Highlights of major activities and other notable developments:
City Shows Well as Historic Half Returns and New Five-Mile Race Opens
More than 7,000 runners took to the streets of Fredericksburg Sunday, May 15 for the 9th Annual Historic Half Marathon and new Semper 5ive races starting at the Fredericksburg Expo Center and winding through city neighborhoods and business areas. Runners were entertained, cheered and encouraged and even the weather cooperated with cool temperatures and clear skies. The event was supported by many city departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities and Economic Development and Tourism.
Marine Corp Honors Karen Hedelt With Oscar Mike Award
The organizers of the Marine Corps Historic Half on May 14 presented Karen Hedelt, Director of Economic Development and Tourism with the “Oscar Mike” award for her support of the race over the past nine years. Hedelt, who is Fredericksburg’s director of economic development and tourism, has worked closely with race organizers since the inception of the race, to promote the event and help ensure that participants have a positive experience during their stay in town.
Fredericksburg Department of Social Services Recognizes Adult Abuse Prevention Month
In recognition of Adult Abuse Prevention Month in Virginia the Fredericksburg Department of Social Services’ protective services unit has collaborated with several community partners to increase awareness, to educate, and to raise funds in an effort to prevent adult abuse. There are many forms of adult abuse, including physical and mental abuse, neglect and self-neglect and financial exploitation. Abuse of older adults and individuals with a disability occurs in families and communities of all social, economic and racial backgrounds. For the fiscal year ending 2015, the Department responded to 64 reports. Activities include:
• An Elder Abuse prevention bulletin board has been created in the DSS lobby with special thanks to Volunteer, Ruth Niedomanski. The bulletin board contains information and resources for the elderly, disabled, and their caregivers.
• May 13 – Adult Service worker, Kelly Young, is partnering with the City of Fredericksburg Police Department for a Senior Home Safety Awareness Event at Madonna House.
• May 13 – “Flip Flop Friday”. For a $5 donation, DSS staff will be able to wear flip flops for the day. All proceeds will be donated to the Senior Visitors Program.
City Receives Funding for Construction of Bridge to Extend Virginia Central Railway Trail
The Virginia Department of Transportation has announced the first round of transportation project funding under recently adopted General Assembly legislation (known as “House Bill 2” or “HB2”) and the City has been notified that its application for $160,000 in HB2 funding to construct a bridge to Area 4 of the VCR Trail has been approved. The construction of this bridge will permit the extension of the VCR Trail from its current western end, near Idlewild, across Hazel Run, connecting with a currently unimproved section of the trail that extends to the base of the slope of I-95, a distance of approximately two-thirds of a mile (see attached map.) Of note is that this extension will also permit residents of the Kingswood neighborhood in Spotsylvania County to access the VCR Trail and travel (on foot or by bicycle) all the way to and from downtown Fredericksburg. The funds will be available shortly after July 1 and design of the bridge will begin shortly thereafter.
VCR Fountain
A new water fountain for people and their pets has been installed at the trailhead of the VCR Trail. The fountain was installed as a joint project between Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities, Public Works, and ILM Corporation who allowed the City to tap into their water line. ILM Corp. has also agreed to pay the water bill for the fountain for the next five years. This fountain is a welcomed addition for all these bikers, walkers and pet owners who use the trail.
New Farmers Market Location
Mary Washington Hospital is sponsoring a new Farmers Market location in front of the main hospital building (to the left of the security/valet station) to be held on Thursdays from 1pm – 5pm beginning on June 2nd. The market will take place in June, July, and August. The hospital, like so many of us, has an interest in providing fresh, locally grown, healthy produce for their associates as one facet of their wellness program. C&T Produce will be the vendor to assist them in meeting their goals. C&T accepts both cash and credit transactions and will also have pre-packaged fruit bags and salad bags that can be pre- ordered by associates for quick pickup. While this market is sponsored by Mary Washington Hospital, it will be an available shopping location to all in the Cowan Boulevard area, the students and faculty of UMW, and the general public. There will not be reserved parking for Farmers Market shoppers, so plan accordingly. Other market locations include the market at Hurkamp Park on weekdays and Saturdays from 7am – 2pm, and the market on Dixon Street on Thursdays from 3:30pm – 6:30pm.
Officer Nick Wagner Recognized for Contributions to Mental Health Community
On Monday, May 16th, Officer Nick Wagner was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Rappahannock Area Community Service Board’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). Officer Wagner has been CIT certified since 2012 and was recognized for his outstanding efforts and contributions to the mental health community.
Fredericksburg’s Operation Medicine Cabinet Drop-Off Site Almost Doubles Collection
On Saturday, May 30th, the Fredericksburg Police Department assisted with Operation Medicine Cabinet, a regional event held twice a year that provides the public a safe way to dispose of unused medications and sharps. The Fredericksburg drop-off site collected 659 pounds of unused medicine and sharps on the 30th, almost doubling the amount collected at the event last fall.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day June 4
This year’s annual spring special collection is being held at Stafford County Government Center Parking Lot, 1300 Courthouse Road from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Rappahannock Goodwill is sponsoring an Electronics Recycling Day in conjunction with this event. For more information, visit Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Collection Day Event
Editor’s Note: Mr. Cameron prepares a City Manager’s Report for each City Council meeting.
