Anne Little from the Virginia Bluebird Society and Tree Fredericksburg joins us to talk all things bluebirds — and a free Bluebird program coming up February 28th at the downtown library. We’ll also highlight the Spring Free Seedlings Giveaway with Tree Fredericksburg and why planting the right trees matters. Plus, a conversation about unintended consequences in conservation and how you can take part in the Backyard Bird Count beginning Friday.  treefredericksburg.org    virginiabluebirds.org

Erin Perkins and Anthony Salgado from the Rappahannock Area Health District join us to talk about how the Medical Reserve Corps steps up during local health emergencies — and the many other ways volunteers support the community throughout the year. They share how the Corps strengthens public health efforts locally and why more volunteers are needed across a wide range of opportunities. We also discuss timely health concerns, including flu season, rabies awareness, and measles prevention.

Dr. Chris Vaughn and Dr. Sudeep Menachery with Hematology Oncology Associates of Fredericksburg join us to talk about cancer care close to home. We discuss the latest advances in treatment, the challenges facing modern medicine, and why access to high-quality local care matters. HOAF is an independently-owned practice — and we break down what that actually means for patients. More information at hoafredericksburg.com.

Kathleen Daley-Becker, Melanie Johnson, and Von Young talk about B101.5’s Winter Wag-A-Thon and how it supports the Fredericksburg SPCA during the coldest months of the year. They also discuss the SPCA’s Not Your Average Valentine campaign, share important tips for protecting pets in cold weather, and preview upcoming events. The Eric Becker Memorial Concert has now been rescheduled for February 28th. More information available at fredspca.org.

Gabe Pons, John and Leslie Leahy, and Gin Schaffer preview several upcoming fundraising events benefiting the Fairy Godmother Project, which supports families facing pediatric cancer. The events give the community multiple ways to get involved while helping the organization continue providing direct assistance and support to families during treatment. Details on the events and how to participate are available at fgpinfo.org.

Dave Muraca and Allison Ellis with the George Washington Foundation preview Presidents’ Day at Ferry Farm, coming up February 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features free parking, house tours, colonial games, a chance to throw a stone across the Rappahannock River, and cupcakes. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 17 and under. More information is available at kenmore.org.

Kathryn Willis and John Hennessy preview the Cultural Quilt lecture series, a free program that explores Fredericksburg’s sister cities and the role different cultures have played in shaping both the community and the nation. Held at the downtown library, the lectures examine each country’s influence on the American story through a local lens. The series opens February 18 with John Hennessy’s talk at 6:30, Beyond the Ocean Gateway: Immigrants and Immigration in Fredericksburg, tracing how generations of immigrants helped define the city’s character and growth.

Dave the Computer Guy explained how powerful computer models and supercomputers are used to track storms and improve weather forecasting. We also talked about staying safe online in 2026, including why antivirus programs still matter, how password managers can protect against data breaches, and when using a VPN makes sense for privacy and security.  techsintheburg.com

Executive Director Kathy Anderson talks about the heightened dangers domestic violence survivors face during severe weather, when being trapped inside the home can be especially dangerous. She explains how storms can increase isolation and limit access to help. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and Anderson discusses school-based programs that give teens the tools to recognize warning signs and unhealthy behaviors early. The 24-hour hotline is 540-373-9373, and more information can be found at empowerhouseva.org.

SAWs Virginia founder Charlie Russell talks about the organization’s mission to provide life-changing ramps for individuals in need. He shares updates on big growth for SAWs, including the expansion of SAWs-West serving Fauquier County and communities west of Fredericksburg. Russell also announces a new location where volunteers can pre-build ramps, helping speed up installations. The group built more than 40 ramps last year, and that momentum is continuing this year with even more projects planned.  sawsva.org