Town Talk

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

Leashes of Valor, a Spotsylvania nonprofit that provides service dogs to post-9/11 veterans, will host its annual fundraising gala, “Tail as Old as Time,” on October 11 at Fawn Lake Country Club. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are currently available. Founded by veterans, Leashes of Valor is headquartered in Spotsylvania and focuses on addressing the mental health crisis among military...

Ward 3 City Council candidate Matt Kelly talks about growth, data centers, affordable housing and transparency.

Clara Nsenkyire speaks out about the daily reality of living with sickle cell disease. Joined by advocates Alexis Innis, Mary Coleman, and Beth Sinkler, we talk about the need for more research and the need for blood donors. Local organizations like the Fredericksburg Area Sickle Cell Association (fascaonline.com) and the American Red Cross (redcrossblood.org) are stepping up efforts to support...

Stafford Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky and Curry Roberts with the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance assume different roles for an hour! We talk about the state of college athletics and preview the upcoming college football season!

Alex Carter and Ethan Burgess preview the Wine and Oyster Festival (Sept. 20-21) and several history events at Stratford Hall this fall. stratfordhall.org