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AN EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF AUGUSTINE, AUSTIN RIDGE , COLONIAL FORGE, EMBREY MILL, LIBERTY KNOLLS, SHELTON KNOLLS & SHELTON WOODS.

NOVEMBER 2026

NEIGHBORS OF

Courthouse

ONE LEGION FAMILY, ONE MISSION: INSIDE STAFFORD’S AMERICAN LEGION POST 290 Photos by Karen Presecan Photography

We help create remembrances that reflect the unique values, character and traditions of the families we serve.

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2 | NEIGHBORS OF COURTHOUSE

Publisher: Dori Stewart

Publisher’s Assistant: Valynda Phifer

Contributing Writer: Karie Owens

Content Executive Assistant to the Publisher: Coordinator: Mallory Hardgrove Crissy Hall

Photographer: Karen Presecan

Contributing Writer: Cherice Taylor

Designer: Laura Anderson

Contributing Writer: Stephanie Cox

Welcome to the November issue of Neighbors of Courthouse In honor of Veterans Day, this issue features two organizations every veteran should know. Not only are they dedicated to our community and helping others, but they exemplify everything serving members were taught in basic training: Stafford American Legion Post 290 (our cover story) and Valor Ranch (our charity feature). We are proud and honored to share their work with you.

As always, we are grateful to each and every one of our sponsors for making each installment possible. This month, however, we want to give a special shoutout to the veterans among them who proudly own their businesses: Aubry Blais (Thistle Medical Aesthetics), Dr. Matthew Caspersen (Rappahannock Orthodontics), Horace Crenshaw (Crenshaw’s Sports and Fitness), Dr. Timothy Hughes (Stafford Smile Design), Melissa Huntley-Bosco (HB Law, PLC), and Christina Stricker (F45 Training Stafford, VA). Having served our country, they now serve our community, and we are lucky to count them as partners. Stafford is also home to thousands of veterans, and Veterans Day is our chance to honor each of you. To every reader who has worn the uniform: thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and for all you continue to give to our country and our community. We hope your Veterans Day is a meaningful one. Happy reading!

Mallory Hardgrove

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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 Due Edition 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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Table of

CONTENTS

Expert Contributor A Holiday Gift Guide for the Woman Who Has Everything

Home Improvement Corner Is It Time to Replace Your Floors?

Parent’s Education Corner Making the Most of the Holiday Season

Pet Corner A Path to Healing: Understanding Your Dog’s IVDD Diagnosis

Charity Spotlight A Place to Slow Down: Valor Ranch Offers Healing Through Horses, Community, and Service

Feature Resident One Legion Family, One Mission: Inside Stafford’s American Legion Post 290

Kids Corner November: Dazzle’s Recycled Foam Printmaking

N OVEMBER 2026 | 3

FUNERAL SERVICES

Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service

Todd Gerace | Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service 540-373-5842 (Fredericksburg), 540-659-7690 (Stafford) dignitymemorial.com

ORTHODONTICS

Matthew H. Caspersen, D.D.S., M.S. Rappahannock Orthodontics 540-371-2611 drcaspersen.com

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

PLUMBING

Gregory White | White Plumbing Company 703-672-8667 whiteplumbingco.com

REAL ESTATE

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

SKINCARE

Aubry Blais | Thistle Medical Aesthetics 540-783-8209 thistlemedicalaesthetics.com

The flag denotes a veteran-owned business, and we’d love to extend our thanks for their service to their community and country.

The school bus is running, and the new year is underway! Make sure your home is ready for the busy season with up to

10% off (up to $200) on most repairs.

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EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR BY VIKTORIYA TKHORYK

A Holiday Gift Guide

FOR THE WOMAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING For the One Whose Hair is Her Signature: Xtressé Hair Growth Gummies Hair is very personal. If healthy-looking, full hair is part of your beauty routine, or hers, Xtressé is an easy addition to the daily ritual. These sugar-free strawberry gummies contain NAD+, taurine, saw palmetto, and pumpkin seed extract, without biotin. Developed by dermatologists and hair restoration specialists, they are formulated to support healthy hair follicles from within. They feel like a treat, whether you wrap them or keep them for yourself.

For the Wellness Devotee: Cymbiotika Liposomal Supplements Anyone who takes her wellness seriously has usually tried every capsule on the shelf. Cymbiotika brings a more considered approach with liposomal formulas designed to support nutrient absorption. With options focused on glow, gut health, stress and recovery, immunity, and energy, you can choose what fits her lifestyle, or yours.

For the One Always Out the Door: Colorescience There is always one woman on your holiday list who seems to have everything, and sometimes that woman is you. She knows what she likes, and when anyone asks what she wants for the holidays, she insists she already has it all. We’d like to politely disagree! She gives her all in everything she does, and there is always a reason to pamper her. This holiday season, four new arrivals at Thistle Medical Aesthetics make the perfect gift for someone you love, or for yourself!

Sunscreen is the most important step in any anti-aging routine. Colorescience combines mineral sun protection with formulas designed to wear beautifully on the skin, so daily SPF feels like part of getting ready, even in winter. For the woman who invests in professional treatments and thoughtful skincare, it is a gift that helps protect the skin year-round.

The Showstopper: Plated Skin Science For the woman who has everything, choose something she may not have discovered yet. Plated Skin Science is powered by platelet-derived exosomes and is designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, redness, and brown spots while remaining gentle enough for all skin types. It is skin science at its most advanced and makes the perfect stocking stuffer.

The Gift That’s Always Appreciated: A Thistle Gift Card If you are still stumped staring at your list, a gift card is always a welcome choice. It lets her put it toward the treatment or skincare she has been eyeing all year. After all, the perfect holiday present is sometimes simply time for herself. Shop for her, shop for yourself, or do a little bit of both by visiting thistlemedicalaesthetics.com.

Come experience the serenity of our new space

450 GARRISONVILLE ROAD, SUITE 205 • STAFFORD, VA 22554

540-783-8209 • THISTLEMEDICALAESTHETICS.COM Thistle is Veteran Owned and Operated

Thistle offers medical-grade skincare and treatments such as: NEUROMODULATORS (BOTOX/DYSPORT) • DERMAL FILLERS/VOLUME ENHANCERS (JUVEDERM/RESTYLANE/RHA) • SCULPTRA • MORPHEUS8 RADIOFREQUENCY MICRONEEDLING LUMECCA IPL • DIOLAZE LASER HAIR REDUCTION • DIAMONDGLOW MICRODERMABRASION • SKINPEN MICRONEEDLING WITH PLATELET-RICH PLASMA • CUSTOMIZED FACIALS • CHEMICAL PEELS N OVEMBER 2026 | 5

HOME IMPROVEMENT CORNER

BY KARIE OWENS, PHOTOS COURTESY OF NK FLOORS

IS IT TIME TO REPLACE YOUR FLOORS? Floors don’t fail overnight. They show clues for months, sometimes years, and it’s easy to miss. Some problems you can fix with a refinish or plank replacement. Others may suggest the floor is no longer functional. Here are five signs to look at more closely. Warping, cupping, or buckling. Run your hand across the floor. If the edges of the boards curl up and the centers sit lower, that’s cupping. If entire sections lift off the subfloor, that is buckling, and moisture usually causes it. This occurs from prolonged moisture exposure, either from moisture in the air (humidity) or large spills and damp environments. The only way to correct this is replacing the flooring. Gaps that keep growing. Hardwood expands and contracts with the seasons, so thin gaps in dry winter months are normal. What isn’t normal is gaps wide enough to fit a coin in, or gaps that stay open year-round. The cause could be aging adhesive, a shifting subfloor, or boards that have shrunk permanently. Wide

gaps also trap dirt and make the floor harder to keep clean. Squeaks and soft spots. An occasional squeak near a doorway is usually just a loose nail. A floor that creaks across the whole room, or feels springy or spongy underfoot, tells a different story. The subfloor underneath may be rotting, loose, or water-damaged. Surface repairs won’t help if the layer beneath is failing, so it’s best to have someone pull up a section and look. Stains, odors, or mold. Dark spots that don’t sand out, especially around dishwashers, sinks, and exterior doors, suggest water has soaked deep into the wood. A musty smell is an even bigger warning, because it often means moisture is trapped beneath the surface. If you see mold or smell mildew, don’t wait to inspect. Mold can spread to the subfloor and affect indoor air quality, and the longer it sits, the more expensive the fix. Wear that cleaning and refinishing can’t fix. Every floor has a wear layer. Solid hardwood can be refinished several times, but only until

the sanding reaches the tongue-and-groove joints. Engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, and luxury vinyl tile have much thinner layers. If you see deep scratches, a wornthrough finish, peeling edges, or discoloration in the high-traffic path from your front door to the kitchen, you may need to replace the floor. Litmus Test: If the damage is limited to the surface or a small area, repair it. If the problem runs deeper, such as moisture, a failing subfloor, or a worn-out layer, or if it affects more than a third of the room, replacing the floor is more economical. Have a certified flooring professional provide a consultation and written assessment to determine the next steps.

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PET CORNER

BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP

A PATH TO HEALING:

UNDERSTANDING YOUR DOG’S IVDD DIAGNOSIS

When your dog suddenly stops moving, hunches its back, cries out, or struggles to walk, it can feel like a crisis. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is among the most common and painful spinal conditions I treat. Paralysis and costly surgery are frightening, but you still have options. What Is IVDD? IVDD occurs when spinal discs degenerate or rupture into the spinal canal, compressing the cord and nerves and causing pain, swelling, and nerve dysfunction. Symptoms depend on location: • Neck (cervical): Severe pain, low head posture, front-leg limp; all four limbs may be affected. • Back (thoracolumbar): Arched spine, abdominal tension, hind-leg weakness or paralysis. • Asymmetric compression: One side is weaker or more painful. Jumping off furniture, rough play, or normal movement can trigger an episode. Longbacked breeds are predisposed, but any dog can be affected. What to Expect at the Vet Seek care immediately and handle your pet gently, as pain can make animals snap. I perform a thorough neurological exam: • Conscious proprioception: Flipping the foot onto its knuckles tests spatial awareness; knuckling or toe-dragging is often the earliest sign of compression. • Withdrawal reflex: Pinching the toe web confirms local nerve pathways are intact. • Deep pain sensation: Firm pressure on a toe bone tests the innermost cord fibers. A conscious reaction, like turning the head or vocalizing, is required; its absence signals severe damage and an emergency. I often recommend bloodwork, a 4Dx test, and X-rays to rule out fractures or tumors; definitive imaging requires an MRI under anesthesia.

• Incontinence: An unexpressed bladder risks infection or rupture; I teach owners to express it manually until nerve function returns. Keep your pet clean and dry. • Prevention: Keep your dog lean, use ramps, and walk with a harness, not a collar. A Path Forward An IVDD diagnosis is overwhelming, but not hopeless. Whether recovering from surgery, managing a flare-up, or facing non-surgical paralysis, an integrative plan offers a compassionate path to comfort and mobility. Contact Comfort Paws for a tailored recovery plan.

Your Options A board-certified neurologist’s MRI confirms the diagnosis, and decompressive surgery relieves pressure fastest with excellent outcomes. But other conditions, multiple compression sites, or cost (often $10,000–$15,000 locally) may rule surgery out. Euthanasia is not your only choice. Integrative Medicine Integrative care can relieve pain, promote nerve healing, and restore mobility, either alongside surgery or on its own.

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture and electroacupuncture: Acupuncture relieves pain, swelling, and spasms; electroacupuncture adds low-frequency current to speed nerve healing and reduce cord edema. • Research: Studies show acupuncture speeds walking recovery compared with standard care alone. With strict rest, it reportedly succeeds in 85–95% of mild-to-moderate cases; in severe cases, after 48 hours, it outperformed delayed surgery alone. • Supportive therapies: I combine acupuncture with laser, PEMF (Assisi Loop), shockwave, TCVM herbs, and structured rehab to control pain, prevent muscle loss, and retrain gait.

Pain Rehab & Pain Management Hospice Acupuncture Laser Therapy Management & & Hospice & & Acupuncture Quality Palliative Care Quality of of Life Life Palliative CareCladda Now partnering with Food Therapy Assessments Assessments

Home Care and Prevention • Strict rest: Crate or small-pen rest for 6 to 8 weeks; limit activity to 5-to-10-minute leashed bathroom breaks. • Traction and support: Non-slip runners, ToeGrips, booties, and gated stairs help; a harness like the Help ’Em Up assists mobility without pressing on the abdomen.

Dr. Katrina Spies, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP

Veterinary Emergency to provide integrative medicine Hospice & services like acupuncture, Palliative Care pain management, and Rehab & rehabilitation/physical Rehab & Pain Management Food Laser Herbal Medicine Foodat their Laser therapy services Herbal Medicine & Quality of Therapy Therapy Therapy location in Therapy Fredericksburg. Life Assessments n

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N OVE MBER 2026 | 7

INSIDE STAFFORD’S AMERICAN LEGION POST 290

ONE

LEGION FAMILY, MISSION:

FEATURE RESIDENT

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY AND COURTESY OF STAFFORD AMERICAN LEGION POST 290

Every December, veterans and volunteers at the Stafford American Legion Post 290 collect, sort, and pack boxes of food for local families in need. Throughout the year, teenagers train on the Post’s firing line, scholarships go to graduating seniors, and motorcycles roll out on rides that honor the fallen and raise money for those in need. These activities vary, but the mission stays constant: Post 290 serves veterans, their families, and the community it calls home. Eight Decades of Service The American Legion was born in Paris in March 1919, after World War I, to advocate for veterans. Stafford’s chapter was chartered on August 3, 1946, shortly after Marine Corps Base Quantico expanded and around the time U.S. Route 1 was widened and paved. James Ashby Jr. served as first commander, and the original building stood off Route 1 on what is now American Legion Road. Today, the Post is located at 1141 and 1151 Mountain View Rd. Over the years, the Post took on Boys State, Auxiliary Girls State, American Legion Baseball, Americanism programs, scholarships, and other youth and outreach efforts. In 1966, Post 290’s Wilbur L. Gray was elected Department Commander and led the Legion across Virginia. This August, the Post celebrated its 80th birthday. Today, its work follows the Legion’s four pillars: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth. The Stafford American Legion Post 290 Foundation, a 501(c)(3), is a separate nonprofit organization that supports Post 290 programs. Post 290 Bingo meets every Wednesday and Friday and serves as the Post’s main funding source for all Post programs. Together, these efforts support the wide range of work that follows. “Much of our success is attributable to our close association with the Post 290 Legion family,” said Commander Rick Schultz. Greg Nilges added that the Post is “considered one of the strongest Posts in the Department of Virginia”—and it is easy to see why. The group supports missions as diverse as its 600 members, each bringing experience and passion to the work they do for the greater community.

Caring for veterans also means caring for the flag. Every year, volunteers place more than 1,800 American flags on veteran gravesites at 46 Stafford County cemeteries. The Post collects unserviceable flags, retires them respectfully in the fire pit on its grounds, and donates classroom flags to Stafford County Schools. Beyond that, the Post’s 28-acre grounds also include a sports complex with a 90-foot baseball field, a multi-use field, a fastpitch softball field, and a concession stand. Nearby, the Court of Honor features memorial bricks honoring loved ones and supports Post 290 programs.

The Holiday Food Basket For more than 70 years, the Holiday Food Basket Program has supported Stafford County residents in need, making it one of the Post’s largest community outreach projects. It partners with the Stafford County Department of Social Services (DSS) Holiday Program, which matches community groups with families who need Thanksgiving or Christmas help. Families receiving SNAP or TANF can register with DSS. The program isn’t state-funded and runs entirely on volunteer sponsors. This year, Post 290 is matched with about 100 registered families. “Every verified DSS family on our list receives boxes of food, a loaf of bread, and a restricted gift card for a ham or turkey and fresh produce suited to their needs,” explained BJ Payne, Committee Chair. Community partners make it possible. Most of the food comes from participating Stafford County Schools and the Post’s bingo collection. United Brokerage Packaging donates the collection boxes, Shoppers has donated carts to make filling boxes easier, and Flowers Foods makes a special trip to deliver fresh bread. Mountain View Rescue Squad generously allows the Post to use its facility for sorting and packing. The program also offers service hour opportunities for students and welcomes anyone in the community to help. The Legion Family at Work Through three affiliated groups, the Post reaches out in different ways. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 290 operates under the motto “Service, Not Self” and supports veterans, military members, and their families at home and abroad. Through 20 committees, its members advocate for veterans, mentor youth, and promote good citizenship. Each year, the Unit sponsors girls from Stafford County to attend Virginia Girls State and awards scholarships to Stafford County graduating seniors who are children or grandchildren of veterans. Squadron 290 of the Sons of the American Legion carries the mission to the next generation. Membership is open to male descendants, adopted sons, and stepsons of Legion members and qualifying veterans. Chapter 290 of the American Legion Riders is part of a national movement of more than 425 Rider programs. Riders nationally raise money for multiple veterans’ and children’s causes and ride for charities ranging from veterans’ foundations to Toys for Tots.

Investing in Young People The Post supports Boys State and Auxiliary Girls State, the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement program, American Legion Baseball, the National American Legion Oratorical Contest, Post 290 Bombers girls fastpitch softball, multiple Scout units, and scholarships and awards. Its Junior Shooters program has recently become a competitive youth program. Athletes ages 12 to 18 train at the Post, building confidence, discipline, and marksmanship in a safe, structured setting. They compete in the Old Dominion Junior Rifle League, the Virginia Commonwealth Games, and American Legion and Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) events. As a designated satellite range, the Post also regularly welcomes regional competitors. Over the past five years, the Post 290 Junior Shooters have advanced to the CMP National Championship level every season, demonstrating exceptional consistency, discipline, and competitive excellence. The team has also earned invitations to the American Legion National Championship in both 2023 and 2026, placing Post 290 among the nation’s most respected and successful junior marksmanship programs. “The team’s advancement to the national level of competition is an impressive achievement that reflects the commitment of our athletes and coaches,” said Mike Flanagan, team manager. “Our athletes exemplify the values of sportsmanship, responsibility, and teamwork that define Post 290. We are proud of every athlete who steps onto the firing line.” A Place Where Members Get It Beyond the programs, the Post is also a place to gather. After monthly meetings, during steak nights, or on a Wednesday or Friday Bingo night, members come to swap stories and enjoy time with people who understand military life. N OVEMBER 2026 | 9

“It’s nice to just get out of the house and meet others with similar values and those who have been through similar experiences,” commented Michael Hardgrove. Others can relate. When asked what keeps them coming back to Post 290, numerous members responded simply: “The people.” The down-to-earth, service-minded people of Post 290 exemplify the values instilled in them during their service, and they are keen to give back to this community any chance they get. Interested in becoming a member? Greg Nilges says, “Stop in and check us out.” His “heartfelt pitch” always starts with “Support who supports you.” As the largest veteran service organization, The American Legion “represents over 1.6 million

members when lobbying Congress in support of the rights and benefits of veterans and their families.” And one would be hard pressed to find a Post fulfilling its mission better. After eighty years, Post 290 still does what The American Legion was founded to do: look after veterans, invest in young people, and lend a hand to neighbors in need. If you’d like to learn more about Stafford American Legion Post 290 or would like to help support its programs, information is available at staffordpost290.org or you can follow their Facebook pages: American Legion Post 290 Stafford Virginia and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 290 - Stafford VA.

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PARENTS EDUCATION CORNER

BY CHERICE TAYLOR

MAKING THE MOST OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON Cherice Taylor, M.A. Education Administration, is a Part-Time Career Advisor for Germanna Community College. She is the 2022-2023 Past President of the Rotary Club of Stafford and a Charter Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Psi Omega Chapter. She is a relationship builder, poet and a former educator with over 10 years experience at the preschool through high school levels. Cherice earned her Bachelor’s degree from UCLA and her Masters in Education Administration from California State University- Dominguez Hills. She is married to LCDR Eric Taylor (retired) and a mother of four sons. A positive attitude and the belief that sharing pearls of wisdom along with the Golden Rule allows for everyone to improve and reach their personal goals. This is demonstrated in the podcast show that she hosts, Time Matters Podcast! Cherice believes that if we all do better, then we all do better, and that is why Cherice is involved in the community.

The holiday season is here, offering a unique opportunity to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and strengthen the bonds that matter most. While it is a time for celebration, it is also the perfect moment to foster deep connections and reinforce lifelong learning—especially with our senior family members. For parents and caregivers, the break is an ideal time to support your child’s educational journey in a low-stress environment. If you are looking for guidance on everything from early literacy to high school preparation, the National PTA Family Guides (found at https:// www.pta.org/home/family-resources/Family-Guides) are an invaluable resource. These tools offer expert advice tailored to every age group, helping you nurture your child’s growth both in and out of the classroom. Beyond academics, use this time to bridge the generational gap. Our senior family members hold a wealth of history and perspective waiting to be shared. Encourage your children to conduct a “Family Interview” this season. Here are a few great questions to spark conversation: • What was elementary school like for you? • Were you involved in any clubs or athletic programs? • Did you know your grandparents, and what were they like? • Did you have a job in high school? • What were your biggest dreams as a teenager? • What are your all-time favorite songs? • Do you know how to jump rope? • How did you meet your spouse or partner? • Do you still write in cursive? Whether you are exploring new academic goals or uncovering stories from the past, this season offers a rare gift: time together. Use it to learn from one another, strengthen your family’s foundation, and create memories that will last long after the holidays fade.

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N OVE MBER 2026 | 11

CHARIT Y SPOTLIGHT

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY

A PLACE TO SLOW DOWN: VALOR RANCH OFFERS HEALING THROUGH HORSES, COMMUNITY, AND SERVICE On 120 acres in King George, Virginia, a husband-and-wife team is proving that sometimes the most powerful form of healing isn’t found in a clinical setting, but on a farm. Healing can be found beside a horse, around a bonfire, or simply sitting still with the people you love. Paige and Steve Rosado co-founded Valor Ranch, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit that offers no-cost restorative experiences for injured service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Guests can ride or groom a horse, try archery, work in the woodshop, create art, walk a trail, or gather by the creek — whatever draws them in. “Clinical care plays an important role for many of the people we serve, but Valor Ranch offers something intentionally different — a peaceful, non-clinical environment where families can step away from everyday pressures and choose how they want to spend their time,” Paige explained. The idea for Valor Ranch didn’t arrive all at once. It grew out of decades of service; Steve spent 10 years in the U.S. Navy followed by 27 more supporting military programs, while Paige spent 35 years in federal service. Two of their sons serve today, continuing a family legacy. Alongside that history ran another thread: years spent rehabilitating horses that had been neglected or discarded. “Those horses taught us something we have never forgotten: what has happened to you does not have to define what is still possible,” Steve said. That lesson, paired with their deep ties to the military community, sparked a vision: a place where people who had spent their lives serving others could bring their families to reconnect, away from the noise of everyday life. In July 2016, the couple purchased the King George property while still working full-time. Valor Ranch became an official nonprofit in May 2018, and on Veterans Day 2022, the gates opened to their first guests. The Ranch’s guiding philosophy is simple: meet people where they are. “We don’t prescribe the experience. We create the environment and the opportunities, and let people choose,” Paige said. 12 | N E I G H B O R S O F C O U R T H O U S E

That extends beyond the guest experience to the more than 100 volunteers who keep Valor Ranch running; there is no paid staff. Volunteers contribute more than 25,000 hours annually, caring for animals, maintaining the property, and welcoming families. Many are veterans themselves, bringing an understanding of military life that can’t be taught. Paige says watching volunteers grow has become one of the most unexpected joys of running the Ranch. One volunteer arrived as an introvert content to shovel manure in peace; today she leads one of the busiest teams on the property.

Ms. Pat, a selfless volunteer & the reigning “Golden Shovel” Award winner

“Behind them are families reconnecting, people trying things they never imagined they could do, volunteers discovering strengths they didn’t know they possessed,” Steve added. The family’s motto, “Not for self, but for country,” guides the serious mission, but there’s also plenty of laughter sprinkled in along the way. That laughter usually ensues from just everyday occurrences on the ranch, courtesy of a menagerie that includes miniature donkeys, goats, chickens, and turkeys — all of whom, Paige jokes, seem to have their own opinions about how the day should go.

“I’ve watched volunteers arrive unsure of themselves and become confident,” Paige said. “I’ve watched people who came here looking for a way to serve find a community where they belong.”

Steve and Paige, who together have five children and eight grandchildren, see Valor Ranch as not just an organization but, rather, an extension of their home and family values.

Each year, Valor Ranch serves more than 100 military and first responder families through its retreats and Ranch Reset programming, along with roughly 300 local students through educational field trips. But Paige quickly notes that numbers tell only part of the story.

As Paige summed it up, “I hope Valor Ranch will always be a place where people who have spent so much of their lives serving others can come with the people they love, set everything else down for a little while, and know that this time, someone is here to take care of them.”

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DAZZLE’S RECYCLED FOAM PRINTMAKING Hi, artists! It’s Dazzle the Zebra. Have you ever wondered if something headed for the recycling bin could become an art tool? This month, save a clean Styrofoam food item and turn it into your very own printing stamp. You’ll draw into the foam, add color and discover what happens when you press your design onto paper. Each print may look a little different - and that’s part of the fun of exploring something new! Gather Your Supplies • Clean, recycled Styrofoam food trays, such as a corn on the cob tray or you can use a Styrofoam plate. • A dull pencil, stick or another tool that can press lines into the foam • Scissors • Water-based markers, such as Crayola • Plain paper

Create Your Foam Prints 1. Decide what you want to draw. It can be something you see around you or something completely from your imagination. Details are good, but not too many. 2. Draw your picture directly onto the clean Styrofoam using a dull pencil, stick or another tool that will press your lines into the foam. Press firmly enough to make an indentation without poking all the way through. 3. Use scissors to cut around your design if you would like to turn it into a shaped stamp. You can also leave the Styrofoam as it is. 4. Use water-based markers, like Crayola, to color directly onto the surface of your foam stamp. Hint: Use the lightest color first if you plan to use multiple colors on the same stamp. 5. Turn your foam over, press the colored side onto your paper and lift it up to reveal your print. You may want to practice a few times before you make your final image. Remember: We are looking for an experience to explore something new. We Post an image of your Styrofoam print on our Facebook are not looking for perfection. page for a chance to win a FREE trial class. One name will be pulled at the end of the month. The winner will 6. Use your stamp again and again! Recolor it, change the colors, overlap your prints or arrange them in different ways. be notified by Facebook announcement. Be sure to 7. Make as many different foam stamps as you wish and combine them to create a picture filled with your own ideas. follow and like Art Cart Kids.

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