Town Talk

The Scandalous Women of the Civil War Guild shines a light on the untold stories of women during the Civil War.  Historian Yvette Blake portrays Lucy Ann Walker, an African American woman who worked as a laundress and spy for the Union. The group highlights how women used everyday roles to gather intelligence, resist slavery, and fight for freedom. They're involved in the Slave Dwelling Project Sept. 11-13 at sites around the region.

Gin Schaffer and Cathleen Pessolano talk about their meaningful work supporting pediatric cancer families and the important impact you can make as a volunteer or financial donor. From providing resources and support to helping families navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives, every act of kindness makes a difference. We’ll also highlight events happening all month long in recognition of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.   fgpinfo.org

Ashley Rakes and Stacy Horner-Dunn preview this year’s Austen’s Communitas Walk, happening September 26 at Memorial Park in Fredericksburg. They discuss brain aneurysm statistics, warning signs and risk factors, while also sharing the story of Austen and her sudden death ten years ago. Since then, the Fredericksburg community has come together to raise more than $320,000 to support brain aneurysm research through the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. The 2026 Austen’s Communitas Walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, with registration at 9 a.m. and the walk beginning at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park on Kenmore Avenue.  austenscommunitaswalk.org

Jodi Redman with the Oberle Academy and Meghann Cotter with Micah Ecumenical Ministries talk about the next step for the Jeremiah Community. A prototype of a Jeremiah Community home will be built at Oberle Academy in just 72 hours. We’ll discuss the collaboration between Oberle and Micah Ecumenical Ministries, as well as the special events taking place September 8–13. The community is invited to see the finished prototype and learn more about the vision behind Jeremiah Community during an open house on September 13.   micahfredericksburg.org

Annie Brulatour from Salem Church and Anne Lorraine from Porter join us to talk about getting ready for the new school year and the many resources available to students and educators. We discuss the benefits of getting a library card, accessing digital media and language resources, and finding support for both teachers and homeschool families through Classroom Carryout.  librarypoint.org

Danielle Rose with Fredericksburg Tourism and Courtney Mersiowsky with Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events preview the first-ever Duck Derby and Quaktoberfest, happening October 17th. And if you’re already thinking about the Christmas Parade, now’s the time to register—applications are due by October 23rd, or sooner if space fills up. Find more information at fxbg.com or fxbgparks.com.

Executive Director Kathy Anderson shares how Empowerhouse stands beside survivors of domestic violence—offering safety, support, and a path forward when people need it most. We talk about the 24-hour hotline, 540-373-9373, and an important message: you don’t have to be in an emergency to call. Whether you need immediate help, information or resources, the hotline is there around the clock. We also explore the wide range of services Empowerhouse provides.  empowerhouseva.org

Tonia Garnett is an advocate for second chances, criminal justice reform, and pretrial reform. Through her book Enough Is Enough: I Won’t Be a Statistic, she talks about her personal journey to help others break cycles and reclaim their lives. She is preparing to release Built to Rise: The LifeBoard Method,  designed to help people move from surviving to building empowered lives. toniatalksnow.com

Tonia Garnett is an advocate for second chances, criminal justice reform, and pretrial reform. Through her book Enough Is Enough: I Won’t Be a Statistic, she talks about her personal journey to help others break cycles and reclaim their lives. She is preparing to release Built to Rise: The LifeBoard Method,  designed to help people move from surviving to building empowered lives. toniatalksnow.com

Chantelle Lippold of King George is sharing her family’s deeply personal journey since her son, Jack, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. She’s now working to raise money for a track chair that would give Jack greater freedom to get outside and experience the outdoors with his family. But Chantelle’s mission goes beyond raising money. She wants to help other families understand the challenges people with disabilities face and encourage the community to think differently about accessibility, inclusion and the simple opportunities many of us take for granted. She’s documenting the family’s journey through a blog and is also working to establish a foundation called Beyond the Pavement, with the hope of creating greater awareness and opportunities for people living with disabilities. To support Jack’s Outdoor Adventure or learn more about Chantelle’s efforts, search “Support Jack’s Outdoor Adventure” on GoFundMe or contact her at 571-225-9021.