The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Stafford County Department of Parks and Recreation, will be offering RAD (Rape Aggression and Defense) classes for children ages 6-8.

The new year begins on a somber note, as both of our beloved family cats died in December. With us for about 20 years, they enriched our lives so incredibly that somehow bright rays of sunshine must block out the darkness of their deaths.

With the pomp and circumstance of another year passing it is only natural that one’s thoughts turn to the upcoming year and how it can be better. With equal parts reflection and projection, we think about the previous year’s successes and failures as well as looking ahead to the New Year’s possibilities.

First there was “Beethoven,” the popular 1992 movie about the lovable but rambunctious young Saint Bernard who wreaked havoc on his family while eluding evil dognappers.

Verna A. Sorrell, 71, of Spotsylvania, died Jan. 4, 2009 at her residence.

Ruth Evelyn English Perry, 67, of Stafford, died Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008 at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

Mae Belle Malone, 82, of Reva died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 at Dogwood Village in Orange.

Donald F. “Don” Givens, 64, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., died Friday, Dec. 26, 2008 at his home.

Mary Virginia Harrell Gardner, 92, of Spotsylvania County, died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009.

Charles William Fisher Sr., 85, of Partlow, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008.

Ruth Rosalie Edenton Dunivan, 82, of Spotsylvania, died Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

Lee Roy Searles, 72, of Spotsylvania, died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009 at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

Myrtle B. Bass, 94, a Stafford resident for 66 years, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008 of natural causes.

In honor of Poe, a bicentennial stamp

Roy Willard Weathers, 76, of Stafford County, died Dec. 11, 2008.

Howard Kenneth Sullivan, 70, of Fredericksburg, died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008 at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

Richard Eugene Peters Sr., 79, of Fredericksburg, died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008 at his residence.

Anthony Earl Johnson, 84, of Stafford, died Friday, Dec. 12, 2008.

Anthony “Tony” Hicks, 43, of Stafford, died Dec. 23, 2008 at Fairfax Hospital after a long battle with complications from diabetes.

Odell H. Curtis, 79, of Stafford County, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

It seems to me Guardian Angels are still around, because I ran into one just the other day at Wal-Mart.

It’s that time of year when we look back on the previous 12 months and resolve to do better in the coming year. As pet parents, instead of making a list of resolutions, we should make a list of goals with keeping our pets healthy, happy and well adjusted as the objective.

The year 2008 isn’t even over yet and already a stack of 2009 resolutions is staring you down like a boot camp sergeant.

Twas the night before New Year and down in the county.
Supervisors awaited reports on the bounty

My wife and I are in the middle of moving in to a new house. Well, new to us anyway.

CULPEPER — The Mount Pony Theater concluded the 2008 season, it’s first ever, with the final movies of the year this past weekend.

Dear Emily: I have a really strict boss who insists that sick days should only be used if an employee is extremely ill.

If you’re looking for me on Christmas Day you won’t have to look far. I’ll tell you exactly where I’ll be — in a theater somewhere watching the premiere of “Marley & Me.”

This is a list of local activities and events.

The holidays should be a joyous time for families and friends, but I often wonder what our furry family members must think about this time of year. Of course they don’t know the meaning behind the holiday season. All they know is there are lots of new sights, sounds, smells and food everywhere, which can be very appealing.