Town Talk

Meghann Cotter and Nick Cadwallender with an update on the Jeremiah Community. The innovative neighborhood will provide permanent housing paired with on-site healthcare, job training, and a built-in community designed to break the cycle of chronic homelessness. More than housing, it offers stability, dignity, and a clear path forward for those most in need. The public fundraising campaign will soo...

Executive Director Cait Woodward shares Hope House’s wish list—everyday essentials that grants often don’t cover, but are vital for daily life. These are the kinds of needs that rely on community support. They’re also developing a dedicated Teen Room, giving teens at Hope House a safe space of their own. We discuss what’s needed to bring this vision to life. Learn more and find out how you can hel...

Step back in time on April 25 at Drums Along the Rappahannock! Join Dave Muraca and Allison Burgess as they preview this free VA250 event featuring the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. The program runs from 10 AM–2 PM--music, history, and hands-on fun for all ages. Updates on the new archaeology season at Ferry Farm—and a heads-up for families: summer camps are open and spots are still available (fo...

Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, breaks down the first months of Abigail Spanberger’s administration, including the stalled state budget, the redistricting vote, and inflation concerns. As he prepares to retire, Farnsworth also looks back on his career a...

EF High School Exchange Year is bringing the world to local classrooms, giving students a firsthand look at life in another country. Host parent Desiree Warlick is joined by exchange students Sille Adler of Denmark, who attends Spotsylvania High School, and Alessia Tammaro of Italy, a student at Louisa High School, along with regional coordinator Tina Smith to break down what the experience is rea...

Battlefield District Supervisor Chris Yakabouski talks about the county’s newly approved budget and what it means for residents. He also explains why changes to convenience sites are needed. Yakabouski also discusses his decision to run for Commissioner of Revenue in November.

Historian Scott Walker will present the next talk in the VA250 “A Cultural Quilt” series on April 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Walker will explore the history of Italians in Virginia—sharing not only historical insight, but also personal connections, as some of the individuals he discusses are his own relatives. This free program is part of an ongoing series highli...

Earth Day will be celebrated April 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Mill Park, featuring a full day of environmental education, activities, vendors, and family-friendly fun. Callie Brown and Courtney Mersiowsky preview the event, highlighting opportunities to learn about sustainability and conservation. Only handicapped parking at Old Mill Park, with a free shuttle service running from the satelli...

Atlas of Independence: John Adams and the American Revolution offers a vivid, ground-level look at the fight for independence as Chris Mackowski explores his work with the Emerging Revolutionary War series. He examines how John Adams became one of the Revolution’s most forceful voices—driving the case for independence in the Continental Congress. The discussion also pulls back the curtain on Adams...

Work is about to get underway on eight new Habitat for Humanity homes on Stirrup Lane in Ladysmith. Jason Tickle says the project is part of their effort to expand affordable housing in the area. Those interested in future homes are encouraged to become loan-ready as soon as possible. The application deadline for next year’s builds is fast approaching at crrhfh.org.

Executive Director Ann Kloeckner sheds light on a critical gap in the legal system—civil cases where people facing serious issues like eviction, debt, or family matters are not guaranteed an attorney if they can’t afford one. She explains how this reality impacts real lives and underscores the urgent need for accessible legal support. The conversation also dives into the broader housing crisis, ex...

Horticulture Manager Alexis Fox previews the annual Spring Plant Sale, which begins April 10 at 750 Kings Highway and runs through May 16. The sale will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of plants, with availability changing throughout the sale based on what is ready at the time. Offerin...

Cait Woodward from Loisann's Hope House and Great Train Race Director Brian Pessolano preview the May 3rd race in downtown Fredericksburg.  The mile race for ages 6-17.  The 1/2 mile George Dashington and the 1/4 Cabose Run.   gtr.runfarc.com 

Sgts. Amanda Mele of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office and Steven Curtis of the Stafford County Sheriff's Office preview a regional senior outreach event scheduled for April 4 in Fredericksburg. The Triad Expo for Senior Adults  takes  place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at James Monroe High School. Admission is free and open to the public. Organizers say the event will focus on scam awareness and...

Adam West talks with Marcus Kahn ahead of University of Mary Washington’s national championship game this Sunday afternoon (4:30 ESPN+)  . The Eagles are on the brink of a title, and Kahn discusses the team’s mindset, preparation, and what it will take to finish the run.

Xander Hernandez and Lisa Dunnivan talk about fostering future service dogs with Leashes of Valor, sharing how the program works, the training involved, and the impact these dogs have on veterans—Xander from personal experience and Lisa through fostering about eight dogs—while encouraging others to consider opening their homes to help.  leashesofvalor.org

Cornelia Rutherford, Fox Mealo Cornell, and Carmon Cornell preview the 2026 Ren Faire at the Lake Anna Winery, running May 9 through June 7, and discuss the need for volunteers—especially during current weekend set-up—while highlighting the Faire’s strong sense of community and its focus on education and family-friendly experiences.  varf.org

Patrick A'Hearn, CEO and Producing Artistic Director of the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, talks about the theater’s current production of Little Women: The Broadway Musical, running through April 26, previews upcoming shows Guys and Dolls and The Mousetrap, and discusses how Riverside continues to build its reputation as a strong and growing presence in the acting community.

Danae Peckler of the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation discusses the work of historic preservation in Fredericksburg and the challenges that come with maintaining older structures in a growing community. She also talks about the role preservation plays in supporting the local economy and why she would like to see an economic impact study to better measure that contribution.  hffi.org

As Curry Roberts prepares to retire as president of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance at the University of Mary Washington, he reflects on a career in public service and economic development. He discusses his time in state government. The conversation also covers major regional projects, including data center growth, a proposed medical school, and efforts to rebrand the Fredericksburg area. Loo...

Annie Brulatour, Salem Church Librarian, and Darcie Caswell, Director of Youth Services, highlight the importance of early literacy for young children. They say building reading skills early helps kids succeed as they grow and into adulthood. The conversation also features Grow A Reader programs and “Library of Things” kits--offering hands-on activities families can check out to support developing...

Mark Travis, Long-Term Care Supervisor, and Amy Swift, Social Services Director, talk about why Long-Term Care services are so important for families in Spotsylvania County. They say these programs help older adults and people with disabilities stay safe, supported, and as independent as possible in their own homes. The discussion also takes a closer look at why Long-Term Care matters locally and...

Dave Muraca and Allison Ellis highlight upcoming events at Kenmore and Ferry Farm. These include 18th Century Game Night on March 20, Colonial Faire on April 4, and the Virginia 250 event “Drums Along the Rappahannock” on April 25. For more details, visit Kenmore.org.

Associate Vice President for Alumni and Donor Engagement Mark Thaden and Executive Director of Annual Giving Shelby Orlando preview Mary Wash Day, a high-energy 24-hour giving event running from March 25 at noon to March 26 at noon. The event highlights the power of participation, with challenges and matching gifts designed to multiply donations and unlock even more support for the University of M...

After helping preserve and interpret the region’s Colonial past, Executive Director Anne Darron is preparing to retire in April. The Mary Washington graduate reflects on her career in historic preservation, the importance of protecting local landmarks, and the power of museums to tell the stories that help shape the community.  washingtonheritagemuseums.org