“Kick off the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike,” City of Fredericksburg announced. “Motts Run Reservoir will be open special for the occasion on Thursday, January 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.”
“Create your own hike or join one of the three guided hikes throughout the day,” the city added, highlighting the Sensory Stroll at 10 a.m., Storybook Trail at 11:30 a.m., and Hidden Creek Hike at 12:30 p.m.
“Today we celebrate his dedication, service, and continued commitment to our community,” the town added. “Congratulations, Jason — thank you for all that you do!”
Forman was recognized during the town’s Holiday Dinner, where Mayor Earnie Porta presented the honor following the results of the Prince William Times’ Reader’s Choice awards.
Welcome back to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet Prince William.”
We’ve started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county. Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
“New this year, DCR will be hosting a few guided hikes at natural area preserves, which are managed by the Virginia Natural Heritage Program,” DCR stated. “Visit the special event website for more information on how to reserve your spot for this unique way to kick off the new year.”
Virginia State Parks will offer a wide range of First Day Hike activities on January 1, including midnight hikes at Pocahontas and Lake Anna, sunrise hikes at parks such as Widewater and Sky Meadows, wildlife and history-themed hikes, and special dog-friendly programs at select locations. Visitors will receive a commemorative sticker while supplies last, and most parks will host multiple guided hikes and programs throughout the day. A full list of hikes and details is available on the DCR website.
The annual Jingle Mingle hosted by WFLS Radio brought the Fredericksburg community together for a festive night that raised more than $6,000 to help local rescue dogs. Held December 12 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center, the event featured a silent auction with big-ticket items like autographed Taylor Swift albums, Richmond getaways, and a recliner from Powell’s Furniture.
WFLS Market Manager Debbie Patten and Promotions Director Sean Quinn, both dog lovers, spearheaded the fundraiser to support Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS). Patten adopted her own dog from ODHS, while Quinn has regularly welcomed rescue dogs and volunteers on air to help connect them with new families.
A Gen Z–focused marketing campaign created by Prince William Public Libraries has earned national recognition from the Urban Libraries Council, which named the system a Top Innovator for 2025 in the Advocacy and Awareness category.
The award recognizes the campaign, titled “Finding a Way to Slay Among Gen Z,” which originated at Bull Run Library and featured branch manager Gregg Grunow delivering a script written by a teen volunteer using Gen Z slang to promote library services.
“Recycling holiday greens is just another way we help area residents and the environment,” Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative said.
Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) is inviting residents to recycle their post-holiday Christmas trees and greenery at its Gainesville Technical Center, 5399 Wellington Branch Road, near Interstate 66 and U.S. 29. Drop-offs are accepted from Friday, Dec. 26, through Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, and do not need to occur during business hours. Trees and greens should be left in the parking lot area marked by orange safety cones, with all decorations, hooks, wires, and lights removed. NOVEC’s vegetation management team will process the materials into mulch to help reduce holiday landfill waste.
The ribbon cutting for the Riverfront Park Ice Rink will now take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following a recent postponement.
The Riverfront Park Ice Rink is part of Fredericksburg Main Street’s holiday programming in Downtown Fredericksburg. The seasonal attraction features an eco-friendly synthetic skating surface designed for skaters of all ages, with skate rentals included in ticket prices.
“The ARTfactory is proud to present the 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition, an inspiring showcase of emerging creative talent from across the region,” ARTfactory announced. “This free event invites the community to enjoy the artwork, meet the student artists, and celebrate the top winners in each category.”
“The 2025–26 exhibit features student artwork across five categories: Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Poetry, Wearable Art, and Photography,” according to ARTfactory stated. “Wearable Art designs will be unveiled and judged live during the ceremony.”
Bonaventure Development closed out 2025 with a community‑centered push, collecting more than 100 toys in its Toys for Tots drive to support families in the Coles District of Prince William County. The effort aimed to bring holiday joy to local children, with contributions from Bonaventure team members and partners.
President Chris Cobb said the company’s commitment goes beyond building apartments, emphasizing volunteer work, charitable efforts and neighborhood partnerships as part of its mission. The toy drive was one of several initiatives Bonaventure led in recent months to strengthen community ties in and around Woodbridge.
