Town Talk

Megan Samples and Sam Shoukas preview the 3rd annual Regional Housing Summit, hosted by the George Washington Regional Commission on October 16 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center from 9-4. The summit will bring together local leaders, housing professionals, and advocates to explore solutions to some of the region’s most pressing housing challenges. This year’s theme, “Advancing Housing Solutions,” emphasizes cross-sector collaboration to improve housing access and affordability. The event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, interactive workshops, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and an exhibition hall showcasing housing-related products and services. Organizers stress that cost should not be a barrier—if you can’t afford a ticket, they still want you in the room. More information is available at gwregion.org.

Three academic deans at the University of Mary Washington — Keith Mellinger (College of Arts and Sciences), Pete Kelly (College of Education), and Filiz Tabak (College of Business) — discuss new majors, academic programs, and strategic initiatives taking shape across campus. The conversation also highlights standout faculty, growing community and industry partnerships, and how each college is preparing students for a rapidly changing world. Together, the deans offer insight into the evolving academic landscape at UMW and the priorities driving innovation within their schools.

Elizabeth McNally of Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center says their mission is to give “voice, hope, and healing” to children impacted by abuse, calling it “a place and a process.” Safe Harbor again holding the Save Jane event October 3rd in Market Square, where volunteers will read 11,000 names—all as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe,” followed by an age—representing the 11,000 child abuse cases investigated last year in Safe Harbor’s service area. Learn more or get involved at safeharborva.org.

Spotsylvania School Superintendent Dr. Clint Mitchell discusses the first five weeks of the school year, highlighting progress and ongoing challenges across the division. Dr. Mitchell addresses staffing needs, including a continued shortage of bus drivers and special education teachers, as well as the launch of a new mental health initiative set to begin soon. He also speaks to absenteeism, ongoing efforts to raise test scores, the rollout of a new strategic plan, and preparations for continued growth, including plans for a new school in the county.

Nikki Jackson, Tracy McPeck, and Kristy Freeman preview Via Colori Stafford, the annual chalk art festival happening September 27–28 at the Stafford Regional Airport. The event transforms pavement into a vibrant gallery of large-scale chalk murals created by local and regional artists. Organizers say there’s still time to sign up as an artist or volunteer. Via Colori supports arts education and community engagement in Stafford, offering live art, music, family-friendly activities, and more.  For details, registration, and volunteer opportunities, visit vcstafford.com.

Leashes of Valor, a Spotsylvania nonprofit that provides service dogs to post-9/11 veterans, will host its annual fundraising gala, “Tail as Old as Time,” on October 11 at Fawn Lake Country Club. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are currently available. Founded by veterans, Leashes of Valor is headquartered in Spotsylvania and focuses on addressing the mental health crisis among military veterans, many of whom face PTSD and other service-related conditions after multiple deployments. “Every dog we place changes a life — not just for the veteran, but for their family,” said Jason Haag, founder of Leashes of Valor and a Marine Corps veteran. “Our program provides more than a service dog. It provides hope.” The organization places fully trained service dogs with veterans at no cost. These dogs are trained to help with a range of conditions, including anxiety, night terrors, and hypervigilance. The nonprofit also provides ongoing support after placement to ensure long-term success. Chris Bowers says community support is needed. “This gala is a chance to celebrate our mission and raise the funds we need to reach more veterans,” Bowers said. According to Haag, frequent deployments have placed an increasing burden on military families, contributing to higher rates of suicide, substance abuse, and homelessness among veterans. “We’re working to change that trajectory, one dog at a time,” he said. leashesofvalor.org

Ward 3 City Council candidate Matt Kelly talks about growth, data centers, affordable housing and transparency.

Clara Nsenkyire speaks out about the daily reality of living with sickle cell disease. Joined by advocates Alexis Innis, Mary Coleman, and Beth Sinkler, we talk about the need for more research and the need for blood donors. Local organizations like the Fredericksburg Area Sickle Cell Association (fascaonline.com) and the American Red Cross (redcrossblood.org) are stepping up efforts to support affected families. Their message is clear: sickle cell disease can no longer be ignored.

Stafford Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky and Curry Roberts with the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance assume different roles for an hour!   We talk about the state of college athletics and preview the upcoming college football season!

Alex Carter and Ethan Burgess preview the Wine and Oyster Festival (Sept. 20-21) and several history events at Stratford Hall this fall.  stratfordhall.org