Town Talk

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 noon. The event highlights the power of participation, with challenges and matching gifts designed to multiply donations and unlock even more support for the University of...

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 the power of museums to tell the stories that help shape the community. washingtonheritagemuseums.org

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, they emphasize the importance of communication, respect, and recognizing positive relationship behaviors early in life. The...

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 has expanded its coverage, and why local reporting is more important than ever. Plus, we preview Laugh Out Local, happening March 19 with Rahmein Mostafavi — a fun...

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 civic, educational, and cultural initiatives over the decades, with members volunteering time and raising funds for local causes. One of the organization’s signature projects is the...

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 and refined the design for the memorial. The concept centers on a raised section of the street marking the historic location of the auction block, creating a...

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 also shares details about the upcoming March for Mental Wellness on May 2nd. More information is available at mhafred.org.

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 helped change her path, and the resilience it took to move forward. In the introduction, she writes that the title is “both a...

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 opportunity to explore beautifully maintained properties while learning about the area’s architecture, landscape design, and local history. Historic Garden Week...

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 at the ReStore with proceeds supporting Habitat’s mission. fredhab.org.