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A Place to Slow Down: How Valor Ranch Is Changing Lives, One Family at a Time

PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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© Best Version Media Welcome to the November issue of Spotsylvania Living, In honor of Veterans Day, this issue features Valor Ranch, a nonprofit that offers recreational therapy and healing retreats for injured service members, veterans in care and treatment, and first responders, along with their families. Through animal therapy, outdoor activities, and time around the campfire, Valor Ranch gives those who have served a place to rest, reconnect, and heal. We are proud to share their story with you.

Publication Team

Dori Stewart Publisher

Valynda Phifer

Publisher’s Assistant

Mallory Hardgrove Content Coordinator

Laura Anderson Designer

Crissy Hall

Executive Assistant to the Publisher

Karen Presecan Photographer

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 shout-out to the veterans among them who proudly own their businesses: Donte Garnette (Monster Roofing and Siding), Aaron Johnson (Uncle Onion’s Electric, Organic Lawn Care), Dr. Paul Kuster (Ascent Audiology), and Zach, Matt, and Jake Lethbridge (Kitchen Tune-Up Fredericksburg & Stafford). Having served our country, they now serve our community, and we are lucky to count them as partners. Fredericksburg 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 FXBGNeighbors

Karie Owens

Contributing Writer

Liya Zewdu

Contributing Writer

FXBGNeighbors

bestversionmedia.com/va/spotsylvanialiving

Stephanie Cox

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 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 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

Table of

CONTENTS

5 6 8 9 10

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.

Expert Contributor Will or Trust? Breaking Down One of the Most Common Estate-Planning Questions Pet Corner A Path to Healing: Understanding Your Dog’s IVDD Diagnosis Home Improvement Corner Is It Time to Replace Your Floors? Business Profile One Orthodontics: Where Smiles Begin with Connection Resident Feature A Place to Slow Down: How Valor Ranch Is Changing Lives, One Family at a Time

10 14

High School Highlights Honor Your Roots: Reflections from Ethiopia

Photo Corner Why Professional Family Photos Matter

Kids Corner November: Dazzle's Recycled Foam Printmaking

N OV E MBE R 2026 | 3

Expert Contributors

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REAL ESTATE, ESTATE PLANNING, ESTATE ADMINISTRATION & PROBATE AND CIVIL LITIGATION Diana D’Alessandro | D’Alessandro Law PLLC (540) 412-6041 dalessandro.law

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SCAN TO CONNECT The flags denote a veteran-owned business, and we’d love to extend our thanks for their service to their community and country. talent@bestversionmedia.com

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

Expert Contributor

WILL OR TRUST?

BREAKING DOWN ONE OF THE MOST COMMON ESTATE-PLANNING QUESTIONS BY DIANA D’ALESSANDRO, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW

As an estate planning attorney, one of the questions I am asked most often is, “Do I need a Will or a Trust?” The answer depends on your circumstances, your goals, and how you want your assets handled during your lifetime and after your death. Although Wills and Trusts are both important estate-planning tools, they serve different purposes. What Does a Will Do? A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that takes effect at your death and directs how certain assets should be distributed. A Will can: • Identify who should receive your property; • Name an executor to administer your estate; • Nominate guardians for minor children; • Provide instructions for certain personal and financial matters; and • Establish testamentary trusts for beneficiaries when appropriate. A Will primarily controls assets that are subject to probate. Probate is the court-supervised process of administering a deceased person’s estate. Assets with payable-on-death beneficiary designations—such as life insurance and many retirement accounts—typically pass directly to the named beneficiary. Likewise, property owned jointly with rights of survivorship passes to the surviving owner. A Will does not avoid probate. Assets owned in your individual name that do not have a designated payable-on-death beneficiary must be administered through probate. What Is a Trust? A Trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee holds and manages property for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. A trust can be created during your lifetime or established to take effect after your death.

One of the most common estate-planning trusts is a revocable living trust. With a revocable living trust, you can create the trust during your lifetime, transfer assets into it, and serve as your own trustee. You continue to use and control the property and can amend or revoke the trust during your lifetime. A revocable living trust can: • Allow you to manage and control your assets during your lifetime; • Provide for someone to manage your trust assets if you become unable to do so; • Allow your successor trustee to administer and distribute your assets according to your instructions after your death; and • Allow trust assets to be administered privately, outside of probate. Remember: probate is a public process; trust administration is typically private. The most important part of a trust, however, is funding it. You must take steps to ensure that the assets you want the trust to control are properly titled in the trust’s name or that the trust is properly designated as a beneficiary. Think of the trust as a safe: it is empty until you put something inside it. So, Which Is Better? There is no universal answer. For some people, a Will-based estate plan may be perfectly appropriate. For others, a trust may provide significant advantages, particularly if you own real estate, want to provide for beneficiaries over time, have minor or financially inexperienced beneficiaries, or want someone to manage assets for you if you become unable to do so yourself. The Bottom Line Think of a Will and a Trust as different tools in your estate-planning toolbox. Neither is automatically “better” than the other. Ultimately, the right estate plan is the one that fits your family, your assets, and your goals. Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information. The actions described should not be taken without first consulting your attorney and/or tax professional.

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dalessandro.law N OV E MBE R 2026 | 5

Pet Corner

A PATH TO HEALING:

UNDERSTANDING YOUR DOG’S IVDD DIAGNOSIS BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP

When your dog suddenly stops moving, hunches their back, cries out, or struggles to walk, you are instantly thrust into a high-stress medical crisis. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is one of the most common and painful spinal conditions I treat, and I know how terrifying the prospect of sudden paralysis or high-cost surgery feels at that moment. But if you are facing an IVDD diagnosis today, please know you are not out of options What Is IVDD? The canine spine consists of bones (vertebrae) cushioned by rubbery, shockabsorbing intervertebral discs. IVDD occurs when these discs degenerate or rupture into the narrow spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord and nerve roots to cause intense pain, swelling, and nerve dysfunction. Because the spinal cord functions like a central data cable, symptoms depend on the location and direction of the disc herniation: • Neck (Cervical): Affects all four limbs, causing severe neck pain, a low head posture, or a front-leg “root signature” limp. • Back (Thoracolumbar): Affects the hind limbs, causing an arched spine, abdominal tension, and weakness or paralysis in the back legs. • Asymmetric Compression: Disc material herniating off to one side makes that side significantly weaker or more painful. Jumping off furniture, rough play, or normal daily movement can trigger an episode. While long-backed breeds are predisposed, IVDD can affect any dog (and occasionally cats) and quickly become an emergency. What to Expect at the Vet If you suspect IVDD, seek veterinary care immediately. Always handle a painful pet gently, as severe discomfort can cause even gentle animals to snap defensively. As a veterinarian, I perform a detailed orthopedic and neurological exam to assess spinal compression depth:

• Conscious Proprioception (CP): Turning the foot over onto the knuckles tests spatial awareness. Because these sensory nerve fibers run along the outermost surface of the spinal cord, CP deficits like knuckling or dragging toes are often the very first sign of compression. • Withdrawal Reflex: Pinching toe webbing tests a local spinal reflex arc, confirming localized nerve pathways are intact without measuring brain-processed pain. • Deep Pain Sensation: Innermost spinal cord fibers are tested via firm toe-bone pressure. A conscious reaction (turning the head or vocalizing) is required. Loss of deep pain signals critical, full-thickness damage and a grave emergency. I often recommend baseline lab work, a 4Dx test, and X-rays to rule out fractures or tumors. However, definitive spinal cord imaging requires an MRI, typically performed under anesthesia by a veterinary neurologist.

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© Best Version Media Understanding Your Options: Surgical & Integrative Pathways A consultation with a board-certified veterinary neurologist is the gold standard. An MRI provides a definitive diagnosis, and decompressive surgery offers the fastest route to relieving pressure with excellent outcomes. Concurrent health conditions, multiple areas of compression, or financial constraints can make surgery unachievable. In our area, imaging and surgery can exceed $10,000 to $15,000. If you are facing these hurdles, please know you still have powerful, evidence-based alternatives. Euthanasia is not your only choice. The Power of Integrative Medicine Integrative medicine provides an active, evidence-based pathway to relieve pain, promote neural healing, and restore mobility, whether supporting a post-operative patient or serving as a non-surgical treatment plan. • Medical Acupuncture & Electroacupuncture (EAP): Acupuncture stimulates neurovascular points to trigger pain relief, drop tissue swelling, and relieve severe muscle spasms. EAP adds a low-frequency current to accelerate nerve healing and reduce cord edema. ჿ The Research: Studies have shown acupuncture helps dogs recover walking ability significantly faster than standard medical management alone. Conservative care with acupuncture and strict rest boasts an 85–95% success rate for mild-to-moderate IVDD. Even in severe, longstanding cases (>48 hours duration), acupuncture achieved higher success rates for regaining mobility than delayed surgery alone. • Supportive Therapies: I combine acupuncture with laser therapy, PEMF (Assisi Loop), shockwave, TCVM herbs, and early, structured rehab to control pain, prevent muscle loss, and retrain gait mechanics safely.

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Home Care, Incontinence, and Prevention Recovery relies on dedicated daily management at home: • Strict Rest: Non-negotiable crate or small-pen rest for 6 to 8 weeks is critical to allow the disc to heal. Limit activity strictly to short, 5-to-10-minute bathroom breaks on a leash and harness. • Traction & Fall Prevention: Use non-slip floor runners or yoga mats on slippery floors, try Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips, pad stickers, or booties on the feet, and gate off stairs or dangerous areas in the home. • Support: A supportive harness (such as a Help ‘Em Up Harness) allows you to safely assist with mobility without putting pressure on the abdomen or bladder. • Bladder & Fecal Management: Spinal compression can cause urinary or fecal incontinence. An unexpressed bladder risks infection or rupture, so I teach owners how to manually express the bladder until nerve function returns. Fecal passage is often passive during attempts to stand or lift; keeping pets clean and dry prevents skin irritation. • Prevention: Keep your dog lean, use furniture ramps, and walk with a body harness rather than a neck collar. A Path Forward An IVDD diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it is not a hopeless situation. Whether your dog is recovering from spinal surgery, managing a mild flare-up, or navigating non-surgical paralysis, an integrative plan offers a realistic, compassionate path back to comfort and mobility. Reach out to us at Comfort Paws to discuss a recovery plan tailored to your pet.

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Call or Text 540-220-8926 N OV E MBE R 2026 | 7

Home Improvement Corner

IS IT TIME TO REPLACE YOUR FLOORS? BY KARIE OWENS

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NK 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 worn-through 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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Business Profile

ONE ORTHODONTICS:

WHERE SMILES BEGIN WITH CONNECTION BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ONE ORTHODONTICS

The practice is also committed to making orthodontic care accessible. One Orthodontics accepts all insurances, including state insurance, so that every patient has a chance at their dream smile and care remains within reach for the whole community. Prospective patients are encouraged to reach out to learn about their orthodontic benefits. Special discounts are also available for teachers and active military personnel as a thank-you for their service to the community and the country.

In a world where healthcare can feel impersonal, One Orthodontics stands apart as a locally owned practice built on relationships, expertise, and a shared dream that began on the first day of dental school. Dr. Mohammed Abdulateef and Dr. Besher Osman didn’t just meet as classmates. They discovered a mutual passion that would shape their careers. “From day one, we shared a passion for orthodontics and a dream of opening our own practice together,” Dr. Abdulateef recalls. Seven years after that initial meeting, One Orthodontics became a reality, offering comprehensive orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults throughout the community. The practice specializes in modern treatments, including clear aligner therapy and management of complex craniofacial conditions, but the doctors emphasize that technology alone doesn’t define their approach. “We believe in individualized treatment plans, open communication, and making every visit a positive experience,” Dr. Osman explains. This philosophy drives every aspect of patient care, from initial consultations through final results. What sets One Orthodontics apart is the genuine connection fostered between doctors and patients. Both practitioners describe their patients as their greatest source of motivation. “Seeing a child gain confidence, or an adult finally achieve the smile they’ve always wanted, is incredibly rewarding,” Dr. Abdulateef notes. These transformative moments fuel the practice’s commitment to excellence and personalized attention. The doctors also strive for transparency and remain committed to continually improving how they communicate with patients. The partnership between Dr. Abdulateef and Dr. Osman extends beyond professional credentials. The doctors’ shared history creates a unique practice environment where collaboration comes naturally and staff and patients alike feel welcome. They keep workdays enjoyable by fostering positivity, celebrating milestones, and maintaining perspective through humor. One Orthodontics offers complimentary consultations to evaluate dental growth and development and to create customized treatment plans. Following American Association of Orthodontists guidelines, the practice recommends that children have their first consultation at age seven, allowing early identification of concerns and optimal treatment timing.

Beyond clinical expertise, both doctors view community involvement as central to their mission. “Being part of this community goes far beyond our practice walls,” Dr. Osman says. The team is actively involved throughout Fredericksburg, participating in local events and sponsoring sports teams in the Fredericksburg school system. For One Orthodontics, cheering on local athletes and neighbors is simply part of being at home in the community. The practice’s core philosophy remains straightforward yet powerful: deliver exceptional orthodontic care while treating every patient with honesty, compassion, and respect. “At One Orthodontics, quality care and genuine connection always come first,” Dr. Abdulateef affirms. As they look toward the future, both doctors express gratitude for the community’s trust. “We are honored to serve this community and are committed to being a practice you can rely on for years to come,” Dr. Osman shares. Whether patients are exploring treatment for their children or themselves, One Orthodontics promises guidance throughout the entire journey, because creating healthy, confident smiles means treating every patient like family. YOUR SMILE JOURNEY: Complimentary Consultation (Virtual or in person)

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N OV E MBE R 2026 | 9

Resident Feature

A Place to Slow Down:

How Valor Ranch Is Changing Lives, One Family at a Time

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY AND COURTESY OF VALOR RANCH

On 120 quiet acres in King George, Virginia, a husband-and-wife team is proving that healing doesn’t always happen in a clinic. Sometimes it happens beside a horse. Sometimes it’s a family laughing around a bonfire. And sometimes it’s simply the realization that, for a few hours, you don’t need to be anywhere else. That is the heart of Valor Ranch, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit co-founded by Paige and Steve Rosado that offers no-cost restorative experiences for injured service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Guests might ride or spend time with a horse, try archery, build something in the woodshop, create art, explore a trail, sit beside the creek, or gather around a fire. There is a full itinerary planned for the weekend’s events, but there is not any pressure to participate in any one activity. “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 said. “We meet people where they are.” A Vision Built Over a Lifetime Valor Ranch didn’t emerge from a single idea. It grew out of decades of experience that eventually converged into something clear and purposeful. Service runs deep in the Rosado family. Steve served 10 years in the U.S. Navy before spending another 27 years supporting military programs. Paige spent 35 years in federal service. Today, two of their sons serve on active duty, continuing a legacy that has shaped generations of the family. 10 | SPOT SYLVA N I A LI VI N G

© Best Version Media That extends to serving the whole family, not just the individual who served. Spouses, children, and caregivers carry their own versions of the weight that service and sacrifice bring, which is why families experience Valor Ranch together — whether that means a parent watching a child try something new, a couple sitting quietly beside a fire, or, as Paige put it, “someone realizing that for a few hours, there is nowhere else they need to be.” The Volunteers Behind the Mission Valor Ranch has no paid staff. Everything — animal care, property maintenance, hospitality, programming — depends on more than 100 volunteers who together give over 25,000 hours of their time each year. Paige says watching those volunteers grow has become one of the most unexpected rewards of running the Ranch. She recalls one volunteer who arrived as an introvert simply looking for quiet time among the animals. “Over time, I watched her become more involved, begin taking responsibility, find her voice, and discover abilities in herself that perhaps she hadn’t recognized before,” Paige said. “Today, she leads one of the busiest teams at Valor Ranch.” That story isn’t unusual. “I’ve watched volunteers arrive unsure of themselves and become confident... I’ve watched people who came here looking for a way to serve find a community where they belong,” Paige said. Veteran volunteers, in particular, often find something they’ve missed since leaving the military: a shared mission and people who understand exactly what a family carries when someone they love has served.

Running alongside that history was another formative thread: horses. Over the years, the Rosados took in animals that had been neglected, misunderstood, or discarded, and watched what patience and consistency could do for a creature that had every reason not to trust again. “Those horses taught us something we have never forgotten: what has happened to you does not have to define what is still possible,” Paige said. Their lifelong connection to the military community kept them close to the harsh realities faced by service members and their families: the understanding that some wounds are visible and others aren’t, and that the effects of service ripple outward to everyone who loves that person. Eventually, the two threads intersected: a vision of families reconnecting in the same peaceful environment that had made such a difference for the ranch’s animals. While both were still working full-time and raising their family, the couple saved and sacrificed to-

ward that vision. In July 2016, they purchased the 120-acre King George property that would become Valor Ranch. Valor Ranch officially became a 501(c) (3) nonprofit on May 18, 2018, and after years of building the property, the programs, and the volunteer infrastructure needed to serve families well, the gates opened to their first guests on Veterans Day — November 11, 2022. “When I look across the Ranch today and see families laughing, volunteers serving side by side, and people simply enjoying time together, I don’t think about what we gave up to get here,” Paige said. “I think about why we did it.” Meeting People Where They Are The philosophy behind Valor Ranch is straightforward, even if putting it into practice takes constant care: meet people where they are. “We don’t prescribe the experience. We create the environment and the opportunities, and let people choose,” Paige said.

Ms. Pat, a selfless volunteer & the reigning “Golden Shovel” Award winner N OV E MBE R 2026 | 11

Impact That Numbers Can’t Fully Capture Each year, Valor Ranch serves more than 100 military and first responder families through its retreats and Ranch Reset programming. In 2026 alone, approximately 300 local students visited through educational field trips. But Paige notes that statistics tell only part of the story. “Behind them are families reconnecting, people trying things they never imagined they could do, volunteers discovering strengths they didn’t know they possessed, friendships being formed, and a community growing around a shared commitment to service,” she said. “That is how we measure our reach.” Ranch Life, Unplanned Ask Paige for a favorite story, and she’ll tell you ranch life rarely goes according to plan—and that’s part of its charm. Between the horses, miniature donkeys, goats, chickens, turkeys, and cats, “somebody is almost always doing something they weren’t supposed to be doing.” A goat inserting itself into a project, a donkey demanding attention, a horse with an opinion — the animals, she jokes, were apparently not included in the planning meetings. The Rosado family motto, “Not for self, but for country,” guides the mission, tempered by plenty of laughter along the way.

12 | SPOT SYLVA N I A LI VI N G

A Home, Not Just an Organization Steve and Paige have five children and eight grandchildren between them, and they see Valor Ranch as an extension of their family, not separate from it. “Valor Ranch isn’t simply somewhere Steve and I go to work,” Paige said. “It is our home, part of our family, and the place where many of the things we value most — family, service, animals, community, and purpose — come together.” Looking ahead, Paige hopes Valor Ranch continues long after she and Steve are gone, carried forward by the community of volunteers who have made the vision their own. “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,” she said. Valor Ranch is excited to announce its Fourth Annual Run for Valor — a powerful and high-energy charitable community run honoring service, sacrifice, and resilience. You can sign up for the race on November 14th at runsignup.com/ Race/VA/KingGeorge/RunForValor5K or see their website valorranch.us for more information on how to get involved.

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High School Highlights

HONOR YOUR ROOTS: REFLECTIONS FROM ETHIOPIA BY LIYA ZEWDU

Liya is a junior at Riverbend High School, where she is managing editor for the newspaper, plays lacrosse, and is a proud member of NEHS and NHS. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and shopping. She also serves the community through the Spotsy Moose Hoops and League of Women Voters organizations. After high school, she hopes to attend Georgetown University to study political science.

Visiting Ethiopia is different when it is not your first time. For me, Ethiopia has always been more than a vacation. My parents come from there, and since then I feel as if it is a place connected to my culture, food, language, and so many parts of who I am. This summer, I had the chance to spend time there again, and being back there gave me a chance to experience something familiar. One of the first things I noticed was how different everyday life can feel. The streets are busy, people are constantly moving, and there is always something happening around you. From the sounds of conversations and music to the smell of food being prepared, it’s a sort of surreal feeling. A big part of visiting Ethiopia is, of course, the food. Foods like injera, tibs, shiro, and other traditional dishes are things I have grown up knowing, but eating them in Ethiopia made them feel like home. Spending time with family was another important part of the trip. Seeing relatives, spending time together, and hearing stories made me appreciate the connections that can be difficult to maintain when living far away. Even simple moments, like sitting together drinking coffee and tea and sharing conversations, are ones you’ll cherish forever. At the same time, visiting Ethiopia reminded me to appreciate everything I have always had; children here have a whole different experience of living than I do. I have grown up outside of Ethiopia, so returning gave me the chance to notice things I might not have understood or appreciated when I was younger. I was able to look at my culture from both the perspective of someone who grew up with it and someone who has experienced life somewhere else.

The trip also gave me a different perspective on what it means to call somewhere “home.” Home does not always have to be the place where you live every day. Sometimes, it can be a place that is connected to your family and your history. Ethiopia feels like that to me. As the summer came to an end, I found myself thinking about how quickly the trip had gone by. I left with pictures, memories, stories, and a stronger appreciation for the parts of my culture that I sometimes take for granted. More than anything, my summer in Ethiopia reminded me that going back to your roots can help you understand yourself a little better. No matter what you celebrate this time of year, I hope my experience encourages you to appreciate the time with family and friends and to be fully present as you honor your roots and traditions this holiday season.

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Photo Corner

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Displaying family portraits in your home elevates your home environment, creating warmth and providing emotional grounding. Studies show that children who see themselves in photos displayed at home feel more secure and valued, and have a strong sense of belonging. Jaclyn Gulotta, PhD, and licensed mental health counselor, says, “When children grow up seeing photos of themselves proudly displayed around their home, it says to them, ‘I am a valuable and important member of my family. I matter.’” To me, there is no better reason why professional photography matters. Why choose a professional when your cell phone has such a great camera? Professional photographers know how to create a relaxed environment where genuine smiles, laughter, and connection shine through. Skilled professionals understand lighting, composition and posing. They know their equipment. They know how to edit your images into professional statement pieces for your home. Your photographer will know how to make kids and adults feel comfortable in front of the camera, and will focus on personalities and relationships. The result is images that feel real, not staged or rushed. Family photos make meaningful gifts. You can use them for holiday cards, albums to gift to parents and grandparents, framed prints, anniversary gifts, and milestone celebrations. A big birthday is one of my favorite sessions- 1 year, sweet 16, 40th, 80th are all huge milestones that I’ve captured for my clients. A gift certificate for such a milestone is also a wonderful, timeless gift. Printed family photos—framed portraits, albums, canvases—become treasured keepsakes. They create heirlooms and gifts that last. They’re the items people rescue first in emergencies and display proudly in their homes. Digital images are convenient, but physical prints carry emotional weight. They become part of your home’s atmosphere and your family’s legacy. When you schedule a family portrait session with KPP, you’ll be scheduling time to gather together, slow down, and celebrate your bond. The session becomes a moment of intentional togetherness. I will guide you from coordinating outfits and colors to choosing images to display on your walls. I am honored to help families create legacy pieces that will last for generations to come.

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N OV E MBE R 2026 | 17

Kids Corner

November :

DAZZLE’S RECYCLED FOAM PRINTMAKING

BY STEPHANIE COX, OWNER, ART CART KIDS ENRICHMENT STUDIO

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 Post an image of your Styrofoam print on our something new. We are not looking for perfection. Facebook page for a chance to win a FREE trial class. 6. Use your stamp again and again! Recolor it, change the colors, overlap your prints or arrange them in different One name will be pulled at the end of the month. The ways. winner will be notified by Facebook announcement. Be sure to follow and like Art Cart Kids. 7. Make as many different foam stamps as you wish and combine them to create a picture filled with your own ideas.

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