Town Talk

Services Director Jackie Oliveira and Executive Director Kathy Anderson discuss children and youth programming in the schools and the role these programs play in teaching young people about healthy friendships and healthy relationships. Through education and outreach, they emphasize the importance of communication, respect, and recognizing positive relationship behaviors early in life.  The 24-hou...

Managing editor Joey LoMonaco and Board member Mitzi Brown talk about more than two years of building and growing the local non-profit news source. They talk about the challenges and rewards of community journalism, how the outlet has expanded its coverage, and why local reporting is more important than ever. Plus, we preview Laugh Out Local, happening March 19 with Rahmein Mostafavi — a fun night...

Marie Thomas and Jane Shelhorse talk about the long history and community work of the Woman’s Club of Fredericksburg, which is approaching 95 years of service in the region. The club has supported a wide range of civic, educational, and cultural initiatives over the decades, with members volunteering time and raising funds for local causes. One of the organization’s signature projects is the Frede...

Artist Eto Otitigbe and Dr. Gaila Sims talk about the planned Slave Auction Block Memorial at the corner of William and Charles Streets in downtown Fredericksburg. Otitigbe has spent months meeting with community members as he developed and refined the design for the memorial. The concept centers on a raised section of the street marking the historic location of the auction block, creating a physi...

Executive Director Hailey Jobin with an overview.  We talk about the organization’s Helpline, which connects people with local mental health resources.  We discuss programs like the Senior Visitors program and support groups offered throughout the region. She also shares details about the upcoming March for Mental Wellness on May 2nd. More information is available at mhafred.org.

Tonia Garnett’s memoir tells the deeply personal story of her journey through abuse, addiction, and incarceration—and the difficult work of rebuilding her life afterward. Through honest reflection, Garnett shares the challenges she faced, the turning points that helped change her path, and the resilience it took to move forward. In the introduction, she writes that the title is “both a declaration...

Karli Murray (Vice-Chair) and Susan Moss (Chair) preview Historic Garden Week in Fredericksburg on April 21. This special tour will feature homes and gardens along Upper Caroline Street, near the Rising Sun Tavern. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore beautifully maintained properties while learning about the area’s architecture, landscape design, and local history. Historic Garden Week i...

Executive Director Mimi Mitchell shares an update on plans to build six new homes in Mayfield, along with launching a rehabilitation program and restarting critical home repairs for local families. She also highlights what shoppers can find at the ReStore  with proceeds supporting Habitat’s mission. fredhab.org.

Megan Samples, Joseph Lyttle, and Amanda Strawn preview the upcoming Community Connections Expo happening March 17 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. The free event will feature more than 70 vendors, offering valuable resources and information for residents across the region. For full details, visit Fredericksburg Area Health and Support Services fahass.org.

Battlefield District Supervisor Chris Yakabouski discussed the county’s proposed budget and the financial challenges facing the board.   He encouraged residents to attend the March 26 public hearing at Courtland High School or to share their thoughts during Board of Supervisors meetings, noting that public input often influences final decisions. The conversation also touched on the role of data ce...

Here's a sign spring is near--the Rappahannock Education Farm is about to begin volunteer hours again.  Rich Larochelle looks back at lessons learned in 2025 and plans for 2026---including use this year of a barn and greenhouse on the White Oak property.   rappahannockfarm.org

Leadership coach Janelle Donohue works with individuals and organizations to strengthen teams and improve workplace effectiveness. In this conversation, she breaks down the Six Types of Working Genius framework — Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement and Tenacity — and explains how understanding your natural strengths can boost productivity and reduce frustration on the job. Dono...

Juanita Shanks previews the upcoming Hall of Change Gala on April 11, highlighting the impact of Failsafe-ERA’s work supporting families affected by incarceration. The evening will showcase success stories, raise critical funds, and shine a light on programs that help break cycles and build stability for children.   There are still opportunities for sponsors and supporters to get involved. Learn m...

Chris Bowers, Linda Palmer and Jason Haag say the growing demand for service dogs means Leashes of Valor urgently needs more foster families. To continue pairing highly trained dogs with veterans, the organization relies on dedicated volunteers like Linda, who reflects on her three years of hands-on involvement. Others help by filling in on weekends or when primary fosters travel — support that ke...

Jason Tickle shares an update on the upcoming build(s) in Ladysmith — and construction is about to begin. Volunteers are especially needed in the middle of the week, with opportunities available for individuals and groups ready to lend a hand. If you think you might be a candidate for a future self-help home build, now is a great time to learn more. Plus, get details on the First Saturday housing...

Jill Clare and Meghann Cotter preview Micah’s February 28 community walk, with registration at Riverfront Park beginning at 4 p.m. and the walk stepping off just after 5. They discuss what participants can expect at the event.  (And it's not too late to get involved.) The conversation also includes an update on progress at the Jeremiah Community and what it will mean for local families working tow...

Ray Bullock, Cornelia Rutherford and Steven Loy preview auditions for the Virginia Renaissance Faire, with opportunities for performers of all ages to get involved. Auditions are set for March 7 at the Salem Church Library and March 21 at the Howell Branch Library, both running from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants should bring a short script to read. The group also discusses how improv builds...

Director Carson Eubank joins Sarah Mae Anderson, who plays Meg, and Ashlee Beary, who stars as Jo, to preview Little Women the musical at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. The beloved story of the March sisters comes to life on stage March 18 through April 26. The team shares what makes this adaptation both timeless and deeply moving for today’s audiences. For tickets and more information,...

Beau Dails and Abby Farley discuss the growing reach of Special Olympics Virginia and the athletes preparing to compete at the State Basketball Championships this weekend in Henrico. Beau participates in nearly every sport offered and recently took the plunge into the Atlantic Ocean to help raise critical funds. Abby coaches the Bulldogs, one of many teams representing their communities at the sta...

Heather Cohen and Cait Woodward say the need to support homeless families in our community is immediate — and growing. Right now, they are urgently seeking the donation of a pickup truck to help transport supplies and serve families in need; if you have one to give or know someone who does, they’re asking you to contact Cait as soon as possible. There’s also a $115,000 matching grant in place thro...

After weeks of winter weather forced dozens of blood drive cancellations, American Red Cross officials say the need for donors is now critical. Alexis Innis says when drives are canceled, patients still need transfusions — surgeries, cancer treatments, and emergencies don’t get postponed. She reminds people you never want to be in a situation where blood is needed and simply isn’t available. The R...

UMW Professors Elizabeth Johnson-Young and Michael Stebar join us to preview the University of Mary Washington’s Summer Enrichment Program. It’s a six-day, pre-college experience for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors — giving students a real taste of college coursework and campus life. Participants live on campus and take classes taught by UMW faculty, getting a firsthand look at...

UMW Museums Executive Director Scott Harris joins us to talk about a special Valentine’s Day weekend at two historic sites — a Saturday evening dinner at Gari Melchers Home and Studio and a unique Sunday program at the James Monroe Museum--Tea and Trifles. We’ll also discuss federal funds for the Papers of James Monroe and what it means for preserving history. Plus, a preview of upcoming Great Liv...

Anne Little from the Virginia Bluebird Society and Tree Fredericksburg joins us to talk all things bluebirds — and a free Bluebird program coming up February 28th at the downtown library. We’ll also highlight the Spring Free Seedlings Giveaway with Tree Fredericksburg and why planting the right trees matters. Plus, a conversation about unintended consequences in conservation and how you can take p...

Erin Perkins and Anthony Salgado from the Rappahannock Area Health District join us to talk about how the Medical Reserve Corps steps up during local health emergencies — and the many other ways volunteers support the community throughout the year. They share how the Corps strengthens public health efforts locally and why more volunteers are needed across a wide range of opportunities. We also dis...