Fredericksburg’s Strongest anita

Fredericksburg and Anita Crossfield go together like cappuccino and cornetti. If you know and love the city, you'll love the inspirational civic leader and owner of the iconic Italian Station in historic downtown.

Anita's journey began as a teenage mother in war-torn Kosova. She has overcome and accomplished more in her forty-three years than most will in a lifetime. Yet her hard work and generosity of spirit have never faltered, with her beautiful daughter, Kristiana Kuqi, 26, as her angel and guiding light. Anita has paved the way for Kristiana to not only survive, but thrive. Kristiana is a graduate of Randolph College with a dual degree in Political Science and History. She has also had the privilege of accompanying the President of Kosova Vjosa Ismani, Former President of Kosova Atifete Jahjaga, and Prime Minister Albin Kurti to the funeral of Secretary Madeleine Albright

Kristiana is blessed to soar towards her greatest dreams knowing that she always has a safe place to land in Fredericksburg. While visiting for Christmas and New Year's Eve 2022, Kristiana referred to Fredericksburg as her hometown. "Hearing that was the greatest and most special gift I could ever receive," Anita says.

Anita has built far more than a business here; her leadership and example have made Italian Station a beacon of love, hospitality, and fortitude; a refuge for the marginalized; a servant of the frontline; a host for warmth, belonging, and connection; and an advocate for all that is good, right, and beautiful in the world. In other words, a home for her cherished home and family of Fredericksburg. Her integrity has earned her the respect, attention, and admiration of the most

crossfield: civic leader & business owner

by Jenna ELIZABETH eDWARDS

powerful civic leaders, from the local to the international; her humility, authenticity, and accessibility have led her to serve, nourish, and uplift those in need of kindness and compassion.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Anita continued to open her heart and her doors to the community, while respecting and complying with public health and safety regulations. Anita collaborated with leaders from Juan More Taco FXBG, Orofino Restaurant, Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging, and Fredericksburg Cupcake to prepare, package, and deliver 3,778 meals and 868 hospital boxes to the elderly. She led the RappahannockFredericksburg Rotary Club in visiting frontline workers and residents at the Greenfield Senior Living Facility of Spotsylvania Italian Station also hosted weekly meetings of Olga's Hats, a local volunteer group committed to knitting hats, gloves, and ear warmers for the area's homeless population. With the support of the Silver Companies and Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, of which Italian Station is a member, Anita launched a Pay It Forward Initiative that garnered national attention and the special recognition of former Virginia state delegate and Fredericksburg resident Hon Joshua Cole. Nearly 2,000 Italian Station patrons continued to pay forward the price of a cup of coffee for the next customer for three weeks following Random Acts of Kindness Day

Anita remains a steadfast proponent of local businesses and service members, as well as community causes and traditions. She serves as a Board Member for the Fredericksburg Area Museum, and loves supporting local creatives, such as her friends and neighbors at PONSHOP Italian Station has hosted special appreciation days for veterans, city employees, and law enforcement officials, including the annual Coffee with a Cop Day

Anita regularly participates in fundraisers for community organizations, including the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA, Downtown Dolls, Ellie's Elves, Fredericksburg PRIDE, Gwyneth's Gift Foundation, Cooking Autism, Inc , the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault, The Ruyts Foundation of Veteran Suicide Prevention, and Downtown Greens

Italian Station has enthusiastically supported traditions including T he Great Train Race; the Marine Corps Marathon; Operation Tulip Drop; Fredericksburg Main Street's signature A Downtown Affair event; the annual Costume Stroll and Treats on the Streets; and the FXBG Pride March and Festival

I would argue that there is no one who embodies the concept of #FXBGStrong as graciously or more consistently than Anita Crossfield, which is why I have deviated from my normal Fredericksburg's Finest column, to instead name her Fredericksburg's Strongest, a small token of appreciation for her loving, loyal, and devoted spirit that has touched the lives of countless people in this beautiful city that holds the honor and privilege of being her home.

Jenna Elizabeth is a partner of Edwards Law Firm PLLC and a local realtor. She highlights local business owners and community members to showcase why the Fredericksburg region is an amazing place to live.