Fredericksburg Kathmandu Sister City

04/12/2026

"Italians in 18th Century Virginia" by Scott Walker on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6:30 PM

03/16/2026

Wed., March 18 at Downtown Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 6:30 PM!

Next lecture in the Cultural Quilt series is An Exploration of German Influence in the Greater Fredericksburg Region, at 6:30 PM, in the Theater of (CRRL),1201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg. Presented by Dr. Marcel Rotter and a group of students of German at University of Mary Washington (UMW), the talk explores the lives of five German immigrants to the Fredericksburg area.
Dr. Rotter will lead a discussion based on a years-long research project conducted by UMW students, including presenters Cameron Mayfield, exchange student Caroline Preuss, Evan Sowards, and Orion van Rooy. More information about this extensive research project may be found at Germans in Fredericksburg, VA https://germansinfredericksburgva.umwsites.net/
The German talk is the second lecture in the Cultural Quilt series, a project of the Fredericksburg sister cities. The series focuses on the sister city countries and their influence on the fabric of America. The series is also sponsored by the CRRL, and the City of Fredericksburg. All lectures are free, and are held at the Downtown Branch of CRRL

First lecture of VA250 series is on Wednesday Feb. 18 at 6:30 PM in downtown Library Theater located at 1201 Caroline St.

John J. Hennessy presents the first lecture in the Cultural Quilt series, presented by Fredericksburg's sister cities.

Thanks to our partners, the City of Fredericksburg and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library for helping bring this free series to Our Fair City

03/03/2026

Fredericksburg-Ghana Friendship Day!

02/17/2026

First lecture of VA250 series is on Wednesday Feb. 18 at 6:30 PM in downtown Library Theater located at 1201 Caroline St.

John J. Hennessy presents the first lecture in the Cultural Quilt series, presented by Fredericksburg's sister cities.

Thanks to our partners, the City of Fredericksburg and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library for helping bring this free series to Our Fair City

02/11/2026

02/10/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Cynthia Kelly, a member of Fredericksburg Kathmandu Sister City. She was a kind, compassionate, and inspiring soul whose dedication to her family, friends, and community touched so many lives. Her warmth, humility, and generosity will always be remembered.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to her husband Matt, her family, and all who loved her. May her memory continue to be a blessing, and may her loved ones find comfort and strength during this difficult time.

Here is the obituary of Mrs. Kelly.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/fredericksburg-va/cynthia-kelly-12740778

02/10/2026

~Walk for Peace~

Thank you to everyone who helped welcome and host the venerable monks and the Walk for Peace team in the Fredericksburg region. The success of this meaningful visit was made possible by the collective efforts of so many—our board members, general members, and community well-wishers—who came together with generosity and compassion.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Office of the City of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County Government, Himalayan Heritage Restaurant, Spice Thai Cuisine and other local Thai restaurants, Wat Pa Tesrangsee, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg, along with the many individuals who supported meals, logistics, facilities, and coordination. We are also thankful for the support we received from other sister cities and their members while they were in town.

It was a true honor to welcome, host, and provide meals for the venerable monks and the dedicated volunteers accompanying them. After departing Fredericksburg, the Walk for Peace organizers shared their heartfelt gratitude and expressed how deeply touched they were by the warmth and support they received from our community.

We were also honored to be quoted in a local news publication highlighting this visit.
https://www.fxbgadvance.com/p/peace-begins-with-our-breath?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email&triedRedirect=true

Below are some photos from the visit that capture these special moments of community and reflection.

We look forward to continuing our involvement in meaningful community events like this in the future and thank you once again for making this experience so memorable.

02/06/2026

Venerable monks and team will be in Fredericksburg until their lunch time today. See below for details.

📌 Update for Day 104 (2/6/2026): Walking Through Fredericksburg to Stafford, VA

On Day 104, we continue our journey through Virginia, walking through Fredericksburg and heading to Stafford via US-1 Highway. Step by step, we carry the message of peace, mindfulness, loving-kindness and compassion forward. We are deeply grateful for the continued support and warm welcome we receive along the way.

📌 Itinerary for Day 104:
- Lunch Stop: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg, 25 Chalice Circle, Fredericksburg, VA 22405 (Visiting Hours: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM)

- Overnight Rest: 1300 Courthouse Rd, Stafford, VA 22554 (Visiting Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

We warmly welcome everyone to visit us at both stops!

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg and Stafford County for their generous hospitality and support.

📍 Check the Live Map in the pinned/featured post on top of our page to track the journey live and our stop locations.

May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. 🙏

02/05/2026

Welcoming the venerable monks, Aloka dog, and entire Walk for Peace team in Fredericksburg!

📌 Update for Day 103 (2/5/2026): Heading to Fredericksburg, VA
On Day 103, we continue our journey through Virginia, heading from Ruther Glen to Fredericksburg via US-1 Highway. Step by step, we carry the message of peace, mindfulness, loving-kindness and compassion forward. We are deeply grateful for the continued support and warm welcome we receive along the way.

📌 Itinerary for Day 103:

- Lunch Stop: Spotsylvania County Fire Co 8, 6429 Patriot Hwy Bldg, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22551. No visitation at the lunch location.

- Overnight Rest: 10300 Spotsylvania Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (Visiting Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

We warmly welcome everyone to visit us during the evening visiting hours!

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Spotsylvania County Fire Co 8 and the hosts at our night location for their generous hospitality and support.

📍 Check the Live Map in the pinned/featured post on top of our page to track the journey live and our stop locations.

May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. 🙏

02/04/2026

Here is today's schedule of Walk for Peace

📌 Update for Day 102 (2/4/2026): Heading to Ruther Glen, VA
On Day 102, we continue our journey through Virginia, heading from Ashland to Ruther Glen via US-1 Highway. Step by step, we carry the message of peace, mindfulness, loving-kindness and compassion forward. We are deeply grateful for the continued support and warm welcome we receive along the way.

📌 Itinerary for Day 102:
- Lunch Stop: Saint Tikhon Orthodox Church, 26255 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Ruther Glen, VA 22546
No public visitation at the lunch location.

- Overnight Rest: Wright's Chapel United Methodist Church, 8063 Ladysmith Rd, Ruther Glen, VA 22546 (Visiting Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

We warmly welcome everyone to visit us during the evening visiting hours at Wright's Chapel United Methodist Church!

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Saint Tikhon Orthodox Church and Wright's Chapel United Methodist Church for their generous hospitality and support.

📍 Check the Live Map in the pinned/featured post on top of our page to track the journey live and our stop locations.

May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. 🙏

02/02/2026

🌿 Walk for Peace: UPDATES for Spotsylvania and City of Fredericksburg 🌿

Here is the latest information from county of Spotsylvania (copied from their website).

The group is expected to enter Spotsylvania from Caroline County TOMORROW, Feb. 5, 2026, on northbound U.S. 1 mid-morning.

They will continue on U.S. Route 1 with planned stops along the route.
A lunch stop is scheduled at the Thornburg fire station with no opportunity for public engagement.
As they pass the Interstate 95 overpass near Southpoint, they will turn right on Market Street before turning right on Spotsylvania Avenue, where the walk concludes for an overnight stop at Lee Hill Building 1, 10300 Spotsylvania Ave., in Spotsylvania County. The conclusion of the day’s walk is the only opportunity for public engagement that will occur outdoors, so dress warmly to account for expected below freezing temperatures. Attendees should park in the front of the building. A private event will follow, giving local officials the opportunity to engage with the group.
About 7 a.m. Feb. 6, the monks plan to walk north on Spotsylvania Avenue, cross Mine Road, and continue onto Falcon Drive, where the Fredericksburg Police Department will begin escorting the group. The procession will turn right on Lafayette Boulevard, left on Sophia Street, and then right on the Chatham Bridge into Stafford County.
There are no planned stops in the City of Fredericksburg.
Information on Stafford County travel routes will be shared in a follow-up announcement by Stafford County Government on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026.

https://www.spotsylvania.va.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/1033?fbclid=IwZnRzaAPwnBlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeB60iuqVB8AjRiwhJ7rBUSfFYTBTLeZmHubmiq_34aD5zuQ3Q0rYF_so5pno_aem_a5vSELEoE0X2eFcy6kVZjA
--------------------------------------------------------
Walk for Peace team will be entering to Spotsylvania County on Thursday, Feb 5 and will have a dinner/overnight stop around Four Mile Fork area. It will be open for public, and more information will be shared soon.

---------------------------------------------------------------
We would like to inform our community that the Walk for Peace team will be passing through Spotsylvania County and the City of Fredericksburg this week as part of their journey toward Washington, DC.

As of now, they are planning to stop in Fredericksburg and have a public visitation. However, the location, day, and time are still to be determined. We will post updates here as soon as the details are finalized.

The Fredericksburg–Kathmandu Sister City is coordinating closely with the City of Fredericksburg, along with various local businesses and community organizations, to help accommodate the venerable monks, Aloka Dog, and the dedicated volunteers during their time in Fredericksburg.

Please stay tuned and be ready to welcome the walkers as they pass through our community in the spirit of peace, compassion, and unity. 🙏✨

12/12/2025

Sister Cities International has two dynamic upcoming opportunities for youths with associated sister city organizations:

#1: An international young artists showcase (age 12-14 in one group, 15-18 in second group). They would highly welcome students to submit art work for the competition, which will be recognized, and also, compete for cash prizes from $1,000 first place to $250.

#2: A Youth Leadership Summit (high school level ages 14-18) for June 2026 in Washington that provides great diplomatic and international cultural and educational exposure.

Details for both of these initiatives are also at:

Sister Cities International fosters global peace and cooperation through city-to-city partnerships, cultural exchange, and community diplomacy initiatives in over 140 countries.