Archives

Christine Ellison, Jenn Burton, Kim Swarthout, Patricia Black, and Heidi Dodson are part of the team behind The Green Thread Project, a Fredericksburg-area nonprofit working to ensure individuals and families have access to basic necessities.

The organization provides free clothing, shoes, hygiene products, and other essentials through a fleet of mobile outreach buses, allowing them to bring resources directly to underserved neighborhoods.

Their mission is to help build a stronger, more compassionate community—one where everyone has access to the items they need to live with dignity.

To learn more about how to get involved or request assistance, visit healingseedva.org.

CEO and Producing Artistic Director Patrick A’Hearn is directing The Sound of Music, now on stage through October 26. A’Hearn says he focused on assembling a standout cast and crafting a powerful opening sequence to pull audiences into the story from the very first scene. Ticket sales have been strong, with the production on track to surpass 10,000 by closing night. The beloved musical continues to draw enthusiastic crowds. Details and tickets are available at riversidedt.com

Megan Samples and Sam Shoukas preview the 3rd annual Regional Housing Summit, hosted by the George Washington Regional Commission on October 16 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center from 9-4.

The summit will bring together local leaders, housing professionals, and advocates to explore solutions to some of the region’s most pressing housing challenges. This year’s theme, “Advancing Housing Solutions,” emphasizes cross-sector collaboration to improve housing access and affordability. The event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, interactive workshops, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and an exhibition hall showcasing housing-related products and services.

Organizers stress that cost should not be a barrier—if you can’t afford a ticket, they still want you in the room. More information is available at gwregion.org.

Three academic deans at the University of Mary Washington — Keith Mellinger (College of Arts and Sciences), Pete Kelly (College of Education), and Filiz Tabak (College of Business) — discuss new majors, academic programs, and strategic initiatives taking shape across campus. The conversation also highlights standout faculty, growing community and industry partnerships, and how each college is preparing students for a rapidly changing world. Together, the deans offer insight into the evolving academic landscape at UMW and the priorities driving innovation within their schools.

Elizabeth McNally of Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center says their mission is to give “voice, hope, and healing” to children impacted by abuse, calling it “a place and a process.”

Safe Harbor again holding the Save Jane event October 3rd in Market Square, where volunteers will read 11,000 names—all as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe,” followed by an age—representing the 11,000 child abuse cases investigated last year in Safe Harbor’s service area.

Learn more or get involved at safeharborva.org.

Spotsylvania School Superintendent Dr. Clint Mitchell discusses the first five weeks of the school year, highlighting progress and ongoing challenges across the division.

Dr. Mitchell addresses staffing needs, including a continued shortage of bus drivers and special education teachers, as well as the launch of a new mental health initiative set to begin soon.

He also speaks to absenteeism, ongoing efforts to raise test scores, the rollout of a new strategic plan, and preparations for continued growth, including plans for a new school in the county.

Nikki Jackson, Tracy McPeck, and Kristy Freeman preview Via Colori Stafford, the annual chalk art festival happening September 27–28 at the Stafford Regional Airport.

The event transforms pavement into a vibrant gallery of large-scale chalk murals created by local and regional artists. Organizers say there’s still time to sign up as an artist or volunteer.

Via Colori supports arts education and community engagement in Stafford, offering live art, music, family-friendly activities, and more.

 For details, registration, and volunteer opportunities, visit vcstafford.com.