Jane Conner has written a book about the sites in Stafford County where President Abraham Lincoln visited. Lincoln visted Chatham, seen in this photo, on May 23, 1862. Visit the Photo Place

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History group honors journalist

Free Lance-Star journalist Lee Woolf is honored by the Stafford County Historical Society

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Date published: 1/2/2007

By Lee Woolf FROM STAFF REPORTS

Lee Woolf, who retired recently from The Free Lance-Star after a career of more than 33 years in journalism, was honored Dec. 21 by the Stafford County Historical Society for being "an outstanding representative of his profession and institution in both reporting and encouraging documentation and preservation of Stafford's rich history."

Woolf, 55, was presented a plaque in recognition of his "consummate journalistic professionalism, his love for local history, his high quality research and writing, and his adherence to the highest ethical standards." The society presented him a sculpture titled "Gratitude," created by internationally known American Indian sculptor Retha Gambaro of Stafford, a society member. He also received a lifetime membership in the society.

For the past 8 years, Woolf was The Free Lance-Star's North Stafford bureau manager and wrote a weekly column for the Stafford County EXTRA section on topics of county interest. Before that, he was a reporter and sports editor with The Free Lance-Star for 25 years. He also contributed numerous articles on history and the Civil War.

Now he is assistant manager with Eastern National bookstores, which are affiliated with Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.

In addition, the historical society recognized Skip and Cindi Causey, owners of Potomac Sellers of Widewater, a new winery. They donated a percentage in sales from their Pocahontas Reserve wine to the Stafford museum fund, a total of $1,252. Jane Conner also was recognized for contributing $4,000 to the museum fund in profits from her first book, "Birthstone of the White House and Capitol" about Aquia sandstone. Profits from her recent book, "Lincoln in Stafford," which already has sold 600 copies, also will be donated to the fund.

The society also elected officers at the December meeting, including David Russell, president; Jane Conner, vice president; Lurann Robertson, secretary; Art Hart, treasurer; Barbara Flack, historian; Irene Lombardi, membership; Al Conner, publications; Sara Fartro, Chatham liaison; and Steve Gambaro, Barbara Kirby and Jane Conner, museum committee.

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Date published: 1/2/2007