Ft. Belvoir, Va. –– The hospital that will replace Ft. Belvoir’s aging Dewitt Army Community Hospital will be three times its size and will have the fourth largest pharmacy in the Department of Defense.
The new Ft. Belvoir Community Hospital on the Army base is nearing completion, and area business owners got a sneak peak of the new facility at a Mount Vernon – Lee Chamber of Commerce luncheon Thursday.
The hospital is being constructed as part of the military’s BRAC relocation, which is will to bring 20,000 military and federal jobs to the region by the fall.
The facility will boast more well more than 120 beds, a recovery center and x-ray facility.
It’ll also be more open, with large windows that allow more sunlight to pass into the building ultimately aiding in the healing process, said Col. Susan Annicell.
“In my 30 years in healthcare I have never seen the level of care and detail placed into a facility like this,” said Annicell, who will lead the staff at the new hospital.
The new hospital will be 1.3 million square foot larger than Dewitt, which will close once the new facility opens.
Hospital rooms will also be larger and more inviting, accommodating family members who want to stay overnight with patients.
The overall goal, explained Annicell, is to make the hospital and its surrounding campus a medical center by adding additional facilities like a 288-bed wounded warrior recovery center, and a 20-bed substance abuse recovery center.
Ft. Belvoir Community Hospital has also been designed to operate on a green scale, with its swooped roof doubling as a rainwater collector. Cisterns beneath the hospital collect the rainwater, process it, and then send it back to the surface where it will be used to water a series of gardens outside the facility.
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This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
The Woodbridge District invites residents to join a Community Update Town Hall Meeting hosted by Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin. This virtual event offers an opportunity for residents to stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives in the community.
Details of the Town Hall:
Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Residents can participate in the meeting by joining the Zoom session.
On January 24, 2025, at 12:25 a.m., Sergeant E.E. West responded to a single-vehicle crash at the McDonald’s on Wonder Road. An intoxicated driver, identified as Juan Gomez Alvarez, 38, of North Carolina, entered the drive-thru at a high rate of speed, struck a sign, and came to rest at an awkward angle, blocking the lane.
Gomez Alvarez displayed red, glassy eyes and had a strong odor of alcohol. The investigation revealed that he had been convicted of DUI in New York just the previous day, making this his second offense in five years. He was charged with DUI second offense, refusal, and destruction of property and was taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
