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UNTIL THE END NORTH STAFFORD FALLS IN STATE TOURNAMENT

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North Stafford wideout Javon Swinton pulls a Stone Bridge defender with him into the end zone.

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Man found dead after standoff

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Stafford Christmas Parade has new route

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NEWS | EDUCATION | BUSINESS | OPINION | SPORTS | LIFESTYLE | CLASSIFIED

Stone Bridge ends North Stafford’s season

North Stafford’s Tevin White carries the ball against Stone Bridge.

» BY HUGH RIST

FOR INSIDENOVA

Stone Bridge senior linebacker Mikail Kamara said he saw the golden opportunity before him when North Stafford was backed up near its end zone in the middle of the second quarter and was about to punt.

So, he shot through the gap in the Wolverines’ line, put a hand on the punt by North Stafford Jamil Boyd, and moments later, junior linebacker Jeremiah Covington-Griggs jumped on the loose ball in the end zone to turn a fairly close game at 16-7 into a 23-7 halftime lead for the Bulldogs.

Alas, Stone Bridge (12-1) did what it has done most of the season—dominate on both sides of the ball in the second half—to finish off a 44-15 rout of North Stafford to set up a Class 5 state title matchup with Maury next Saturday at Hampton University.

Stone Bridge’s defense notched five sacks of Jamir Boyd, who unsurprisingly still managed to get good yardage totals, amassing 230 yards on 16 of 20 passing with one interception. However, most of

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the yardage came on three big passes, a 74-yard hookup with Javon Swinton on a busted defensive play for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter that accounted for North Stafford’s final touchdown, an 18-yard fade to Swinton for the Wolverines’ first touchdown, and a 28-yard pass to Holt Egan that set up the first scoring pass.

Stone Bridge head coach Mickey Thompson raved about the schemes his defensive coordinator, Billy Rice, used on defense to prevent Boyd from getting time to use his athleticism (outside of a couple big plays) and keeping a handle on Swinton, whose own athleticism caused him to get open for two huge passes, but otherwise Swinton was not as prolific as he may have been in other games for North Stafford (9-5). Swinton also dropped a wellthrown pass by Boyd at one point.

“The thing is you can’t give them big plays and let their quarterback run around,” Thompson said. “He’s [Boyd] the guy that scrambles around and makes big plays with his feet, and we were able to keep pressure on him all day.”

And how. Stone Bridge limited the

North Stafford’s Jamir Boyd sprints to the end zone for a touchdown Dec. 7 against Stone Bridge.

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Wolverines to minus-1 yard net rushing, including the five sacks of Boyd. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs’ running backs, led

by Jared Cole, who carried 16 times for 118 yards and three touchdowns, were masterful, racking up 278 yards on the ground.

Cole also returned punts and kickoffs well for Stone Bridge. The Bulldogs’ worst starting field position was their own 17 and that only happened once. Of Stone Bridge’s four second-half possessions, three of which resulted in touchdowns, the Bulldogs’ worst field position was

their own 31.

North Stafford struggled early in the game, fumbling on their first play from scrimmage en route to recording three turnovers overall. The Wolverines also yielded 50 yards in penalties. Still, North Stafford trailed just 8-0 early, then pulled within 8-7 after taking advantage of the only offensive mistake Stone Bridge made when it fumbled early in the first quarter before the Wolverines took advantage with an impressive 5-play, 76-yard drive that culminated in an 18-yard scoring pass to Swinton.

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Did Charles Dickens save Christmas?

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ning of the industrial revolution, When I was little, one of my and the impact of this upheaval grandfather’s favorite holiday on society, relationships and traditions on Christmas Eve the culture as a whole was was to read out loud Charles devastating.

Dickens’ famous novel, “A Families that had lived in Christmas Carol.” Well, actuvillages for centuries were takally, I don’t know if we ever ing grim industrial jobs in the got all the way through it or not.

DAVID KERR big city. No longer working on As captivated as I was by his inestates, or their own small farms, they flexions, pauses and accents, being fairly worked for pay. The traditional bonds little at the time, we usually just made it and relationships formed over centuries to the second or third ghost before I was had gone, and with it, so had many of sound asleep. the celebrations of the past. Christmas, I do, however, remember at the time in the harsh, somewhat soulless world of thinking it was all just a bit scary, what early industrial society seemed ready to with dead men rattling chains, and three fall by the wayside. ghosts visiting this poor old miser. But In1843, for both Britain in the United there was one thing that wasn’t lost on States, Christmas was not an official holime, and that was the message of the day. It was celebrated, but its original, story. And it is a message that hasn’t changed much since it was first published more lively festivities, popular in the countryside and in medieval times, had 176 years ago. become subdued and some ways, even Sadly, that tradition of reading aloud discouraged. It was in this environment “A Christmas Carol” on Christmas Eve that “A Christmas Carol” captured the went on hiatus for about 45 years. Reimagination of the public and encourcently, I have taken to reading it aloud to aged many to revive the celebration of all who will listen on Christmas Eve. To the holiday and indeed to establish the my surprise, my little performance, kind tradition that we still follow today. of impromptu the first time I did it, was It is just 66 pages long, but on both quite popular at my mom’s nursing home sides of the Atlantic, this story, serialized in Alexandria.

But there is more to a Christmas Carol in newspapers, as well as in book form, was immediately popular with the public. than just a cute story about a bitter old More popular than its author ever imagman and the Christmas spirit. In many ined possible. He had tapped a longing ways, Dickens’ story, first published in in his readers that most people didn’t 1843, helped revive the holiday, and in even know was there. It was a desire to so doing, set the tone for the way we reestablish a tie to another time, to find celebrate Christmas today. It could even some of the connection to the past, and be argued that Charles Dickens saved some of the joy of the Christmas season Christmas with “A Christmas Carol.” Or that had faded away. at the very least, inspired the public to The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is great embrace a resurgence in its celebration. storytelling. It moves quickly, has The early 19th century, both in wonderful matter of fact description and England and America, was the begin-

memorable dialog. It had ghosts and spirits, which appealed to folks not too far removed from a peasant world, and at the same time, stressed in compelling terms the value of family and the power of redemption. And that takes in a lot of the true meaning of Christmas.

There was poor Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s beleaguered accounting clerk, trying to keep his family together, even as one daughter worked in a sweatshop, and his son, Tiny Tim, was dying. Cratchit, fighting to keep his head above water was someone that everyone can relate to. As for Scrooge, he was a man without a soul. Or so it seemed.

That was perhaps the strongest message of a Christmas Carol. Scrooge did have a soul, and as cold and calloused as he had become, he was still capable of warmth, and like the promise of Christmas itself, was a symbol that we could all find redemption through the Christmas spirit.

The story has been told over and over again. In stage plays, musicals, adaptations and even cartoons. However, the message, as it was told in 1843, hasn’t changed much. Dickens, whether he knew it or not, was touching the very essence of the meaning of Christmas.

Namely, that Christmas is about the promise of redemption for mankind and at the heart of its celebration is the warmth of our spirit and the strength of our ties to our families and our fellow man.

“A Christmas Carol,” more than any other popular story before or since — and there have been many good ones — set the stage for revival of Christmas as we know it today.

David Kerr, a former member of the Stafford School Board, is an instructor in political science at VCU. He can be reached at info@insidenova.com.

White House ornament portraying Government Island still available In 2000, the White House Historical Association celebrated the 200th anniversary of the White House by designing an exceptional Official White House Christmas Ornament: a blue ornament featuring a White House made from Aquia sandstone quarried on Stafford County’s Government Island.

That ornament was sold to people around the world, carrying a little bit of Stafford in each ornament.

The ornament celebrated the use of Aquia sandstone in the construction of the White House and is still available for purchase today, according to a news release.

Government Island, located along Aquia Creek, was known in the early days of our country’s history as a landmark for its “great rock.”

Aquia Sandstone was quarried for

DECEMBER 13-19, 2019 | INSIDENOVA.COM

use in the White House and Capitol building, as well as Gunston Hall, Aquia Church, the U.S. Department of Treasury and more.

Government Island was slated for development when local historian Jane Conner began a successful crusade to preserve the island, culminating in

Stafford County purchasing the land and establishing a park, known today as Government Island Park. Ms. Conner lobbied the White House Historical Association for an ornament to represent Government Island’s contribution to the construction of the White House. Today, Government Island is a 17-acre Stafford County park, complete with a boardwalk and walking trails for citizens to enjoy.

There is a moratorium on the stone on the island – none of it may be taken from the island for any use.

To purchase a White House Christmas Ornament, visit www.shop.whitehousehistory.org/holidays/ornaments.

For information on visiting Government Island, visit www.staffordparks. com.

NEWS | EDUCATION | BUSINESS | OPINION | SPORTS | LIFESTYLE | CLASSIFIED

Standoff suspect found dead

BALD EAGLE RESCUE

A man who reportedly barricaded himself in a Stafford home early Dec. 7 was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound hours after exchanging gunfire with deputies, according to the Stafford County Sheriff ’s Office.

Deputies were attempting to serve a warrant on a felony charge of arson around 12:30 a.m. at an apartment in the 2200 block of Green Tree Road, SCSO spokesperson Amanda Vicinanzo said.

“When deputies arrived, the suspect fired several shots through the front door of the residence,” she said. “Deputies returned fire and then established a perim-

eter around the residence.”

No deputies were injured. Crisis negotiators made contact with the suspect who refused to exit the residence, Vicinanzo said. After several hours, the suspect eventually refused to continue to talk.

Deputies entered the home and found the body of Keysean Hodges, 43, of Fredericksburg.

During the barricade situation, additional warrants were obtained for attempted capital murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, shooting into an occupied dwelling and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Vicinanzo said.

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Accept most insurance AETNA, CIGNA, MD-IPA, etc. Walk-ins Welcome An injured bald eagle was rescued recently by Stafford County Animal Control. The bird was evaluated at the shelter and transported to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center for rehabilitation.

DRIVER THREATENED WITH FIREARM A woman told deputies that the passenger in another vehicle threatened her with a firearm around 11:16 p.m. on Dec. 4.

The vehicle was spotted turning onto Courthouse Road and a Stafford County Sheriff ’s Office sergeant attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled onto northbound Interstate 95. The pursuit ended due to heavy traffic, SCSO spokesperson Amanda Vicinanzo said.

SH

WITNESS CHASES DOWN SUSPECT IN HIT-AND-RUN A Fredericksburg man is accused of hit and run after a man was struck while walking on the side of Warrenton Road on Dec. 5.

Deputies found the victim, a 32-yearold man. He was transported to an area hospital with injuries that were not life threatening, according to the Stafford County Sheriff ’s Office.

The suspect, 25-year-old Colton Bragg, was located by a deputy after he allegedly fled the scene and later returned after being confronted by a witness, SCSO spokesperson Amanda Vicinanzo said.

During the process, Bragg allegedly switched seats with a passenger. He told the deputy he struck the victim with the passenger side of his vehicle, Vicinanzo said.

Bragg was held on a secured bond on charges of hit and run, obstruction of justice and driving with a suspended license.

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Parade, Christmas in Stafford top busy weekend of events GREG HAMBRICK » BY ghambrick@insidenova.com

ET FOR HOLIDAY FU K C I T R N! YOU

Visit www.InsideNoVaTix.com for exclusive tickets to holiday events throughout Northern and Piedmont Virginia

Including these events: Christmas Cabaret: Naughty or Nice Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton December 13 from 8PM - 9:30PM

Stafford is getting into the holiday spirit this weekend with several events.

The annual Stafford Christmas Parade is moving to a new location and a new time this season. Floats and marching bands will be celebrating the season at 2 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14, at Stafford Regional Airport, 95 AviaThe Stafford Christmas Parade (held rain or shine) will be at a tion Way, Stafford.

The free event will be held new location on Saturday, Dec. 14.

FILE PHOTO rain or shine.

Floats will be coming out of the air- urday at the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport port hangar area on to Aviation Way Center, 1600 Mine Road.

Prizes will be awarded in each age heading towards the terminal, will circle the parking lot in front of the ter- group, including a cash prize for the top minal and head back to the start. The three male and female runners and a judging stage will be in front of the air- long-sleeve dri-fit shirt for all who preregister. port terminal.

Following the race, Christmas in StafDogs are welcome, but need to be on a ford will be held at the sports complex leash and crowd-friendly.

Food vendors will include McCoys from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The event includes a Christmas village, BBQ, Funnel Cake Cafe and Wrights Deice skating rink, holiday market, photos lights.

For more, visit www.staffordchristmas- with Santa, carnival games, food trucks, a tree lighting and more. parade.com.

For more, visit www.christmasinstafEmbrey Mill will host the 3rd annual Frosty 5K & Reindeer Run at 10 a.m. Sat- ford.com.

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An otherwise dry afternoon only became drenched by the spray from water bottles after visiting North Stafford defeated Mountain View 21-10.

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DECEMBER 13-19, 2019 | INSIDENOVA.COM

NEWS | EDUCATION | BUSINESS | OPINION | SPORTS | LIFESTYLE | CLASSIFIED

More employees working from home in Northern Virginia KELLY BOOTH » BY Capital News Service

More Americans are working from home, and that’s especially true in Virginia and in the Washington, D.C., metro area, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Nationally, the proportion of workers who work from home rose from 4.3% in 2010 to 5.3% last year, the data show.

Virginia is slightly above the national average, with 5.6% of the state’s workforce working from home in 2018.

The figure was 6.1% in the D.C. metro area, which includes parts of Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia. That was the highest proportion of people working from home among the five U.S. metro areas with the most workers.

In contrast, the proportion of workers who worked from home last year was 5.9% in the Los Angeles metro area, 5.8% in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, 5.4% in the Chi-

cago area and 4.7% in the New York area.

Why are more people working from home?

“People are better able to focus and not as distracted as they are in the office,” said Brie Reynolds, career development manager and coach at FlexJobs, a website that focuses on finding telecommuting jobs for workers in cities and remote areas.

Reynolds believes telecommuting will continue to grow. She said more people are turning to her company’s website to find work and more employers are offering remote work each year.

“I think more people’s jobs can just be done that way,” Reynolds said. “More people are able to do their jobs from anywhere where they’ve got a computer and an internet connection and maybe a phone.”

FlexJobs helps connect workers with a range of employment, including freelance opportunities and part-time jobs. The

most popular categories this year for remote jobs are computer and information technology, medical and health, and sales, Reynolds said.

She said even doctors can now work from home, interacting with patients and insurance companies by phone and computer.

Education and training is another field on the rise, according to Reynolds.

“There’s a lot more virtual education out there, online courses, and universities that are creating totally virtual or remote degree programs,” Reynolds said.

Women are more likely than men to work from home, according to the Census Bureau. The percentage of U.S. women who work from home rose from 4.4% in 2010 to 5.7% in 2018. For American men, the proportion went from 4.3% in 2010 to 5% last year.

According to Derrick Neufeld, associate professor of information systems

and entrepreneurship at the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario in Canada, employers can save money in real estate and rental expenses by having people work remotely or work from home.

“That can be a very significant factor. If they can start shutting down office space, it can save a lot of costs,” Neufeld said.

Neufeld said working from home can be a desirable alternative work arrangement, allowing workers to live farther from the city.

But there are downsides to working from home.

Neufeld said his recent studies have found that people who don’t meet face to face have a problem assessing the trustworthiness of their coworkers.

“It’s like a switch that doesn’t get turned on,” Neufeld said. “We can’t simply replace face-to-face communication with, let’s say, a video cast.”

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Fredericksburg Nationals principal owner and Chairman Art Silber lauded the relationship with Shaw. “Early in our stadium development plans, we decided to explore synthetic grass to increase the flexibility of the use of our stadium,” said Art Silber, the

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COMMUNITY BRIEF FREDERICKSBURG NATIONALS INSTALLING NEW BALLPARK TURF The Fredericksburg Nationals will install state-of-the-art synthetic grass at their new stadium in Fredericksburg in partnership with Shaw Sports Turf, the team announced in a release. The B1K surface is designed specifically for baseball and is expected to be ready for

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INSIDENOVA.COM | DECEMBER 13-19, 2019

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Celebrating the season Matthew West headlines Christmas concert Dec. 19

“Th at song gets played at shopping outlets,� West said of the upbeat track about looking forward to the best parts of the holiday.

For this season, he recorded a classic, “Winter Wonderland.� “I’m a huge fan of Christmas music,�

West said. “I’m drawn to the classics — Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Mel Torme.

That’s what I love. If I’m ever going to rerecord a Christmas song, the last thing I’m going to do is modernize a classic. I want to keep the classics classic.�

Many of these classic Christmas songs let the performer fall into familiar lines he’s been singing since he was a child. “Most of the songs, It’s almost like leaning back in a chair,� he said. “There’s a warmth to it that makes it work.�

Speaking after the opening show in the tour, West said one song stood out in his set. “I was trained classically at a conservatory,� he said. “I return to that on ‘O Holy Night’ and sing it the way I remember hearing it in church. That seemed to be a highlight for me and the crowd.�

After the holidays, West will have a busy start to 2020.

He’ll be heading to the Grammy Awards, he was nominated last month for co-writing “Only Jesus� by Casting Crowns.

Sharing the writing credit with Mark Hall and Bernie Herms, West said the

GREG HAMBRICK Âť BY ghambrick@insidenova.com

Matthew West and his family put their Christmas tree up before Halloween.

It’s a work hazard because he spends a good bit of the traditional holiday season on the road.

West will be bringing a special Christmas concert to the Hylton Memorial Chapel on Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. The lineup also includes Matt Maher, I Am They and Hannah Kerr.

A five-time Grammy nominee, West said he starts the holiday season early to enjoy a little more of the festivities with his family before hitting the road. “The irony of all of these families coming to these shows is, for that to happen, I have to be away from my family,� West told InsideNoVa. The performers will be sharing some of the hits their audiences have heard on the radio, along with Christmas favorites, and a few surprises. “It’s a really special show,� West said. “It’s unlike any concert I do during the year.�

West has a catalog of his own Christmas hits over nearly two decades of recording, including “The Heart of Christmas,� “Give This Christmas Away,� and “Come On, Christmas.�

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experience writing the song was special. “The message of that song is that it isn’t about recognition,� he said. “You see so much about legacy in our culture — it’s all about how they’re going to remember you. Mark’s take on that was, ‘I don’t care if they remember me.’ We set about writing a song about the opposite of a legacy.�

On Feb. 14, West will be releasing his next studio album, “Brand New.� “A lot of this album is about returning to that childhood wonder before the world knocked you down — when you were a kid,� West said. “That’s how God still sees you. He still has just as much hope for you.�

The album tackles difficult topics, including a song written after one of his daughter’s seventh-grade classmates committed suicide. “It’s been hard work, putting together songs that I believe in,� he said. “I believe music can approach topics that are important. Hopefully the listener will be moved.�

This tour has given him a chance to play some of the music live for the first time, including the single, “The God Who Stays.� “You’re getting a real-time response to see if a song is going to connect,� West said. “The response has been awesome.

It’s exciting to get to share that with audiences.�

WANT TO SUBMIT YOUR NEWS? staffordnews@insidenova.com

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NEWS | EDUCATION | BUSINESS | OPINION | SPORTS | LIFESTYLE | CLASSIFIED

High schools earn W!SE Financial Literacy Test awards Colonial Forge, Mountain View, North Stafford, and Stafford High Schools earned recognition as Working in Support of Education (W!se) Financial Literacy Blue Star Schools for the 2018-2019 school year for their students’ outstanding performance on the W!se Financial Literacy Certification Test, according to a news release.

To receive this distinction, a school testing more than ten students must achieve an 80% passing rate on the

W!se Financial Literacy Certification Test. Additionally, the school must have either a majority of students in a given grade level take the test, or have the students who took the test achieve a minimum average score of 85%.

Administered as part of W!se’s Financial Literacy Certification program, this national standardized test is administered to students who complete a course or unit on personal finance.

Students who pass the test become Certified Financially Literate and earn a W!se CFL, demonstrating that they have developed sound financial knowledge and skills.

Nine Stafford County Public School (SCPS) teachers are recognized as W!SE Financial Literacy Gold Star Teachers. To be considered for the Gold Star award, a teacher must achieve a 93% pass rate in at least one of their classes on either the Fall 2018 or Spring 2019 W!SE Financial

Literacy Certification Test.

Brooke Point’s Kaitlyn Rehbein, Colonial Forge’s Ashley Barber and Brigitte Ferrick, Mountain View’s Kirsten Baker, Amy Ellis, and Kelly Pollock, and Stafford High School’s James Ayers, Bonnie “Rae” Edyvane, and Kaye Pennock received the Gold Star Award for 2018-2019.

For more information on SCPS visit www.staffordschools.net

EDUCATION BRIEFS

HONORING SERVICE

Quantico National Cemetery will host a wreath-laying ceremony at 10 a.m. Dec. 14 as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. The event is coordinated and led by local volunteers who will place wreaths on the headstones of fallen service members at the cemetery at 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle. In this 2015 photo, 4-year-old Clint Kunkel helps out.

FILE PHOTO

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTERS SCHOOL NEWS Special thanks to Meg Kenny, a senior at Mountain View High School, for organizing a children’s book drive with the help of the Interact Club and the National Honor Society. Through their tremendous efforts and determination, more than 200 children’s books were collected and will be presented to the students at the North Star Early Childhood Center on Monday, Dec. 16, during Family Literacy Night. Activities begin at 5 p.m., and a light dinner will be served at 6 p.m. The GED class will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Rising Star Center.

Early Head Start’s socialization will be Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. The Policy Council will meet that same day at 11 a.m.

Students of The Week were Callie

Smith, Emily Quiroz-Hernandez, Naomi Rivera Alfaro, Layan Tawafsha, Harley Torelli, Angelina Segovia, Sahaira Poole, Angelo Rivera, Hanzalah Safi, Matteo Perez-Alvarado, Liam Sanchez Montilla, Jasmin Velasquez, Jaxxon Vancampenhout and Braydon Wilson.

SCHOOL BOARD APPOINTS NEW ADMINISTRATOR The Stafford County School Board recently appointed Katelyn Gardner as assistant principal at Stafford Middle School, according to a news release.

Gardner has been a teacher with Stafford County Public Schools since August 2012. Prior to this appointment, she taught World Geography at Stafford Middle and served as a mentor teacher to many since 2013. She has been the Social Studies Lead since 2013.

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CRITTER CORNER | KAREN PEAK

Winterizing your outdoor cats Cats may be outdoors for a variety of reasons: owners feel cats should roam, barn cats are used to manage rodent populations and feral and stray cats are in many neighborhoods. Though many cats are good at managing being outside, not all are. Even those who do well will benefit from some assistance in the winter.

Colder weather brings warnings about cats seeking shelter under vehicle hoods.

Consider providing alternative and safer shelters for them. Here are a few DIY ideas and there are more online.

• Take a tote bin large enough to fit a Styrofoam cooler completely inside with covers on both the cooler and tote. Cut doors in the tote and cooler. Tape the top on the tote.

• Glue or tape the top on a large, Styrofoam cooler. Turn it upside down and cut a door.

• Place a tote bin within a larger tote.

You need at least one-inch space around all sides of the smaller tote. Put 1-inch Styrofoam insulation on the bottom of the larger tote, put the smaller tote inside. Mark where you need to cut doors in both totes, so the holes line up.

After the holes are cut, put the top on the smaller tote and surround the sides and top with foam. Tape the top on the larger tote.

A few things to remember for shelters: Doors should be several inches above the ground to help keep snow and water out.

Place the shelters on bricks or wooden blocks to keep them off the cold ground.

Place so doors face away from prevailing winds. Use straw instead of hay or cloth bedding as it stays drier. Weigh shelters down with bricks so they do not blow away. Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of the shelters. If you get high snows, make sure the doors are cleared away. Doors should be large enough for cats to enter but small enough to deter predators and loose dogs. Six inches by six inches should work.

We care for a few feral cats as part of an agreement made with people who assisted us with trapping and altering feral cats over the years. Since we only have a few, we opted to purchase small dog houses and use heaters specifically for outdoor animals.

Finding food is another concern. Cats are obligate carnivores. They need meat.

Canned food is often higher in meat and provides moisture. Since canned food will freeze when temperatures drop, I feed a little at a time to the ferals we care for. Provide kibble as well. Feed during the day when wild animals are less likely to be foraging. If you feed cats on your property, pick up uneaten food. Also

provide water. Heated water bowls may be an option for cats on your property.

Be very careful with what chemicals you use for deicing. If you must use deicers, search for ones that are safer for pets. Keep your vehicles in good condition. Antifreeze can be deadly in small amounts.

Ethylene Glycol tastes and smells sweet which can be attractive to animals.

Finally, make sure your cats are up to date on vaccines, spayed or neutered.

There are many groups in Northern Virginia that assist with TNR (trap – neuter – release) if you are managing feral cats.

It doesn’t take much to assist cats who are outdoors. They will appreciate any assistance you can give.

Karen Peak is the developer of The Safe Kids/Safe Dogs Project and owner/operator of West Wind Dog Training in Prince William County.

PETS AT THE SHELTER

Sabrina is a female long-hair calico. She Lono is a pit bull terrier mix. He is 8 months old and loves tug-of-war. is believed to be around 1 year old and “absolutely loves people.”

Both animals are at the Stafford County Animal Shelter, 540-658-PETS.

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DECEMBER 13-19, 2019 | INSIDENOVA.COM

NEWS | EDUCATION | BUSINESS | OPINION | SPORTS | LIFESTYLE | CLASSIFIED

SUDOKU

Puzzles & Horoscopes Need to double check? Find the answers on page 15 CROSSWORD THEME: THE 1950s

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21-April 20)

LIBRA (Sept. 24-Oct. 23)

Your ability to be practical in business will help. Real estate investments will be profit able. Things may not be as harmonious as you would like with colleagues or employers this week. Assist a relative or good friend by setting of a budget for them. Your lucky day this week will be Saturday.

You will have the discipline and fortitude to accomplish what you want this week. Dazzle them with your intellectual conversation. If you can work at home, do so. Do things you enjoy instead of being a chameleon. Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday.

TAURUS (April 21-May 21)

You must look into your options. Secret affairs will come back to haunt you. You need to get out and be an observer. You need to do your own thing and work on making yourself the best you can be. Your lucky day this week will be Thursday.

Catch up on overdue phone calls and correspondence. Colleagues may try to undermine you. Attend seminars that will bring you in contact with the right people. Get out and experience the spice of life. Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Be cautious when dealing with coworkers.

You have two choices; Get out on your own, or bend to your mate’s whims. Don’t give your heart too readily. You may want to make changes that will not be to their liking. Your lucky day this week will be Friday.

Try to calm down and listen to your partner’s complaints. Compromise may be necessary.

If everyone wants to do their own thing, let them. Don’t be afraid to push your beliefs and attitudes. Your need to get away could lead you into greater debt. Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

You will probably have to defend your mate.

You are ahead of your time, and trying to stay in one spot could be asking too much.

Lack of cash might be partly to blame for the problems at home. Try to think things through. Your lucky day this week will be Sunday.

Someone left a real mess for you to sift through. Work quietly on your own. You will have to put those you live with in their place if they try to interfere with your work. You will be able to borrow money in order to invest.

LEO (July 23-August 22)

You will find your vitality is lowered. Organizations may cost you more than you can afford. Your stubborn nature will backfire if you give your mate an ultimatum. You may want to take another look at the investment you are about to make. Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday.

It will do you some good. This will not be the best day to make changes or renovations to your residence. Use your genuine warmth and compassion to win hearts. Your ideas may be good, but they aren’t necessarily right for everyone. Your lucky day this week will be Monday.

VIRGO (August 23-Sept. 23)

Tie up your personal papers or push to have legal settlements completed. There are ways of making extra cash if you put your mind to it. Abrupt changes concerning your professional position are evident. You could experience delays in shipments or mail, and should be careful while traveling. Your lucky day this week will be Friday.

Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20)

You have made an accurate assessment of the situation and have come up with ideas that will save money. Your ability to put a deal together will surprise others. Reevaluate your motives. You may not see your situation clearly. Your lucky day this week will be Saturday.

WWW.ASTROLOGY-ONLINE.COM

CLASSIFIED | LIFESTYLE | SPORTS | OPINION | BUSINESS | EDUCATION | NEWS

ACROSS 1. Bottomless pit 6. Banned insecticide 9. Exclamation of contempt 13. Start with a clean one?

14. Lennon’s lady 15. Editing command 16. Feudal lord’s property 17. Dunce 18. *Ayn Rand’s “____

Shrugged”

19. *Recordbreaking Oscarwinner 21. *TV’s Jim Anderson 23. Immeasurable period 24. Editor’s oversight 25. Fugitive’s get-away 28. Vegas cube 30. Even smaller 35. “Rock of ____” 37. Cleopatra’s necklace 39. Saddam Hussein’s Islam 40. Surrender 41. Young Atlantic cod 43. Eastern ____ 44. Work the dough 46. Diamond Head island 47. Quarterback’s downfall 48. Pollen producer 50. Charged particles 52. *”____ must I be a teenager in love?”

53. Sound of pain or pleasure 55. Us, in Mexico 57. *Levittown, e.g.

60. *Like one born in ‘50s 63. Like a private circle 64. Highest card in “War” 66. Sea near Australia 68. “The ____ Runner,” pl.

69. *Cuban syllable

70. Musician’s exercise 71. Heroic poem 72. Boy toy 73. Sterilize DOWN 1. Cigar residue 2. Blister 3. New Haven Ivy 4. Kidney problem 5. Modus operandi 6. Point of entry 7. *Crick/Watson/Franklin discovery 8. Toffee, alt. sp.

9. Trodden track 10. “Cast Away” setting 11. *”A ____ Is Born” with Judy Garland 12. “For ____ a jolly ...”

15. Jamaican vernacular 20. Yards and miles, e.g.

22. Address abbreviation 24. T in ATV 25. *Source of immortal Hela cells 26. *Occupation of Ian Fleming’s protagonist 27. Mythological princess of Colchis

29. *Fashion designer who made a comeback in 1954 31. Small pieces 32. *Rose to Jackie 33. Methuselah’s father 34. *Tenant of Fred Mertz 36. Clothing line 38. Type of salmon 42. “Beats me!”

45. Formal objections, in court 49. And not 51. Like Santa after coming down the chimney 54. Taken follower 56. Inflict a blow 57. Barber shop sound 58. To, in the olden days 59. Swarm members 60. Pinto or black 61. Outback birds 62. Was a passenger 63. *”We’ll take ____ to Washington” 65. *Guevara’s nickname 67. Tyrannosaurus follower

INSIDENOVA.COM | DECEMBER 13-19, 2019

11

Get more info and see more events at INSIDENOVA.COM/CALENDAR

FRI DEC 13

Riverside Christmas Spectacular Through Dec. 29 | $37-$72 Riverside Center for the Performing Arts 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Updated for 2019, this holiday event includes favorite songs and music of the season.

Small Business Networking - 9 a.m. | Free Porter Branch Library 2001 Parkway Drive, Stafford, VA 22554 Hosted by the University of Mary Washington Small Business Development Center. Learn the steps to start your own business and get ideas for promoting your business.

Countdown to Christmas - 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. | Free Porter Branch Library 2001 Parkway Drive, Stafford, VA 22554 An Alphabet Soup special event.

Celebrate the season with stories, songs, activities and a visit from Santa. For all ages with a caregiver.

Journey to the North Pole - 4:30 p.m. | Free Porter Branch Library 2001 Parkway Drive, Stafford, VA 22554 A STEM class about the journey to the North Pole.

‘The Phantom Tollbooth’ - Dec. 13-14 | $5-$10 Stafford High School 63 Indians Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 A bored, young boy named Milo unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth and he is transported to the Land of Wisdom, only to find it fractured by the conflict between King Azaz and the Mathemagican.

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ - Dec. 13-22 | $20 Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle Manassas, VA 20110 Prince William Little Theatre brings the popular holiday TV special to the stage. More info at www.pwlt.org/ charliebrownchristmas.html Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season - 8 p.m. | From $33 Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle Manassas, VA 20110 The American Festival Pops Orchestra

12

The President’s Own U.S. Marine Band will host a holiday concert at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Saturday, Dec. 14.

MASTER SGT. KRISTIN DUBOIS/MARINE CORPS PHOTO

ushers in the season with its annual holiday concert. Also performing at the George Mason Center for the Arts Dec. 14.

(Candlelight tours Dec. 7: $7; Santa visit Dec. 14: $3)

Vienna Boys Choir - 8 p.m. | From $33 George Mason Center for the Arts 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 Christmas in Vienna is the annual holiday concert from the world’s foremost children’s choral group.

Stafford Christmas Parade - 2 p.m. | Free Stafford Regional Airport 95 Aviation Way, Stafford, VA 22406 A new location for this annual holiday event. The judging stage will be in front of the airport terminal. For more, visit www.staffordchristmasparade.com.

Christmas Cabaret: Naughty or Nice Dec. 13-15 | $30 Workhouse Arts Center 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA 22079 Start the holiday season on the right note as they tread the thin line between Naughty and Nice. Your ticket includes admission, complimentary Christmas cookies and servings of hot cocoa (served with or without peppermint schnapps).

Holidays Through the Ages - Dec. 1315, 20-22 | $5 Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192 With interiors and exteriors richly decorated for the holidays, guests view seasonal festivities over the centuries as well as different religions, from the Colonial Period through the 1940s.

DECEMBER 13-19, 2019 | INSIDENOVA.COM

SAT DEC 14

3rd Annual Frosty 5K & Reindeer Run 10 a.m. | $15-$35 Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center 1600 Mine Road, Stafford, VA 22554 Join Embrey Mill at the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center for the third annual Frosty 5K and Reindeer Run. Prizes will be awarded in each age group, including a cash prize for the top three male and female runners and a long-sleeve dri-fit shirt for all who pre-register.

12 Dog Days of Christmas - 11 a.m. | $5 Government Island 191 Coal Landing Road, Stafford, VA 22554 A special dog-themed holiday scavenger hunt. Explore the trail and enjoy the outdoors during this pet-friendly event.

All dogs must be leashed.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. | $5-$8 Mountain View High School 2135 Mountain View Road, Stafford, VA 22556 What happens when the worst kids in the history of the world take over the church Christmas pageant? A hilarious and heartwarming holiday musical based on the beloved children’s book.

The Wild Acts are also proud to present their Christmas Market from 4-6:30 p.m., featuring crafts, games and a visit with Santa.

Candy Cane Hunt - 1-4 p.m. | $5 Government Island 191 Coal Landing Road, Stafford, VA 22554 Search for candy canes in the woods and compete in fun tasks as a family.

Hot cocoa and cookies will be served.

Participants must be ages 3 and up.

Manassas Chorale: Resounding Joy 7:30 p.m. | $20 Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle Manassas, VA 20110 Familiar tunes and exciting, new arrangements are accompanied by the Chorale’s live orchestra.

CALENDAR

PAGE 13

NEWS | EDUCATION | BUSINESS | OPINION | SPORTS | LIFESTYLE | CLASSIFIED

CALENDAR

FROM PAGE 12

The President’s Own U.S. Marine Band Holiday Concert - 7:30 p.m. | Free National Museum of the Marine Corps 18900 Jefferson Davis HIghway, Triangle, VA 22172 Featuring several instrumental selections of well-known holiday tunes, as well as a sing-a-long to holiday favorites. The concert is free and open to the public; no tickets are required.

Southeastern Guns & Knives Show Dec. 14-15 | Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Event includes antique firearms, memorabilia, rare and collectible firearms, supplies and more.

SUN DEC 15

Meet Woodland Santa - Dec. 15, 22 | Donations accepted Widewater State Park 101 Widewater State Park Road, Stafford, VA 22554 Woodland Santa will have his special mailbox on hand so your children can give their letters directly to him.

Prince William Ice Center Holiday Show - 1 p.m. | Food donation or $5 for ACTS food bank appreciated Prince William Ice Center 5180 Dale Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22193 Annual holiday tradition features figure skaters from across the area performing to holiday favorites. National Blades Synchronized Skating teams will also exhibit their 2019-2020 competition programs.

MON DEC 16

Cookie Exchange - 6 p.m. | Free Porter Branch Library 2001 Parkway Drive, Stafford, VA 22554 Bring two dozen of your favorite cookie and a printed copy of the recipe. Eggnog provided.

WED DEC 18

The Nutcracker from Manassas Ballet Theatre - Dec. 18-23 | From $40 Hylton Performing Arts Center

10960 George Mason Circle Manassas, VA 20110 A magical performance for all ages, featuring the international company dancers of MBT, plus an ensemble cast and the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra.

THU DEC 19

Salute to Soldiers Holiday Celebration - 5 p.m. | From $35 Fort Belvoir Officers’ Club 5500 Schulz Circle Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 Attendees will be treated to Santa and Mrs. Clause, free gifts for the children, live entertainment, dancing, professional photos with Santa, door prizes, and a buffet dinner. Open to all DoD card holders and free to E6/GS8 and below.

Get tickets at InsideNoVaTix.com!

FRI DEC 20

Christmas Illuminations - Dec. 20-21 | $36 George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 Kick off the holiday season with sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River.

SAT DEC 21

Civil War Christmas - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | $2 Leesylvania State Park 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191 See the park’s very own jolly Civil War era Santa in his handmade, festive suit.

Period music, costumed interpreters and light refreshments.

WED JAN 1

First Day Hike - 10 a.m. and 2 p.m | Free Widewater State Park 101 Widewater State Park Road, Stafford, VA 22554 One-mile hike ending with a bonfire and roasting marshmallows. Parking fees waived for the day.

FRI JAN 3

May the Force Be With You - 4:30 p.m.

The cast and director Chrissy Mastrangelo, front, dance during rehearsals for “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

MELISSA YORK-TILLEY/PROVIDED

CLASSIFIED | LIFESTYLE | SPORTS | OPINION | BUSINESS | EDUCATION | NEWS

| Free Howell Branch Library 806 Lyons Blvd., Fredericksburg VA 22406 Explore galaxies far, far away and your favorite Star Wars characters.

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

SAT JAN 4

the 1950s.

95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 The stage production of the popular musical about high school students in

Winter Nature Walk - 3 p.m. | Free Porter Branch Library 2001 Parkway Drive, Stafford, VA 22554 Take a short hike to see local plants and wildlife.

THU JAN 9

SAT JAN 11

Art Extravaganza - 9 a.m. to noon | $8 advance, $10 at door Rowser Building 1739 Jefferson Davis Highway Stafford, VA 22554 Children ages 3-12 will have hands-on

‘Grease’ - Jan. 9 to March 15 | From $77

artistic activities.

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Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

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Emelia Dapaah, trading as Dalia’s African Cuisine, 364-101 Garrisonville Road, Stafford, Stafford County, Virginia 22554. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Beer and Wine On Premises/ license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

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Emelia Dapaah, Owner Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc. virginia.gov or 800-552-3200 12/6 & 12/13/19

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