Town Talk

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...

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...

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 buildi...

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...

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, an...

South Stafford author Lynda Allen's third book in her Liv Wilde mystery series comes out June 25th.   In Flashes of Fire and Fury, Liv finds herself caught up in a mystery involving a witch hunt, baseball, and the distracting attention of a handsome newcomer. As in the previous books, Lynda Allen turns menopause into a superpower.  It also includes Fredericksburg area landmarks and the FredNats. ...

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Pamela Bridgewater, Journalist and cultural advocate Oral Ofori, and Prince's Town, Ghana Mayor Hon. Lord Owusu Mensah preview  the upcoming Fredericksburg Sister City "Cultural Quilt" program. The June 18 event at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in downtown Fredericksburg will highlight Prince's Town, Ghana, one of Fredericksburg's sister cit...

Executive Director Ann Kloeckner joins us to discuss the importance of protecting critical documents before and after a natural disaster. She shares practical tips on which records families should safeguard, how to store them securely, and what steps to take if important documents are lost or damaged during an emergency. Also joining the program is William & Mary Law student Riley Bowling, a Mount...

Scerica Steel, Princess Sleia, and Arkansas Twister take us inside flat track roller derby. They discuss what drew them to the sport, explain the rules and strategy behind the game, and share what it takes to compete at a high level.  They also talk about the strong sense of community. Upcoming Home Games at the Fredericksburg Field House: June 27 August 29 September 6 September 19 fredericksburgr...

As he prepares to retire, Chief Jay Cullinan looks back on a  career in public safety and his years leading Spotsylvania Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services.  The chief  discusses how the county has grown, and how fire and rescue continues to meet needs.

Summer offers a valuable opportunity for students to get ahead in the college search process. Sarah Lindberg and Melissa Yakabouski say high school sophomores, juniors and seniors can make the most of the break by touring campuses, exploring potential majors and narrowing their college choices. They also encourage students to start working on application essays by reviewing prompts and drafting a...

A patriotic Fourth of July celebration at Ferry Farm as part of Virginia’s VA250 commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. Dave Muraca and Allison Burgess say families can enjoy living-history demonstrations, colonial activities, and interactive programs exploring George Washington’s boyhood home and Virginia’s role in the Revolution. Representatives from other area historic sites will also be...

The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank is providing free summer meal kits for children ages 18 and younger while school is out. Each weekly kit includes seven breakfasts and seven lunches, helping families ensure children have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. Families can register to pick up meal kits at locations in Caroline, King George, Locust Grove, Spotsylvania, and Stafford,...

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to recognize the importance of owning a home and the positive impact it has on individuals, families, and communities. Jason Tickle highlighted how homeownership helps build financial stability, strengthens neighborhoods, and contributes to the overall well-being of the country. Through his  "First Saturdays are for Housing" program, held virtually on t...

Supporting victims of domestic violence takes more than crisis intervention. Kathy Anderson says Empowerhouse is working to prevent abuse through school programs, educate the community through training, and provide life-saving services for victims.  She says  continued financial support is essential to meet the growing need in the region.

Special Olympics Virginia President David Thomason and athletes Beau Dail and Dennis Habel preview Summer Games in Richmond this weekend.  Beau and Dennis are also competing in USA Games in Minnesota this summer.  specialolympicsva.org

Author and hope and opportunity connector Tonia Garnett and Melissa Brown, CEO of Homes Empowering Recovery and Conscious Health, discuss the power of second chances and the realities of the recovery journey. They discuss the steps individuals can take toward healing, the challenges that can hinder recovery—including housing, employment, stigma, and access to care—and the importance of community s...

Jason Haag and Chris Bowers discussed the growing need for foster families within the program. They explained that increasing the number of service dogs available for placement requires training more dogs, which in turn depends on having enough foster homes to care for and socialize them during their stages of development. We talk about upcoming events--and if you have an idea for an event--contac...

Annie Brulatour (Salem Church) and Aimee Dillon (Westmoreland)  talk about the Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s annual Summer Reading program and why continuing to read during the summer months is so important.  The program encourages readers of all ages to track their reading, complete activities, attend library events, and earn prizes throughout the summer. This year’s theme is “Unearth a...

Division Manager of Events Courtney Mersiowsky talks about the return of the Fredericksburg Duck Race on July 4th at Riverfront Park. The event will feature 2,000 rubber ducks racing down the Rappahannock River.   Proceeds will benefit Friends of the Rappahannock and the City’s FUNd Parks Fund, supporting river conservation, park improvements, expanded access, and healthier outdoor spaces througho...

Christina O'Neill and Karen Daley preview “Virginia Resolved,” a two-day living history event taking place June 6–7 at Stratford Hall commemorating the 250th anniversary of Richard Henry Lee’s Resolution for Independence. The weekend features reenactments, demonstrations, colonial music, speakers, food, and interactive experiences that bring Virginia’s revolutionary history to life. Saturday’s fre...