🌱 Free Rides Increase Bus Ridership + Nationals Defeat Shorebirds

Morning, friends. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Fredericksburg Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Breezy in the afternoon. High: 87 Low: 59.
• Wednesday: Partial sunshine. High: 81 Low: 54.

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Here are the top three stories in Fredericksburg today:

1. A new report indicates that Fredricksburg's free ride program has resulted in an 81 percent spike in ridership during the first quarter of 2023. The FXBGO! bus service recorded a total of 71,100 rider trips since January, compared to 39,103 in the first quarter of 2022. The results of the city's free ride program were presented to the Fredericksburg City Council in a recent report. (PotomacLocal.com)
2. The Woman's Club of Fredericksburg recently recognized seven of its members during the organization's May meeting. Barbara Atkins, Carolyn Ledbetter, Betty Shanklin, Sharon Adinolfi, Phyllis Flohr, Barbara Barrett, and Lucille Kimman were honored for their years of service to the WCF. The seven members have given a combined total of 90 years of community service through the organization. (Subscription: Fredericksburg.com)
3. The Fredericksburg Nationals bested the Delmarva Shorebirds Sunday in a 7-1 win. The victory closes out the Minor League Baseball team's series against the Delmarva rival. The series had been tied 3-3 prior to the tie-breaking game. (PotomacLocal.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Fredericksburg:

Tuesday, June 6

• Picnic In The Park At Memorial Park (11:30 AM)

Wednesday, June 7

• Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat At Riverside Center For The Performing Arts (1:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank will be making monthly distributions this week at the River Club on Tidewater Trail. Stop by from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. or visit the link to find the complete schedule of monthly distributions. (Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank via Facebook)
• Keep the whole family entertained this summer! Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events has released the latest edition of FXBG Park Picks. Click here to view the video to learn all about the events happening near you this month, including Picnic in the Park and more! (Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events via Facebook)
• The Fredericksburg Police Department will be at Mary Washington Hospital's John F. Fick III Conference Center this Saturday to help parents ensure car seats are properly installed. The free community baby shower event will also feature giveaways, prizes, and opportunities to meet local businesses. (Fredericksburg Police Department via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right. See you all soon for another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.