


Press Rewind, March 31-April 5
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 6, 2025
Here’s what you may have missed last week, curated by the staff.

Column: I saw some promising signs and people, too
by Joey LoMonaco | Apr 5, 2025
The “Hands Off” mass mobilization drew several hundred to downtown Fredericksburg protesting Elon Musk, Donald Trump and cuts to the federal government.
GALLERY: Hands Off protest in downtown Fredericksburg
by Jeff Kearney | Apr 5, 2025
Hundreds of protestors assembled for the “Hands Off” democracy event in Fredericksburg on Saturday.
More news from The Free Press

Torpedo bats are launching baseballs with abandon. Could your FredNats get in on the power surge?
by Devin Payne | Apr 4, 2025
Manager, players foresee novel lumber trickling down to Single-A level.

Stafford County adds 128 acres from two farms to PDR portfolio
by FFP staff | Apr 4, 2025
The properties are located in the George Washington and Hartwood districts.

VDOT: Public comment invited on Route 608 project in Spotsylvania
by FFP staff | Apr 4, 2025
Take an online survey through April 17, or attend the in-person design public hearing Monday at Brock Road Elementary School.
WATCH: Free Press forecast with meteorologist Sean Sublette
by Sean Sublette | Apr 4, 2025
No rain expected Saturday, when UMW holds annual multicultural fair.

Lawmakers push back on Youngkin budget, pass bipartisan bills on probation, dangerous driving
by Virginia Mercury | Apr 3, 2025
Actions set the stage for a potential showdown between Democrats, a GOP governor and a Republican legislative minority.

Stafford County Supervisor Meg Bohmke won’t seek re-election, endorses Michael Catell
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 3, 2025
Bohmke served on the School Board before joining the supervisors for three terms.

‘Staring into the abyss’: Fredericksburg officials pledge to fund schools despite challenges
by Joey LoMonaco | Apr 2, 2025
City’s appropriation plan could lead to $3 million less in operating funds, at least initially.

Stafford County supervisors take a shine to Hartwood solar farm
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 2, 2025
Board also discussed data centers, school funding, tax relief and county employee benefits.

Column: I saw some promising signs and people, too
by Joey LoMonaco | Apr 5, 2025
The “Hands Off” mass mobilization drew several hundred to downtown Fredericksburg protesting Elon Musk, Donald Trump and cuts to the federal government.
GALLERY: Hands Off protest in downtown Fredericksburg
by Jeff Kearney | Apr 5, 2025
Hundreds of protestors assembled for the “Hands Off” democracy event in Fredericksburg on Saturday.

Torpedo bats are launching baseballs with abandon. Could your FredNats get in on the power surge?
by Devin Payne | Apr 4, 2025
Manager, players foresee novel lumber trickling down to Single-A level.

Stafford County adds 128 acres from two farms to PDR portfolio
by FFP staff | Apr 4, 2025
The properties are located in the George Washington and Hartwood districts.

VDOT: Public comment invited on Route 608 project in Spotsylvania
by FFP staff | Apr 4, 2025
Take an online survey through April 17, or attend the in-person design public hearing Monday at Brock Road Elementary School.

Coming off championship, FredNats welcome fresh faces, new manager
by Devin Payne | Apr 1, 2025
Billy McMillon takes over as skipper, preaches ’emphasis on fundamentals.’

Stafford superintendent Smith: Funding from feds, state at issue
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 1, 2025
Smith, who took division’s top post in December, also addressed DEI policies.

Legislative wins: Youngkin signs bills by lawmakers Cole, Durant
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 1, 2025
The topics of the bills with local connections ranged from campaign-finance abuse to breast cancer.

Panelists to women with political ambitions: ‘Don’t count yourself out’
by Martina Nicholson | Mar 31, 2025
Second-annual Women in Politics panel at UMW stresses importance of mentorship, resilience.

FredNats announce 2025 Opening Day roster
by FFP staff | Mar 31, 2025
Roster includes nine members of Washington’s 2024 draft class.

Pilate program: Riverside resurrects classic musical with emphasis on relationships
by Stephen Hu | Mar 29, 2025
Jesus Christ Superstar focuses on ‘journey,’ foil dynamic between Jesus and Judas.

A dot-com destination for DOGE victims? Youngkin touts new jobs site at appearance in Stafford
by Jonathan Hunley | Mar 28, 2025
The governor came to defense contractor SimVentions in Stafford County on Friday to hype virginiahasjobs.com.

VDOT inviting comment for Ladysmith Road study in Caroline County
by FFP staff | Mar 28, 2025
Take an online survey to provide feedback on existing travel conditions on Ladysmith Road between Green and Bull Church roads.
Fredericksburg Biz Beat

Biz Beat Roundup: Buc-ee’s seeking rezoning for Stafford project
by Bill Freehling | Apr 2, 2025
Also inside: Expanded NICU opens at Mary Washington Hospital; another data center in the works in Stafford; new stores under way for popular chains.

Biz Beat Banter: Kevin Breen
by Bill Freehling | Apr 1, 2025
We covered a range of topics during our 30-minute conversation, including: Kevin’s childhood in Ireland, how his fleet feet took him to America, and how he has built one of the leading local real estate brokerage firms.

Biz Beat Clips: Gibson’s Soft Serve transforms former gas station
by Bill Freehling | Mar 31, 2025
This week’s Biz Beat Clips video focuses on Gibson’s Soft Serve in Bowling Green, which is serving up frozen treats from a former Texaco station.

Biz Beat Roundup: Popular restaurant chain opening locally in April
by Bill Freehling | Mar 26, 2025
Also inside: Businesses open in Downtown Fredericksburg; Assisted-living facility under construction near hospital; $2.6 million sale at Lake Anna

Biz Beat Banter podcast going weekly
by Bill Freehling | Mar 25, 2025
Starting April 1, our Biz Beat Banter podcast will be published weekly on Tuesdays.
Sponsored Content

SPONSORED CONTENT: The benefits of robotic surgery
by Avinash Narayana | Mar 18, 2025
A Mary Washington Healthcare surgeon offers perspective on the benefits and applications of robotic surgery.
News from B101.5/WFVA

New ambulance in Louisa
by Ted Schubel | Apr 5, 2025
Officials say the ambulance will provide 24/7, 365 coverage.

PHOTOS: Rappahannock Adult Activities Spring Plant Sale underway
by Ted Schubel | Apr 4, 2025
10-4 weekdays, 9-noon on Saturdays at 750 Kings Highway.

PHOTOS: Determination–Potting 3,000 tree seedlings
by Ted Schubel | Apr 3, 2025
Tree Fredericksbug came out in force at Old Mill Park to prepare the seedlings.

LISTEN: Colonial Faire @ Kenmore on Saturday
by Ted Schubel | Apr 3, 2025
Dave Muraca and Allison Ellis preview Colonial Faire at Historic Kenmore–Saturday 10-4.

WATCH: Day of Service on Friday for some JM students
by Ted Schubel | Apr 3, 2025
The annual event honors and remembers Ceili Leahy who found ways to volunteer and also get others involved.
News from around Virginia



Puerto Rican Bomba Percussion Classes

Save the dates and join us to learn the fundamentals of Puerto Rican bomba percussion! Each class will include a new rhythm with the bomba instruments. This class will teach the popular rhythms of bomba such as sicá, cuembé, yubá, holandé and rulé. All ages welcome!
Courses Dates: Sundays Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th and Jun 1st
(May 4th we will have a special program with guest artists from Puerto Rico in downtown Fredericksburg)
Time: 4:00pm to 4:50pm
Location: Virtuous Dance Center 31 Utah Place #101 Fredericksburg, VA 22406
All levels welcome, no experience required!
Cost: $15 per teen(13+), adult or senior, $10 for children, $7 for 2nd + children
Or get all four classes for $52 for teen, adult or senior, $32 for children, $24 for 2nd + children
Bomba drums will be available but the number is limited. If you have a djembe, timba or conga or your own barril, please bring it.
All sales are final. No refunds.
*Watch this video to learn more about bomba and our organization’s mission:
https://www.facebook.com/centropr/videos/10154527959564827/
For more information, email us: info@semillacultural.org and don’t forget to invite your friends!
Find us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked In and TikTok

Semillitas: Puerto Rican Bomba Kids

Save the dates and join us to experience Puerto Rican bomba songs, dance and music! We will play and sing and have fun as we learn! Each class will include songs, moves and rhythm!
Courses Dates: Sundays Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th, Jun 1st
(May 4th we will have a special program with visiting artists from Puerto Rico in downtown Fredericksburg)
Time: 1:30pm to 2:15pm
Location: Virtuous Dance Center 31 Utah Place #101 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Cost: $10 for the first child, $7 per additional child per class
Or get all four classes for $32 for the first child, $24 each additional child
Ages: Up to 10 years old. 4 years old and younger need to be joined by a guardian
Don’t forget to invite your friends!
Please read carefully all ticket options and make your preferred selection.
All sales are final.
*Watch this video to learn more about bomba and our organization’s mission:
https://www.facebook.com/centropr/videos/10154527959564827/
For more information, email us: info@semillacultural.org, or text/call us at 540-693-0024.
Find us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, LinkedIn and TikTok

Puerto Rican Bomba Dance Classes

Save the dates and join us to learn the fundamentals of Puerto Rican bomba dance! Have fun and sweat while you learn bomba rhythms, basic steps, piquetes, regional characteristics and history. Each class will include new moves and techniques as we learn multiple rhythms. All ages welcome!
Courses Dates: Sundays Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th and June 1st
(May 4th we will have a special guest artist from Puerto Rico for events in downtown Fredericksburg)
1:30pm to 3:00pm – Dance Basic 1 – Introductory: includes paseo, sicá & cuembé. Past experience not required
Location: Virtuous Dance Center 31 Utah Place #101 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
All ages welcome
Cost: $20 per class/per person
Or get all four classes for $68 per person
Virtual option available via zoom.
Please read carefully all ticket options and make your preferred selection.
Skirts are not required. If in person, we can provide you with one during the class. You are welcome to bring your own long, full circle skirt.
All sales are final.
*Watch this video to learn more about bomba and our organization’s mission:
https://www.facebook.com/centropr/videos/10154527959564827/
For more information, email us: info@semillacultural.org and don’t forget to invite your friends!
Find us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, LinkedIn and TikTok
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.