David Keller, Sally’s son, said he grew up going sailing with his mother because it was a long-standing family tradition; Sally’s uncle had a 46-foot sailboat and her husband had a 17-foot sailboat that they often sailed on the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent River.
“Mom would see the boat in the background and always said, ‘I want to go on your boat,'” David recalled. “[It was] probably not the world’s safest idea.”
David said he and his sister had reservations about taking her out on another boat as she grew older and her dementia progressed. But, that’s when Marie Garner, the Inspiritás — or memory care program — coordinator at The Wellington, approached the family with the facility’s “WOW Moment” initiative.
The initiative aims to provide “residents with a personalized experience that reminisces on times past, checks something off a bucket list or honors them in some way,” a press release states. These occur once a quarter for the memory care residents.
Even with this proposition, David and his sister were hesitant.
“We had to wait to find a big enough boat that was safe enough, had walls and … [we] thought we could get her on and off of,” David said. “My mother [can still walk], sort of, but she’s stubborn enough to not want to ride in a wheelchair or use a walker. There were some challenges, but I think she actually had a good time.”
Sally is minimally verbal, but according to David, she spoke some words during their trip across the Potomac. She was able to see some ducks following the boat and verbalized “ducks” in recognition of the group.
David said it was evident through her facial expressions that she recognized she was on a boat and wasn’t afraid.
“She wasn’t afraid of anything, which was another concern of mine,” he said. “I didn’t know how she was going to react [to the movement], but she was totally fine with all of that.”
The family even took her to the outside section of the boat on the way back so she could feel the breeze on the water.
“Other than being afraid of losing her hat, she seemed to enjoy that,” David said.
David said despite his initial reservations, he would encourage others to not be afraid to try an experience like this for their loved ones.
“If the activities director calls you up with a crazy idea, just go for it.”
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If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, look no further than Aria Mia, a sweet little kitten currently up for adoption at Prince William County Animal Services. This brave little one arrived as a stray with injuries to both of her eyes. Aria Mia has already undergone surgery on one eye and will need follow-up treatment for the other. Despite her challenges, she’s shown incredible resilience and is ready to start a new chapter with a loving family.
Aria Mia has already proven that she’s not just a cat lover but a dog lover too! During her recovery at Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic, she showed how well she gets along with dogs. So, if you’re looking for a kitten who can coexist with your furry canine companions, Aria Mia might just be the perfect fit for you.
Come meet Aria Mia today and see for yourself what a sweet, loving companion she can be. She’s eager to find her forever home and start the next phase of her life in a caring and compassionate environment.
Deuntay Diggs, Chair of Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors, indicated Tuesday evening that he is prepared to take legal action should some of his colleagues continue to ask for an amendment to the Code of Performance that “adversely affects my career, my calling,” reports the FXBG Advance.
A report from the Federal Railroad Administration requested by Fredericksburg City Council and Mayor Kerry Devine on this past summer’s freight car derailment blames human error for the mishap, reports the FXBG Advance.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is progressing toward finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Department of Economic Development.
The draft MOU aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both entities in promoting economic growth and business attraction within the county. However, concerns raised by some Board members suggest that the document may need further refinement before it can be adopted.
During a work session on January 28, 2025, Liz Barber, the county’s Director of Economic Development, presented the draft MOU, highlighting the extensive process that led to its creation. The document was developed over the past year, with input from both county administration and EDA members. Its goal is to establish clear guidelines and expectations for the EDA and the Department of Economic Development, particularly regarding the administrative processes, division of duties, and collaboration between the two bodies.
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.
