Crystal Vanuch is running to continue to represent Rock Hill District residents on the Stafford Board of Supervisors. For years, Crystal has said that uncontrolled residential growth is the biggest problem Stafford County residents face.

Our neighbor to the north, Prince William County, has been the victim of uncontrolled residential growth for years, which has led to a 70% increase in crime, huge increases in taxes, and has plagued the schools with overcrowding. Sound familiar?

She’s voted for ZERO development projects

Stafford has nearly 5,000 homes, which include many apartments and townhomes and some income-restricted apartment buildings in North Stafford. Vanuch has voted for ZERO of these projects because she understands the impacts on the taxpayers.

She knows that every one of these projects adds children to the already overcrowded schools and stresses our public safety to the max. Stafford runs out of EMS units from time to time because of increased call volume, our deputies find themselves running north to south during shifts just to keep up, and our schools are packed to the gills.

So, what is the solution? Vanuch says, “We have to stop allowing residential developers to get away with maximum density projects that don’t pay for themselves and shift the costs to the taxpayers, plain and simple. If we do that, then we can focus on building the schools we need NOW, building the fire stations, building roads desperately needed, and hiring enough deputies for our current population.”

It’s not that simple

The message about affordable housing is interesting because those who say Stafford needs to supply housing for just teachers, educators, nurses, and first responders clearly don’t understand the laws in Virginia. Virginia is a Dillon rule state, which means Stafford only has the authority the state gives them.

The state does NOT allow the Board of Supervisors to dedicate housing to certain individuals. If developers say “Oh, we will set aside some of the project for them, don’t worry, just approve our project,” there is no way for the Board to enforce it.

So, what does that mean? That means that’s a great way to trick residents into supporting additional housing units for the workforce they want to help. In reality, that means more HIGH-DENSITY uncontrolled housing that shifts the burden to YOU, the taxpayer. Stafford residents got a taste of that this year with a nearly 40% tax increase proposed by some members of the Board of Supervisors.

Crystal stopped the developers

This is a major area of concern for the Chairwoman of the Planning Commission, Kristen Barnes.

“The last four years, I have watched Crystal stand up to the developers and special interests that have built more houses, apartments, and townhouses than our infrastructure can handle.  Developers know that as long as Crystal is in office, they won’t get very far in Rock Hill,” said Barnes.

“Whether it was Vulcan Quarry wanting to expand active mining operations even closer to already established neighborhoods or developers that want to add more and more houses without offsetting traffic impacts or helping add capacity to our schools, Crystal stood in their way. If you don’t like the direction Stafford is headed in, we need more leaders like Crystal to represent our interests, not the special interests, unlike her opponent who these special interest groups support. I hope you will join me in voting for Crystal Vanuch for Rock Hill Supervisor for four more years.”

Vote by Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF VANUCH.

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.

pic.twitter.com/G2EGx8zaOX

— 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!

On Saturday, October 21, stop by the Sentara Drive-Thru Flu event to receive your free flu shot.

WHO: Adults (18+). Open to the general public.

COST: FREE

TIME: 8 a.m. until all shots are given. First come, first served while supplies last. No appointment needed!

WHERE: Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, 2300 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge, Va. 22191

Only the standard dose vaccine will be offered. Public Health experts have not recommended one type of flu vaccine more highly than another for people 65 and older. They advise getting any type of flu vaccination as the first and more important step in protecting against the flu.

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.

Purchase tickets today!

All proceeds support the mission of Youth For Tomorrow in caring for our community’s children and families in crisis.

Stafford’s third annual Via Colori festival will be a weekend of family-friendly creativity and fun that celebrates artists and brings the community together. The Discover Stafford Museum and Cultural Club and the Rotary Clubs of Stafford and North Stafford host the event.

Via Colori was founded in 1994 in Naples, Florida, as a modern twist on a centuries-old tradition of street painting. Today, Stafford is one of only two communities holding Vias Colori, according to the founder.

The festival features dozens of artists who will create street art with chalk in allotted square spaces. Attendees can walk past each artist’s section periodically throughout the day to mark the progress of their favorite works. Kids of all ages can enjoy Via Bambini, a special team where they can try chalk drawing, and don’t miss out on live music from the Via Musica stage.

This year’s Featured Artist is Lizabeth Castellano-King, a New York native who primarily works in watercolors and digital art. She has participated in all three of Staffords’ Vias Colori and has been helping other artists learn how to work in chalk with a Via Tutori workshop.

The 2023 event also features Local Signature Artist Anna Chavez Naples, an art teacher and events coordinator for Adventure Brewing Co. Anna’s artworks are influenced by her Mexican and Norwegian heritage.

Proceeds from Via Colori go to Stafford County Public Schools’ cultural, educational, student leadership, and student aid projects. In the past, Via Colori funds have been used to commission murals in the schools, give out scholarships, hold a speech, essay and music contests, distribute school supplies, and hand out coats and hygiene supplies for students in need.

The funds are raised through Artist Square sponsorships.

Via Colori sponsors have their names displayed prominently above their Artists’ Square and benefit from the fact that people tend to revisit artists many times to check in on the progress of the work.

This year’s event will occur from Saturday, September 23, through Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Stafford Regional Airport. In addition to providing plenty of space for artworks, vendors, and entertainment, the airport has accessible parking and will provide restrooms.

Press Release: “The business community came together on the morning of August 23, 2023 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center to honor and thank our region’s first responders for their contributions to our safety and well-being.”

“With over 300 first responders and community members in attendance at the event. Deputy Attorney General Nicole Wittmann and Chief Deputy State Coordinator, Sean Polster were in attendance to share their gratitude from the state of Virginia and delivered heartfelt messages.”

“In total the Chamber awarded 27 First Responders with awards for Heroism, Unit Citation and Merit. Below is a list of Award Categories and Recipients.”

“Category: Investigative. The Investigative awards are identified in the categories of excellence in criminal investigation, collaborative, merit award and ‘The business of first responding’.”

• The Business of First Responding: Fredericksburg Police Department presented to Lieutenant Aimee Lynch, Lieutenant Jason Pitts, Detective Melanie Boyle, Officer Uyurre Brown-Kaleopaa, Officer Christopher Florio and Ms. Angela Roenke.
• Collaborative Investigation: Fredericksburg Police Department presented to Lieutenant Benjamin Johnson, Detective Joshua Lynch and Detective Brandon Talbot.
• Excellence in Criminal Investigation: Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: presented to Sergeant Benjamin Sadler.
• Category: Heroism. The Heroism awards are identified in the categories of gold, silver, bronze, unit award, and merit award. The heroism award recipients have displayed bravery and heroism.
• Gold Valor Award: Spotsylvania Fire, Rescue & Emergency Deputy Fire presented to Technician Michael Evans, Technician Brian McPherson, Captain David Flint, Lieutenant Taylor Haynie, Technician Enos Martin, Firefighter Anthony Freeza, Lieutenant Chris McIntosh, Technician Travis Staples, Technician II Nick Haynes and Master Deputy William Jefferies.
• Merit Award: Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office presented to Deputy First Class Timothy Murphy.
• Gold Valor Award: Stafford County Sheriff’s Office presented to Sergeant Adam Assur and First Sergeant Jason Kreider.
• Gold Valor Award: King George Sheriff’s Office presented to Senior Deputy Steven Kellam and Deputy Ruslan Tully.
• Gold Valor Award: Fredericksburg Fire and Rescue presented to Battalion Chief Brandon BassRobert Hensel, Firefighter Cody Sheler, Firefighter/Medic Matt Parrotte, and Firefighter Jonathon Mann, Branden Robey, Firefighter Justin Newton, and Firefighter/Medic Tim Carter, Firefighter/Medic Bradley Gray and Firefighter/Medic Jeff Payne, Firefighter Jacob Miller, Firefighter/Medic Shawn Kowakowski, and Firefighter/Medic Matt Tanner.

“Category: Unit Citation And the Unit Citation award is given to a group of first responders who have worked together to perform an act of bravery and heroism.”

• Unit Citation Award: Caroline County Fire and Rescue presented to Caroline County Fire Rescue Units- Capt. Brett Poffenberger, Asst. Chief Keith Buchanan, Firefighter Sam Rowley, Firefighter Jacob Geisenhof, Firefighter Derrick Smith, Firefighter David Brothers, Asst. Chief David Jenkins, Jr., Firefighter David Puryear, EMT Dolores Heath, Lt. Ben Raines, Firefighter Denver Bonham, Capt. Ed Bonham, Firefighter Mike Huffman Lt. Vince Melton, Firefighter Tommy Hall, Lt. Shon Daniels, Firefighter Daniel Ferrell.
• Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Units- Sheriff Scott Moser, Major Travis Nutter, Capt. Stacy Cary, Lt. Chad Rozell, Deputy Brad Franklin, Sgt. Benjamin Doucet, Sgt. Chris Hall, Deputy Manuel Dip Deputy Maurice Clifton, Deputy Jason Elliot, Deputy Mathew Keeley, Deputy Bo Taylor, Deputy Dennis Taylor, Deputy Charles Ryan, Deputy Christopher Williams, Deputy Jesse Daily.
• Virginia State Police- Sgt. Quintin Kelly, Jr., Trooper Cody Carr-Olschewski, Trooper John Sullivan, Trooper Holly Thomas, Trooper Christopher Bingham Life Evac 1-Willard Hicks, Joseph Albright, Kevin Kissner.
• Caroline County Public Schools- Eric Childs.

“For a full list of awards and photos, please visit our website here.”

“Thank you to all of our sponsors: Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, Pierpoint Construction Inc, Mullins & Thompson Funeral Services, The Oberle Academy, Arsenal Events, Fredericksburg Public Schools, CIP Finishes, Grant Consulting Group, Tire Tread Service, Vakos Companies, Spartan Emergency Water Removal, CTI Real Estate, Found and Sons Funereal Chapel and Cremation Services, Dominion Energy, Rappahannock, Electric Cooperative, Matern Staffing, Featherstone, Little Tire Tire Pros, TRU by Hilton, The Joint Chiropractic, Riphean Investments, Paragon Theaters, Discover Next Step and Germanna Community College.”

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!