Town Talk

The Historic Fredericksburg Foundation’s 55th Christmas Candlelight Tour returns this weekend, and Preservationist Danae Peckler and Board Member Debbie Pederson join us with a preview. This year’s tour features a colonial focus, highlighting some of Fredericksburg’s most significant 18th-century homes and the stories of the people who lived in them. Peckler and Pederson explain how the event blends architectural history, period décor, and guided interpretation to showcase what holiday life looked like in early Fredericksburg. They also highlight the Saturday night program at the Smithfield mansion at the Fredericksburg Country Club, offering guests an evening of colonial-themed history, conversation, and seasonal celebration tied to this year’s tour. They discuss the volunteer effort behind the tour, the meticulous research guiding each home’s presentation, and how proceeds support preservation work across the region.   Details and tickets are available at hffi.org/candlelight-tour.

Deputy Executive Director Adriana Puckett and Executive Director Rebecca Purdy look back at 2025, highlighting a year of growth and innovation across the Central Rappahannock Regional Library system.   They discuss classes and events, service and access, and updates to digital resources. The conversation also touches on community partnerships and ways the library supports learners of all ages.  librarypoint.org

Stroke Program Manager Susan Halpin and Neurosurgeon Dr. John Muse outline major advancements in neurological care now available at Mary Washington Healthcare.  They discuss how expanded capabilities are improving outcomes for stroke patients, including updates on the thrombectomy program, which allows specialists to remove large clots quickly and dramatically reduce long-term disability. Halpin and Dr. Muse also highlight the health system’s new neurointerventional suite, designed to deliver faster, more precise treatment during stroke emergencies, along with the expanded neuroscience facilities that support advanced imaging, round-the-clock readiness, and coordinated care from diagnosis through recovery. They say these investments mean more patients can be treated locally—without the delays of transfer—bringing big-city stroke care directly to the Fredericksburg region. More information is available at stroke.mwhc.com.

Fredericksburg Area Museum Events and Operations Manager Stacy Combs previews this Saturday’s FAMFaire, running 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Market Square. Inspired by classic German holiday markets, the event will fill the square with artisan vendors, seasonal treats, and handcrafted gifts. Combs says visitors can expect continuous live music, family-friendly activities, and a festive atmosphere designed to showcase local makers.  famva.org

Looking for a New Year’s resolution? Alexis Innis with the American Red Cross says committing to donate blood is one that can make an immediate difference. She says blood supplies traditionally dip during the winter, and if everyone eligible donated just once a year, shortages would disappear. Innis encourages anyone who’s never given before to start the new year by making an appointment. More information and scheduling tools are available at redcrossblood.org.

Melonie Barrow, Leah Nelson, and Amy Swift join us to break down the Children’s Services Act—what it is, who it serves, and how it provides life-changing support for families in crisis. They explain how the Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) and the Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) work behind the scenes to coordinate services for children with behavioral, emotional, or special educational needs. These may be long titles, they note, but each team plays a critical role in bringing agencies together, reducing barriers, and ensuring families aren’t navigating complex systems alone. At its core, they say, CSA is a partnership model: careful planning meets real compassion, helping families access counseling, educational support, crisis stabilization, and other key resources—often at the moment they need it most. Families seeking guidance or wanting to learn more can contact the Spotsylvania CSA office at [email protected].

Loisann’s Hope House Executive Director Cait Woodward discusses the organization’s work to prevent homelessness by helping families stay stable and housed. She outlines the support and outreach efforts that address problems before they become a crisis. Woodward also explains how the community can help this Christmas season through donations, needed supplies, or volunteer time.   More details:  loisannshopehouse.org.

Courtney Mersiowsky, Superintendent of Special Events with Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events, previews Saturday night’s Fredericksburg Christmas Parade, which begins at 5:30 p.m. downtown. This year’s theme is “Christmas Around the World.”  Courtney walks us through what spectators need to know—from early street closures and recommended parking options.  fredericksburgchristmasparade.com

Recent data showing that many Americans are now buying their first home around age 40 highlights the region’s growing housing challenges, says Jason Tickle of Central Rappahannock River Habitat for Humanity. He notes that while the shift reflects real affordability pressures, there are programs available that can help families move toward stable homeownership. Tickle also explains the many ways community members can get involved—whether volunteering on a build site, helping with office support, or contributing financially to meet rising needs. More information is available at crrhfh.org.

Leslie Leahy, mother of Ceili, and Stacy Horner-Dunn, mother of Austen, open up about navigating profound grief in a season centered on joy, offering heartfelt insight on how friends and family can truly support those who are mourning—including the importance of saying their children’s names—in a compassionate and deeply informative conversation.