Stafford Magazine | October/November 2021

Stafford O C T O B E R

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N O V E M B E R

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MAGAZINE

Meet Your Favorite Teacher KELLY THOMPSON STAFFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

INSIDENOVA

FAMILY MARKET SUCCESS FRED-NATS’ FIELD MANAGER FUN FALL EVENTS

and the rest of the

BEST OF STAFFORD 2021

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Congratulations to Stafford Hospital and Rehabilitation Services of Stafford!

We value your dedication to improving the health of the people in the community we serve.

Stafford Hospital Best Place to Work Rehabilitation Services of Stafford Best Rehab Facility

Stafford.mwhc.com

Stafford Stafford Stafford MAGAZINE

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www.staffordmagazine.com Stafford Magazine is published every other month and distributed to over 9,000 selected addresses. While reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to Stafford Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. While ensuring that all published information is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or omissions. Reproduction in whole or part of any of the text, illustrations or photographs is strictly forbidden. ©2021 Rappahannock Media LLC.

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CONTENTS 6

AMAZING KIDS

32

Against the Odds Fellowship winner overcame steep challenges

9

BUSINESS BOOM

Fresh Finds Long Family Markets has something for everyone

13

Best of Stafford 2021 Meet the winners in all 111 categories

29

NEIGHBORS

Your Favorite Teacher Longtime educator makes true connections in hometown

32

SPORTS

36

EVENTS

Fall Fun Festivals, haunted trails and other activities around the region

37

Field Manager

COMMUNITY NEWS

Colonial Forge grad keeps the Fredericksburg Nationals’ playing surface in tip-top shape

Honors for North Stafford High, and murals in schools

38

VOICES

Stafford’s Railroading Past ON THE COVER: Stafford Elementary School second-grade teacher Kelly Thompson was chosen as our readers’ favorite teacher.

See all the winners starting on Page 13, and read a profile of Thompson on Page 29.

Photo by Paul Lara.

HOAF. The difference between being a patient and being a warrior.

Once you get over the shock of a breast cancer diagnosis, it’s time to feel empowered. Because right here in the Fredericksburg and Stafford communities, nationally known oncologists can bring you advanced treatments, access to clinical trials, state-of-the-art infusion centers and a drive to take on cancer. When you’re here, you’ll feel more like you’re in a ski lodge or spa than an award-winning oncology center.

Call 540-371-0079 to find out more. And let’s get fighting.

M E E T

Dr. Charles L. Maurer

O U R

Dr. Sudeep J. Menachery

Associates of

Fredericksburg

at Stafford

A W A R D - W I N N I N G

Dr. Christopher N. Vaughn

Dr. Matthew T. Whitehurst

P H Y S I C I A N S

Dr. Bonny L. Moore

Dr. Lisa J. Simmons

hoafredericksburg.com

540.371.0079

STAFFORD LOCATION:

FREDERICKSBURG LOCATION:

125 Woodstream Boulevard, Suite 205 Stafford, VA 22556

4501 Empire Court Fredericksburg, VA 22408

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AMAZING KIDS

Against the Odds Fellowship winner overcame steep challenges

BY TRACY BELL

After her plans to study in Taiwan were postponed, Sarah Sabal spent the summer in South Korea.

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tafford resident Sarah Sabal was set to travel to Taiwan this past summer after being awarded a fellowship – but the pandemic had other plans.

COVID-19 restrictions closed Taiwan’s border, shutting down plans for the Rochester Institute of Technology student.

It didn’t stop her, though.

Sabal, who lives in the Hunter’s Pond subdivision, grew up in Roseville Estates and attended Mountain View High School, graduating in 2019. At RIT, Sabal is a third-year Chinese language major with

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double minors in international business and marketing. The school is known for its support for deaf students, which appealed to Sabal when it was time to choose a college.

Sabal, who is deaf, was awarded an international fellowship and scholarship called the Critical Language Scholarship and Boren Award, to study, research and work abroad. The plan was for Sabal to study Chinese language at National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, Taiwan, over the summer and attend the university for the

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2021-22 academic year.

After Taiwan was put on hold, Sabal completed the summer program virtually while she instead visited South Korea for 2½ months. She described it as “a double cultural immersion of Chinese and Korean.”

“It created a perfect opportunity to compare the similarities and differences between South Korea and Taiwan in terms of languages, cultures, and food,” Sabal said, admitting that it was “challenging at first” to juggle the two because her virtual class was based on a U.S. nighttime start, meaning

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early mornings for her.

“I believe it prepared me for my upcoming time in Taiwan by getting accustomed to reading and recognizing traditional characters and have a better understanding of Taiwanese history and their cultures,” she said.

The most noticeable difference between the United States and South Korea, Sabal said, is South Korea’s outdoor cleanliness – specific recycle bins for varying materials are everywhere and no litter can be seen in the subway.

She also noticed cultural differences in perspectives, moral beliefs and food delicacy.

Sabal explored the cities of Seoul and Busan and tried different foods, such as tteokbokki, kimchi stew and Korean barbeque. “I enjoyed learning about South Korea’s rich, vibrant traditional history and pop cultures in modern social trends – music, art, and fashion.”

She still plans to study in Taiwan for a year starting in the spring.

Boren Awards are funded by the National Security Education Program with a focus on languages, culture and service in nations underrepresented in study abroad. Awards of up to $25,000 are typically given for a year-long stint.

Sabal’s background and family history played a part in her interest in the program.

Born deaf in China, Sabal had a deformity that prevented her ears from developing. She was adopted from an orphanage at age 7 and then made her way to the United States. She recalled that her parents adopted her after seeing her in an online advertisement featuring Chinese orphans.

She also spoke about a friend, Paul Anderson, who she met at a banquet where they both received scholarships for overcoming adversity and achieving success.

While chatting, they realized their backgrounds were similar – both were adopted and lived in the same area of China. But after a closer look with the help of their adoptive parents, they discovered an amazing coincidence: They were both in the same orphanage in Chengdu, Sichuan, at the same time.

Anderson, who was born with albinism, orphaned and later adopted, is blind – and photos from their time in the orphanage helped the two families put the puzzle together.

In one photo, Anderson is smiling at the camera among a group of children, while Sabal is toddling past at the side of the shot. Anderson now attends the College of William & Mary, double-majoring in physics and mathematical theory.

“To this day, I still keep in touch with Paul,” Sabal said.

As for Sabal, she has seen her share of adversity, but said she has overcome it by simply not giving up and having the determination to reach her goals in life.

Learning to speak both Chinese and English when young was challenging, Sabal recalled, due to her disability. Today, she speaks Mandarin and English and is “currently learning some basics in Korean and American Sign Language.”

She doesn’t have a lot of free time, but enjoys art, including taking photos, drawing portraits and creating digital comics for her Instagram art page. Sabal said she loves outdoor activities, crosscountry running and spontaneous adventures with her friends.

And with Taiwan on the horizon, more adventures are sure to come.

Tracy Bell is a freelancer living in Stafford County.

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BUSINESS

Fresh Finds Long Family Markets has something for everyone

BY TRACY BELL

E Lester and Robin Long run the market at the 610 Commuter Lot, while daughter Elizabeth (left) helps with marketing and promotions.

very Sunday, Robin and Lester Long are hard at work transforming an empty commuter lot into a shopaholic’s dream.

Nearly 60 vendors typically take part in the farmers market/bazaar they create at the 610 Commuter Lot in North Stafford. It’s hard to miss the spot, where the giant blue water tower with the Stafford County emblem looms over a spacious lot on Staffordboro Boulevard, just off Garrisonville Road.

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Feeling overwhelmed?

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The Longs make the short trek from their home in south Stafford’s Little Falls neighborhood, nestled between Falmouth and Ferry Farm, to run the market, which was voted by Stafford Magazine readers as the Favorite Local Event in the 2021 Best of Stafford competition.

From April to November each year, Long Family Markets operates its regular season, and shoppers can browse and purchase fresh produce and specialty items, visiting dozens of vendors in one stop. In addition to regular vendors, about 30 more businesses take part less frequently by rotating bi-weekly or monthly.

Long Family Markets has operated since the summer of 2015, but the past 18 months have been unprecedented.

“COVID has brought some changes to the marketplace,” Robin Long said. “In the beginning of the pandemic, we had to transition over to a drive-through format with a no-touch policy. Thankfully, that is no longer the case, and customers are able to walk in to access the market and select their own products.”

Now, 6-foot spacing is indicated by markings on the pavement to help customers maintain social distance, and hand-sanitizer stations are scattered throughout. Because the market is outside, masks are not required, but they are recommended for anyone who is not vaccinated.

The marketplace is open Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering locally grown, locally made or locally baked products from vendors within a 125-mile radius of Stafford.

So, what’s available?

Along with fresh fruits and vegetables, offerings include honey, eggs, meat, baked goods, flowers, beverages and hot and prepared food, along with soap, health and wellness items, pickles and salsa.

Artisans and crafters offer handmade, unique items, and services such as a knife-sharpening station are also offered.

Shoppers will find nut butter, coffee and tea, oil and vinegars, dog treats — and even worm poop (useful in gardens).

At times, the marketplace also holds games or special activities.

Virginia Burchell, who runs JennEclairs, has been selling eclairs and other bakery items at the market for six years. “I have enjoyed every Sunday with them,” she said, noting that along with her eclairs, her banana pudding cups and cinnamon buns are especially popular.

Tom Hale, of Hope Road Honey, sells a variety of honey items including comb honey. For a while, he brought an encased observation hive of bees to the market, which always drew interest.

Long said that prospective vendors go through an application process in the winter to validate that they meet the criteria of being local and making, baking or growing their items.

Business is in session in the off-season too. The Longs hold a winter market on the second Sunday of the month from December through March. They also operate a holiday market on the third Sunday in December.

In 2012, Long was operating Lovely Foods, a small bakery business out of her home kitchen, when she became a vendor in the new North Stafford Farmers Market, outside Stafford Hospital.

“The market gave my business the opportunity to

flourish and grow without the high expense of having a brick-and-mortar location,” she said.

In July 2015, the market’s owner, Vanessa Griffin, sold the rights to the marketplace to the Longs, and North Stafford Farmers Market became Long Family Markets.

Long, a self-titled “chaos coordinator,” doesn’t sell at the market anymore, instead devoting her time to overseeing operations. She has a background in healthcare management, while her husband is a U.S. Army veteran with 29 years of leadership experience.

The market only had about 15 businesses participating each week when the Longs bought it, so it has almost quadrupled in size, in addition to moving to the commuter lot. By providing space for vendors to become known in the community, the market often helps new entrepreneurs get started.

Five current vendors are under 21, Long said, including her daughter, Elizabeth, 20, a Germanna Community College student and 2020 graduate of Stafford High School. Elizabeth Long helps her parents with planning, marketing and promotions for the market and runs a gourmet flavored cotton candy booth, Color Puff Candy.

The other young entrepreneurs’ businesses are Ali’s Snow Cones, Just Dogs, SMD Slimes and Ruby & Jewels.

The marketplace collects food for pantries and helps several families with direct food donations. It’s also able to help other organizations, too.

For instance, Long said, The Rotary Club of North Stafford attends the market each year to provide information about its annual Flags for Heroes project.

“Several school and community groups attend throughout the season to let people know about charitable projects they are working on, solicit volunteers, register voters and collect donations,” she added. “During the pandemic, we have been able to utilize the marketplace to assist more than 20 local organizations in this way.”

Letecia Little helps run Heaven’s Gate Specialty Food Shoppe, a vendor known for its gourmet lemonades, pound cakes and cider. The company also does catering and started cooking food at the market. Shoppers can watch the owner, “Chef Lynn,” fry up sweet and savory egg rolls, mac-and-cheese balls, stuffed chicken wings, drumsticks and fish.

“This is the only market that we do,” Little said.

Heaven’s Gate has been at the market for three years, during which time Little said the market has grown in size and steadily improved.

Being a vendor helped the business during the pandemic shutdowns, Little said, because they couldn’t cater any events. Little said she could see that the Longs were dedicated to keeping them safe as the market’s drivethrough became a regular market again.

“This market has helped get our name out there to more people in Stafford,” Little said. “It is always a pleasure working with the Longs. We have never had a problem, and they will do everything in their power to accommodate their vendors.”

For more information, visit longfamilymarkets.com.

Tracy Bell is a freelancer living in Stafford County.

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A G R I C U LT U R E

WINERY

Potomac Point Winery

meet the

BEST OF STAFFORD

A R O U N D S TA F F O R D

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Rita Kooiman

STAFFORD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

COMMUNITY EVENT/FESTIVAL

Long Family Farmer’s Market (See profile, Page 9)

2021

DATE SPOT

Kobe TIE

Zibibbo 73 HAPPY HOUR SPOT

Barley Naked Brewing Co.

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tafford Magazine received nearly 8,000 votes from readers – a 25% increase from last year – in our annual Best of Stafford survey, conducted online in late July and early August, and we’re pleased to announce the winners on the pages that follow in 111 different categories. Over the next few months, you’ll see banners, plaques and window clings going up in many of these winning businesses. Congratulations to all of them – and be sure to thank them for helping to make the North Stafford community a special place!

LIBRARY

Porter Library 2001 Parkway Blvd., Stafford, 22554 (540) 372-1144 Librarypoint.org

Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s mission is to inspire lifelong learning for everyone in our community. We offer services to people in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, Westmoreland and the city of Fredericksburg. We strive to provide the resources and services necessary to meet the public’s evolving educational, recreational and informational needs, resulting in a higher quality of life for individuals and the entire community. We encourage everyone to have a library card, stop by our branches and visit us online at librarypoint.org.

THE TOP 10 Here are the businesses, people and organizations that received the most total votes in this year’s Best of Stafford balloting and the category in which they won – you could call them the best of the best: Long Family Markets ............................................................................Community Event/Festival Michelle Riddick, Riddick Entertainment ................... Most Community Involved Person Brickhouse Fitness ............................................................................................Fitness Center/Gym Porter Library .................................................................................................................................Library Rosa Seward, Brickhouse Fitness ....................................................................... Personal Trainer Mission BBQ ......................................................................................................................................BBQ Coffee Bar 1010 ..................................................................................................................Coffeeshop Becca Griffitts, Bang Music ...................................................................................Music Instructor Potomac Point Winery ............................................................................................................... Winery El Gran Charro Mexican Restaurant .................................................Mexican/Southwestern S TA F F O R D M AG A Z I N E

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AU TO M OT I V E

LOCAL ATTRACTION

Government Island

PUBLIC SERVANT

MOST COLORFUL CHARACTER

Lt. Deuntay Diggs

STAFFORD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

STAFFORD COUNTY SHERIFF ’S OFFICE

Lt. Deuntay Diggs MOST COMMUNITY INVOLVED BUSINESS

Mission BBQ

MOST COMMUNITY INVOLVED PERSON

Michelle Riddick RIDDICK ENTERTAINMENT

PLACE TO WORK

Stafford Hospital Center

101 Hospital Center Blvd., Stafford, 22554 (540) 741-9000 www.marywashingtonhealthcare.com

Sheehy Toyota TIE

WORST TRAFFIC HAZARD

Interstate 95 ARTS/ E N T E R TA I N M E N T

PLACE OF WORSHIP

Mount Ararat Church

AUTO DEALERSHIP

Leckner Nissan AUTO REPAIR SHOP

America 1st Automotive CARWASH

610 Car Wash MUSIC INSTRUCTOR

TIRE STORE

BANG MUSIC

60 Doc Stone Road, Stafford, 22556 (540) 659-5600 Progressiveautoandtire.com

Progressive Automotive and Tire

Becca Griffitts PERFORMING ARTS GROUP

Riverside Theater

TIRE STORE

Tires Plus

GERMANNA IS OPEN TO ALL Thank you for voting us Best College/University in Stafford County

Stafford

2021 MAGAZINE

GERMANNA.EDU 14

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B E A U T Y/ W E L L N E S S

BARBER SHOP

Sewards Barber Academy HAIR SALON

Winning Image Salon & Day Spa 55 Doc Stone Road Stafford, 22556 (540) 659-0926 www.winningimagesalonanddayspa.com HAIRSTYLIST/BARBER

Tera Latendresse WINNING IMAGE SALON & DAY SPA

55 Doc Stone Road, Stafford, 22556 (540) 659-0926 www.winningimagesalonanddayspa.com MASSAGE SERVICES

Winning Image Salon & Day Spa 55 Doc Stone Road, Stafford, 22556 (540) 659-0926 www.winningimagesalonanddayspa.com NAIL SALON

Winning Image Salon & Day Spa 55 Doc Stone Road, Stafford, 22556 | (540) 659-0926 www.winningimagesalonanddayspa.com SPA

Winning Image Salon & Day Spa 55 Doc Stone Road, Stafford, 22556 | (540) 659-0926 www.winningimagesalonanddayspa.com TANNING SALON

2B Tan

C H I L D C A R E / E D U C AT I O N

CAMP/ SUMMER PROGRAM

Amyclae Dance Academy T TH HA AN NK KS S F FO OR R V VO OT TI IN NG G U US S # #1 1 It is our pleasure to consistently provide you It is our pleasure to consistently provide you with an elite facility and a professional staff with an elite facility and a professional staff for your family's recreation and fitness needs. for your family's recreation and fitness needs.

ROUSECENTER.COM ROUSECENTER.COM

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CHILDCARE/PRESCHOOL

Mount Ararat Church Preschool COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

Germanna Community College 124 Old Potomac Church Road, Stafford, 22554 (540) 891-3000 Germanna.edu

Germanna Community College breaks down barriers and shapes the future. We are open to all members of Stafford County and offer an educational experience that is second to none in terms of quality and student outcomes. Germanna is a family of individuals – each respected for their unique talents, perspectives, backgrounds and abilities – that consistently strives to not only be our best but to be the best. Located at the Barbara J. Fried Center at 124 Old Potomac Church Road in Stafford and online everywhere.

DAYCARE

Living Hope Child Development Center PRIVATE S CHOOL

Saint William of York Catholic School 3130 Jefferson Davis Highway, Stafford, 22554 (540) 659-5207 jschiller@stwillschool,org FAVORITE TEACHER

Kelly Thompson STAFFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

(See profile, Page 29) DINING

AMERICAN CUISINE

Mason Dixon Café

11 Hope Road, Stafford | (540) 280-3131 www.masondixoncafe.com ASIAN

Umi Japanese Cuisine

20 Dunn Drive, Stafford, 22556 1500 Jefferson Davis Highway, Fredericksburg, 22401 (540) 628-2086 (Stafford) | (540) 373-3881 (Fredericksburg) Umisushiva.com

Head to Umi Japanese Cuisine for a scrumptious sushi fare in Stafford. Found on Dunn Drive, it delights you with its extensive Japanese menu and a wonderful atmosphere. Menu highlights include miso soup, crab salad entree and wasabi prawns BAR

Barley Naked Brewing Co. BBQ

Mission BBQ CARRYOUT/CURBSIDE

Zs Southern Kitchen CHEF

Prufrock Chef-CeCe Cooper S TA F F O R D M AG A Z I N E

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FAMILY RESTAURANT

El Gran Charro Mexican Restaurant COFFEESHOP

Coffee Bar 1010

1010 Corp Drive, Stafford, 22551 (540) 300-6236 www.facebook.com/CoffeeBar1010 Open seven days a week. Join us for fresh made-to-order breakfast, lunch and appetizers, along with specialty coffee flights, local, domestic and international draft/bottle beer, wine and exciting cocktails.

New coffee board flavors every week! Tapasstyle food and various dishes are offered in our children/family friendly establishment with a pet-friendly patio. We host a variety of events including: dinner mystery, trivia, singles mixers, yoga wellness, real estate, entrepreneur coaching, karaoke, bingo, socials, group parties and club events! “Book the Bar” for your next event – call for details. Check us out: @coffee_bar_1010 DELIVERY

S TA F F O R D M AG A Z I N E

Zibibbo 73 FRIENDLIEST RESTAURANT

Mason-Dixon Cafe

11 Hope Road, Stafford | (540) 280-3131 | www.masondixoncafe.com ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT SHOP

SweetFrog (Garrisonville Road) ITALIAN

Vinny’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria MEXICAN/SOUTHWESTERN

El Gran Charro Mexican Restaurant OUTDOOR DINING

Potomac Point Winery PIZZA

Sam’s SANDWICH/SUB

Firehouse Subs WINGS

Hong Kong

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FINE DINING

Stafford Wings

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EMERGENCY SERVICES

FIREFIGHTER/RESCUE DEPARTMENT

Rockhill Volunteer Fire Department LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Lt. Deuntay Diggs STAFFORD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

H E A LT H / M E D I C A L

CHIROPRACTOR

Dr. Bob Mills STUART FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

DENTIST

Neibauer Dental Care EYE DOCTOR

Eagle Eye Vision GENERAL PRACTITIONER

Embracing Health

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OBSTETRICIAN/GYNECOLOGIST/ MIDWIFE

About Women OB,GYN PC

95 Dunn Drive, #205 Stafford, 22556 2296 Opitz Blvd., #440 Woodbridge, 22191 8998A Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton, 22079 (703)878-0740 www.aboutwomenobgyn.com While your healthcare needs may change over the years, the kindness of our staff and our cheerful, comfortable atmosphere is a constant. Our physicians and nurses are women’s health specialists with the knowledge and experience to put your mind at ease. Conveniently located offices in Woodbridge, Lorton and Stafford – they are close to where you live, work and shop!

ORTHODONTIST

Dr. James Lupi LUPI ORTHODONTICS

PEDIATRICIAN

Dr. Roxanne Allegretti

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REHAB FACILITY

Rehabilitation Services of Stafford

125 Hospital Center Blvd., Suite 129, Stafford, 22554 (540) 741-9647 Ortho.mwhc.com Physical therapy focuses on the evaluation, management and prevention of human motion disorders. Addressing these sensitive issues often means a better quality of life for patients, encouraging the confidence needed to function at high level.

At Stafford, we offer a wide range of physical therapy services, including a pelvic rehabilitation program.

WEIGHT LOSS CENTER

Weight Watchers

Thank You ALL

for Voting Coffee Bar 1010 Best of Stafford ASK HOW YOU CAN RESERVE EVENT SPACE FOR FREE!

SMOOTH COFFEE & FRESH BYTES! BEER, WINE & LIQUOR HAPPY HOUR EVERYDAY TRIVIA TUESDAYS KARAOKE FRIDAYS COFFEE BOARD SAMPLERS WEEKEND BRUNCH YOGA & WELLNESS CLASSES REAL ESTATE SEMINARS LEADERSHIP COACHING CARS & COFFEE EVENTS DOG FRIENDLY 1010 CORPORATE DRIVE STAFFORD, VA

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/COFFEEBAR1010

540-300-6236 S TA F F O R D M AG A Z I N E

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HOME/GARDEN

DRY CLEANERS

ZIPS Dry Cleaners MOWING/LANDSCAPE SERVICE

Deming Lawn and Landscape PEST CONTROL

Helping Hands Pest Control 17428 Center Drive, Suite B, Ruther Glen, 22546 (540) 907-5426 (call or text) PICTURE FRAMER

Michael’s PLANT CENTER

Meadows Farms Nurseries H O S P I TA L I T Y

HOTEL /RESORT

Fairfield Inn & Suites TOURIST DESTINATION

National Museum of the Marine Corps 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, 22172 (703) 630-3691 | www.usmcmuseum.com

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to all U.S Marines past, present and future who serve their country faithfully. Adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, the family-friendly museum tells history as seen through the eyes of the Marines by showcasing irreplaceable artifacts depicting Marine Corps history from 1775 through 1975.

Additionally, the museum features two restaurants, a gift shop, laser-simulated rifle range, children’s playground, over a mile of trails in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park and the giant-screen Certified Medal of Honor Theater. Open daily except Christmas Day, with free admission and parking.

MISCELLANEOUS

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Dan’s Wellness Pharmacy FUNERAL HOME

Covenant Funeral Home MOVING COMPANY

Hilldrup Moving & Storage SENIOR LIVING FACILITY

Chancellor’s Village TRAVEL AGENCY

Riddick Entertainment 22

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OCCASIONS

PETS

EVENT VENUE

ANIMAL RESCUE

Rock Hill Plantation House FLORISTS

Achara Florist & Fine Gifts LIMO/CAR SERVICE

540 Party Bus PHOTOGRAPHER

Casandra Lorraine Photography

Serving Stafford & surrounding areas (540) 538-4129 Casandralorraine.com

Stafford County SPCA

PET GROOMING

Dog Krazy Inc. PET WALKER/SITTER

Happy Tails VETERINARIAN

Aquia Garrisonville Animal Hospital

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ATTORNEY

Yvonne Nageotte NAGEOTTE, NAGEOTTE & NAGEOTTE P.C.

385 Garrisonville Road, Suite 202, Stafford, 22554 (540)659-5050 nageottelawfirm.com Yvonne J. Nageotte has over 25 years of experience as a trial attorney in the commonwealth of Virginia, concentrating in the area of domestic relations and litigating complex legal issues involving divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support and property division under the equitable distribution statute. The lawyers at the law firm of Nageotte, Nageotte & Nageotte, P.C., also represent clients in the drafting and negotiation of pre-marital agreements and separation and property settlement agreements, adoption, guardianships, name changes, real estate, wills, living wills and powers of attorney.

EXPLORE NEW LEGACY WALK EXTENSION

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to all U.S Marines past, present, and future who serve their country faithfully.

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Additionally, the Museum features two restaurants, a gift shop, laser-simulated rifle range, children’s playground, over a mile of trails in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park and the Giant Screen Certified Medal of Honor Theater.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS QUANTICO, VA | 32 MILES SOUTH OF WASHINGTON, DC

Open Daily except Christmas Day. Free admission and parking.

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BANK

Navy Federal Credit Union BANKER

Bhavna Pattni SUNTRUST - NORTH STAFFORD

TIE

Michael Strader WELLS FARGO

INSURANCE

USAA

R E A L E S TAT E /C O N S T R U C T I O N / H O M E IMPROVEMENT

BUILDER/ CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Pierpoint Construction COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT

Januari Coates EXIT REALTY

(202) 802-1559 www.exitleadingedgerealty.com COUNTERTOPS

United Granite ELECTRICIAN

Kelly Electric Services

Stafford

213 Tacketts Mill Road, Stafford, 22556 | (571) 221-0293 www.kellyelectricservicesllc.com

2021 MAGAZINE

FLOORING/CARPET COMPANY

A to Z Carpet & Upholstery Inc. HVAC COMPANY

Ram Company Heating & Air Inc. 118 Shenandoah Lane, Stafford, 22554 | (703) 232-0366 Ramcompanyhvac.com

Ram Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. will work with you to find HVAC solutions that fit your heating and cooling needs. We will provide you with a full consultation to explain all of your available options so that you can choose the system that’s right for your home or business. We serve both residential and commercial clients and offer a variety of money-saving solutions. We combine our use of the highest quality parts and equipment, and our dedication to delivering exceptional service to provide you with top-quality service.

Warranty included with all services.

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LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT

Meadows Farms Nurseries MASON/DECKS Greystone Masonry PAINTING COMPANY

Briones Construction PLUMBING COMPANY

Dupeé Plumbing POOL SERVICE

Monarch Pools REMODELING COMPANY

F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical 9040 Mike Garcia Drive, Manassas, 20109 (877) 225-5387 | www.fhfurr.com

As a veteran-owned, family-operated company for over 40 years, we put our customers first and stand behind our products and services. Whether the job is for plumbing, heating, air conditioning or electrical, our knowledgeable, experienced and professional technicians will get it done right – the first time. At F.H. Furr, long-term customer satisfaction is important to us; that’s why we install state-of-the-art equipment that comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. See why we’re the most trusted plumbing, HVAC and electrical company in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland, and call us today! We’re ready to serve you.

Stafford

2021 MAGAZINE

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT

Tom & Anne Hupka Team CENTURY 21 REDWOOD REALTY

ROOFING COMPANY

9 Hammers

1127 International Parkway, Suite 125, Fredericksburg, 22406 (540) 308-8440, Extension 104 | 9hammershomeimprovement.com Ray Milano’s childhood home bore the scars of a remodeling project gone bad. The contractors disappeared; the money was gone. In 2009, after spending over a year renovating every square inch of the family home on his own, Ray began building a referral network of highly qualified contractors to help homeowners avoid what his family endured.

9Hammers LLC has grown into a Class A licensed and insured general contractor specializing in roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters, decks, heating and A/C projects. With over 100 5-Star Google reviews, 9Hammers reputation speaks for itself.

9Hammers, where homeowners find peace of mind.

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WINDOW COVERINGS

Budget Blinds of Stafford (540) 372-3425 www.budgetblinds.com/stafford

Thank you, Stafford and the surrounding areas, for choosing us as your preferred provider of window coverings. Budget Blinds has been in business for over 28 years with over 1,100 locations across North America. With this, you have the best of both worlds, a locally owned and operated business with the backing of a national brand. A custom window covering is only as good as its professional installation. Our installers have years of experience and all types of products, and we do not use subcontractors. We appreciate your support and would be happy to provide you with an in-home consultation for any of your window covering needs.

UPHOLSTERY

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FITNESS CENTER/GYM

Brickhouse Fitness GOLF COURSE

Augustine Golf Club PERSONAL TRAINER

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RECREATION FACILITY

Jeff Rouse Swim & Sports Center 1600 Mine Road, Stafford, 22554 (540) 318-6332 www.rousecenter.com YOGA/PILATES STUDIO

Brickhouse Fitness

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Your source for tickets to events throughout Northern Virginia

InsideNoVaTix.com S TA F F O R D M AG A Z I N E

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NEIGHBORS

Meet Your Favorite Teacher Longtime educator makes true connections in hometown

BY TR ACY B EL L | P HOTOS BY PAUL L AR A

S

tafford Elementary School holds plenty of memories for Kelly Thompson, who went to school there as a child and grew up to eventually teach there.

This year is Thompson’s 21st at the school, where she teaches second grade.

Thompson, who has also taught third and fourth grades, started her career with Stafford County Public Schools in 2000 and has never taught at any other school.

Thompson was born at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

She attended Stafford Elementary School, Stafford Middle School and Stafford High School before buying a home on the street she grew up on so that her commute to teach at school would be easy.

She knows Stafford well, and she believes it’s important to get to know her students, too. And her students and their parents must agree, because for the second straight year, Thompson was chosen as Favorite Teacher in Stafford Magazine’s Best of Stafford poll.

So, Stafford Magazine sat down with Thompson to get to know her better.

STAFFORD MAGAZINE: WHAT IS YOUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY, STYLE OR APPROACH, IF YOU HAVE ONE? KELLY THOMPSON: A huge part of

teaching for me is making personal connections with the children. When a new year starts, I take the time to get to know the children and what their interests are.

I encourage them to share fun things they do over the weekends and activities they

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participate in throughout the year. I feel making personal connections is important and helps each child know they are loved and cared for. This helps build trust, which leads to a good student-teacher relationship.

SM: WHERE DID YOU ATTEND COLLEGE? KT: Northern Virginia Community

College, Germanna Community College, George Mason University and Shenandoah University.

Gina Ciarcia

2nd District House of Delegates Candidate

SM: HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO TEACHING AND KNOW YOU WANTED TO MAKE THIS A CAREER? KT: I started working at a daycare while

About Gina Gina is the proud wife of a retired Marine officer and a mother of five. She and her family have served on the home-front through numerous military deployments and change of duty stations.

Gina believes in equipping and training the next generation which is why she has spent years homeschooling, tutoring, and full-time teaching. Throughout Gina’s life, her Christian faith, family, and community are her top priorities. She and her family have resided in Prince William County’s House of Delegates Second District since 2017.

Why Gina?

As a mother and a teacher, Gina decided to run for her children and her students. She believes we should be proud to hand the next generation a better Virginia and America. As a military spouse, mother of five, and teacher, Gina believes...

Education thrives when parents have a voice in their child’s education.

Economic growth ensures business give back to the community through offering local jobs.

Families are critical to the 2nd District and all policies should build up families.

Public safety requires fully-funding law enforcement agencies.

Religious freedom the right to live out one’s religious convictions without government interference.

Life inside and outside the womb is precious and needs to be protected.

Protecting constitutional rights, such as the First and Second Amendments, sustains liberty.

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I was attending college at George Mason University. I loved working at the daycare. I worked with children of all ages. My favorite group was the before- and after-school program. That intrigued me to get into teaching. I was working on a psychology degree, which got me interested in child development and the psychology behind it. Once I graduated with my bachelor of arts in psychology, I started working as a full-time substitute at Stafford Elementary School. From there, I attended Shenandoah University and became a teacher in 2000.

SM: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. KT: I have an 18-year-old son named

Christopher, who graduated last year from Brooke Point High School. He enjoys spending time with our animals. We have two dogs, Lucy and Dexter. I fostered Dexter’s mom and her litter of five puppies in the summer of 2020. We also have two cats, Mr. Kizzy and Spitfire.

SM: WHAT KIND OF APPROACH DID YOU

their families has been very important in making school successful.

SM: WHAT DO YOU MOST LOOK FORWARD TO IN YOUR SCHOOL DAY AND IN THE SCHOOL YEAR? KT: The best part of my school day is

when I see children learning and making connections. I am looking forward to helping the children catch up with their learning skills this school year. Part of this is building their confidence back up and making them realize they can do anything they put their mind to.

THOMPSON’S FAVORITE… HOBBY/WAY TO RELAX: I enjoy working

TAKE IN THE CLASSROOM THE PAST TWO SCHOOL YEARS WHEN NEW CHALLENGES AROSE DURING THE PANDEMIC? KT: The challenges over the last two school years have been very overwhelming.

Teaching second-graders virtually has been the toughest part. Staying connected with

on my flower beds and outside landscape. In the summer, I spend most of my free time in my pool.

FOOD: Mexican food. I could eat chips and queso all day long!

TV SHOW: “Grey’s Anatomy” – and I love to binge watch crime shows on Netflix, too!

SUBJECT TO TEACH: Social studies. I love making real-world connections with the children.

SCHOOL SUBJECT WHILE A STUDENT:

I didn’t have a favorite subject in school.

School was always difficult for me. Once I got into college, psychology was my favorite subject. I loved all of my psychology classes.

DREAM VACATION: My dream vacation is on any beach. Sand, sun and waves make a perfect vacation!

MEMORY AS A TEACHER: Some of my favorite memories are from my first few years teaching. I was hired at [Stafford Elementary School] as a fourth-grade teacher the day before we had open house.

When I got to my classroom, it was almost completely empty. My team jumped in and helped me every step of the way. They were a wonderful team and we have many funny memories that we still talk about today!

REWARDING OR “A-HA” STUDENT MOMENT: We have “a-ha” moments in our

classroom every day. That is the best part of teaching! Second-graders are so excited to be in school. Some of the best times are when they are learning, having fun and laughing while doing it.

Tracy Bell is a freelancer living in Stafford County.

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Fredericksburg | 12 Chatham Heights Road, Suite 100, Fredericksburg, VA 22405 North Stafford | 450 Garrisonville Road, Suite 107, Stafford, VA 22554 S TA F F O R D M AG A Z I N E

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SPORTS

Field Manager Colonial Forge grad keeps the Fredericksburg Nationals’ playing surface in tip-top shape

BY DAVID FAWCETT First one on the field. Last one to leave: Jake Mays and Turf, his black labrador retriever, on the job.

PHOTOS BY BILL KAMENJAR

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“I come to work and my office is a baseball field.”

A

little before 9:30 in the morning the surface is well-saturated and a player under sunny skies on the last week can move smoothly along the dirt to field of the season, Jake Mays pulls his a ground ball or run toward a base without — JAKE MAYS white F-150 Ford pickup into a parking incident.

FREDERICKSBURG NATIONALS spot behind the Fredericksburg Nationals’ The morning is off to another good start. stadium.

“I come to work and my office is a GROUNDSKEEPER After finishing a workday just over nine baseball field,” Mays said. hours earlier, the 2015 Colonial Forge GROUND LEVEL High School graduate is about to begin From a young age, Mays was destined another long day of perpetual motion around the infield preparing for a game still to combine his two biggest passions: as the organization’s first-year head 9½ hours away. playing sports and working the land. He groundskeeper.

First one on the field. Last one to leave. loved agriculture and the science behind He enters his office briefly to check Life as a groundskeeper is demanding, cultivating the soil. the forecast. He then fires up the John unglamorous and steeped in routine. But Then one day he attended a Washington Deere tractor left over from the franchise’s the 24-year-old Mays is in his comfort previous home at Pfitzner Stadium in zone. It’s why he chose to major in turfgrass Nationals’ game and saw the grounds crew tending to the field. Something clicked.

Woodbridge and heads out to drag the management at Virginia Tech. And it’s As the only child of two parents who infield. Joining him as always is Turf, his why he’s here now ensuring nothing is coached high school athletics, Mays 75-pound, 1½-year-old black labrador overlooked. retriever, who settles comfortably under As a demonstration later in the morning, spent countless hours on fields. His first experience in field management came Mays’ leg on the running board. he pops the tip of a key into the infield dirt at Prince William County’s Hylton High Mays’ assistant will arrive in about 15 and then pulls it back up to test the soil’s School, where his mother, Karen, coached minutes, but for now the only ones inside moisture level. The key, which represents the park are Mays and Turf riding in circles a spike in a player’s cleat, is clean, meaning COLOR: Right click swatch, and find and replace volleyball. with correct color

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Under the tutelage of then-activities director Jim Qualls, Mays learned how to properly care for a playing surface. At halftime of Hylton football games, for example, Mays helped Qualls replace divots.

“I was Jimmy’s little buddy,” Mays said. “I did not go to daycare. I hung out at Hylton.”

As much as Mays liked playing sports, he preferred spending time on a field for other reasons.

At Colonial Forge, Mays played freshman and junior varsity football before switching to golf for the fall of his junior year. The switch gave him more time to do things like paint the football field with logos.

“I worked on the field more than I played on it,” Mays said.

ON THE GO Wanting to stay in-state for college.

Mays chose Virginia Tech for its turfgrass management program. His time in Blacksburg only fueled his interest more and helped lead to internships with the Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals and Seattle Seahawks.

In each place, Mays learned the industry’s do’s and don’ts, from how

to supervise a grounds crew to how to maintain a field in a professional manner.

He also established a network of fellow groundskeepers he uses to this day.

One of them helped him apply for the FredNats’ job.

After spending 2020 working at The Lovett School in Atlanta, Mays wanted to get closer to home. He was tired of moving around, and the year of COVID-19 left him feeling isolated.

Mays moved back for a landscaping job, but in late December he saw the FredNats were seeking a head groundskeeper.

Mays reached out to John Turnour, the Washington Nationals’ head groundskeeper, for his thoughts about the opening. Turnour suggested he apply. Mays, who worked under Turnour in the summer of 2018, heeded Turnour’s advice.

In mid-January, Mays took over the position with a full slate of events in front of him. FredNats owner Art Silber built the new stadium for the 2020 minorleague baseball season. But the pandemic cancelled the season. Now, things were up and running, and Mays looked forward to contributing to the long-awaited opening.

“Growing up here and seeing the stadium being built and now being a part of it – that will always mean a lot to me no matter where I end up,” Mays said This spring, a local high school team (Fredericksburg Christian) used the field. With the start of the minor-league season delayed until May, the Washington Nationals used the field in April as an alternate site for their Triple-A prospects.

Then on May 11, the FredNats played their first of 60 home games over their fourmonth season.

With so much to do on the field, Mays spends little time in his office. In midSeptember, the whiteboard above his desk still had the stadium’s April day-by-day schedule for the Washington Nationals’ Triple-A players. But Mays doesn’t need any schedule reminders. By this point, he knows the routine by heart, especially on game days.

After he drags the infield for 90 minutes, he tends to the mound and home plate for another 90 minutes. There’s a lunch break in the early afternoon, followed by Mays and assistant Joseph Kennedy setting up and breaking down batting practice.

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Stafford Hospital is here for you.

For a full list of services, please visit Stafford.mwhc.com or call Health Link at 540.741.1404.

He and his crew resume work on the field an hour before first pitch, and then with only 90 seconds to do so bring out the rakes and the steel-mesh drag to smooth out the infield in the bottom of the third and six innings. When the game ends, the grounds crew does some finishing touches before calling it a night.

“People have taken to him,” Mays said.

“They enjoy having him around.”

Although most aspects of his job are repetitive, there are some nuances.

Mays said the biggest challenge is the weather. A threat of rain requires Mays’ constant attention.

Before the game, he’s in charge of deciding when to pull the tarp on and off the field. And that’s no easy task. When dry, the tarp weighs 1,500 pounds. Since he and his crew were working together for the first time, they practiced rolling out and then removing the tarp in April in preparation for the season.

He also talks with the players to receive feedback on the playing surface. If they are good, he’s good. And there’s no better feeling.

“The fan can look at the field and think everything looks beautiful,” Mays said. “But I can tell when something is out of place. If the players are happy with how the field is playing, that’s my biggest satisfaction.”

A WELL-KNOWN COMPANION Turf is part of the routine as well. Wellbehaved, he might chase the occasional bird, but he never runs after baseballs.

If Turf needs to go to the bathroom, he goes out back into the woods. And if for some rare reason he wanders off, Turf wears a tag on his collar with the FredNats’ address and front-office phone number on it.

For the most part, Turf spends his day on a pillow inside Mays’ office to keep cool. But that doesn’t stop visitors from checking in. One time Mays walked into his office and found Washington Nationals’ third baseman Carter Kieboom playing with a well-rested Turf. “[Turf ] gets a lot more sleep than me,” Mays said.

Turf makes his final appearance at

“People have taken to him,” Mays says of his loyal assistant Turf. the end of the game where a group of season-ticket holders behind home plate gives him treats. During the FredNats’ final homestand, in September, the fans presented Mays with a signed framed photo of Turf.

David Fawcett is sports editor for InsideNoVa and a resident of Stafford County. He can be reached at dfawcett@insidenova.com.

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EVENTS

Fall Fun is Back

Although the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, many traditional fall events are making their return this year.

Here are some of the opportunities to celebrate the season, both locally and around the region.

Be sure to check websites before heading out, though, as events are always subject to change.

BRAEHEAD FARM’S FALL FESTIVAL WEEKENDS

FALL HOME & CRAFT FESTIVAL

HALLOWEEN 5K & MONSTER MILE

Weekends in October, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hayrides, corn maze, pumpkins, animals and more 1130 Tyler St., Fredericksburg

Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Oct. 17, 11 to 4 p.m.

Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg Tickets in advance: Adults, $9; seniors, $8; children 12 & under free

Oct. 30, 8 to 11 a.m.

Jeff Rouse Swim & Sport Center 1600 Mine Road, Stafford 5K, 1-mile kids’ run, virtual 5K & virtual monster mile

fredericksburgexpocenter.com

Runsignup.com

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Oct. 17, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Alum Springs Park, Fredericksburg Story telling, spooky stories $5 per person, pre-registration required

Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shannon Airport, Fredericksburg Airplane candy drop, food, games, trick-or treat

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vahsonline.com

Oct. 23, 3 to 8 p.m.

Outside Staples, 295 Worth Ave., Stafford Car show and trunk or treat $20/car or $10/car with non-perishable food or unwrapped toy donation

CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR

braeheadfarm.com, 540-899-9848

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HALLOWEEN HAUNT Weekends in October: Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. to midnight; Sundays, 6 to 10 p.m.

Kings Dominion, Doswell (Not for young children)

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COX FARMS FALL FESTIVAL Daily in October and November, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

15621 Braddock Road, Centreville coxfarms.com

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BELVEDERE PLANTATION Daily in October and through Nov. 7 1410 Belvedere Drive, Fredericksburg belvedereplantation.com

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STAFFORD COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR Oct. 14-17 (opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday) 9000 Celebrate Virginia Parkway, Stafford Drag race, demolition derby, animals, truck pull staffordfair.com

PARK AFTER DARK

610 CRUISERS’ HALLOWEEN BASH FOR CHARITY

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FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH’S TRUNK OR TREAT Oct. 24, 6 to 8 p.m., free 4105 Plank Road, Fredericksburg faithva.org

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FREDERICKSBURG FALL MOVIE: HALLOWEEN THEME Oct. 29, 5 to 10 p.m., Free admission, movie to be announced Fredericksburva.gov

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CAMPOUT IN THE PARK Oct. 15, 5 p.m. to Oct. 16, 10 a.m.

Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area 6600 River Road, Fredericksburg morrisonclark.com

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HALLOWEEN MOVIE NIGHT Oct. 16, 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Hurkamp Park 500 William St., Fredericksburg

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HARVEST FESTIVAL FLY-IN

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Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Massaponax High School 8201 Jefferson Davis Highway, Spotsylvania

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SPOOKY 5K, 10K, 1-MILER & VIRTUAL RUN Oct. 31, 7:30 to 11 a.m.

Old Mill Park, Fredericksburg bishopsevents.com

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WOMEN’S LIFESTYLE EXPO Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg Shopping, pampering, beauty services fredericksburgexpocenter.com

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ART & WINE FESTIVAL Caledon State Park Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

11617 Caledon Road, King George

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COMMUNITY NEWS

North Stafford H.S. claims national honors

N

orth Stafford High School has claimed national distinction as the only school to earn both a Renny Award and designation as a Platinum Tier Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction at the 2021 Jostens Renaissance Virtual Conference.

Only five schools nationwide are presented Renny Awards, with only another 11 schools earning the title Renaissance School of Distinction. The awards celebrate schools making a positive impact on their climate and culture through the Renaissance formula: “respect + recognize + reward + reinforce + relationships = results.”

The School of Distinction award demonstrates the highest level of accomplishment and commitment to student success. The Renny awards specifically recognize programs or adaptations that allowed schools to continue Renaissance strategies during the pandemic.

“I am overwhelmed with pride not only for the school staff, but also the students who have embraced a positive school climate reinforcing academic success. They are truly the next generation of leaders and change-makers,” said Dr. Stanley B. Jones, interim superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools.

The school was scheduled to host an award ceremony Oct. 7 to celebrate the achievements, recognize individuals who have played a key role in its Renaissance Program, and unveil the Jostens awards trophies.

11 county schools receive mural grants The Stafford Education Foundation has partnered with the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center to celebrate and build community awareness of local history through a series of murals in Stafford County Public Schools.

The competitive historic mural grant program has provided more than $40,000 to fund mural projects that highlight Stafford’s history. All Stafford public schools were invited to apply for a portion of the grant. Schools formed diverse project teams that included principal/administrators, students, equity and family advocates, art and social studies teachers, parents, community members and historical experts.

Grants of $4,000 each were awarded to the following 11 schools: Anthony Burns Elementary, Conway Elementary, Falmouth Elementary, Grafton Village Elementary, Margaret Brent Elementary, Rocky Run Elementary, Widewater Elementary, Edward E. Drew Middle, Rodney E. Thompson Middle, Colonial Forge High and Stafford High.

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VOICES

Stafford’s railroading past

BY DAVID S. KE RR

W

hen it comes to rail in Stafford County, we think of the Virginia Railway Express and some limited Amtrak service. That’s about it.

However, long before these more modern services, when Stafford’s population was just a fraction of what it is now, there was the RF&P. The company, whose full name was the Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad – or “run fast and push,” as it was known to some of its regular patrons – provided extensive local train service.

The RF&P made most of its money by being a trunk line. In other words, other rail providers paid a fee for using the company’s rails.

However, for much of its existence the RF&P ran passenger lines between Richmond and Washington as well as offering local services.

RF&P trains stopped at at least six stations in Stafford. Some of these were regular stops, and at other times request stops. These included Dahlgren Junction in Falmouth, Waller, Daffan, Brooke Station, Arkendale and Widewater. Some of these names are lost to history.

Along with the regular rail service between Richmond and Washington,

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a gasoline-powered rail coach service served the local markets.

These were single railcars with an operator and a conductor that ran both in the Richmond area and the Fredericksburg region. I remember talking to one old-time Stafford resident who rode this gas-powered train to school in Fredericksburg.

Several of the Stafford stations were surprisingly busy. At one time, the Widewater station was a fullservice station complete with a station master. Before air conditioning, visitors from the Washington area and Richmond considered a day in Widewater a welcome break from the summertime heat.

During gas rationing in World War II, this respite from wartime Washington became even more popular. For years, it was also a

to riders and held its own until well after World War II. But by the early 1950s the RF&P was forced to curtail its service. All of its stations became “flag stops.” By 1957 the RF&P, facing the stark realities of a declining ridership, reluctantly decided to end local passenger rail service altogether.

In 1991 the RF&P rail lines were sold to CSX. After 155 years, the company and the stations passed into history.

However, the Virginia Railway Express typically carries more passengers than the old RF&P could have ever imagined. VRE ridership is down sharply because of the pandemic, but, in time, the passengers will return.

Still, there are times when I am waiting for the train at Brooke or exploring in Widewater that I like to imagine what it would have been like

“Still, there are times when I am waiting for the train at Brooke or exploring in Widewater that I like to imagine what it would have been like to wait for an RF&P train in a bygone era.” destination for hunters who took advantage of the Widewater area’s rich game population.

RF&P service in Stafford, in one variation or another, lasted well over a century, but it just couldn’t compete with the automobile. In 1923 the state began extensive improvements to the Jefferson Davis Highway, and in 1925 the road was officially designated Route 1. Almost immediately, RF&P began losing ridership as its passengers decided to drive instead.

The rail line did its best to hang on

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to wait for an RF&P train in a bygone era. A time when there were station masters, mail stops and, yes, even steam locomotives. That era may be long gone, but sometimes, if I close my eyes, particularly if there is a train whistle somewhere the distance, I find it not that hard to imagine. “All aboard.”

David Kerr is a Stafford resident and an adjunct professor of political science at VCU. He worked on Capitol Hill and for various federal agencies for many years.

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