Town Talk

Kevin and Charlie Vogt, along with Special Olympics Virginia President David Thomason, preview the 2026 Polar Plunge, set for February 6–7 in Virginia Beach. The event marks the 35th anniversary of the iconic fundraiser supporting Special Olympics athletes across the Commonwealth. Charlie Vogt shares what Special Olympics has meant to their family and how its programs create opportunity, confidence, and inclusion. Kevin is a local DJ. He's raised $60,000 by taking the icy dip. The Polar Plunge provides critical funding for year-round training and competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The Virginia Beach plunge weekend includes a 5K Friday night. polarplunge.com

Gaila Sims joins us to discuss ongoing plans for a memorial at the historic auction block site at the corner of Charles and William streets in Fredericksburg. She describes the proposed design. Sims says the memorial will also include the names of individuals connected to the auction block. Community input is being gathered through a series of public meetings, both virtual and in person, as plans continue to take shape.

Toneisha Harris, Jahnay Star and Patrick A’Hearn talk about Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, running January 16 through March 1 at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Stafford. The show traces the life and career of music icon Donna Summer, blending her personal story with her legendary hits. Harris stars as Diva Donna, while Star portrays Disco Donna, representing different eras of the singer’s life. More information and tickets are available at riversidedt.com.

Empowerhouse Executive Director Kathy Anderson previews the Empty Bowl fundraiser, set for February 1 at the Elks Lodge on Tidewater Trail. The annual event features handcrafted bowls donated by local potters and soups, with all proceeds supporting Empowerhouse and its work with survivors of domestic violence. Anderson says the fundraiser is especially important this year as the number of people seeking help continues to rise while some federal programs have been reduced or eliminated. More information is available at empowerhouseva.org. Anyone needing immediate help can call the Empowerhouse hotline at 540-373-9373.

At-large Fredericksburg City Councilman Will Mackintosh looks ahead to a year of issues facing City Council. We talk about the budget. He points to instability in Washington as a major concern, saying changes at the federal level could directly affect funding for local projects and services. Mackintosh also discusses potential changes to downtown traffic patterns, including converting some one-way streets to two-way travel to improve safety.

Stafford County Commissioner of Revenue Scott Mayusky and Fredericksburg Regional Alliance President Curry Roberts step outside their day jobs to discuss major changes reshaping college athletics. The conversation focuses on name, image, and likeness opportunities, the transfer portal, and how those shifts are impacting student-athletes, schools, and competitive balance. They also explore what these changes mean for the future of college sports and the traditional model of amateur athletics.

Bobby Hebert joins us to talk about New Year’s fitness resolutions, breaking down why so many people make them, why they often fail, and how to succeed in a more humane, sustainable way. He explains that lasting change starts with food choices, focusing on what you consistently put into your body. The conversation also centers on action, emphasizing realistic movement and exercise rather than extreme workouts. He highlights the importance of rest, including quality sleep and recovery, as a foundation for long-term health. Hebert also stresses mindset, encouraging people to be intentional about the beliefs they adopt based on what they take in mentally and emotionally. You can follow Bobby’s writing and insights at warriorpoetvitality.mykajabi.com

Falmouth Supervisor Meg Bohmke concludes time on the Board of Supervisors and School Board. We talk about changes in the county, transportation, budgets, data centers and parks. Meg talked about the lens she used to look at every issue--would she want her favorite aunt to live next to any proposed project.

CEO and Artistic Director Patrick A’Hearn reflects on a strong close to the year and growing momentum at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. He says more than 26,000 people attended the final two productions, “The Sound of Music” and “White Christmas,” highlighting the theater’s broad community appeal. Summer: The Donna Summer musical is coming in January. riversidedt.com

Terry Rensel, Tim Talbott, and Tom Van Winkle talk about the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust as it marks 30 years of preservation work. They discuss CVBT’s “60 for 30” anniversary campaign, which aims to raise $60,000 to support battlefield preservation and long-term stewardship of historic land. The conversation highlights land saved in Spotsylvania County near Brock Road, which includes a dozen well-preserved Civil War artillery lunettes, making it one of the most significant preserved tracts in the area. They also talk about ongoing efforts to safeguard additional threatened battlefield land as development pressure continues. Looking ahead, they discuss the possibility of new trails or expanded public access, including potential opportunities near preserved land around Chancellorsville later this year. More information at cvbt.org.

Mac Williams and Jason Tickle of Central Rappahannock River Habitat for Humanity discussed plans for new construction in Ladysmith in 2026. The project expands homeownership opportunities while addressing the region’s ongoing affordable housing challenges. They highlighted the use of modular building techniques, which can help reduce costs and shorten construction timelines. Jason and Mac also stressed the importance of community involvement, with opportunities to volunteer both on build sites and in support roles. They encouraged individuals and businesses to consider financial contributions, particularly as the year comes to a close. More information on getting involved is available at crrhfh.org.

Lt. Tom Cornell and Fire Chief Jay Cullinan join us to talk about holiday fire safety at a time of year when risks are at their highest. From cooking and kitchen hazards to heating and electrical safety, they share practical steps families can take to prevent fires. We also cover Christmas tree and decoration safety, the importance of working smoke alarms, and simple reminders that can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

After 36 years representing Spotsylvania and Caroline counties in the General Assembly, Bobby Orrock will not return to Richmond in January. The longtime delegate reflects on his loss in November, the legislation and issues he’s most proud of from his decades of service, and how Virginia politics has changed over the years. We also talk about what comes next as he closes one chapter of public service and looks ahead to the future.

Dave the Computer Guy joins us to discuss why properly recycling old electronics matters and how to protect your personal information in the new year. He explains that strong online security doesn’t have to be complicated, pointing to basics like antivirus software, a password manager, and smart browsing habits. We also dive into the rise of artificial intelligence, the growing demand for data centers, and what those changes mean for everyday users. techsintheburg.com

If you’ve run in a local race recently, there’s a good chance Arsenal Events was behind the timing and organization. Kristen Loescher joins us to look back at a busy year, including the growth and success of the Stafford Race Series. We also shift to the bigger picture—why so many people make fitness a New Year’s resolution, how to set realistic goals, and smart, sustainable ways to get in shape and stay active in 2026.

University of Mary Washington men’s basketball coach Marcus Kahn and women’s coach Deena Applebury talk about what makes Division III athletics unique. With no athletic scholarships, they say players truly compete for the love of the game, balancing academics with a high level of competition. The coaches discuss their recruiting approach, focusing on student-athletes who are the right fit both on the court and in the classroom, and who embrace the culture of UMW. Kahn also highlights the success of the men’s program this season, with the Eagles currently ranked sixth nationally in Division III, underscoring the level of talent and commitment in the program despite the absence of scholarships.

The University of Mary Washington’s Dr. Stephen Farnsworth joins us to break down the latest developments in Virginia politics, including the ongoing redistricting debate and what it could mean for future elections. We also examine Governor Youngkin’s political legacy and the challenges and opportunities facing Governor-elect Spanberger as she prepares to take office. Dr. Farnsworth discusses the growing absence of compromise in modern politics. And we wrap up with a look at the power of political humor—how it shapes public perception and influences voters. Dr. Farnsworth is Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies.

The Historic Fredericksburg Foundation’s 55th Christmas Candlelight Tour returns this weekend, and Preservationist Danae Peckler and Board Member Debbie Pederson join us with a preview. This year’s tour features a colonial focus, highlighting some of Fredericksburg’s most significant 18th-century homes and the stories of the people who lived in them. Peckler and Pederson explain how the event blends architectural history, period décor, and guided interpretation to showcase what holiday life looked like in early Fredericksburg. They also highlight the Saturday night program at the Smithfield mansion at the Fredericksburg Country Club, offering guests an evening of colonial-themed history, conversation, and seasonal celebration tied to this year’s tour. They discuss the volunteer effort behind the tour, the meticulous research guiding each home’s presentation, and how proceeds support preservation work across the region. Details and tickets are available at hffi.org/candlelight-tour.

Deputy Executive Director Adriana Puckett and Executive Director Rebecca Purdy look back at 2025, highlighting a year of growth and innovation across the Central Rappahannock Regional Library system. They discuss classes and events, service and access, and updates to digital resources. The conversation also touches on community partnerships and ways the library supports learners of all ages. librarypoint.org

Stroke Program Manager Susan Halpin and Neurosurgeon Dr. John Muse outline major advancements in neurological care now available at Mary Washington Healthcare. They discuss how expanded capabilities are improving outcomes for stroke patients, including updates on the thrombectomy program, which allows specialists to remove large clots quickly and dramatically reduce long-term disability. Halpin and Dr. Muse also highlight the health system’s new neurointerventional suite, designed to deliver faster, more precise treatment during stroke emergencies, along with the expanded neuroscience facilities that support advanced imaging, round-the-clock readiness, and coordinated care from diagnosis through recovery. They say these investments mean more patients can be treated locally—without the delays of transfer—bringing big-city stroke care directly to the Fredericksburg region. More information is available at stroke.mwhc.com.