Advertise on podcast: Town Talk

Patrick A'Hearn, CEO and Producing Artistic Director of the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, joins us to talk about the response to Sweeney Todd, which closes October 25, and why good script writing matters. Next up is A Christmas Carol, running November 11 through January 3.   Riverside is now nonprofit.  We talk about how the community can help keep the stage lights on.   More info at riversidedt.com

Dana and Mark Brown talk about the Zoe Freedom Center and their work helping people break free from substance abuse. The faith based center offers free counseling, peer support groups and family support, plus Narcan training and a mobile harm reduction unit.  Zoe has also opened a restorative care home for women recovering from addiction and trafficking. zoefreedomcenter.org for more info.

Three keepers of Fredericksburg's past are in studio with us: Billy Withers, Florence Barnick and Roy McAfee of the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center, housed in the gym of the old Maury School on Barton Street. Hear what they've preserved, what's still rolling in the door, and how you can get involved as a volunteer or member. crhcarchives.org

Fredericksburg At-Large Councilman Will Mackintosh talks about the ongoing effort to lessen motor vehicle noise downtown, with another push planned in the General Assembly next year. We also talk about whether the city should convert some downtown one-way streets to two-way, and we get into data centers.

Andrea Chum, Kathleen Daley-Becker and Von Young talk about two upcoming events: the Subaru Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat and Adoption Event on Oct. 17 and the Animal Rescue Festival on Nov. 7. They also explain why the SPCA needs volunteers and foster homes and how the community can help animals in need. More info at fredspca.org

Katerina Vollten, Zack Carter, Doug Gately, and Joel Young preview this year's Jazz4Justice concert, at Dodd Auditorium on the UMW campus on Saturday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. The UMW Jazz Ensemble, directed by Gately, takes the stage for the annual benefit, with net proceeds split between Legal Aid Works and jazz scholarships for University of Mary Washington students. General admission is $10, $5 for students and seniors. Tickets at legalaidworks.org/jazz4justice.

Ricky and Esther Jones discussed their work with immigrant families in the region. Their nonprofit, the Fredericksburg Immigration Justice Fund (fxbgimmigration.org), seeks to remove financial barriers to quality immigration legal representation and provides practical support to families navigating immigration crises. The faith-based nonprofit serves people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Director of First Year Admissions Sarah Lindberg and Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice-President Melissa Yakabouski with dates and info prospective University of Mary Washington students need. There are information sessions, tours and  upcoming Virginia College Application Week(s).  We talk about scholarship and aid opportunities.    admissions.umw.edu

Full steam ahead as building continues in Ladysmith on three more Habitat homes, with more about to begin.   Jason Tickle is holding virtual information sessions each Friday at noon this month and every first Saturday.   Volunteers are needed.  Future homeowners are being sought.   crrhfh.org

Aimee Hardy previews the Josh Hardy Superhero Celebration each year in memory of Josh, who loved superheroes and inspired many during his battle with cancer. The event, happening this year on October 17th at Strangeways Brewing on Lansdowne Road, celebrates Josh’s legacy. It’s also a fundraiser for the Fairy Godmother Project, a nonprofit that supports families facing pediatric cancer.