Town Talk

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.

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to recognize the importance of owning a home and the positive impact it has on individuals, families, and communities. Jason Tickle highlighted how homeownership helps build financial stability, strengthens neighborhoods, and contributes to the overall well-being of the country. Through his  "First Saturdays are for Housing" program, held virtually on the first Saturday of each month, participants can learn about the homeownership process and available resources. Construction on a new group of Habitat homes in Ladysmith is about to begin.     crrhfh.org

Supporting victims of domestic violence takes more than crisis intervention. Kathy Anderson says Empowerhouse is working to prevent abuse through school programs, educate the community through training, and provide life-saving services for victims.  She says  continued financial support is essential to meet the growing need in the region.

Special Olympics Virginia President David Thomason and athletes Beau Dail and Dennis Habel preview Summer Games in Richmond this weekend.  Beau and Dennis are also competing in USA Games in Minnesota this summer.  specialolympicsva.org

Author and hope and opportunity connector Tonia Garnett and Melissa Brown, CEO of Homes Empowering Recovery and Conscious Health, discuss the power of second chances and the realities of the recovery journey. They discuss the steps individuals can take toward healing, the challenges that can hinder recovery—including housing, employment, stigma, and access to care—and the importance of community support in helping people rebuild their lives.

Jason Haag and Chris Bowers discussed the growing need for foster families within the program. They explained that increasing the number of service dogs available for placement requires training more dogs, which in turn depends on having enough foster homes to care for and socialize them during their stages of development. We talk about upcoming events--and if you have an idea for an event--contact them!  We also talk about the increasing need for service dogs for military veterans.  leashesofvalor.org

Annie Brulatour (Salem Church) and Aimee Dillon (Westmoreland)  talk about the Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s annual Summer Reading program and why continuing to read during the summer months is so important.  The program encourages readers of all ages to track their reading, complete activities, attend library events, and earn prizes throughout the summer. This year’s theme is “Unearth a Story,” with programs running through August 15 featuring special events, activities, book challenges, and family programming across the region. More information, registration details, and a full calendar of events can be found at LibraryPoint.org.

Division Manager of Events Courtney Mersiowsky talks about the return of the Fredericksburg Duck Race on July 4th at Riverfront Park. The event will feature 2,000 rubber ducks racing down the Rappahannock River.   Proceeds will benefit Friends of the Rappahannock and the City’s FUNd Parks Fund, supporting river conservation, park improvements, expanded access, and healthier outdoor spaces throughout the community. Courtney also shares updates on Fredericksburg’s Farmers Market season, including the continued growth of local vendors and community participation downtown. She previews this week’s Spring Kids Market.

Christina O'Neill and Karen Daley preview “Virginia Resolved,” a two-day living history event taking place June 6–7 at Stratford Hall commemorating the 250th anniversary of Richard Henry Lee’s Resolution for Independence. The weekend features reenactments, demonstrations, colonial music, speakers, food, and interactive experiences that bring Virginia’s revolutionary history to life. Saturday’s free evening celebration includes live music, food trucks, patriotic programming, and a fireworks show over the Great House. Sunday’s ticketed living history event features a special citizenship ceremony along with cavalry drills, musket demonstrations, historical interpreters, colonial food and family activities.   stratfordhall.org

Marcel Rotter, Brooke Di Lauro, and Keith Mellinger preview “World on a Plate: A Journey Through Global Cuisines,” a free five-week virtual course hosted by the University of Mary Washington beginning the week of June 22. Held via Zoom and open to the community, the series will explore the history, culture, traditions, and stories behind cuisines from around the world.  Registration information is available through the university’s alumni program at alumni.umw.edu.