Town Talk

Rich Larochelle reflects on a productive 2025 at the farm in White Oak.   It was a time of  major infrastructure improvements and expanded community impact.   Already in 2026, a new barn is already in place, and construction on a greenhouse is nearly complete. Rich says the farm’s goal this year is to donate 60,000 pounds of fresh produce to local partners addressing food insecurity. Rappahannock Education Farm is also working to expand educational opportunities, offering more hands-on learning about agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability. Information on volunteering or making donations is available at rappahannockfarm.org.

Jill Clare and Meghann Cotter of Micah Ecumenical Ministries are previewing the Coldest Night of the Year walk, set for February 28 in Fredericksburg. The annual event raises critical funds for Micah’s programs that serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Participants walk to show solidarity with neighbors who face cold winter nights without safe shelter. This year’s fundraising goal is $200,000, which will support emergency shelter, housing stabilization, and outreach services. More information, registration, and donation details are available at cnoy.com/fredericksburg.

Inform Fredericksburg examines government transparency as Matt Kelly and Rick Pullen dig into several city issues.  Their discussion takes a look at funding for the Brisben Center, the financial and policy implications of the Princess Anne redevelopment, and potential changes with real estate taxes.    They discuss public access to information, and how decisions at City Hall affect residents and taxpayers. *- During the Tuesday episode of Town Talk allegations were made involving Will Mackintosh, Fredericksburg City Council claiming he may have offered University of Mary Washington students extra credit in exchange for Democratic votes in November. It was also stated by Rick Pullen and Matt Kelly that UMW had opened an investigation. UMW tells us there is no investigation. We regret the statements aired and apologize.

Kevin and Charlie Vogt, along with Special Olympics Virginia President David Thomason, preview the 2026 Polar Plunge, set for February 6–7 in Virginia Beach. The event marks the 35th anniversary of the iconic fundraiser supporting Special Olympics athletes across the Commonwealth. Charlie Vogt shares what Special Olympics has meant to their family and how its programs create opportunity, confidence, and inclusion. Kevin is a local DJ. He's raised $60,000 by taking the icy dip. The Polar Plunge provides critical funding for year-round training and competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The Virginia Beach plunge weekend includes a 5K Friday night. polarplunge.com

Gaila Sims joins us to discuss ongoing plans for a memorial at the historic auction block site at the corner of Charles and William streets in Fredericksburg. She describes the proposed design.  Sims says the memorial will also include the names of individuals connected to the auction block. Community input is being gathered through a series of public meetings, both virtual and in person, as plans continue to take shape.

Toneisha Harris, Jahnay Star and Patrick A’Hearn talk about Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, running January 16 through March 1 at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Stafford. The show traces the life and career of music icon Donna Summer, blending her personal story with her legendary hits. Harris stars as Diva Donna, while Star portrays Disco Donna, representing different eras of the singer’s life. More information and tickets are available at riversidedt.com.

Empowerhouse Executive Director Kathy Anderson previews the Empty Bowl fundraiser, set for February 1 at the Elks Lodge on Tidewater Trail. The annual event features handcrafted bowls donated by local potters and soups,  with all proceeds supporting Empowerhouse and its work with survivors of domestic violence. Anderson says the fundraiser is especially important this year as the number of people seeking help continues to rise while some federal programs have been reduced or eliminated. More information is available at empowerhouseva.org. Anyone needing immediate help can call the Empowerhouse hotline at 540-373-9373.

At-large Fredericksburg City Councilman Will Mackintosh looks ahead to a year of issues facing City Council.  We talk about the budget.  He points to instability in Washington as a major concern, saying changes at the federal level could directly affect funding for local projects and services. Mackintosh also discusses potential changes to downtown traffic patterns, including converting some one-way streets to two-way travel to improve safety.

Stafford County Commissioner of Revenue Scott Mayusky and Fredericksburg Regional Alliance President Curry Roberts step outside their day jobs to discuss major changes reshaping college athletics. The conversation focuses on name, image, and likeness opportunities, the transfer portal, and how those shifts are impacting student-athletes, schools, and competitive balance. They also explore what these changes mean for the future of college sports and the traditional model of amateur athletics.

Bobby Hebert joins us to talk about New Year’s fitness resolutions, breaking down why so many people make them, why they often fail, and how to succeed in a more humane, sustainable way. He explains that lasting change starts with food choices, focusing on what you consistently put into your body. The conversation also centers on action, emphasizing realistic movement and exercise rather than extreme workouts. He highlights the importance of rest, including quality sleep and recovery, as a foundation for long-term health. Hebert also stresses mindset, encouraging people to be intentional about the beliefs they adopt based on what they take in mentally and emotionally. You can follow Bobby’s writing and insights at warriorpoetvitality.mykajabi.com