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A Taste of Home: A Taste

of Home:

The Al-Safari-Hogan Family Brings Global Flavors and Community Spirit to Fredericksburg

© Best Version Media

Welcome to another installment of Spotsylvania Living!

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Contact: Dori Stewart doristewart@bestversionmedia.com | 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

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 Al-Safari-Hogan family whose beautiful faces grace your cover!

Happy reading, Mallory Hardgrove

Crissy Hall Executive Assistant to the Publisher

Karie Owens Contributing Writer

Dori Stewart Publisher

Karen Presecan Photographer

Laura Anderson Designer

Mora Soan Contributing Writer

Mallory Hardgrove Content Coordinator

Valynda Phifer Publisher’s Assistant

Liya Zewdu Contributing Writer

Hensel Account Executive

© Best Version Media

AUDIOLOGY

Paul D. Kuster, Au.D. | Ascent Audiology and Hearing Fredericksburg 540-709-8865 ascentfxbg.com

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

Bradford Jenner | Affordable Automotive 540-710-5400 affordable-automotive.com

DECKS

Mike King | Ray’s Siding 540-710-6864 rayssiding.com

ELECTRIC LAWN SERVICE

Aaron Johnson | Uncle Onion’s Electric, Organic Lawn Care 540-448-8446 uncleonionslawn.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Kim Oztuna | Burke & Burke Insurance 540-736-1200 / 703-751-1001

burkeandburkeinsurance.com

HEATING AND AIR

Glenn Rohrabacher | Local Heating and Air 540-903-0061 localheatingandairllc.com

HOME CARE

Beata Alghabra, MBA | Synergy HomeCare of Fredericksburg 571-752-2991 fredericksburg.synergyhomecare.com

HOME RENOVATION

Todd Pierpoint | Pierpoint Construction 540-659-8331 pierpointconstruction.com

KITCHEN REMODELING

Zach, Matt, and Jake Lethbridge Kitchen Tune-Up Fredericksburg & Stafford 540-779-0301 kitchentuneup.com/fredericksburg-va

OUTDOOR LIVING

Paul Gardner

Artscapes, Elf Pros, Ignite Illumination 540-371-2566 artscapespro.com, elfpros.com, igniteillumination.com

PEST CONTROL

Grant Farley | Turbo Pest Control 540-220-8926 turbopest.com

PLUMBING

Caleb Newton | Next Level Plumbing 540-645-8844 nextlevelplumbingva.com

REAL ESTATE

NextHome Blue Heron Realty Group 540-328-6408 NextHomeBlueHeron.com

REAL ESTATE, ESTATE PLANNING, ESTATE ADMINISTRATION & PROBATE AND CIVIL LITIGATION

Diana D’Alessandro | D’Alessandro Law PLLC (540) 412-6041 dalessandro.law

ROOFING

Donte Garnette | Monster Roofing and Siding 540-395-9112 monsterroofingllc.com

SEPTIC SERVICE

David Stewart | Dominion Septic 540-737-1008 dominionseptic.com

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact BVM at doristewart@bestversionmedia.com or 540-288-7928.

BLACK LACE BOUDOIR: WHERE PORTRAITS BECOME A PORTAL TO SELF

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Located in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia, Black Lace Boudoir has spent over a decade helping women remember who they are. Founded by photographer Ramilyn Thompson, known by her friends and clients as simply “Rami,” the studio has grown from a one-woman operation to the #1-rated boudoir studio in Virginia, serving clients across the D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia regions and earning international publication and multiple photography awards.

But Rami will be the first to tell you the accolades aren’t the point.

“Boudoir didn’t find me when life was easy,” Rami recalls. During a challenging period—coping with separation, loss, and reclaiming her identity—she booked a session for herself. Expecting criticism, she instead discovered a renewed sense of beauty and self-acceptance.

That moment became her mission. “If I could be silently carrying all that, how many other women are, too?” she asks. Now, Rami photographs over 100 women every year, though she is shifting toward a more intimate pace as her family grows; she and her husband are raising four daughters in the area.

The Black Lace Boudoir experience is designed from the ground up around comfort, trust, and intention. Clients are guided through a pre-session consultation, professional hair and makeup, and a full day in the studio, which features an extensive client closet with over 500 wardrobe pieces ranging from XS to 6XL.

Every session is built around a woman’s story, with Rami directing every pose and expression. “I meet women exactly where they are,” she says. “Trust is key to a successful session, especially when they are coming to be vulnerable with you.” The reveal at the end of each session when clients see their images for the first time on a large screen is, by all accounts, transformative.

The studio’s all-female staff and locked-door privacy policy reflect a carefully cultivated sense of safety. Many clients are women over 40 stepping into a new era of their lives, a demographic Rami embraces with particular warmth. “40, 50, 60+ doesn’t mean you’re not beautiful,” she says. “It means you’ve lived. And you deserve to be seen.”

Rami’s path wasn’t linear, but her own journey is the foundation for her business philosophy. She began photography in middle school, spent years photographing families, and eventually found boudoir as the place where healing happens. She went from single motherhood on assistance to running a successful business. “Every achievement has come from resilience and not giving up,” she reflects.

Now, Black Lace Boudoir is entering a new era entirely, as Rami describes it. She envisions something beyond four walls and a single-day experience — a business that moves, travels, and meets women at every stage of their lives. “Women want to see themselves as the heroine of their own story,” she says. An upcoming 40 Over 40 gallery event on April 25 — where clients’ portraits will be displayed like a fine art exhibition — offers the first public glimpse of where that vision is heading. Whatever comes next, the soul of the work remains unchanged. “My sole purpose is simple,” Rami says. “To help women feel good about themselves at any age.”

Ready to see yourself in a new light? Book your session at Black Lace Boudoir, located at 312 William Street in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia. Visit blacklaceboudoir.com to schedule, request more information, or start your journey today.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING: FLOOD INSURANCE!

ANSWERING COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT FLOOD COVERAGE

BY KIM OZTUNA

A flooded basement, living room, or garage is a nightmare situation. What’s worse than that? Finding out that your homeowners’ policy doesn’t cover flood damage. Uh oh!

Contrary to popular belief, your homeowners’ policy does not cover everything. Flood being one. As you’ll learn below, flood coverage is not an endorsement that you can add to your current policy. It is its own policy, one you’ll need to purchase separately to make sure you have the full coverage you need.

While not mandated coverage, in most cases, flood insurance is still important to consider. Many floods occur outside of flood zones, so it’s wise to be prepared—no matter where you live. If you have questions, pick up the phone and call your NOBLE KNIGHTS. It’s worth it if your “kingdom” ever ends up taking on water!

First, what is flood insurance?

Flood Insurance is a policy you can purchase to help cover damage to your structure from flooding. Flooding is defined as “two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties that experience an overflow or unusual accumulation of surface waters.”

Next, who is eligible to purchase flood insurance?

Anyone! You do not need to live in a flood zone or even be a homeowner. Renters can also purchase flood insurance. If you do happen to live in a flood zone, however, you are required to have this coverage.

Now, let’s look at what flood insurance typically covers:

• Structure damage

• Personal belongings

• Carpet/flooring

• Detached structures (up to 10% of your coverage limit)

• Appliances

• Plumbing/Electrical

What does flood insurance not cover?

• Anything basement-related, which is anything that is below ground level. Your policy will typically cover anything in the basement that serves your home, such as HVAC, furnaces, freezers, washers/ dryers, water heaters, and heat pumps/sump pumps, as well as structural and foundation damage.

• Finished drywall/carpet in your basements and personal belongings. Move those valuable items up higher in your house!

• Temporary housing: anytime you must relocate because you cannot live in your primary residence as a result of a covered loss. The policyholder is responsible for paying the temporary housing bill; it is not covered under the policy.

Is there a waiting period?

Yes, there is a 30-day waiting period unless proof of flood insurance is needed at the time of closing on a property. In those situations, the waiting period is waived.

You might still be asking: Doesn’t our property policy cover flood losses?

Nope! Your primary policy does not cover water damage from flooding. You can add endorsements to your policy for other natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions. Flood coverages are separate policies and cannot be added as endorsements to an existing property policy.

Cost is often a top concern. So, what can you expect?

Call in and check with our NOBLE KNIGHTS to learn more about the cost of flood insurance and how much coverage you may need!

In addition to purchasing flood insurance, are there other ways to help mitigate flood damage?

Yes!

• Purchase flood insurance, of course!

• Keep gutters, downspouts, and any drainage free of debris (like leaves).

• Move valuable items to higher floors (don’t store them in the basement!).

• Install flood vents in the foundation walls or any enclosed areas to allow water to flow out.

• Waterproof your basements.

• Install a sump pump and water alarm (with a battery-operated backup pump).

While we hope you never have to experience the damaging effects of floods, we want you to feel reassured knowing you have coverage options. Our team is here to help keep your kingdoms safe. To learn more, give us a call, visit us online, or check out our Client Portal. There’s better coverage behind our shield!

© Best Version Media

Senna and Robbie’s journey together spans over 15 years of friendship and four years of marriage. Their partnership extends beyond their personal lives into a shared business venture that reflects Senna’s passion for cooking. After spending years working in IT, Senna made a bold career change. “I studied IT and worked in it for 15 years, felt something was still missing, and switched to my original passion for cooking,” she shares.

That passion led to the creation of Shawarma Rama, a catering company that has become a beloved fixture in the local community. The business is guided by a clear philosophy: serve authentic food prepared fresh daily with farm-stand produce bought on arrival, use only halal meats with everything made in-house, and infuse every dish with a sense of heritage that honors their roots. These core values shape every decision, from sourcing ingredients to crafting each menu item.

Senna channels Yemeni-infused family recipes passed down through generations, guided by her stepfather, Chef Elamir Oraby. This fusion of tradition and expertise turns classic shawarma into what Senna calls “a flavor road trip.” Each dish is an invitation to experience her heritage, her family’s story, and the culinary traditions that have shaped her cooking.

Beyond their business, the family also engages with neighbors on a broader scale. Through their participation in the farmers market and the chamber of commerce, they’ve woven themselves into the fabric of the community.

“Being part of the farmers market and the chamber of commerce has connected us to various community events and connections. We are always honored to be invited to host community events and– small fact about us: we only do local events from Stafford to Fredericksburg,” Senna proudly notes.

A Taste of Home:

The Al-Safari-Hogan Family Brings Global Flavors and Community Spirit to Fredericksburg

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PRESECAN, OTHERS COURTESY OF SENNA AL-SAFARI

When Senna Al-Safari and Robbie Hogan decided to make Fredericksburg their home, they weren’t just looking for a place to live—they were searching for a community. What they found in Fredericksburg exceeded their expectations, becoming the foundation for both their family life and their mobile catering business.

“We moved here because we love the community, the people, and the diversity celebrated around us,” Senna explains. For this family, Fredericksburg isn’t just a convenient location but a place that embodies the values they hold dear.

This commitment to staying local is not just a business strategy but a philosophy. As she emphasizes, “Our mission is to stay as local as possible from the resources and services we provide as well.” Building on this focus, whether it’s sourcing ingredients or choosing which events to cater, the family prioritizes supporting and serving their immediate community.

For the Al-Safari-Hogan family, Fredericksburg offers everything they need. When asked about travel, Senna’s response perfectly captures their contentment: “We don’t travel, I know it’s boring, but who needs to go anywhere when we have this rich, vibrant town?” Their favorite local activities include visiting the Rappahannock River in summer to swim, grill, and relax, and enjoying the unexpected charms of their adopted hometown, such as discovering that the local mall houses a police station, library, and post office. “It felt like a cartoon movie to us and gave us a small town feeling,” Senna recalls.

Yemeni silver, pictured on Senna in the photographs, is renowned for its intricate filigree and fine granulation techniques and crafted by Jewish artisans.

© Best Version Media

The family’s generosity extends beyond their business endeavors. Their hobbies—camping, being in nature, and outdoor cooking—align perfectly with their charitable spirit. “We love to share our food with homeless shelters, firestations, and places of worship,” Senna says, demonstrating how food serves as their way of giving back.

The Al-Safari-Hogan household is a lively one, complete with Rumi, their pit mix named after the famous poet. “She is a COVID baby, so she’s almost 6, but still a baby,” Senna laughs. Their son Abdul is graduating from Chancellor High School this year, where he spent four years on the wrestling team. Now, he’s working toward becoming a firefighter, continuing the family’s tradition of community service.

According to Senna and Robbie, what makes their neighborhood special is its diversity and sense of community. “We enjoy accessibility to tons of resources and the small community that’s always willing to step up and help. Our neighbors are amazing, they come from different backgrounds and generations, it’s like a village,” she reflects.

To their neighbors and the broader Fredericksburg community, Senna offers a heartfelt message: “Thank you for welcoming us and letting us share a piece of who we are with you through our food.” She also shares a quote from celebrated chef Anthony Bourdain that encapsulates her philosophy: “When someone cooks for you, they are saying something. They are telling you about themselves: where they come from, who they are, what makes them happy.”

For the Al-Safari-Hogan family, every dish they prepare is an invitation to know them better—and a delicious expression of gratitude for the community that has embraced them as their own.

To learn more about Shawarma Rama visit ramafxbg.com, or feel free to call 202-905-3771 or email shawarmaramafxbg@gmail.com for inquiries and booking. Spring is a great time to schedule family and senior portrait sessions.

© Best Version Media

FAILSAFE-ERA: SOUNDING THE ALARM ON CYCLES OF INCARCERATION

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JUANITA SHANKS

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.”

© Best Version Media

Toilet Paper Roll Bird Craft with Colorful Leaf Feathers

BY MORA SOAN, AUTHOR OF THE SERIES: ADVENTURES OF JACOB THE GNOME

Directions:

1. Paint the bird body:

- Paint the toilet paper roll yellow, blue, or any color you want your bird to be.

- Let the paint dry. Then paint a second coat to make the color bright.

2. Add the eyes:

- Once the paint is completely dry, glue two googly eyes near the top of the roll.

3. Cut a yellow or orange triangle for the beak and glue below the eyes.

4. Make the feathers and wings:

- Cut five leaf shapes from colored construction paper.

- Glue three leaf feathers on the top of the toilet paper roll.

- Glue one leaf on each side of the roll to make the wings.

This activity is brought to you by Mora Soan, author of the children’s book, Jacob in Japan! Jacob is a gnome who lives in New York. He owns a beautiful garden on the rooftop of a skyscraper. He is a picky eater and he only eats ordinary bland food. One windy night, Jacob falls into a magic flower pot. He wakes up in Japan. What will he do next? Will Jacob starve himself or will he find a way to enjoy and experience Japan? With an open mind, he may discover new and delicious foods that he never knew existed. Jacob in Korea is now available on Amazon. To purchase a book, visit your local Barnes and Noble and follow Jacob’s story on Instagram @jacob_the_gnome. Your colorful bird is now ready to fly.

BRINGING NEW LIFE TO OLD FLOORS

BY KARIE OWENS PHOTOS COURTESY OF NK 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 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.

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.

Subfloor integrity must also be considered with historic homes. Unevenness, sagging, and termite damage are common problems. Aging joists and foundations

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 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.

WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE HEARING LOSS

BY DR. PAUL KUSTER, AU.D.

Thirty years ago, I saw my first patient as an audiologist. This year, I had the profound privilege of seeing my 5,000th patient here in Fredericksburg. Each of those appointments represents a person who took a courageous step—a step towards better hearing, better health, and a fuller life. And after three decades of practice, one truth has never changed: ignoring hearing loss is never the right choice.

I’m deeply grateful to the Fredericksburg community for honoring Ascent Audiology & Hearing with yet another Best of the Burg Award nomination from the Free Lance-Star for 2026 (and we’d appreciate your vote in keeping our streak alive). Recognition like this means the world to our team, but it also comes with a responsibility to keep educating our neighbors about the very real dangers of untreated hearing loss.

It Happens Slowly — That’s What Makes It Dangerous

Hearing loss rarely arrives all at once. It creeps in quietly, stealing consonants here, muffling voices there. By the time most people notice a real problem, years have passed. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, the average person waits seven years after a hearing loss diagnosis before seeking

treatment. Seven years of missed conversations, strained relationships, and unseen health consequences.

In my 30 years of practice, I’ve seen this pattern countless times. And the patients who come to me earliest — those who don’t wait — consistently report the best outcomes. The message I’d give to anyone reading this: don’t let another seven years slip by.

The Stakes Go Far Beyond “Not Hearing Well”

Many people think of hearing loss as a nuisance or a social inconvenience. Science tells us a far more sobering story. Untreated hearing loss is now recognized as the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia. Research published in The Lancet found that up to 9% of dementia cases could be prevented with proper hearing care. Separately, studies have shown that auditory deprivation accelerates brain tissue atrophy, as the brain’s auditory regions literally shrink from lack of stimulation.

Beyond cognition, untreated hearing loss disrupts safety (missing alarms, sirens, or warnings), erodes independence (difficulty making calls, following instructions, driving safely), and quietly dismantles the social connections that sustain our mental and emotional well-being. Isolation, anxiety, and depression frequently follow in its wake.

Your Brain Is Working Overtime

One of the most underappreciated consequences of hearing loss is cognitive fatigue. When we struggle to hear, the brain compensates heroically — straining to fill in the gaps, piecing together half-heard sentences, diverting resources from memory and focus. Over time, this mental effort is exhausting. Patients often describe feeling perpetually worn out by the end of the day, without knowing why. Their hearing is the reason.

Treatment Is a Gift You Give Yourself

The good news: hearing loss is treatable. Modern hearing aids are more sophisticated, comfortable, and discreet than ever. And the return on that investment — in sharper cognition, renewed social confidence, safer daily living, and reduced fatigue — is immeasurable. I’ve watched patients transform when they can finally hear their grandchildren laugh, follow a conversation at a dinner table, or simply enjoy music again.

Addressing hearing loss is not about admitting defeat. It’s about choosing a fuller, healthier life.

As I reflect on 30 years and 5,000 patients, my hope is simple: that the next person who suspects they have a hearing problem doesn’t wait months or years. They will make an appointment this week. Their brain, their relationships, and their quality of life are worth it.

SPRING ITCH: WHAT YOUR DOG’S SKIN MAY BE TELLING YOU

Spring Into Confidence on Leash with WagTime™

Intentional, behavior-informed movement for real-life dog-walking success.

Paced, consent-based strolls that honor how your dog processes the world.

Build trust and familiarity with a relaxed Connection Visit.

Book your first stroll and get 50% off a Connection Visit this April!

Learn more and sign up at www.woofhouze.com/wagtime.

BY ADIA SHANEE

Spring brings longer days, warmer weather, and more adventures with our dogs. But it also brings something many guardians don’t anticipate: a rise in itching, irritated ears, and skin flare-ups.

When nature wakes up, so do allergens.

Pollen, grasses, mold spores, and environmental debris all surge in the spring months. Dogs don’t just inhale these threats the way humans do — they absorb them through their skin, paws, and ears. What often begins as a little extra scratching can quickly escalate to inflamed skin, irritated ears, or digestive upset.

The first step is understanding that many springtime skin issues are not behavioral or random; they are environmental.

Common early signs to watch for include the following:

• frequent scratching or nibbling at paws

• head shaking or ear odor

• red or irritated skin around the belly, paws, or ears

• increased licking after outdoor time

Before reaching for harsh treatments, consider starting with environmental support by trying the following:

• Rinse after outdoor adventures. A simple rinse of paws and underbelly after walks can remove pollen and allergens before they irritate the skin.

• Keep ears dry and clean. Moisture and debris trapped in the ear canal foster irritation.

• Support the skin barrier. Healthy skin is a dog’s first defense against allergens. Gentle grooming, appropriate nutrition, and avoiding harsh chemicals all play a role.

• Be thoughtful about flea and tick prevention. Many dogs react strongly to both fleas and ticks, as well as the chemicals used to treat them. Natural deterrents like cedar-based sprays or essential-oil-free botanical repellents can sometimes provide support when used appropriately.

And, perhaps most importantly, pay attention early.

Dogs often communicate discomfort through small changes before symptoms become severe.

A little extra scratching today may be your dog’s way of telling you that their system is working harder to manage the season.

Spring should feel like freedom, not frustration.

A little awareness of environmental shifts can go a long way in helping our dogs move through the season comfortably.

Because when the body feels better, the whole dog does too.

Behavior isn’t the enemy. It’s the invitation.

SPOTSY MOOSE HOOPS TIPS

OFF AT RIVERBEND HS

BY LIYA ZEWDU PHOTOS BY JACK BARNES

Liya Zewdu is a sophomore at Riverbend High School. She actively contributes to the school newspaper, with a focus on highlighting student perspectives and advocating for change. Liya also plays a key role in supporting students in special education through a basketball program, showing her commitment to inclusivity and teamwork. A proud member of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the Junior Council for Cancer Kids First, Liya is deeply involved in her school community. Outside of her academic and extracurricular pursuits, she enjoys watching anime, reading books, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with family and friends. Liya aspires to pursue a career in Journalism, driven by her love for storytelling and creating meaningful connections through writing.

Spotsy Moose Hoops proves that the most meaningful moments in sports aren’t just about winning. Sometimes, they’re found in the cheers after a basket, encouragement after a miss, and growing confidence with every play.

Spotsy Moose Hoops is a Spotsylvania County basketball group that gives special education students a chance to compete in 30-minute games during flex time.

The idea began with special education teacher Emily Charter. Before arriving at Riverbend, she taught at Culpeper County High School, where she was involved with the Medford League, a basketball program in Virginia that provides students with physical or intellectual disabilities with a chance to play and compete against other teams in their corresponding counties. Charter’s students competed and loved the experience so much that they wanted to bring this program to Spotsylvania County.

“We decided we wanted to try to do it in Spotsy and wanted to play teams in our own district,” Charter said.

Turning that idea into reality was no small feat. Charter had to secure permission, funding, sponsors, volunteers, and invite other schools to participate.

Local Moose Lodge 1655 donated $10,000 to Riverbend to obtain the jerseys and equipment needed to launch Spotsy Moose Hoops.

“When local businesses invent inclusive school programs, they are investing directly in students and in the heart of the community,” said Joel Zuloaga, another special education teacher at Riverbend who sponsors the Spotsy Moose Hoops. “Their support helps create opportunities for students who may not always have access to traditional activities, allowing every child to feel seen, valued, and included.”

Sophomore Adrien Picot, the head of student volunteers, saw a need for something that would bring students together.

“There was a divide, a social barrier between general education kids and special education kids,” Picot said.

Spotsy Moose Hoops breaks barriers by putting everyone on the same team. Once the game starts, only the joy of the sport matters.

“What stands out most is the joy and determination you see from everyone involved,” said Zuloaga. “The athletes bring excitement, courage, and pride every time they step onto the court, while the volunteers show incredible compassion and leadership.”

Now, the whole school cheers at the games, and the players are big stars at Riverbend. One is sophomore Lyniah Wilkinson.

“My favorite memory is playing as a team and sharing positivity,” Wilkinson said. As Picot puts it, “We’re all the same people at the end of the day.”

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