Issuu

NOVEMBER 2026

STAFFORD

Living

ONE LEGION FAMILY, ONE MISSION: INSIDE STAFFORD’S AMERICAN LEGION POST 290

Photo by Karen Presecan Photography

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2 StaffordLiving

© Best Version Media WELCOME TO THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF STAFFORD LIVING, 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.

PUBLICATION TEAM

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 Chris and Rommel Romero of Kitchens for You. 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.

Dori Stewart Publisher

Mallory Hardgrove Content Coordinator

Crissy Hall Executive Assistant to the Publisher

Valynda Phifer Publisher’s Assistant

Laura Anderson Designer

Karen Presecan Photographer

Kira Pohwala Contributing Writer

Cherice Taylor Contributing Writer

Karie Owens Contributing Writer

Happy reading!

Mallory Hardgrove

Table of

CONTENTS

5 7 8

Home Improvement Corner Is It Time to Replace Your Floors?

Expert Contributor Your Best Skin Starts With a Plan. Let’s Make It Glow.

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

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

Katrina Spies Contributing Writer

Kids Corner November: Dazzle’s Recycled Foam Printmaking

Stephanie Cox Contributing Writer

ADVERTISING

Contact: Dori Stewart Email: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com Phone: (540) 288-7928

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES:

FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS:

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

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

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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EX PERT CONTR IBUTORS

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

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HOME COMFORT

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KITCHEN REMODELING

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

4 StaffordLiving

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

PLUMBING

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

REAL ESTATE

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

SEPTIC SERVICES

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

TREE SERVICE

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

corner © Best Version Media

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 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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LET’S MAKE IT GLOW. By Maggie McIntyre, Founder of Rejuvalase Medspa and NoVa Laser & Esthetics Training

Most people do not walk into a medspa because they simply want “a laser” or “a peel.” They come in because something about their skin is bothering them. Maybe their skin looks dull, sun spots are becoming more noticeable, or makeup is settling into texture differently than it used to. Maybe Botox is doing exactly what it should, but their skin still looks tired. That is where having a treatment plan makes all the difference. One thing I’ve learned over my 20+ years in this industry is that the goal should never be to perform a treatment simply because we offer it. It’s about understanding what is bothering you, what your skin actually needs, and how we can work toward healthier skin. I see this often with patients who think they need more Botox when what they are really looking for is better skin quality. Their lines may be softened, but the pigmentation, texture, or dullness is still there. That’s why I always say: better skin, better Botox.

purpose, whether that’s encouraging skin cell turnover, stimulating collagen, or improving texture and discoloration. I also have patients ask about CO2 lasers because they’ve heard that more aggressive resurfacing means better results. But stronger does not always mean better. While CO2 has its place, I prefer having options that allow us to customize treatments around your skin, your goals, and the amount of downtime you’re comfortable with. And remember, your skin is always changing. What worked for you a year ago may not be what your skin needs today. That’s why I encourage patients to revisit their treatment plans every 6–12 months, even if they’re happy with their current results. At the end of the day, a good treatment plan isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what makes sense for your skin. If you’re not sure where to start, that’s exactly what a consultation is for. We can talk through your concerns, evaluate your skin, and create a plan that works for you. Come see us at Rejuvalase- your Stafford go-to for skin and aesthetics!

Botox does a wonderful job of softening expression lines, but it cannot address everything happening within the skin itself. A consistent skincare routine at home, paired with the right professional treatments, can make a meaningful difference in how your skin looks and feels. And after a summer of sun exposure, fall is one of my favorite times to focus on those concerns. Sun damage, pigmentation, uneven texture, and fine lines often become more noticeable, making this a great time to reevaluate what your skin needs. Depending on your goals, that might mean incorporating retinol or glycolic acid into your home routine or considering treatments like VI Peel, SkinPen, NeoGen, or laser resurfacing. Each serves a different November2026 7

feature© Best Version Media

INSIDE STAFFORD’S AMERICAN LEGION POST 290

ONE

LEGION FAMILY, MISSION:

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. 8 StaffordLiving

ride for charities ranging from veterans’ foundations to Toys for Tots. 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

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 November2026 9

steak nights, or on a Wednesday or Friday Bingo night, members come to swap stories and enjoy time with people who understand military life.

million members when lobbying Congress in support of the rights and benefits of veterans and their families.”

“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.

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.

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

10 StaffordLiving

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.

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 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. Long-backed 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. 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.

• 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.

Integrative Medicine Integrative care can relieve pain, promote nerve healing, and restore mobility, either alongside surgery or on its own. • 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. 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.

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November2026 11

CHARITY

spotlight

A PLACE TO SLOW DOWN: VALOR RANCH OFFERS HEALING THROUGH HORSES, COMMUNITY, AND SERVICE By Mallory Hardgrove Photography by Karen Presecan Photography

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. That extends beyond the guest experience to the more than 100 volunteers who keep Valor Ranch running; there is no paid 12 StaffordLiving

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. “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.” 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. “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.

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

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. 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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KIDS

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

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