

NEIGHBORS OF NEIGHBORS OF Courthouse Courthouse
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY:
The Mowery Family of Embrey Mill
Cover Photo by Karen Presecan Photography
© Best Version Media














© Best Version Media
PUBLICATION TEAM



March is over— and, hopefully, so is its crazy weather. We’re ready for April, but first, we must mention some incredible women who were celebrated at the Central VA Most Influential Women Awards last month, especially our publisher, Dori Stewart. Along with Dori, numerous others-- including Jennifer Cumming, Arline Gause, and Marie King (whom we have featured)-- were celebrated for their immeasurable impact on our community. It was an amazing night, so enjoy a few of our favorite photos from the event below and buckle up for more stories of remarkable folks right here in our backyard-- starting with the Mowery family whose beautiful faces grace your cover!
Happy reading, Publisher:

Content Coordinator: Mallory Hardgrove







ADVERTISING
Contact: Dori Stewart
Email: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com
Phone: (540)288-7928
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS
Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com.
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Mallory Hardgrove




© Best Version Media


CATERING
Will and Maria Negron | Hit the Spot Kitchen 540-479-1687 Hitthespotkitchen.com
ESTATE PLANNING, REAL ESTATE, & BUSINESS LAW
Melissa Huntley-Bosco | HB Law, PLC 703-398-2143 hblawplc.com
FUNERAL SERVICES
Todd Gerace | Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service 540-373-5842 (Fredericksburg), 540-659-7690 (Stafford) dignitymemorial.com


HARDWOOD FLOORING
Enos and Amy Pacheco | Pacheco’s Hardwood Floor 571-383-5946 | 571-575-1570 Spanish pachecoshardwoodfloor.com
MASSAGE
Linda Osorio, LMT | Bear River Massage 540-356-5535 bearriverspayoga.com





ORTHODONTICS
Matthew H. Caspersen, D.D.S., M.S. Rappahannock Orthodontics 540-371-2611 drcaspersen.com
PILATES
Suzy Thompson | Club Pilates 540-783-1940 clubpilates.com/stafford
PLUMBING
Gregory White | White Plumbing Company 703-672-8667 whiteplumbingco.com
REAL ESTATE
Ginger Walker | Give Back Team of Coldwell Banker Elite 540-306-5585 GiveBackTeam.com
SKINCARE
Aubry Blais | Thistle Medical Aesthetics 540-783-8209 thistlemedicalaesthetics.com
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact BVM at doristewart@bestversionmedia.com or 540-288-7928.







FAILSAFE-ERA: SOUNDING THE ALARM ON CYCLES OF INCARCERATION

When Juanita Shanks’s son became entangled in the criminal justice system in 2004, just after graduating from high school, she found herself in unfamiliar, isolating territory. There were no guides, no roadmaps, no organizations to call. There was only the weight of uncertainty and a mother’s love searching for somewhere to land.
“My faith in God became my foundation and saving grace,” says Shanks, who channeled that painful experience into something transformative. What emerged from those early years of struggle was FailSafe-ERA, a community-centered nonprofit she founded in August 2009 with a mission as clear as it is urgent: to prevent generations of incarceration by supporting individuals and families impacted by the criminal justice system.
Today, as Founder and CEO, Shanks leads an organization that serves hundreds of individuals and families annually across the region — and has touched thousands of lives since its founding. FailSafe-ERA provides wraparound support, evidence-based training, advocacy, and programming for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, parents and caregivers, youth, and community partners. But the heart behind it all is deeply personal.
Shanks lost her son on January 21, 2021. Rather than stepping back from the work, the outpouring of love she received from those her organization served only deepened her resolve.
“When my son passed away, I received many letters from inmates saying, ‘We are sorry for your loss, but now you have hundreds of sons

— please don’t give up,’” she recalls. “Those impacted by incarceration become a part of the FailSafe family.”
It is that sense of family — of belonging and accountability — that defines FailSafe-ERA’s philosophy. The organization operates from a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach that refuses to reduce people to their worst moments. “We believe people are more than their worst mistake,” Shanks says, “and that families deserve support, not stigma.” Faith, community, and the belief in second chances are woven into every program the organization offers.
The mantra that guides their daily work is equally grounded: “A hand up, not a hand out.” It’s a distinction Shanks takes seriously. FailSafe-ERA isn’t about creating dependency — it’s about equipping people with the tools, confidence, and connections they need to build sustainable futures. “Our philosophy is rooted in hope, accountability, and restoration,” she explains. “We focus on prevention, healing, and transformation, meeting people where they are while equipping them with tools to move forward.”
Those tools look different for different people. For some, it’s navigating the emotional aftermath of having a loved one incarcerated. For others, it’s the very practical realities of reentry, like learning to use a smartphone or a Keurig after years away. Those moments, as Shanks recalls, are a reminder that transformation doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like someone just figuring out the world again, one small step at a time.
The moments that fuel Shanks most, though, are the ones she calls simply witnessing transformation.


“I am inspired by resilience — by parents who refuse to give up on their children, by returning citizens who choose growth over cycles, and by communities that come together to create change,” she says. “Seeing families reunite, youth choose a different path, and individuals discover their purpose beyond incarceration — knowing that our work is helping to break cycles and build futures is deeply fulfilling.”
For Shanks, this work has never been hers alone. “I came to understand that our journey was not just about my son or me, but about what God intended to accomplish through me to support and uplift others,” she reflects. It’s a calling she invites the broader community to share.
“Prevention starts with all of us,” she urges. “When we invest in families, support our youth, and show compassion, we strengthen the entire community.” FailSafe-ERA welcomes volunteers, donors, and partners who want to be part of that effort.
Looking ahead, the organization has several key events on the calendar, including its Second Chance Hall of Change Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser on April 11, 2026, and its annual Preventing Generations of Involvement (PGI) Conference on October 9, 2026.
To learn more or get involved, visit FailSafe-ERA online or follow them on social media. Together, as Shanks puts it, “we can sound the alarm, stop the cycles, and create pathways to brighter futures for generations to come.”

BY CHERICE TAYLOR
CELEBRATING OUR YOUNGEST HEROES: THE MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD © Best Version Media

Cherice Taylor, M.A. Education Administration, is a Part-Time Career Advisor for Germanna Community College. She is the 2022-2023 Past President of the Rotary Club of Stafford and a Charter Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Psi Omega Chapter. She is a relationship builder, poet and a former educator with over 10 years experience at the preschool through high school levels. Cherice earned her Bachelor’s degree from UCLA and her Masters in Education Administration from California State University- Dominguez Hills. She is married to LCDR Eric Taylor (retired) and a mother of four sons. A positive attitude and the belief that sharing pearls of wisdom along with the Golden Rule allows for everyone to improve and reach their personal goals. This is demonstrated in the podcast show that she hosts, Time Matters Podcast! Cherice believes that if we all do better, then we all do better, and that is why Cherice is involved in the community.
Every April, schools and communities across the nation pause to recognize the “littlest heroes” among us. Since its inception in 1986, the Month of the Military Child has served as a dedicated time to honor the resilience, courage,


Real Conversations. Local Stories. Community Connection.
with DORI STEWART
Meet the people who are shaping Fredericksburg. One story at a time. From entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders to artists and everyday neighbors, each episode brings you closer to the heart of our local community.

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and unique sacrifices of the children whose parents serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. The theme for April 2026 is “Military Children and Youth: Strength in Every Story,” a nod to the diverse experiences of the more than 1.6 million military-connected children worldwide.
Purple Up! Day: April 15, 2026
The highlight of the month is Purple Up! Day, held Wednesday, April 15. On this day, students and staff are encouraged to wear purple. Purple symbolizes the combination of all military branch colors representing unity across the entire military family.
Resilience Across the Grades Military children face unique challenges, like frequent moves and parental deployments. On average, a military child will attend six to nine different schools before high school graduation.
• Elementary (K–5): Students often focus on the “Dandelion,” the official flower of the military child, because it can take root and bloom anywhere. Schools may host “Wall of Honor” displays with photos of military parents.
• Middle School (6–8): Peer support is vital. Many schools utilize Student-to-Student (S2S) programs to help new arrivals navigate social transitions.



• High School (9–12): Older students focus on credit transfers and graduation requirements. They often lead “Purple Up” pep rallies and mentor younger peers through transition challenges.
Support at Marine Corps Base Quantico
For families stationed at MCB Quantico, the School Liaison Program serves as the primary bridge between the military command and local school districts. School Liaisons assist families with school transitions, special education navigation, and local enrollment requirements in Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties.
Quantico Base Highlights:
• Quantico Middle High School (QMHS): Look for spirit weeks including “Patriotic Day” and special “Purple Up” ceremonies.
• Liaison Assistance: Liaisons provide “Welcome Aboard” resources and help navigate the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, ensuring students aren’t penalized for moving.
Helpful Resources
• Military OneSource: Comprehensive support for deployment and relocation.
• Tutor.com for Military: Free, on-demand online tutoring for K–12 students.
• Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC): Resources for school transitions and leadership camps.
• MIC3 (Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission): Information on laws protecting military students during moves.
• MCB Quantico School Liaison Office



A Million Tulips Are About to Bloom in Your Backyard
If you are looking for a reason to get outside this April, the Fredericksburg area just handed you a spectacular one. Bloomia, the largest cut flower tulip producer in the United States, is hosting its very first Tulip Festival in King George County, and it is shaping up to be one of the most unique events this region has ever seen.

Tickets include free parking, with shuttles running to the festival grounds. Kids three and under get in free, and the festival is open rain or shine. Fair warning: tickets are expected to sell out.
You may not have known it, but one of the most impressive agricultural operations in the country has been growing in our backyard since 2012. Bloomia supplies roughly 120 million tulip stems annually to national retailers including Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Publix, all grown just outside historic Fredericksburg.
Planned for two back-to-back weekends in mid to late April, the festival will transform Bloomia’s fields into a one-million-tulip picking garden surrounded by food trucks, live music, and local breweries and wineries. Walk through a sea of tulips in full bloom, pick your own bouquet, and soak in a spring experience unlike anything else available right here in our own backyard.
This is the first edition of what Bloomia hopes becomes an annual tradition and maybe even the official kickoff of spring for our region. Do not miss it.
�� Get your tickets at bloomiaflowers.ticket spice.com/tulip-festival







Werner Jansen, CEO of Bloomia
© Best Version Media
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY: THE MOWERY FAMILY OF EMBREY MILL
BY MALLORY HARDGROVE
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY & AMANDA BENTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Some families put down roots. Others grow an entire garden. For Lamyaa Awad-Mowery, her husband Nathan, and their two spirited boys — Nooh, 7, and Zakirayah, 2 — life in Stafford’s Embrey Mill neighborhood is less about settling in and more about showing up, giving back, and making the most of every moment.
Lamyaa and Nathan’s story began the way the best ones often do: unexpectedly. Mutual friends orchestrated a blind date at a group dinner, and the connection was immediate. “Sparks flew instantly,” Lamyaa recalls, “and just four months later, we were married.” This spring, they will celebrate a decade together: “My dream vacation spot was to go to Greece,” says Lamyaa, “so Nathan and I just booked a week-long trip for our upcoming 10-year anniversary!”
The couple first lived in Prince William County before relocating to Stafford about five years ago. Lamyaa’s family actually moved to Stafford in 2004; her parents and three of her four siblings (and Colonial Forge alum) still live in the area. Military families know that it is a rare opportunity to be able to live close to family, so they capitalized on the opportunity.
Their move also provided more space: “We moved to Stafford so we could be closer to my family and settle into a nice house with a yard,” Lamyaa explains. It’s a decision they haven’t regretted for a second. “We live in Embrey Mill, and we love how well the neighborhood fits our family — there are so many young families like ours in the neighborhood.” Though Nathan’s commute to the office is longer, both agree the tradeoff is well worth it.
Nathan has channeled that community spirit into direct civic involvement. As a board member of the Embrey Mill HOA and a volunteer on multiple Stafford County Boards and Committees, he’s made meaningful contributions to the area he and his family call home. His career reflects a similar dedication to service. Without a traditional college degree, he built an impressive military career before transitioning to the civilian sector, where he now serves as Director of National Programs for CADRE Consulting, supporting critical national security and defense intelligence efforts. “Nathan stood out in his early military career and transitioned seamlessly into a professional civilian career,” Lamyaa says. “We’re proud of what we’ve built together through determination and hands-on experience.”
© Best Version Media
While Nathan navigates the world of national security, Lamyaa has been equally busy: raising two boys, building community, and wielding a woodworking tool with impressive skill. Her hobby, born out of volunteerism, has grown into a meaningful craft. In 2017, she volunteered with Islamic Relief USA, helping rebuild homes in North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Matthew and later in Texas after Hurricane Harvey. “It was rewarding work that honed my amateur skills while making a difference,” she says. Back home, those skills have translated into accent walls in the boys’ bedrooms, decorative breadboards and dessert displays, a military coin display, and even the stool Nooh and Zakirayah use to reach the bathroom sink.
Lamyaa’s advocacy work runs equally deep. She served on the steering committee for the Alliance for an Indivisible America (AIA), a nonprofit focused on showcasing the contributions of American Muslims to society, and sat on the board of the Women’s Alliance for Humanity (WAH). She also helped lead a congressional advocacy campaign through the Burma Task Force in support of humanitarian causes. For Lamyaa, these roles are extensions of the same impulse that drives her to her neighborhood workout class and book club: showing up for people.
Closer to home, Lamyaa attends workout classes with S.L.A.M. (Sweat Like a Mother) Quantico and participates in MomCo, a mother’s community group through Ebenezer Church. She also belongs to a ladies-only book club that, by her own admission, rarely stays on topic. “It typically involves staying up until 1:00 AM chatting,” she laughs, “and rarely about the book.”
Their boys — named with intentionality, honoring both their biblical and Islamic roots through Arabic spellings — bring constant energy and joy to the household. Nooh plays soccer with Garrisonville Grassroots and recently scored in the top 1% nationally for quantitative mathematical reasoning among his peers. He’s also the budding entrepreneur behind an occasional lemonade stand. Zakirayah, the younger of the two, is all adventure; after all, who doesn’t love planes, trains, and automobiles? Like many toddlers, he’s also equipped with a fearless streak that has earned him (so far) one emergency room visit.
Their three cats — Bonnie (known as Nunu), Guiliana (JuJu), and Felix, a talkative flamepoint Balinese — round out the household. Felix has a habit of sitting in the bathroom and singing to himself. JuJu, a rescue, once faced an unexpected outdoor exile courtesy of Nathan, before Lamyaa stepped in to bring her back inside after a couple of hours. All three remain firmly part of the family.


“ It was rewarding work that honed my amateur skills while making a difference. ”
When the family isn’t at home or volunteering, they’re likely at Monster Mini Golf on Route 610, a favorite outing for the boys (rain or shine). “We’ve got so many prize tickets stashed from there,” Lamyaa jokes, “I think we should be considered company investors.” They also enjoy biking over to The Grounds Bistro, right in the Embrey Mill neighborhood, for lunch or a cup of coffee.
For Lamyaa, the life they’ve built — in Stafford, in Embrey Mill, and beyond — is a reflection of what happens when two people commit not just to each other, but to something larger. “These roles have been fulfilling ways to give back to our community close at home here in Stafford and abroad,” she says. From the woodworking shop to the halls of Congress, from the soccer sidelines to the HOA boardroom, the Mowery family is doing what they do best: showing up for their community.




BRINGING NEW LIFE TO OLD FLOORS

Nothing says charm and craftsmanship more than an older home. Small geometric hand-placed tiles and warm hardwoods evoke the time when these homes were first lived in. Once beautiful, after decades of “wear and tear” and outdated style, it’s time for an upgrade. Homeowners must choose updates that enhance style and durability. The upgrade will depend on the floor composition, subfloor integrity, proper flooring transitions, and the practicality of the room design.
Flooring composition may vary from decade to decade. However, the most common floor material before the 1960s was solid hardwood, typically pine, oak, or maple. Mostly installed over wooden joists or a plank subfloor. This type of floor may be buried under layers of carpet and vinyl, but it was built to last for generations. Sanding and refinishing are excellent options if the floor’s quality and integrity are stable. In this
WOULD LIKE TO THANK NK FLOORS FOR BRINGING


process, scratches and dents are smoothed, a contemporary stain color can be chosen, and a matte or gloss finish can be applied. If damage and moisture make refinishing impossible, new planks can be installed and stained to match the unaffected areas.
Subfloor integrity must also be considered with historic homes. Unevenness, sagging, and termite damage are common problems. Aging joists and foundations that have settled over the years cause dips and slopes. Trained installers can assess the underlying issues and repair subfloors by applying a leveler, replacing joists, and applying Luan. This step is vital to the floor’s longevity moving forward.
Appropriate transitions need to be incorporated into older homes because many have multiple types of flooring, with some having up to five different applications. With different flooring types come height differences




© Best Version Media
and tripping hazards. Transitions add safety and smooth aesthetics from room to room. Flooring installers with a trained eye will also match trim, thresholds, and reducers to make the floor and the room mesh.
Room design plays a key role in creating historic homes that feel modern. Living areas, entryways, hallways, and basements may have linoleum or cracked, uneven tile. Today, homeowners desire the durability found in luxury vinyl plank, modern tile, and engineered hardwood. There are products on the market that exude a natural look while still offering moisture resistance and high-traffic durability, suitable for pets and children. These materials, while increasing durability, can also complement the original architectural style of the historic design. Choosing color stains and finishes that coincide with the home’s original design, like classic oak in a traditional colonial home, welcomes class. Wider planks can enhance the rustic character of farmhouse design.
Updating floors in an older home requires careful planning, but it is an opportunity to enhance floor function and beauty. The plan should include creating a floor that honors the home’s past while creating a space that supports today’s lifestyle. A flooring renovation can breathe new life into an older home, bringing character and craftsmanship to the space.












Tech with Heart: A Student’s Nationally Recognized App Supports Individuals with Memory Loss

Abigail Nyinaku is a senior at Colonial Forge High School. Outside of writing, she enjoys making art, playing the violin, and has a strong passion for legal studies. Abigail is also the current Vice President of her school’s National Honor Society and runs a handmade personalized greeting-card business, called Heartfelt, in her free time.
When Colonial Forge High School student, Pranav Vedula, set out to design his first iOS app, he wasn’t only chasing prizes—he was looking for solutions. His creation, ReCheck, recently earned top honors in the Congressional App Challenge for its thoughtful and accessible approach to supporting individuals with memory loss.
For Pranav, this project was deeply personal. “The inspiration behind the app was my personal experience with my relatives, specifically my grandpa,” he recalled, “I know that my experience is far from unique.” Hoping to create a resource that could help the millions of families who support individuals with memory loss and symptoms of dementia, ReCheck was





made to help those experiencing memory loss maintain independence using structured, gamified reminders for caregivers and their loved ones.
This empathy-driven idea became the foundation for ReCheck, which blends practicality with creativity in its design. “There are three main aspects of ReCheck,” Pranav said: “the Routine Builder, the Task Checker, and the Memory Game.” The Routine Builder helps users create daily to-do lists, allowing them to add reminders for tasks like taking medication or going for a walk. The Task Checker lets users check off their tasks as they complete them throughout the day. Lastly, the Memory Game scrambles the user’s task list and challenges them to reorder it from memory. All of these features use reinforcement learning to help individuals take a structured approach to learning and decision-making, enabling them to learn from the consequences and outcomes of their actions.
Naturally, building a memory consolidation app didn’t come without its challenges. “The biggest challenge for me was learning Swift and SwiftUI, the programming languages that ReCheck is built from,” Pranav said. Before he began working on ReCheck, Pranav was still new to iOS app development. Because of this, he spent hours watching tutorials and reading instruction manuals to resolve app issues and bugs.
Through perseverance and passion, Pranav transformed an idea into a working tool that makes life easier. “The biggest goal with ReCheck is to restore some degree of independence to people experiencing memory loss,” Pranav notes. “It’s difficult having to rely on others for simple dayto-day tasks, so ReCheck is designed around telling someone experiencing memory loss what tasks they do (through the Task Checker) and helping them remember their daily tasks even without the app (through the Memory Game).” The potential impact of ReCheck extends beyond his own family, sparking opportunities to change lives with the simple implementation of an app in their daily lives.
Despite his successes, Pranav remains curious and driven as ever. “I’m fascinated by the intersection of computer science and business, and I hope to use the two principles in college—and beyond—to develop and distribute software/AI-based solutions to real-world problems!” he excitedly remarked. With ReCheck, Pranav demonstrated his impressive technical development skills and showed how compassion and innovation can join to create meaningful change, pointing towards a brighter future for families supporting individuals with memory loss and the development of further helpful devices globally.
Photos provided by Pranav Vedula, Headshot by Victor O’Neill Studios
PET CORNER
© Best Version Media
BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP, COMFORT PAWS INTEGRATIVE VETERINARY CARE
SPRING TRAINING STARTS AT HOME: GETTING YOUR DOG GAME-DAY READY

April in our area feels like pure momentum. The dogwoods are blooming, the evenings are stretching longer, and our local trails are coming back to life. You can feel the change in energy. Neighbors are reclaiming the sidewalks and dogs are buzzing with that unmistakable “it’s finally spring!” spirit.
By now, Opening Day for our Fredericksburg Nationals has come and gone. If you’ve been out to the ballpark, you’ve likely seen Diamond, the FredNats’ beloved bat dog, making her first high-speed sprints of the season. What many fans don’t realize is that Diamond’s spring training began weeks before the first pitch, in a quiet exam room at Cladda, our area’s newest veterinary ER and specialty clinic.
The Preseason Readiness Exam
Just as every major league player reports to spring training before the season opener, Diamond had her own preseason ritual. In late February, I performed her preseason physical. As her integrative and rehab veterinarian, my goal is to make sure she doesn’t just show up, but that she performs safely. Like any athlete, she can’t simply pivot and sprint at full speed without a foundation of conditioning behind her.
A true preseason exam covers the whole athlete. We ran wellness bloodwork to confirm her organs are functioning well, screened for heartworm and tick-borne diseases, checked for intestinal parasites, and updated her vaccines and preventatives. We reviewed her nutrition and supplements, talked through grooming basics like ear health, paw pad condition, and nail length, and mapped out a warmup and cool-down protocol for game days. Then we dug into the performance side. We checked muscle symmetry: is one side working harder than the other? We evaluated joint mobility and analyzed her gait at different speeds. We’re looking for the “whispers” of strain before they become the “shouts” of an injury.
The “Too Much, Too Fast” Trap
Most of our dogs aren’t retrieving bats in front of a crowd, but their joints face the same demands when backyard zoomies get longer and


weekend hikes return. Spring injuries rarely come from one dramatic misstep. More often, they’re the result of enthusiasm rising faster than conditioning. A dog coming off a quiet winter may be mentally ready for a threemile hike, but their tendons and ligaments need a few weeks to catch up.





How to Coach Your Home Athlete
Think of April as your dog’s spring training. The goal isn’t peak performance on day one. It’s building toward it safely. A few simple steps can help keep your dog off the injured reserve list:
• The 10% Rule: Increase activity duration or intensity by no more than 10 to 15 percent per week. Don’t double their mileage just because the weather is finally cooperating.
• Warm Up First: Before hitting the trail or tossing the ball, start with a 5 to 10 minute leash walk. It gets the blood moving and prepares muscles before they’re asked to work hard.
• Watch the Recovery: Is your dog stiff the next morning? Taking wider turns during fetch? Slow to sit down? Those aren’t just age-related quirks. They’re worth paying attention to.
• Weight Matters: A lean dog is a more comfortable dog. Carrying extra weight is hard on joints, and it makes the Virginia summer heat harder to handle too.
Looking Ahead
Diamond’s success on the field comes from consistent, proactive care. Your dog deserves the same. Whether your athlete is a senior Shepherd patrolling the backyard, a Doodle eyeing the Heritage Trail, or a Retriever who lives for the next tennis ball, a little preparation now goes a long way.
If you’re not sure your dog is ready for a more active spring, a quick tune-up with your veterinarian is a good place to start. Now get outside, move a little more each day, and let’s help our dogs feel as good as they look!


n Acupuncture





n Rehab & Laser Therapy
n Food Therapy




Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments Acupuncture Hospice & Palliative Care



n Herbal Medicine
n Hospice & Palliative Care
Rehab & Laser Therapy Herbal Medicine Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments Acupuncture Hospice & Palliative Care
Rehab & Laser Therapy Herbal Medicine Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments Acupuncture Hospice & Palliative Care



n Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments
Now partnering with Cladda Veterinary Emergency to provide integrative medicine services like acupuncture, pain management, and rehabilitation/physical therapy services at their location in Fredericksburg.



Rehab & Laser Therapy Herbal Medicine
540-300-1213
540-300-1213
540-300-1213
540-300-1213
comfortpaws.com
Food Therapy
Dr. Katrina Spies, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP
www.comfortpaws.com Food Therapy
www.comfortpaws.com
www.comfortpaws.com Food Therapy
info@comfortpaws.com
info@comfortpaws.com
info@comfortpaws.com ComfortPawsLLC
info@comfortpaws.com



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Upcoming Events
April-
May
SAT., APRIL 18
THRIFT WORLD
@Fredericksburg Convention Center
Time: 10am- 5pm






2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy Fredericksburg, VA 22401
SAT., APRIL 18
2026 EARTH DAY FESTIVAL
FRI., APRIL 3
FIRST FRIDAY
@Downtown FXBG
Time: 5- 9pm
601 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
SUN., APRIL 5
EASTER BRUNCH
@Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard Time: 6:30- 9:30pm 275 Decatur Rd. Stafford, VA 22554
FRI., APRIL 10
MUSIC DEPT. STUDENT RECITAL
@The Weatherly Wing of Seacobeck Hall
Time: 3- 4pm 1711 College Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
SAT., APRIL 11
RUCK HUNGER 2026
@Old Mill Park Time: 11am- 4pm 2201 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
MON., APRIL 20
MUSIC DEPT. STUDENT RECITAL
@The Weatherly Wing of Seacobeck Hall Time: 8- 9pm 1711 College Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
FRI., APRIL 24
MUSIC DEPT. STUDENT RECITAL
@The Weatherly Wing of Seacobeck Hall Time: 3- 5pm 1711 College Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
SAT., APRIL 25
DOMINION TOY CON
@Fredericksburg Convention Center Time: 8am- 5pm
2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy Fredericksburg, VA 22401
SAT., APRIL 25
@5.11
Glow Naturally
Sea
Time: 6am- 6pm
1501 Central Park Blvd., Ste. #14 Fredericksburg, VA 22401
SAT., APRIL 11
KIDS STORY TIME AT TALES & TAILS
@Tales & Tails
Time: 10- 11am 1010 Charles St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
SUN., APRIL 12
LONG FAMILY MARKETOPENING DAY
@610 Slug/Commuter Lot Time: 8am- 1pm 163 Staffordboro Blvd. Stafford, VA 22556
DRUMS ALONG THE RAPPAHANNOCK
@George Washington’s Ferry Farm Time: 10am- 2pm
268 Kings Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22405
THURS., APRIL 30
MONTHLY OPEN PINBALL TOURNAMENT
@Reclaim Arcade Time: 6:30- 10pm 2324 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22401
FRI., MAY 1
FIRST FRIDAY
@Downtown FXBG Time: 5- 9pm
601 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401


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