Good morning, Fredericksburg.

At its spring conference in early April, the Virginia Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators honored three University of Mary Washington College of Education members—Grace Sylvia, Sarah Batchelor, and Christy Irish—for excellence in teaching; Sylvia was named Outstanding Student in a Virginia Advance Preparation Program, Batchelor received the Outstanding Student in a Virginia Licensure Program award, and Irish won the Faculty Impact Award. This recognition celebrated their impact on teacher education and the meaningful preparation they received at Mary Washington.

The University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors met on April 10 and 11 to review federal law compliance, discuss executive orders, and note that Mary Wash Day raised over $1.2 million from 548 first-time donors.

A board member and the MWHC CEO proposed bringing a medical school to Fredericksburg — to help reduce residents traveling for health care — and the board authorized a 2.5% tuition and 4% fee increase for 2025-26 to cover rising costs.

Updated details on work zones and lane closures are available on 511Virginia for road work on major routes such as Interstate 95 and Route 1 in the Fredericksburg area plus in Spotsylvania, Caroline, Stafford and Westmoreland counties.

Construction projects include ramp widening, roadway reconstruction and paving work that will continue through various periods, with detours and flagger-directed traffic in place.

Rep. Eugene Vindman opened his new district office at 1701 Fall Hill Avenue in Fredericksburg Tuesday with hundreds of constituents and local officials and pledged to fight extreme policies affecting local veterans and families (one veteran had to seek care in Richmond and one mother depended on Medicaid to meet her family's needs). He said his team of 17 has closed 377 constituent cases and returned $630,000 to the district, with Mayor Kerry Devine and city councilors attending.

At an April 21 meeting, the Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee—voting 9-4 in favor—endorsed a revised route for the long-proposed Rappahannock River bridge that avoids sensitive environmental areas by using the existing Celebrate Virginia Parkway in Stafford County.

A regional vote on the proposal will be held on June 16.

Virginia health officials confirmed the first measles case of 2025 today in a child who traveled internationally and may have exposed others at medical centers in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg—residents are urged to verify their vaccination status and get the MMR vaccine if needed.

At least seven localities in the region, including Fredericksburg, reported cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in wild birds since the start of the year.

City officials urge residents to avoid handling sick or dead birds and advise poultry owners to use strict biosecurity measures (CDC guidance) to help prevent further spread (DWR alert).

Open House at 4506 Caven Ct S

4-6 p.m. — 4506 Caven Ct S — $454,900 — Explore this spacious 4-bedroom home in a peaceful cul-de-sac with a cozy fireplace and fully fenced backyard.

Open House at River Creek

4-6 p.m. — 438 Brenthem Farm Drive — $949,000 — Explore a stunning home with breathtaking views and luxurious amenities in a sought-after community.

Puerto Rican Plena Workshop

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Fredericksburg Area Museum — $20, $10 (ages 6-12), Free (age 5 and below) — A hands-on experience to explore the vibrant rhythms and cultural significance of Puerto Rican Plena music.

Soul Line Dancing with Regina

7-10 p.m. — Jay's Downtown Sports Lounge — Free entry — Experience the fun of soul line dancing every 2nd and 4th Thursday in Fredericksburg.

Tea Time at Kenmore

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Kenmore — $20 per person — Explore the art of tea while enjoying light refreshments and beautiful gardens.

Sensory-Friendly Morning at Ferry Farm

10 AM - 12 PM — George Washington's Ferry Farm — Preregistration required — Experience a sensory-friendly visit exploring history with guided tours and interactive activities catered to special needs.

Golf FORE Charity Tournament

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Lee's Hill Golf Club — Supports local charity — Swing your clubs while making a difference in the community.

Historic Kenmore Tour

1:30-2:30 p.m. — Kenmore — Admission required — Explore the beautiful gardens and the Visitor Center gallery on a guided tour of Historic Kenmore.

Soul Line Dancing with Regina

7-10 p.m. — Jay's Downtown Sports Lounge — Registration required — Enjoy an evening of rhythmic fun and connection through Soul Line Dancing.