SEPT 2026 STL by FXBG Neighbors

SEPTEMBER 2026

STAFFORD

The Samuel Oasis: Living A FAMILY ROOTED IN LOVE, FAITH, AND SERVICE

Photo by Karen Presecan Photography

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2 StaffordLiving

© Best Version Media IT’S TIME FOR FOOTBALL, BONFIRES, AND CRISP APPLE CIDER, STAFFORD NEIGHBORS! September is here— and, hopefully, bringing cooler weather with it. This month, we’re proud to feature a phenomenal family that pours into the community in multiple ways: The Samuels. We also highlight the Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity, who have been doing more than just building houses, and spotlight an amazing art program for local children.

PUBLICATION TEAM

As always, thank you to our fantastic sponsors who make each installment possible. Happy reading!

Mallory Hardgrove FXBGNeighbors

Dori Stewart Publisher

Mallory Hardgrove Content Coordinator

Crissy Hall Executive Assistant to the Publisher

Valynda Phifer Publisher’s Assistant

Laura Anderson Designer

Karen Presecan Photographer

Kira Pohwala Contributing Writer

Cherice Taylor Contributing Writer

Karie Owens Contributing Writer

FXBGNeighbors

bestversionmedia.com/magazines/staffordliving

Table of

CONTENTS

5 7 8 10 14

Home Improvement Corner Why DIY Flooring Fails: The Hidden Costs of Skipping Professional Installation

Katrina Spies Contributing Writer

ADVERTISING

Pet Corner Knee-Deep in Options: What to Do When Your Dog Tears Its CCL Charity Spotlight Building More Than Homes: Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity Resident Feature The Samuel Oasis: A Family Rooted in Love, Faith, and Service Calendar of Events Upcoming Events September- October

Stephanie Cox Contributing Writer

16 17 18

Business Profile Art Cart Kids Enrichment Studio: Where Creativity Builds Confidence Kids Corner Dazzle’s Leaf Rubbing Creatures Parents Education Corner How Did They Land That Internship? Summer 2027 Is Loading—Are You Ready?

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.

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.

September2026 3

EX PERT CONTR IBUTORS BATHROOM REMODELING

Brian Beck | FXBG Construction 703-609-7825 fxbg-construction.com

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Ryan Seidman | Heaven’s Best Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 540-752-0160 staffordva.heavensbest.com

HOME COMFORT

Dan Bomar, Marketing and Customer Care Manager | Comfenergy 800-604-2252 comfenergy.com | 3prosbasementsystems.com

KITCHEN REMODELING

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MED SPA

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OUTDOOR LIVING

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

4 StaffordLiving

PLUMBING

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

REAL ESTATE

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

SALON / HAIR

Kat Halstead | Kat’s Beauty Lounge @ Chatham Heights Beauty Co 410-322-7692 linktr.ee/ChathamHeightsBeautyCo

SEPTIC SERVICES

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

TREE SERVICE

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

corner © Best Version Media WHY DIY FLOORING FAILS:

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF SKIPPING PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION By Karie Owens • Photos provided by NK Floors

That weekend flooring project on YouTube makes it look easy: rip out the old floor, click the new planks into place, done by Sunday night. But flooring is one of the few home projects where the mistakes don’t show up right away; they show up six months later, when boards start cupping, seams separate, or a warranty claim gets denied. Here’s what DIY installation actually risks. Subfloor Prep Gets Skipped Every successful flooring job starts below the surface. A subfloor has to be level, clean, and structurally sound before a single plank goes down. DIYers often skip this step entirely, or don’t have the tools to catch a subfloor that’s out of level by more than the manufacturer’s tolerance. The result: floors that flex, squeak, or develop stress cracks within the first year.

These problems are far more expensive to fix after the new floor is installed than before. Moisture Testing Is the Step Nobody Thinks About Wood and moisture don’t mix, and neither do many types of engineered flooring. Professional installers test subfloor moisture content before installation because even a small amount of excess moisture can cause warping, buckling, or mold growth under the new floor. Without a moisture meter and the knowledge to interpret it, a DIY installer has no way of knowing whether the subfloor is safe to build on until the damage is visible. Warranties Only Protect Professional Work Here’s the part most homeowners don’t find out until it’s too late: most manufacturer warranties explicitly require professional installa-

tion. If a floor fails and the installation wasn’t done or documented by a certified installer, that warranty claim can be denied outright. A $6,000 flooring investment with a “lifetime” warranty on paper can become a $6,000 loss in practice, simply because of who put it down. The Real Cost Comparison DIY installation seems to save money upfront. But factor in tool rental, wasted material from cutting errors, the cost of fixing subfloor issues after the fact, and a voided warranty, and professional installation is often the cheaper option in the long run. At NK Floors, every installation starts with subfloor inspection and moisture testing, and every job is backed by both our workmanship and the manufacturer’s warranty. Quality flooring deserves a foundation that protects it.

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6 StaffordLiving

PET

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR DOG TEARS ITS CCL By Dr. Katrina Spies, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP

Summer is winding down, which means a steady stream of dogs limping into the clinic after one too many enthusiastic games of fetch. If your pup suddenly came up lame on a back leg, the culprit is often a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), the canine version of our ACL tear. It’s a leading cause of hind-leg lameness, leaving owners facing a big decision fast: surgery or a conservative path? Here’s what both options involve, and why integrative medicine belongs in either plan. What’s Actually Happening in the Knee The CCL is a small but mighty ligament that keeps the knee joint stable. When it tears, the shin bone slides forward from under the thigh bone every time your dog puts weight on that leg. That instability is what causes the pain, the swelling, and the telltale toe-touch limp. Surgery or Conservative Care? For young, large, or high-energy dogs, surgical repair (most often a TPLO, or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) is generally considered the gold standard. It mechanically stabilizes the joint, gets dogs back on their feet faster, and slows down the arthritis that follows a CCL tear. Locally, a TPLO typically runs somewhere between $5,500 and $7,500 per knee, depending on your dog’s size and whether additional procedures like arthroscopy or joint injections happen at the same time. That price usually covers pre-op diagnostics, anesthesia, the implants themselves, hospitalization, and follow-up X-rays. It does not usually include rehab afterward, which I consider essential, not optional, for a smooth recovery. Conservative management is worth a serious conversation for senior dogs, dogs with health issues that make anesthesia riskier, smaller breeds, partial tears, or when the cost of surgery simply isn’t feasible right now.

• Supplements. Fish oil (omega-3s like EPA and DHA), anti-inflammatory herbal blends, and injectable joint supplements like Adequan can quietly round out a recovery plan. None of these replace surgery or rehab, but they support the rest of the plan, and it’s worth running any supplement by your vet first. The Bottom Line There is no one-size-fits-all answer when a dog tears their CCL. Deciding between the operating room and conservative management comes down to your dog’s unique needs, lifestyle, health, as well as your family’s unique circumstances. What matters most is knowing you don’t have to choose between “surgery or nothing.” Regardless of the primary path you take, adding integrative modalities ensures your dog heals safely, manages compensation pain, and protects their long-term joint health. Ready to build a comprehensive recovery plan for your pet? Reach out to Comfort Paws today to set up a consultation and get started.

Partial tears and sprains can sometimes heal on their own with the right support. Full tears cannot. And “conservative” doesn’t mean “do nothing and hope.” Without real pain control and carefully managed activity, that unstable knee will keep breaking down muscle and cartilage, and the strain is felt throughout the body. Where Integrative Medicine Comes In Whichever path you choose, pain medication from your regular vet is the starting point, not the finish line. This is where integrative therapies earn their keep, whether your dog undergoes surgery or not: • Weight management. This might be the single most underrated tool in the whole toolbox. Even a 6% reduction in body weight measurably eases the load on an injured joint and slows arthritis. • Acupuncture. Dogs compensate for a bad leg by shifting weight elsewhere, and that shows up as tight, sore muscles along the back and opposite limbs. Acupuncture helps release that tension and triggers the body’s own pain relief response. • Laser therapy and PEMF. Both use energy (light in one case, electromagnetic pulses in the other) to calm inflammation inside the joint and speed up tissue repair at the cellular level. • Regenerative medicine. Joint injections like hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) restore joint fluid quality and reduce inflammation in the joint capsule. • Rehabilitation. Underwater treadmill work and guided exercise rebuild muscle and improve balance without putting excess strain on the healing joint. • Shockwave therapy. Sound waves stimulate the body’s own tissue repair process at the injury site.

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

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

September2026 7

CHARITY

spotlight

BUILDING MORE THAN HOMES: GREATER FREDERICKSBURG HABITAT FOR HUMANITY By Mallory Hardgrove

For Maerine “Mimi” Mitchell, the moment a family receives the keys to their new home never gets old. “Seeing their smiles—and often tears—as they walk through the front door for the first time is incredibly powerful,” she says. “At that moment, they’re not just entering a house—they’re stepping into a future filled with possibility for themselves and their children.” Mimi officially stepped into the role of Executive Director of Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity on February 1, 2026, after transitioning into the position over the summer of 2025. But her connection to Habitat’s mission runs much deeper than her start date. She spent nearly a decade with another Habitat affiliate before coming to Fredericksburg—long enough, she jokes, to catch what she and her colleagues call “Habitat-itis.” “Once you have it, it stays with you,” she says. Her path into affordable housing work began during a stint as an AmeriCorps VISTA, where she first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. The experience resonated on a personal level: she was navigating her own housing struggles after graduating college into the 2008 economic crisis. That collision of professional discovery and personal hardship set the course for her career. FREE MEASUREMENT

A Mission Rooted in Stability Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity serves the Fredericksburg region, including Stafford, King George, and Spotsylvania, building and rehabilitating homes for families in need of safe, affordable housing. Since its founding in 1995, the organization has built more than 32 homes and completed hundreds of critical home repairs. The need is real and growing. Across Virginia, 1 in 8 households spends more than half their income on housing, forcing families to choose between shelter and other essentials like food or healthcare. “Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that stable, affordable housing is the foundation for a better life,” Mimi explains. Importantly, Habitat’s model isn’t charity in the traditional sense. “At Habitat, we don’t give homes away—we partner with families,” Mimi says. Homeowners invest sweat equity, contribute financially, and commit to their family’s future. “It’s a hand-up, not a handout, and that’s what makes the impact so lasting.” A New Development Taking Shape Currently, the organization is deep into one of its most ambitious efforts yet: a new construction development of six homes in the Mayfield area of Fredericksburg. “This project has been years in the making, and we are thrilled to bring it to life finally,” Mimi says. The organization is inviting the community to follow the build’s progress and is actively seeking sponsors, in-kind service providers, and volunteers to help cross the finish line. Those interested can learn more at fredhab.org/services/builds/davies-street. FREE ESTIMATE

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8 StaffordLiving

Community, Connection, and a Mechanical Bull Beyond the build sites, Mimi has embraced Fredericksburg’s tight-knit community spirit. At a recent fundraiser at Stockyards Restaurant & Bar, she even climbed aboard a mechanical bull in exchange for donations. “It was definitely a memorable moment and a great way to connect with people in a lighthearted way,” she recalls. New to the area herself, Mimi says she and her 14-year-old son are happily settled. “The sense of community here is incredible,” she says. “People are welcoming, supportive, and genuinely connected.” A Calling, Not Just a Job For Mimi, the work is personal. Having faced her own housing insecurity, she brings firsthand understanding to every family

Habitat serves. “This work isn’t just a job for me—it’s a calling,” she says. She’s quick to point out that there are many ways for community members to get involved, whether it be by swinging a hammer, sponsoring a build, donating materials, or simply spreading the word. “It takes all of us working together to truly make a difference,” Mimi says. “Everyone deserves a decent place to live—and together, we can make that a reality right here in our community.” To volunteer, support, or learn more about the Mayfield development, visit fredhab.org.

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RESIDENT

feature

The Samuel Oasis: A FAMILY ROOTED IN LOVE, FAITH, AND SERVICE By Mallory Hardgrove Photography by Karen Presecan Photography

Tucked into The Glens subdivision in Stafford, on a wooded property with its own quiet stream, sits a home the Samuel family has come to call “The Samuel Oasis.” It’s a fitting name for a place that has become both a gathering spot for family and friends and a launching pad for community impact. For Weaver and Beverly Samuel, married 41 years, and their daughters Alyssa and Lindsay, life centers on two things: devotion to family and a deep commitment to the people around them. High School Sweethearts, Forty-One Years Strong Weaver and Beverly’s story began in kindergarten at Wilkes County Public Schools in Georgia, long before they became high school sweethearts. They dated for eight and a half years before marrying, and four decades later, their bond has only deepened. “Our love is so special that when one is absent, the other is not complete,” the couple wrote. 10 StaffordLiving

© Best Version Media That partnership has been reinforced often — from being voted the cutest couple in high school to a honeymoon on Oahu to renewing their vows at the 30-year mark, surrounded by more than 80 friends and family. While leading the Couples Ministry at First Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Leesburg, Virginia, they even authored a reflection called “Our Marriage is Beautiful,” laying out guiding principles that still define their relationship: “We will trust each other and maintain a character of integrity and honesty,” and “We will love each other unconditionally.” Careers Built on Service Long before retirement, both Weaver and Beverly spent their careers helping others. Weaver began with the Georgia Forestry Commission, teaching children about fire prevention and responding to emergency suppression efforts. He went on to spend nearly 30 years as a property and casualty insurance agent, all while serving as a deacon at two churches and contributing to Leesburg’s Cable Commission and Environmental Commission. Beverly’s career carried the same thread of service. She spent more than 25 years as an Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension before retiring from the USDA as a National Program Leader. Her honors include the Friend of NEAFCS Award, presented by the National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences for her leadership in housing and community living. A career highlight was leading a U.S. team to the Philippines to expand a disaster education network modeled after the American program — one reflection of her lifelong passion for educating and protecting others. She also served as a deaconess and youth director at two churches, making a difference in the lives of families and the community. From Bedtime Stories to a Family Business That instinct to serve found a new outlet later in life when Beverly partnered with her daughter, Alyssa, to co-author children’s books. This endeavor grew into the family business, Samuel Enterprises, LLC. Their first book, Make New Friends, follows a girl named Ava as she starts at a new school and finds common ground with classmates from different backgrounds, rooted in the Golden Rule: “Treat Others As You Want To Be Treated.” Their second book, Make New Friends Red, White & Blue, honors military members and veterans through the story of a boy named Ethan at a summer military camp. He learns about the branches of the military and teamwork. Both books have been read in schools and libraries across Virginia and Washington, D.C., and have been showcased at the Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children conference and at military bases throughout the National Capital Region. Weaver, ever supportive of the family enterprise, handles event logistics — though he prefers a more modest title. As the family puts it, he calls himself the “Roadie.” The business has also earned recognition from outside sources, including an Amazon Northern Virginia Community Grant and a Tiny 4.0 Grant, both supporting community outreach, book donations, and continued growth. Putting Down Roots in Stafford After 38 years in Loudoun County, Weaver and Beverly moved to Stafford nearly two and a half years ago, drawn by more acreage and a rural setting still close to family and the cultural attractions of Northern Virginia and D.C. The move has lived up to its promise. They “enjoy living in our neighborhood, because of the peacefulness and the beauty of nature,” sharing their land with turtles, foxes, deer, and wild turkeys, and taking regular walks to the stream on their property. Since arriving, Beverly has taken an active role in shaping the community and has been welcomed by the Stafford Education Foundation. She engaged Stafford County teachers and counselors in focus groups to gather insights for the children’s books under development. She and Weaver have also become fixtures of local civic life, hosting book events at five Stafford public libraries and supporting the launch of SCOUT — Strengthening Community through Outreach, Understanding, and Trust — a Stafford County Public Schools initiative that now includes both Samuel books in its family-engagement efforts. Beverly previously served as secretary and now serves as vice president of The Glens Homeowners Association, where she led a successful campaign for road improvements in the subdivision. Weaver supports The Glens Neighborhood Watch Program. September2026 11

© Best Version Media Lindsay, a Clinical Pharmacy Manager and Pharmacy Residency Director at Reston Hospital, completed her Pharm.D. at Virginia Commonwealth University and a residency at Sibley Memorial Hospital. She served in the Young Adult Ministry and Children’s Ministry at her church. She and her husband, Ryan, are raising their five-year-old son, David, who holds a special place in his grandparents’ hearts. During school breaks, he stays with Weaver and Beverly at “The Samuel Oasis,” entertaining the family with harmonica, violin, and piano after meals. Of his visits, the family shares one telling line: “He always says, ‘I want to stay forever.’”

The Next Generation The Samuels’ two daughters have carried the family’s values forward in their own careers. Alyssa, a management consultant for a federal government contractor, earned a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Virginia. In August, she also earned her Master’s in Data Science from UVA. She volunteers with organizations including the Boulder Crest Foundation, which supports veterans recovering from PTSD, as well as Best Buddies International and Habitat for Humanity.

12 StaffordLiving

A Family Defined by Togetherness Whether it’s an annual beach trip to Myrtle Beach, a memorable vacation to Aruba, or quiet evenings cooking together while pretending to be culinary talk show hosts, the Samuels return again and again to the same idea — that showing up for each other, and for their community, is what matters most. Between insurance offices, pharmacy wards, church ministries, disaster-relief training, school volunteer service, and library reading rooms, the Samuel family has spent four decades quietly building a legacy of service, storytelling, and love that radiates well beyond “The Samuel Oasis.” To learn more, check out the Make New Friends website at makenewfriends7.square.site or for more information about the Samuel family’s children’s books, you can email them at contact.makenewfriends@gmail.com.

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CALENDAR

of events

Upcoming Events

September- October

Thurs., Sept. 10 Barks & Recreation

Sat., Sept. 12 Kids Story Time- Second Saturday

Time: 6- 8pm 1448 Kenmore Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

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

Fri., Sept. 11 Sunshine Concert Series

Sat., Sept. 12 Virginia Cider Festival

@Fredericksburg Dog Park

@Eden Try Winery

Time: 6- 8pm 6818 River Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407

Fri., Sept. 11 Back to School Skate Night @Dixon Park

Time: 6- 8pm 1300 Dixon St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Sat., Sept. 12 Cars & Coffee

@Gari Melchers Home and Studio

Time: 8- 11am 224 Washington St. Falmouth, VA 22405

@Fredericksburg Fairgrounds

Time: 11am- 4pm 2400 Airport Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Sun., Sept. 13 Hispanic Heritage Festival @Fredericksburg Fairgrounds

Time: 11am- 4pm 2400 Airport Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Sat., Sept. 19 Oktoberfest at Adventure Brewing Company

@Adventure Brewing Company

Time: 12- 10pm 33 Perchwood Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22405

MEET ME IN THE PARKING LOT

AGAIN!

FREE ENTRY

@Tales & Tails

6TH ANNUAL CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY EVENT FALL FESTIVAL

VISIT FREDERICKSBURG’S FIRST AND ONLY MEN’S SPA RIGHT UPSTAIRS! 1120 International Pkwy Suite #111, Fredericksburg

OCTOBER 10 TH 2026

@Historic Kenmore

Time: 12- 5pm 1201 Washington Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Sun., Sept. 20 Sundress & Sangria at Eden Try Winery @Eden Try Winery

Time: 12- 5pm 6818 River Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407

Thurs., Sept. 24 Monthly Open Pinball Tournament @Reclaim Arcade

Time: 6:30- 10pm 2324 Plank Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Thurs., Sept. 24 FXBG Fall Fairy & Dragon Festival @Mattaponi Winery

Time: 11:30am- 5pm 7530 Morris Rd. Spotsylvania, VA 22551

Sun., Sept. 27 Free Woodland Hike

@Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont

Time: 2- 3pm 224 Washington St. Falmouth, VA 22405

Fri., Oct. 2 First Fridays Karaoke

TIME: 11:00AM - 4:00PM

@Reclaim Arcade

Join the Patricia Grant Agency for our annual celebration packed with food, games, entertainment.

Time: 8- 11:45pm 2324 Plank Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST HOSTED BY: PATRICIA GRANT AGENCY

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Sun., Sept. 20 Taste Through Time: A Scoop of History

Spatique

MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS Sat., Sept. 12- Sun., Sept. 13 Pet Palooza

@Fredericksburg Convention Center

Time: 9am- 1pm 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

A relaxing day for women with MASSAGES, MANICURES, MAKEUP, EYELASHES, EYEBROWS, HEALTH CHECKS & LUNCH. Supporting high school and college students with scholarships and college care packages of love. STANDARD PACKAGE

Sat., Sept. 12- Sat., Nov. 7 Belvedere Plantation Harvest Festival @Belvedere Plantation

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• Admission to Spatique • Admission to the 10/20 Gala Includes Dinner and 2 Complimentary Drinks

$50

GALA TICKET ONLY

Sat., Sept. 26- Sun., Sept. 27 Giant Acorn Triathlon Festival @Lake Anna State Park

Time: 7am- 4pm 6800 Lawyers Rd.

Includes Dinner and 2 Complimentary Drinks

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Spotsylvania, VA 22551 At the time this magazine went to print, all event times and locations were accurate, but please check event websites for the most current information. Some events may have been postponed or canceled.

Scan to learn more about the Spatique event and the 10/20 Celebration Weekend and purchase tickets.

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September2026 15

BUSINESS

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ART CART KIDS ENRICHMENT STUDIO: WHERE CREATIVITY BUILDS CONFIDENCE By Mallory Hardgrove

Tucked inside a cozy 1957 home in Stafford County, Art Cart Kids Enrichment Studio has become a beloved creative haven for children ages 4–12 throughout Stafford and the greater Fredericksburg area. Founded by Stephanie Cox, the studio offers daytime and after-school art sessions built around imagination, child-choice, and open-ended exploration rather than step-by-step projects. What began in the summer of 2019 as a mobile art school bringing painting classes to neighborhood children has grown into something much bigger. In July 2023, Stephanie purchased the building families know today, and the program has continued to evolve into what she calls “a children’s creative membership centered on imagination, child-choice, and open-ended exploration.” Stephanie’s connection to children’s development runs deep. Her passion for working with kids began at age 17 while working at the YMCA, and by the time she founded Art Cart Kids, she had already spent 31 years as an educator working with children. That experience shaped her belief that art is much more than the finished product. “Art could become much more than a creative activity,” she explains. “It could become a way for children to practice making choices, solving problems, communicating their ideas, and discovering that there isn’t just one right answer.” That philosophy sits at the heart of everything the studio does. As Stephanie puts it, “The focus isn’t on creating perfect artwork. It’s on helping children trust themselves, think creatively, and grow in their decision-making and independence.” Ask Stephanie what inspires her most, and the answer is simple: the kids themselves. “Every day they bring joy to the studio with their funny stories, constant jokes, imaginative ideas, and some of the best questions I’ve ever been asked,” she says. Watching students grow more confident and self-assured, she adds, is the most rewarding part of her work. Stephanie is quick to remind families that the real value of Art Cart Kids goes beyond the artwork sent home. “Every creative choice a child makes is an opportunity to practice problem-solving, independent thinking, perseverance, and confidence,” she says. “The artwork goes home, but confidence, independence, and critical thinking are gifts children carry with them for a lifetime.” 16 StaffordLiving

Beyond the studio, Stephanie stays active in the local community, volunteering with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Betties in the Burg, and the Rappahannock Education Farm. She’s especially proud of the studio’s partnership with Stafford Junction, where Art Cart Kids provides free Friday evening art sessions for local children. Art Cart Kids also hosts seasonal camps and creative birthday parties, and partners with Stafford County Public Schools to offer after-school enrichment, including a convenient bus stop for Crow’s Nest Elementary students right at the studio’s driveway. For Stephanie, it all comes back to one goal: giving every child a place where they feel welcomed, valued, and free to create on their own terms. To learn more about Stephanie or Art Cart Kids, check out artcartkids.com or send an email to hello@artcartkids.com.

KIDS

corner

Dazzle’s

LEAF RUBBING CREATURES

By Stephanie Cox, Owner, Art Cart Kids Enrichment Studio Hi, artists! It’s Dazzle the Zebra. September is a wonderful time to look closely at the leaves around you. Every leaf has its own shape, edges and tiny lines. Today, you’ll use those hidden textures to create creatures that have never existed before!

Gather Your Supplies • A few fallen leaves

• Crayons with the wrappers removed

• Plain paper

• Tape, if needed

Create Your Leaf Creatures 1. Take a short walk and collect a few fallen leaves. Look for different shapes, sizes and textures. 2. Place a leaf under your paper with its bumpy vein side facing up. Add a small piece of tape if it moves.

5. Turn your paper in different directions. 6. Bonus: Use your crayons to transform the leaf shapes into creatures by adding eyes, legs, wings, tails or other imaginative details.

3. Turn a crayon on its side and gently rub it across the paper. Watch the leaf’s shape and tiny veins appear.

UNLEASH YOUR CHILD’S CREATIVE SUPERPOWERS!

4. Make several leaf rubbings. Let them touch, overlap or float around the page.

A ONE-OF-A-KIND ART EXPERIENCE!

Questions for Grown-Ups to Ask: • “What did you notice about your leaves?” • “How did you decide what each shape would become?”

77Bells Hill Rd Stafford 22554

540-809-9121 ArtCartKids.com

• “Which part of your creature surprised you?”

artcartkidsllc

• “Where do you imagine your creature lives?”

Art Cart Kids September2026 17

PARENTS EDUCATION

HOW DID THEY LAND THAT INTERNSHIP? SUMMER 2027 IS LOADING— ARE YOU READY? 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.

Ever wonder how local students manage to land those competitive summer internships? It’s rarely by accident. While it is only September—and the school year is just kicking into gear with fall sports and the first grading periods—the time to start thinking about Summer 2027 is already here. It isn’t too early; in fact, for many highly sought-after positions, the recruitment cycle is already turning. To get a head start, I used AI to identify opportunities right here in Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania. Whether your student is looking for STEM experience, government exposure, or a chance to build their resume, the window of opportunity is opening now. Where to Start Looking While large defense and tech firms are just beginning to post, the following local entities have strong histories of offering internship programs. Proactively monitoring these organizations now will put you ahead of the curve. Local Government & Public Institutions • Stafford County Government: Frequently lists internships in fields like GIS (Geographic Information Systems), environmental programs, and recruitment. Check their career page regularly. • University of Mary Washington (Fredericksburg): Look into their career and workforce programs, as well as opportunities within their advancement and alumni relations departments. • Commonwealth of Virginia: Many state agencies operate programs that combine academic credit with professional work experience. Check their official jobs portal periodically.

18 StaffordLiving

Historical & Cultural Organizations • Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park: Through their partnership with William & Mary’s National Institute of American History and Democracy (NIAHD), they host summer internships focusing on public history, tour development, and visitor engagement. Private & Regional Opportunities • Matern Staffing: A recognized leader in local hiring, they frequently coordinate internships in marketing, communications, engineering, and environmental science. They are an excellent contact for finding local roles that may not appear on major national boards. • Kaeser Compressor, Inc. (Fredericksburg): This firm has a history of offering flexible, project-based internship roles, such as system design. • Broader Regional Options: For specialized roles—like microelectronics engineering—defense and tech contractors in Northern Virginia often open their summer cohorts as early as late 2026. Your Strategic Action Plan For most of these organizations, the primary recruitment window runs from September 2026 through January 2027. 1. Bookmark the Pages: Make a list of the career pages for Stafford County, the University of Mary Washington, and reach out to local agencies like Matern Staffing this fall. 2. Ask Early: By reaching out in September, you can ask when they anticipate opening their Summer 2027 applications. A quick email now can keep you on their radar.

3. Use Local Resources: Keep an eye out for free resume and interview workshops hosted in Stafford. These are invaluable for students preparing to make their first professional impression. 4. Explore Beyond the Region: For students interested in a wider range of industries— from healthcare and arts to finance and law—there are many resources online. A quick search for “High School Internships 2027” will reveal dozens of programs, some offering stipends and others focused on academic credit. The information is out there, and the opportunities are real. I encourage you to sit down with your student, look at what’s available locally, and start dreaming big. As Zig Ziglar once said, “If you can dream it, then you can achieve it.” Let the planning begin!

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PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS AND REGISTRATION Open to the Public: Wednesday-Saturday 10am-7pm Sundays 12pm-6pm Monday-Tuesday CLOSED

Stafford County’s first vibrant, creative community that offers ceramics classes, firing services, artist residencies, teaching and exhibition opportunities, and memberships for potters.

corgiclayartcenter.com • @corgiclayartcenter • 540-628-2230 • 15 Tech Parkway Stafford, VA 22556