Town Talk

Executive Director Mike Harvey talks about the need for a new Fire Arms Training Center and the Bridge the Gap campaign.  rrcja.org

Dave the Computer Guy with Techs in the Burg talks about the end of Windows 10 in October--what it means and how to prepare. We also talk about recycling electronics.  techsintheburg.com

Data Center updates with Curry Roberts of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance at the University of Mary Washington and Charlie Payne of Hirschler.  We talk about the financial impact, the current status of data centers locally and when localities will start seeing the financial benefits.

Anne Darron and Chuck Fennell talk about a matching $100,000 challenge thru March 31st.  We preview the May 4th event--a Monumental Celebration and get updates on the Caretakers Lodge and work around the Mary Washington Monument.  washingtonheritagemuseums.org

Kiley Ernest (Mary Magdalene) and Kathy Halenda (King Herod) talk about Jesus Christ Superstar at Riverside thru April 27th.   riversidedt.com

Dr. Christina Wiedel and Cathleen Pessolano talk about their work with the families of pediatric patients.   FGP has a number of programs depending on your need.   Monthly donors volunteers needed.  fairygodmotherproject.org

Lacey Fisher and Alexis Fox  talk about the work of RAAI in the community with developmental disabilities.   And we discuss in detail the annual plant sale--expected to open on April 3rd at 750 Kings Highway.   RAAI is also part of our 100K of Kindness Initiative--set to receive $25,000.

Sarah Smethurst (Youth Services Librarian-Teen Specialist-Howell Branch and Craig Graziano (Fredericksburg Branch Manager discuss CRRL-Con on April 12th.  We talk about the Johnny P. Johnson Teen Art Show, the Claudia Emerson Teen Poetry Contest and the winding down of Adult Winter Reading Challenge.  librarypoint.org

Juanita Shanks talks about their work with returning citizens from incarceration and their families. She talks about Second Chance Month events in April.  failsafe-era.org

Dave Muraca (Vice-President, Museum Content) and Allison Ellis (Director of Education) preview Colonial Faire on April 5th at Kenmore.   We talk about an Educator's Open House, Dogs at Ferry Farm, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day at Kenmore.  kenmore.org

Associate Director of Regional Alumni Engagement Phillip Duggins and Director of Annual Giving Shelby Orlando preview Mary Wash Day on April 2-3 (noon-to-noon) and Reunion Weekend, May 30-June 1.

Tina Lance (Workforce Development), Dr. Shashuna Gray (V.P. Academics), Melissa Leecy (V.P. Community Engagement) and Germanna President Dr. Janet Gullickson talk about new programs in Workforce, growth in Workforce enrollment.  There's a Gala in celebration of Dr. Gullickson and her upcoming retirement on May 30th and a golf tournament for GCC on April 28.

Kurt Erickson talks about Sober Ride--soberride.com--as an option to get home safely this weekend or on Monday.    We talk about having a safe sober driver and a shout out to the Stafford Sheriff's Office and their work against drunk driving.

Kathleen Daley-Becker, Andrea Chum and Von Young talk about Compassionate Care Camp--this spring and summer.   Many options and opportunities to learn about animals for your kids.  Don't wait to sign up. Extensive discussion about kitten season and the dos and don'ts about finding kittens. Don't be a kit-napper.   fredspca.org  

President and CEO Sam McKelvey looks at upcoming programs--like Living Legacies. It opens May 30th.   The need for support and what the future looks like in the next few years.   famva.org

Chelsea Cameron with Pure Barre and Kristen Loescher with Arsenal Events talk about healthy living in the region.  One option is walking/running.   The Grand Slamrock race this weekend--or the Stafford Race Series--or FARC races.

The Ren Faire is May 10-June 8th (Sat and Sun) at Lake Anna Winery.  Auditions on March 15 and 22nd at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library downtown.  Details at varf.org

Dr. Chris Vaughn, Carly Zimmerman and Jen Sullivan talk about a cancer patient's journey.  A look at what happens behind the scenes to ensure that the family and patient have the best and correct care.   hoafredericksburg.com

Chief Development Officer Chris Bowers, CEO and Founder Jason Haag (and Maverick).   Preview of the next graduation on March 22nd where three service dogs and three veterans are paired.   Information of volunteering, fostering and upcoming events.   leashesofvalor.org

Alexis Innis talks about an emergency shortage in Type O and platelets.  She says if everyone eligible to give blood donated once a year, there would be no shortage.   redcrossblood.org

Chief Jay Cullinan with Spotsyvlania Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management says don't  just check your smoke detector when you change your clocks.  He says check it monthly.

Caroline Sheriff Scott Moser and Habitat's Jason Tickle outline the program for homes for teachers and first responders.  Building about to begin on homes in the Ladysmith area.   Info on how you can get involved in a variety of areas.   crrhfh.org

Cornelia Rutherford and Bobby Hebert preview auditions for the Ren Faire.  Auditions held March 15 and March 22 at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library downtown.   The Renaissance Faire at Lake Anna Winery in Spotsylvania May 10-June 8th on weekends.   varf.org

Kathryn Willis and Sue Henderson with details on efforts to repatriate the remains of Eliza Monroe Hay, President James Monroe's daughter. Her remains are now interred in an unmarked grave in France.   The goal is to have her buried at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond with her family.

Executive Director Ann Kloeckner talks about their work helping people with civil court cases.  Their 8 lawyers cover 17 counties, 51 courts.  She says there's 1 legal aid lawyer for every 7000 poor Virginians.   We focus on tenants rights and tenant's assertion.  legalaidworks.org

Stephanie Benson with Columbia Gas of Virginia says the deadline to apply is for crisis grants through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is March 17th.   She says crisis grants can offer income-eligible households with equipment-related assistance, help with security deposits and heating and utility bills.

Dave the Computer Guy talks about protecting your eyes while using a computer, how AI has changed the way we use PC's, and data centers coming to the region.   techsintheburg.com

Anthony Nuccio (Judas) and Kevin Cleary (Jesus) join Patrick Ahearn to preview Jesus Christ Superstar at Riverside March 12-April 27.    riversidedt.com

What's going on this season with the FredNats?  General Manager Robbie Perry with a preview.

15 spellers are competing for a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee this spring.   We talk with Darcie Caswell with one of the sponsors--the Central Rappahannock Regional Library.  librarypoint.org  

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division STEM Coordinator Tyler Truslow talks about the High School Innovation Challenge talking place this Friday and Saturday at the UMW Dahlgren campus.  18 high schools from around the region are bringing 22 teams to compete.    

Erin Matuczinski, Veronica Gutierrez and Tiffany Kay.  It's easy...and needed.  Hands-Only CPR and AED training.  Also info on the Mom Prom fundraiser April 12th.   gwynethsgift.org

CEO Rich Dalton with an introduction/update on VRE.  We talk about--Expanding the service, what happens if there's an emergency and you need to come back early or work late,  the impact the Long Bridge will have to overall rail service, and the return of the Step-Up option.  

Erin Creighton (Assistant Branch Manager/Adult Services Dept. Head--Fredericksburg) and Darcie Caswell (Director of Youth Services) talk about the Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee, African American Read In, the 30th annual Johnny Johnson Teen Art Show and Self Sufficiency Skills.   librarypoint.org

Heidi DiEugenio and Nimali Fernando (Dr. Yum) with an update on the non-profit mission to help families and communities overcome the barriers to eating well.  Since COVID the Dr. Yum Project has gone from a local program to one that's in 40 states and leading national research.   But they're still involved in all kinds of local efforts.   dryum.org has lots of free resources in helping your kids eat healthy. And, there's a Casino Night fundraiser March 7th.

Special Olympics Virginia volunteer, coach, Area 11 Council committee member, Plunger and former intern Abby Farley talks about her commitment and how its changed her.   We talk about coaching needs and volunteer needs with the "Young Athletes" group.  State Basketball Championships this weekend in Henrico.   specialolympicsva.org

Michael Stebar and Elizabeth Johnson-Young talk about the six day slice of college coursework and campus life for high-schoolers July 13-19.   Open to rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors.   Application deadline is March 21st. umw.edu/summer/sep

The Weather Channel's Richard Lewelling tells us why we likely won't see a big blizzard from this latest storm.  And, he says, it's possible we've seen the last of winter storms this season.   Snow long!

Anne Little--one of the founders of the Virginia Bluebird Society-- previews her Bluebird monitor training session on March 1 at the downtown library.   She talks about building the correct nestbox, the need for monitors, and resources: virginiabluebirds.org, NAbluebirdsociety.org, sialis.org

Dave Muraca and Allison Ellis talk about Presidents' Day at George Washington's boyhood home:  10-3.   Free parking on-site.   $5 for adults.  Kids 17 and under free.  kenmore.org

Executive Director Elizabeth McNally and Board President Troy Skebo talk about the impact Safe Harbor has on the region.  It's often referred to as a place and a process that gives a voice and healing to children victims of child abuse.  safeharborva.org

Gran and Gracie are grandmother and granddaughter.   They've written one book--with another being planned.   We talk with Gran--Theresa Payne of Spotsylvania. There's a book signing February 16th from noon to 4 at R & R Antiques at 1001 Caroline Street, downtown Fredericksburg. Gran and Gracie's Amazing Adventures can be purchased on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Photo:  Johnny Leach

President Janel Donohue talks about Prosper Taxes, Prosper Mentoring and Prosper Students.   rappahannockunitedway.org

Dr. Daniel Carlson talks about programs available at Mary Washington Healthcare. We talk about A-fib, POTS, a good diet for heart health and exercise.   practices.mwhc.com

Providing all kinds of help to families and children with cancer or serious blood disorders.   ASK has been well-known over the years in the Richmond area.   ASK is now in the Fredericksburg area.  Executive Director Amy Gotkin and Dr. Christina Wiedl with Children's National and the Children's National clinic at Mary Washington.

Micah's Jill Clare and Meghann Cotter preview the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser/walk on February 22nd.  cnoy.com/fredericksburg

Kurt Erickson says one bad decision can change your life--and others.   #77 if you see someone you suspect is a drunk driver.

Dave Muraca (Vice President, Museum Content) and Allison Ellis (Director of Education) preview George Washington's birthday celebration on February 17th from 10-3.  kenmore.org

Scott Hine (Union Home and Mortgage/Fredericksburg Area Builders Association Immediate Past President), Lauren Tate (Long and Foster Managing Broker/2025 FAAR President) and Kim McClellan (Fredericksburg Area Association of Builders) review 2024 market resale/new build, what 2025 will look like and the future of interest rates.

Taylor Sutton with Tiger Fuel, Melanie Johnson and Von Young with the SPCA.   Taylor talks about Tiger acquiring Anderson Propane and their continued support of the Fred SPCA.   We talk about keeping animals warm in winter and talk about Winter-Wag-a-Thon and how you can participate.  fredspca.org

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is holding the 4th annual Intern Expo on February 5th from 9-2 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center.  Gabby Kang is a Colonial Forge High School senior and the Chair of the Student Voice Subcommittee of the Workforce NOW Committee. Sponsors for the Intern Expo include Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Virginia Credit Union and Rappahannock Goodwill. Photo:  Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce