JAN 2026 SPL

© Best Version Media JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6

Turning Pages: Andie Ayers’ Journey of Community, Resilience, and New Chapters

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© Best Version Media Happy New Year, Neighbors!

Welcome to the first edition of Spotsylvania Living!

You may have noticed that we’ve refreshed our name to better reflect the vibrant communities we serve. What was once Neighbors of Chancellorsville is now Spotsylvania Living, embracing the stories, people, and places across both Spotsylvania County and Fredericksburg. Our mission remains the same: celebrating the heart of our region and the neighbors who make it home.

Publication Team

Dori Stewart Publisher

Mallory Hardgrove Content Coordinator

Crissy Hall

Executive Assistant to the Publisher

We have another amazing issue for you and there may not be a more amazing individual to get things started with than Andie Ayers. Read her inspiring story and many other highlights this month. Be sure to connect us with others who make you proud to call “friend” or “neighbor.” Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!

Happy reading,

Mallory Hardgrove Valynda Phifer

Publisher’s Assistant

FXBGNeighbors

Liz Hensel

Account Executive

FXBGNeighbors

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Laura Anderson Designer

Karen Presecan Photographer

Karie Owens

Contributing Writer

Mora Soan

Contributing Writer

Liya Zewdu

Contributing Writer

Advertising 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 15th 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 Due:........................................................Edition Date: December 10...................................................................January January 10.....................................................................February February 10.........................................................................March March 10................................................................................ April April 10................................................................................... May May 10................................................................................... June June 10...................................................................................July July 10............................................................................... August August 10................................................................... September September 10..................................................................October October 10....................................................................November November 10............................................................... December

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2026 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

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Resident Feature Turning Pages: Andie Ayers’ Journey of Community, Resilience, and New Chapters Home Improvement Corner Flooring Transitions: What Homeowners Need to Know High School Highlights Bears Make History: Football & Field Hockey Reach New Heights Business Profile A New Leadership Movement Launches in Fredericksburg Pet Corner Why “Training” Isn’t Enough: Understanding Your Dog Through a Trauma-Informed Lens Calendar of Events Upcoming Events January - February Community Event A Labor of Love: New Exhibition Celebrates the Unsung Heroes of Fredericksburg’s Battlefields Community Local Author Malanna Henderson Brings History to Life Through Fiction and Theater Kids Corner Winter Popsicle Snowman Craft JANUARY 2026 | 3

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Expert Contributors

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© Best Version Media FLOORING TRANSITIONS: WHAT HOMEOWNERS NEED TO KNOW Home Improvement Corner

BY KARIE OWENS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NK FLOORS

When considering an update to their flooring, most homeowners sort through a myriad of choices: soft or hard surface, hardwood or LVP, color palettes, finishes, and manufacturers. Less emphasized are the intricate nuances of transitions and their impact on the overall aesthetic of the floor. Transitions can make or break the style and continuity between floors from room to room. Here is what homeowners should know.

The Purpose of Transitions Flooring transitions create a subtle shift in materials with height differences. Tripping hazards are created when the edges of tile and hardwood, or carpet and LVP, meet but are not covered. Transitions help smooth out the level difference while protecting the edges of the flooring. The connection points are more susceptible to chipping, lifting, and fraying. Transition strips will prevent this damage and extend the life of the floor. Finally, they pose

harmony between two dissonant materials and add fluidity from one portion of the home to the next.

Types of Transitions One of the most commonly used transitions is shaped like a “T” and is used where two flooring surfaces of the same height meet. A “T-Molding” is often used to connect laminate to laminate, LVP to LVP, or hardwood to hardwood. It easily blends the area between the two floors without drawing significant attention. When a flooring surface is higher than its adjacent floor, a “reducer strip” is used to create a level surface. Reducers are used between hardwood and vinyl or tile and laminate and generate a gentle slope instead of a dramatic drop due to the height difference. This is helpful to prevent tripping. When floors meet an entry or sliding door, or a fireplace, a “threshold” or “end cap” is used. They are also used when the adjacent material is higher or lower and can prevent damage to the flooring, especially in high-traffic areas. When

transitioning from carpet to hard surfaces, “carpet transitions” are used to avoid fraying, such as rubber or metal strips, or vinyl moldings. They serve to taper the rug to the height of the hard surface.

Tips When Choosing Transitions First, consider the height difference from one type of flooring to the next. Next, consider the materials of the floor and the transition, and if they meld well with the style and continuity of the floors. Choose to match or complement the floor with either metal, vinyl, wood, or rubber transitions. Sometimes, wood transitions can be stained to match specific colors and tones of the wood floor. This requires an artistic eye and a high level of skill.

Flooring transitions are a crucial part of the overall appearance of the floors. They are designed to enhance the durability, safety, and craftsmanship of the floor. With thoughtful selection, the proper transitions can elevate your flooring project from simply functional to truly finished.

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Resident Feature

© Best Version Media A Life of Service and Connection Ayers’ journey has been marked by her gift for creating community wherever she goes. Her teaching career spanned about a decade, reaching students from preschool through college at schools including Grafton in the late 1990s and Rocky Run in the early 2000s. Though she taught many grade levels, third grade holds a special place in her heart.

With degrees in education and English, plus a master’s in reading, Ayers has always understood the power of stories—both the ones we read and the ones we live.

After becoming a stay-at-home mom, Ayers eventually returned to education, teaching preschool at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church. But her most significant venture was yet to come. In 2010, she founded the Fairy Godmother Project (FGP), an organization dedicated to helping families affected by pediatric cancer. For twelve years, she poured her heart into building and running the organization alongside amazing volunteers, board members, and donors, cultivating what she describes as “the generosity of time and financial support of our community.”

Through FGP, Ayers learned firsthand what families need most during their darkest hours, which was more than financial support: connection, community, and the knowledge that they’re not alone.

“And somewhere in there was a divorce, dating and finally finding ‘Nice Guy Scott’ (as he is known in some circles) and marrying again,” Ayers shares with characteristic honesty. Life, as any good story does, continued to unfold in unexpected ways for Andie.

Turning Pages: Andie Ayers’ Journey of Community, Resilience, and New Chapters

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTOS BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Originally from Western New York, Andie Ayers has spent the last 20 years writing her story in Fredericksburg—a narrative filled with dedication, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to bringing people together. And, perhaps fittingly for someone whose life reads like a testament to resilience and connection, her own life has included a few, unexpected plot twists.

6 | SPOT SYLVA N I A LI VI N G

A Chapter of Challenge and Transformation Around the time she was preparing to leave FGP in 2022, Ayers was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After treatment and a brief return to FGP, she found herself at a crossroads familiar to many who face life-altering challenges: what comes next?

The answer came naturally for this avid reader and lifelong educator. She started an online store offering cards and books that supported people going through difficult things—work born from her years helping families navigate pediatric cancer and her own journey through diagnosis and treatment. Eventually, she opened Novel, a bookstore in downtown Fredericksburg, where she continues her mission of creating community through events, book clubs, and genuine connection.

“I thrive in providing community and safe space for people because I know how important it is and how lonely it can be when you don’t have those things,” Ayers explains. Whether through her nonprofit work, her teaching, or her current endeavors, this dedication to creating spaces where people feel seen and supported connects

© Best Version Media I thrive in providing community and safe space for people because I know how important it is and how lonely it can be when you don’t have those things. every chapter of her life. This is perhaps most apparent through Novel’s “Cause Clubs,” unique book clubs that combine reading novels with social purpose.

Each month Andie chooses a novel that pulls the reader into a story about a topic that is hard to discuss or understand, like bipolar, cancer, or dying.

A local nonprofit that serves the cause addressed in the novel is selected and receives a donation from the proceeds of the book’s sales.

Home, Family, and Four-Legged Friends After 19 years in South Stafford—she specifically chose the area because she wanted her children to attend Stafford schools while living close to downtown, Ayers has built a rich, full life. While her children, Aidan, Annalise, and EV McConnell, along with her stepchildren, Ben and his fiancé, Lauren, and Wilson, are all grown and making their mark in the world, Scott and Andie have other “babies” to occupy their time.

Their household bustles with energy from their four-legged family members: three dogs—Bailey (8), Duke (7), and Luna—plus one cat. Luna, whose journey Ayers chronicles on Instagram (@lunas_next_chapter), has a particularly moving backstory. She came to the family from Ohio, a breeding mama who was given up after her breeding days were done.

“We have few details about her life before us,” Ayers shares, “but are loving watching her get more comfortable with us.”

It’s another story of second chances and patient love—themes that resonate throughout Ayers’ own narrative. Just as Luna is learning to trust and open up to new experiences, Ayers has shown time and again that new beginnings are always possible, even after the most challenging chapters.

Scott, affectionately dubbed “Nice Guy Scott,” owns a government contracting company. Together, they’ve built a partnership that balances professional pursuits with community engagement and shared values.

Reading the Community Through Different Lenses What makes Ayers’ perspective unique is her ability to appreciate the Fredericksburg area through multiple lenses. “I love it for different reasons for all the different hats I wear,” she explains.

As a mom, she cherished raising her kids in a quiet neighborhood across the street from the elementary school and pool, an ideal setting for making childhood memories. As a nonprofit executive supporting families facing pediatric cancer, she witnessed and fostered the community’s remarkable generosity. That generosity continues to inspire her, as she still volunteers with the Fairy Godmother Project as a lead, a role she loves and remains deeply committed to. And in her current work downtown, she experiences daily the warmth and welcome that define the area’s character.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Ayers finds joy in life’s simpler chapters. She loves walks with her dogs, easy hikes on local trails, and exploring downtown shops and restaurants (always to support small businesses). Beach vacations to Aruba provide a tropical escape, though one of her most memorable experiences was a gift trip to Eupepsia Wellness in Southwest Virginia, which she describes as “one of the most memorable & relaxing experiences of my life.”

Writing Her Own Story From teacher to stay-at-home mom, from nonprofit founder serving families affected by pediatric cancer to cancer survivor herself, from online entrepreneur to downtown business owner, Ayers has lived many chapters, each one preparing her for the next. Through it all, the common thread has been her remarkable ability to create community, foster connection, and hold space for others’ stories.

“I know how important it is and how lonely it can be when you don’t have those things,” she says of community and safe spaces. It’s knowledge gleaned JA NUARY 2026 | 7

© Best Version Media through experience, both the joyful and the painful, and it infuses everything she does.

In an era when genuine connection is often rare, Andie Ayers serves as a reminder that building community isn’t complicated. It requires showing up, creating spaces where people feel welcome, listening to others’ stories with empathy, and believing that every person matters. Whether through supporting families facing pediatric cancer, teaching children, rescuing a dog who needed a second chance, or simply being present for her neighbors and community, Ayers embodies what it means to be a champion for connection.

Her story is still being written, with many pages yet to turn. But if the chapters so far are any indication, it will continue to be a narrative about resilience, generosity, and the transformative power of community. And, like all the

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To learn more about Fairy Godmother Project, visit fairygodmotherproject.org, and be sure to stop into Novel at 212 William St. downtown to say hi to Andie (and, likely, Luna).

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High School Highlights

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BEARS MAKE HISTORY: FOOTBALL & FIELD HOCKEY REACH NEW HEIGHTS

BY LIYA ZEWDU

PHOTOS BY LIYA ZEWDU (FOOTBALL PIC) & EMERSON ALBERTI (FIELD HOCKEY)

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.

I’m proud of our success this season, I’m even more proud of how this group represents the program and supports each other.”

Riverbend High School’s fall sports season featured major accomplishments across two programs, highlighted by successful regular seasons, postseason appearances, and growing team cultures.

While both teams fell just short of state championship games, Riverbend’s fall season showed major progression and strong leadership, proving that these programs will continue to grow. Between an undefeated regular season record, deep playoff runs, and a state semifinals appearance, this fall proved that the Bears worked harder than ever during preseason.

Riverbend football put together one of its strongest seasons in years, finishing the regular season undefeated at 10-0. The Bears faced two of their biggest rivals, beating both Colonial Forge 41-27 and North Stafford 28-21.

Hello Beautiful

Coach Thomas credited player development and commitment for the team’s success.

“Our season has gone really well. Compared to last year, the team has really adjusted to Coach Webb’s system, and it’s showing on the field,” he said.

Players continued improving off the field as well. More athletes trained with personal coaches, attended college camps, and prepared outside of school, which impacted the skill level of the team.

The Bears entered the playoffs as one of the top teams in Class 5 and advanced to the second round, where they fell in a one-point loss to Stone Bridge, 20-19.

It is our mission to Insure that you always look and feel Beautiful!

Despite the tough loss, Thomas believes this season sets a new standard.

Riverbend Varsity Field Hockey finished with a 10-6 record in the regular season, but the team’s biggest accomplishments came in the postseason. The Bears advanced through regionals, beating Riverside 2-0. They earned a spot in the state quarterfinals against Godwin, beating them 2-1.

Unfortunately, they took a tough loss in the state semifinals.

Coach Williams praised both leadership and team chemistry. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have a phenomenally talented and hardworking group of returners, along with youthful talent that meshed right in,” Williams said.

She emphasized how the team balanced competitiveness with a supportive culture. “Our team culture strikes a balance between a fun, family like atmosphere and a competitive mindset. While

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STREAMED SPEAKERS

PRESENTS:

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WHEN: FEBRUARY 10TH, 2026 WHERE: FREDERICKSBURG CONVENTION CENTER

JOHN C. MAXWELL

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Business Profile

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A NEW LEADERSHIP MOVEMENT LAUNCHES IN FREDERICKSBURG

BY MIKE MCCLANAHAN AND KIRSTIN PURCELL

Fredericksburg is entering 2026 with powerful momentum as the region welcomes the inaugural Live2Lead FXBG event on February 10 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. This premiere leadership experience, created by John Maxwell Leadership, is set to bring world-class professional development directly to one of Virginia’s most dynamic, growth-minded regions.

Live2Lead FXBG is being introduced through the collaboration of leadership development expert Mike McClanahan and Kirstin Purcell, Founder of Handshake in Heels. Together, they aim to ignite a new era of leadership development—one rooted in connection, purpose, and practical tools that strengthen workplaces and elevate organizational culture.

Savannah Bananas, known for transforming baseball and business culture through fan-first leadership. These headliners will be joined by additional streamed speakers delivering insights on communication, culture, innovation, and people-centered leadership.

Complementing the streamed content, the event will feature live, in-person leadership experts who understand the unique opportunities and challenges shaping Fredericksburg’s business landscape.

This combination of world-renowned speakers and local expertise ensures attendees leave with both high-level inspiration and immediately actionable strategies.

This will be a defining moment for professionals across our region.

“This will be a defining moment for professionals across our region,” Purcell says. “We’re bringing in proven leadership principles, transformational ideas, and an atmosphere designed to help people grow together.”

Live2Lead FXBG also proudly partners with the Fredericksburg Regional

The event’s launch is made possible through an outstanding lineup of committed community partners. GCubed serves as the Title Partner, demonstrating strong regional support for leadership development.

The Stafford County Economic Development Authority and Connoisseur Media join as Presenting Platinum Partners, further reinforcing the value of cultivating a thriving, future-focused business environment.

in human well-being.

McLane Food Service and FXBG Neighbors are confirmed Gold Partners, with additional partners expected as excitement continues to grow across the region.

The inaugural Live2Lead FXBG marks the beginning of a powerful regional

Attendees will experience a powerful lineup of streamed global thought leaders, including John Maxwell—the world’s most recognized leadership voice—and Jesse Cole, the energetic and innovative owner of the

Food Bank, emphasizing the belief that true leadership extends into service—supporting families, strengthening communities, and investing As this January issue reaches readers, businesses and organizations are encouraged to secure their seats. VIP packages offer exclusive access and enhanced experiences, while general admission tickets provide full participation in a full day of high-impact learning and connection. movement—a longterm commitment to collaboration, growth, and building a thriving leadership culture that benefits the entire Fredericksburg area.

The foundation is set. Momentum is building. And on February 10, Fredericksburg officially steps into a new chapter of leadership excellence.

JA NUARY 2026 | 11

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Pet Corner

WHY “TRAINING” ISN’T ENOUGH:

UNDERSTANDING YOUR DOG THROUGH A TRAUMA-INFORMED LENS

BY ADIA SHANEE

January is traditionally known as National Train Your Dog Month, a time when many guardians feel pressure to correct behaviors, sign up for obedience classes, or search for the perfect training program. But as someone who has spent years studying canine behavior through a trauma-informed lens, I offer a gentle but necessary shift:

The Nervous System Is the Real Teacher A dog’s capacity to learn is directly tied to how regulated they feel.

Training may teach behaviors, but it does not teach safety. And without safety, real learning cannot happen.

It isn’t disobedience. It is disregulation. Just like humans, dogs cannot perform when their emotional system is over capacity.

Dogs experience the world through their nervous systems. Their behavior is not random, defiant, or dramatic—it is communication. Barking, retreating, freezing, pulling, mouthing, hiding, even excessive excitement—these are all responses to emotion, not signs of a “bad dog.”

What “Trauma-Informed” Really Means When I use the term trauma-informed, I don’t mean only dogs with known histories of abuse.

Trauma-informed simply means we recognize that every dog has a nervous system, and their behavior reflects their internal capacity, not a desire to misbehave.

When we reduce canine learning to commands and corrections, we overlook the emotional truth underneath the behavior.

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If a dog is overwhelmed, unsafe, or unsure, the thinking part of their brain is not accessible.

This is why a dog may listen beautifully in the living room but struggle the moment something changes—a new environment, a new dog, a strange noise, a sudden shift.

It means we understand the following: • how stress accumulates • how fear impacts learning • how overwhelm shows up in the body • how coping skills are formed • how emotional thresholds are reached • and that safety must come before skills A trauma-informed approach sees behavior as communication, not defiance, and supports the dog’s emotional system so real learning can take place.

Pressure Creates Shutdown, Not Confidence One of the most harmful myths in the traditional training world is the belief that a dog must be “corrected” into compliance. In reality, pressure-based methods often create: • freeze responses mistaken for obedience • learned helplessness (the dog gives up, not improves) • increased anxiety around humans • suppression of communication signals A dog who appears calm may actually be shutting down. True confidence is built through safety, not suppression.

Early Life Matters More Than We Realize Puppies are often treated as blank slates, but they are not. The first stage of life is where emotional patterns, social understanding, and coping skills form.

When puppies are rushed, overstimulated, or placed in environments that exceed their capacity, we unintentionally plant the seeds of future fear.

When they are guided slowly, gently, and intentionally, we prevent many challenges that later show up as “behavior problems.”

Early emotional experiences shape everything.

The Guardian’s Role Is More Important Than the Cue List In trauma-informed canine care, guardians are not simply handlers—they are co-regulators. Your tone, nervous system, timing, presence, and understanding matter far more than how many commands your dog knows.

The real transformation happens when the guardian learns to read the dog, not when the dog performs for the guardian.

A New Way Forward As we step into a new year, I invite guardians to rethink what it truly means to “train” a dog.

Instead of asking, “What should my dog do?” Try asking, “What does my dog feel, and what do they need to feel safe?”

Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for partnership.Instead of controlling reactions, build emotional resilience. Instead of suppressing behavior, understand its purpose.

This is the heart of trauma-informed canine behavior work—and it is where the most profound, most lasting change occurs.

Learning is not the absence of fear. Learning is what happens when fear is replaced with safety.

And every dog deserves that.

To learn more, visit Woofhouze.com.

Calendar of Events

Upcoming Events

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January - February

SUN., JAN. 18 Hugh Mercer Tricentennial Celebration Open House @Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop Time: 12- 4pm 1020 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

TUES., FEB. 3 Lorne Michaels- Great Lives Lecture Series @George Washington Hall Time: 7:30pm- 8:45pm 1301 College Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

TUES., JAN. 20 Paul Revere- Great Lives Lecture Series @George Washington Hall Time: 7:30pm- 8:45pm 1301 College Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

THURS., FEB. 5 Judy Blume- Great Lives Lecture Series @George Washington Hall Time: 7:30pm- 8:45pm 1301 College Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

SAT., JAN. 31 Frosty Brew Thru 2026 @Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair Time: 11am- 4pm 2400 Airport Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

FRI., FEB. 6 First Friday @Downtown FXBG Time: 5- 9pm 601 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

SAT., JAN. 31 Father-Daughter Dance @Dorothy Hart Community Center Time: All Day 408 Canal St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

FRI., FEB. 6 Exclusive Cellar Tour & Tasting @Potomac Point Winery Time: 2- 3:30pm 275 Decatur Rd. Stafford, VA 22554

SAT., JAN. 31 Pottery Throwdown Event! @Corgi Clay Art Center Time: Check-in by 5:30pm 15 Tech Pkwy.

Stafford, VA 22556 Tickets: corgiclayartcenter.com/class-list

Multiple Day Events

Weekly Events

Fri., Jan. 9- Sun., Jan. 11 FXBG Boat & Water Sports Sale @Fredericksburg Convention Center Time: Starting at 1pm- Fri.; 12 pm- Sat. & Sun. 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy.

Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Every Tuesday Music Bingo @Barley Naked Brewing Co. Time: 6- 8pm 15 Tech Pkwy.

Stafford, VA 22556 Every Wednesday Trivia with Trapper @6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company Time: 7pm 1140 International Pkwy.

Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Every Wednesday Adventure Jeopardy @Adventure Brewing Company Time: 7:30- 9pm 33 Perchwood Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22405 At the time this magazine went to print, all event times and locations were accurate, but please check event websites for the most current information. Some events may have been postponed or canceled.

Sundays in January Free Admission Sundays @Gari Melchers Home & Studio Time: 10am- 4pm 224 Washington St. Falmouth, VA 22405

Fri., Jan. 9- Sun., Jan. 11 Twelfth Night at Kenmore: A Dramatic Performance @Historic Kenmore Time: 4:15pm- 8:30pm 1201 Washington Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Sat., Jan. 17- Sun., Jan. 18 Mulled Wine Festival at Eden Try @Eden Try Winery Time: 12- 5pm 6818 River Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Sat., Feb. 7- Sun., Feb. 8 FXBG KidFest @Fredericksburg Convention Center Time: Sat.- 10am- 5pm; Sun.- 10am- 3pm 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy.

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Community Event

A LABOR OF LOVE:

NEW EXHIBITION CELEBRATES THE UNSUNG HEROES OF FREDERICKSBURG’S BATTLEFIELDS

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ASHLEY RANALLI

On January 2nd, the Fredericksburg Visitor Center will unveil a groundbreaking exhibition celebrating the extraordinary contributions of National Park Service volunteers—the dedicated individuals who bring history to life, one transcription, one garden bed, and one preserved earthwork at a time.

At the heart of the exhibition is a remarkable story of historical detective work by volunteer Steve Morin, whose passion for primary sources led to an extraordinary discovery. While digitizing materials from Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park’s bound volume collection, Steve uncovered the diary of Lieutenant Horace Hill, a young officer killed during the Battle of the Wilderness in 1864. But Steve didn’t stop at transcription. His curiosity drove him deeper into the story, ultimately leading him to connect the dots and “complete a puzzle.”

What happened next reads like a historian’s dream. Steve managed to locate Nancy Rosen, Francis Hill’s great-great-granddaughter, who lives just five miles from the house where Francis was raised. Nancy had preserved a trove of family letters and diaries in a cedar chest for generations, and she

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shared them with the park, dramatically expanding the collection. Through Steve’s dedication, the Hill brothers transformed from names in a regimental roster into real people with families, fears, and profound love for one another, and the fruits of his labor will be on exhibition for all of Fredericksburg to come bear witness.

“As a bound volume volunteer, Steve’s job is to read the primary source the park gives him and simply transcribe it digitally,” explains Ashley Ranalli, the park’s first-ever Volunteer Coordinator. “He didn’t need to make a story.” But Steve’s approach goes beyond the prescribed duties. “I have always loved the way he views history,” Ashley explains. “To me, Steve is looking to understand the people he is researching and make a connection.” For example, instead

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© Best Version Media “Volunteers are such a critical part of the National Park Service,” Ashley emphasizes. With over 60 active volunteers at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, these community members are the backbone of the park.

As Ashley puts it, these volunteers are “only paid in sunsets” but give immeasurably to preserve history for future generations. The exhibition stands as a testament to their dedication and an invitation for others to join in caring for these hallowed grounds.

of just reading that Horace Hill died, he becomes a “real” person. “Steve made it his mission to make Horace and Francis real people, which is a gift to anyone reading his report. They become more than just names in a document, instead, real people of consequence who actually suffered for the war.”

“It’s like a puzzle that I have to solve,” says Steve, who has always had an analytical mind. He builds each document’s story, piece-by-piece, adding additional elements and details as he transcribes each document. Mostly, he gets accounts of the weather, battles, or longings of home, but the Hill brothers’ correspondence stood out. Having a close relationship with his own brother, Steve saw the humanity embedded between the lines of the brothers’ correspondence and continued peeling back the layers until he had a complete picture of the journey from upstate New York to retrieve Horace’s body.

Note: The Fredericksburg City Visitor Center kicked off the city’s America 250 celebration with the unveiling of this exhibit on January 2 and a reception, followed by a half-hour guided Q&A session led by Chief of Interpretation, Beth Parnicza, at the City’s Visitor Center during the town’s First Friday festivities. While this special event will have passed by the time this magazine reaches your mailbox, we hope you’ll stop by the Visitor Center this month to view the exhibition.

Steve’s lifelong passion for Civil War history began in 1965 when he attended the centennial celebration of the Battle of Fredericksburg with his parents. His deep knowledge of camp life and period phrases proves invaluable to historians working with primary documents. He’s been a Civil War re-enactor for years as well, and recently celebrated a decade of volunteering with the National Park Service.

The exhibition features Steve, along with seven other volunteers and represents the diverse ways people contribute to the park across four battlefields. From the Earthworks Corps volunteers who trek deep into trenches every other Friday to clear vegetation, to garden caretakers at Chatham, to maintenance volunteers who repair cannon casings and paint fences, each represents the vital role volunteers play in preserving these sacred landscapes.

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Community

LOCAL AUTHOR MALANNA HENDERSON BRINGS HISTORY TO LIFE THROUGH FICTION AND THEATER

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Fredericksburg author Malanna Henderson didn’t always take her writing seriously. As a child who devoured Nancy Drew books and stayed awake inventing stories to lull herself to sleep, she viewed writing as a personal hobby—something to entertain herself

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during lunch breaks at work. But after years of starting and stopping a novel, Henderson made a pivotal decision. “Once I realized how many years I put into it, I decided to give it a real shot,” she recalls.

That commitment led to her historical novel On the Wings of Freedom, set in 1860 Virginia, which tells the story of Carrie Bennet, a freeborn Black woman from Brooklyn who travels south to purchase her grandmother’s freedom.

The journey takes a harrowing turn when Carrie becomes entangled with the Underground Railroad and finds herself on trial for murder after defending herself against an enslaver.

The inspiration for this gripping narrative came from Henderson’s deep dive into Black history.

She was particularly moved by the true story of Celia, a fourteen-year-old enslaved girl who killed her master in self-defense in 1855 in Missouri. “For the enslaved, self-defense was no defense that the court would recognize,” Henderson notes, explaining how this historical injustice sparked her creative vision. The novel explores a painful reality: in the antebellum period, assaulting a Black woman—enslaved or free—wasn’t against the law.

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Living in Fredericksburg has profoundly shaped Henderson’s work. “By living in Fredericksburg, I’m surrounded by history, and it has propelled me to take my writing seriously,” she says.

Through research, she has uncovered stories of people who lived and worked in Virginia, finding threads that resonate with contemporary audiences. Her plays have featured historical figures including George Washington, Peter Salem, and the Lovings, bringing local history to vivid life on stage.

Beyond her novels, Henderson has established Somewhere in Time Productions, Inc., a performing arts company dedicated to producing original plays by local playwrights. “I believe a play isn’t finished until it is performed in front of an audience,” she explains. The company provides emerging and seasoned playwrights alike with a platform while offering theatergoers “something fresh, a new story with a never-before-seen ending.”

Her recent production, The History Lesson, earned rave reviews and will return during

Black History Month. Set in 1860, the play follows Frank Turner, an attorney kidnapped into slavery, who risks everything by teaching a young woman to read and write. Henderson adapted it from a chapter in On the Wings of Freedom, demonstrating her ability to reimagine her work across different media.

Henderson’s creative influences span from the Brontë sisters and Charles Dickens to contemporary voices like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Walter Mosley. More recently, nonfiction works including The 1619 Project, The Color of Law, and Just Mercy have informed her historical research, grounding her fiction in documented realities of institutional racism and social justice.

For aspiring writers, Henderson offers practical wisdom: “Write about what you love to read about.

Record your family history.” She emphasizes the importance of building vocabulary, joining writers’ clubs for feedback, and understanding that writing is a process. Her favorite advice? “Don’t be a critic when you’re developing your story. Do the editing afterwards.”

Currently, Henderson is working on her second novel featuring Henry Mason, a butler-turned-detective who joins Allan Pinkerton’s agency in Chicago and uncovers a plot to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln. Between managing her theater company, singing jazz, enjoying Zumba, and spending time with family, Henderson maintains a steady writing practice, proving that dedication, not rigid schedules, sustains creative work.

Those interested in Somewhere in Time Productions can email somewhereintimeproductions21@ gmail.com, visit somewhereintimeproductions. org, or watch for The History Lesson this February.

Malanna’s first novel On the Wings of Freedom can also be purchased on Amazon.

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It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere

The new year is here and pomegranates are at their peak! As we settle into winter and embrace fresh starts, you may be in need of a cocktail.

Our January cocktail is this delicious pomegranate blend, courtesy of How to be a Vodka Snob by Brittany Jacques: Red Lightning Press. If you make this delicious cocktail, make sure to tag us @Fxbgneighbors!

Pom-Quat Cocktail HOW TO BE A VODKA SNOB BY BRITTANY JACQUES

When in season, pomegranate seeds can often be found in the produce section of your local grocery store. If you need to de-seed the pomegranate yourself, do so under water to help pop out the jewel-like arils (seeds). This recipe is crafted for a party-sized batch. Enjoy!

Ingredients: • 5 cups sliced kumquats • 1-¼ cup sugar • 3-½ cup orange-flavored vodka

• 5 cups pomegranate juice • Seeds of 2 pomegranates • Ice

Instructions: 1. The kumquats provide a bitterness to the punch but it’s best to help sweeten them a bit first. Add the kumquats and sugar to a medium-sized bowl and let sit for about ten minutes.

2. Add in the vodka and let stand for at least one hour. Alternatively, you can let this mixture refrigerate overnight.

3. In a punch bowl or serving pitcher, combine the kumquat vodka mixture and pomegranate juice. Stir.

4. Add the jewel-like pomegranate seeds and serve over ice.

Do you have some fun cocktails to add to our cocktail corner, email them to mhardgrove@bestversionmedia.com.

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KidsCorner

Winter Popsicle Snowman Craft

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

Materials: ☐ P opsicle sticks

☐ Glue or hot glue

☐ White paint

☐ Small buttons or black construction paper hat

☐ Orange paint or marker for the nose

☐ Red felt or ribbon for the scarf ☐ Googly eyes

☐ White yarn for hanging

☐ Paintbrush

Directions: 1. Paint one side of the popsicle sticks white. Let 5. Cut a long hat shape from black construction them dry completely, then apply a second coat. paper.

Once dry, flip them over and repeat on the other 6. Glue the hat on top of the white yarn. side.

7. Cut a scarf from the red felt, about 1 inch by 6 2. Glue the googly eyes about 1 inch from the top inches. of the popsicle stick.

8. Glue the scarf onto the snowman in an X shape.

3. Cut the white yarn to about 10 inches long.

9. Cut or draw a small triangle for the nose.

4. Glue the white yarn to the top of the popsicle 10. Add buttons if desired. stick to create a hanger.

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.

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