The George Washington Foundation:

Past, present, and future bumped into each other. It was a tense moment.

Gingerbread House Contest Theme is Holidays: Past, Present, and Future

Along those (time)lines, Ferry Farm’s 38th Annual Gingerbread House Contest Exhibitors met the theme challenge with entries that were out of this world, so to speak.

Three intrepid judges had the time of their lives as they took a few moments from busy schedules to choose first, second, and third place winners each, from among six categories. They did hard time, as the clock was ticking, but in the end, they came out ahead of their time with some deserving winners.

This year’s judges were B101.5’s Ted Schubel, three-time Olympic gold medalist Jeff Rouse, and Cessie Howell, a leader in the effort to save Ferry Farm from development. Entries had to be completely edible, on a firm base, and on-theme. With intriguing titles like “Christmas Planet Party,” “Peppermint Dragon Kingdom,” and “Nuclear Winter Wonderland” (Complete with its own radiation-detecting blacklight!), judges analyzed the angles of each entry, remarking on creativity, engineering, and ingenuity.

In the end times, 16 winners were selected – with more to come – as exhibit visitors can vote for “People’s Choice” while playing a compelling game of Gingerbread House iSpy. It will be nothing but a good time.

2024 Winners:

Age 2-5

1. Entry #14 Old Time Candy & Futuristic Christmas by Lauren
2. #3 Tiny Hands Make Big Plans by FXBG Preschool
3. #30 Christmas Trees Past, Present, & Future by Noah

Age 5-10

1. #24 Viking Christmas by Teague
2. #15Snow Bowl by Dana
3. #23 Dinosaur Christmas by Lilah

Age 11-14

1. #22 White House by Sophia
2. #4 Little House on the Prairie Christmas by Harper
3. #26 Peppermint Dragon Kingdom by Eva

Age 18+

1. #13 Nuclear Winter Wonderland by Sam
2. #20 Santa’s Garage by Nicholas
3. #2 Vintage Christmas Tree by Missy

Family

1. #16 Freddy Bear Fotos by the Ridout Family
2. #27 Celebrating Christmas Through Time by Kalvin & Drama
3. #17 Past, Present, Future by Lauren & Family

Special Needs

1. #6 Gingerbread Paradise by PEOPLE LLC

Exhibit runs through December 30, during museum hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sundays 12 -4 p.m. Visitors may purchase exhibit tickets on-site: $6 for adults, $3 for students (ages 6-17), children 5 & under free. The George Washington Foundation holiday events, including Historic Kenmore’s Wee Christmas Dollhouses and Miniatures Show, are sponsored by Burke & Herbert Bank.

Gingerbread House Exhibit Event Address:

Ferry Farm’s 38th Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit

268 George Washington Way (Formerly 268 Kings Highway)

Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Historic Kenmore’s 10th Annual Wee Christmas and Dollhouses Show

1201 Washington Ave.

Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Event Questions:

Contact Allison Ellis, [email protected], 540-370-0732 x11

Contact Lori Pikkaart for event photos, [email protected]

Press Release:

Stafford County Public Schools (Stafford Schools) is pleased to announce the 14th annual Band Together to Fight Hunger, organized by Stafford County’s five high school marching bands, raised $27,593 and collected 3,778 pounds of food this year, equating to 58,333 meals for the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. The culminating event featured individual performances by each marching band from Brooke Point, Colonial Forge, Mountain View, North Stafford, and Stafford High Schools. Nearly 400 student musicians performed in a combined finale, led by North Stafford High School Assistant Principal Brandon Neal, showcasing unity and talent while supporting local families in need.

Contributions at a Glance:

• Total Funds Raised: $27,593 (equivalent to 55,185 meals)
• Food Collected: 3,778 pounds (equivalent to 3,148 meals)
• Total Impact: 58,333 meals

Significant donations were made by businesses and community organizations, including Chick-fil-A, Manhattan Pizza, Outback Steakhouse, and the Student Organization for Change at the University of Mary Washington. Volunteers from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Boy Scout Troop #2220, Girl Scout Troop #15, and other groups played a critical role in the event’s success.

Community Support Drives Success
This year’s contributions reflect the ongoing community need, as many families continue to face food insecurity due to rising costs and economic challenges. The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank will distribute the donations to local pantries and feeding programs. Since its inception, Band Together to Fight Hunger has generated over 400,000 meals for local families.

For more information about Band Together to Fight Hunger or to support the effort, contact Debbie Pickeral at [email protected]. For more information about Stafford County Public Schools visit www.staffordschools.net.

OmniRide will introduce significant service changes starting Monday, December 9, affecting all Express, Metro Express, and Local routes.

As part of these updates, the organization will begin serving the newly opened Neabsco Commuter Garage in Woodbridge, replacing the OmniRide Transit Center for several routes. Additionally, two western Express routes will be extended: the Gainesville-Washington route will now originate in Front Royal, and the Gainesville-Pentagon-L’Enfant Plaza-Navy Yard route will start in Warrenton. However, the Gainesville-Dulles/Herndon/Reston route will be discontinued.

Revised schedules and maps are available at OmniRide.com. Contact OmniRide at 703-730-6664 or [email protected] for details.

OmniRide Service Change Takes Effect December 9

OmniRide’s next Service Change will take effect on Monday, December 9. All schedules for Express, Metro Express, and Local routes will change on that date. OmniRide will also begin serving the new Neabsco Commuter Garage located in Woodbridge across from Sentara Medical Center. Several routes that previously served the OmniRide Transit Center will move to the Neabsco Commuter Garage.

As part of this service change, OmniRide is extending two existing western Express routes to originate at new locations in Front Royal and Warrenton. The Gainesville-Washington (611) Express route will begin at the Crooked Run Park & Ride Lot in Front Royal and become the Front Royal/Gainesville-Washington Express route. The Gainesville-Pentagon-L’Enfant Plaza-Navy Yard (612) Express route will begin at the Warrenton Park & Ride Lot in Warrenton and become the Warrenton/Gainesville-Pentagon-L’Enfant Plaza-Navy Yard Express route. Route 618, Gainesville-Dulles/Herndon/Reston (618) will be discontinued.

This past summer, OmniRide completed a total overhaul of local routes in the eastern Prince William County area – one of the biggest service changes and expansions in the organization’s 38-year history. The restructured routes were designed to provide more efficient, streamlined, and direct service, while also expanding service to new destinations. OmniRide also introduced our OmniRide Access paratransit service for residents with disabilities in eastern Prince William. See details of the restructured eastern Local service here.

For December 9th, timetables for all routes have been adjusted. A detailed listing of all the service changes along with the new schedules and maps are available for viewing at OmniRide.com.

Contact OmniRide Customer Service at 703-730-6664 or [email protected] for more information.

From The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:

ASSAULT:
Quarles Road, 12/7, 2:44 a.m. Deputy P.J. Leon responded to an assault. The victim advised his intoxicated roommate struck him in an unprovoked attack. After making contact with both parties, the suspect was arrested for assault and battery. He would have a new roommate at Rappahannock Regional Jail where he was held pending his ability to participate in a bond hearing.

DUI:
2200 block of Richmond Highway, 12/7, 1:32 p.m. Deputy R. Tully responded to a drunk driver complaint. The caller advised a Mercedes was unable to stay in its own lane while traveling Northbound on Richmond Highway. Thanks to the caller’s quick and accurate updates, Deputy
Tully quickly located the suspect vehicle and he too observed the undesirable driving behaviors. Deputy Tully conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, who advised he just got a fresh cut from the barber. Despite looking dapper, Deputy Tully was more concerned with the signs of intoxication he observed. The driver, a convicted felon, was found to be in possession of a firearm and not wearing a seatbelt. He was charged with driving under the influence, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, the traffic lane violation, and to top it off, not wearing a seatbelt. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,500 secured bond.

FRAUD:
Ford T. Humphrey Public Safety Building, 1225 Courthouse Road, 12/6, 3:37 p.m. Deputy E.T. Osborn responded to the lobby for a fraud. The victim advised while conversing with someone online they mentioned a too good to be true subscription where people can earn money after a Bitcoin deposit. After the deposit, the victim’s account was frozen by “customer service,” who advised she would need to pay another deposit to have access to her account.

LARCENY:
Wawa, 105 Garrisonville Road, 12/7, 3:48 p.m. Deputy J.J. Holetzky responded to a larceny. The victim advised while making a quick stop at the business, he accidentally left a bag behind. The bag contained a large sum of cash. When the victim realized he did not have his bag and returned to retrieve his riches, the bag could not be located.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION:
Stafford Hospital, 101 Hospital Center Boulevard, 12/7, 10:29 p.m. Deputy C.R. Newman responded to a disturbance. Staff advised a male entered the hospital demanding to use the bathroom. Whence inside, the suspect began making a large commotion while arguing with
himself. Considering the signs of being under the influence of drugs, staff contacted the Sheriff’s Office. When deputies made contact with the suspect they knew very well from multiple priors,  they quickly observed he was “definitely on something.” He was taken into custody and during a search incident to arrest, in a predicted turn of events, suspected controlled substances were located. He was charged with possession of controlled substances, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct on hospital grounds. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Home 2 Suites, 3051 Richmond Highway, 12/7, 11:50 p.m. Deputy R.T. Phillippsen responded to
a disturbance. Staff advised a clearly intoxicated female was refusing to leave the lobby. As Deputy
Philippsen entered the atrium before the lobby, he was struck by the strong perfume of an alcoholic
beverage. The source of the fragrance not found at your local Macy’s was discovered to be the
suspect, who explained despite having “consumed beer” that she was “not drunk by any stretch of
the imagination.” She was placed into handcuffs shortly after which were not imaginary. She was
held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

From Dec. 8 to Dec. 10, multiple I-66 ramps will be closed overnight, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., for drainage work as part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project. Drivers should follow signed detours, and all work is weather and schedule dependent.

Press Release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:

The following ramps are scheduled to be closed multiple nights next week, Sunday, Dec. 8, through Tuesday, Dec. 10, generally from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., for drainage work as part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project. Drivers are advised to follow the signed detours.

I-66 Ramps:

• Ramp from Route 29 North (Gainesville) to I-66 West
• Ramp from Route 29 South (Centreville) to Route 28 North
• Ramp from I-66 West to Route 28 South
• Ramp from Braddock Road East and West to I-66 West
• Ramp from Route 286 (Fairfax County Parkway) North to I-66 East
• Ramp from I-66 East to Route 50 East and West
• Ramp from I-66 West to Route 50 West

All work is weather and schedule dependent and may be rescheduled if necessary.

Construction and lane closure updates are available?on the?project website?and on X?@VaDOTNOVA.

Starting Dec. 9, lane closures will occur on both southbound and northbound I-95 near Neabsco Creek for bridge-related geotechnical work, with closures scheduled intermittently until late winter. The closures are part of preparations for the I-95 bridge replacement project, which will begin in 2027, and drivers should expect delays and use alternate routes.

Press Release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:

Beginning Monday, Dec. 9, weather permitting, the southbound and northbound I-95 general purpose lanes near the bridges over Neabsco Creek (approximately mile marker 155.7) will have lane closures for bridge-related geotechnical work, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The bridges are located between Route 234 (Exit 152) and Dale Boulevard/Route 786 (Exit 156); more specifically, they’re located between Cardinal Drive and the Dale City Car-Only Safety Rest Areas.

The lane closures are scheduled to occur until late this winter. Drivers can expect the lane closures to occur intermittently within the following timeframes (please note that these are just the days and time windows in which the lane closures are allowed; the lane closures will not be occurring every single day during every single time window listed):

Southbound I-95 General Purpose Lanes

One Lane Closed

• Mondays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 12 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 12 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Thursdays: 12 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Fridays: 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. to noon
• Sundays: 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Two Lanes Closed

• Mondays: 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Thursdays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Fridays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.
• Sundays: 11 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Northbound I-95 General Purpose Lanes

One Lane Closed

• Mondays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Thursdays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Fridays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to noon
• Sundays: 11 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Right Lane Closed and Rest Area Exit Lane Partially Closed (drivers will still be able to access the rest area during these time windows)

• Mondays: 12 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 12 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 12 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Thursdays: 12 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Fridays: 12 a.m. to 3:30 a.m.
• Sundays: 11 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

At least one southbound general purpose lane and at least two northbound general purpose lanes will remain open at all times.

Drivers should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes.

The geotechnical work is part of preparations for the I-95 southbound over Neabsco Creek bridge replacement project. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2027.

Drivers are reminded to use caution when traveling in active work zones. Be alert to new traffic patterns and limit distractions.

You can get traffic, work zone and incident information online at 511.vdot.virginia.gov, via the free mobile 511Virginia app, or by calling 511 in Virginia anywhere anytime.

View this release online.

Follow VDOT Northern Virginia on Twitter: @vadotnova

Emergency repairs are underway on the northbound Route 1 lane at the Falmouth Bridge, with delays expected during peak times. Various construction and maintenance projects are ongoing throughout the Fredericksburg District, including road closures, lane restrictions, and bridge repairs across multiple counties, with some projects set to be completed in the coming years.

Press Release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:

City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County

Route 1 Northbound at Falmouth Bridge

The northbound Route 1 lane is closed on the bridge for an emergency repair project. Two southbound lanes and a single northbound lane remain open. The sidewalk along the Route 1 northbound right lane at the Falmouth Bridge is closed to pedestrians and bicyclists as of Dec. 3, 2024, while emergency repairs are under design. Northbound Route 1 delays at peak times are likely. A vehicle weight limit is posted for this bridge, at 16 tons for single-unit vehicles and 24 tons for tractor-trailers.

 

City of Fredericksburg

Intersection Improvement Projects

Construction to improve the intersections of Route 1 and Fall Hill Avenue and Route 1, Hanson Avenue and Princess Anne Street in the City of Fredericksburg will begin on Tuesday, Dec. 10. During the first week of construction, crews will install work zone signs. Read the news release here.

Fall Hill Avenue

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Alternating lane closures at the Carl D. Silver Parkway intersection with Fall Hill Avenue. Work on pedestrian crossing signal equipment.

 

King George County

Route 218

Sunday – Thursday, 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Flagging operation at the bridge over railroad tracks near Route 206 for repairs. Flaggers will alternate, one-way traffic through the work zone.

 

King and Queen County

Route 360 (Richmond/Tappahannock Highway)

Sunday – Thursday, 7 p.m.- 6 a.m. and Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Alternating lane closures for bridge repairs on Route 360 between King William County line and King and Queen County line.

 

King William County

Eltham Bridge

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Single eastbound and westbound lane closures on Route 33 over the Pamunkey River for bridge inspection.

Route 360 (Richmond/Tappahannock Highway)

Sunday – Thursday, 7 p.m.- 6 a.m. and Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Alternating lane closures for bridge repairs on Route 360 between Route 30 and Hanover County line.

 

Spotsylvania County

Route 1 Northbound and Southbound

Sunday – Friday, 7 p.m.-10 a.m. Alternating single and double lane closures between I-95 southbound off-ramp and Southpoint Parkway. Single lane closures starting at 7 p.m. and double lane closures starting at 9 p.m.

Monday – Friday, 7 p.m.- 10 a.m. on Single lane closures between the I-95 southbound off-ramp and Southpoint Parkway.

Route 1

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. All travel lanes will remain open, but the alignment of the Route 1 travel lanes has shifted slightly between Arcadia Road and Mudd Tavern Road for road improvement work connected with the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions development. Permit work. Construction will also be underway along the road shoulder.

Route 3

Monday – Thursday, 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Single lane closures between Spotswood Furnace Road and Corter Avenue for permit work.

Harrison Road

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Single lane closure between Kingswood Boulevard and Salem Church Road/Leavells Road with one-way, alternating traffic. Installation of water main under permit.

Millsgarden South Subdivision

Monday – Wednesday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mobile lane closures for road resurfacing on various routes in the Millsgarden South subdivision.

Shirleys Hill Road

Monday – Wednesday, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Pipe replacement near Ashcraft Way. Road will close with a daily detour. Crews will reopen the road at the end of each shift to allow accessibility overnight.

Southpoint Parkway

Sunday – Friday, 7:30 p.m.-5:30 a.m., and Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Single lane closures between Pacific Drive and Route 1.

Spotsylvania Parkway

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Single lane closures between Deep Creek Drive/New Berne Road and Holley Oak Drive/Yellow Brinch Drive for signal work.

Summers Landing Subdivision

Monday –Tuesday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mobile lane closures for road resurfacing on various routes in the Summers Landing subdivision.

 

Stafford County

Route 1 Northbound and Southbound

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Single lane closure between South Campus Boulevard and the Potomac Creek bridge. Fiber installation. Permit work.

Route 1 Northbound

Thursday – Friday, 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Single lane closure between Perchwood Drive and Eskimo Hill Road for soil sampling work under permit.

Route 1 Southbound

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Single lane closure between Layhill Road and Potomac Creek Drive. Utility installation. Permit work.

Route 3 (Kings Highway)

Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m.-6 a.m. Alternating lane closures on Route 3 at the bridge over CSX railroad tracks, which is between Cool Springs Road and Chatham Heights Road. Bridge repairs.

Route 17 Southbound

Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Single lane closure between Village Parkway and Hartwood Church Road for waterline and sewer line installation under permit.

Route 17 Northbound

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Right lane closure between Poplar Road and Hartwood Church Road. Fiber installation. Permit work.

Route 610 (Garrisonville Road)

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Single lane closure on Route 610 between Algrace Boulevard and Ripley Road. Construction for turn lane extension. Permit work.

Berea Church Road CLOSURE

Berea Church Road is closed from Berea Knolls Drive to Theresa Garden Place, and northbound access is closed from Route 17 to Berea Knolls Drive. Construction for a Stafford County project to improve Berea Church Road. View the project page.

 

Additional Projects in Fredericksburg District

City of Fredericksburg

Lafayette Boulevard at Twin Lakes/Kensington

Construction is underway on the $2.4 million bicycle and pedestrian connector project. Most of the construction will be on the shoulders and outside of the travel lanes. The project will be complete by Nov. 2025.

 

Caroline County

Route 638 (South River Road) Bridge Replacement

Construction is underway to replace the Route 638 (South River Road) bridge over South River. A portion of South River Road is closed with a detour in place. The project will be complete by Sept. 2025.

 

Gloucester County and Mathews County

Route 3/14 Westbound Bridge Rehabilitation

A major bridge rehabilitation project is underway on the Route 3/Route 14 westbound bridge over Burke Mill Stream, which is located at the Mathews and Gloucester line. Crews are improving the 76-year-old structure by replacing the bridge deck, beams, bridge railings, and guardrails. The westbound Route 3/14 travel lanes are closed at Windsor Road. Eastbound and westbound Route 3/14 traffic is crossing the eastbound bridge, with one lane open in each direction. Left turns from Windsor Road to Route 14 eastbound are prohibited. Project completion in Nov. 2025.

 

King and Queen County and King William County

Route 628 (Dorrell Road/Spring Cottage Road) Bridge Closure

Dorrell Road/Spring Cottage Road is closed at the bridge over the Mattaponi River, located at the King and Queen and King William county line. A detour route is posted. Construction is underway on a major bridge rehabilitation project. The road will remain closed until early June 2025. The bridge closed for motorist safety in March 2023 after a routine inspection found significant deterioration in key bridge elements.

 

King George County and Westmoreland County

Route 205 (Ridge Road) Bridge Repairs

Ridge Road is reduced to one lane beginning at the bridge over Rosier Creek for repairs. A temporary traffic signal directs one-way, alternating traffic on Route 205. This traffic pattern is in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Route 205 will be reduced to a single lane at Rosier Creek for approximately three months, through late Jan. 2025.

 

Spotsylvania County

I-95 Southbound Exit 126 Off-Ramp and Route 1 Southbound

A second right turn lane is under construction from the I-95 southbound off-ramp at exit 126 onto Route 1 southbound. Route 1 southbound is being widened from the off-ramp to Southpoint Parkway with an additional turn lane. A second right turn lane is being added from Route 1 southbound to Southpoint Parkway. Traffic islands will be installed along Southpoint Parkway as a safety improvement to allow left turns into driveways but restrict through and left-turning traffic exiting from side streets. Project completion in Aug. 2025.

Route 606 (Mudd Tavern Road) Widening

Mudd Tavern Road is being widened to four lanes between I-95 and Route 1. A new secondary access route, Route 2092, is under construction parallel to Mudd Tavern Road and will connect with South Roxbury Mill Road and Dan Bell Lane. Project completion in May 2025.

Route 620 (Harrison Road) Reconstruction and Widening

Harrison Road is being widened to four lanes between Gordon Road and Old Plank Road. The project will build a center turn lane along Harrison Road and additional through travel lanes at the Old Plank Road and Gordon Road intersections, and extend the current turn lanes at these intersections. Sidewalks will be built along Harrison Road, and pedestrian crossing signal equipment and crosswalks will be added at the Old Plank Road and Gordon Road intersections. Project completion late summer 2026.

 

Westmoreland County

Route 658 (Monroe Bay Circle)

Monroe Bay Circle is closed at the bridge over Monroe Creek, as construction begins to build a new bridge over Monroe Creek. Motorists are to follow the posted detour. Monroe Bay Circle will be closed until the new bridge opens in Sept. 2025.

 

Commuting and Ridesharing Information

GWRideConnect is a free ridesharing information and matching service for the Fredericksburg area, and is part of the George Washington Regional Commission.

Let GWRideConnect help you discover your commuting options, such as carpools, vanpools, and transit. Visit www.gwrideconnect.org or call (540) 373-7665.

On December 5, 2024, deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash on Patriot Highway, involving a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and a 2005 International flatbed truck. The driver of the Chevrolet was pronounced dead at the scene, and the incident is under investigation by the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Traffic Reconstruction Unit.

Press Release from Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office:

On December 5, 2024, at approximately 1:40 pm, deputies with the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Patriot Highway and Orchard Ridge Drive for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Traffic Reconstruction Unit responded to the crash scene. Preliminary investigation shows that a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado operated by William Aimino was traveling north on Patriot Highway, and crossed over the centerline of the roadway into opposing lanes of traffic, causing a head-on crash with a 2005 International flatbed truck. Mr. Aimino was pronounced deceased on the scene and was found to be wearing his seatbelt. Mr. Aimino’s next of kin has been notified. The case is still under investigation by the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Traffic Reconstruction Unit. Sheriff Roger Harris and the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office extend their condolences to Mr. Aimino’s family and friends for their loss.

Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and military spouses in their transition to meaningful civilian employment, is leaving a significant mark on communities like Woodbridge.

The organization provides free, comprehensive assistance beyond securing a job through tailored programs and services, offering veterans and military spouses the tools and guidance needed to thrive in their new careers.

Since its inception, Hire Heroes USA has celebrated over 100,000 job placements and confirmed hires—a testament to its transformative impact. “Each hire is more than a statistic—it represents a life change, a family stabilized, and a community strengthened. This is the heart of our mission,” said Ross Dickman, the organization’s CEO.

In-demand industries such as IT and healthcare dominate Hire Heroes USA’s placements and confirmed hires nationwide. From January 2023 to November 2024, these fields accounted for over 15% of all hires, with healthcare emerging as the top industry for military spouses, representing nearly 17% of spouse hires.

In the Woodbridge area, the landscape is slightly different. Defense contracting and government roles are the most common industries for veterans, followed by IT. Banking, finance, and insurance are also prominent, particularly for military spouses. The organization’s $942 million economic impact is measured by multiplying the number of confirmed hires by the average salary, which for Hire Heroes USA clients stands at an impressive $69,263—well above the national average.

The average Woodbridge client is 41 years old with 16 years of military service. Among them is Ashley Bethea, who found her footing in a new career with Hire Heroes USA’s help.

Bethea, a military spouse and a U.S. Air Force veteran, shared, “Thanks to Hire Heroes USA, I not only got help with my resume but also guidance on how to approach interviews confidently. Today, I’m thriving in a job that supports my career aspirations while allowing flexibility for my family. ”

“After transitioning out of the military, I struggled to find a job that matched my skills,” said  James Thompson, a Marine Corps veteran who also benefited from the program. “Hire Heroes USA not only guided me but connected me with a career that has given me purpose and stability .”

Bethea’s new role as an AF Strategic Transportation Support Manager allows her to leverage over two decades of logistics expertise from her Air Force service. “By providing a platform to further develop my skills in logistics within a dynamic industry, I’m able to directly contribute to National Security,” she explained.

Hire Heroes USA holds virtual career fairs, resume workshops, and mentorship programs.