Town Talk

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

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...