By Susan Larson
The Massad Family YMCA is sponsoring a benefit for the wife and child of fallen Marine Sgt. Charles Strong. Sgt. Strong, a member of the Corps’ elite special command, was killed in Herat Province, Afghanistan, on September 15.
The Travelers Perform Live! @ The Pavilion
The Pavilion at Spotsylvania Courthouse Center presents its final free concert of the season Saturday, Sept. 27. The Travelers will perform bluegrass music from 5 – 8 p.m.
“We have a pavilion where the bands perform, and a beautiful square with grass and trees surrounding it,” said Joyce Willis of Wjvakos Companies, sponsor of the concert series. “It’s a perfect venue to enjoy live music and entertainment.”
Blankets and chairs are welcome. There will be food vendors. No coolers, please.
Eight Startup Weekend Fredericksburg Finalists
By Susan Larson
Eight entrepreneurs and the teams formed around them for the third Startup Weekend Fredericksburg have been working round-the-clock to take their idea to business in 54 hours.
Here’s a sneak peek at those who will compete Sunday afternoon for the top three prizes.
Health Insurance Marketplace Info Session September 30
By Susan Larson
Certified Navigator Bill Botts and Dr. Chris Lillis will present a information session about the Health Insurance Marketplace at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Open enrollment begins November 15. The meeting will be held at Central Rappahannock Regional Library Headquarters Branch, 1201 Caroline St. in Fredericksburg.
The Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period is the time to apply for a 2015 Marketplace plan, keep your current plan or choose a new one.
Submit Art for Downtown Fredericksburg Gift Cards
By Susan Larson
Artwork submissions for Fredericksburg Main Street Initiative’s “Experience Fredericksburg” gift card contest are due by midnight, October 1, 2014.
The credit-card based gift card will be accepted at participating downtown businesses. Fredericksburg Main Street Initiative (FMSI) plans to create four card themes.
The Four Themes
Vote for Kids’ Art to Grace Downtown Gift Cards
By Susan Larson
You have until October 3 to vote for your favorite among 11 works of art created by children for the Fredericksburg Main Street Initiative (FMSI) “Experience Fredericksburg” gift card program.
Bullying Prevention Month Resources
By Terry Vittone, copywriter, Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)
Wouldn’t it be great if 31 of the most current and useful resources for school bullying prevention AND 31 profiles of the most influential “Difference Makers” in the world of school bullying prevention were all assembled in one place?
Well, yeah.
Fredericksburg Unemployment Rate Up, Highest in Last Year
By Susan Larson
The civilian labor force unemployment rate in Fredericksburg is at 6.0 percent, according to August 2014 local unemployment statistics released October 1 by the Virginia Employment Commission. The number is not seasonally adjusted. It’s the highest unemployment rate for the city between July 2013 and August 2014.
Wittman, Mosher Debate October 6 at UMW
The candidates for Virginia’s 1st Congressional District will debate in Fredericksburg on October 6.
Incumbent Rep. Rob Wittman (R) and Democratic challenger Norm Mosher will meet in Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall, at the University of Mary Washington. The event, which begins at 7:30 p.m., is free and open to the public.
Eat to Compete, Train Like A Navy SEAL
By Susan Larson
Former Navy SEAL Stew Smith will join Dr. Stephen Erle for “Sports Training, Nutrition and Special Ops” from 10 – 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. The back-to-back presentations will be held at Salem Church Library, 2607 Salem Church Rd., Fredericksburg. The workshop is free, but donations of non-perishbale food items for the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank are requested.
Free Trees Available from Tree Fredericksburg
By Susan Larson
Tree Fredericksburg, in partnership with the CSX Corporation and the Alliance for Community Trees, is giving away trees for planting in city resident’s yards.
“The trees can be planted in any part of the resident’s yard, as long as they are planted within the 22401 zip code,” said Anne Little, founder of Tree Fredericksburg. The trees will be available for pick-up on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, 2014.
Oktoberfest, Doubt, Mary’s Garden, One Note Stand
Capital Ale House Oktoberfest will be held from 12 – 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, in the 800 and 900 blocks of Caroline Street. The 800 – 900 blocks of Caroline Street and the 100 – 200 blocks of George Street will be closed to through traffic from 4 a.m. Saturday through 2 a.m. Sunday.
There are many more events in town this weekend. See the list below. Click the hyperlinks for details.
SATURDAY, October 4
Salem Church Library Hosts Halloween Costume Swap
By Susan Larson
Salem Church Library is hosting a Halloween Costume Swap from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014.
“This event provides participants the opportunity to exchange their gently used costumes for ones that are new to them,” said Lena Gonzalez Berrios, branch manager. “Buying new Halloween costumes each year is expensive, so we’re excited to provide the Halloween Costume Swap as a money-saving, green alternative to our customers.”
St. James’ House Open to Visitors Oct. 6 – 11
By Susan Larson
Historic St. James’ House in downtown Fredericksburg is open for touring October 6 – 11, 2014. It’s one of only two weeks each year the private residence is opened to the public. It is located at 1300 Charles St.
Built about 1768, it was originally home to James Mercer, a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, first judge of the General Court in Fredericksburg, and the attorney who wrote the will for Mary Washington, according to Washington Heritage Museums.
Dancing with the Fredericksburg Stars Returns October 11
By Susan Larson
The second annual Dancing with the Fredericksburg Stars will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Dodd Auditorium on the University of Mary Washington (UMW) campus.
Local Entrepreneur Advises: Be Part of the Community
Andrew Curtis is co-founder of vanguard ideation and is active in Fredericksburg’s entrepreneurial community.
Holiday Cards Fredericksburg Style
Where to purchase holiday cards by Fredericksburg artists.
Karen Jonas and Cabin Creek at Colonial Tavern
Local musician Ashleigh Chevalier gives us the scoop on two local groups performing Saturday night.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities in the Fredericksburg Area
The Rappahannock United Way’s annual holiday volunteer opportunities list.
Lake Wilderness Residents Confront HOA
“There’s a movement among property owners to find out what’s going on here,” a resident said.
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