Ft. Belvoir, Va. –– There’s an air of excitement around Ft. Belvoir as its new hospital inches closer to the date it will accept the first patient.
The massive $1 billion Fort Belvoir Community Hospital is slated to open August 10. It will replace DeWitt Community Hospital.
The new hospital will boast 120 beds with 10 operating rooms that will be able to treat more than 37,000 patients per year. It will be staffed with more than 1,600 employees; all whom will help make it one of the newest, most cutting-edge medical facilities.
“There’s never been a hospital that’s been built like this before, not in the Army and nowhere else in the nation,” said U.S. Army Col. B. Allan Shoupe, M.D.
The facility broke ground in 2007, and since then crews have been working diligently to meet the government-imposed BRAC deadline of September 2011. That’s when many military basses will be realigned or closed, shifting some 20,000 people to Ft. Belvoir.
The hospital has been built with a design, bid, build approach, said Shoupe. Many of the plans for the hospital weren’t even finalized when the overall construction began.
This construction approach led to what medical professionals believe will promote a better hospital experience, including open access hallways, natural light that beams through large windows throughout the building, colorful murals on walls, and large recovery rooms with space for family members to sit bedside with a loved one on the mend.
“People just heal better when they have family members by their side. If mom wants her hand held while she’s staying in the room, a family member will be able to be at her side to help, and they deserve to stay here,” said Shoupe.
The hospital is laid out in five sections, or pavilions, most of which have two floors. The main section of the hospital, at the center of the structure, has seven floors.
In addition to emergency and primary care, the center will offer 55 specialties, including cancer treatment, cardiac catheterization and treating soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The hospital will also have doctors, nurses and patients communicating in new ways.
Through “Smart Suite” technology, doctors will be able to check a monitor on the wall outside a patient’s room to see basic medical information about a patient, as well as access medical history and X-rays prior to walking into the room. The technology will also allow the patient to easily identify at any time which member of the medical treatment staff is in the room, said Shoupe.
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Fredericksburg Police have launched automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones at Hugh Mercer Elementary and James Monroe High School to curb speeding and improve safety. The move is part of a partnership formed in November 2024 between the Fredericksburg Police Department and the city, aiming to reduce speeding near schools and protect students, staff, and families.
To ease drivers into the new system, the city implemented a 30-day warning period following the installation of the cameras. During this period, violators received warnings instead of citations, a step the city said was designed to “educate drivers and encourage compliance with speed limits.”
Between December 12, 2024, and January 10, 2025, Fredericksburg Police issued 247 warnings for speeding violations. The highest recorded speed was 50 mph. At James Monroe High School, located on Washington Avenue, 66 warnings were given, 19 of which were for speeds at least 15 mph over the 15 mph school zone limit. The highest recorded speed at this location was 33 mph.
Cute and sweet Niffy has been at the shelter for four months, waiting patiently to find a family to call her own. This adorable girl is about four and has a gentle, loving nature. She gets along well with other dogs and loves going for long walks. Niffy is happiest when she’s curled up next to you for a cuddle session when she’s not out on an adventure.
Despite many visitors who promise to return for her, Niffy is still patiently waiting for the right family to take her home. This sweet girl deserves a loving home where she can feel safe, cherished, and adored.
If you’re interested in adopting Niffy, please don’t hesitate to ask for more information.
Looking for a fun and educational experience for kids? Check out Semillitas: Puerto Rican Bomba Kids. This event brings Puerto Rican bomba songs, dance, and music to Stafford every Sunday starting February 2, 2025, and running through June 1, 2025. Kids will enjoy learning rhythm, dance moves, and songs in an interactive environment.
The classes are designed for children up to 10, with a unique May 4 program featuring visiting artists from Puerto Rico!
Dates: Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th, Jun 1st
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
Location: Virtuous Dance Center, 31 Utah Place #101, Stafford.
Cost: $10 for the first child, $7 for additional children per class, $32 for all four classes for the first child, and $24 for each additional child.
It’s free to submit your events to Potomac Local! Simply visit this link: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058. Just fill out the details, and we’ll feature your event!
Authorities have released additional details regarding the homicide of 61-year-old Charles Childress and 59-year-old Kimberly Newcomb, whose bodies were discovered on January 25, 2025, at a residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office initially responded to the home after a concerned friend discovered a deceased female and called 911. Upon arrival, deputies found both victims dead at the scene. Investigators have now confirmed that both victims died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Following the autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) continue their investigation and work around the clock to process evidence and interview potential witnesses. While the relationship between the victims remains under investigation, it has been confirmed that they were living together at the residence.
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.
