Mark Travis, Long-Term Care Supervisor, and Amy Swift, Social Services Director, talk about why Long-Term Care services are so important for families in Spotsylvania County. They say these programs help older adults and people with disabilities stay safe, supported, and as independent as possible in their own homes. The discussion also takes a closer look at why Long-Term Care matters locally and clears up some common misconceptions about who qualifies and how the services are used.

Dave Muraca and Allison Ellis highlight upcoming events at Kenmore and Ferry Farm. These include 18th Century Game Night on March 20, Colonial Faire on April 4, and the Virginia 250 event “Drums Along the Rappahannock” on April 25. For more details, visit Kenmore.org.

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 Mary Washington. They also look ahead to Reunion Weekend (May 29–31) and the 100th anniversary of the beloved Devil-Goat Day celebration.

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 24-hour hotline is 540-373-9373.   empowerhouseva.org

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 night of comedy and community that doubles as a fundraiser supporting Free Press.

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 Fredericksburg Fine Arts Show, now celebrating its 75th year. The annual event is March 20-22 at the Dorothy Hart Community Center.

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 physical and symbolic space for reflection. The design also includes a vertical obelisk-like element rising from the site, intended to serve as a visible marker of remembrance and acknowledgement of the people who were bought and sold there.

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 declaration and a surrender,” adding that the book is not meant to be skimmed.  She says the book traces the hills and valleys of life. The memoir is currently available through her website at toniatalksnow.com.