Town Talk

David Caprara with information about the need for assistance for Nepal.   engagenepal.org.   There's a program on Nepal on Thursday night at the downtown library.  Then a candlelight vigil on the steps. Chuck Gialloreto and Kathryn Willis with a discussion about Pizza Palooza this Saturday night at Market Square from 5-9.

Patrick A'Hearn, Nancy Anderson and Chris Sanders preview Sweeney Todd--at Riverside thru October 25th.  It's the musical about a wronged barber who returns to London seeking revenge.  Photo courtesy Suzanne Carr-Rossi

Wendy Cannon (Dr. Yum/The Table), Sgt Steven Curtis (Stafford Sheriff's Office) and Lindsey Epperson (Germanna Community College) talk about the work among agencies around the region to combat hunger.   Need help--there's the new fxbgfoodfinder.com.  We also preview Saturday's Open House at the Food Bank from 10-2.

Juanita Shanks and Gary Holland are sounding the alarm for a project they say could make a real difference for families in the Olde Greenwich neighborhood in Spotsylvania.   They’re raising money to build a brand-new playground, giving children a safe and inviting place to play, explore and make memories. Juanita and Gary say they hope residents, businesses and others join the effort.  failsafe-era.org

Anne Little of Tree Fredericksburg previews the Native Plant Festival coming October 4th at the baseball stadium, where there’s still time to reserve native plants for your yard. We talk about why choosing native plants can make a difference for local insects, birds and the health of our environment. Anne also shares tips on caring for the trees we already have and why maintaining a healthy tree canopy is so important to our community.  treefredericksburg.org.

Executive Director Kathy Anderson shares how Empowerhouse stands beside survivors of domestic violence—offering safety, support, and a path forward when people need it most. We talk about the 24-hour hotline, 540-373-9373, and an important message: you don’t have to be in an emergency to call. Whether you need immediate help, information or resources, the hotline is there around the clock. We also explore the wide range of services Empowerhouse provides.  empowerhouseva.org  

Danielle Rose with Fredericksburg Tourism and Courtney Mersiowsky with Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events preview the first-ever Duck Derby and Quaktoberfest, happening October 17th. And if you’re already thinking about the Christmas Parade, now’s the time to register—applications are due by October 23rd, or sooner if space fills up. Find more information at fxbg.com or fxbgparks.com.

Jodi Redman with the Oberle Academy and Meghann Cotter with Micah Ecumenical Ministries talk about the next step for the Jeremiah Community. A prototype of a Jeremiah Community home will be built at Oberle Academy in just 72 hours. We’ll discuss the collaboration between Oberle and Micah Ecumenical Ministries, as well as the special events taking place September 8–13. The community is invited to see the finished prototype and learn more about the vision behind Jeremiah Community during an open house on September 13.   micahfredericksburg.org

Gin Schaffer and Cathleen Pessolano talk about their meaningful work supporting pediatric cancer families and the important impact you can make as a volunteer or financial donor. From providing resources and support to helping families navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives, every act of kindness makes a difference. We’ll also highlight events happening all month long in recognition of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.   fgpinfo.org  

Annie Brulatour from Salem Church and Anne Lorraine from Porter join us to talk about getting ready for the new school year and the many resources available to students and educators. We discuss the benefits of getting a library card, accessing digital media and language resources, and finding support for both teachers and homeschool families through Classroom Carryout.  librarypoint.org  

Ashley Rakes and Stacy Horner-Dunn preview this year’s Austen’s Communitas Walk, happening September 26 at Memorial Park in Fredericksburg. They discuss brain aneurysm statistics, warning signs and risk factors, while also sharing the story of Austen and her sudden death ten years ago. Since then, the Fredericksburg community has come together to raise more than $320,000 to support brain aneurysm research through the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. The 2026 Austen’s Communitas Walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, with registration at 9 a.m. and the walk beginning at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park on Kenmore Avenue.  austenscommunitaswalk.org

Servants at Work, or SAWs, builds wheelchair ramps for people in need, and the organization says the demand is growing. Charlie Russell says they’re always looking for volunteers—and you don’t need experience building ramps because they’ll teach you. There are also administrative needs for those who want to help behind the scenes. SAWs is also seeking financial support, with a “Five Dollars a Board” fundraiser getting underway.   sawsva.org

The Scandalous Women of the Civil War Guild shines a light on the untold stories of women during the Civil War.  Historian Yvette Blake portrays Lucy Ann Walker, an African American woman who worked as a laundress and spy for the Union. The group highlights how women used everyday roles to gather intelligence, resist slavery, and fight for freedom. They're involved in the Slave Dwelling Project Sept. 11-13 at sites around the region.

Tonia Garnett is an advocate for second chances, criminal justice reform, and pretrial reform. Through her book Enough Is Enough: I Won’t Be a Statistic, she talks about her personal journey to help others break cycles and reclaim their lives. She is preparing to release Built to Rise: The LifeBoard Method,  designed to help people move from surviving to building empowered lives. toniatalksnow.com

Tonia Garnett is an advocate for second chances, criminal justice reform, and pretrial reform. Through her book Enough Is Enough: I Won’t Be a Statistic, she talks about her personal journey to help others break cycles and reclaim their lives. She is preparing to release Built to Rise: The LifeBoard Method,  designed to help people move from surviving to building empowered lives. toniatalksnow.com

Chantelle Lippold of King George is sharing her family’s deeply personal journey since her son, Jack, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. She’s now working to raise money for a track chair that would give Jack greater freedom to get outside and experience the outdoors with his family. But Chantelle’s mission goes beyond raising money. She wants to help other families understand the challenges people with disabilities face and encourage the community to think differently about accessibility, inclusion and the simple opportunities many of us take for granted. She’s documenting the family’s journey through a blog and is also working to establish a foundation called Beyond the Pavement, with the hope of creating greater awareness and opportunities for people living with disabilities. To support Jack’s Outdoor Adventure or learn more about Chantelle’s efforts, search “Support Jack’s Outdoor Adventure” on GoFundMe or contact her at 571-225-9021.

Chantelle Lippold of King George is sharing her family’s deeply personal journey since her son, Jack, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. She’s now working to raise money for a track chair that would give Jack greater freedom to get outside and experience the outdoors with his family. But Chantelle’s mission goes beyond raising money. She wants to help other families understand the challenges people with disabilities face and encourage the community to think differently about accessibility, inclusion and the simple opportunities many of us take for granted. She’s documenting the family’s journey through a blog and is also working to establish a foundation called Beyond the Pavement, with the hope of creating greater awareness and opportunities for people living with disabilities. To support Jack’s Outdoor Adventure or learn more about Chantelle’s efforts, search “Support Jack’s Outdoor Adventure” on GoFundMe or contact her at 571-225-9021.

The region’s housing challenges are the focus of a conversation with Sam Shoukas of the George Washington Regional Commission, Regional Housing Assembly Chair Jeh Hicks and Vice Chair Dr. Pamela Yeung. We discuss the Assembly’s work to address housing needs across the region and preview the fourth annual Regional Housing Summit, October 15 at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center. Tickets and more information are available at gwregion.org.

Curator of Collections Kylie Thomson previews the next installment of the What Remains series, taking place at the Masonic Lodge on August 29. These programs usually sell out, so plan ahead. We also talk about the upcoming Virginia and the Vietnam War exhibit, which opens September 1, as well as Kylie’s work as a curator—including the research, travel, and behind-the-scenes work that goes into caring for and sharing a museum’s collections.  famva.org

Patrick Catullo, UMW’s director of athletics, looks back on the Eagles’ NCAA Division III men’s basketball championship this spring—and fans can relive the excitement with free admission to all regular-season home games. He also highlights the energy around UMW Athletics and the opportunity for the community to experience it firsthand. Behind the scenes, UMW is continuing to upgrade its facilities, with newly refinished Anderson Center floors featuring a larger Eagle logo and a new press box at the turf stadium.  umweagles.com

Pat Holland with Healthy Generations talks about resources for older adults and caregivers. She says social isolation and loneliness can have serious effects on seniors’ health. One statistic she shared was that loneliness has been compared to the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. We also talked about senior cafes, where older adults can enjoy meals, socialize, and build connections with others. 371-3375.  healthygenerations.org

It’s more than a building — it’s a place designed around the needs of children. Safe Harbor Executive Director Elizabeth McNally explains how specially trained interviewers and carefully designed forensic interview rooms help children feel safe enough to tell their stories while minimizing the trauma of the investigative process.  safeharborva.org

Spotsylvania Supervisor Chris Yakabouski (Battlefield) talks about his support for a moratorium on new data centers.  Yakabouski says the state needs to develop a plan their massive energy demands. He said data centers place a significant strain on the power grid while offering local officials limited control over how much electricity they consume.

Dr. Kevin Handley, John Stroffolino, Beverly Lemmons, and Dr. Misty Mesimer join us to talk about Germanna Community College’s Behavioral Health pathway through Workforce Development, and how it’s helping address a critical shortage of behavioral health professionals. The program gives students a faster path to the training and credentials they need to enter the workforce, without spending years working toward a traditional degree. We’ll talk about how Workforce Development connects students with practical, career-focused training and helps them move into good-paying, in-demand jobs sooner.

Mac Williams and Jason Tickle with an update.  We’ll hear about the veterans’ home, which is now nearing completion. We discuss where the project stands, what remains to be done, and how local volunteers, donors, and community partners have helped take the project to the finish line.  crrhfh.org

Melonie Barrow and Chrissy Burke talk about child care assistance available to families in the county.   This locally administered benefit helps eligible parents pay for safe, reliable child care while they’re working or attending school. They talk about who qualifies for assistance and Virginia's income guidelines.  

Stephanie Cordner and Karen Brace share a practical conversation about living alongside snakes without living in fear. They explore the difference between venomous and poisonous, explain why snakes play such an important role in a healthy ecosystem, and separate fact from fiction by tackling some of the most common snake myths. awesomepossumz.com

Historian and author Chris Mackowski joins us to discuss the mission behind Emerging Civil War, the popular public history organization dedicated to making America's past more accessible through fresh research, books, podcasts, and battlefield tours. We also explore his latest book, Atlas of Independence: John Adams and the American Revolution, and talk about why understanding history isn't just about the past—it's an essential tool for making sense of today's headlines and the challenges we face as a nation.

Dave Muraca of The George Washington Foundation and Denise Milner of Gari Melchers Home and Studio to preview the opening events of the Slave Dwelling Project's "Voices of the Past" weekend, September 11-13. Together, they'll share how the community-wide program brings overlooked stories of enslaved people to life through music, conversation, living history, and historic places. The weekend begins Friday evening with the Kuumba Dance & Drum Ensemble Workshop at Gari Melchers Home and Studio—a free, interactive celebration of West African music, dance, and culture that's open to everyone. Then on Saturday morning, the official kickoff at George Washington's Ferry Farm features Slave Dwelling Project founder Joseph McGill Jr., setting the tone for a weekend dedicated to remembrance, education, and community. Learn more and see the full schedule at fxbg.com/slave-dwelling-project.

Teachers are back this week in Spotsylvania, and that means the first day of school is just around the corner! As students prepare to return next week, Chief of Communications and Community Engagement René Daniels joins us to walk families through everything they need to know before the school year begins. From Open Houses and Transition Day to the first day of school, we'll cover the key dates and what parents and students can expect. We'll also answer some of the biggest questions about bus transportation and share helpful tips to make the start of the school year as smooth as possible.

Juanita Shanks joined us to discuss fundraising efforts for a new playground at Olde Greenwich, a project she says is important for giving neighborhood children a safe and welcoming place to play and connect. If you'd like to support the effort, please contact FailSafe to learn how you can help. We also talked about FailSafe-ERA's upcoming Preventing Generational Incarceration Conference this fall, which will bring together community members and leaders to address the impact of incarceration on families and explore ways to break the cycle. Looking ahead to the holiday season, FailSafe has set a goal of providing 200 bicycles to children with incarcerated parents, helping make Christmas brighter for families facing difficult circumstances. To learn more about FailSafe-ERA, the conference, or how you can support these initiatives, visit failsafe-era.org.

Jeff Black of the Caroline County Board of Supervisors and Jason Tickle of Central Rappahannock River Habitat for Humanity talk about the latest progress on nine new homes taking shape in Ladysmith. We also look at the many ways the community can help, from swinging a hammer to simply bringing volunteers a cold bottle of water. Plus, learn about First Saturdays for Housing and how Caroline County families can find out if they qualify for a Habitat home. And we talk about life in a growing Caroline County and the active role the Ruritan Club is playing in the community.  crrhfh.org

The Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Foundation supports the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy through private fundraising and community partnerships. Kirstin Purcell, Traci Purches, and Candi Stewart preview the free Bridge to Brighter Futures event on July 31 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy, 3630 Lee Hill Drive in Fredericksburg, where families can receive school supplies, haircuts, SNAP enrollment assistance, food, and other back-to-school resources. For more information, visit rrcjf.org.  

Rich Larochelle and Stacey Churchill share the latest from the nonprofit farm in White Oak, where fresh produce is helping stock the Food Bank and local pantries across the region. They discuss the farm's growing impact, lessons learned from this season's vegetable crops, the surprising success of two hardworking scarecrows, and how volunteers and supporters can help continue the mission.   rappahannockfarm.org

Michael Dunn, Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development, and Teresa Segelken, Director of Continuing and Professional Studies, discussed preparing for life after the University of Mary Washington. We talk about career readiness, continuing education, and professional development opportunities that support career advancement. They highlighted resources and programs available to help students and alumni build skills and achieve their professional goals.

Executive Director Tricia Wolfrey discusses the urgent need for blood donations as communities face a critical blood shortage at the local, state, and national levels. She also explains the vital role volunteers play in disaster response, whether helping after local fires or deploying to assist with hurricanes and other weather-related emergencies across the country. redcrossblood.org redcross.org

A Fredericksburg idea is now Virginia law. HB 702, the voluntary firearm give-back bill, was signed by the governor after originating with Fredericksburg City Council member Chuck Frye and being championed in the General Assembly by Delegate Josh Cole. They discuss how the legislation came together and what it means for communities across the Commonwealth.

From painting a new mural at Goolricks to weighing in on AI and the future of creativity,  we talk with LibertyTown artist Bill Harris.  We explore how his classes welcome artists of all ages and abilities, the power of creating together, and what's in store for this fall's Art Attack.  billharrisart.com

Michelle Rose of Washington Heritage Museums, Victoria Matthews with the City of Fredericksburg, and Beth Parnicza of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park discuss the upcoming Slave Dwelling Project, a three-day series of programs and events taking place Sept. 11–13 at several historic sites throughout the Fredericksburg area. The event will explore the history and legacy of enslaved people through tours, discussions, and educational programming. https://fxbg.com/slave-dwelling-project/

Sgt. Curtis with the Stafford Sheriff's Office talks public safety in our community. He explains the Worship Watch program and how the Sheriff's Office works with local churches to strengthen security and prepare for emergencies. As the new school year approaches, Sgt. Curtis reminds drivers what they need to know about sharing the road with school buses and keeping students safe. We also discuss the growing problem of distracted driving, traffic enforcement, and the challenges of policing one of Virginia's fastest-growing counties.

Andrew Foote, Mia Gomez Montero, and Patrick A'Hearn join us to preview The Mousetrap, Agatha Christie's legendary murder mystery and the world's longest-running play. The production runs July 15 through August 23.  We talk about the enduring appeal of this classic whodunit. riversidedt.com  

Jason Haag and Chris Bowers join us to talk about their mission to provide highly trained service dogs to military veterans whose lives are changed by these incredible companions. One of their greatest needs right now is foster families. Whether you can foster full-time, just on weekends, or step in while a regular foster family is on vacation, every bit of help makes a difference. We also discuss upcoming events, ways to get involved, and how you can support this life-changing work for veterans and their future service dogs.   This is a picture of Maverick! leashesofvalor.org

Curator Kylie Thomson previews upcoming programs at the museum, including What Remains: Revolutionary War Artifacts on July 30.   She also discusses a new quilt panel display and plans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Fredericksburg railroad bridge next year.

Executive Director Jennifer Hurst-Wender discusses the history and mission of Historic Germanna, highlighting ongoing efforts in archaeology, education, and the preservation of the historic Salubria estate. She also previews the organization's annual Conference and Reunion, taking place July 16–19, where attendees can explore regional history through lectures, archaeological programs, tours, and hands-on experiences.   Ticket information at germanna.org

Mandy Carr and Cathy Warder discuss the long-standing friendship between Fredericksburg and Fréjus, France, a sister-city relationship that began in 1980 and continues to strengthen through cultural exchange and community connections. This month, Fredericksburg welcomes a group of students from Fréjus, giving them the opportunity to experience American life while building friendships that cross borders. We discuss  the lasting benefits of student exchange programs. We also preview Fredericksburg's plans to celebrate Bastille Day on July 14.   Info on the sister city association here  

Brian Freeman and Troy Skebo share an extraordinary story from opposite sides of the criminal justice system. Brian was once a narcotics detective before his life unraveled through drug use and criminal behavior, ultimately leading to his incarceration. Troy Skebo was the law enforcement officer who arrested Brian in connection with a robbery. Years later, their relationship has become a testament to the power of second chances. Today, Brian serves as the leader of Konnect Ministries, using his experiences to encourage others who are struggling and to help people rebuild their lives. Brian credits Troy as one of the individuals who influenced the path that ultimately changed his life.

Bobby Hebert discusses the relationship between nutrition, exercise, and long-term health. He shares where he started on his own health journey, the changes he made, and practical strategies that can help anyone improve their overall well-being. The discussion is centered around the FARMS framework: Food Action Rest Mindset Social Together, these five pillars provide a practical approach to building healthier habits and creating lasting lifestyle changes. Learn more at: warriorpoetvitality.mykajabi.com

Melissa Brown spoke about the importance of creating second chances through recovery and community support. She highlighted the need for expanded access to treatment, recovery services, safe housing, workforce development, and long-term healing to help individuals rebuild their lives and achieve lasting stability. Contact Melissa Brown at 540-402-1199.

CEO and Producing Artistic Director Patrick A'Hearn joins us to talk about two of Riverside Center for the Performing Arts upcoming productions—The Mousetrap, opening July 15, and Sweeney Todd, beginning September 9. We also discuss Riverside's nonprofit mission, how community support helps fuel its work, and Artist Advancement Week in late July, which is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of theater artists.

Felicia Taylor, Jaci Avery, Melonie Barrow, and Amy Swift join us to discuss the growing need for Resource Parents in Spotsylvania County. With only about half the number of foster families needed to support local children, the demand for caring and committed Resource Parents is greater than ever. We discuss who can become a Resource Parent, what the training and certification process involves, and the support available to families who open their homes to children in need. We also discuss the critical role of prevention services and how helping families before a crisis occurs can strengthen the community and reduce the need for foster care placements. To learn more about becoming a Resource Parent in Spotsylvania, call 540-507-7898.