Town Talk

President and CEO Sam McKelvey and Curator of Collections Kylie Thomson preview upcoming events including At Home Archivists and Escape the Museum. We talk about donating items and the FXBG History Archive--fxbghistoryarchive.org The museum is free and open to the public seven days a week this summer, offering fun and educational programs for all ages. Did you know you can also become a museum member and support local history? Membership offers special perks while helping the museum grow its community impact. famva.org

Terry Rensel and Tim Talbott of the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust highlight the recent purchase of a crucial seven-acre tract along Brock Road and preview their annual fall conference, happening September 12–14. cvbt.org

Terry Rensel and Tim Talbott of the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust highlight the recent purchase of a crucial seven-acre tract along Brock Road and preview their annual fall conference, happening September 12–14. cvbt.org

Sgt. Steven Curtis of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office and Juanita Shanks of FailSafe-ERA preview Sounding the Alarm, a special event happening this Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM at Hope Aglow Empowerment Church in Olde Greenwich. This event is part of an ongoing effort to support that community. Sgt. Curtis says what the area needs most are people willing to give their time and businesses ready to invest in playgrounds and recreation centers to create safer, more supportive environments for youth. failsafe-era.org

Dave the Computer Guy with Techs in the Burg on Lafayette Blvd. shares tips for fixing your Wi-Fi, getting ready for the end of Windows 10 (October 14th), and knowing when a VPN helps.

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

CEO & Producing Artistic Director Patrick A'Hearn talks about current show, "Next to Normal." We also preview "Sound of Music," beginning mid-August. We also talk about the process of choosing shows and actors. riversidedt.com

Dr. Paino talks about the value of a liberal arts education, the benefits of a smaller student body/class sizes and the challenges of AI.

Rich Larochelle, Januari and Barb talk about a new way of providing fresh food to the hungry in the region. rappahannockfarm.org or email: rappahannockeducationfarm@gmail.com

Jason Tickle with an overview as we approach the beginning of building in Ladysmith. How you can get involved as a volunteer. How you can get involved financially. crrhfh.org

Jason Haag and Chris Bowers. The non-profit provides service dogs to post 9/11 veterans. Updates on the need for fosters, partnerships with area businesses and the need for monthly donors. leashesofvalor.org or info@leashesofvalor.org

Middle School teacher Cyndi Creighton and Founder/Director Amber Dawson talk about the K-8 school in Fredericksburg. We talk about the master-based learning model, the curriculum, the outdoor focus and risky play. bromptoncommunityschool.org

A place and a process--giving voice, hope and healing to abused children. Elizabeth McNally talks about the importance of forensic nurses in their work. Safe Harbor has applied for a grant to teach the community how to spot and report abuse. safeharborva.org

Executive Director Ann Kloeckner talks about disaster planning. Whether it's from a hurricane, or a tornado, storm or fire, there are documents you will need to produce. We talk about what to set aside and where to keep it. To develop a checklist go to ladrc.org. Info on the work of Legal Aid Works: legalaidworks.org

Libby Humphries talks about the Fredericksburg Therapeutic Docket. This new specialty docket in District focuses on misdemeanor offenses where the defendant has serious mental illness. It will provide earlier interventions than often possible on felony specialty dockets.