CEO and Producing Artistic Director Patrick A'Hearn joins us to talk about two of Riverside Center for the Performing Arts upcoming productions—The Mousetrap, opening July 15, and Sweeney Todd, beginning September 9. We also discuss Riverside's nonprofit mission, how community support helps fuel its work, and Artist Advancement Week in late July, which is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of theater artists.

Felicia Taylor, Jaci Avery, Melonie Barrow, and Amy Swift join us to discuss the growing need for Resource Parents in Spotsylvania County. With only about half the number of foster families needed to support local children, the demand for caring and committed Resource Parents is greater than ever. We discuss who can become a Resource Parent, what the training and certification process involves, and the support available to families who open their homes to children in need. We also discuss the critical role of prevention services and how helping families before a crisis occurs can strengthen the community and reduce the need for foster care placements. To learn more about becoming a Resource Parent in Spotsylvania, call 540-507-7898.

South Stafford author Lynda Allen's third book in her Liv Wilde mystery series comes out June 25th.   In Flashes of Fire and Fury, Liv finds herself caught up in a mystery involving a witch hunt, baseball, and the distracting attention of a handsome newcomer. As in the previous books, Lynda Allen turns menopause into a superpower.  It also includes Fredericksburg area landmarks and the FredNats.  Info here

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Pamela Bridgewater, Journalist and cultural advocate Oral Ofori, and Prince's Town, Ghana Mayor Hon. Lord Owusu Mensah preview  the upcoming Fredericksburg Sister City "Cultural Quilt" program. The June 18 event at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in downtown Fredericksburg will highlight Prince's Town, Ghana, one of Fredericksburg's sister cities, and explore the cultural and historical connections between the two communities.

Executive Director Ann Kloeckner joins us to discuss the importance of protecting critical documents before and after a natural disaster. She shares practical tips on which records families should safeguard, how to store them securely, and what steps to take if important documents are lost or damaged during an emergency. Also joining the program is William & Mary Law student Riley Bowling, a Mountain View High School graduate who is spending the summer as a law clerk with LAW. Riley talks about her path to law school, the challenges and rewards of legal studies, and what it's like gaining hands-on experience in the legal profession. She also offers insight into the day-to-day life of a law student and her future career goals. Together, they provide valuable information about legal preparedness and the next generation of legal professionals.

Scerica Steel, Princess Sleia, and Arkansas Twister take us inside flat track roller derby. They discuss what drew them to the sport, explain the rules and strategy behind the game, and share what it takes to compete at a high level.  They also talk about the strong sense of community. Upcoming Home Games at the Fredericksburg Field House: June 27 August 29 September 6 September 19 fredericksburgrollerderby

As he prepares to retire, Chief Jay Cullinan looks back on a  career in public safety and his years leading Spotsylvania Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services.  The chief  discusses how the county has grown, and how fire and rescue continues to meet needs.

Summer offers a valuable opportunity for students to get ahead in the college search process. Sarah Lindberg and Melissa Yakabouski say high school sophomores, juniors and seniors can make the most of the break by touring campuses, exploring potential majors and narrowing their college choices. They also encourage students to start working on application essays by reviewing prompts and drafting a personal statement before the busy school year begins. At University of Mary Washington, Enhanced Summer Visits provide an in-depth look at campus life, academics and admissions. Applications for the next admissions cycle open August 1.      umw.edu/apply

A patriotic Fourth of July celebration at Ferry Farm as part of Virginia’s VA250 commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. Dave Muraca and Allison Burgess say families can enjoy living-history demonstrations, colonial activities, and interactive programs exploring George Washington’s boyhood home and Virginia’s role in the Revolution. Representatives from other area historic sites will also be on hand, giving visitors a chance to learn about the region’s history while celebrating Independence Day and  America’s 250th birthday.

The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank is providing free summer meal kits for children ages 18 and younger while school is out. Each weekly kit includes seven breakfasts and seven lunches, helping families ensure children have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. Families can register to pick up meal kits at locations in Caroline, King George, Locust Grove, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, with home delivery available in some areas of Caroline and King George. The program runs through August 7.