DEC 2025 SL by FXBG Neighbors

STAFFORD Living

Cover Photo by Karen Presecan Photography

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DEAR STAFFORD NEIGHBORS,

As we close out 2025, we have so much to celebrate! We had a wonderful time gathering with our feature families, charities, and business sponsors a few weeks ago to toast 5 amazing years of this magazine—and we’re thrilled about what 2026 has in store!

This month, we’re delighted to spotlight the Houlette family, whose inspiring business journey showcases the determination and innovation that make Stafford truly special. We’re also honored to shine a light on the Fairy Godmother Project, a remarkable local charity making a heartfelt difference for families affected by pediatric cancer.

To our loyal readers and dedicated sponsors: thank you for being part of our story. Your support means the world to us! Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday season—see y’all in 2026!

Happy reading,

Mallory Hardgrove

An exclusive publication for the residents of Western Stafford County including Abel Lake Forest, Augustine at the Glens, Avalon, Bridlewood Estates, Cherry Hill, Christy Estates, Clairborne Manor, Fairfield Estates, Garrisonville Landing, Graystone at Abel Lake, Harwill Acres, Hunter’s Pond, King’s Crest, Lake Estates, Lakeland Forest, Magnolia Woods, Manorwood Estates, Millstone at the Glens, Oakley Reserve, Poplar Estates, Poplar Manor Estates, Preserve at Aquia Creek, Roberts Run, Rosehill Farm, Royal Hills Estates, Saddle Ridge, Saratoga Woods, Seven Lakes, Sherwood Estates, Sherwood on the River, St. George’s Estates, Sullivan Estates, The Willows, Turney Estates, Wateredge Estates, and Willowmere Pond.

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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

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES:

Content is due by the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication.

Laura Anderson Designer

Mallory Hardgrove Content Coordinator

Crissy Hall Executive Assistant to the Publisher

Dori Stewart Publisher

Liz Hensel Account Executive Karen Presecan Photographer Cherice Taylor

Valynda Phifer Publisher’s Assistant

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EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

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

SEPTIC SERVICES

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

TREE SERVICE

Patrick Wade | Arbor Tech Tree & Landscaping Service 540-522-6103

KITCHEN REMODELING

Chris Romero | Kitchens For You 540-720-2022 kitchensforyou.com

PAINTING

Oscar Espinoza | Alpha Painting 540-426-3117 alphafxbg.com

DECKS AND PORCHES

Shane Heath | Battlefield Decks and Patios 571-469-7979 battlefielddecks.com

REAL ESTATE

Ginger Walker | Give Back Team of Coldwell Banker Elite 540-306-5585 GiveBackTeam.com

BATHROOM REMODELING

Brian Beck | FXBG Construction 703-609-7825 fxbg-construction.com

HOME COMFORT

Justin Dobson | Comfenergy and 3 Pros Basement Systems 800-604-2252 comfenergy.com | 3prosbasementsystems.com

OUTDOOR LIVING

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

PLUMBING

Ryan Deane | Pro Service Plumbing and Gas 540-735-8005 proservicenova.com

SALON / HAIR

Kat Halstead | Kat’s Beauty Lounge @ Chatham Heights Beauty Co 410-322-7692 linktr.ee/ChathamHeightsBeautyCo

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Ryan Seidman | Heaven’s Best Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 540-752-0160 staffordva.heavensbest.com

BODY CONTOURING

Sha’ahn Williams | Body Thief Body Sculpting 703-300-3124 thebodythief.com

CELEBRATING SENIORS: THE ART OF CREATING MEANINGFUL BANNERS THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY

By Mallory Hardgrove, Photos By Karen Presecan Photography

How It Started

Every student-athlete deserves to feel celebrated. That’s the philosophy behind Karen Presecan Photography’s senior banner service. This heartfelt tradition honors the dedication and hard work of young athletes and performers at the end of their high school journey and senior season.

Karen’s banner-creating journey started simply but meaningfully. When her son was a freshman at BPHS, she noticed something: every sport seemed to have senior banners proudly displayed at football games— except the marching band. “The other sports teams had senior banners up at every game,” Karen recalls, “and I thought the marching band deserved the same!”

What began as a mission to give marching band seniors their moment in the spotlight has blossomed into a thriving passion. Year after year, Karen has expanded her banner services to include swim, track and field, cross country, and beyond. But the heart of the work remains unchanged: celebrating the athletes and performers who have poured their dedication into their chosen activities.

How It’s Going

The impact of these banners extends far beyond a piece of displayed artwork. Karen witnessed this firsthand when a senior approached her after receiving his banner. “I’ve been waiting four years for this banner!” he said, his face lighting up with genuine excitement and pride.

“They work hard, they deserve to be celebrated,” Karen explains. For many seniors, these banners represent the culmination of years of commitment—early morning practices, late-night competitions, injuries, comebacks, and countless hours of dedication. A senior banner is tangible proof that their effort mattered, that their school sees them, and that their achievements are worth showcasing.

Contact KPP for your customized headshot, family, senior or pet portrait session

The Technical Artistry Behind the Banners

What sets Karen’s banners apart isn’t just the sentiment—it’s the technical expertise required to bring them to life. Creating professional-quality banners demands sophisticated photography knowledge that many might not consider.

Each banner begins with a portrait session where Karen must demonstrate mastery of lighting and aperture. These aren’t arbitrary choices but, rather, essential technical decisions that determine the banner’s quality and impact.

Proper lighting ensures the subject is beautifully illuminated while creating clean separation from the background—crucial for the next phase. The correct aperture settings allow Karen to control depth of field, making sure the senior is in perfect focus while creating a clean, workable background that can be removed during editing.

This technical precision is where photography expertise truly shines. Using professional-grade techniques, Karen can completely remove the original background and place the senior’s image onto the custom banner file—resulting in a polished, professional product that looks like it belongs on a stadium wall.

A Legacy of Celebration

Whether it’s marching band, swimming, track, cross country, or any sport in between, Karen’s banners serve the same purpose: recognizing excellence and celebrating the journey. Each banner tells a story of dedication, growth, and achievement.

For seniors looking to commemorate their final year, and for schools wanting to honor their athletes, Karen Presecan Photography delivers not just beautiful images, but meaningful recognition captured with professional skill and heartfelt passion. If you’re looking to honor your student athlete during this special season, call Karen Presecan Photography today!

The Houlette Family: Building Community Through Service and Enterprise

By Mallory Hardgrove

• Photos

Karen Presecan Photography & Courtesy of Craig Houlette

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When Craig and Anna Houlette decided to make Stafford their home in 2016, they brought with them not just their growing family, but a vision for building something meaningful in a community Craig had fallen in love with years earlier.

Today, Craig and Anna are co-owners of a thriving family business, with their daughter Valeria serving as shop manager and son Lucas helping with reception. It’s a true family affair that reflects the couple’s commitment to both entrepreneurship and community engagement.

A Partnership Built on Trust

The journey to business ownership began with a leap of faith. “My partner in crime is my husband; we had just moved to Virginia three years ago, and I wanted to open a business,” Anna recalls. “I prepared the PowerPoint with all the demographics, data, and the idea. I showed it to my husband and asked him to trust me! He decided he was on board and to invest in our new endeavor.”

That trust was built on a foundation of diverse professional experience. Craig brings 24 years of U.S. Navy service and a background in transportation, logistics, and workforce training. After retiring in 2010, he worked for the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters for a decade and has now spent three years with the U.S. Department of State. Anna, a licensed Master Stylist with over 20 years of customer service experience, spent more than 15 years with Hilton Hotels, eventually managing all aspects of event planning at a large Oklahoma property.

A Family of Achievers

The Houlette household is home to many talented individuals, though not all under one roof anymore. Emily, 27, resides in Oklahoma with her husband, Braden, where she works as a cake decorator at a Whole Foods location, drawing on her technical certificates in graphic design and cosmetology.

Closer to home, Valeria, 24, recently graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in marketing. She now lives in Fredericksburg with her boyfriend, Gabriel, while managing the family shop, where she handles hiring, promotion, and organizing the numerous community events the business participates in throughout the year.

The youngest, Lucas, 17, is a senior at Colonial Forge High School with a passion for photography, editing, designing, and photojournalism— skills that undoubtedly benefit the family business.

Rooted in Community

Craig’s connection to Stafford runs deep. He previously lived in the area from 2008 to 2011 while stationed in the DC area on active duty. “Craig fell in love with Stafford and Fredericksburg because of the history, community, and so many things to do,” Anna shares. When a job opportunity brought him back to the DC area in 2015, the choice of where to settle was clear.

What keeps the Houlettes engaged in Stafford is the sense of community they’ve found. “We enjoy the community and the smaller town feel and less big city,” Craig explains. “Stafford is in a great location with access to so many things to do. The schools are great, and lots of public parks. We also enjoy the community and, in particular, the large concentration of Active Military and Veterans, as we consider this our extended family.”

That military connection runs through everything they do. As business owners, they sponsor several veterans organizations and youth sports teams, and typically host a fundraising event for Veterans Day each year. They also participate in neighborhood events, such as Trunk or Treat at Rocky Run Elementary and National Night Out.

“A lot of our clients are our neighbors. We live very near the barbershop,” Anna notes, adding that they help promote other neighborhood businesses by providing space for advertisements, business cards, flyers, and menus.

Life Beyond Business

When they’re not working, the Houlettes are a family that loves to explore. Anna and Craig are avid travelers with a lengthy bucket list and a commitment to taking at least one international trip annually. “We love Europe, South America, and the Caribbean, but our favorite place is Portugal!” Craig shares.

At home, they enjoy the area’s diverse dining scene, particularly locally owned restaurants, and the historic charm of downtown Fredericksburg. The household also includes three rescue dogs: Boomer, a Shiba-Inu/Chihuahua mix; Paco, believed to be a Dachshund/Min-Pin mix; and Penny, a rehomed Toy Yorkie.

For the Houlette family, Stafford represents the perfect blend of opportunity and community—a place where military service, entrepreneurial spirit, and family values come together to create not just a business, but a legacy of service and connection.

GROUNDED IN STYLE: F LOORING TRENDS THAT WILL DEFINE 2026

By Karie Owens • Photos Courtesy of NK Floors

2026 is on the horizon, ushering in a new era for floor design. Homeowners and designers are seeking floors that blend the warmth of nature, harmonious textures, and sustainable materials. Floors will not only be soft and beautiful, but durable and grounded. Let’s look into what the new year’s floor design exudes.

Softness and Warmth

The tone of a floor sets the stage for the home’s overall atmosphere. Cool tones, greys, and bleached woods are giving way to warm, rich tones. Inviting tones like sand, caramel, and honey bring a sense of comfort and luxury. Natural tones work well in both traditional and contemporary spaces. Darker tones of hardwood and luxury vinyl plank will also be featured in 2026 floor fashion. Glossy finishes are out and matte and low-sheen finishes are in, accentuating natural wood grain character.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly

As homeowners seek Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified woods, they are looking for wood that is tracked from the forest to the final product, showing a commitment to sustainable forestry. They are also interested in floors made from recycled materials and those with low-VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes, increasing the indoor air quality. Luxury vinyl plank technology is continually evolving, offering

water- and scratch-resistance, pet-friendly durability, and a sustainable, durable floor.

Unique Design

Now more than ever, floors are becoming canvases. They are statement pieces that exude an artistic presence in the room. A significant style for 2026 is the use of large-format planks and tiles. With fewer seams and joints in the plank pattern, wider, longer planks expand the area. This opens up a room, creating a continuous, seamless appearance with an open-concept feel. Custom design is emerging with exquisite patterns, such as herringbone and chevron in wood floors, and checkerboard with tile. This geometric design and contrast tantalize the eye, creating energy and focal points in an entryway or dining room. Mixed materials in flooring are another trend on the rise, adding contrast. Wood planks are aligned with stone or tile in the entryway-to-kitchen transition. Carpet is used alongside luxury vinyl plank in a game room, or stone is contrasted with wood in a living room to create a natural, earthy vibe.

As 2026 begins, flooring design embraces authenticity, comfort, and creativity. Homeowners choose warm tones, natural materials, and eco-friendly products for beauty and meaning. Every floor tells a story of craftsmanship, sustainability, and personal expression. In the new year, design starts from the ground up.

HOW TO KEEP WINTER WHERE IT BELONGS: OUTSIDE

By Dan Bomar, Comfenergy

When winter arrives, many homes suffer from drafts, uneven temperatures, and rising heating bills. It’s not just the cold outside—it’s what’s happening inside your home. Heat escapes through gaps in walls, windows, floors, and ceilings, while cold air sneaks in just as easily.

Why Your Home Feels Cold (Even With the Heat On)

Cold air often enters through weak spots in the building envelope— the barrier between inside and outside. Common causes include:

• Gaps around windows, doors, and attic hatches

• Poorly insulated attics, walls, and crawl spaces

• Vented crawl spaces or unfinished basements

• Leaky ductwork or HVAC vents

• Worn weather stripping

Even small leaks add up, letting warm air escape and cold air creep in.

Want to Know Exactly Where the Leaks Are?

If you want a detailed picture of where your home is losing heat, a home performance audit is a great tool. Through air leakage testing and inspections, it identifies hidden gaps behind walls, above ceilings, and under floors—so you know exactly what needs fixing.

How to Keep the Cold Air Out Air Sealing

One of the most effective ways to cut heat loss is to seal air leaks. Focus on the building envelope—windows, doors, attic hatches, plumbing penetrations, and recessed lights—to eliminate drafts and retain warmth.

Insulation Upgrades

Insulation acts as a thermal barrier, slowing heat transfer and helping maintain indoor temperatures. Upgrading under-insulated attics, walls, and basements makes your home warmer and more energy efficient—especially in winter.

Crawl Space & Basement Treatment

Vented crawl spaces and unfinished basements are major sources of cold air intrusion. Sealing and insulating these areas, and installing vapor barriers where necessary, can dramatically reduce heat loss from below your living space.

Duct Sealing & Insulation

Leaky or uninsulated ducts can lose a surprising amount of heated air before it ever reaches your rooms. Sealing and insulating ductwork ensures your HVAC system works efficiently and your home stays consistently warm.

Keep your home comfortable and warm this winter

Ensure Heating Systems Are Ready

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A well-maintained heating system is the backbone of a comfortable home in cold weather. Before the cold sets in, schedule a professional inspection and tune-up of your furnace, boiler, or heat pump. Changing filters, cleaning ducts, and addressing any mechanical issues ensures the system runs safely and efficiently, preventing breakdowns during the coldest days.

The Payoff: A Warmer, Healthier, More Efficient Home

When you keep cold air out, you not only stay more comfortable—you also:

• Lower your energy bills.

• Reduce strain on your heating system.

• Improve indoor air quality.

• Minimize moisture and mold risks.

• Enjoy more consistent temperatures throughout your home.

Stay Warm Without Wasting Energy

You don’t need to crank up the heat to stay comfortable this winter. With a home performance audit and targeted upgrades like air sealing, insulation, and duct repair, you can keep the cold outside—where it belongs.

FAIRY GODMOTHER PROJECT: GIVING FAMILIES THE GIFT OF TIME

By Mallory Hardgrove, Photos Courtesy of FGP

When a child receives a cancer diagnosis, the entire family’s world shifts on its axis. Hospital stays, treatment schedules, and medical decisions consume every waking moment, leaving little room for the mundane necessities of daily life. But what if someone could wave a magic wand and take care of some of those burdens? That’s precisely what Fairy Godmother Project does for families navigating the darkest chapter of their lives.

Founded by Andie Ayers and Stephanie Maurer in 2012, Fairy Godmother Project (FGP) takes a unique approach to supporting families facing pediatric cancer. While many organizations focus on the young patients themselves, FGP recognized an often-overlooked truth: when parents are drowning in stress and exhaustion, the entire family suffers.

“Unlike most pediatric cancer organizations, FGP focuses on the parents,” explains Cathleen Pessolano.

“Our philosophy is that by reducing their day-to-day burdens through things like house cleaning, meals, and emotional and financial support, we provide these caregivers with more time and less stress, allowing them to support their families during these difficult times better.”

The organization’s origin story is rooted in compassion and lived experience. Through personal connections with families facing pediatric cancer, founder Andie Ayers witnessed a painful pattern.

“Andie saw how people often disappeared in their time of need and created FGP to be present and help ease their burdens,” Stephanie shares. Stephanie Maurer complemented this vision by establishing the photography program, connecting families

with professional photographers to preserve precious moments during treatment.

Today, FGP’s reach is substantial and growing. The organization currently supports 28 families with children in active treatment, 10 families in their first year of remission, 72 families in survivorship, and-- of utmost importance-- continues to walk alongside 26 families who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child to cancer. Their support doesn’t end when treatment does; FGP remains a constant presence through remission, survivorship, and bereavement.

The scope of services FGP provides is remarkable. House cleaning services, gas and grocery gift cards, prepared meals, financial assistance, care packages, photography sessions, and emotional support all work together to create a comprehensive safety net.

“FGP’s mission is to alleviate the heavy load of families facing all phases of a pediatric cancer diagnosis by taking care of the everyday tasks,” Cathleen emphasizes. “We can’t change the diagnosis, but we can walk alongside them throughout their experience.”

The impact of this support becomes tangible in the stories families share. One FGP mother, whose daughter Cora Jeane was diagnosed at just eight months old with a rare inoperable brain cancer, recently described how the organization became their lifeline through more than two brain surgeries and 42 rounds of chemotherapy.

“We’ll never forget the time our car broke down, and because of the AAA membership that FGP provides, our car was towed and repaired the same day,” the mother recalled. She described how meals

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would arrive after exhausting hospital stays, exactly when the family had no energy left. “They aren’t just food; they are comfort, care, and love,” she explained. The professional cleaning services provided something equally precious during chaos: “Walking into a clean house when your world feels upside down is a gift that’s hard to put into words.”

Perhaps most powerfully, she captured the essence of FGP’s mission in a simple statement: “The truth is, they’ve given us time—the time to simply be with our child, to hold her hand, and to focus on love rather than logistics. For that, there are no words strong enough, but please know our gratitude is endless.”

For the FGP team, these testimonials fuel their work. “Our biggest inspiration is working directly with FGP families,” she says. “Hearing from the parents how support from FGP has truly made a difference in their families and has given them more time with their kids.”

Getting to see the kids connect at events and have fun getting a small reprieve from treatment is also a joy for volunteers and parents alike.

The organization’s approach is profoundly personal. “Everything we do is for our families, and it includes laughs, tears, hugs, and just meeting them wherever they are,” Cathleen notes. This philosophy of meeting families exactly where they are—emotionally, practically, and physically—sets FGP apart from more traditional support organizations.

Community support has been instrumental in FGP’s success, and the organization welcomes continued partnership. Several opportunities to get involved are on the horizon. December features the Year-End Giving campaign, followed by ticket sales for the Stardust Ball beginning January 23rd, along with numerous other upcoming events and drives. For example, starting in January, community members can sponsor an FGP family through the Community Care Package program, which runs from February through July and involves creating monthly care packages for families.

“We love this community and are so grateful for all of the support that FGP receives from so many local people, organizations, and businesses,” Stephanie says. “We always welcome new partnerships!”

In a world where fairy godmothers exist only in storybooks, Fairy Godmother Project proves that real-world magic is possible. It arrives in the form of a clean home, a warm meal, a full gas tank, and the precious gift of time— time for parents to be present with their children when it matters most. For families navigating pediatric cancer, that’s the most powerful magic of all.

For more information about Fairy Godmother Project or to get involved, visit www.fgpinfo.org.

AVOID THIS MISTAKE BEFORE BUILDING YOUR POOL

By Shane Heath, Battlefield Decks & Patios, Photos by Battlefield Decks & Patios

If there’s one piece of advice I could give to anyone thinking about building a pool, it’s this: don’t start without a design.

Every season (yes, even in the winter months), I meet homeowners who’ve dreamed for years of transforming their backyard — envisioning a place where water and stone meet in perfect balance, where evenings glow with reflections of the sky, and where the line between home and nature disappears. They’re ready to take the leap. They start making calls, collecting bids, and imagining next summer by the pool.

But that’s where most projects quietly veer off course.

When there’s no design, each builder you call is imagining something different. One envisions a crisp modern rectangle; another sees a freeform oasis surrounded by rock and greenery. By the time the bids arrive, you’re comparing prices on entirely different concepts. That’s the most common mistake — and it can cost time, money, and the integrity of the finished project.

Without a unified design, you can’t compare “apples to apples.” And without that clarity, it’s impossible to ensure that everyone involved — from the builder to the landscaper to the electrician — is working toward the same vision.

At Battlefield Decks and Patios, we take a design-first approach because design is what turns chaos into cohesion. It’s the sheet music for the musicians — the thing that keeps every player in sync to create a beautiful, harmonious result.

A great pool isn’t just built — it’s composed.

When I design, I start not outside, but inside the home. I stand where my clients stand. I look through their kitchen windows, their great rooms, their upstairs balconies. I imagine how the morning light hits the water, how shadows move across the deck through the day, and how the reflections come alive at dusk.

From there, I look at the property as a living canvas. The slope of the land, the way the house sits on its foundation, the movement of trees in the wind — all of it informs the design. Some homes call for sharp geometry and modern precision. Others whisper for organic curves and soft transitions, where the pool feels like it’s always been part of the landscape.

But regardless of the style, every outstanding design shares one thing in common: intentionality. Every line, every elevation, every material choice should feel deliberate — a decision made not just for beauty, but

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for balance. The pool, the hardscape, and the landscape should feel like they’re in conversation with one another.

Landscaping, in particular, is not an afterthought for us. It’s the frame around the art. A pool without landscape design is like a painting without a frame — unfinished, unanchored, and incomplete.

And when you approach a project this way — as a holistic design rather than a construction task — everything changes. Builders have a clear roadmap. Materials can be priced precisely. The homeowner knows what to expect. The process becomes efficient, transparent, and inspired.

That’s what separates a project that’s “nice” from one that takes your breath away. The most extraordinary outdoor spaces aren’t lucky ac-

cidents; they’re the result of foresight, artistry, and collaboration guided by one unifying vision.

By the time construction begins, every question has been answered. Every decision has purpose. Every part of the process is working toward one goal — a pool that feels timeless, balanced, and unmistakably yours.

So before you make that first call for bids, pause. Start with design.

Because when the design leads, everything else follows — the builders, the budget, the details, and ultimately, the experience itself. A well-designed pool doesn’t just add beauty to your backyard; it transforms how you live in your home.

And that’s the real goal — not just a pool to swim in, but a view to live with, a space that feels calm, complete, and completely you.

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CHERISHING TIME: LESSONS OUR PETS TEACH US ABOUT LOVE AND LETTING GO

As the year winds down and holiday lights begin to twinkle, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the moments and relationships that mean the most. For those of us who share our homes with animals, these quiet moments are often filled with the comforting presence of our pets: the gentle thump of a tail, the soft nudge for a snuggle, the familiar rhythm of paws padding across the floor.

By Dr. Katrina Spies, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP, Comfort Paws Integrative Veterinary Care

Acupuncture

This time of year can bring an even deeper appreciation for our senior companions. Their greying faces and slower steps remind us that life’s most valuable gifts aren’t wrapped in bows. They’re the quiet moments of peace, the daily routines, and the unconditional love we share.

Our own family experienced this in a profound way when we said goodbye to Diesel, our gentle senior Saint Bernard, earlier this year. Losing him left a huge space in our home and hearts, but it also reminded us of how lucky we were to have shared so many wonderful years together. His calm presence and steady heart will always be part of our family’s story.

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As pets grow older, their needs change. Walks get shorter, naps stretch longer, and they may need more help getting around. What doesn’t change is their desire for comfort and connection. The greatest gift we can give them isn’t material, but our time and attention. Taking a few extra minutes to sit quietly together, offering a soft touch, or maintaining familiar routines can bring enormous comfort to an aging pet. Small acts, such as adding a cozy bed for arthritic joints, gentle massage, or acupuncture to ease stiffness, can make all the difference. By focusing on their comfort and well-being, we give them the chance to enjoy each moment with the same loyalty and love they’ve always shown us.

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with DORI STEWART Real Conversations. Local Stories. Community Connection.

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.

Want to be a guest or nominate someone? Visit FXBGNeighborsPodcast.com

Locally produced. Locally focused.

Our pets are natural teachers of gratitude. They greet each morning with enthusiasm, whether it’s to soak up a patch of sunlight or sniff the cold winter air. They remind us to find joy in the simple things and to live fully in the present moment.

As they age, they show us what grace truly looks like. They don’t dwell on what they’ve lost, whether it’s speed, strength, or sharp hearing. Instead, they adapt with quiet resilience. They continue to love, to trust, and to find contentment in small, beautiful moments. Their message is clear: joy doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful.

When Goodbye Nears

The holidays can feel bittersweet when a pet is nearing the end of life or has recently passed. Navigating grief during a season of celebrations can be difficult, but it’s also a sacred time to honor the bond that remains.

For families facing an impending goodbye, veterinary hospice and palliative care can provide comfort, dignity, and support during those final days. These services allow pets to stay surrounded by familiar love, where every moment can be spent simply being together. Saying goodbye is never easy, but approaching it with compassion and gratitude helps transform loss into an act of love.

After a pet passes, it can help to create small rituals to celebrate their memory: lighting a candle, hanging a photo ornament on the tree, or sharing stories about their quirks and the joy they brought. These gestures keep their spirit close and remind us that love doesn’t end when they’re gone; it simply changes form.

A Season of Love and Reflection

As we welcome a new year, may we carry the lessons our pets teach us daily: to slow down, to savor simple joys, to adapt with grace, and to cherish the time we have with those we love.

In the quiet moments of this season, curled up beside a furry friend or remembering one who’s gone, may we be reminded that the greatest gift we can give is to be present.

GIVING BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: LOCAL VOLUNTEER EFFORTS TO BRIGHTEN SPIRITS ACROSS STAFFORD

By Kira Pohwala

As we enter the holiday season, the Stafford community is coming together to give back. Students, families, schools, and local organizations are dedicated to spreading kindness and helping families in need through food drives, clothing resources, and acts of service.

At Mountain View High School, volunteers are already busy preparing for the American Legion Holiday Food Basket program, an initiative that brings together dozens of students, staff, and community members. Volunteers sort, pack, and load boxes filled with canned goods, pantry staples, and small treats. Once ready, the baskets are distributed to local residents. Seeing their smiles is a lovely reminder of what the holidays are really about, and students are welcome to join the efforts. Schedule updates are posted on the American Legion Post 290 of Stafford, Virginia’s website and Facebook page.

Beyond the View, Stafford County Public Schools is also offering opportunities to help. The Clothing Connection provides free clothing and shoes to anyone in need. Volunteers can sort donations, organize racks and bins, or help pack clothing bags for pickup. The main resource is located at Rising Star Elementary School, and Stafford Schools has partnered with Germanna Community College to open a pop-up location on the first Saturday of each month.

Meanwhile, the Food Bank continues its mission year-round, but demand rises sharply in December, nearly doubling the number of families served during the holidays. Volunteers can contact Niki Jackson of the Department of Family & Community Engagement to assist with sorting and packaging donated food through the weekend meal bag program.

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library system is also doing its part through its Community Resource Centers, which offer free pro-

grams year-round. In December, they provide education and resources on financial literacy, health and wellness, and parenting. Additionally, festive and cheerful holiday events are held throughout the month, so be sure to ask your local librarian what’s coming up. These programs ensure that giving back isn’t just about donations, but about empowering others with the tools they need for the future and the hope to get there.

Teachers and community leaders across Stafford County are encouraging students to participate in these acts of service. Many say that volunteering not only supports others but also builds empathy and community connections. As the year comes to a close, opportunities to give back remain open to anyone with time, energy, or a generous heart. Whether it’s sorting food or organizing clothes, each small act of kindness adds up, creating a ripple of goodwill that carries far beyond December.

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Kira Pohwala is a junior at Mountain View High School. She serves as an editor on the school’s literary magazine, Scene, and is a member of the National Honors Society, National English Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Spanish Honors Society. She manages a digital youth literary and arts magazine (Ephemeral Gazette) and volunteers frequently at the library.

CHILDREN’S AUTHOR TRANSFORMS EVERYDAY MOMENTS INTO LITERARY TREASURES

By Mallory Hardgrove

For Jacquelene D’Amico, magic isn’t found just in fantasy, but it is discovered in the everyday moments spent with her three children exploring the Fredericksburg area. Her debut children’s book, The Adventures of Trollee and Alice, emerged from those very moments, transforming imaginative playground games into a heartfelt literary adventure.

The story’s origin is charmingly simple. “It all started on a windy and cloudy day. I was playing with my daughter on a playground, pretending to be a snack-deprived troll,” D’Amico recalls. That playful game of “Trollee” expanded beyond the playground, eventually welcoming additional characters like Periwinkle, a mischievous dragon with a colorful past of “eating the chickens at Braehead farm and nibbling on naughty boys.”

But beneath the whimsy lies a deeper purpose. D’Amico wrote the book during an intensely personal time while her mother was in hospice with only one month left to live. “I began seriously pursuing this dream of creating a children’s book” during that period, she shares. The Adventures of Trollee and Alice quickly became a “tribute to the magical power of childhood and the love that lasts beyond this life as it was written during a time of personal grief and spiritual reflection.”

As the founder of Smart Cookies Education Services LLC, a reading tutoring company, D’Amico infuses her educational expertise throughout the book. Each chapter highlights virtues like integrity, kindness, and self-confidence, using creative metaphors—such as a volcanic library eruption representing anger—to help children navigate big emotions. The book also features bolded vocabulary words and “Trollee’s Guide to Tricky Words,” a glossary designed to build reading confidence.

The Fredericksburg area itself plays a starring role in D’Amico’s work. Local treasures, including Braehead Farm, the goldfish pond at Chatham, the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, and Gari Melchers’ Belmont Home and Studio, all influenced the narrative, either appearing directly or inspiring scenes throughout the book.

Her writing schedule reflects the reality of parenting three children. “I would write during naptimes or start at 4 am before they woke up,” she explains—a testament to her dedication and the early-morning quiet that many parents know well.

Beyond writing, D’Amico stays connected to her creative process through art museum visits with her family and engaging with local authors and businesses. She calls The Mount her church family, and her love of art continues to shape her work.

When it comes to favorite local spots, D’Amico can hardly choose just one, enthusiastically listing The Book Market FXBG, Tales and Tails Book Café, Du Jardin Home and Garden, Jabberwocky Children’s Books and Toys, The Grounds Bistro and Café, Gari Melchers’ Belmont, and Art Cart Kids as must-visit destinations.

Through The Adventures of Trollee and Alice, D’Amico has created something rare: a book that entertains readers (both young and old), educates, and honors “the moments that truly matter—those quiet, playful times that often go unnoticed but are filled with eternal love.”

Want to connect with Jacquelene? Check out her website jacquelenedamico.com, where you’ll find fun author events, behind-the-scenes inspiration, and more. You can also follow her on Instagram @author_jacquelene_damico and facebook.com/trolleeandalice.