Community Briefs

Osprey group donates toward research

The Virginia Osprey Foundation, based in Colonial Beach, has contributed $1,000 to the Center for Conservation Biology in support of their study, "Understanding the Population-Level Implications of Ongoing Food Stress in Chesapeake Bay Osprey."

The donation "represents the foundation's ongoing commitment to osprey conservation and supports crucial research on the challenges facing these iconic birds in their Chesapeake Bay habitats," according to a press release.

The Chesapeake Bay is home to one of the most significant populations of ospreys in the world, but recent findings highlight an alarming trend: osprey populations are experiencing heightened food stress, impacting growth and survival rates. The Center for Conservation Biology's study aims to investigate the root causes and potential long-term effects of food scarcity. Findings from this research will help shape conservation strategies that support healthy osprey populations.

Stafford Scouts have food drive

The annual BSA Scouting For Food Drive encourages youth to serve their communities by addressing food insecurity. The campaign, which runs through Dec. 14, collects donations for the holidays and the months beyond.

Some units like Troop 850 of Stafford County are in front of stores looking for donations while others distribute door hanger reminders in neighborhoods, then return on Saturday, Nov. 9, to collect donations.

Community members also have the option of donating through , a virtual campaign. Items in demand include canned proteins; nut butters; meat-based soups, stews and chili; canned vegetables, beans and fruits; healthy cereals; rice and pastas; and hygiene products.

Donations go to several church pantries in Stafford. Last year, more than 650 local Stafford Scouts, leaders and family members from 33 different troops collected almost 22,100 pounds of food.

Residents who do not receive a door tag may drop off donations by noon Saturday, Nov. 9, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church at 1201 Courthouse Drive in Stafford or Hartwood Presbyterian Church, 25 Hartwood Road.

More information is available at or by contacting .

FOR plans tree giveaways

The Friends of the Rappahannock is giving away trees at events throughout the river's watershed area and inviting residents to put native plants and trees into the ground to protect the water.

Each household can get up to three free trees such as red maple and white oak, blackgum, eastern redbud and flowering dogwood. Those interested can place their orders online and pick the giveaway closest to them as found on the website, .

There will be a giveaway Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon at Cosner Park, at 1 HCC Drive in Spotsylvania County. More information is available at .

Indigenous people celebrated Nov. 10

George Washington Birthplace National Monument in Westmoreland County will celebrate the rich traditions, languages and innovations of indigenous people in the Northern Neck, Sunday, Nov. 10, with cultural demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the memorial area of the park.

Lisa Brighteyes Richardson Deresz, a Rappahannock citizen and language ambassador for the Omisun Project-Powhatan Algonquian Intertribal Roundtable, will offer an introduction to Powhatan Algonquian and the indigenous language revitalization process. Visitors will have an opportunity to hear, and perhaps recognize, Algonquian words that are rooted in Powhatan Algonquian.

Brad Hatch, chief judge on the Patawomeck Tribal Council and master eel pot maker, will demonstrate the construction of traditional split oak eel traps and display Patawomeck material culture representing the history of his community for thousands of years.

Scott Strickland of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab will discuss what archaeologists look for when identifying arrowheads and ceramics from the Chesapeake region. He'll have examples spanning thousands of years of human history and discuss what they reveal.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument is at 1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach.

Clothes offered for those in need

The nonprofit organization Community Threads is providing clothes for men and women in need.

Clothes they have to give include clothes for warmth, clothes for work, clothes for interviews, and clothes for every day. Shoes will be available.

The clothing will be available at a two-day event, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 13-14, at Chancellor Ruritan, 5994 Plank Road, Fredericksburg.

Cech named Lions governor

James Cech of the Montclair Lions Club is the 2024 governor of District 24L of Virginia Lions Club International. The 88 clubs statewide support projects such as Leader Dogs for the Blind; LEARNS, a school program that provides information on diabetes; the Fairy Godmother Project, Ellie's Elves; and Mary Washington Hospital cancer assistance as well as the Lions' signature programs of screening for vision and hearing.

Cech sponsored the group's recent fall conference at the Dulles Holiday Inn and shared three objectives: highlighting district clubs in service; contributing toward the Lions Club International Fund Mission; and educating Lions about the annual USA/Canada Leadership Forum.

Compassionate Friends plan memorial service

Members of The Compassionate Friends of Fredericksburg chapter will join thousands of families worldwide in lighting candles at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, to remember their children who have died.

The event will be part of a special service that begins at 3 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church at 5120 Harrison Road in Spotsylvania County. It will feature special music, readings and lighting candles in which the names of children, grandchildren and sibling names are recited.

Since 1997, the worldwide ceremony has been the Compassionate Friends' gift to those grieving during the holiday season, a time of year that can be difficult for many.

A remembrance book will be open for posts on the website, which will receive thousands of tributes from family members and other caring individuals. More information is available locally from Kathie Kelly at 540/220-4325 or online at www.compassionatefriends.org .

Survey assesses child care needs at work

Foundation First, which has an office in Spotsylvania County, is launching a 2024 Workforce and Childcare Survey to collect critical data on workforce needs and child care services that can support working families.

The survey is designed to capture insights on what forms of childcare assistances companies currently offer; assess the scope of family-related benefits like flexible working arrangements and parental leave; gauge how important employees consider child care support and identify areas where companies can improve; explore the likelihood of implementing or expanding child care support in the next 12 months; identify common challenges businesses face in providing comprehensive child care assistance; and understand how offering childcare support impacts employee performance, retention and overall satisfaction.

The survey is open to businesses of all sizes and industries and their employees. Feedback will be kept confidential. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and the deadline for submission is Dec. 6. It's available at .

After the survey closes, results will be analyzed, and findings will be shared with all participants in February.

KG DECA hosts Veterans Day run

King George High School DECA Chapter is holding its annual Veterans Day 5K & 1Mile Fun Run on Monday, Nov. 11 at the school stadium.

Registration is open to all ages. On-site registration and check-in begins at 8 a.m. The 1-Mile Fun Run is $10 and starts at 8:30 a.m. The 5K is $20 and starts at 8:45 a.m. Online registration is available at runsignup.com/Race/VA/KingGeorge/VeteransDay5Kand1milerun with more information on the kgdeca.org website.

Proceeds go to the Some Gave All Foundation. Donations will be accepted on the registration site and in person.