🌱 Patch AM: Could a new UMW medical school reshape Fredericksburg’s healthcare future?

Good morning to you Fredericksburg! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Could a new UMW medical school reshape Fredericksburg's healthcare future?
• How will Fredericksburg's new teen violence plan protect local youth?
• Ready to sip, shop and stroll Fredericksburg's Pumpkin Spice Crawl?

Also on today's calendar: Pizza Palooza 2026 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why are crows so alert and curious? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Very warm and humid, with a high of 88 and low of 69 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Monday: Mostly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 83, low: 53.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 81 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Priority 2: Serving Regional and Commonwealth Workforce Needs (umw.edu) — University of Mary Washington leaders outline plans to meet Fredericksburg's fast-growing workforce needs, including pursuing a new medical school with Mary Washington Healthcare. The strategy also calls for new health, business, technology, and education programs, stronger career support, and expanded pathways from community colleges and K–12, all aimed at boosting local healthcare capacity and regional job opportunities.
   

2. Fxbg leaders reaffirm commitment to teen violence prevention (starexponent.com) — Fredericksburg officials and city schools are doubling down on preventing teen violence, guided by a new consultant report with 13 recommendations and an implementation roadmap. City leaders highlight expanded teen recreation programs, school kindness initiatives, and a growing network of community partners, with a joint City Council–School Board briefing on the plan set for October 27, 2026.
   

3. Fxbg Pumpkin Spice Crawl returns to downtown (fredericksburg.com) — Downtown Fredericksburg will host the FXBG Pumpkin Spice Crawl on Saturday, October 24, offering ticket holders access to 15 shops with free gifts or experiences at each stop. Local residents can enjoy exclusive discounts, explore favorite and new businesses, and soak up a fall-themed afternoon while strolling through the historic downtown district.
   

4. Press Rewind: Sept. 7-12 (fredericksburgfreepress.com) — Fredericksburg readers can quickly catch up on major local developments, from a new prototype home for Micah Ecumenical Ministries' Jeremiah Community to archaeological discoveries at St. George's Episcopal Church and a Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra season kickoff. The recap also highlights a Fredericksburg School Board candidate interview and key decisions in neighboring counties, plus an upcoming Stafford tax debate, all bundled into a short companion podcast.
   

📸 Around Fredericksburg

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fredericksburg

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★ Featured events ★

Saturday September 19
• Pizza Palooza 2026 →
  909 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg
  5:00 pm
Sunday September 20
• Inner Peace Summit: A Day to Recharge. Reconnect. →
  Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum - VA, 14020 Thunderbolt Rd., Chantilly, VA,
  12:00 pm
Saturday September 26
• Sickle Cell Awareness Blood Drive →
  Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Fredericksburg Branch, 1201 Caroline St, Fredericksburg
  10:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Sunday September 13
• Weekly Sunday Hikes with Old Dominion Humane Society Rescue Dogs →
  Old Dominion Humane Society, 3602 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg
  7:45 am
• Old Dominion Humane Society Rescue Dogs at Fredericksburg Pet Palooza, September 13 →
  Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg
  10:00 am
Monday September 14
• Economic Development Authority Regular Meeting →
  601 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg
  8:30 am
Tuesday September 15
• Zoe Freedom Center Jersey Mikes Charity Night →
  5635 Plank Rd AND 1607 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA
  9:00 am
Friday September 18
• Pilates Pawty with Old Dominion Humane Society Dogs and Crunch Fitness, September 18 →
  Old Dominion Humane Society, 3602 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg
  7:00 pm
Saturday September 19
• Weekly Saturday Strolls with Old Dominion Humane Society Rescue Dogs →
  Old Dominion Humane Society, 3602 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg
  7:45 am
• Puppy Yoga and Bottomless Mimosas at The Barking Barley, September 19 →
  The Barking Barley, 1515 Olde William St, Fredericksburg
  10:00 am
• Dog Krazy Ruther Glen Adoption Event with Old Dominion Humane Society Rescues, September 19 →
  Dog Krazy, Inc., 17477 US-1, Ruther Glen
  11:00 am
• Fall Family Festival →
  Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Ave, Fredericksburg
  11:00 am

📣 Fredericksburg Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Fredericksburg PatchAM possible:

• South Garden Service Dogs — (434) 426-1988
• PNH Plumbing and wells — (540) 286-2388
• IHOP (2831 Plank Road) — (540) 785-4336

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Friday's Cyber Tip Neighbors!
  #StaySafe #StaySecure Stay safe from sneaky "MMS" text scams! Hey neighbors, just a quick heads-up about a security risk to watch out for on your… (Nextdoor Enchanted Woods)
• This is a scam.
  Don't fall for it. This popped up on my iPhone the other day. It's like a pop up ad, but they're trying to trick you to enter personal… (Nextdoor Leeland Station)

• O'Reilly Automotive posted a job opening for Inventory Control Clerk I - Quality Assurance in Fredericksburg. Apply here.
• Fredericksburg City Public Schools posted a job opening for Substitute Custodians in Fredericksburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fredericksburg here.

Ok Fredericksburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: They start each day with a cup of caw-fee. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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