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On Saturday, February 1, local musicians and bands are gathering at Strangeways Brewing for the Eric Becker Memorial Concert benefiting the Fredericksburg SPCA. 

A member of Radar Theory, bandmate Johnny Boothe said Becker was known for being genuinely caring to everyone in his life. He “loved his friends, his family, and his wife Kathleen deeply,” Boothe said. Becker and Boothe met in 2021 at an Adventure Brewery Open Mic night and decided to form a band called Radar Theory.  In the fall of 2022, Becker noticed chest pain during a rehearsal and went to the hospital a few days later. He was diagnosed with cancer and began aggressive treatment immediately. Becker had several months of treatment and seemed to be doing well for a few months in 2023 before his cancer returned.   Becker proposed to his girlfriend Kathleen in October and they married in November. After an illness and brief hospitalization, Becker passed away shortly after Christmas. Booth said “Playing and writing music with Eric was a gift.  There's a bond in creating something with others, sharing it with the outside world and risking the world telling you how awful it is.  But sometimes, they also tell you how it meant something to them. You take that ride together.” 
Eric Becker, in black, was the lead singer of Radar Theory.
In 2024, Boothe and other local musicians joined and played live at a Celebration of Life honoring Becker. Afterward, they discussed holding a memorial concert in January to honor his memory and give back somehow. The concert was scheduled around Becker’s January 27 birthday. Strangeways was chosen for their support of the local music scene and for their ability to host live music and large crowds. Eric’s wife, Kathleen, works at the Fredericksburg SPCA and supports animal rescues.  The concert will feature six performers and bands: Emily Woodhull, Sarah Perrotto, Green Bean & The Rhythmic Meadows, and Richmond band Bucko.  In addition to the live music, the event will feature raffles of gift card bundles from local breweries, wineries, and restaurants. Boothe said they were grateful for the generosity of local businesses.  Boothe said honoring Becker by combining music with the SPCA just made sense. Becker was passionate about music, people, and animals.  Boothe said he’s hoping for an excellent audience for Saturday's concert. “Without them, we're just up there on stage having band practice.  The audience is everything.” He hopes they recognize being part of the tribute to Becker and  “realize the impact they make every time they go out and support local music and local business.” The Eric Becker Memorial Concert will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at Strangeways Brewing. The brewery is located at 350 Lansdowne Road. Food truck Rosie’s Pizza & Doner Kebab will arrive at 1 p.m. Donations can also be made to the Fredericksburg SPCA in Becker’s name.

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From delivering meals to providing emotional support, Simply Angels Veterans Outreach has become a vital resource for hundreds of veterans living with disabilities in Virginia. Simply Angels Veterans Outreach, a nonprofit organization that supports disabled and homebound veterans, has been serving six Virginia counties for nearly 40 years.

Founded by veteran Susan Purks, the group began when she helped a severely burned veteran regain his passion for life. Over time, Purks expanded her efforts to assist other disabled veterans, focusing on career plans tailored to their physical and emotional needs.

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[Image: RiverNorthPhotography]
Domino's stores in Greater Woodbridge are partnering with Ghostbusters Virginia to collect Toys for Tots until Dec. 8, offering a large one-topping pizza for $6 in exchange for toy donations. Customers can drop off new, unwrapped toys at participating Domino’s locations in the region to support the holiday initiative.

Press Release:

Domino’s stores across Greater Woodbridge are teaming up with Ghostbusters Virginia to collect Toys for Tots from now through Dec. 8 at participating locations. Domino’s hopes to help bring the joy of the holiday season to children in need through donations from community members.

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[Image: I-66 Express Mobility Partners]
I-66 Express Mobility Partners assembled 660 Power Packs for schoolchildren and contributed $10,000 to Food For Others. This donation builds on their previous support and ongoing collaboration with the organization.

Press Release:

Yesterday, at the warehouse operated by Northern Virginia food pantry Food For Others, employees and associates of I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), the builder and operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, packed a grand total of 660 Power Packs for the area’s school-aged children.

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