A journey from DC’s Capitol Hill to the Shenandoah mountains led Emily Woodhull to Fredericksburg’s music scene. The 23-year-old singer and songwriter just released her first single, “Virginia, I’m Home.”

Woodhull grew up in Washington, D.C., and learned to play piano, guitar, ukulele, and drums by the time she was sixteen. Woodhull became the opening act for her father’s band, “The NativeMakers,” as they toured DC.

A visit to James Madison University (JMU) in the Shenandoah Valley #musicalley helped her fall in love with Virginia. After attending JMU, Woodhull took a gap year and moved to Fredericksburg in 2021, planning to enroll in Germanna Community College. A fan of true crime, Woodhull was interested in the criminal justice program.

She’s fallen in love with the area, saying, “I love Fredericksburg with all my heart. It has had such an important role in my career, and I’m so blessed to call it my home.”

Woodhull’s connection to Fredericksburg deepened as she became involved with the local music scene. “There are so many talented bands in our city, ranging from soft rock to Americana to country to metal to bluegrass,” she explained. Performances with local artists like Jerry Wade, Rob Ralston, and JD Roberts helped build Woodhull’s musical career. 

Woodhull credited Roberts with helping her musical career develop. She said, “By inviting me to sing with him during his shows, he helped me get my name out there and booked me at venues when I didn’t have any shows. He’s been a big help with helping me learn the ropes of the industry and teaching me tricks, and he has given me great advice. I’m grateful to know him and to call him my friend.”

Woodhull’s debut single, “Virginia I’m Home,” was born from her experiences in Virginia. “The song starts, ‘I was 18 when I came rolling in. You opened up your doors and took me in just like a friend,’ which is about my start at JMU and when I first lived in Virginia,” she said. The song serves as her “love letter to the state.”

Woodhull described her musical style as rooted in Americana, though she brings elements from her past interest in hard rock. “I used to be a drummer and into hard rock, so I’d love to make country music with heavy drums and bass,” she said. A small sampling of her influences includes Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Turnpike Troubadours, and Ella Langley.

Although she has been surrounded by music for much of her life, Woodhull didn’t realize until she was 20 that she could make a career out of it. “I got a direct message on Instagram from a scout for a development firm in Nashville and it all got started from there,” she recalled.

The process of recording “Virginia I’m Home” took her to Nashville, where she worked with music producer Joshua David Cockerham in his home studio. “We had a Zoom call before meeting about what I wanted the song to sound like,” she shared. “I got to choose which instruments got to be in and I felt listened to.” Woodhull recorded two songs in the studio in 2023.

In August 2023, Woodhull quit her job in fine dining to pursue music full-time. “I was scared of burning myself out and falling out of love with music,” she admitted. “But from that day on, I have been doing everything I can for my career.”

Woodhull said her family has been an unwavering support system. “My parents have always had my back and I am so blessed to have them,” she said. “The biggest thing for them is that their children are happy, healthy, and loved.” Woodhull, who has a twin brother, has four brothers and one sister.

Looking ahead, Woodhull aims to continue growing her audience, with her song now played on several radio stations across the country. Stations in Michigan, Texas and Wisconsin have played ‘Virginia, I’m home.’

“I’d love to have my song played on a station in Virginia, especially in Fredericksburg like 93.3 WFLS or Thunder 104.5,” Woodhull said.

Woodhull will play at Fredericksburg’s Sky Bar on February 8. Her full show schedule is available online.

The Prince William Mounted Patrol Unit has become a fixture within the police department. Serving on horseback, they go where regular officers cannot. 

We spoke with Sergeant Jeramy Ramos, one of the officers on the Mounted Patrol Unit, to learn more about their role within the community. 

The Mounted Patrol Unit was established in 2006 as a part-time unit. Taking inspiration from a similar unit within Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, the mounted patrol unit, the Prince William Police Department partnered with the National Parks Service at the Manassas National Battlefield Park to load the horses. 

To join the Mounted Patrol Unit, an officer must be in good standing and no longer be on academy probation. The application is competitive since officers must have prior riding experience. If chosen, they attend a ten-week training school to learn how to perform their duties on horseback. The Prince William Police Department is working on creating its certification process to simplify the process. 

Since the unit is part-time, officers have full-time jobs elsewhere in the department. The unit has seven members, including detectives, officers, and administrative staff. Ramos was one of the earliest members of the unit, joining in 2010 and serving as the Community Engagement Officer.  

Mounted Patrol officers have similar duties to regular officers: patrolling communities, investigating suspicious activity, and engaging with local community members. One of the most significant benefits of the Mounted Patrol Unit is its visibility.

The horses draw much attention and increase neighborhood engagement with the officers; an aspect Ramos said he found surprising. The horses make it easier to navigate crowded or narrow streets and give the officer a wider field of view, enhancing their surveillance capabilities.  

The Prince William Police Department owns no horses. Instead, it uses four horses on loan from Manassas National Battlefield Park.

The horses are well trained; the Mounted Patrol Unit has dedicated training days each month. The training ensures that the horses’ skills remain fresh and desensitizes them to any possible triggers, such as noise or crowded spaces. 

Other than patrols, the Mounted Patrol Unit attends community events, visits schools, and participates in engagements such as the National Police Week Ceremonies in Washington, D.C.

Kings Dominion, the popular amusement park near Richmond, has announced that it will not be hosting its annual Winterfest event for 2025, despite earlier assurances to season pass holders. WinterFest, a festive holiday event that traditionally featured a dazzling light show, live performances, a petting zoo, and the opportunity to ride the park’s signature roller coasters, has been a seasonal favorite for years.

The cancellation, confirmed by WWBT-TV, comes after the event mysteriously did not appear on the park’s annual event schedule, which was released on Wednesday, January 29. Initially, Kings Dominion promised that admission to WinterFest would be included with the purchase of a 2025 season pass. The sudden absence of the event raised concerns among fans, prompting the park to address the matter publicly.

Kings Dominion will open for its regular season on March 29, 2025, and will kick off its 50th anniversary celebrations. The park will highlight milestone attractions, including the debut of Rapterra, a new roller coaster, and host events such as A Golden Summerbration, Halloween Haunt, Oktoberfest, and Tricks and Treats. These events are designed to provide thrilling and memorable experiences for all ages.

Following the announcement, angry customers flocked to Kings Dominion’s Facebook page to vent their frustrations over the cancellation. Many season pass holders expressed disappointment about the park not fulfilling its promise of WinterFest, with some demanding compensation.

Here are some of the comments from Facebook users:

• “When can we expect the partial refund on our season pass renewals and all-season add-ons since you canceled Winterfest after they were purchased?”
• “Canceling Winterfest is an extremely poor decision. Most season passholders expect Winterfest to be a part of what we paid for considering it has been in existence for a very long time. Attending Winterfest is a holiday tradition for many local families. My kids will be absolutely devastated. I hope those responsible for making decisions for Kings Dominion read all of these comments regarding Winterfest and reconsider as there is plenty of time to make adjustments to include Winterfest in the schedule.”

For more details, you can view the video where customers share their concerns: Watch here.

Kings Dominion offers season passes ranging from $95 to $260, depending on the desired benefits level.

Kings Dominion is now under new ownership following the merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair Entertainment Corporation, which had managed the park before the merger. The merger created the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, North America’s largest regional amusement resort operator, with 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resort properties across 17 U.S., Canada, and Mexico states.

Kings Dominion has assured season pass holders that they will be contacted regarding alternative benefits or compensation related to the cancellation of WinterFest.

The Fourth Wish Foundation will hold a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.

The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundation’s “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.

“We want to ensure these children can continue with this worthy program that has already made such a positive impact on their lives,” said Sue Khalatbari, Director of The Fourth Wish Foundation. The foundation is seeking donations to sustain and expand the initiative, helping more children gain confidence, physical fitness, and critical life skills.

Have an event you’d like to share with the community? Submitting events is simple! Just visit this link, provide the event details, and hit submit. Best of all, it’s completely FREE to submit your event!

Step into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with Riverside Theater’s electrifying production of “Heartbreak Hotel.” Featuring Elliott Litherland as “Old Elvis” and Luke Purcell as “Teen Elvis,” this high-energy show will have you singing, dancing, and cheering all night long.

In this episode, we sit down with the show’s stars to hear about their roles, what drew them to this production, and how they’re bringing Elvis Presley to life on stage. They share everything from personal connections to Elvis’s thrill of performing in this iconic musical!

Don’t miss out on this crowd-pleasing musical event, captivating audiences and warming hearts this winter.

Tickets & Info: riversidedt.com

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and be notified of new podcast uploads.

 

The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has reopened Goolrick Pool for the spring 2025 semester following a six-month, $1.5 million renovation. The upgraded facility, which first opened in 1969, now boasts modern features designed to enhance functionality and extend the life of the historic pool.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Prince William Times – “Ahead of what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 96th birthday, local middle and high school students delivered speeches Saturday that urged Americans to “fulfill the promise of democracy.”

Inspired by King’s writings, six students spoke about what the promise of democracy means to them during the 40th anniversary of the annual MLK Day event, which was held this year at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Triangle.

The event, hosted by the Prince William County alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, is an annual tradition that again drew a crowd in the hundreds.”

Read More

This winter, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is rockin’ with the sounds of Elvis Presley as the high-energy bio-musical Heartbreak Hotel takes the stage.

Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.

Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.

Actors Step Into the King’s Blue Suede Shoes

In a recent interview, Elliot Litherland, who portrays the older Elvis Presley, and Luke Purcell, playing teen Elvis, opened up about their unique experiences bringing the King of Rock and Roll to life on the Riverside Center stage.

“For me, playing Elvis is both an honor and a challenge,” said Litherland, who is no stranger to the role, having performed as Elvis in two previous productions. “Elvis’ music speaks for itself, but our goal is to show the human side of this icon. The show brings out both the joy and the tragedy of Elvis’ life, and we hope audiences leave with a deeper understanding of who he was.”

Luke Purcell, a 15-year-old high school student from Louisa County, shared how his lifelong admiration for Elvis brought him to the production. “Elvis has always been a big part of my life, but it wasn’t until I saw the 2022 biopic Elvis that I truly fell in love with his music and story,” said Purcell. “When I heard Riverside was putting on Heartbreak Hotel, I knew I had to audition. It’s been my dream to play Elvis, and doing so alongside such a talented cast is a dream come true.”

Litherland was quick to praise his younger counterpart, revealing how Purcell’s audition impressed the production team so much that they created a special role for him. “Luke is only 15, but his talent is incredible. He knocked everyone’s socks off during auditions. It’s amazing to see someone so young bring such depth and energy to this role,” said Litherland. “Honestly, when Luke leaves the stage, audiences can take or leave me. He’s the real star.”

The pair also discussed the challenges of portraying a figure as iconic as Elvis Presley. “It’s always nerve-wracking to step on stage as Elvis because everyone has their own vision of who he was,” said Purcell. “For me, it’s important to avoid being a caricature. Elvis was a real person with incredible talent and struggles, and I want to honor that.”

Litherland echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of balance in their performances. “What sets Heartbreak Hotel apart is its focus on storytelling. It’s not just a concert of Elvis’ hits—it’s a deep dive into his life, the highs and lows, and the humanity behind the legend,” he explained. “The show also touches on the struggles Elvis faced, from the pressures of fame to his relationships with those around him.”

Both actors credited the Riverside production team for creating a supportive and collaborative environment. “This cast feels like a family,” said Purcell. “Everyone, from the directors to the musicians, has been amazing to work with. It makes all the difference when you’re telling such a powerful story.”

The actors also reflected on the broader impact of Elvis’ music and legacy. “There’s a reason his music still resonates today,” said Litherland. “Even for those of us too young to have lived during his heyday, his influence is undeniable. It’s an honor to carry that torch, even if just for a little while.”

Performances and Ticket Information

Heartbreak Hotel runs at the Riverside Center through March 2, 2025, offering audiences a vibrant blend of live music, dance, and storytelling. The schedule includes matinees and evening performances to suit every schedule.

• Wednesday Matinees:
  Meal Service: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
  Show-Only Arrival: 12:45 PM
  Performance Start: 1:30 PM
• Thursday – Saturday Evenings:
  Meal Service: 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM
  Show-Only Arrival: 6:45 PM
  Performance Start: 7:30 PM
• Sunday Matinees:
  Meal Service: 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
  Show-Only Arrival: 2:15 PM
  Performance Start: 3:00 PM

Ticket Prices:

• Dinner & Show: Adults $82, Seniors $77, Children $70
• Show Only: Adults $65, Seniors $60, Children $55
• Military Discount: $77 (limit 4 tickets)
• RUSH Tickets: $35 (same-day purchase, limited availability)

It was a typical morning at the Hansen household in Spotsylvania County until a black SUV pulled up. Howie Guja from Publishers Clearing House jumped out with an oversized check and bottle of champagne destined for Shelly Hansen, the sweepstakes’ newest winner. 

“I saw on the Ring doorbell, a guy with a big check and flowers,” said Shelly’s daughter Vicky. They are now $10,000 richer.

Shelly entered the Publishers Clearing House a few times before and won small prizes but continued to enter their drawing. This time it paid off – hefty, $10,000. However, PCH has given away bigger prizes in the past and continues to have drawings in the millions. 

At the doorstep, there were many smiles and some tears as Guja explained how they drew her name, all while a cameraman hired by the sweepstakes filmed the excitement.

Since the temperature was nearly freezing, everyone migrated inside, as Guja explained further, and got some paperwork out of the way. Included with the check, champagne, and flowers were a few PCH tee shirts, which also brought on smiles. “I’m going to wear this to bowling tonight,” said Shelly.

The check couldn’t have come at a better time. Shelly’s husband, Joe, died on New Year’s Eve, and Vicky has a child due in April, so the money will be handy. Vicky had doubts about the contest.

The commercials on TV and the past promotions didn’t convince her, but now they have pictures, a full bank account, and an oversized check to show their friends. “I always thought it was a scam,” Vicky said.

“Good job, Mom,” Vicky added.

Publishers Clearing House was founded in 1953 as a magazine subscription agency but has now branched out as an “interactive media company,” a description on its website states. They were known as the company the late Ed McMahon was affiliated with, but that was American Family Publishers, which is no longer in business. They said company revenues fund PCH prizes, and no purchase is required to enter.

Guja lives in New York City, and he flew to Richmond with his cameraman, rented an SUV, and drove to the Fredericksburg area for the presentation. First, they stopped to pick up some flowers from Giant Food, where Christina Milstead, the florist, helped them with a bouquet. 

They weren’t roses, though. “We try to mix them up,” Guja said. Milstead had a brush with fame before working at the Giant floral section in Woodbridge. “Dan Akroyd came in the store,” she said. After the event, they jumped back in the SUV, went to Richmond Airport, and returned to New York. It’s all part of the job, he said.

At Thursday’s check presentation, the WFLS radio station van was also on-site with their morning show host, Grayson Williams, helping the Hansens celebrate the day. 

“Don’t give up,” Shelly advises people who have played in the past.