FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Four standout businesses were honored with the 2025 We Mean Business Awards at the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s July 25 Member Meeting, recognizing their efforts to innovate, lead, and support the local community.

The Healing Station received the Emerging Business Award for its work expanding access to mental health services, including over 1,300 affordable counseling sessions and a growing youth residential treatment initiative. SimVentions earned the Workplace Culture Leader Award for its strong employee ownership model and commitment to career growth.

Bloomia was named winner of the Sustainability in Business Award for its eco-friendly tulip production and low-impact packaging and shipping methods. Link Bank received the Community Champion Award for donating over $1.2 million to local causes and supporting nonprofits through its LINK Foundation.

Here’s the full press release:

Celebrating the 2025 We Mean Business Award Winners

At the July 25th Member Meeting, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly recognized four remarkable businesses with the 2025 We Mean Business Awards, highlighting the importance of local businesses in our region. These awards celebrate companies that lead with purpose, innovation, and a commitment to uplifting our community. This year’s recipients are setting the standard for what it means to make a lasting impact through business.

Emerging Business Award: The Healing Station
The Emerging Business Award is given to a business that’s growing with purpose, fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit, a bold vision, and a deep commitment to its community through innovation, strong leadership, and unwavering heart.

The Healing Station was founded with a mission to make mental health care more accessible. Since opening, it has provided over 1,300 affordable counseling sessions. Their Clinical Training Program is gaining national attention, preparing future leaders in behavioral health. They’ve built partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and more. Their impact is just beginning—the team is now working to open a Youth Residential Treatment Center to support adolescents in crisis. The Healing Station is more than a business—it’s a force for equity and healing.

Workplace Culture Leader Award: SimVentions
The Workplace Culture Leader Award recognizes an organization that goes far beyond the basics of employee satisfaction. This honor is reserved for a company that has intentionally cultivated a workplace rooted in respect, opportunity, and growth.

SimVentions is a company where enthusiasm, integrity, and innovation aren’t just values—they’re part of everyday life. Career development is woven into the culture, from structured mentorship programs to individualized learning and leadership tracks. Employees benefit from regular touchpoints like Manager Connects and career planning, ensuring everyone has a clear path forward. As a 100% employee-owned business, success is shared across the team. Their culture extends beyond the workplace, with community service at the heart of their mission.

Sustainability in Business Award: Bloomia
The Sustainability in Business Award honors a company that isn’t just thinking about today—but actively working to protect our tomorrow.

Bloomia is transforming the floral industry with sustainable practices that are as innovative as they are impactful. By growing tulips hydroponically, they significantly reduce chemical use and environmental disruption. Water recycling systems, post-consumer recycled packaging, and carbon-conscious shipping methods reflect their full-circle sustainability approach. Bloomia shows that environmental stewardship and business growth can go hand in hand.

Community Champion Award: Link Bank
The Community Champion Award honors a business or organization that goes above and beyond in service to others.

Link Bank is proving that doing good and doing business go together. Their Double Your Impact program matches donations for new account holders, and their LINK Foundation has granted more than $60,000 this year to local nonprofits. Over the past five years, they’ve contributed $1.2 million to regional causes. Link Bank also supports homeownership through dedicated lending programs and offers employees paid volunteer time. Their commitment to community is not just a value—it’s a core part of their business model.

Congratulations to these inspiring businesses. They’re not just growing—they’re leading, giving back, and helping build a stronger Fredericksburg region.

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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – With this summer’s powerful thunderstorms in our region, and a deadly flood in Texas that captivated the nation, local rivers are getting some attention, including the Rappahannock River and the City of Fredericksburg.

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Fredericksburg City Public Schools’ new travel policy for Board members grew out of budget-busting traveling expenses and concerns about transparency. Read more.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Drivers in the Fredericksburg region should prepare for overnight lane closures this week as road crews carry out maintenance and construction along major corridors in Stafford and Spotsylvania counties and the City of Fredericksburg.

On I-95, paving and bridge inspections will cause single or alternating lane closures overnight between Exit 118 (Thornburg) and Exit 148 (Quantico). Route 1 and Route 3 in both counties will see daytime and nighttime closures for pavement marking, utility work, and intersection improvements. Fredericksburg’s Route 1 at Fall Hill Avenue and Princess Anne Street will continue to experience intermittent lane closures as part of long-term construction projects.

Stafford County drivers will encounter work zones on Route 3 (Kings Highway), Route 17, and Route 218 (Butler Road), where utility work and pavement markings are planned. Several neighborhood roads will also see one-way, alternating traffic for maintenance.

Long-term projects like the I-95 Exit 126 area improvements and Harrison Road widening continue in Spotsylvania, with completion dates extending through 2027.

Portion of the press release:

City of Fredericksburg

• Route 1 Southbound: Sunday – Friday, 9 p.m.-5 a.m. – Right lane closure between Wellford Street and Fall Hill Avenue.
• Fall Hill Avenue: Monday – Wednesday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Right turn lane closure at Route 1 intersection.
• Wellford Street: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Alternating lane closures near Route 1 intersection.
• Route 1 at Fall Hill Avenue and Princess Anne Street/Hanson Avenue: Intersection improvement projects underway; construction to continue through June 2026.

Spotsylvania County

• I-95 between Exit 126 and Exit 118: Overnight bridge inspections and paving.
• Route 1: Alternating lane closures for pavement marking, fiber, and gas line installation.
• Route 3 (Plank Road): Paving and signal work at several intersections.
• Neighborhood roads including Smith Station Road, Southpoint Parkway, and subdivisions like Pipe Run and Three Cedars: One-way, alternating traffic for various maintenance.
• Route 606 (Mudd Tavern Road): Overnight detour in place July 27–29.
• Major projects: I-95 Exit 126 improvements, Mudd Tavern Road widening, and Harrison Road reconstruction.

Stafford County

• Route 3 (Kings Highway): Lane closures between Cool Springs Road and Blue and Gray Parkway for fiber installation.
• Route 17 Southbound: Intermittent right lane closures for water and sewer work.
• Route 218 (Butler Road): Overnight lane closures for fiber installation.
• Hollywood Farm Road and Stableside Lane: One-way traffic for pavement markings.

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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Food lovers, mark your calendars. Fredericksburg’s Summer Restaurant Week returns Friday, July 25, and runs through Sunday, August 3, bringing deals and special menus to more than 35 local eateries.

Newcomers to this year’s lineup include Galvin’s Delicatessen, River’s End, FIVE Chophouse, and Tales & Tales Book Cafe—joining longtime favorites to offer everything from casual bites to upscale dining. The event is designed to highlight the city’s growing food scene while giving locals and visitors a chance to try something new at special prices.

Josh Summits, the city’s Director of Economic Development and Tourism, says the event is about more than just good food—it’s also a celebration of community and culinary creativity.

Menus and reservation info are available at FxbgRW.com.

Here’s the full press release:

Fredericksburg, VA – July 24, 2025 – The culinary scene in Fredericksburg is gearing up for an exceptional experience as the city prepares to host the highly anticipated Summer Restaurant Week from Friday, July 25 – Sunday, August 3, 2025. This bi-annual event celebrates the local flavors and cuisines offered by our restaurants, inviting residents and visitors alike to savor unique dining experiences across the city.

This year, Fredericksburg Summer Restaurant Week features an exciting lineup of over thirty-five participating restaurants, including newcomers Galvin’s Delicatessen, River’s End, FIVE Chophouse, and Tales & Tales Book Cafe. These additions promise to enrich the gastronomic journey, offering a range of culinary delights from casual dining to upscale experiences.

Josh Summits, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, highlighted the significance of Restaurant Week in showcasing Fredericksburg’s evolving food scene. “Fredericksburg Summer Restaurant Week is not only a celebration of our local chefs and restaurants but also an opportunity for our community to come together and explore the diverse flavors that define our city,” said Summits. “We’re excited to welcome new participants this year and invite everyone to indulge in the culinary creativity that makes Fredericksburg a premier dining destination.”

During Restaurant Week, participating establishments will offer menus designed to showcase their signature dishes and seasonal specialties at special prices. This allows diners to sample and explore new flavors without breaking the bank.

For more information on participating restaurants, menus, and reservations, visit FxbgRW.com

About Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism:
Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism promotes the city as a vibrant destination for visitors and businesses alike. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, they support local economic growth while highlighting Fredericksburg’s rich history, cultural attractions, and culinary offerings.

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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Fredericksburg will be in the spotlight Friday morning as FOX 5 DC’s Zip Trip morning show rolls into town for a live broadcast from Riverfront Park.

The show airs from 7 to 11 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, and promises a festive, street-fair-style atmosphere. Residents, visitors, and fans of the FOX 5 news team are invited to gather along the Rappahannock River to meet the anchors, celebrate Fredericksburg’s community pride, and enjoy family-friendly fun.

The event will feature live interviews, segments with local businesses, and a Kids Zone filled with games and activities. Business owners will be on hand to promote their products and services, creating a bustling scene that showcases the city’s entrepreneurial spirit.

“Grab your crew, rep your city, and let’s show everyone what makes FXBG shine!” city officials said in a social media post promoting the event. The morning promises excitement for all ages and a chance to be seen on live television.

Parking Restrictions in Effect
To accommodate setup and broadcast needs, city officials have announced temporary parking restrictions around Riverfront Park:

• Sophia Street (in front of Riverfront Park):
  No Parking from Thursday, July 24, at 6 p.m. through Friday, July 25, at noon.
• Beside and behind Shiloh Baptist Church (near the park):
  No Parking from Thursday, July 24, at 6 p.m. through Friday, July 25, at noon.
• Riverfront Park Parking Lot (right of the park):
  No Parking from Wednesday, July 23, at 6 p.m. through Friday, July 25, at noon.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and explore downtown Fredericksburg before and after the broadcast.

This week’s Zip Trip follows a July 11 stop in Occoquan, where FOX 5 celebrated the town with interviews, a live wedding, and scenes from the waterfront’s historic streets. After Fredericksburg, the next Zip Trip heads to Stafford County on Friday, August 15, broadcasting live from Embrey Mill Town Center.

Fredericksburg officials say the live TV event is a unique opportunity to show off the city’s history, small businesses, and community energy to viewers across the D.C. area.

Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center marked two major milestones with a ribbon-cutting celebration hosted by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The practice is celebrating 10 years of serving patients across Virginia and five years at its Fredericksburg-area office, located on Lafayette Boulevard in Spotsylvania County. Founder Dr. Danielle VonDerLinden shared that her team has helped more than 16,000 patients over the past decade — totaling nearly 60,000 visits. “We think of our mission — exceeding our patients’ expectations when they choose us to be part of their health care team,” she said during the ceremony.

In a Facebook video, Chamber President and CEO Susan Spears praised the clinic for opening its Fredericksburg office in 2020 — during the height of the pandemic — and continuing to grow. “They are doing fantastic work helping our community with all needs, foot and ankle,” she said.

Virginia Delegate Bobby Orrock also attended the celebration, calling the practice a vital part of the area’s health care network.

Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center has offices in both Fredericksburg and Lorton, serving patients across Northern and Central Virginia. The practice specializes in podiatric care, sports injuries, and mobile wound care for patients of all ages.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – State and local officials plan to widen a key stretch of Route 2/17 in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County, a move aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving safety, and enhancing travel options for pedestrians, cyclists, and bus riders.

The proposed $70.6 million project would expand Dixon Street (Route 2) and Tidewater Trail (Route 17) from two to four lanes between Dixon Park and Imboden Street, just south of Shannon Airport. Funded through Virginia’s SMART SCALE program and local contributions, the project combines two separate applications from Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania into one construction contract.

What’s included in the project?

According to Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) spokeswoman Kelly Hannon, the improvements will:

• Add a travel lane in each direction to reduce delays for more than 28,000 drivers who use Dixon Street and 24,000 who travel Tidewater Trail daily.
• Lengthen several turn lanes at the busy Dixon Street and Lansdowne Road intersection to increase vehicle storage and prevent backups into through lanes.
• Add a 10-foot-wide shared-use path along the eastern side of Route 2/17, helping close a critical gap in the East Coast Greenway trail network.
• Build a new crosswalk and pedestrian signals at Shannon Park Drive and Mansfield Street.
• Install a bus shelter at an existing Fredericksburg Regional Transit stop at Dixon Park.

Why now?

“Stop-and-go congestion is a contributing factor to a pattern of rear-end crashes,” said Hannon. “Widening Tidewater Trail to increase vehicle capacity will improve traffic flow and reduce stop-and-go congestion.”

Local leaders, including those at the George Washington Regional Commission, say the project aligns with long-term goals outlined in the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s 2045 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The planned improvements are also expected to support future feeder bus service between Spotsylvania’s Bowman Center and downtown Fredericksburg’s train station.

Construction still years away

While the public is invited to weigh in at a design public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Elks Lodge on Tidewater Trail, actual construction won’t begin anytime soon.

Hannon said VDOT expects to advertise the project for construction bids in 2029. Once work begins, crews will need 24 to 30 months to complete the widening. The road will remain open throughout the construction period, with most lane closures scheduled during off-peak travel times.

Access to driveways will be maintained, and VDOT does not expect any long-term detours. However, residents should be prepared for temporary traffic disruptions once construction starts.

Property impacts still under review

Some business and residential relocations are likely. Hannon said a final count won’t be known until the project moves into the right-of-way phase after design plans are finalized.

Comments on the project will be accepted at the public hearing and online through Saturday, August 2. Residents may email feedback to [email protected], referencing “Route 2/17 Widening” in the subject line.

The public hearing will be held in an open house format from 5 to 7 p.m. at Elks Lodge #875, 11309 Tidewater Trail. In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will take place the following Wednesday, July 30, at the same time and location.

I had never seen Next to Normal before this production at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts—and I’ll never forget it.

I went in cautiously. I love musicals, but I knew the subject matter—mental illness, trauma, and grief—would be heavy. Still, after interviewing the whole cast on our podcast (the most guests I’ve ever had at once!), I had a feeling this show would be something special.

Before the performance began, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board spoke to the audience during dinner service—an unusual but fitting gesture. Their message on mental health services set the stage for the powerful experience ahead.

Next to Normal, an emotional powerhouse musical with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, explores a family’s struggle with the effects, impact, and treatment of mental illness with raw honesty and depth. On the surface, they seem like a typical American family: Dad’s an architect, Mom handles the morning chaos, and their two teens are bright and full of sass. But underneath, their world is anything but typical.

Adrianne Hick leads as Diana, a mother battling bipolar disorder and long-standing grief. Her real-life husband, Andrew Foote, plays Dan, who tries to keep the family together as things slowly unravel. Their daughter, Natalie, played by Madison Cox, fights to be noticed and understood, all while navigating a new relationship. Mason Blaine’s portrayal of their son, Gabe, is central and chilling, especially as a plot twist unfolds that’s more common in horror than in musical theatre. Adian Chapman provides much-needed comic relief as Dr. Madden, Diana’s therapist.

The show also powerfully showcases how a parent’s mental health can deeply affect their children, particularly teenagers trying to find stability and identity in the chaos.

Next to Normal is unlike anything I’ve seen at Riverside. It’s gripping, heartbreaking, and—yes—haunting. It sparked conversations that lasted for days and stayed with me long after the curtain fell.

This show is a bold choice for a nonprofit theatre, and Riverside’s decision to stage it shows a clear commitment to community connection. By portraying therapy, medication, and the pursuit of stability with honesty and heart, the show invites us all to reflect, discuss, and empathize. It’s PG-13 for themes including self-harm, substance abuse, and sexual references.

Hick and Foote are no strangers to Riverside’s stage—Adrianne has wowed audiences as Alice Murphy in Bright Star, Mother in Ragtime, and Francesca in The Bridges of Madison County. Andrew made his debut just last year as Robert Kincaid in Bridges. Together, they bring a powerful real-life chemistry to this performance that elevates the emotional weight of the story.

Next to Normal runs through August 2, 2025, and it is an absolute must-see. Bring tissues—and someone to talk to afterward. You’ll need both.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Although thunder and dark clouds filled the air on Bastille Day in Fredericksburg, it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm inside Galvin’s Deli, the place to be when the venue changed for this sister city event on Williams Street. 

Fredericksburg’s sister city is Fréjus, France, and the Bastille Day celebration on July 14 was all about this international bond.

“I’ve been there plenty of times,” Mathalie Bullock, a French resident of Fredericksburg, who loves celebrating the sister city recognition. Part of the celebration is a giant omelet that wasn’t on the menu this year, but Bullock remembers seeing it in the past. “Everyone breaks eggs. They did it once here, it was really cool,” she said.

The band was jamming, the wine was flowing, and the tri-color French flag was flying as the crowd filed into the second floor at Galvin’s once word spread that it was relocating from the outside venue in the park due to the approaching storms. Mayor Kerry Devine waited until The Untouchables band finished a rendition of Sonny and Cher’s “I got you babe,” before grabbing the microphone. 

“We have a deep connection to France,” Devine said. “Viva le France” was the toast before the band kicked in again. At one point, everyone was singing the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” before belting out “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Deli owners Emma and Paul Stoddard were presented with Sister City coffee mugs for their last-minute efforts.

All this French influence at the Bastille Day celebration does have an official meaning, as Fredericksburg is celebrating its association with Fréjus, France, its “sister city.”

Frejus is a French city located on the Mediterranean Sea, not far from Cannes, a renowned French town famous for hosting the International Film Festival. The city features the ruins of a Roman amphitheater and an aqueduct from the time when this was used as their primary method of plumbing.

This was all overseen by the Fredericksburg Sister City Association, which is “dedicated to cultivating a special friendship and cultural exchange between the citizens of Fréjus, France, and those of the Fredericksburg area,” their description read. The pair was matched up as sister cities because they have similar socio-economic traits and population levels. This relationship dates back to 1980, when Fredericksburg and Frejus traded foreign exchange students, and they’ve done it several times since then, including in 2016, when a group came to Fredericksburg. 

The ‘Giant Omelet’ was originally cooked to feed hungry troops, but it has fallen victim to the COVID-19 era and has not been in Fredericksburg since 2020. Cooks are planning to cook one up in Frejus this year, when several people from Fredericksburg visit on September 14 for the 45th anniversary of the Fredericksburg-Frejus Sister City relationship.

A band called The Unsuitables provided the soundtrack to the Bastille event, and this was the first time they played in Fredericksburg. Their song list covered popular tunes spanning 40 years from the 1950s to the 1970s. With male and female singers, they were able to play cover tunes of many genres. Their regular circuit includes Culpeper, Warrenton, and Charlottesville, but someone mentioned a Bastille celebration, and they got a spot on stage.