Town Talk

After weeks of winter weather forced dozens of blood drive cancellations, American Red Cross officials say the need for donors is now critical. Alexis Innis says when drives are canceled, patients still need transfusions — surgeries, cancer treatments, and emergencies don’t get postponed. She reminds people you never want to be in a situation where blood is needed and simply isn’t available. The Red Cross is asking donors to set aside about 90 minutes to give, a small commitment that can help save multiple lives. Appointments can be made at redcrossblood.org.

UMW Professors Elizabeth Johnson-Young and Michael Stebar join us to preview the University of Mary Washington’s Summer Enrichment Program. It’s a six-day, pre-college experience for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors — giving students a real taste of college coursework and campus life. Participants live on campus and take classes taught by UMW faculty, getting a firsthand look at what college could be like. The application deadline is March 20. Learn more at umw.edu/summer/sep

UMW Museums Executive Director Scott Harris joins us to talk about a special Valentine’s Day weekend at two historic sites — a Saturday evening dinner at Gari Melchers Home and Studio and a unique Sunday program at the James Monroe Museum--Tea and Trifles. We’ll also discuss federal funds for the Papers of James Monroe and what it means for preserving history. Plus, a preview of upcoming Great Lives lectures.

Anne Little from the Virginia Bluebird Society and Tree Fredericksburg joins us to talk all things bluebirds — and a free Bluebird program coming up February 28th at the downtown library. We’ll also highlight the Spring Free Seedlings Giveaway with Tree Fredericksburg and why planting the right trees matters. Plus, a conversation about unintended consequences in conservation and how you can take part in the Backyard Bird Count beginning Friday.  treefredericksburg.org    virginiabluebirds.org

Erin Perkins and Anthony Salgado from the Rappahannock Area Health District join us to talk about how the Medical Reserve Corps steps up during local health emergencies — and the many other ways volunteers support the community throughout the year. They share how the Corps strengthens public health efforts locally and why more volunteers are needed across a wide range of opportunities. We also discuss timely health concerns, including flu season, rabies awareness, and measles prevention.

Dr. Chris Vaughn and Dr. Sudeep Menachery with Hematology Oncology Associates of Fredericksburg join us to talk about cancer care close to home. We discuss the latest advances in treatment, the challenges facing modern medicine, and why access to high-quality local care matters. HOAF is an independently-owned practice — and we break down what that actually means for patients. More information at hoafredericksburg.com.

Kathleen Daley-Becker, Melanie Johnson, and Von Young talk about B101.5’s Winter Wag-A-Thon and how it supports the Fredericksburg SPCA during the coldest months of the year. They also discuss the SPCA’s Not Your Average Valentine campaign, share important tips for protecting pets in cold weather, and preview upcoming events. The Eric Becker Memorial Concert has now been rescheduled for February 28th. More information available at fredspca.org.

Gabe Pons, John and Leslie Leahy, and Gin Schaffer preview several upcoming fundraising events benefiting the Fairy Godmother Project, which supports families facing pediatric cancer. The events give the community multiple ways to get involved while helping the organization continue providing direct assistance and support to families during treatment. Details on the events and how to participate are available at fgpinfo.org.

Dave Muraca and Allison Ellis with the George Washington Foundation preview Presidents’ Day at Ferry Farm, coming up February 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features free parking, house tours, colonial games, a chance to throw a stone across the Rappahannock River, and cupcakes. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 17 and under. More information is available at kenmore.org.

Kathryn Willis and John Hennessy preview the Cultural Quilt lecture series, a free program that explores Fredericksburg’s sister cities and the role different cultures have played in shaping both the community and the nation. Held at the downtown library, the lectures examine each country’s influence on the American story through a local lens. The series opens February 18 with John Hennessy’s talk at 6:30, Beyond the Ocean Gateway: Immigrants and Immigration in Fredericksburg, tracing how generations of immigrants helped define the city’s character and growth.