U.S. voters do care what candidates believe; The Free Lance-Star
Political candidates and religion, by Mary Beth Mathews

MITT ROMNEY’S religion matters. And so do the religions of all the other candidates. Whether you like it or not, the American electorate still believes that there is a religious test for public office. Contrary to Article 6 of the U.S. Constitution (“no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States”), American voters have proven time and again that a candidate’s religion is a matter of concern–or at least, interest.

http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2011/122011/12092011/668575

Tiny Tims need not be objects of charity, pity; The Free Lance-Star
A Christmas Peril, by Chris Foss

IT IS CERTAINLY not uncommon this time of year to come across commentaries reiterating how the Victorians invented our modern Christmas, how Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” played an instrumental role in this process, and how we all still stand to benefit from such reminders. This is, admittedly, one of those columns. However, if you read this through to the end, you just might find yourself ruminating upon fresh food for thought despite the low expectations that usually greet such fare.

http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2011/122011/12092011/669162/index_html?page=1

2012 Great Lives Series Announced; http://fredericksburg.patch.com

The life of explorers, scientists and two local civil rights pioneers, among others, will be featured in  the University of Mary Washington’s 2012 Great Lives lecture series.

http://fredericksburg.patch.com/articles/2012-great-lives-series-announced

UMW students learn a real lesson in giving; The Free Lance-Star; http://blogs.fredericksburg.com
A University of Mary Washington philanthropy class has given a total of $10,000 to Rappahannock Legal Services, the Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic and Stafford Junction.

http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2011/122011/12082011/669547

http://blogs.fredericksburg.com/chalkboard/2011/12/06/umw-philanthropy-class-awards-grants/

Exec likes ‘living life on the edge’; The Free Lance-Star
Art Franzen holds a video camera aboard a plane with 19 passengers.

http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2011/122011/12072011/669307