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JANUARY 2026

STAFFORD

Living

The Purcell Family: BUILDING CAREERS & COMMUNITY

Cover Photo by Karen Presecan Photography

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HAPPY NEW YEAR, NEIGHBORS!

We might be in a new year, but our mission remains the same: celebrating the heart of our region and the neighbors who make it home. We kick-off the new year with an incredible feature! You’ll meet the Purcell Family who have dedicated themselves to cultivating connections and community through their careers and athletics. We’re also excited to spotlight a new exhibition at the City of Fredericksburg Visitor Center that gives kudos to some incredible National Park Service volunteers and their efforts. If you know of others giving their best efforts to our local area, please let us know. We are always looking for the next inspirational story, event, or charity to highlight. Cheers to 2026 and another new chapter!

PUBLICATION TEAM

Dori Stewart Publisher

Mallory Hardgrove Content Coordinator

Crissy Hall Executive Assistant to the Publisher

Valynda Phifer Publisher’s Assistant

Liz Hensel Account Executive

Karen Presecan Photographer

Laura Anderson Designer

Cherice Taylor Contributing Writer

Karie Owens Contributing Writer

Happy reading,

Mallory Hardgrove FXBGNeighbors

FXBGNeighbors

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Story The Houlette Family: Building Community Through Service and Enterprise

05 08 09 11 12 13 14 16 18

Home Improvement Corner

Flooring Transitions: What Homeowners Need to Know Pet Corner

A Heart-to-Heart From Your Local ER Vet: Finding Kindness in Our Pet Care System Community

Local Author Malanna Henderson Brings History to Life Through Fiction and Theater Business Profile

A New Leadership Movement Launches in Fredericksburg Parents Education Corner

Plan Your Year: A Family Guide to Goals and Deadlines High School Highlights

Caring for Minds, Caring for the Planet: How Vildan Soguktas is Advocating for Change Now Expert Contributor

Mora Soan Contributing Writer

Kira Pohwala Contributing Writer

ADVERTISING

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

FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS: Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES:

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

Arbor Tech: A Trusted Name in Tree Care Across Virginia Community Event

A Labor of Love: New Exhibition Celebrates the Unsung Heroes of Fredericksburg’s Battlefields Kids Corner

Winter Popsicle Snowman Craft

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.

January2026 3

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TREE SERVICE

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REAL ESTATE

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HOME COMFORT

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OUTDOOR LIVING

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PLUMBING

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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FLOORING TRANSITIONS: WHAT HOMEOWNERS NEED TO KNOW By Karie Owens • Photos Courtesy of NK Floors

When considering an update to their flooring, most homeowners sort through a myriad of choices: soft or hard surface, hardwood or LVP, color palettes, finishes, and manufacturers. Less emphasized are the intricate nuances of transitions and their impact on the overall aesthetic of the floor. Transitions can make or break the style and continuity between floors from room to room. Here is what homeowners should know. The Purpose of Transitions Flooring transitions create a subtle shift in materials with height differences. Tripping hazards are created when the edges of tile and hardwood, or carpet and LVP, meet but are not covered. Transitions help smooth out the level difference while protecting the edges of the flooring. The connection points are more susceptible to chipping, lifting, and fraying. Transition strips will prevent this damage and extend the life of the floor. Finally, they pose harmony between two dissonant materials and add fluidity from one portion of the home to the next. Types of Transitions One of the most commonly used transitions is shaped like a “T” and is used where two flooring surfaces of the same height meet. A “T-Molding” is often used to connect laminate to laminate, LVP to LVP, or hardwood to hardwood. It easily blends the area between the two floors without drawing significant attention. When a flooring surface is higher

than its adjacent floor, a “reducer strip” is used to create a level surface. Reducers are used between hardwood and vinyl or tile and laminate and generate a gentle slope instead of a dramatic drop due to the height difference. This is helpful to prevent tripping. When floors meet an entry or sliding door, or a fireplace, a “threshold” or “end cap” is used. They are also used when the adjacent material is higher or lower and can prevent damage to the flooring, especially in high-traffic areas. When transitioning from carpet to hard surfaces, “carpet transitions” are used to avoid fraying, such as rubber or metal strips, or vinyl moldings. They serve to taper the rug to the height of the hard surface. Tips When Choosing Transitions First, consider the height difference from one type of flooring to the next. Next, consider the materials of the floor and the transition, and if they meld well with the style and continuity of the floors. Choose to match or complement the floor with either metal, vinyl, wood, or rubber transitions. Sometimes, wood transitions can be stained to match specific colors and tones of the wood floor. This requires an artistic eye and a high level of skill. Flooring transitions are a crucial part of the overall appearance of the floors. They are designed to enhance the durability, safety, and craftsmanship of the floor. With thoughtful selection, the proper transitions can elevate your flooring project from simply functional to truly finished.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK NK FLOORS FOR BRINGING YOU THIS MONTH'S HOME IMPROVEMENT CORNER

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RESIDENT

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The Purcell Family: Building Careers & Community By Mallory Hardgrove Photography by Karen Presecan Photography & Karen Sullivan, Navillus Ridge Photography; Courtesy of Kirstin Purcell

Four years ago, Kirstin and Sean Purcell made a decision that would change their family’s trajectory. Trading the crowded streets of Northern Virginia for the slower pace of Fredericksburg, they sought something that many young families crave, but few successfully find: a genuine sense of community. “My husband and I wanted to raise our children in a place that wasn’t as crowded and had more community feel and a slower pace,” Kirstin explains. Today, with their son J.R., who recently turned five, and daughter Sloane, fast-approaching her third birthday this month, the Purcells have found precisely what they were looking for in their adopted hometown. The family’s story reflects a broader trend of families seeking refuge from the hustle of metropolitan areas, but what sets the Purcells apart is how they’ve woven themselves into the fabric of their new community. For Kirstin, a Marymount University graduate with a degree in Fashion Merchandising, the move hasn’t slowed her professional ambitions. After starting her career in staffing at an agency in Old Town Alexandria, she now runs her own business, dedicating herself to helping others navigate the often-intimidating job market. Her commitment to community service extends beyond her business. Kirstin regularly hosts complimentary workshops throughout the area to address gaps she’s identified in traditional education. “I enjoy hosting complimentary workshops around the community to help candidates find jobs, interview help, and how to write resumes—skills not taught in schools, unfortunately; but my passion is teaching other local business owners how to attract, hire, and retain their talent,” she says. Meanwhile, Sean, who graduated from Shenandoah University with a degree in Criminal Justice, has maintained ties to his roots, working for his father’s company initially before landing a job as a Project Manager for Retex Roofing & Exteriors. As a project manager, Sean can spend more time here, locally, versus commuting. And he does it all while coaching high school football, a passion that has clearly rubbed off on his young son. The Purcell children embody the energy and personality that make family life both challenging and rewarding. J.R., described by his mother with evident affection, represents the perfect blend of toughness and tenderness. “J.R. is all boy through and through—he loves football, cars, and dinosaurs. He’s the happiest little guy with the most infectious giggle that makes everyone around him smile,”

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Kirstin shares. But there’s more to this little linebacker than meets the eye. “J.R. has a soft side too—he loves cuddling with his momma—and a spirited side, proudly helping coach the Spotsylvania High School Football Team like he’s one of the guys.” Then there’s Sloane, the family’s pint-sized powerhouse who keeps everyone guessing. Her mother describes her with a mix of admiration and playful exasperation: “Independent, bold, and always testing the limits just to see what she can get away with. She’s like a little Shirley Temple with extra sparkle, full of personality and charm. She keeps every single one of us on our toes, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.” The family’s two dogs, Remington, a twoyear-old yellow lab, and Bristow, an eightyear-old rescue pup, round out the household, adding another layer of joy and occasional chaos to daily life.

For the Purcells, community isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a practice. Their home has become a gathering place for neighbors and friends, hosting everything from kids’ playdates to adult gatherings around the fire pit. Football Sundays are particularly special, with friends joining them for games accompanied by mulled wine and warmth—both from the fire and the company. “We love to have folks over to watch football by the fire with some mulled wine!” Kirstin says, capturing the welcoming spirit that defines their approach to neighborhood life. The family takes full advantage of what the Fredericksburg area has to offer, exploring local playgrounds and trying new restaurants downtown. As self-proclaimed “water babies,” the kids gravitate toward beach vacations, and the family has plans to visit Great Wolf Lodge. This treat promises to delight their aquatic-loving youngsters. Beyond the playgrounds and playdates, Kirstin’s volunteer work reflects her values and priorities. She dedicates time to causes related to cancer research, child welfare, dog rescues, and food insecurity—all areas where she can make a tangible difference in the lives of others. The Fredericksburg Food Bank has a “special place” in her heart.

It is easy to see the heart the Purcell family pours into their personal and professional lives, and the theme of intentional living becomes clear as well. They didn’t just move to Fredericksburg seeking an escape from Northern Virginia’s congestion; they came looking for connection and have actively worked to create it. Whether Kirstin is helping companies attract, hire, and retain talent, Sean is coaching defensive schemes or offering advice to his high school football players, or the family is welcoming neighbors into their home, the Purcells demonstrate that community building requires participation, generosity, and a willingness to invest in the people around you. “I enjoy how tight-knit the community is,” Kirstin reflects, and it’s clear that her family has contributed significantly to making it that way. In an era when many families struggle to find genuine connections beyond their screens, the Purcells offer a refreshing reminder that community still thrives when people are willing to open their doors, share their time, and embrace the beautiful chaos of life together. If you need help Attracting, Hiring or Retaining Talent, reach out to Kirstin at kpurcell@handshakeinheels.com!

January2026 7

PET

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A HEART-TO-HEART FROM YOUR LOCAL ER VET: FINDING KINDNESS IN OUR PET CARE SYSTEM By Dr. Katrina Spies, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP, Comfort Paws Integrative Veterinary Care

Hi Neighbors, and Happy New Year! I love being a part of this community, both through my integrative practice, Comfort Paws, and as an ER veterinarian at our local emergency clinic. It’s an honor to be that calm face when you walk through our doors worried about your pet. Working those long hours, I often see pets referred from their family vet. I commonly hear a genuine frustration: “My own family vet couldn’t fit us in today, and now we’re stuck here, and it’s costing us more time and money.” I completely understand that feeling! But as someone who works with your general practitioner (GP) every day, I want to assure you: Your GP and your ER team are partners. We are all part of one big, devoted system working for your pet’s best outcome. Understanding The Veterinary Care System When your family vet tells you to come to the ER, it’s not neglect, it’s the highest form of professional commitment. It means they recognize your pet needs resources beyond what they can safely offer in their clinic that day.

Acupuncture

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

• The GP’s Focus: Your primary vet handles long-term wellness, scheduled surgeries, dentals, and chronic disease management. They are experts in continuity of care. When they are booked, trying to squeeze in an emergency means compromising the care of other scheduled patients. • The ER’s Focus: We specialize in triage, stabilization, and intensive care, with the staffing and equipment to manage critical, unexpected events 24/7. • The Staffing Crisis: We face a critical, nationwide shortage of veterinary staff, largely due to burnout. The team that is working is operating at maximum capacity. This shortage is the core reason for longer wait times everywhere and why your GP cannot always accommodate a last-minute emergency. Our staff are people, too. They have families and need boundaries to avoid burnout. The Cost and Complexity of Modern Care I know the sticker shock of a serious vet bill can be stunning. Modern veterinary medicine is astonishingly advanced. We offer life-saving treatments, sophisticated diagnostics, and complex 24-hour care that were unimaginable years ago. But because of the costs associated with this advanced care (equipment, specialists, 24/7 staff), I am often faced with the impossible ethical question: “We may have the ability to save Fluffy, but are the resources available to get them through?” The Weight We Carry This choice forms the ultimate, silent burden veterinary professionals carry home. When treatments fail to cure a pet, or when the full spectrum of resources is unavailable, and this includes not just financial means, but the time, emotional wherewithal, and physical capability for extended aftercare, we are often forced to turn to euthanasia as the final option. The constant pressure from clients, the gravity of financial talks, and this profound ethical distress contribute to the shocking fact that veterinarians have one of the highest suicide rates of any profession. We feel this weight deeply. We are humans trying our absolute best for your pets and your family. Our Hope for the New Year We hope you’ll resolve to support the entire veterinary system this year:

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

Herbal Medicine

Dr. Katrina Spies, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP 540-300-1213 540-300-1213 540-300-1213 www.comfortpaws.com comfortpaws.com www.comfortpaws.com info@comfortpaws.com info@comfortpaws.com info@comfortpaws.com ComfortPawsLLC

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• Trust the Referral: If your GP directs you to the ER, please know it is a decision made out of deep care, not neglect; it’s the safest route to the best outcome. • Be Prepared: The best gift you can give your pet is financial readiness. Consider pet insurance or set aside an emergency fund (experts suggest $1,500–$3,000 saved). This lets us focus only on the medicine. • Practice Kindness: Acknowledging the dedication of your veterinary team goes a very long way. A simple “thank you,” a kind note, or a positive online review is the emotional fuel that keeps us going through long shifts. In this New Year, our veterinary team resolves to continue offering the highest level of care for your beloved pets. We hope you’ll resolve to support the entire veterinary system and approach us with the kindness and grace we all need.

COMMUNITY

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

Fredericksburg author Malanna Henderson didn’t always take her writing seriously. As a child who devoured Nancy Drew books and stayed awake inventing stories to lull herself to sleep, she viewed writing as a personal hobby—something to entertain herself during lunch breaks at work. But after years of starting and stopping a novel, Henderson made a pivotal decision. “Once I realized how many years I put into it, I decided to give it a real shot,” she recalls. That commitment led to her historical novel On the Wings of Freedom, set in 1860 Virginia, which tells the story of Carrie Bennet, a free-born Black woman from Brooklyn who travels south to purchase her grandmother’s freedom. The journey takes a harrowing turn when Carrie becomes entangled with the Underground Railroad and finds herself on trial for murder after defending herself against an enslaver. The inspiration for this gripping narrative came from Henderson’s deep dive into Black history. She was particularly moved by the true story of Celia, a fourteen-year-old enslaved girl who killed her master in self-defense in 1855 in Missouri. “For the enslaved, self-defense was no defense that the court would recognize,” Henderson notes, explaining how this historical injustice sparked her creative vision. The novel explores a painful reality: in the antebellum period, assaulting a Black woman—enslaved or free—wasn’t against the law. Living in Fredericksburg has profoundly shaped Henderson’s work. “By living in Fredericksburg, I’m surrounded by history, and it has propelled me to take my writing seriously,” she says. Through research, she has uncovered stories of people who lived and worked in Virginia, finding threads that resonate with contemporary audiences. Her plays have featured historical figures including George Washington, Peter Salem, and the Lovings, bringing local history to vivid life on stage.

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Beyond her novels, Henderson has established Somewhere in Time Productions, Inc., a performing arts company dedicated to producing original plays by local playwrights. “I believe a play isn’t finished until it is performed in front of an audience,” she explains. The company provides emerging and seasoned playwrights alike with a platform while offering theatergoers “something fresh, a new story with a never-before-seen ending.” Her recent production, The History Lesson, earned rave reviews and will return during Black History Month. Set in 1860, the play follows Frank Turner, an attorney kidnapped into slavery, who risks everything by teaching a young woman to read and write. Henderson adapted it from a chapter in On the Wings of Freedom, demonstrating her ability to reimagine her work across different media. Henderson’s creative influences span from the Brontë sisters and Charles Dickens to contemporary voices like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Walter Mosley. More recently, nonfiction works including The 1619 Project, The Color of Law, and Just Mercy have informed her historical research, grounding her fiction in documented realities of institutional racism and social justice. For aspiring writers, Henderson offers practical wisdom: “Write about what you love to read about. Record your family history.” She emphasizes the importance of building vocabulary, joining writers’ clubs for feedback, and understanding that writing is a process. Her favorite advice? “Don’t be a critic when you’re developing your story. Do the editing afterwards.” Currently, Henderson is working on her second novel featuring Henry Mason, a butler-turned-detective who joins Allan Pinkerton’s agency in Chicago and uncovers a plot to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln. Between managing her theater company, singing jazz, enjoying Zumba, and spending time with family, Henderson maintains a steady writing practice, proving that dedication, not rigid schedules, sustains creative work. Those interested in Somewhere in Time Productions can email somewhereintimeproductions21@gmail.com, visit somewhereintimeproductions.org, or watch for The History Lesson this February. Malanna’s first novel On the Wings of Freedom can also be purchased on Amazon.

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STREAMED SPEAKERS

PRESENTS:

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

JOHN C. MAXWELL

JESSE COLE ANTHONY TRUCKS

VERNON GREEN JR.

KIRSTIN PURCELL

MIKE MCCLANAHAN

LIVE SPEAKERS

DORI STEWART

CRAIG GROESCHEL

JAMES KINGMAN

What if being in one room on one day could change your life? Backed by the legacy of John Maxwell, this one day event offers proven growth strategies and valuable networking opportunities Brought to you by Title Sponsor:

Platinum:

Gold:

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MISSION FIRST, PEOPLE ALWAYS.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER

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FOR TICKET & PARTNERSHIP INFO Live2LeadFXBG.com

BUSINESS

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A NEW LEADERSHIP MOVEMENT LAUNCHES IN FREDERICKSBURG By Mike McClanahan and Kirstin Purcell

Fredericksburg is entering 2026 with powerful momentum as the region welcomes the inaugural Live2Lead FXBG event on February 10 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. This premiere leadership experience, created by John Maxwell Leadership, is set to bring world-class professional development directly to one of Virginia’s most dynamic, growth-minded regions. Live2Lead FXBG is being introduced through the collaboration of leadership development expert Mike McClanahan and Kirstin Purcell, Founder of Handshake in Heels. Together, they aim to ignite a new era of leadership development—one rooted in connection, purpose, and practical tools that strengthen workplaces and elevate organizational culture.

nized leadership voice—and Jesse Cole, the energetic and innovative owner of the Savannah Bananas, known for transforming baseball and business culture through fan-first leadership. These headliners will be joined by additional streamed speakers delivering insights on communication, culture, innovation, and people-centered leadership. Complementing the streamed content, the event will feature live, in-person leadership experts who understand the unique opportunities and challenges shaping Fredericksburg’s business landscape. This combination of world-renowned speakers and local expertise ensures attendees leave with both high-level inspiration and immediately actionable strategies.

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

Live2Lead FXBG also proudly partners with the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, emphasizing the belief that true leadership extends into service—supporting families, strengthening communities, and investing in human well-being.

The event’s launch is made possible through an outstanding lineup of committed community partners. GCubed serves as the Title Partner, demonstrating strong regional support for leadership development. The Stafford County Economic Development Authority and Connoisseur Media join as Presenting Platinum Partners, further reinforcing the value of cultivating a thriving, future-focused business environment.

As this January issue reaches readers, businesses and organizations are encouraged to secure their seats. VIP packages offer exclusive access and enhanced experiences, while general admission tickets provide full participation in a full day of high-impact learning and connection.

McLane Food Service and FXBG Neighbors are confirmed Gold Partners, with additional partners expected as excitement continues to grow across the region. Attendees will experience a powerful lineup of streamed global thought leaders, including John Maxwell—the world’s most recog-

The inaugural Live2Lead FXBG marks the beginning of a powerful regional movement—a longterm commitment to collaboration, growth, and building a thriving leadership culture that benefits the entire Fredericksburg area. The foundation is set. Momentum is building. And on February 10, Fredericksburg officially steps into a new chapter of leadership excellence. January2026 11

PARENTS EDUCATION

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

“Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” -John Wooden I am not a spreadsheet expert nor a pivot table professional. I am visual and I like paper lists, paper calendars, and Post-its! The point I’m making is that people/students keep track of things differently and that is okay as long as the system works for you. The picture to the right is what we had on the refrigerator for 2 years. The purpose was to meet college admissions and scholarship deadlines, SAT or ACT deadlines, and letters of recommendation deadlines. It also shows college acceptances, etc. As the months passed, either my husband or I would cross off the month or our sons would. It was best when they did it because they could see how fast time was going. This really helped all of us know what was pending or completed without having to ask our sons. Of course, we also encouraged them to put these dates and reminders on their phone calendar.

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It’s a new year and some resolutions will be kept. Setting realistic goals and setting deadlines to accomplish those goals are important. Here are a few things to think about and to chat with your students about: Elementary Parents/Guardians • Is your child reaching the benchmarks for their grade level? • Does your child need tutoring? • Will your child take Standards of Learning (SOL) exams this spring? Refer to www.solpass. org for old practice exams and activities and to Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for further information and guidance. Middle School Parents/Guardians • Are you asking your student what they’re interested in? Google Career Cluster Survey. This is a great tool to help with interests and career opportunities. • Does your student know their grade point average (gpa)? • Do you know what high school your student will attend or what specialized programs are available in your school division? • Plan to attend all events with your student as best you can. • Look for volunteer and internship opportunities for the summer now. High school Parents/Guardians • Does your student know their grade point average (gpa)? • Does your student check their school email regularly? • Do they communicate with their counselor regularly? • Do they look at their Schoolinks, Naviance, etc? Different school divisions use different platforms. • For graduating seniors: ◊ Is the FAFSA completed, if they plan to attend a 2 or 4 year college or trade school? ◊ Have they taken the ASVAB if they plan to go into the military? ◊ Are they applying for scholarships and know the deadlines? ◊ Have they toured colleges in person or virtually? ◊ Do they have their drivers license? ◊ Their primary goal is to keep their grades up and attend all classes. • For all levels, to include preschool, building and maintaining a strong relationship with educators, counselors and administrators is extremely important. It’s a new year and a new semester. Set goals high and finish the semester strong.

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HIGH SCHOOL

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CARING FOR MINDS, CARING FOR THE PLANET:

HOW VILDAN SOGUKTAS IS ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE NOW By Kira Pohwala, Photos provided by Vildan Soguktas Kira Pohwala is a junior at Mountain View High School. She serves as an editor on the school’s literary magazine, Scene, and is a member of the National Honors Society, National English Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Spanish Honors Society. She manages a digital youth literary and arts magazine (Ephemeral Gazette) and volunteers frequently at the library.

For Vildan Soguktas, leadership is a present responsibility, not a future goal. A junior at Mountain View High School in Stafford, Virginia, Vildan is a youth leader working at the intersection of planetary health, brain health, and mental well-being. Through global organizing, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration, she is helping to reframe environmental crises as deeply human challenges that directly shape mental health, equity, and resilience.

es and advocate for stronger, more youth-centered mental health policies. Her advocacy addresses challenges such as climate anxiety, social pressure, and gaps in prevention-focused support systems. Vildan’s work extends into global research and policy spaces. She is a member of the International Neuro Climate Working Group, collaborating with scientists, clinicians, and policy experts to examine links between neuroscience, biomedicine, and climate change. In May 2025, she co-moderated a United Nations Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum side event titled “The Nexus Between Planetary Crises and Youth Mental Health,” bringing together international women leaders to discuss how environmental instability affects young people and how leadership and policy can respond.

Vildan is the founder of Young Women for Planetary Health (YWPH), an international initiative of approximately 60 young women and men dedicated to strengthening young women’s leadership in planetary health, with a particular focus on the mental health impacts of the global planetary crisis. Over the past two years, she has organized and led biweekly training sessions and meetings for the YWPH team, in collaboration with Women Leaders for Planetary Health and the Planetary Health Alliance. The initiative supports youth-led education, mentorship, and action across countries, emphasizing that planetary health solutions must include She also serves as a Project Coordinator and Podcast Host for Ecopsychepedia, helping make conversations about environmental psycholgender equity and youth leadership. ogy and mental health accessible to broader audiences. Her additional She is also the founder of EcoRelief, an initiative exploring the connecinvolvement includes membership in the American Public Health Astions between environmental change, brain health, and human mental sociation’s Children’s Environmental Health Committee and Chapter well-being. EcoRelief reflects Vildan’s belief that climate and ecologiZero, grounding her advocacy in public health frameworks. She has also cal crises cannot be addressed without understanding how they affect stress, cognition, and emotional health, especially for young people nav- interned at Albany Medical Center, gaining exposure to healthcare systems that inform her approach to prevention and equity. igating an increasingly unstable world. Alongside her environmental work, Vildan is a committed youth mental health advocate. She currently serves as Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Virginia Youth Advisory Board, where she leads statewide efforts to elevate youth voic-

Across all her work, Vildan Soguktas emphasizes one central idea: caring for the planet and caring for human minds are inseparable. Her leadership reflects a generation unwilling to wait for change, one determined to shape healthier systems for both people and the planet, now.

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COMMUNITY

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A LABOR OF LOVE: NEW EXHIBITION CELEBRATES THE UNSUNG HEROES OF FREDERICKSBURG’S BATTLEFIELDS By Mallory Hardgrove, Photos provided by Ashley Ranalli

didn’t stop at transcription. His curiosity drove him deeper into the story, ultimately leading him to connect the dots and “complete a puzzle.” What happened next reads like a historian’s dream. Steve managed to locate Nancy Rosen, Francis Hill’s great-great-granddaughter, who lives just five miles from the house where Francis was raised. Nancy had preserved a trove of family letters and diaries in a cedar chest for generations, and she shared them with the park, dramatically expanding the collection. Through Steve’s dedication, the Hill brothers transformed from names in a regimental roster into real people with families, fears, and profound love for one another, and the fruits of his labor will be on exhibition for all of Fredericksburg to come bear witness.

On January 2nd, the Fredericksburg Visitor Center will unveil a groundbreaking exhibition celebrating the extraordinary contributions of National Park Service volunteers—the dedicated individuals who bring history to life, one transcription, one garden bed, and one preserved earthwork at a time. At the heart of the exhibition is a remarkable story of historical detective work by volunteer Steve Morin, whose passion for primary sources led to an extraordinary discovery. While digitizing materials from Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park’s bound volume collection, Steve uncovered the diary of Lieutenant Horace Hill, a young officer killed during the Battle of the Wilderness in 1864. But Steve

“As a bound volume volunteer, Steve’s job is to read the primary source the park gives him and simply transcribe it digitally,” explains Ashley Ranalli, the park’s first-ever Volunteer Coordinator. “He didn’t need to make a story.” But Steve’s approach goes beyond the prescribed duties. “I have always loved the way he views history,” Ashley explains. “To me, Steve is looking to understand the people he is researching and make a connection.” For example, instead of just reading that Horace Hill died, he becomes a “real” person. “Steve made it his mission to make Horace and Francis real people, which is a gift to anyone reading his report. They become more than just names in a document, instead, real people of consequence who actually suffered for the war.” “It’s like a puzzle that I have to solve,” says Steve, who has always had an analytical mind. He builds each document’s story, piece-by-piece, adding additional elements and details as he transcribes each document. Mostly, he gets accounts of the weather, battles, or longings of home, but the Hill brothers’ correspondence stood out. Having a close relationship with his own brother, Steve saw the humanity embedded between the lines of the brothers’ correspondence and continued peeling back the layers until he had a complete picture of the journey from upstate New York to retrieve Horace’s body.

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Steve’s lifelong passion for Civil War history began in 1965 when he attended the centennial celebration of the Battle of Fredericksburg with his parents. His deep knowledge of camp life and period phrases proves invaluable to historians working with primary documents. He’s been a Civil War re-enactor for years as well, and recently celebrated a decade of volunteering with the National Park Service. The exhibition features Steve, along with seven other volunteers and represents the diverse ways people contribute to the park across four battlefields. From the Earthworks Corps volunteers who trek deep into trenches every other Friday to clear vegetation, to garden caretakers at Chatham, to maintenance volunteers who repair cannon casings and paint fences, each represents the vital role volunteers play in preserving these sacred landscapes. “Volunteers are such a critical part of the National Park Service,” Ashley emphasizes. With over 60 active volunteers at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, these community members are the backbone of the park. As Ashley puts it, these volunteers are “only paid in sunsets” but give immeasurably to preserve history for future generations. The exhibition stands as a testament to their dedication and an invitation for others to join in caring for these hallowed grounds. Note: The Fredericksburg City Visitor Center kicked off the city’s America 250 celebration with the unveiling of this exhibit on January 2 and a reception, followed by a half-hour guided Q&A session led by Chief of Interpretation, Beth Parnicza, at the City’s Visitor Center during the town’s First Friday festivities. While this special event will have passed by the time this magazine reaches your mailbox, we hope you’ll stop by the Visitor Center this month to view the exhibition.

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Directions: 1. Paint one side of the popsicle sticks white. Let them dry completely, then apply a second coat. Once dry, flip them over and repeat on the other side. 2. Glue the googly eyes about 1 inch from the top of the popsicle stick. 3. Cut the white yarn to about 10 inches long.

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

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