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Home Is a Person: The Story of Suad and Jim McClain

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YEARS OF SUPPORTING COLLEGE STUDENTS

We don’t have any tricks for you, but we do have some treats! We kick off this issue with a couple as sweet as pie (and other desserts that Suad concocts in her kitchen). You’ll meet Suad and Jim McClain, hear about a nonprofit that makes learning less scary, and get a ton of tips from our local experts.

Publication Team

As always, thank you to our local business sponsors for making this-- and all issues-- possible. Happy Halloween!

Dori Stewart Publisher

Mallory Hardgrove Content Coordinator

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Executive Assistant to the Publisher

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Publisher’s Assistant

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Table of

CONTENTS

5 Karie Owens

Contributing Writer

Liya Zewdu

Contributing Writer

Mora Soan

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

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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Expert Contributor Attractive Nuisances: When the Castle Draws Curious Adventurers Pet Corner Spook-Free Pets: A Vet’s Halloween Guide Expert Contributor Why Brake Maintenance Matters— Especially in FXBG

10 12

High School Highlights Chain of Hope: Suicide Awareness at Riverbend High School

Resident Feature Home Is a Person: The Story of Suad and Jim McClain

Charity Spotlight Lighting the Path: The Knowledge Exchange Builds Confidence, One Learner at a Time Home Improvement Corner Warm Up Your Home: Flooring Trends for Fall Into the Holidays Kids Corner Paint Cactus Rock

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Expert Contributors

AUDIOLOGY

Paul D. Kuster, Au.D. | Ascent Audiology and Hearing Fredericksburg 540-709-8865 ascentfxbg.com

PEST CONTROL

Grant Farley | Turbo Pest Control 540-220-8926 turbopest.com

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

PLUMBING

DECKS

REAL ESTATE

Bradford Jenner | Affordable Automotive 540-710-5400 affordable-automotive.com

Mike King | Ray’s Siding 540-710-6864 rayssiding.com

ELECTRIC LAWN SERVICE

Aaron Johnson | Uncle Onion’s Electric, Organic Lawn Care 540-448-8446 uncleonionslawn.com

HEATING AND AIR

Glenn Rohrabacher | Local Heating and Air 540-903-0061 localheatingandairllc.com

HOME CARE

Caleb Newton | Next Level Plumbing 540-645-8844 nextlevelplumbingva.com

NextHome Blue Heron Realty Group 540-328-6408 NextHomeBlueHeron.com

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

ROOFING

Donte Garnette | Monster Roofing and Siding 540-395-9112 monsterroofingllc.com

Felix Gbee | Synergy HomeCare of Fredericksburg 571-752-2991 fredericksburg.synergyhomecare.com

SEPTIC SERVICE

HOME RENOVATION

TREE SERVICE

Todd Pierpoint | Pierpoint Construction 540-659-8331 pierpointconstruction.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Kim Oztuna | Burke & Burke Insurance 540-736-1200 / 703-751-1001 burkeandburkeinsurance.com

KITCHEN REMODELING

Zach, Matt, and Jake Lethbridge Kitchen Tune-Up Fredericksburg & Stafford 540-779-0301 kitchentuneup.com/fredericksburg-va

OUTDOOR LIVING

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

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

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Expert Contributor

ATTRACTIVE NUISANCES: WHEN THE CASTLE DRAWS CURIOUS ADVENTURERS BY KIM OZTUNA

Every castle has features that make it inviting — a shimmering moat, a place to leap and play, or something that looks like pure fun from the outside. In modern neighborhoods, those attractions often take the form of swimming pools, trampolines, playsets, or backyard water features.

A standard homeowners insurance policy typically includes personal liability coverage, which may help respond to these types of claims. However, serious injuries can exceed those limits quickly — especially in cases involving pools or trampolines.

In the world of homeowners insurance and liability, these features are known as attractive nuisances.

This is why insurance carriers often ask about these features during underwriting and may require safety measures to be in place. Be sure to list any that you have on your property!

An attractive nuisance is something on your property that is likely to attract children and has the potential to cause injury. Even if a child enters your yard without permission, the homeowner may still be held responsible if that child is hurt. Children don’t always understand danger the way adults do, so homeowners are expected to take reasonable steps to secure or protect hazardous features that could entice a child to enter the property. In short, if something on your property looks fun and could be dangerous, the responsibility often falls on the homeowner to make it safer. Common Examples of Attractive Nuisances Many everyday backyard features can fall into this category, including: • Swimming pools and hot tubs • Trampolines • Playgrounds, treehouses, and playsets • Ponds, fountains, or other water features • Construction areas or unfinished projects • Old appliances or vehicles left accessible Why Attractive Nuisances Matter for Insurance If a child is injured due to an attractive nuisance, the homeowner may face: • Medical bills • Legal expenses • Lawsuits that can exceed basic policy limits

How Homeowners Can Reduce Risk You don’t need to remove every fun feature from your castle — but you do need to defend it wisely. Common safety measures include: • Fencing pools with locked gates • Using pool covers and alarms • Installing safety nets or enclosures on trampolines • Keeping play equipment well-maintained • Securing tools, ladders, and construction areas • Posting signage where appropriate These steps help protect children and reduce liability exposure. A Knight’s Guidance for Homeowners Attractive nuisances don’t make you a careless homeowner — they make you a responsible one with something worth protecting. At Burke & Burke, our knights help homeowners understand how features like pools and trampolines impact insurance, safety expectations, and liability limits. Because when the castle draws curious adventurers, it’s the homeowner’s job to ensure the moat is guarded. Don’t get spooked by an attractive nuisance! Your Burke & Burke Knights are standing by to walk through any questions or concerns you may have. Give us a call today!

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Locally Owned, Community Driven: Window World of Fredericksburg Does More Than Windows Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Katie Duvall and the team at Window World of Fredericksburg have spent over two decades making sure it looks and performs like it. As a locally owned exterior remodeling company, Window World of Fredericksburg specializes in replacement windows, doors, roofing, siding, and gutters. But what really sets them apart is the way they treat people. No high-pressure sales tactics. No gimmicks. No hassle. Just honest conversations, quality craftsmanship, and a genuine commitment to getting it right. Every time. Their promise has never changed: superior products, professionally installed, at a guaranteed low price, all

backed by the strongest warranty in the industry. It is a straightforward philosophy that has earned them loyal customers, glowing reviews, and a reputation that speaks for itself across the Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania communities. And when they are not transforming homes, they are investing in the community that has supported them from the beginning. Window World of Fredericksburg proudly gives back to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, Hub of Hope, the Fredericksburg SPCA, and Micah Ministries, because a thriving community is good for everyone.

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Pet Corner

SPOOK-FREE PETS: A VET’S HALLOWEEN GUIDE BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP

pieces can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages. Puncturing a glow stick leads to intense oral irritation and profuse drooling. 2. Preventing Escapes and Lost Pets With front doors opening repeatedly for trick-ortreaters, Halloween is a prime night for startled pets to slip out into the dark: • Physical Collar Tags: Ensure your pet wears a comfortable, properly fitted collar with upto-date physical ID tags. • Microchip Registry Check: Verify that your pet’s microchip contact details (especially your primary cell phone number) are active and current in the national registry before the sun sets.

Halloween is peak season for festive fun, but it also brings a predictable seasonal surge in pet anxiety, unexpected escapes, toxic ingestions, and costume-related discomfort. With fall in full swing and Halloween right around the corner, the entire community gets swept up in the holiday. Planning around four core safety pillars will keep your pets comfortable, calm, and safe all night long. 1. Toxin Awareness Keep all treat bowls and collection bags well out of reach, as several popular Halloween items pose real health risks: • Chocolate: Dark chocolate and cocoa powder carry the highest risk, but even mild chocolate in sufficient amounts can cause severe cardiac issues and seizures. • Sugar-Free Candy: Xylitol (also labeled as birch sugar), commonly found in sugar-free candies and gums, can trigger a dangerous drop in blood sugar as well as acute liver failure. • Raisins: Small, snack-sized boxes frequently turn up in trick-or-treat bags, but even a tiny amount can trigger acute kidney failure in dogs. • High-Fat Snacks: Fatty baked goods, butterladen treats, and rich table scraps can trigger pancreatitis, a painful, potentially lifethreatening inflammation of the pancreas that requires urgent veterinary care. • Wrappers and Glow Sticks: Chewed-up candy bags, wrappers, decorations, and costume

3. Reducing Stress and Noise Sensitivity Constant doorbell rings, flashing lights, and costumed strangers at the door can trigger severe noise and crowd anxiety. A few layered, lowrisk strategies can help keep your pet’s nervous system grounded: • A Quiet Retreat: Set up a safe space in a back room far from the entryway. Playing white noise or soft music helps mask sounds outside, while a snug pressure wrap (like a ThunderShirt) offers gentle, continuous tactile grounding. • Targeted Acupressure: Apply soft, circular thumb pressure for one to two minutes at these calming points: ჿ An-Shen: Located in the hollows just behind the base of the ear flap to calm fear and racing heart rates. ჿ Long-Hui: Located on the midline of the forehead between the eyes to act as a natural “reset button.” ჿ GV20: Found at the top center of the head between the ears to ease internal tension and encourage deep relaxation. • Calming Supplements: Hemp-derived CBD (I only recommend ElleVet for pets due to their rigorous safety and dosing profiles) or OTC supplements built around L-theanine and colostrum can effectively take the edge off. These typically require 1-2 hours to take full effect, so always run a trial dose a few days before the big night. As always, check with your vet before starting anything new to ensure it fits your pet’s medical history.

• Prescription Options: For pets with severe noise phobias, your vet can recommend and prescribe targeted calming medications. These require an up-to-date physical exam, so plan ahead and don’t wait until Halloween afternoon to request a prescription! 4. Safe & Low-Stress Costumes If you decide to dress up your pet (and they enthusiastically agree to participate!), make sure function and safety come before a photo-op: • Airway First: Flat-faced breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Frenchies already work harder to breathe normally. Keep the nose, neck, and throat completely uncompressed to avoid restricted airways or rapid overheating. • Protect the Gait: Tight leg openings, dangling fabric, or restrictive chest straps alter how your pet walks, leading to acute muscle strain or trips and falls. • Low-Stress Costume Ideas: ჿ The “Pup-kin” Spice Latte: An orange sweater paired with a white neck ruff and a green felt “straw” clipped safely to a harness. ჿ The Bat Dog: Soft felt wings attached directly to the back of a standard chest harness, leaving all four legs completely free. ჿ The Beanie Baby: A classic felt “TY” heart tag clipped directly to their collar ring. By taking a proactive approach to Halloween preparations you can protect your pet from whiskers to tail, ensuring the only ghosts in your home this year are the ones made of bedsheets.

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Expert Contributor

WHY BRAKE MAINTENANCE MATTERS— ESPECIALLY IN FXBG BY BRADFORD JENNER, OWNER & COMMITTED COMMUNITY BUILDER

Few components on your vehicle work harder— or matter more—than your brakes. And if you drive regularly through Fredericksburg and Stafford, your brakes are working overtime. Between I-95 congestion, Route 1 traffic lights, and the daily crawl through Central Park or Southpoint, local drivers put their brake systems through constant stop-and-go cycles that wear pads and rotors far faster than highway-only driving ever would. Why Stop-and-Go Traffic Is So Hard on Brakes Every time you brake, kinetic energy converts to heat through friction between your pads and rotors. In steady highway driving, brakes get periodic rest. But in DMV-area traffic—especially during rush hour on Route 3, I-95, or Warrenton Road—drivers are braking dozens of times per mile. That repetitive friction generates excess heat, accelerates pad wear, and can eventually warp rotors, leading to that telltale steering-wheel shudder or pedal pulsation.

If you notice any of these, don’t wait. Brake components left unaddressed can turn a simple pad replacement into a costly rotor or caliper repair— and, more importantly, compromise your ability to stop safely. Routine Checks Save Lives (and Money) Most manufacturers recommend having brakes inspected every 10,000–12,000 miles, but heavy-traffic commuters should consider more frequent checks. A quick inspection can catch thinning pads before they damage rotors, identify fluid leaks, and confirm your braking system is ready for whatever Fredericksburg and Stafford traffic throws at it next.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Your brakes rarely fail without warning. Watch for: • Grinding or squealing noises — often a sign pads have worn down to the metal backing. • Vibration or pulsing when braking — usually indicates warped rotors. • A soft or spongy pedal — can point to air in the brake lines or fluid issues. • Pulling to one side — may signal uneven pad wear or a caliper problem. • Longer stopping distances — a serious safety concern, especially at highway speeds on I-95.

Turning Brake Service Into Something Bigger This October, brake maintenance in the area comes with an added benefit for a good cause. Affordable Automotive owner Bradford Jenner has made the Brakes for Breasts campaign into an annual tradition, merging his passion for cars with a cause that hits close to home. Brakes for

Breasts, founded in 2011, unites independent auto repair shops nationwide to fund research toward a preventive breast cancer vaccine. Throughout October, Affordable Automotive offers free brake pads to customers who bring their vehicles in for brake service and donates 10% of each brake job to the campaign. Jenner says the shop has generated more than $10,000 for the cause over the years. Nationally, Brakes for Breasts has raised over $1.8 million to fund vaccine research led by Dr. Vincent Tuohy at the Cleveland Clinic. Even drivers who don’t need service can contribute by donating in-shop. Bottom Line If your commute takes you through Fredericksburg or Stafford traffic, your brakes deserve regular attention—not just for your safety, but for everyone sharing the road with you. And this month, getting that service done can also support meaningful research. Stay safe, and make a difference. Call Affordable Automotive at 540-710-5400 to schedule your brake inspection.

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High School Highlights

CHAIN OF HOPE: SUICIDE AWARENESS AT RIVERBEND HIGH SCHOOL CALL NOW

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.

For Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Riverbend High School’s counseling department brought a message of hope to the football game on September 18th through Chain of Hope. The Chain of Hope was a school-wide initiative that reminded students that they matter and that people around them care. Students wrote their own messages of encouragement and support on teal and purple paper links. They put all the links together to create one large chain. The chain was displayed during the football game, giving students and families a chance to see all of the different messages students created. Chain of Hope was also a way for students to think about how they can support the people around them. Sometimes, simply checking in on someone, being there for them, or giving someone an encouraging message can make a meaningful difference. The counseling department wanted everyone to take away that the Chain of Hope was more than something displayed at the game. It was meant to help create a supportive environment and remind everyone that they matter and have someone in their corner no matter what.

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While the Chain of Hope was displayed during the game, its message went beyond the football field. It showed how students can come together to support each other and build a more positive, welcoming school community.

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If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, don’t wait. Reach out now. Resources are available 24/7/365. See 988va.org for more information or dial the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Using the 988 Lifeline is free. When you call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline, your conversation is confidential. The 988 Lifeline provides you with judgment-free care. Connecting with someone can help save your life.

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Resident Feature

© Best Version Media Ask Suad McClain what home means to her, and she won’t describe a house. She’ll tell you about a night in Hawaii, standing in the arms of a man she’d known for barely a week, when she looked up and said, “I feel safe. I feel like I’m home.” Nearly seven years, a marriage, two enormous Rottweilers, and a shared real estate business later, that feeling has only grown roots — and it now lives in a lakeside home in Sawhill. Suad and Jim’s story almost didn’t happen. Both had recently come out of difficult relationships, and both were adamant that friendship was all they wanted when a mutual friend introduced them by text message. Then, on November 6, 2019, they talked on the phone — and didn’t stop. The conversation lasted nearly eight hours, stretching so late that Suad, still living in Hawaii at the time, finally told Jim she needed to sleep before her early restaurant shift. Jim mentioned, casually, that he was headed to a real estate closing. It was one in the morning. “I asked why he had a closing at one o’clock in the morning,” Suad recalls. Neither of them had noticed the six-hour time difference between Hawaii and Virginia; they’d simply lost track of the world talking to each other. From that day on, they spoke every single day, and they married on May 23, 2023. That instinct to lose track of time in good company runs through everything the McClains do, especially when it comes to travel. Suad has visited countries across the globe and considers Europe her favorite place to wander, with Amsterdam holding a special place in her heart. But she isn’t interested in checking off tourist boxes. “Traveling is not about shopping or rushing from one tourist attraction to another,” she says. “I prefer to explore local neighborhoods, experience the food, meet local people, and learn about their language, customs, and everyday lives.” She travels to Bahrain, where she was born and raised, as often as she can to see her mother, and she just returned from taking a mother-daughter trip to Edinburgh with her daughter Sara. Jim has traveled with her to Bahrain and Africa, and the two hope to see much more of the world together. Suad is already planning to take him to Amsterdam. Their marriage joined two already-full families into one lively, blended one, and travel is just one thread in a much larger family tapestry built on hard work, laughter, and looking out for each other. Suad’s three children include Sara, 25, a private-jet captain who graduated valedictorian in Hawaii before attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Alex, 21, a Habilitation Technician supporting adults with special needs; and Frankie, 20, a cook currently working at a resort near the Grand Canyon. Each chased down something entirely their own.

Home Is a Person:

THE STORY OF SUAD AND JIM MCCLAIN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTOS BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY AND COURTESY OF SUAD MCCLAIN

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Jim’s three adult children and nine grandchildren add still more branches, including a grandson currently ranked among the top four outside linebackers in Virginia for his class. Suad sums up the sprawling, cross-generational family with clear pride: their household includes “a private-jet captain, a Habilitation Technician, a young cook, athletes, real-estate professionals, a chef and baker, and nine grandchildren.” Different paths, different corners of the world, but the same values underneath. Nowhere do those values show up more clearly than around the McClains’ table. Suad’s path has taken her from a career as the first and only Bahraini flight attendant at British Airways to culinary school in Hawaii to opening her own café, Suad’s Majles, on Princess Anne Street in downtown Fredericksburg. “Majles”

is an Arabic word for a living room or gathering place, and for nearly three years the café served handcrafted desserts, Bahraini-inspired flavors, Arabic coffee, and homemade cardamom and rosewater syrups to a community that, in her words, “felt welcomed, safe, and at home.” Many customers became close friends. It’s no surprise, then, when Suad says plainly, “Food is truly my love language.” That philosophy is exemplified in how she cares for people, welcomes them, and shows them they matter. That same instinct sends her to volunteer preparing meals for people experiencing homelessness around Thanksgiving and Christmas each year, because she believes a warm plate can offer more than nourishment: it can offer dignity. Hard work runs just as deep in the family as hospitality does. After closing the café, Suad began learning real estate investing from Jim, who has spent 46 years in the field. What started with helping him make calls has grown into a genuine partnership: the two have completed four investment properties together, often working with families facing foreclosure, unpaid taxes, or liens, searching for creative solutions before a bank can take control. Having weathered their own difficult housing and financial chapters, Suad and Jim understand exactly what it feels like to believe you’ve run out of options, and helping others find their way through is now part of the family’s shared purpose. Even their pets fit the theme of loyalty and looking after one another. Ziva and Sadie, their nearly five-year-old Rottweiler sisters, joined the family almost by accident, after a second puppy slipped from Jim’s lap during a phone call and yelped out. “The guilt on Jim’s face was unforgettable,” Suad says, and he told the breeder on the spot that the sisters would stay together — a decision the family still laughs about as his “You break it, you buy it!” moment. The dogs have more than repaid the favor: when Suad received the call that her brother had passed away, Ziva and Sadie surrounded her before she even understood the news, pressing against either side of her and holding her steady. That same warmth is already taking root in Sawhill, the Spotsylvania neighborhood the McClains have called home since August 2025, when they discovered the house while renovating it as an investment, fell for its lake view, and decided to keep it for themselves. Suad has noticed that neighbors “always make eye contact, smile, and wave,” whether they’re mowing the lawn or just driving past, a small kindness that means a great deal to a family that measures so much of life in warmth, connection, and shared meals. She’s already looking forward to hosting a neighborhood barbecue before winter. As she puts it, “Our door, and especially our dinner table, is always open to friendship, good conversation, and connection.” For the McClains — across continents, careers, and generations — that’s always been the whole point.

Capturing special moments

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Karen Presecan, M.Photog.,CPP

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OCTOBE R 2026 | 11

Charity Spotlight

LIGHTING THE PATH: THE KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE BUILDS CONFIDENCE, ONE LEARNER AT A TIME BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When Maija-liisa Penn-Poon founded The Knowledge Exchange (TKE) in 2020, her goal was simple: make academic tutoring more accessible to families. As the pandemic upended classrooms nationwide, that modest mission grew into something larger.

dence-based approach, recognizing that education extends beyond academics to executive functioning, communication skills, and confidence-building. A Code of Ethics emphasizing transparency, accountability, dignity, confidentiality, and fairness guides its work.

“What began as an accessibility initiative became a broader response to educational inequity,” says Penn-Poon, who goes by Maija and serves as TKE’s Co-Founder and CEO. Today, TKE offers K–12 and adult tutoring, social-emotional enrichment programs (which includes a popular Dungeons & Dragons curriculum), mental health-aligned events, and community outreach.

Measurable Impact, Personal Transformation TKE has delivered more than 12,000 tutoring hours, invested over $42,000 back into programming, and served more than 100 learners nationwide, most in the Greater Fredericksburg region. Its Young Minds Matter K–8 program, run from October 2024 through May 2025, showed strong results: 71% of students improved in math, 86% grew in English Language Arts, 80% reported increased confidence, and 76% strengthened communication and critical thinking.

Maija’s path to founding TKE was shaped by her background in general and special education, where she saw firsthand how educational disparities affected students differently. “Our mission evolved from ‘providing affordable options to meet community needs’ to affirming that quality education is a right, not a privilege,” she explains. A Philosophy Built on Four Pillars TKE’s work rests on four core values: Learning, Community, Equity & Inclusion, and Innovation. The organization takes a holistic, trauma-informed, evi-

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But for Maija, the real inspiration isn’t in spreadsheets. “When a child moves from ‘I can’t do it’ to ‘I did it,’ it changes everything,” she says. That transformation shows clearly in TKE’s Dungeons & Dragons program, which has grown 800% since launching in 2021 with two players. It now holds a 71% retention rate and has logged more than 1,000 hours of campaign planning, led by instructors certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. “We don’t just teach content; we build courage,” Maija says. TKE’s Empowering Minds Ecosystem also includes PIES™—Portable Interactive Enrichment Stations. The inaugural PIES™ Festival in August 2026 drew 64 community members and 16 vendors, offering experiences in creativity, wellness, financial literacy, life skills, and collaborative learning, and raised more than $2,300 through sponsorships, vendor fees, and donations. TKE also received a $12,000 grant from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation to launch a PIES™ pilot in local schools. Together, these efforts connect tutoring, enrichment, early learning, community experiences, and financial assistance into one ecosystem designed to meet families where they are. Stories That Stay With You Behind the statistics are individual journeys. Adriana came to TKE unable to read; through Young Minds Matter, her mother found tutoring and help securing the right accommodations. Frustration turned into progress, and progress into confidence.

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A Family Effort TKE is a family endeavor. Maija’s fiancé, Chris, serves as Director of Enrichments and leads the D&D and role-play initiatives. A Virginia Commonwealth University graduate in Theatre Arts and Mass Communications, Chris designs emotionally safe, youth-centered environments blending storytelling, social-emotional learning, and creative expression. Maija’s older sister, Candace, serves as TKE’s D&D Program Coordinator and supports the program’s day-to-day operations.

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Mason, once a hesitant player, found his voice by role-playing courageous characters and discovered that confidence carried beyond the gaming table. He became TKE’s first Enrichment Instructor through its DM Assistant Mentorship program and now runs its Novice groups. Many young people from the D&D program go on to volunteer as DM Assistants or pursue careers as therapists, educators, and youth advocates.

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Noah joined the D&D program in 2021 and remains involved five years later. Through storytelling and collaborative play, he built confidence, social skills, and resilience — and became TKE’s first player donor. He graduated high school in May 2026, hoping to create the same kind of safe, growth-centered spaces that shaped his own journey.

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Outside TKE, Maija works as an educational consultant and psychoeducation facilitator, supporting other organizations with strategy, fundraising, and program development. Her background in Applied Behavior Analysis informs her belief that every person has unique strengths waiting to be recognized. Light the Path to Lifelong Learning TKE’s mantra captures its mission: “Light the path to lifelong learning.” It’s rooted in the belief that when young people see their own greatness, they rise to meet it. “My heart longs for every individual — especially those who feel different or overlooked — to find their place in this world,” Maija says. Through tutoring, tabletop campaigns, and countless small moments of encouragement, The Knowledge Exchange keeps turning that longing into reality — one learner, one story, one “I did it” at a time. To learn more, get involved, or support The Knowledge Exchange as they continue building an empowering ecosystem of learning, connection, and opportunity, check out tkenonprofit.org or follow them on social media @tkenonprofit.

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OCTOBE R 2026 | 13

Home Improvement Corner

WARM UP YOUR HOME:

FLOORING TRENDS FOR FALL INTO THE HOLIDAYS BY KARIE OWENS

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NK FLOORS

As the weather cools and the holiday season approaches, homeowners start thinking about how their spaces feel underfoot. Fall and the holidays mean more time indoors, more guests through the front door, and more reasons to want a home that feels warm, welcoming, and put-together. Here is what’s trending in flooring this season and how to bring it into your home before the first holiday gathering. Warm Tones Are Back After years of cool grays dominating living rooms and kitchens, the pendulum has swung toward warmth. Honey, caramel, chestnut, and soft beige tones are appearing in showrooms everywhere, offering a rich, grounded look that pairs beautifully with the golds and deep reds of holiday décor. These mid-tone shades work with both traditional

and modern furnishings, so you’re not locked into a single holiday decorating style. Why does it work for fall and the holidays? Warm wood tones instantly make a room feel cozier, which is perfect for the season when everyone’s gathering indoors. Texture Over Shine Glossy, high-polish floors are being replaced with matte and low-sheen finishes. Wire-brushed planks, hand-scraped woods, and matte tile are having a moment, adding tactile richness to a room and doing double duty by hiding the everyday scuffs that come with holiday foot traffic. Why does it work for fall and holidays? With more guests, kids, and pets moving through the house, a textured, low-sheen floor hides wear better than a glossy one, while still looking intentional.

Pattern With Purpose Herringbone and chevron layouts continue to lead the pack in both hardwood and luxury vinyl. Rather than an all-over patterned floor, many homeowners use these layouts strategically in an entryway, a kitchen, or as a defined accent to add craftsmanship and visual interest without

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overwhelming the space. Why does it work for fall and holidays? An entryway is often the first thing guests see. A herringbone pattern makes a statement the moment they walk in. Big and Seamless Wide-plank wood and large-format tile remain popular because they have fewer seams and grout lines, which make a room feel larger and more open. These styles are also easier to keep clean when hosting family and friends for holiday events—open-concept spaces used for entertaining benefit from the seamless flow that wide planks and large tiles create. Waterproof Doesn’t Mean Compromise Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and rigid core hybrid flooring have become so realistic that it’s tough to tell them apart from real hardwood. For entryways, kitchens, and mudrooms- the spots that take the brunt of muddy boots and melted snow- these waterproof options offer peace of mind without sacrificing style. Why does it work for the fall and holidays? Wet weather and holiday cooking mean spills are inevitable. Waterproof flooring in high-traffic areas takes the stress out of hosting. Bringing It Home Before the Holidays Before the holidays, let NK Floors help you get there. Whether you’re drawn to warm wood tones, a statement herringbone entryway, or worry-free waterproof flooring for the kitchen, our team can walk you through the right options for your home and your budget.

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Kids Corner

Paint CACTUS ROCK BY MORA SOAN

Materials Needed For 1 Cactus Rock • Smooth, flat, oval or round rocks • Small rock to make the flower. • Acrylic craft paint in various shades of green and red, pink or orange. • White paint pen • Paintbrush

• Glue gun • Small terracotta flower pot or regular flower pot • Decorative sand, pea gravel, or small pebbles • Mod Podge • Tape

Directions 1. Wash the Rocks Wash your smooth rocks with soap and water. Let them dry completely. 2. Paint the Cactus Paint the large rocks different shades of green. Paint the small rocks red or pink for the flowers. Let them dry, then flip them over and paint the other side. 3. Add the Spines Use a white paint pen or small paintbrush to add dots, lines, dashes, or little crosses for cactus spines. 4. Seal the Rocks Brush a thin coat of Mod Podge over the painted rocks and let them dry.

6. Plant Your Cactus Push the green cactus rocks upright into the sand.

5. Prepare the Pot 7. Add the Flowers Cover the drainage hole with tape, then fill the pot with decorative sand, Glue a small red or pink rock on top of each cactus to make a gravel, or small pebbles. colorful flower.

This activity is brought to you by Mora Soan, author of the children’s book, Jacob in Japan! Jacob is a gnome who lives in New York. He owns a beautiful garden on the rooftop of a skyscraper. He is a picky eater and he only eats ordinary bland food. One windy night, Jacob falls into a magic flower pot. He wakes up in Japan. What will he do next? Will Jacob starve himself or will he find a way to enjoy and experience Japan? With an open mind, he may discover new and delicious foods that he never knew existed. Jacob in Korea is now available on Amazon. To purchase a book, visit your local Barnes and Noble and follow Jacob’s story on Instagram @jacob_the_gnome. Mora is also excited to share that her newest book, Jacob in Hawaii, is now available on Amazon.

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