Rappahannock Area Community Services Board will present its “Art of Recovery” exhibition from May 2 to 31 at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in Fredericksburg. The exhibit features artwork created by individuals living with mental health conditions and coincides with National Mental Health Month. An opening reception will be held on May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Here’s the full press release:
Fredericksburg, Virginia – A picture might be worth a thousand words, but images of recovery from mental illness transcend any lexicon. Rappahannock Area Community Services Board is proud to announce its upcoming exhibition, Art of Recovery, a compelling showcase of work created by talented artists living with mental health conditions.
The exhibition will run May 2 through 31 at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library at 1201 Caroline Street in Fredericksburg.
“The Art of Recovery aims to challenge stigma, foster understanding, and celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of these artists,” said Anna Loftis, coordinator of Kenmore Club, RACSB’s day program for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. “This exhibit provides an invaluable platform for artists to share their voices and talents with our community, offering a powerful reminder of resilience and creative spirit.”
This diverse collection of masterpieces will explore a wide range of themes, reflecting the artists’ personal journeys and creativity.
The opening reception will be held on May 2 from 5-8 p.m. at the exhibition space. The reception is free and open to the public and will feature light refreshments and the opportunity to purchase art.
The exhibit coincides with National Mental Health Month and will be on display through May 31. RACSB believes in the power of art to connect, heal and inspire. This exhibition is part of its ongoing commitment to reducing stigma, promoting mental health awareness and sparking hope in the community.
Event Details
The Art of Recovery
May 2–31
Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline Street in Fredericksburg
Opening Reception: May 2, 5–8 p.m.
Admission: Free
www.rappahannockareacsb.org/art-of-recoveryFounded in 1970, RACSB provides public behavioral health and developmental disability services to residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford. To learn more, visit www.rappahannockareacsb.org.
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The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) hosted the 2025 Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 1, at James Monroe High School.
The competition, sponsored by Access Eye, Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg, featured 14 division winners from across the region.
Emerging as the 2025 Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee Champion was Draven Williams, an 8th grader at Dixon-Smith Middle School in Stafford County. Williams secured the championship title by correctly spelling the word “wobbulator”, a term defined by the Merriam-Webster Unabridged dictionary as “a testing device for radio sets in which the frequency is varied periodically and automatically over a predetermined range.”
With the victory, Williams will advance to the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, set to take place in May, where he will compete against top spellers from across the country.
Coming in as runner-up was Ryan Gould, a 7th grader from Montross Middle School in Westmoreland County.
Fifteen division winners from across the region will compete for a chance to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Access Eye, the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg sponsor this annual event.
CRRL has organized the Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee since 2017, continuing the tradition previously sponsored by The Free Lance-Star for many years.
Last year’s champion, Daphne Reno, an eighth-grader from Spotsylvania, secured her victory with the word “amphistylar.” This year’s competitors, ranging from elementary to middle school, have proven their spelling skills by winning their classroom, school, and division bees.
To qualify, participants must attend a school or homeschool group officially enrolled with the Scripps National Spelling Bee (SNSB) for the 2024-2025 academic year. Spellers must not have completed the eighth grade or turned 15 years old before August 31, 2024.
The 2025 Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee is open to the public, allowing family, friends, and supporters to cheer on the competitors. However, per Scripps National Spelling Bee rules, live streaming is prohibited to protect the integrity of the champion word list.
For more information about the event, visit librarypoint.org or contact the Central Rappahannock Regional Library.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has appointed Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees as the citizen representative for Stafford County. She replaces Mary Becelia, who was removed from the board in 2024.
Brown-Page brings experience in human and community relations, having served as a senior manager at the director level within the federal government. She is the President and CEO of JB Associates Enterprise International, LLC, providing mediation, individual and family coaching, and court-ordered co-parenting classes. Additionally, she is a Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator/Mentor in multiple court systems, including General District, Circuit, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts.
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Metro Nova Creative is adding a creative twist to fundraising in downtown Fredericksburg: Business owner Dan Craddock announced that his team will surprise a different non-profit organization each quarter with unique designs on t-shirts, stickers, and merchandise.Â
Their first selection for 2025 is the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL). Fans can visit Metro Nova Creative's online store each quarter of 2025 to see the latest designs for their new fundraising efforts, and to purchase the merchandise. The sales from the merchandise will go to the nonprofit to be used as needed.Â
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Janet Brown was appointed Stafford County’s citizen representative to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during their January 21, 2025, meeting. Brown’s appointment comes as the county looks to strengthen ties with the regional library system and improve its collaborative efforts to enhance library services.
Brown, a longtime Stafford resident and active community member, brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement and public service. “I am honored to represent Stafford County and look forward to working with the library board to ensure our community has access to the best resources and services,” Brown stated following her appointment. Her term will begin immediately.
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The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) will close all its locations early at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, citing icy road conditions that make travel hazardous. This decision follows a two-day closure of all CRRL locations earlier this week due to heavy snowfall that blanketed the region.
The library system made the announcement at midday on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of staff and patrons.
CRRL serves a broad region, including the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland. With 10 branches and a robust online resource platform, the library offers services ranging from book lending and computer access to educational programs for all ages. The early closure will impact planned events and services scheduled for Wednesday evening. Patrons are encouraged to use the library’s extensive online catalog and digital resources during the closure.
The winter storm that prompted these closures brought significant disruptions across the area, impacting schools, businesses, and local government operations. Library staff have worked to ensure buildings are safe and accessible during this challenging weather. However, today’s icy conditions pose continued challenges for travel in the region.
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) announced that all its locations will remain closed today, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, citing “continued dangerous road conditions.”
This decision comes after the library had initially planned to open at 1 p.m. on Tuesday following a delayed start due to inclement weather. The announcement was first made on Monday, January 6, in response to winter storms that have left roads icy and treacherous throughout the region.
Residents are encouraged to check CRRL’s website and social media channels for updates regarding reopening plans. Library services, including online resources and virtual assistance, remain available for those looking to access books, learning tools, or other materials remotely.
For more information on the library’s weather-related closures and updates, read yesterday’s report on the delayed opening [here](https://www.potomaclocal.com/2025/01/06/central-rappahannock-regional-library-delays-opening-due-to-winter-weather/).
Stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel as road conditions are expected to remain hazardous.
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.
Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) has announced that its locations will be closed on Monday, January 6, in anticipation of severe weather. Library officials decided to prioritize the safety of staff and patrons as forecasts predict hazardous conditions throughout the region.
CRRL serves the communities of Fredericksburg, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Westmoreland County through its network of branches. The library system offers an array of services, including access to books, digital resources, educational programs, and community events. With its mission to provide opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, the CRRL has become a cornerstone for residents seeking knowledge and enrichment.
In addition to traditional library services, CRRL provides resources such as free Wi-Fi, public computers, and meeting spaces for local organizations. The library also hosts a variety of programs catering to diverse audiences, including storytimes for children, technology training for adults, and book clubs for all ages.
While all physical locations will remain closed on Monday, many of the library’s digital services will still be available. Patrons can access eBooks, audiobooks, and other online resources through the library’s website. CRRL encourages the public to explore these offerings from the safety and comfort of their homes during inclement weather.
