Town Talk

The University of Mary Washington will kick off its 2026 Great Lives series on January 20. Director Scott Harris says programs will be held nearly every Tuesday and Thursday at Dodd Auditorium, offering audiences an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of influential historical and contemporary figures. The series has long been a Fredericksburg tradition.  It's free.  The full schedule at umw.edu/greatlives

Lindsey Crawford from the James Monroe Museum and floral consultant Jan Williams preview the final Deck the Halls.  After 45 years, the event is coming to a close.  The final installment will again feature Williams demonstrating how to craft elegant seasonal decorations using local evergreens and natural materials. The program has become a cherished Fredericksburg tradition, drawing crowds each year eager to watch Williams’ signature designs take shape and gather inspiration for their own homes. Attendees will once again have the chance to take home one of the handcrafted arrangements created during the show. The event is Saturday, December 6th from 9:30-12:30 at the Hurley Convergence Center at UMW.  Call the James Monroe Museum at 540-654-2111 or stop by the museum on Charles Street for information.

Kevin Rodrigue and D.D. Lecky preview the FXBG Pottery Throwdown, November 15th at Hurkamp Park in downtown Fredericksburg. The event brings together local potters for live demonstrations and one-of-a-kind pottery sales. We discuss the thoughtful decisions behind crafting a simple cup, the dedication it takes to master the art, and what draws people into the pottery world. They also share how Fredericksburg’s pottery community continues to grow and inspire creativity. It’s a lively, insightful discussion that will leave you appreciating the beauty and personality behind every handmade piece.  libertytownarts.com.

Curator of Collections Kylie Thomson says the holidays are the perfect time to preserve family history—by labeling old photos, documenting stories behind heirlooms, and learning who’s who in family pictures. She also offers advice on properly storing keepsakes to protect them for future generations and invites the public to explore the Fredericksburg History Archive at fxbghistoryarchive.org

Anna Billingsley and Cait Woodward preview the annual Trees of Hope fundraiser, benefiting Loisann’s Hope House. The event features beautifully decorated and one-of-a-kind Christmas trees that will be on display and available for auction. A luncheon will be held on November 19, followed by the Magical Night of Giving on November 20. All proceeds support Hope House’s work helping children and families experiencing homelessness in our region. Cait Woodward says the need has grown sharply due to inflation and the ongoing affordable housing crisis, with more families seeking help than ever before. She also reminds us that everyone can play a role in offering hope — whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness.  loisannshopehouse.org

Jessica Jones and Alexis Fox with Rappahannock Adult Activities highlight how the horticulture program helps individuals with disabilities build skills, confidence, and community connections through hands-on gardening. There's a new volunteer program on Tuesday beginning at 10am.,  and donations of pots or soil help keep the program growing. They’re also preparing for their annual poinsettia sale—just in time for the holidays—and will even deliver your order to make supporting their mission easy and festive.  Details on facebook.

On Halloween, Dave the Computer Guy talked about the darker side of the Internet, urging everyone to slow down and think before they click. He says rushing online leads to costly mistakes—especially when opening suspicious emails or reacting to fake order notices. Staying alert and using common sense are your best defenses.  It's our annual Halloween Spooktacular! techsintheburg.com

Founder Charlie Russell with SAWs Virginia says they're facing an urgent need for a new location to store and build its pre-assembled wheelchair ramps, as the current building will soon be unavailable. The space is vital to the group’s mission, allowing volunteers to construct modular ramps that can be quickly installed at homes for people with mobility challenges. So far this year, SAWs volunteers have built more than 40 ramps across the community, providing safe access and independence for those in need. Russell says more volunteers are always welcome, with opportunities available for all skill levels. Learn more or get involved at sawsva.org.

Chief Development Officer Chris Bowers with Leashes of Valor previews the upcoming graduation where five veterans will receive their service dogs — life-changing companions trained to support those who’ve served. He discusses the ongoing challenge of warrior suicide and the hope these dogs bring; no veteran partnered with a Leashes of Valor dog has taken their own life. Bowers also shares how the community can help by fostering dogs or contributing to fund more veteran-service dog pairings. Learn more at leashesofvalor.org.

Assistant Branch Manager and Adult Services Department Head Erin Creighton and Branch Manager Craig Graziano with updates from the downtown library on Caroline Street. They discuss how the library serves as a vital community hub — connecting people to essential services, local assistance programs, and resources that support health, education, and lifelong learning. From partnerships that help those in need to classes and events that inspire growth, the library continues to make a real impact in people’s lives. They also preview upcoming art shows that showcase local creativity and talent. Learn more at librarypoint.org.