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.
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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.
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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.
Her appointment follows the removal of Becelia from the Library Board in a controversial decision that resulted in the formal censure of Stafford County Supervisor Monica Gary. On December 17, 2024, the Board of Supervisors censured Gary by a 5-0 vote with one abstention, citing misleading information that led to Becelia’s removal and violations of the board’s Code of Performance.
Gary was stripped of all board assignments and committee appointments, with the censure resolution alleging her actions were politically motivated in an effort to gain support from the Stafford Democratic Committee for her 2025 re-election bid. Gary, who initially ran as an independent, has since announced that she will not seek re-election when her term ends on December 31, 2025.
Brown-Page’s qualifications extend beyond her mediation work. She holds a Ph.D. in Adult and Continuing Education from Kansas State University, a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Hawaii, and undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Alabama State University. She is also a credentialed professional coach from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and has previously worked as a Mental Health Therapist for Fairfax County’s in-patient treatment program.
A community leader, Brown-Page is involved with the Rappahannock Fredericksburg Rotary Club and has served as the Past District Governor for Rotary District 7610, which covers Northern Virginia, the Northern Neck, and Charlottesville. She was awarded the Rotary International Service Above Self award, given to only 72 individuals worldwide for exemplary service. Her community outreach includes participation in the Fredericksburg Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Oak Grove Baptist Church in Stafford, where she serves as a Deaconess.
Brown-Page, the eldest daughter of Rev. Dr. B.J. Simms—who played a key role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott—continues her family’s legacy of service. She resides in North Stafford with her husband.
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) Board of Trustees comprises dedicated community members appointed by their respective jurisdictions to represent and advocate for their communities. The Board includes representatives from Fredericksburg and the counties of Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland.
The current members of the Board are:
- David Ross (Chair) – Spotsylvania County
- Christy Maupin (Vice Chair) – Westmoreland County
- Kerry Devine – City of Fredericksburg
- Cheryl Miller – City of Fredericksburg
- Lori Hayes – Spotsylvania County
- Pamela Yeung – Stafford County
These trustees collaborate with the CRRL’s Executive Director to establish library policies, adopt budgets, and support library-related legislation at both state and national levels. They also promote the library’s services, programs, and events within their communities.
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.
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.
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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.
The appointment follows a challenging period for the county’s relationship with the library board. During the same meeting, Chairman Deuntay Diggs issued a public apology to former library board member Mary Becelia, who was removed from her position under allegations of misconduct.
“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I extend my deepest apologies to Ms. Becelia for the hardship and embarrassment she has endured,” said Diggs. “We acknowledge the impact this has had on her personal life and family and are committed to fostering a better environment of trust and collaboration moving forward.”
Diggs further emphasized the board’s intention to address procedural shortcomings to prevent similar situations. The matter will be reviewed during a January 28 work session.
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library serves Stafford County and surrounding areas, providing the community with critical educational and cultural resources. With Brown’s appointment, the county aims to turn the page on recent controversies and reaffirm its commitment to the library system’s mission.
This development follows the December 17, 2024, formal censure of Stafford County Supervisor Monica Gary, who represents the Aquia District, for removing Mary Becelia from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees. The board accused Gary of providing misleading information that led to the unjust ousting of Becelia and violating the board’s Code of Performance. As part of her punishment, Gary was removed from all board assignments and committee appointments.
The censure resolution, passed by a 5-0 vote with one abstention, stated that Gary’s actions were “political in nature” and aimed at securing support from the Stafford Democratic Committee for her 2025 re-election bid. Gary, a one-term supervisor who ran without political affiliation, has announced her intention to seek another term representing the Aquia District.
Gary has announced she will not seek re-election after her term ends on December 31, 2025.
During the meeting, Gary defended herself, accusing her colleagues of retaliation and alleging violations of federal and state laws. “This is retaliation, it is illegal under federal law as it was when I was removed from the library board for making my colleagues look bad,” Gary said. “This is an abuse of power, and if I have to be the only person to stand up here and deal with it, I’m happy to do that.”
Gary further accused the board of damaging public trust. “The public doesn’t trust because this board is not trustworthy and has shown themselves not to be so. What we’re witnessing right now is an abuse of power,” she stated.
Garrisonville District Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yeung, who abstained from the censure vote, expressed regret over the situation. “Two wrongs don’t make one right,” Yeung said. “I regret that this mistake happened, but I’m not voting to remove Supervisor Gary because I believe that was a necessary decision to remove her from the library board itself.”
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.
