Town Talk

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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

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

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

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