The commercial space at 610 Caroline Street is starting to show life, beginning with a new neon “Bistro,” sign in the front window. In early May, the new tenant “Always Flavored,” will complete their move from the current location on Princess Anne Street, giving the Fredericksburg dining crowd another option but this time adding beer and wine.

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On Friday, May 10, Dumfries will celebrate the 275th anniversary of the original charter for Dumfries. 

The festivities will begin May 10 with a sold-out black-tie dinner at the National Museum for the Marine Corps. The dinner will have keynote speeches by local dignitaries, historical presentations on Dumfries’ intriguing history as a port town, and a commemorative program. The keynote speaker has yet to be announced.  

A family-friendly festival on May 11 and 12 at Garrison Park, behind the town hall, will include free historical tours,  re-enactors, and music, food, and vendors.  The  festival is free to attend.

Dumfries has previously held annual celebrations of Charter Day. The town’s original charter date is May 11, 1749. Much of the town’s colonial history has been lost over the years. The town was once a major east coast seaport and the early center of Prince William County’s’ government, economy, and social activities.

This year’s theme, “Rediscover Dumfries: Our Past, Present, and Future,” aims to highlight Dumfries’s journey through a curated selection of individuals, landmarks, and stories representing the town’s spirit and resilience. According to the council, the gala and celebration activities will honor Dumfries’ rich history and will also assist in the ongoing economic revitalization efforts.

The town’s website shows the 2024 Budget includes a budget of $197,5000 for Special Events for the newly created Office of Civic Engagement. The event will be primarily funded through a combination of taxpayer funds and private sponsorship, which Mayor Derrick Wood believes with emphasize the town council’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and community partnerships. 

The town manager Tangela Innis, in her letter published in the 2024 budget, notes the Civic Engagement office “will begin to fulfill the need for public services throughout more community events, free vaccination clinics, a new Farmer’s Market…and partnerships with [Prince William Parks & Recreations] to provide for after school activities.” She notes the 275th anniversary celebration is a one-time funding plan.

The 2024 budget also reports Dumfries’ population has a median income of $71,784 with 14.1% of persons in poverty. In her letter, Innis stated the desire to “Create an inclusive and financially sustainable environment where residents of all ages and backgrounds have access to quality housing, essential services, employment, and recreational opportunities”.

The council notes they have taken several steps to ensure taxpayer dollars are utilized efficiently for the celebrations, including using existing resources to minimize rental costs; encouraging volunteers to boost community spirit while lowering labor costs; and using transparent competitive bidding for services.

Tickets to the May 10 gala are $100 As of April 25, the event website states they are sold out. 

Sarah Romero contributed to this article.

Kelly Sienkowski is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.

The checkerboard tower next to the train station in downtown Fredericksburg is getting a makeover that will say less “Purina,” and more “upgrade,” as officials go with a blue checkerboard pattern and “Welcome to Fredericksburg.”

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The U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) named Woodbridge High School’s Kelly McGreal as Virginia’s Outstanding High School Cross Country Coach of 2023.

The recognition came as a result of the Woodbridge High cross-country team’s performance, including scores and placements at state championships, victory margins, and their rankings comparison. The association particularly valued leaders who achieved significant milestones like first-time or consecutive championships, the Prince William County Public Schools division notes in a press release.

Since becoming coach in 2011, McGreal has led the team to district, regional, and state titles through her commitment and coaching methods.

McGreal stated, “I’ve been interested in coaching, always looking for ways to remain involved. My coaching at Woodbridge started in 2010, and it has been a path of growth for me and the athletes I coach.”

Woodbridge athlete, Hayden, said, “Training under Coach McGreal is effective. She customizes training for each athlete. I’ve learned the importance of consistency and that success requires time, effort, and hard work.”

McGreal’s coaching philosophy is about fostering a love for track and field and helping students develop into confident individuals through sports. This year’s achievements, she believes, are due to the team’s dedication to their training and each other.

“The most fulfilling part of coaching is seeing the athletes’ growth personally and athletically. It’s guiding them to achieve success by their own standards, through dedication,” McGreal added, highlighting the impact of sports.

Being named state coach of the year by the USTFCCCA is a recognition of McGreal’s work and the collective effort of her team. “This acknowledgment affirms the extensive preparation and the shared dedication to excellence among coaches and athletes,” she commented.

Assistant coach Andrew McCarthy commended McGreal’s detailed training approach and adaptability to individual athlete needs. “Kelly stands out for building trust and encouraging athletes to manage their training, leading to significant achievements,” McCarthy noted.

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American Family Care (AFC), a leading provider of urgent care and occupational medicine services, has opened a new center in Dale City, expanding its national care network. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the latest AFC Urgent Care facility, located at 4101 Cheshire Station Plaza, Dale City, took place on February 8.

The new AFC Urgent Care center in Dale City offers a range of medical services aimed at providing efficient and cost-effective care for families. Staffed with skilled medical professionals, the center boasts an on-site laboratory capable of conducting various lab tests with rapid results. With extended hours of operation, AFC Dale City accommodates patients’ schedules, opening from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Robert Arrington and Simone Williams are the owners behind AFC Urgent Care in Dale City. Arrington expressed excitement about the new location, emphasizing its role in addressing the community’s medical needs. He stated, “This new clinic will fill a significant void for medical needs and attention. We look forward to providing urgent care to families who live and work nearby.”

AFC Dale City offers various services, including COVID-19 testing with rapid and antigen tests, allergy treatment, flu shots, and occupational health exams, catering to both individuals and employers.

AFC Urgent Care Dale City is locally owned and operated, delivering physician-staffed urgent care, occupational medicine, and other non-emergency healthcare services. Equipped with advanced technology such as digital x-rays and electronic medical records, the clinic prioritizes a high-tech, high-touch approach to healthcare delivery.

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Prince William County is progressing with a series of improvement projects along the Route 1 Corridor, aiming to enhance traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and overall accessibility in one of the region’s key thoroughfares. The projects span from road widening efforts to installing pedestrian infrastructure, marking a significant investment in the county’s transportation network.

Rick Canizales, the county’s Director of Transportation, outlined the scope of the improvements during a recent briefing. “We are focused on transforming Route 1 into a more efficient and safer corridor for all users, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. This includes widening portions of the road, upgrading traffic signals, and adding pedestrian crosswalks and sidewalks,” Canizales explained.

Among the notable projects is the widening of Route 1 from Featherstone Road to Mary’s Way, which has been underway for several years and aims to alleviate congestion along this busy section. New pedestrian crosswalks and upgraded traffic signals are also being introduced to enhance safety and accessibility for non-motorized road users.

Supervisor Margaret Franklin, representing the Woodbridge District, emphasized the community benefits of these projects. “Improvements along Route 1 are critical for our community’s growth and wellbeing. These projects not only address current traffic and safety concerns but also lay the groundwork for future development and connectivity in the area,” Franklin said.

The Route 1 Corridor improvements are part of a broader strategy by Prince William County to modernize its transportation infrastructure and support sustainable growth. With these projects, the county aims to improve its residents’ quality of life and ensure its transportation network’s long-term viability.

“Each project within the Route 1 Corridor is designed with the community in mind. From reducing traffic congestion to enhancing pedestrian safety, our goal is to create a more livable, accessible, and environmentally friendly corridor,” Canizales added.

As these projects progress, county officials engage with the community to gather input and address concerns. The improvements along Route 1 reflect Prince William County’s commitment to creating a more connected and sustainable transportation system that meets the needs of its diverse population.

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Stafford County's Animal Shelter is facing a dire situation as it grapples with an unprecedented number of dogs in its care. Animal Captain Joe Bice revealed that the shelter has far exceeded its capacity.

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The Prince William County Government is reconsidering the allocation of $2 million in federal coronavirus relief funds. This reevaluation follows concerns over the initial decision to allocate these funds to CASA. This nonprofit organization supports working-class communities (not affiliated with the local Court Appointed Special Advocates). The funds were intended to construct an immigrant welcome center in Prince William County.

Details of the proposed reallocation include:

• Allocating an additional $190,000 to the Northern Virginia Food Rescue for food distribution and administrative costs.
• Setting aside $60,000 for the County to enhance food inventory for community feeding programs.
• Directing $270,400 towards the development of strategies for community safety, with a focus on violence prevention and intervention.
• Reassigning $1,466,592 to cover extra costs associated with the Judicial Center Renovation project.

Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin, who played a key role in the original allocation to CASA on June 7, 2022, has been a vocal advocate for utilizing the county’s $90 million in ARPA funds for a variety of community benefits, including support for Latino broadcasting and the Capital Area Food Bank in Lorton.

However, following a county audit that allegedly revealed mismanagement of the allocated funds by CASA, there is now a resolution to retrieve these funds. Despite the lack of public documentation detailing the audit’s findings, sources close to the matter suggest County Executive Christopher Shorter aimed to protect CASA’s reputation by not mentioning its name in the related February 20, 2024, agenda item.

Responding to these allegations, CASA’s Executive Director, Gustavo Torres, told Insidenova.com the organization has a history of responsible financial management, as evidenced by annual independent audits.

The discussion around fund allocation has been contentious. On June 16, 2020, a Board of County Supervisors meeting was notably disrupted by CASA members, marking a significant moment of tension between the organization and Republican board members, including Supervisor Yesli Vega and former Supervisor Jeanine Lawson.

CASA members said Vega — the first elected Hispanic member of the county board —  “is the devil,” and told her “zip your mouth,” following Vega’s support for the federal 287(g) program at the county jail that had been used to identify illegal aliens charged with a crime.

CASA’s actions during this period have influenced perceptions of its relationship with local government and its impact on community politics. The organization consistently donates to the campaigns of progressive Democrats.

Campaign donations from CASA to state and local politicians include significant contributions to figures such as former Attorney General Mark Herring ($291,667) and former Gov. Ralph Northam ($82,950) at the state level, with Prince William County politicians like Jennifer Carroll Foy ($275,804 across various campaigns) and Elizabeth Guzman ($264,935 across campaigns) also benefiting.

Margaret Franklin, who received $5,125 from CASA, seeks the Democratic Party nomination for Congress in Virginia’s 7th District. Virginia’s 7th District, including eastern Prince William County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg City, King George, Caroline, Culpeper, Madison, Greene, and Orange counties.

As the debate over the allocation of these federal funds continues, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors plans to address the issue at their meeting on February 20, 2024, at the county government center in Woodbridge.

State Level campaign donations from CASA since 2019

• Mark Herring, former Virginia Attorney General: $291,667
• Ralph Northam, former Virginia Governor: $82,950

Prince William County campaign donations from CASA since 2019

• Carroll Foy for Governor – Jennifer: $170,383
• Carroll Foy for Senate – Jennifer: $53,656
• Carroll Foy for Delegate – Jennifer: $51,765
• Elizabeth Guzman for Delegate: $148,318
• Elizabeth Guzman for Senate: $115,617
• Josh King for Prince William County Sheriff – Joshua: $71,255
• Danica Roem for Senate – Danica: $57,753
• Kenny Boddye for Prince William County Board of Supervisors: $55,794
• Briana Sewell for Delegate: $52,340
• Candi King for Delegate: $17,556
• Josh Thomas for Delegate: $12,203
• Deshundra Jefferson for Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman: $11,904
• Michelle Maldonado for Delegate: $5,713
• Margaret Franklin for Prince William County Board of Supervisors: $5,125
• Andrea Bailey for Prince William Supervisor: $3,540
• Victor Angry for Prince William County Supervisor: $1,450

Fredericksburg and Stafford County area campaign donations from CASA since 2019

• Joel Griffin for State Senate: $102,109
• Joshua Cole for Delegate: $17,660

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