Town Talk

  Andrea Chum, Kathleen Daley-Becker and Von Young talk about two upcoming events: the Subaru Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat and Adoption Event on Oct. 17 and the Animal Rescue Festival on Nov. 7. They also explain why the SPCA needs volunteers and foster homes and how the community can help animals in need. More info at fredspca.org

Katerina Vollten, Zack Carter, Doug Gately, and Joel Young preview this year's Jazz4Justice concert, at Dodd Auditorium on the UMW campus on Saturday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. The UMW Jazz Ensemble, directed by Gately, takes the stage for the annual benefit, with net proceeds split between Legal Aid Works and jazz scholarships for University of Mary Washington students. General admission is $10, $5...

Ricky and Esther Jones discussed their work with immigrant families in the region. Their nonprofit, the Fredericksburg Immigration Justice Fund (fxbgimmigration.org), seeks to remove financial barriers to quality immigration legal representation and provides practical support to families navigating immigration crises. The faith-based nonprofit serves people of all faiths and backgrounds.  

Director of First Year Admissions Sarah Lindberg and Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice-President Melissa Yakabouski with dates and info prospective University of Mary Washington students need. There are information sessions, tours and  upcoming Virginia College Application Week(s).  We talk about scholarship and aid opportunities.    admissions.umw.edu

Full steam ahead as building continues in Ladysmith on three more Habitat homes, with more about to begin.   Jason Tickle is holding virtual information sessions each Friday at noon this month and every first Saturday.   Volunteers are needed.  Future homeowners are being sought.   crrhfh.org

Aimee Hardy previews the Josh Hardy Superhero Celebration each year in memory of Josh, who loved superheroes and inspired many during his battle with cancer. The event, happening this year on October 17th at Strangeways Brewing on Lansdowne Road, celebrates Josh’s legacy. It’s also a fundraiser for the Fairy Godmother Project, a nonprofit that supports families facing pediatric cancer.

Fredericksburg Main Street Executive Director Chris Allen previews Quacktoberfest, a new fall celebration coming to Riverfront Park on October 17 from 2 to 6 p.m. The free, family-friendly afternoon will feature carnival rides and games, live music, food, vendors and the return of the Rubber Ducky Derby at 3 p.m. Chris Allen also talks about Treats in the Streets, giving families another reason to...

Mary Washington Healthcare Surgical Oncologist Dr. Rod Flynn during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Dr. Flynn encourages the community to be proactive.   Knowing what is normal for your body, paying attention to changes, understanding your personal and family history, and having routine conversations with your doctor can help you make informed decisions about your care.    breastcare.mwhc.com

Kathi Austin and Scott Walker talk about the weekend event focusing on Hunter's Iron Works and American Independence October 10-11 at Pratt Park.  Learn about Hunter's Forge and it's role in the forming of America.   The weekend event is free but advanced registration requested at freedomforgefoundation.org/revolution-on-the-rappahannock

Cathy Walker and Lisa Durham preview PorchFest on Oct. 17, bringing local artists, music and community together along Marye and Littlepage streets. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is designed as a day to showcase local talent while giving neighbors a chance to gather and celebrate the community. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 11-17, with children 10 and under admitted free. ...

Justice Services Director Susan Sigmon and Executive Director Kathy Anderson talk about the domestic violence services offered by Empowerhouse. Susan says it's important to label the topic as domestic violence. She says it's not a an argument or a couple's issue. It's not a difficult time.   People are being hurt, she says. Their 24-hour hotline number is 540-373-9373 or empowerhouseva.org 

Spotsylvania Schools Social Workers Michelle Patton Swisher (wearing a shirt from the very first Rock Out Knock Out!) and Lisa Dolan are helping organize the 15th annual drive to collect more supplies for Treasure House, which provides needed items to homeless families and students. The community can help by picking up items from the donation lists provided at Southpointe Walmart or bringing new s...

Elizabeth McNally previews Save Jane, coming October 23 to a new location at Riverfront Park in downtown Fredericksburg. From noon to 10 p.m., more than 11,000 names and ages will be read aloud as Jane Doe or John Doe, representing child abuse cases from the past year in communities served by Safe Harbor.  Readers are needed for the event. Safe Harbor brings together the professionals involved in...

Editor-in-Chief Joey LoMonaco and board member Mitzi Brown discussed updates at the Fredericksburg Free Press, including a new sports page and “Forces for Good,” which highlights local nonprofits and their work in the community. They also discussed the “Find the Facts” series, designed to help readers navigate misinformation and social media. The conversation focused on the Free Press’s efforts to...

Tracy McPeck and Joy O'Toole with the Central Rappahannock Regional Library preview the Rappahannock Writers’ Conference. It's a free, two-day event for creators of all experience levels on November 13 and 14. Friday features workshops on topics like editing, marketing, writers' block and dialogue at the Howell Branch Library.  Saturday at Germanna Community College's Fredericksburg campus include...

Christina Jenkins, Trevor Sherwin and Cait Woodward preview the Battle of the Burgers, a fundraiser for Loisann’s Hope House set for Oct. 18 at Riverfront Park in Fredericksburg. The event, scheduled from noon to 3 p.m., will feature slider samples from six downtown restaurants: Eats, Cheeky’s, Harry’s Alehouse, Mason Dixon Café, Rebellion and Sammy T’s. Attendees also will receive two drink ticke...

Anthony Salgado and Erin Perkins with the Rappahannock Health District talk about what it really means to be prepared when an emergency happens. Having food, water and essential supplies on hand is important—but true preparedness also means knowing where to get reliable information, having a plan for your household, understanding your community’s resources, preparing for health and medical needs,...

The Women’s Neurology Clinic at Mary Washington Neurology provides specialized neurological care with attention to conditions that can affect women throughout different stages of life. Dr. Bobbie Decker works with patients experiencing neurological conditions, including epilepsy. Epilepsy can affect people differently, making individualized evaluation and treatment an important part of care. The c...

Deputy Chris Newman and Sgt. Steven Curtis preview National Night Out at Stafford Marketplace on October 6 from 5–8 p.m. It’s a chance to meet local law enforcement, connect with your neighbors, spend an evening of family-friendly activities, and learn more about the people who help keep our community safe.

Seth Casana, Simon Watts and Gabe Pons preview Art Attack, happening October 3 in downtown Fredericksburg from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They talk about the artists, makers and creative experiences that will bring the streets to life, along with what makes this annual event a celebration of the local arts community. The fun continues that evening with a free concert at The OG from 7 to 9 p.m. You can stil...

UMW Galleries Director Tracy Stonestreet and UMW Assistant Professor of Studio Art Coorain Devin preview the  lineup of upcoming exhibitions at the Ridderhof Martin Gallery and duPont Gallery.     Stonestreet and Devin also highlight opportunities for students to exhibit their work, engage with professional artists and experience different forms of contemporary art right on campus. Admission to al...

Deputy Executive Director Adriana Puckett and Executive Director Rebecca Purdy discuss exciting new ways to support the library through the Community Fund and sponsorship opportunities. They also share the latest on Summer Reading, the popular Music on the Steps concert series, and the Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale.

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 h...

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 bo...