George Washington’s boyhood home at Ferry Farm in Stafford opens Monday from 10 to 3 for its annual Presidents’ Day program, featuring hands-on activities and interactive experiences. Visitors can tour the archaeology lab, try colonial games, and watch living history demonstrations on the grounds where Washington spent much of his childhood.

Allison Ellis and Dave Muraca with the George Washington Foundation say the event also connects to Virginia’s VA250 commemoration marking 250 years of American independence, with programs happening locally and statewide. They’re also highlighting Stafford’s growing “Museum Row,” making it easy to visit several historic sites in one trip.   kenmore.org

Micah Ecumenical Ministries has been awarded $2.915 million in federal funding for its Jeremiah Community housing development in Fredericksburg. Jeremiah Community is a planned neighborhood of small homes and apartments for people who are chronically unhoused, located on 31 acres off Fall Hill Avenue. The funding comes through a Congressionally Directed spending request from U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and represents the largest single monetary gift to the project.

The first phase is expected to cost $17.5 million and include 50 housing units, a community center, and seven years of operating costs. The federal funding will help pay for infrastructure such as roads and utilities before construction begins, with the project expected to serve residents from Fredericksburg and surrounding counties. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.

We talked with Micah's Meghann Cotter:

Kurt Erickson with the Washington Regional Alcohol Program says drunk driving injuries from a Super Bowl party--or anytime are 100% preventable.

Bitterly cold weather is gripping the region this weekend, with some forecasters calling it a polar plunge. The extreme cold can be especially dangerous for pets, even during short periods outdoors. Kathleen Daley-Becker with the Fredericksburg SPCA talks about the risks cold temperatures pose to animals and shares urgent reminders for pet owners on keeping dogs and cats safe, warm, and out of harm’s way as temperatures plunge.

CAROLINE READS is a countywide literacy campaign aimed at strengthening reading skills for students and families across Caroline County. Superintendent Dr. Sarah Calveric says reading opens the door to success in every subject and every stage of life.

The initiative brings schools, families, and community partners together around that shared goal.

The public is invited to a CAROLINE READS kickoff this Saturday on Main Street in Bowling Green from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dr. Calveric says the focus is on making reading fun, visible, and part of everyday life throughout the county.