MARCH 2026 CH by FXBG Neighbors

NEIGHBORS OF NEIGHBORS OF Courthouse Courthouse

Cover Photo by Karen Presecan Photography

© Best Version Media

Women-owned businesses in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania, listen up. It’s time to be recognized.

FXBG Neighbors is celebrating the women building and leading businesses in our community through our Power Players program.

• Featured in our Power Players digital and print guide

• Listed in online directory

• Promoted across all three neighborhood magazines

• Newsletter reaching 50,000+ locals

• Plus: Exclusive celebration event March 22nd at Eden Try Winery

© Best Version Media

PUBLICATION TEAM

Content Coordinator: Mallory Hardgrove

Account

Contributing

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.

April 10

May 10

June 10

July 10

August 10

September 10

October 10

November 10 December

It’s March, and I may be biased, but it’s the best month of the year. And not just because it’s my birthday month. March is all about celebrating women, the month brings warmer weather and spring is on the horizon, and it boasts the greatest tournament in sports: March Madness. Our feature family has a love of sports as well, though baseball is more their speed. You’ll read all about the Stephensons and how one foul ball determined their fate.

We also highlight a group determined to enhance the Fredericksburg landscape, one tree at a time: Tree Fredericksburg. There’s more that awaits, too, but we don’t want to leaf anyone out of this introduction (wink, wink)— you’ll just have to turn the page and see what’s in store.

Happy reading,

Mallory Hardgrove

© Best Version Media

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

CATERING

Will and Maria Negron | Hit the Spot Kitchen 540-479-1687 Hitthespotkitchen.com

ESTATE PLANNING, REAL ESTATE, & BUSINESS LAW

Melissa Huntley-Bosco | HB Law, PLC 703-398-2143 hblawplc.com

FUNERAL SERVICES

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

HARDWOOD FLOORING

Enos and Amy Pacheco | Pacheco’s Hardwood Floor 571-383-5946 | 571-575-1570 Spanish pachecoshardwoodfloor.com

MASSAGE

Linda Osorio, LMT | Bear River Massage 540-356-5535 bearriverspayoga.com

ORTHODONTICS

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

PILATES

Suzy Thompson | Club Pilates 540-783-1940 clubpilates.com/stafford

PLUMBING

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

REAL ESTATE

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

SKINCARE

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

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

We help create remembrances that reflect the unique values, character and traditions of the families we serve. That is our passion, that is our purpose, that is our promise. Guaranteed.

BY KARIE OWENS,

© Best Version Media

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN NK FLOORS COMES TO INSTALL FLOORING IN YOUR HOME

Inviting a flooring company into your home is more than choosing a product. It’s about trusting a team to guide you through a transformation. At NK Floors, we believe a successful flooring upgrade begins with education, personal attention, and a commitment to quality at every step. From the first measurement to the final walkthrough, our goal is to deliver a seamless, first-class experience that exceeds expectations. Your journey begins with one of our knowledgeable sales experts, who takes the time to understand your lifestyle, design preferences, and long-term goals. During the complimentary in-home consultation, we don’t just measure rooms; we walk you through the process, answer your questions, and explain what to expect. We carefully discuss the types of flooring best suited to your space, whether that means durability for busy households, moisture resistance for certain rooms, or timeless beauty. Education is key, and we make sure you feel confident in every decision.

Details matter, especially in transitions and trim. Our team will coach you on appropriate transitions between rooms and flooring types, ensuring visual continuity and functional performance. We also review trim options, such as baseboards, quarter-round, or custom molding, to make the finished product look polished and complete. These finishing touches often make the difference between a standard install and a true flooring makeover. If subfloor repair is needed, we address it upfront. Our experts explain what’s happening beneath your existing floors, why repairs may be necessary, and how they affect the longevity and performance of your new flooring. No shortcuts, just knowledgeable guidance and solutions.

On installation day, you can expect professionalism and precision. Our certified installers are experienced, respectful of your home, and focused on delivering exceptional craftsmanship. They work efficiently while maintaining high standards, ensuring the installation runs

smoothly and on schedule. We coordinate logistics, communicate clearly, and remain available throughout the process. Customer satisfaction is not an afterthought at NK Floors; it’s a priority. We walk you through the job, address any concerns, and ensure the final result meets and exceeds your expectations. Because great projects often involve more than one trade, we’re happy to team up with other professionals, such as painters, plumbers, or contractors, to ensure the entire project is completed seamlessly and to first-class standards.

NK Floors is not your big-box, DIY flooring stop. We are your flooring makeover concierge, committed to personal service, expert guidance, and helping your flooring dreams come true. When you choose NK Floors, you’re choosing a partner who cares about your home as much as you do.

PLANTING SEEDS OF CHANGE: TREE FREDERICKSBURG TRANSFORMS

THE CITY’S LANDSCAPE

When Anne Little and her husband Carl moved to Fredericksburg in 2002, they noticed something missing from the playground behind their house: trees. Children were forced to play on scorching hot slides under the blazing summer sun with no shade in sight. That simple observation sparked a 17-year mission to restore Fredericksburg’s urban landscape, one tree at a time.

“In 2007, we decided to apply for a small grant and planted 17 trees to shade the playground,” Anne recalls. What started as a modest neighborhood improvement project quickly grew into something much larger. The following year, they planted 58 trees throughout their neighborhood, and they haven’t stopped since. Today, as Executive Director of Tree Fredericksburg, Anne leads an all-volunteer organization responsible for 47% of the city’s current trees on public land.

Anne’s passion for nature began years earlier with an unexpected encounter. “When I moved to Virginia, I saw my first bluebird. I was in-

stantly in love with this beautiful bird,” she explains. That love led her and Carl to co-found the Virginia Bluebird Society in 1996, which now boasts over 500 members. Her interest in bluebirds naturally evolved into researching native plants, as she discovered that bluebirds rely on berries in winter and caterpillars in summer to survive.

The connection between bluebirds and trees revealed a larger truth to Anne: individual efforts, while meaningful, needed to be multiplied across the community to create real environmental impact. In 2010, Tree Fredericksburg held its first Earth Day tree giveaway, expecting modest attendance. “We immediately realized that there was a tremendous void when over 900 people came to get a free tree that day,” Anne says. Since then, the organization has given away over 60,000 native trees and shrubs to the public.

The numbers tell an impressive story of grassroots environmental restoration. Over 17 years, Tree Fredericksburg has planted more than 10,000 trees throughout the city: over 550 in downtown, more than 1,000 in parks, and 700 in schoolyards. Anne intentionally scattered cherry and redbud trees throughout the city to add splashes of spring color. “Many of our streets that were void of trees are now shady and great to stroll on,” she notes with pride.

What makes Tree Fredericksburg unique is its volunteer-driven model. The organization operates without any paid employees, instead mobilizing thousands of community members.

© Best Version Media

“Over the years, we estimate that over 8,000 volunteers have helped us with our tree planting, including students, churches, scouts, civic groups, and businesses,” Anne shares. The volunteer pool has been remarkably diverse, including the director of public works from Kathmandu, Nepal, and a group from Prince William County Mosque, whose traditionally robed women “were faster than most of our volunteer groups and finished in record time.”

For Anne, the greatest reward isn’t found in statistics or accolades. “My biggest joy is when we take a group of young people out on Saturday morning to plant 50 trees in about 3 hours. I then ask them all to turn around and look at what they have done. Seeing the joy and the sense of accomplishment on their faces is my reward.”

Her accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed either. Recently, The New York Times featured Tree Fredericksburg as Virginia’s representative in their “50 Environmental Fixes for 50 States” project, highlighting how the organization has “planted over 10,000 trees along the street, in the parks and in the schoolyard” and distributed “60,000 native trees and shrubs to the general public.”

Behind the scenes, Carl Little serves as the organization’s backbone, having written grants totaling over $600,000 for tree planting initiatives. The couple’s complementary skills— Carl’s organizational prowess and grant writing, paired with Anne’s public relations and volunteer coordination—have proven essential to Tree Fredericksburg’s success.

Looking ahead, the organization plans to give away approximately 3,000 native seedling trees on March 28, with another giveaway scheduled for their Native Plant Festival on October 5, 2026. Anyone in Virginia can sign up at TreeFredericksburg.org to receive notifications about these events. Reservations for the free trees are required prior to the giveaway event and those on the email list will be notified when the sign-up window opens.

As Fredericksburg’s trees grow taller and their canopies spread wider, they provide cleaner air, cooling effects, wildlife habitat, and natural beauty— all benefits that will continue to grow exponentially for generations to come.

If you’re a NYT subscriber, check out the full article “50 Environmental Fixes for 50 States” here: nytimes.com/interactive/2025/12/28/climate/ us-eco-friendly-projects-readers.html

© Best Version Media

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS: THE STEPHENSON FAMILY’S STAFFORD STORY

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PRESECAN

PHOTOGRAPHY & MEGAN SOKOLOWSKI, A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY; OTHERS COURTESY OF SARAH STEPHENSON

There’s something special about the house on the Stephensons’ street in Embrey Mill. Maybe it’s the two golden retrievers greeting you at the door—Belle, the “dainty princess,” and Elsa, who “is unaware that she is 60 pounds and would like you to hold her like a baby 90% of the time.” Or perhaps it’s the warmth of a family that has crisscrossed the country with the Marine Corps and found that home was waiting right where Sarah Stephenson grew up. For Sarah and Steve Stephenson and their two sons, Tyler (15) and Lucas (13), Stafford isn’t just another duty station—it’s destiny.

A Love Story Written in Sports

Sarah and Steve’s story began in 2008 at a Super Bowl party during Steve’s first tour at Quantico. “The Giants and the Patriots were playing, and it was when the Giants won and ruined the Patriots’ perfect season,” Sarah recalls. But it was a July 4th baseball game at the Richmond Squirrels that sealed

© Best Version Media

their fate. Deciding to leave a marriage proposal to chance, they proposed something more fun: they agreed to get married if they caught a foul ball during the game.

“Steve caught a foul ball that night,” Sarah shares. They married that same month in July 2008 and, of course, still have that fateful ball.

Twenty-one years of Marine Corps service took the family across the East Coast, but Quantico kept calling them back. “We were stationed at Quantico four different times and decided it was fate that this is where we would retire,” Sarah explains. When it came time to make that final decision, their boys had the strongest vote.

“Our kids really have invested themselves into being in Stafford, and— after moving them all over the East Coast—we wanted to honor their desire to stay,” Steve adds.

Full Circle at Rockhill Elementary

For Sarah, returning to Stafford meant coming home in the most literal sense. She’s now in her sixth year of teaching at Rockhill Elementary School, the same school she attended as a child. The symmetry is almost poetic: “I was able to work with my former 2nd-grade teacher, Mrs. Shaw. She taught our son, Lucas—28 years after she had me as a student.”

Sarah’s journey to the classroom was anything but linear. After attending the University of Tennessee and starting a family, she returned to school, earning her bachelor’s from Oregon State in 2012. Working with military families as both a spouse and Family Readiness Advisor inspired her to pursue a master’s from North Carolina State in 2015, and she later completed a master’s in teaching from Liberty University in 2022. Now, she’s pursuing a doctorate in education with a focus on Administration and Leadership—all while teaching at the school where her own educational journey began.

Meanwhile, Steve completed an equally impressive academic marathon during his military career, earning degrees from Penn State (2013), Boston University (2016), and South College (2025), culminating in his doctorate in 2025, just before retiring in 2026. Steve began his post military career in February, joining Booz Allen Hamilton as a program manager.

Raising the Next Generation of Engineers (Maybe)

Tyler and Lucas have become true Stafford kids. “If you asked our kids where ‘home’ is, they wouldn’t have any other answer than Stafford,” Sarah says proudly. Tyler, a typical teenager who’s learning to drive (“which is insane”), maintains honor roll grades at Colonial Forge while gaming and exploring his passion for coding. He’s set his sights on Virginia Tech for engineering, though Sarah has other ideas: “I think he should look into law school seeing that he loves to argue, but when do we ever listen to our parents?”

Lucas, who Sarah describes as “an amazing kiddo,” maintains straight As in advanced courses at AG Wright, while participating in the STEM club and orchestra. He’s also dreaming of Virginia Tech for engineering, much to his mother’s playful dismay. “I am still holding out hope for Tennessee or Penn State. One of them has to go.”

The boys have experienced something rare for military kids: continuity. “Tyler and Lucas have been able to attend all three schools that I went

to while growing up,” Sarah notes—a gift that Stafford has given this well-traveled family.

Community, Quirks, and Cats

Life in Embrey Mill has connected the Stephensons to a neighborhood that feels more like family. “We live on the most amazing little street. All of our neighbors are friends,” Sarah shares. “We even all play on the softball team together,” Steve adds. She and Steve play on a neighborhood team that’s “mediocre at best, but it’s a good time,” but these self-aware neighbors still celebrate everything, from retirements to championship wins and block parties, together.

The neighborhood’s interconnectedness extends beyond recreation. When their air conditioning died on the hottest day of summer, a neighbor came to fix it the same day. “There are a ton of businesses within our neighborhood. It’s actually wildly convenient because anytime I need help, someone is right there.”

When they’re not playing softball or managing their small zoo—which includes two geriatric cats, Charlie and Alex (named after Sarah’s best friend’s redheaded son: “We try not to make it weird”)—the family loves to travel. Their annual pilgrimage? Disney World.

“I know that people probably think that’s boring, but we always find something new to experience each time we go,” Steve says. It’s become their “home away from home,” a place that holds special meaning, too: “We have favorites we hit every time that honor some really fond memories we have of going with people that aren’t with us anymore.”

Steve has found his own adventure closer to earth—or rather, a bit above it. He works as a coach at Skydive Orange, sharing his passion for the sport. Sarah’s position on this hobby is crystal clear: “Sarah will never skydive, ever.”

The Comfort of Familiarity

After decades of moving, the Stephensons have found what they were searching for all along. “There is something comforting about the familiarity of the area,” Sarah reflects. “Although this area has certainly grown and changed since 1990, it is still the most consistent place that I could call home.”

Sometimes home isn’t where you end up— it’s where you return. For the Stephensons, Stafford has always been waiting.

© Best Version Media

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

MARCHING INTO MOTION: PREPARING OUR PETS FOR SPRING

As March arrives in Virginia, there is a familiar shift in the air. The days stretch a little longer, the sun feels warmer, and our pets often sense it before we do. Dogs linger at the back door; cats seek out the warmest windowsills. Suddenly, everyone seems ready to shake off winter and get moving. But while the Virginia spring arrives quickly, our pets’ bodies often lag behind.

I think of March as an “in-between” month. Between the cold, damp weather and the shorter days, even the most active owners tend to move a little less in winter. By the time the first daffodils appear, many pets are carrying a combination of stiffness, reduced muscle strength, and subtle physical strain. It’s easy to miss, but it becomes incredibly important the moment we pick up the leash for that first long hike.

What Winter Leaves Behind

Last month, I shared that recovery from an injury doesn’t end just because surgical staples are out or medications are finished. Healing is a process, and movement must be guided. That same philosophy applies even when there hasn’t been an obvious “trauma.” Winter itself is a quiet stressor.

During colder months, pets often lose muscle tone, particularly in the hind limbs and core. Muscles aren’t just for show, they stabilize joints and act as shock absorbers. When that internal suspension system weakens, joints and soft tissues are forced to take on extra workload, increasing strain.

March is About Preparation, Not Pressure

Cold and damp weather can also increase inflammation and stiffness, especially in pets with arthritis or prior injuries. Many owners notice their pet is slow to get going or stiff after resting, but seems to loosen up once moving. These subtle changes are signs that the body isn’t moving as freely or comfortably as it could.

One of the most common mistakes I see is jumping straight from winter inactivity to spring-level expectations. Walks suddenly get longer, play becomes more intense, and pets are asked to move like they did last fall, without time to catch up.

This is the season for a “slow wake-up.” Focus on:

• Gentle, consistent movement: Shorter, more frequent walks rather than a weekend marathon

• Early pain recognition: Watch for posture changes or “bunny hopping”

• Nutritional adjustments: Lighten the load before activity ramps up

Why Weight is a Springtime Physics Issue Winter also affects body composition. Some pets gain a few pounds, while others lose muscle and replace it with fat. But weight is more than a cosmetic issue, it’s a matter of physics.

Looking Ahead

n Acupuncture

n Rehab & Laser Therapy

n Food Therapy

Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments

Take a moment this week to really observe your pet. Do they hesitate before the stairs? Are they slower to transition from a sit to a stand? Do they look stiff after a nap? Is there a new arch in their back? These signs appear long before an obvious limp and are much easier to address when caught early.

Acupuncture Hospice & Palliative Care

Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments

Acupuncture Hospice & Palliative Care

n Herbal Medicine

n Hospice & Palliative Care

Acupuncture Hospice & Palliative Care Now partnering with Cladda Veterinary Emergency to provide integrative medicine services like acupuncture, pain management, and rehabilitation/physical therapy services at their location in Fredericksburg.

Rehab & Laser Therapy Herbal Medicine

n Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments

540-300-1213

Rehab & Laser Therapy Herbal Medicine

Food Therapy

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

A deconditioned body feels extra weight more acutely than a strong, balanced one. Added load increases the force traveling through every tendon and ligament. Research shows that even a modest weight loss of around 6% can significantly improve comfort and mobility. Addressing weight now, primarily through nutrition rather than sudden increases in exercise, helps reduce the risk of injury when spring enthusiasm outpaces physical readiness.

Think of March as laying the foundation for the months ahead. By reducing strain, supporting comfort, and allowing the body time to adjust, you set your pet up for a safer, more enjoyable return to activity. If you’re unsure where to start, a thoughtful check-in with a veterinarian focused on comfort and movement can help guide the transition.

540-300-1213

comfortpaws.com

www.comfortpaws.com

info@comfortpaws.com

ComfortPawsLLC

For owners interested in learning more, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (petobesityprevention.org) offers excellent resources that focus on quality of life, not just numbers on a scale.

In April, we’ll talk more about assessing readiness for increased activity and preventing common springtime injuries. For now, small, intentional changes can make a big difference in how comfortably your pet moves into the season ahead.

Finding the Right Note: A

Violist’s Reflection on Growth and Persistence

Abigail Nyinaku is a senior at Colonial Forge High School. Outside of writing, she enjoys making art, playing the violin, and has a strong passion for legal studies. Abigail is also the current Vice President of her school’s National Honor Society and runs a handmade personalized greeting-card business, called Heartfelt, in her free time.

When Colonial Forge sophomore and violist Aaron Nyinaku first chose his instrument, he didn’t expect it to become such an important part of his life. “I was initially stuck,” he recalled. “I didn’t really have any idea which instrument I wanted to pursue.”

The violin’s high notes felt “almost obnoxious,” and the bass and cello looked “too difficult.” But when Aaron discovered the viola, it “resonated as the perfect middle-ground”— a sound he enjoyed with just the right amount of personal challenge.

Balancing orchestra with a busy schedule hasn’t been easy. In school, Aaron is a student in the Commonwealth Governor’s School (CGS), plays varsity football and track and field, and participates in the Black Student Union (BSU) and National Honor Society. “My practice routine can be a bit messy sometimes,” he admitted, “but I always try to keep it as consistent as I can.” After putting his homework and assignments first, he warms up to practice with a few scales before diving into his music. “Parts of songs that I can’t play I make sure to repeat multiple times,” he says. “I also like to practice with a speaker or headphones playing the song I’m working on to replicate the feeling of a full orchestra.”

Aaron’s most memorable performance came during his 8th-grade spring concert, a milestone that still stands out today. “That year was one of the most fun years of my life, especially for orchestra,” he says. Surrounded by talented friends and guided by a beloved teacher, his final middle school concert felt more personal than just playing for an audience. “It felt like a celebration of a year that gave me some of the best memories of my life,” and to top it off, he even had his first solo!

Over time, the viola shaped Aaron not only as a musician but as a person. “When I first picked up the viola, I wasn’t serious about it,” he reflected. “Now I play my instrument with a purpose.” That sense of determination carries over into everything he does— from making touchdowns across the field to making the honor roll in his classes. “Playing viola has also given me a sense of competitiveness,” he says. “It has taught me to perform under pressure and in big moments when I have to [perform] most.”

Although he hasn’t yet decided what role music will play in his professional career, one thing is for certain: he doesn’t plan to stop. “I love playing viola, and I love music,” he says. “Even if I don’t continue to play professionally, one of my goals is to keep playing, even casually. Just don’t stop.” After having participated in All-county orchestra and junior regional orchestra since middle school, Aaron’s next dream is to make it to All-State. “I know I have the talent, he says, “but I just have to put in the work. I really feel like I can.”

MORA SOAN BRINGS MAGIC AND ADVENTURE

TO YOUNG READERS THROUGH JACOB THE GNOME SERIES

In a cozy Stafford home with a backyard garden dotted with whimsical gnome figurines, local author Mora Soan has found inspiration for a children’s book series that’s capturing young imaginations across the region— and encouraging them to try new things!

Soan’s journey into children’s literature began with a simple conversation with her daughter after returning from a trip to Japan. “After taking a trip to Japan without my daughter, she asked me to tell her about my vacation,” Soan recalls. “As I shared my experiences, ideas began to flourish. I realized that if my daughter was curious about Japan, other

children might be too, so I decided to share my adventure with them.”

That conversation blossomed into Jacob in Japan, the first book in the Jacob the Gnome series, with Soan’s daughter serving as illustrator. The series follows Jacob, described by Soan as “a gentle, clumsy, and picky little gnome,” who travels through a magic flowerpot to explore different countries, including Japan, Canada, and Korea.

The character of Jacob emerged from an unlikely source: Soan’s own backyard. “My backyard garden inspired my main character, Jacob the gnome, and his picky eating habits come from my own children learning to eat healthier,” she explains. “I bought my first gnome to add a little magic to my garden, and over time, collecting gnomes became a joy.”

Growing up in Montreal, Canada, Soan’s literary influences run deep. She cites Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classics as foundational to her writing dreams. “Growing up with limited means, these stories felt like an escape into another side of the world and taught me to appreciate childhood discovery, nature, and simple pleasures,” she says, referring to Anne of Green Gables and the Martine series that shaped her youth.

Now working at a local school, Soan draws daily inspiration from her young students. “Working at a school and spending time with children strongly influences my writing. Seeing how kids think, feel, and learn helps me create stories that are relatable, gentle, and meaningful for young readers.”

Fredericksburg itself plays a role in nurturing her creativity. Soan enjoys walking around downtown Fredericksburg to spark her imagination, and counts Jabberwocky Bookshop among her favorite local spots—”a wonderful independent bookstore with a warm, welcoming feel.”

Currently, Soan is working on Jacob in Hawaii, slated for publication this summer. In this new adventure, Jacob meets a kind sea turtle who helps him learn an important lesson about perseverance. “As he struggles with trying new things, the sea turtle encourages him not to give up when things feel hard the first time,” Soan shares. “Through their friendship, Jacob gains courage, patience, and confidence, helping him grow into a better gnome.”

This may be the final chapter in Jacob’s adventures, as Soan’s daughter prepares to leave for college next year. “My daughter is heading to college next year, so this may be my last book. We will see where the journey takes us,” she notes.

For aspiring writers in the community, Soan offers refreshingly straightforward advice: “Just go for it. Do not overthink it. Write for your own journey and for your own joy. Do not be afraid to try, because every story begins with taking that first step.”

At its heart, Soan’s work reflects her hope for how families engage with her stories. “I hope my stories encourage children and families to slow down, stay curious, and enjoy the small moments together,” she says.

“If Jacob’s adventures can spark imagination, kindness, or a love of reading, then I feel grateful to be part of that journey.”

Illustrated by Lana Preap & Yewon Grissom

Mora Soan

Jacob In Japan

SAT., MARCH 21

Upcoming Events

March- April

SAT., MARCH 7

MARGARITA TASTING & GEL

CANDLE MAKING

@Cosner’s Corner

Time: 6- 8pm 9951 Patriot Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22407

SUN., MARCH 8

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY- FREE WORKOUT CLASS

@F45 Training- Stafford Time: 8am & 9am 35 Walpole St., Suite 109 Stafford, VA 22554

TUES., MARCH 10

DESI ARNAZ- GREAT LIVES LECTURE SERIES

@George Washington Hall

Time: 7:30- 8:45pm 1301 College Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

SAT., MARCH 14

KIDS STORY TIME AT TALES & TAILS

@Tales & Tails

Time: 10- 11am 1010 Charles St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

SUN., MARCH 15

VIRGINIA DISTILLERY CO. DINNER HOSTED BY REBELLION

@Strangeways Brewing Fredericksburg Time: 10am- 12pm 350 Lansdowne Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

FRI., MARCH 20

MUSIC DEPT. STUDENT RECITAL

@The Weatherly Wing of Seacobeck Hall Time: 3- 4pm 1711 College Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

RUCK WITH PUPS- 5K CANINE FESTIVAL

@John Lee Pratt Memorial Park Time: 9am- 12pm 120 River Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22405

SAT., MARCH 21

FAMILIES MAKE AN EASTER BUNNY OR OTHER ANIMAL WORKSHOP

@Corgi Clay Art Center Time: 1- 2:30pm 15 Tech Pkwy. Stafford, VA 22556 Tickets: corgiclayartcenter.com/ class-list

SUN., MARCH 22

BOOKS AT BELMONT: JACQUELENE D’AMICO, THE ADVENTURES OF TROLLEE AND ALICE

@Gari Melchers Home & Studio Time: 2- 3pm 224 Washington St. Falmouth, VA 22405

THURS., MARCH 26

MONTHLY OPEN PINBALL TOURNAMENT

@Reclaim Arcade Time: 6:30- 10pm 2324 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22401

SAT., MARCH 28

MAC & CHEESE FESTIVAL

@Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair Time: 11am- 4pm

2400 Airport Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS

FRI., MARCH 6- SUN., MARCH 8 ALL AMERICAN REPTILE SHOW @Fredericksburg Convention Center

Time: Fri.- 4- 7pm (VIP); Sat.- 10am- 5pm (VIP hour 9- 10am); Sun.- 10am- 4pm 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

SAT., MARCH 28- SUN., MARCH 29

BRICKFAIR FREDERICKSBURG 2026 LEGO FAN EXPO

@Fredericksburg Convention Center

Time: Sat.- 10am- 5pm; Sun.- 10am- 4pm 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

MON., MARCH 9- SUN., MAY 3

CORGI CLAY- 8 WEEK ART CLASSES

@Corgi Clay Art Center 15 Tech Pkwy. Stafford, VA 22556

Tickets: corgiclayartcenter.com/ class-list

MARCH MADNESS:

PLANNING YOUR CHILD’S SPRING AND SUMMER

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

The transition from “March Madness” to summer break happens in a flash. Now is the ideal time to secure engaging opportunities for your children. Whether you are looking for local spring break activities or full-summer enrichment, here

are the top local resources for families in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Local Activity Hubs

For a comprehensive list of weekly events, festivals, and classes, these community staples are updated regularly:

• Fredericksburg Parent & Family: A go-to for local family-friendly event calendars.

• Macaroni KID Fredericksburg-Spotsylvania-Stafford: Excellent for hyper-local activity guides and “boredom busters.”

• Stafford County Parks and Recreation: Offers affordable seasonal sports, “Camp Aquia,” and various all-day summer camps.

• Local School Divisions: Don’t forget to check your specific school’s portal for on-site enrichment and credit-recovery programs.

• Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center: Spring Break and Summer Camps plus a lot more for all ages.

University Enrichment

Area colleges offer high-level camps that give students a taste of campus life:

SUMMER Hello

It’s memorable adventure time

• University of Mary Washington (UMW): ◊ Summer Enrichment Program (SEP): A residential program for rising 10th–12th graders (July 12–18, 2026) covering topics from theatrical design to environmental engineering.

◊ Sports Camps: Includes the Nike Volleyball Camp, Eagles Youth Baseball, and tennis clinics.

• George Mason University (GMU): Known for its “Mason Space Exploration Center” (MSEC) camps and diverse programs in acting, filmmaking, and music production. ◊ Camps and Youth Programs – George Mason University

Military Family Resources

Families stationed at MCAS Quantico can access MCCS Youth Sports

• Eligibility: Open to dependents of active duty, reservists, retirees, and DOD civilians (ages 4–14).

• Programs: Spring baseball and tee-ball registration typically opens in mid-February, followed by summer camp registration in mid-May.

Strategy for Success

When choosing a program, consider these three “Ps”:

1. Pacing: Check the start and end dates against your school’s 2026–27 calendar to avoid overlaps.

2. Purpose: For older students, look beyond traditional camps. Consider volunteering or job shadowing to build a resume or explore career interests.

3. Preparation: Many popular camps at UMW and GMU sell out by early spring. Review costs and registration deadlines now to ensure your spot.