up, email [email protected] for more information.

Prince William Parks and Recreation sponsors today’s weather forecast.

Summer Job Alert: Parks and Recreation Hiring Seasonal Workers Now! Want to earn some extra cash this summer and enjoy your job at the same time? PWC Parks and Recreation is now hiring for seasonal jobs.. Camp Counselors, Lifeguards, Cooks and more…

 

As a cold front leisurely makes its way southward, residents across the region can expect a shift in weather patterns, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service. The front, initially pushing below the I-66/U.S. 50 corridor is anticipated to stall near the Virginia/North Carolina border, marking the transition to cooler temperatures and increased precipitation chances.

The front’s departure is accompanied by a noticeable drop in dew point, signaling the arrival of drier air. Despite the recent warmth, temperatures are expected to dip to more seasonal levels, with highs in the low to mid-70s across much of the area, a welcome change from the 80-degree temperatures observed earlier this week.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, the Allegheny Highlands and Shenandoah Valley may experience scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. While the risk of severe weather remains low due to weaker shear profiles, residents in these areas are advised to stay weather-aware.

Looking ahead, the weather pattern is set to become more unsettled as the week progresses. Wednesday brings the potential for showers, with thunderstorms possible in the late afternoon and evening hours. Highs are expected to hover around 73 degrees, with southeast winds of 5 to 7 mph.

Thursday sees the passage of a weak cold front, followed by the arrival of a stronger cold front early in the weekend. These fronts are likely to bring further chances of precipitation, albeit with varying intensities.

Despite the inclement weather on the horizon, there is a silver lining for outdoor enthusiasts. High pressure is forecasted to return on Sunday and into early next week, offering a respite from the unsettled conditions.

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce press release: The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce was pleased to award local businesses for their successes, entrepreneurial spirit, and community commitment at the 33rd Annual Awards Gala held Friday, April 12 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center.

With nearly 450 people in attendance including small and large businesses, nonprofits and representatives from state and local governments, the night was a massive success.

Community Impact Award – Fredericksburg Nationals

Beyond their on-field accomplishments, the Fredericksburg Nationals have consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service. The Community Impact Award was accepted by Robbie Perry, General Manager of the Fredericksburg Nationals.

Entrepreneur of the Year – Latasha Brooks

A “serial entrepreneur,” Ms. Brooks has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to empowering small and minority-owned businesses to achieve their growth goals. As the successful founder and CEO of several thriving enterprises, she has leveraged her 15+ years of expertise to deliver innovative solutions and measurable results for her clients.

Small Businesses of the Year Award – Stevenson Ridge

As a premier event venue and hospitality destination, Stevenson Ridge has carved out a unique niche in the local market by blending historic charm with modern sophistication. Through their meticulous restoration and preservation of the property’s 19th-century structures, the business has not only honored the past but also created an unparalleled event experience that has captivated guests from near and far. The Small Business of the Year Award was accepted by Jennifer Mackowski, Managing Partner of Stevenson Ridge

Large Businesses of the Year Award – Bloomia

Bloomia has redefined their industry, setting new standards of quality and sustainability through innovative practices and dedication to customer satisfaction. Through vertical integration, this company controls every aspect of their supply chain. This not only ensures strict quality control but also allows them to offer top quality, long lasting products while reducing waste and streamlining processes. The Large Business of the Year Award was accepted by Werner Jansen, CEO of Bloomia.

Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award – Stephen Kingsley

Mr. Kingsley served our community in numerous capacities. Mr. Kingsley also provided a life-saving bone marrow donation to a young stranger in need in 2009. From offering financial advice to local businesses, to supporting nonprofits serving children, pets, people in need, and the environment, Stephen Kingsley, Market President for Truist Bank, has gone above and beyond for the betterment of our community and its citizens.

The Chamber thanks the sponsors of the 33rd Annual Awards Gala. Title Sponsor- Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.

Prince William Police: On April 12 at 8:56 p.m., officers responded to the Longhorn Steakhouse located at 9695 Liberia Avenue in Manassas to investigate an assault.

The investigation revealed an employee and a patron, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused pushed the victim before grabbing his neck.

Eventually the parties separated, and the police were contacted. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Gregory Scott Boros, was arrested.

Arrested on April 12: Gregory Scott BOROS, 58, of 13280 Silver King Court in Nokesville. Charged with strangulation and assault. Court Date: Pending | Bond: $5,000 Unsecured.

Read the full April 15 report here.

Crimson Coward, a new restaurant specializing in hot chicken, has recently opened in Fredericksburg next to Mary Washington University. The owners, the husband and wife team of Naveed Javed and Aman Naveed, bring years of experience in the restaurant industry to this venture.

Naveed and Aman are not newcomers to the restaurant scene in Fredericksburg, having been part of the community for almost two decades. Their journey began with Vocelli Pizza in 2008, and since then, they have expanded to four pizza delivery locations across the area.

“When we decided to venture into something new, hot chicken seemed like the perfect fit,” Javed explains. “I had been researching and experimenting with recipes for a while, and when I came across Crimson Coward, I knew it was something special.”

The decision to join forces with Crimson Coward was not taken lightly. Javed emphasized the importance of the team behind the brand, stating, “I’ve been in the franchise business for a long time, so I know franchises inside and out. The team behind the scenes really grows the brand, and we are here to grow with this brand.”

The opening of Crimson Coward has also brought employment opportunities to the area. The restaurant currently employs around 25 people. The two owners provide jobs for 80 individuals across all their businesses, contributing to the local economy.

Located at 1217 Emancipation Highway in Eagle Village, Crimson Coward aims to cater to college students and the surrounding community. “It’s a good location, right at the intersection of a busy junction,” says Naveed. “We have a college crowd right across, and with the [Mary Washington Hospital] nearby, there are plenty of opportunities for us.”

Aman echoes Naveed’s enthusiasm. “So far, everyone on our team has tried the food, and they are as excited as we are. We want to continue spreading that excitement and provide a unique dining experience for our customers,” she said.

Looking to the future, Naveed and Aman are optimistic about Crimson Coward’s success. “Our goal is to grow,” says Naveed. If this location does well, we definitely plan to open more in the future. We’re in this business to grow and succeed.”

The Fredericksburg location marks the second Crimson Coward to open in the region this year. The restaurant chain opened at Embrey Mill in Stafford County, owned and operated by Nabil Asad, a longtime franchise restaurant who opened the first Subway restaurant in Stafford County at Aquia Town Center in the early 1990s.

Asad and his business partner, John Filipiak, also operate a Crimson Coward near Hoadly Road and Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge.

The Fredericksburg location is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

National Weather Service: A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia until 10 p.m.

Here is today’s full forecast, sponsored by the Prince William County Parks and Rec Department.

It’s time once again for the annual Stafford County Business Appreciation Reception.

The event is organized by the county’s economic development department, which we told you are under new management with the appointment of Liz Barber as the new department head.

The event is Wednesday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Stafford County. It’s free to attend, but organizers ask that you register before attending.

Here’s more from the economic development department:

What to expect?

After such a great turnout and event last year, we are looking forward to this year’s Business Appreciation Reception! We are excited and eager to celebrate, honor, and acknowledge our business community, partners, and leaders in person as we gather together. This will be an event full of food and beverages, entertainment, and awards. You can expect a fantastic evening with the comaraderie of local Stafford business leaders and entrepreneurs!

Who should attend?

You! All Stafford Businesses and your select staff members are welcomed to attend. We encourage you to network and meet your local Economic Development Authority members, the Stafford County Department of Economic Development team, Stafford leaders, and fellow businesses.

Awards will be presented to businesses who are nominated and selected for one of the following: Business of the Year Award, Innovation Award and the Donald H. Newlin Community Stewardship Award.