Artist Eto Otitigbe and Dr. Gaila Sims talk about the planned Slave Auction Block Memorial at the corner of William and Charles Streets in downtown Fredericksburg. Otitigbe has spent months meeting with community members as he developed and refined the design for the memorial. The concept centers on a raised section of the street marking the historic location of the auction block, creating a physical and symbolic space for reflection. The design also includes a vertical obelisk-like element rising from the site, intended to serve as a visible marker of remembrance and acknowledgement of the people who were bought and sold there.

Executive Director Hailey Jobin with an overview.  We talk about the organization’s Helpline, which connects people with local mental health resources.  We discuss programs like the Senior Visitors program and support groups offered throughout the region. She also shares details about the upcoming March for Mental Wellness on May 2nd. More information is available at mhafred.org.

Tonia Garnett’s memoir tells the deeply personal story of her journey through abuse, addiction, and incarceration—and the difficult work of rebuilding her life afterward. Through honest reflection, Garnett shares the challenges she faced, the turning points that helped change her path, and the resilience it took to move forward. In the introduction, she writes that the title is “both a declaration and a surrender,” adding that the book is not meant to be skimmed.  She says the book traces the hills and valleys of life. The memoir is currently available through her website at toniatalksnow.com.

Karli Murray (Vice-Chair) and Susan Moss (Chair) preview Historic Garden Week in Fredericksburg on April 21. This special tour will feature homes and gardens along Upper Caroline Street, near the Rising Sun Tavern. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore beautifully maintained properties while learning about the area’s architecture, landscape design, and local history. Historic Garden Week is a statewide celebration, with tours hosted in communities across Virginia. The Fredericksburg tour is organized and managed by the Rappahannock Valley Garden Club. Visit gcvirginia.org for details and advance ticket purchases.

Executive Director Mimi Mitchell shares an update on plans to build six new homes in Mayfield, along with launching a rehabilitation program and restarting critical home repairs for local families. She also highlights what shoppers can find at the ReStore  with proceeds supporting Habitat’s mission. fredhab.org.

Megan Samples, Joseph Lyttle, and Amanda Strawn preview the upcoming Community Connections Expo happening March 17 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. The free event will feature more than 70 vendors, offering valuable resources and information for residents across the region. For full details, visit Fredericksburg Area Health and Support Services fahass.org.

Battlefield District Supervisor Chris Yakabouski discussed the county’s proposed budget and the financial challenges facing the board.   He encouraged residents to attend the March 26 public hearing at Courtland High School or to share their thoughts during Board of Supervisors meetings, noting that public input often influences final decisions. The conversation also touched on the role of data centers.   Yakabouski says community engagement is critical as the county makes important funding choices.

Here's a sign spring is near--the Rappahannock Education Farm is about to begin volunteer hours again.  Rich Larochelle looks back at lessons learned in 2025 and plans for 2026---including use this year of a barn and greenhouse on the White Oak property.   rappahannockfarm.org

Leadership coach Janelle Donohue works with individuals and organizations to strengthen teams and improve workplace effectiveness. In this conversation, she breaks down the Six Types of Working Genius framework — Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement and Tenacity — and explains how understanding your natural strengths can boost productivity and reduce frustration on the job. Donohue gives examples of how each genius shows up in real workplaces and why most people thrive when they focus on the areas where they are naturally strongest.  More details at [email protected]

Juanita Shanks previews the upcoming Hall of Change Gala on April 11, highlighting the impact of Failsafe-ERA’s work supporting families affected by incarceration. The evening will showcase success stories, raise critical funds, and shine a light on programs that help break cycles and build stability for children.   There are still opportunities for sponsors and supporters to get involved. Learn more at failsafe-era.org.