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We’re in the last few days of Winter, and there’s a lot to see and do. For much more, click here.
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Ways to Celebrate Women's History Month
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Great Lives Series Lectures
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This month, the William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series will focus on sharing the stories of some of the most remarkable women in our country's history, including:
Edith (Mrs. Woodrow) Wilson
Tuesday, March 12, 2024| 7:30 pm | Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall
Mrs. Wilson climbed her way out of Appalachian poverty and into the highest echelons of American power and in 1919 effectively acted as the first woman president of the U.S. (before women could even vote nationwide) when her husband, Woodrow Wilson, was incapacitated. Speaker: Rebecca Roberts.
Billie Jean King by biographer Johnette Howard
Thursday, March 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall
Billie Jean King was as one of the greatest tennis players of all time and a vanguard of the movement for social justice and equality. In 1990 she was named by Life magazine as one of the “100 Most Important Americans in the 20th Century” and in 2009 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama for her work on behalf of women and the LGBT community. Speaker: Johnette Howard
Elizabeth Taylor
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 7:30 pm | Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall
The first authorized biographer of Elizabeth Taylor tells the story through Ms. Taylor’s eyes, and those of her closest friends and family. Beyond her incredible career and unmatched glamour, she became the first major celebrity activist to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS. A co-founder of amfAR, she raised more than $100 million for research and patient care. She was also a shrewd businesswoman who made a fortune as the first celebrity performer who always demanded to be paid what she was worth. Speaker: Kate A. Brower
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Women's History Month at UMW
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UMW’s James Farmer Multicultural Center is presenting an array of great programming for Women’s History Month, including:
- Women’s Basic Necessities Drive
March 1 – 31 | James Farmer Multicultural Center
- Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Undergraduate Research Symposium
Wednesday, March 13 | 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Lee Hall, Room 411
- Muslim Women’s Day Art Demonstration
Wednesday, March 27 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Around Campus
- Women’s History Month: Mixed Media Showcase
Thursday, March 28 | 5:00 PM | Underground, Lee Hall
Click here to learn more.
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The City Showcases Strong, Successful Women
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This month, the City is telling the stories of some of the most remarkable women who are shaping the City’s legacy every day. Each woman who is highlighted, from entrepreneurs, artists, volunteers to plumbers and government consultants, has positively influenced our City and should be commended for their accomplishments. Click here to follow along.
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73rd Annual Fine Arts Show and Sale
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The City of Fredericksburg Department of Parks, Recreation, and Events, in collaboration with the Woman’s Club of Fredericksburg, is proud to present the 73rd Annual Fredericksburg Fine Arts Show and Sale at the Dorothy Hart Community Center (408 Canal Street, Fredericksburg) from Friday, March 22th trhokugh Sunday, March 24th. Admission is free and the artwork is amazing.
Show Hours:
- Friday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
This juried art exhibition showcases works from more than eight various disciplines, featuring over 275 original pieces created by 117 artists.
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St. Patrick's Day in the City
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The City never lacks for ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Here are just a few things to do and places to be on Saturday, March 16th and Sunday, March 17th. For more, click here.
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Tomorrow's City Council Meetings
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You can attend the City Council meetings in person. You can also watch the Regular City Council meeting online, or on Cox Channel 84 and Verizon Channel 42.
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Work Session: 5:30 PM, Large Conference Room, 2nd floor of City Hall
We will discuss three topics:
- Railroad Station Overlay District (Downtown)
- Water/Sewer and Motts Update
- Fire Station #3 and Fire Tax
The agenda is here.
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Regular Session: 7:30 PM, City Council Chambers, City Hall
The agenda for the Regular Session is here. Among other things, we will:
- hear a proclamation for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
- hear a proclamation for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
- receive a presentation on the FY 2025 City Manager's Recommended Operating and Capital Budget
- vote on a resolution (second reading) to adopt an ordinance that approves of the City Treasurer using outside collection agencies to assist with the collection of local taxes (this item is on the Consent Agenda)
- vote on a resolution (first reading) to approve the renewal of the Verizon cable television franchise agreement with the City (this item will be a Public Hearing)
- vote on a resolution (one reading) to approve the Annual Action Plan for meeting federal guidelines under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program (this item will be a Public Hearing)
- vote on one appointment to the Architectural Review Board (applicants: Adriana Moss (current), Matthew Kelly)
- vote on a resolution (one reading) to initiate the public hearing process for amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to locate Fire Station #3 at the intersection of Wicklow Drive and Fall Hill Avenue.
- vote on a resolution that would permit a Fire Station with a Special Use Permit in the R-2 residential zoning district
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About Public Comments
Citizens who wish to participate in the public hearing or public comment period during a Regular City Council meeting (not a Work Session) will be able to speak in person or send their comments in writing. Please click here for public comment guidelines.
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- Architectural Review Board (ARB) Meeting: Monday, March 11th at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. You can find the agenda here.
- Planning Commission Meeting: Wednesday, March 13th at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. You can find the agenda here.
- FAMPO Meeting of the Policy Committee: the next meeting is on Monday, March 18th at 6:00 PM at 406 Princess Anne Street. When available, you can find the agenda here.
- GWRC: the next meeting is on Monday, March 25th at 6:00 PM at 406 Princess Anne Street. When available, you can find the agenda here.
- Economic Development Authority (EDA) Meeting: Monday, April 8th at 8:30 AM at the Executive Plaza, Third Floor (601 Caroline Street). When available, you can find the agenda here.
- School Board Meeting: Tuesday, April 16th at 6:30 PM (closed session) and 7:30 PM (open session) in the School Board Chambers at the Walker-Grant Center, 210 Ferdinand Street. When available, you can find the agenda here
- After tomorrow, the next regular City Council meeting is on Tuesday, March 26th at 5:30 PM (Work Session) and 7:30 PM (Regular Meeting). When available, you can find the agendas here.
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Mary's Landing Project: Historic Preservation
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If you're not familiar with it, Mary's Landing is a project proposing to build 63 townhomes on existing lots in the Creative Maker District, just across Fall Hill Avenue from the Old Hospital Building. You can see the developer's Construction Plan here, and the collage shown above will give you an idea of the lots that will be converted into townhomes.
It is a by-right project, meaning that approval by the City's Zoning Administrator is required, but City Council is not involved and there are no public hearings. In this administrative review process, public notice requires signs to be posted on the project site, and certified mail notices to be sent to nearby property owners. In this way, stakeholders and the public at large are invited to submit written comments to the Zoning Administrator during the public comment period.
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As the first major construction project in the Canal Quarter's Creative Maker District, this project has stirred a fair amount of public interest – which is a very good thing. If you want to learn more about it, I recommend you first look at the collage of the project site, and the separate map above that shows all the Character Structures that have been designated in the Creative Maker District, then click here for more in-depth information.
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Old Walker-Grant: Historic Preservation
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Historic preservation is on the move again, this time for the adaptive reuse of the Old Walker-Grant School on Gunnery Road. This is an extremely exciting project that touches on many remarkable stories of education and African American history in Fredericksburg. If done right, I hope it will become a valuable community resource for generations to come.
For background, check out "What's in a Legacy?", the article I wrote about the Old Walker-Grant School in the July 2019 issue of Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine.
Three years after its 1935 construction, the building became the first public school for Black school children in Fredericksburg. Listed individually on the National Register of Historic Places, it's a landmark in the rich cultural tapestry of our community.
For the next 30 years, this was the public school for African American students. After desegregation reached Fredericksburg in 1968, and for the next 20 years, the building was the middle school for all Fredericksburg children. In 1988 construction of a new middle school was completed, bearing the Walker-Grant name, and the Old Walker-Grant School in its 50th year ceased being a middle school. Today, the City and the community are looking for ways to creatively re-use this historic building.
Thanks to a $42,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the City is undertaking an Adaptive Reuse and Feasibility Study focused on the Walker-Grant School. Recently, I attended a public brainstorming session there, led by adaptive-reuse consultants from Enteros Design in Richmond.
The results of the "Existing Conditions Assessment" indicate that the building is structurally sound, despite showing its 89 years of age in places. A new roof is needed, as well as a new HVAC system, new plumbing, and new electrical system. Other changes would include needed window repairs, a fire sprinkler system, restroom upgrades, and possibly adding an elevator for improved ADA accessibility and a small parking lot behind the building. The classrooms are wonderful, and largely look much as they did generations ago.
Some great ideas were offered up by members of the public at the brainstorming session. They include:
- museum exhibits on education and Black History in Fredericksburg
- preserve a classroom
- genealogical/historical research center
- art gallery
- small stage performing/visual arts venue
- children's programming
- community center
- meeting rooms
One idea that I find exceptionally compelling would be a place where residents could go to record their memories, their stories, for posterity. A "green room" of sorts, with audio/visual equipment and a place to research, record, save and archive oral histories, memories, photographs and other documents for future generations to enjoy and learn from. As the City begins to tell a more complete story of its people, this is a prime opportunity to dovetail with those community-building efforts.
Do you have ideas of your own? There's an online survey where you can share your thoughts about what uses you would like to see for this iconic building. I hope you'll take a few minutes to take the survey. The future of the Old Walker-Grant School is a blank slate, which is very exciting.
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The City's Sustainability Efforts
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This one is also near and dear to my heart. As you'll recall, City Council adopted the Clean Energy Resolution in December 2019 which, among other things, committed the City to the goal of powering municipal operations with 100% renewable energy by 2035 or earlier; and a community-wide goal of powering the City with 100% renewable energy sources no later than 2050. I participated with Fossil Free Fredericksburg to help get that resolution passed.
In a recent letter to the Clean and Green Commission, the City Manager's office provides an update on the City's Environmental Sustainability Program:
- Recruitment continues on finding a full-time Environmental Sustainability Coordinator (the position is fully funded)
- Streetlights citywide are being converted to LEDs in cooperation with Dominion Energy
- Beginning to explore with Stafford County officials the possibility of reusing the decommissioned (and City-owned) Cool Springs Landfill for a solar energy generating project
- Assisted FXBG Public Schools with delivery of ten electric school buses and charging infrastructure at JMHS
- Obtained a grant through Virginia Clean Cities to help introduce 26 hybrid vehicles into the City's Law Enforcement fleet
- Installed free EV charging stations at the public library (2023) and Sophia Street parking garage (2020)
- Roof mounted solar is being investigated for two City buildings (PD headquarters and Bass Ellison)
- Project to convert all lighting in identified buildings to LED: City Hall is complete; others are partially complete or in the pipeline
While I celebrate these mile-marker accomplishments, I share a widely held desire to see this challenge through. There is MUCH more work to be done if we hope to achieve the stated goals of the 2019 Clean Energy Resolution.
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Lafayette: The Rockstar of the Revolutionary Era
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It's hard to know where to start when discussing all the preparations and events leading up to the bicentennial celebration of General Lafayette's 1824 visit to Fredericksburg. Dubbed as "the rockstar of his time" by Lisa Durham, Co-Chair of the Fredericksburg Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration Committee, Lafayette's visit to Fredericksburg in 1824 was a momentous event and the year-long festivities to honor it are fitting for such an auspicious occasion.
First, let me suggest that you grab a second cup of coffee and listen to Ted Schubel’s interview of Ms. Durham and Mary Katherine Greenlaw as they walk through some of the fascinating backstories of Lafayette’s visit and some really cool modern ties to that event.
It’s taken two years of diligence and hard work to pull off what will be an amazing adventure this year. I don’t think you’ll want to miss any of it. From now until the final commemorations during the weekend of November 23rd and 24th, I will be providing some updates. But the best way for you to get the full picture of all that is happening is to follow the Fredericksburg Lafayette Bicentennial’s Facebook Page, and click here for even more information.
Meanwhile, be sure to stop in at the Fredericksburg Area Museum to see the wonderful exhibit entitled “Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom” And mark your calendars for these next great events:
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2024 Clean and Green Sustainability Awards
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Last month, the City of Fredericksburg’s Clean and Green Commission launched the 2024 Sustainability Award for businesses in the City. This award is granted annually to businesses that are committed to implementing environmentally sustainable practices.
Criteria include:
- Phasing out single-use items, such as plastic and styrofoam
- Ditching plastic bags in favor of more sustainable alternatives
- Supporting local food sourcing
- Encouraging customers to bring their own containers through incentives like discounts
- Transitioning to energy-efficient lighting
- Upgrading HVAC systems to more energy-efficient models
- Establishing a recycling program
- Implementing a composting program for food scraps
- Offering vegetarian menu options
- Using cleaning products recognized by the US EPA as safer chemicals
To apply for the 2024 Sustainability Award and see previous award winners, click here. Feel free to email Sarah Hurst or Robert Courtnage if you have questions.
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Promoting a healthier community and the well-being of its residents and visitors, the City of Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events Department has partnered with the Share The Air awareness campaign to implement smoke-free, vapor-free, and tobacco-free policies in all its parks and outdoor recreational areas. These guidelines are in effect for the City's parklands, facilities, open public spaces, playgrounds, shelters, and the Trails. For more information, please click here or call 540-372-1086.
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The Great Train Race is Coming
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Today is the day to register for the Great Train Race – and I mean that literally. The Registration price will go up tomorrow, March 12th! Go here to register for The Great Train Race happening on May 5th in Downtown Fredericksburg. More to come!
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from nbc.com
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Huntley will be performing live at the Virginia Credit Union Stadium (aka FredNats Ballpark) on March 30th from 12:30 to 2:30 PM in a special free concert to benefit Loisann's Hope House. The concert will be preceded at 11:00 AM by a downtown driving procession along Huntley's performance venues. Due to limited capacity, you must RSVP for this event. For more information go here.
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A Few Shorts (in case you missed them)
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Five new wayside panels are installed in town, and four more are in the works. I hope you'll check them out. The full text (with cool photos) is available online here. I took the public tour recently and came away struck by the fascinating stories they tell us about our community's rich history:
- Johnny P. Johnson (923 Sophia Street)
- Old Walker-Grant School (5000 Gunnery Road)
- Dr. W.L. Harris (between 312 and 320 Tyler Street)
- Decoration Day (intersection of Young and Willis Streets)
- Mannahoac Indigenous Tribe (Fall Hill Avenue next to Navy Federal Credit Union near Wegmans)
- University of Mary Washington (four panels are in the works)
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Johnny P. Johnson Mural Project
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The mural on Sophia Street, painted by Bill Harris and honoring this remarkable local artist, teacher and humanitarian, is in serious need of repairs. One organization that supported the creation of the mural - RappArts - is spearheading a fundraising campaign to restore or replace the mural in a more permanent manner. I hope you'll contribute to it by making a donation today:
- Mail a check to Rapp Arts RappArts, PO Box 3882, Fredericksburg VA 22402 (please write "Mural Project Donation" on your check)
- Email RappArts for ways to donate online
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Recently the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail was accepted into the National Civil Rights Trail program. This is a really, really big deal! Kudos to Victoria Matthews, Chris Williams, and all the folks whose labor of love went into making this project a reality on the local, state and national, stage. The Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail follows the stories and sites of the local Civil Rights movement and highlights the role of Black residents in Fredericksburg’s history. You can read all about it here.
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Our public schools are closed this week for Spring Break. Here are some upcoming events and opportunities you might be interested in:
- March Madness basketball tournament for Family/Faculty is scheduled for March 21st (Hugh Mercer v. Walker Grant) and March 28th (Preschool v. Lafayette ES) - all games are at James Monroe High School. More here.
- The 8th FCPS Superintendent Community Roundtable will be on Wednesday March 27th. The theme for this event will be Empowering and Celebrating Diversity to Enhance Academic Excellence. This looks to be another great one! Register here.
- The Career Fair for anyone interested in a career in education will be held on Saturday, March 23rd.
- Looking for ways to get involved in helping to create a welcoming and supportive environment for our public schools? FCPS encourages and invites family and community members to volunteer to support the educational experience of our students. More here.
For much more information about what’s happening in Fredericksburg City Public Schools, please click here.
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- Boards and Commissions: The City is seeking City resident volunteers to serve on its very important boards and commissions. It really is a great way to be involved in the City. I started as a member of the Architectural Review Board and look what happened! If you’d like to serve your City on a Board or Commission, visit the City’s Boards and Commissions page here.
- Things to know about holding an event: Some things have changed lately about holding block parties or other events in the City. As you begin making plans, be sure to click here to get the most updated information.
- Annual Water Discharge and Flushing: this will take place from March 18th through May, 2024.Officials will change the primary disinfectant in the water treatment process from chloramines to free chlorine. The purpose of this temporary change in process, which occurs annually, is to help ensure a high level of disinfection in our community’s network of water mains. During this period, Spotsylvania County and the City of Fredericksburg water customers may notice a change in the taste or odor of their tap water.
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Feel free to reach out to me anytime. I want to hear your ideas, priorities, and concerns. If you have a City issue you need assistance with, please don’t hesitate to let me know and I’ll see if it’s something I can help with as an elected official.
Recently, a motorcyclist was struck by an automobile at an intersection in Ward 2 with poor line-of-sight visibility. Residents asked me to intervene and try to get some traffic calming measures installed. I received commitments from City officials that this will be addressed as part of the downtown traffic study, which is ongoing. A radar speed trailer is now collecting real-time data there.
The next newsletter is scheduled to come out on March 25th. Previous editions of my newsletter can be found here.
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As always, take care and be good to each other,
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Note the email address from which this newsletter was sent is not monitored. If you wish to email me, please use my City government email address. I’d be happy to talk to you about your priorities for the City.
Please be aware that all email correspondence to and from my City government email address is subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and the Virginia Public Records Act which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties.
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