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Collection Development and Discovery Manager-Youth Specialist- Joe Prince and Fredericksburg Assistant Branch Manager and Adult Services Department Head Erin Creighton.  Ever wondered how the library picks its books?  Summer reading is winding down.  Spotsylvania branches will soon have extended hours.  The Library of Things continues to grow.  librarypoint.org

Kelsey Bracewell, Director of Education, Insurance, and Membership at the American Canoe Association (ACA), with  insights on Smart Start for Safe Paddling, a safety-focused resource she helped compile.

The booklet is designed to introduce paddlers of all levels to essential safety practices. It’s part of a broader educational toolkit that also includes a student workbook and a facilitator's guide. She says it's a valuable resource for instructors, schools, camps, and clubs.

The material is organized around four key areas:

• Smart Gear – What to wear and bring for safety and comfort.

• Smart Plan – Preparing for your trip with weather checks, float plans, and more.

• Smart Decisions – Making sound choices on and off the water.

• Smart Skills – The paddling techniques and rescue basics every paddler should know.

You can learn more or access the resources at americancanoe.org.

Edie Evans with Rappahannock Area CASA—Court Appointed Special Advocates—tells how they support vulnerable children across the region. CASA volunteers work with children in the court system to ensure their voices are heard and their best interests represented.

The next volunteer training begins August 25. The deadline to sign up is August 11. More information  at rappahannockcasa.com.

Vic Culp talks about The Downtown Mile on September 6—a one-mile race in downtown Fredericksburg. The race is a major fundraiser for CASA.   Registration and details at runfarc.com.

Megan Samples and Sam Shoukas preview the Point in Time Count on July 24 — a key effort to assess homelessness in the region, done every January and every other summer.

 They also spotlight the Regional Housing Summit on Oct. 16 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center — bringing together leaders to tackle housing challenges. Info: gwregion.org

Also a look at the System Gaps Analysis, highlighting unmet needs in the region’s homelessness response.

Kathleen Daley-Becker and Von Young preview this year’s Fur Ball, taking place August 23rd at the Fredericksburg Convention Center! It’s the biggest night of the year for animal lovers—and a critical fundraiser supporting the lifesaving work of the Fredericksburg SPCA.  Get your tickets before August 8th.

We also shared updates on six  dogs and cats who were rescued from the Texas floods.

However, there’s been a recent outbreak of Panleukopenia—a dangerous virus affecting cats. (It’s the “P” in the FVRCP vaccine!) We discussed what this illness is, how it spreads, and what steps the SPCA is taking to protect feline lives going forward.

Plus, a reminder: hot weather poses serious risks for pets. Never leave them in cars, and keep water and shade accessible at all times.   fredspca.org

Adam Blosser talks about how families of students with special needs can prepare for the upcoming school year. We discuss  the importance of the Parent Input Statement in the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process, why your voice matters, and how it shapes educational planning.

We also cover how to initiate the IEP process, steps to qualify for services, and what kinds of specific services may be available to support your child’s success. Whether you're new to special education or looking to strengthen your advocacy, this conversation offers practical tips and valuable insights.  blosseradvocacy@gmail.com