MEETYOUR FAVORITE BARBER… and 115 other Best of Stafford 2023 Winners
A FRIENDLY FACE AT MONCURE
A WAY TO REMEMBER AJ SLYE
WHAT WAS VOTING LIKE IN THE 1700S?
To learn more, visit Cancer.mwhc.com
Mary Washington Healthcare Regional Cancer Center features world-class technology that incorporates holistic therapies, nurse navigators who walk you through every step of the journey, and support communities that help you adjust to life after cancer. You can rest assured that we’ve got your back every step of the way.
Just ask La’Quita, who’s back to gardening after being treated for cancer.
“My health journey has been exactly that, a journey. It has transformed me as a person and continues to do so as I approach the 5-year mark of survivorship.”
La’Quita Buffington Stafford, VA
I am not a I am a
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to fight alone.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 5 PUBLISHER
Bruce Potter bpotter@insidenova.com 571-333-1538
DIGITAL EDITOR
Kari Pugh karipugh@insidenova.com
ADVERTISING
Sales Leader: Connie Fields cfields@insidenova.com (703) 303-8713
Account Executives: Rick Bockes rbockes@insidenova.com
Brenda Powell bpowell@insidenova.com
ART DIRECTOR
Kara Thorpe
STAFF REPORTER
Dave Fawcett
CONTRIBUTORS
Tracy Bell
David S. Kerr
Tavan Smith
PUBLISHED BY: Rappahannock Media LLC / InsideNoVa
1360 Old Bridge Road Woodbridge VA 22192 (703) 318-1386
PRESIDENT Dennis Brack dbrack@rappnews.com
BUSINESS OFFICE
Carina Richard-Wheat cwheat@insidenova.com
Favorite Moncure memory:
When the front-office staff made its annual Christmas video, re-enacting scenes from the movie “Elf.” “Just seeing our principal dressed as Buddy and eating syrup-laced spaghetti was priceless. Oh, and our assistant principal playing the role of our principal’s father. Hilarious!”
Favorite food:
“I love Chinese food. I could seriously eat it every day! I also love popcorn with peanut M&Ms scattered throughout. So tasty!”
Favorite school activity:
For nearly four years, Courtney Sutphin has helped Anne E. Moncure Elementary School run smoothly – supporting administration, staff, parents and more than 800 students known affectionately as the Moncure Bears.
The school’s office manager is one of the first friendly faces visitors are greeted with when they enter the state-of-the-art school, which opened in 2019 and is led by principal Greg Machi. And she was voted Stafford’s favorite Administrative Assistant in the 2023 Best of Stafford balloting.
Named for Anne E. Moncure – a former teacher and administrator – the school formerly was off Garrisonville Road. In 2019, a new school just around the corner on Juggins Road replaced the old building.
Sutphin didn’t work at the previous location – only the new building.
“I was blown away when I first came to the new school,” Sutphin said. “It literally
Family: Husband, Brandon (married for 12 years); two sons, Lucas, 10, and Jonah, 8, and Pepper, a mini-Australian Shepherd nicknamed Peeps.
College:
Attended Radford University, earning a degree in media studies and minoring in psychology. “Go Highlanders!”
Favorite pastime: “We are in the stage of life where we watch television together as a family. There’s a lot of cooking, animated and competitive shows. My guilty pleasure is ‘House Hunters International.’ I also love pretty much any ’80s movie!”
“House Celebrations” – where students are grouped in colored teams called houses with “Survivor”-reminiscent house names like Yuukanna and Ziddi. They come together to celebrate their achievements. “Each house represents a different culture and honors all walks of life. Because the houses are not specific to grade levels, it really brings the whole school together and helps to create little communities that are working toward a common goal. … The energy is amazing!”
Spare time:
“I generally do not have any spare time being a soccer mom, but I wouldn’t trade that for the world.”
Best part of the job: “The people. I love that I am responsible for greeting every single person who comes into our building whether it be staff, students or parents! I just like that could maybe help turn someone’s day around with some positivity.”
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 • 7 P.M. • VIRTUAL
As the country comes to terms with the task of creating an inclusive democracy, Brandon Wolf’s insight into the power of advocating authentically is invaluable. As a nationally recognized gun safety advocate and press secretary for Equality Florida, Brandon Wolf will explore the need for intersectionality, the limitless power of sharing our authentic stories, and the links between the multiple crises facing our nation.
Germanna Community Conversations are a series of free educational events exploring timely topics through open dialogue and discussion with local and national experts.
looked like something from the future. It still amazes me.”
Sutphin said she could not be successful in her job without the support of the front office team, which she called “some serious rockstars.”
Before working at Moncure, Sutphin was a meeting coordinator for a nonprofit,
a private-preschool teacher and a property manager.
“I always kept an eye out for a schoolaffiliated position,” she said. “Luckily, the experience I gained from working in fields that developed both my administrative and educational skills paid off and I landed the perfect job.”
Sutphin lived in Stafford as a child and later as an adult, buying her first home in the county. She is now a Fredericksburg resident, making the short commute to Stafford for work. “Every day is a new adventure, and I cannot thank the universe enough for bringing me to Moncure.”
Sutphin said she has enjoyed watching Moncure students grow up.
“It’s truly special to watch these kiddos first start their journey as kindergarteners and then see them flourish and embrace their individuality as they are advancing grade levels,” she said. “You develop these connections and they become like family. You love and support them through it all, just as their parents would.”
Tracy Bell is a freelance writer who lives in Stafford County.
With Washington Commanders
kicker Joey Slye’s fifth NFL season underway, his parents – North Stafford residents Laura and David Slye – are rooting for him while continuing their labor of love in honoring their first-born son, AJ.
In 2015, the Slye family founded The SlyeStrong#6 Foundation, dedicated to Andrew “AJ” Slye, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012 and died in February 2014 at age 20.
The nonprofit uses donations – monetary as well as physical necessities – to support cancer patients, their families, the bereaved and others facing similar hardships.
“As long as we can keep doing things in his memory and people are thinking about him, then he is still here with us,” Laura Slye said of AJ. The foundation allows the family to “introduce” AJ to people who did not have the chance to meet him.
The Slyes, a military family, moved to
Stafford in 2007 with their two boys. After 21 years of service, David Slye retired from active duty with the U.S. Air Force in 2012. He currently works for the Department of the Air Force as a civilian employee.
Laura Slye has worked as a math teacher at North Stafford High School since the family moved to the area. AJ Slye, who wore high school football jersey number 6, was an all-state player at North Stafford, where he graduated in 2012. After his death, the school’s football stadium was renamed AJ Slye Memorial Stadium.
Before the family was blindsided by the diagnosis, both boys were heavily active in sports and spent a lot of time together.
Joey Slye always looked up to his older brother and worked hard to be a part of what “the older kids” were up to, his mother said. He played in older age groups to be on AJ’s teams.
“They were very competitive to challenge each other to get better, but they were very much each other’s biggest fan,” Laura said. “Being military kids and having to move quite a bit, they definitely depended on each other. They were the best of friends and the best of teammates.”
Joey Slye, with tattoos honoring his brother and the memory of their time practicing at a V-shaped tree turned football goal post, is known to hold six fingers to the sky after making a kick. He was a high school senior when his brother passed away.
AJ Slye had just returned from his first semester at Salisbury University when diagnosed. Support from North Stafford high school students and staff grew countywide as he fought cancer.
It’s that kind of support that the Slyes want to return to someone who needs it.
Since 2015, the SlyeStrong#6 Foundation has awarded $92,000 to local high school
For the 2022-2023 school year, the student-athlete winners of the SlyeStrong#6 Foundation scholarships were:
Gabriella Cannon
North Stafford High School
Nealis, a physical therapist who grew up in North Stafford, attending Colonial Forge High School alongside Slye. Friends since the seventh grade, the couple didn’t begin dating until college.
Christopher Cline
Brooke Point High School
graduates pursuing higher education. The foundation annually awards six scholarships at $2,000 apiece – five to student-athletes from the region and one AJ Slye Memorial Scholarship. The foundation has also donated more than 23,000 books, coloring books and crayons, bubbles, puzzles and games to local hospitals, service organizations and reading programs. The foundation has also donated more than $63,000 to hospitals and medical facilities or in support of patients, raising funds for cancer walks or to pay for patients’ gas and pharmacy cards or medical needs. The organization has donated physical items like tablets, DVR players, headphones and travel pillows for patients and provided bereaved or struggling families with Easter baskets and holiday meals.
The SlyeStrong#6 Foundation has also conducted bone-marrow registry drives to help find matches for patients in need. The family’s outreach strengthens their unbreakable bond with AJ.
“We are very proud of both our boys – not just because Joey is able to live out his dream, but because of how they both were able to handle themselves through the adversity that they faced,” their mother said.
“Even through the worst of circumstances and distance – when AJ was in the hospital and Joey was at home – they still depended on each other, strengthened each other and challenged each other.”
In April, Joey Slye married Brittaney
This year, the SlyeStrong#6 Foundation worked with student leaders at North Stafford High School to promote childhood cancer awareness month and is participating in Light the Night through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and collecting books, coloring books and more for a spring book and supply drive.
And the Slyes are also excited to watch their younger son play for the local NFL team.
“It has always been both the boys’ dream to make it to ‘the league,’” Laura Slye said, “and Joey is definitely taking his brother with him.”
Tracy Bell is a freelance writer who lives in Stafford County.
For more information or to volunteer, visit slyestrong6foundation.org
Nathan Godsey Stafford High School
Ava Hecker
Colonial Forge High School
Natalie Kingston
Mountain View High School
Rosalind
Penninger Mountain View High School, who received the AJ Slye Memorial Scholarship
Now, more than ever, trust is the foundation of any successful relationship. More than 180 years ago, United Bank established a banking tradition guided by safe, sound and secure practices. Our commitment to building trust is deeply embedded in who we are, and it is something we will hold true for many years to come.
North Stafford resident Joseph Seward – a retired U.S. Marine – has had a passion for cutting hair since he was 16 years old.
Today, he owns Seward’s Barber Academy – a combination barbershop and academy in the heart of North Stafford – and was voted Best Hairstylist/Barber in the Best of Stafford 2023 survey.
“Our clients are like family,” Seward said. “I have had the opportunity to see young clients grow up and return as adults for services. It has truly been a blessing.”
Seward has operated the familyrun business since 2011, while his wife, Rosa, has run her own North Stafford-based business, Brickhouse Fitness, since 2013.
The barber business was a leap of faith, said Seward, who grew up in North Carolina and served in the Marine Corps for 22 years. He was a weapons instructor at Marine Corps Base Quantico during his last few years in the service and retired as a master sergeant in 2005.
Seward then worked for four years as a security officer for the U.S. Department of State.
Meanwhile, he earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Park University, but he wanted to follow his longtime interest in cutting hair, so he went to barbering school, too.
barber, although he had always cut hair on the side.
“I started working in a local barber shop, and during that time, realized that there were so many unlicensed barbers working in the local shops,” Seward said. “I decided to combine my love for cutting hair with instructing, so I pursued a barber instructor license.”
A few months later, Seward’s Barber Academy LLC was born as a combined barber shop and barber school. Seward enrolled his son, Jovante, as his first student.
“Interest in barbering school soon picked up, and I had every booth filled with students,” added Seward, who lived in Virginia several times while serving in the military and planted roots here in 1999.
Now, he and his wife are focused on the family-run businesses.
Jovante Seward, who lives in Fredericksburg, offers professional barbering services at Seward’s with his father.
“Both of my parents’ drive to be successful has taught me to keep pushing and stay true to who you are as a person and a business owner,” Jovante said.
Along with the current trends, skin fades are the most requested type of haircut, his father said. “That’s because Stafford is a military town.”
The shop’s barber students also cut customers’ hair at a reduced rate – just enough to cover the cost of supplies.
Stafford resident Twana James is a former student of Seward’s Barber Academy – and the first woman to graduate from there.
The single mother owns Crochet Braids by Twana in Spotsylvania, which she founded 12 years ago from her home. Later, she enrolled at Seward’s Barber Academy to practice additional hair and barbering skills related to clients’ alopecia and hair loss. It took about a year and a half to complete the program, she said, but that was due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic.
She learned proper sanitizing techniques related to hair as well.
customers needing hair-loss services such as toupees.
Eventually, her business moved to a commercial space and is now in Cosner’s Corner.
James was light-hearted as she recalled Seward and her time at the academy. He was “stern” – after all, he’s a Marine, she said, but he also has a “heart of gold.” Seward was patient and flexible, said James, noting that her time at the barber academy enriched her career.
Seward said five students are currently enrolled in the academy, which has graduated and licensed 35 students since opening. “Many are employed in barber shops, and two have opened their own barber shops.” Graduating students must pass both a written test and a practical state exam before becoming licensed. After that, Seward can help connect the graduates with barbershops that are hiring. He has also mentored some graduates who wanted to open their own businesses.
BY TRACY BELL PHOTOS BY TAVAN SMITHIn 2011, he became a licensed
“It definitely expanded my services as I worked from home,” she said, and it helped her draw in some male
The barber academy includes knowledge-based education as well as hands-on instruction, with students working on actual clients. Small groups of five or six at a time help Seward ensure students are well trained and ready for their state boards, he said. The class costs $6,000 and takes 1,100 hours to complete. Seward’s strong family support is a big help in his professional life, too. The Sewards have nine grown children – four biological and five adopted. The youngest is now in the Army.
SEWARD FINDS SUCCESS COMBINING BARBERSHOP, HAIR-CUTTING ACADEMY
“We are blessed to say that we are now empty-nesters,” Seward said, but the business is truly family-run.
“My family is the reason Seward’s Barber Academy is successful,” he added, “and I am so grateful for their
love and support.”
His wife takes care of the administrative and financial side and daughters TaNeisha and Tiffany help with office, technical and accounting tasks.
Jovante Seward helps his father as a barber.
For Rosa Seward, there’s no secret to running two family businesses, except to stay organized – although competition with larger businesses is challenging. She said both Seward’s and Brickhouse Fitness are unique because of their mom-and-pop, hometown atmospheres.
“We know everyone who walks through the door,” Rosa Seward said, “and we are like family.”
Tracy Bell is a freelance writer who lives in Stafford County.
SEWARD’S
93ONVILLEROAD,STAFFORD
SEWARDSBARBERACADEMY.COM
(540)720-1052
Stafford Magazine’s annual Best of Stafford competition continues to grow. This year, we received a record 20,433 votes – nearly double last year’s number – from over 2,500 individual voters. The survey was conducted online this summer, and we’re pleased to announce the winners on the pages that follow in 116 different categories. They were chosen from over 1,000 businesses, organizations and individuals that received nominations this year. Over the next few months, you’ll see banners, plaques and window clings going up in many of these winning businesses. Congratulations to all of the winners – and thank you for everything you do to make the North Stafford community a special place!
THE TOP 10 All the businesses and organizations on the pages that follow are winners, but some are clearly your biggest favorites. Here are the 10 winning nominees who received the most votes in the Best of Stafford 2023 balloting and the categories in which they won:
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Courtney Sutphin, Anne E. Moncure Elementary School
Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Porter Branch 2001
....................................................................................
Ebenezer United Methodist Church PLACE TO WORK
Stafford County Public Schools
31 STAFFORD AVE., STAFFORD, 22554 STAFFORDSCHOOLS.NET (540) 658-6000
On behalf of the Stafford County School Board, thank you for voting Stafford County Public Schools as the Best Place to Work in Stafford. As a leader in education with a continuing commitment to excellence, we inspire and empower every student so that they are prepared to excel. Our commitment to prepare every student for life after high school is shared by excellent teachers, collaborative support staff and visionary leaders working to develop the next generation of Stafford citizens. Stafford is truly a great place to live, work and learn – thank you for your support.
TOURIST DESTINATION
Widewater State Park
DATE SPOT
Robiolina
Italian Cuisine
15 TECH PARKWAY, STAFFORD, 22556 BARLEYNAKED.COM
(540) 623-4475
Barley Naked Brewing is an awardwinning, veteran-owned brewery in Stafford. Since 2018, Barley Naked has been dedicated to making great beer and serving the community. We have received accolades at both the state and national level, including a bronze medal from the Great American Beer Festival and one bronze, two silvers and one gold medal at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup. Additionally, we have been named the Best Brewery in Virginia according to Yelp reviews in both 2022 and 2023. Over the past five years, Barley Naked has hosted numerous events for the Stafford community including festivals, fundraisers and celebrations – and we have loved every second of it. Barley Naked would like to give a huge thank you to the Stafford community and to everyone who has supported us over the past five years. We are extremely grateful. Cheers!
15 TECH PARKWAY, STAFFORD, 22556 BARLEYNAKED.COM (540) 623-4475
See write-up, Brewery category
LOCAL ATTRACTION
MOST COLORFUL CHARACTER
MOST COMMUNITY INVOLVED BUSINESS
15 TECH PARKWAY, STAFFORD, 22556 BARLEYNAKED.COM (540) 623-4475
See write-up, Brewery category
MOST COMMUNITY INVOLVED PERSON
15 TECH PARKWAY, STAFFORD, 22556 BARLEYNAKED.COM (540) 623-4475
See write-up, Brewery category
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
MUSIC INSTRUCTOR LJ Trotta
97 SAINT ROBERTS DRIVE, STAFFORD, 22556 FACEBOOK.COM/LJTROTTA2112 (540) 974 3626
I run a drum lesson and music production business that offers instruction to students local and abroad. operate during the week out of Bang! Music in Stafford. VIDEO PRODUCTION GoodLuckStef Productions
PERFORMING ARTS
55 DOC STONE ROAD, STAFFORD, 22556 WINNINGIMAGESALONANDDAYSPA.COM
(540) 659-0926
MASSAGE SERVICES
147 GARRISONVILLE ROAD, #3, STAFFORD, 22554 STRESSFREENVA.COM
(571) 316-7403
BARBER SHOP
EYELASH/ BROW EXTENSION SALON
385 GARRISONVILLE ROAD, UNIT 110A STAFFORD, 22554 VAGARO.COM/LASHESBYAIDALLC
(540) 318-8028
TANNING SALON
Palm Beach Tan
HAIRSTYLIST/BARBER
93 ONVILLE ROAD, STAFFORD, 22556 SEWARDBARBERACADEMY.COM
(540) 720-1052
Seward’s Barber Academy is a barbershop and barber school. We provide training to students in the art and science of barbering. Students are trained in the theory of barbering as well as the practical side of barbering by working on mannequins as well as live clients. Seward’s Barber Academy also provides professional services to clients at professional costs, and students’ services are at a reduced cost. We have a family-oriented environment where parents feel comfortable bringing their child to get a haircut. The clients are more than clients – they are family.
CHILDCARE/EDUCATION
CAMP/ SUMMER PROGRAM
CHILDCARE OR PRESCHOOL
3130 RICHMOND HIGHWAY, STAFFORD, 22554 STWILLSCHOOL.ORG
(540) 659-5207
COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
PRIVATE SCHOOL
3130 RICHMOND HIGHWAY STAFFORD, 22554 STWILLSCHOOL.ORG
(540) 659-5207
DAYCARE
1001 PARKWAY BLVD. STAFFORD, 22554
MERITSCHOOLS.COM/CHILDCARE/ LOCATION/MERIT-SCHOOL-OFSTAFFORD/
(540) 602-7296
TEACHER
Fabiola Castro, The Merit
1001 PARKWAY BLVD. STAFFORD, 22554 MERITSCHOOLS.COM/CHILDCARE/ LOCATION/MERIT-SCHOOL-OFSTAFFORD/
(540) 602-7296
DINING
AMERICAN CUISINE
FAMILY RESTAURANT El
Mexican Restaurant FRIENDLIEST RESTAURANT El Gran Charro
Mexican Restaurant
MEXICAN/SOUTHWESTERN El Gran Charro
Mexican Restaurant
ASIAN
20 DUNN DRIVE STAFFORD, 22556 UMISTAFFORD.COM
(540) 628-2086
Head to Umi Japanese Cuisine for a scrumptious sushi fare in Stafford. Found on Dunn Drive, it delights you with its extensive Japanese menu and a wonderful atmosphere. Menu highlights include miso soup, crab salad entree and wasabi prawn.
CHEF
Jasper Lin, Umi Japanese
Cuisine
20 DUNN DRIVE STAFFORD, 22556 UMISTAFFORD.COM
(540) 628-2086
See write-up, Asian Restaurant category
COFFEESHOP
1010 CORPORATE DRIVE SUITE 101 STAFFORD, 22554 TOASTTAB.COM/COFFEEBAR-1010/V3 (540) 300-6236
BBQ
ITALIAN
Robiolina
Italian Cuisine
OUTDOOR DINING
6 Bears and a Goat Brewing Company
PIZZA Manhattan Pizza WINGS Stafford Wings
FINE DINING Zibibbo73
Authentic Italian Trattoria
2757 RICHMOND HIGHWAY, STAFFORD, 22554 ZIBIBBO73.COM
(540) 288-3349
BAR Barley Naked Brewing Company
15 TECH PARKWAY STAFFORD, 22556
BARLEYNAKED.COM
(540) 623-4475
See write-up, Brewery category
DELIVERY Sam’s Pizza & Subs
ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT SHOP Abner Butterfield
Ice Cream Company
SANDWICH/SUBS
Sam’s Pizza & Subs
HEALTH/MEDICAL CHIROPRACTOR
EYE DOCTOR Access
REHABILITATION SERVICES
Rehabilitation Service of Stafford
125 HOSPITAL CENTER BLVD., SUITE 129, STAFFORD, 22554 MWHC.COM
(540) 741-9647
Rehabilitation Service of Stafford is your dedicated provider of advanced physical therapy services. With our rehabilitation team by your side, you’ll receive comprehensive support throughout your treatment and recovery journey. What's more, our conveniently located facilities bring quality care close to your doorstep.
1300 HOSPITAL DRIVE, SUITE 202
FREDERICKSBURG, 22401
WEIGHTLOSS.MWHC.COM
(540) 741-2955
The Mary Washington Weight Loss Center provides two types of weight loss programs: medical and surgical. Our medical weight loss team will teach you effective methods for losing weight and maintaining it. These methods encompass education, meal planning, exercise routines and behavior modification. Or surgical weight loss (bariatric surgery) can be a valuable tool for achieving a healthier life. In collaboration with your doctor, our doctor and the team at the Mary Washington Weight Loss Center, which includes counselors, nutritionists and exercise professionals, will assist and guide you through a transformative journey that has the potential to greatly enhance your quality of life.
OBSTETRICIAN/ GYNECOLOGIST/MIDWIFE95 DUNN DRIVE, SUITE 205 STAFFORD, 22556
ABOUTWOMENOBGYN.COM
(540) 657-1937
Thank you for voting us once again Best Ob/Gyn in Stafford. We strive every day to provide the best care for our patients, and being recognized in this way is such an honor for our practice, and a testament to the excellent service our team provides to our patients across Stafford County and beyond. Since the practice was founded more than 30 years ago, we have promised to serve our patients and our community while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compassionate care, and this recognition celebrates that longstanding commitment.
481 GARRISONVILLE ROAD, SUITE 105 STAFFORD, 22554
GARRISONVILLEDENTAL.COM
(540) 659-4900
Garrisonville Dental wants to help you and your family love and care for your smile. We have four caring and experienced dentists, a staff of highly educated and passionate hygienists and assistants and a front team all dedicated to helping serve you the best way possible. We offer preventative services, crowns and bridges, Invisalign, implants, fillings, partials and dentures. We accept most major insurance plans and work with Care Credit and coming soon Sunbit to ease any cost concerns.
ORTHODONTIST
PLASTIC SURGEON
PEDIATRICIAN
DRY CLEANERS
MOWING/LANDSCAPE SERVICE
Bliss Lawn and Landscape
141 CHESTERWOOD LANE, STAFFORD, 22556 BLISSLAWNANDLANDSCAPE.COM
(540) 369-5856
SERVING STAFFORD AND SURROUNDING AREAS
HELPINGHANDSPEST@ GMAIL.COM
(540) 907-5426
PLANT CENTER
MISCELLANEOUS
SERVING STAFFORD AND SURROUNDING AREAS
BUDGETBLINDS.COM/STAFFORD
(540) 372-3425
2300 FALL HILL AVENUE, SUITE 401 FREDERICKSBURG, 22401 HOSPICE.MWHC.COM
(540) 741-3580
At Mary Washington Hospice, we help people pass away with comfort and dignity. We support both patients and their families so they may have more meaningful time together. We offer music therapy, pet therapy and bereavement support for family members for up to 13 months after a patient’s death. Our compassionate and skilled team has been dedicated to making end of life a comfortable, peaceful transition for our valued patients and their loved ones for over 25 years.
DARKHORSETATTOOS.COM
(540) 288-8370
Dark Horse Tattoos in Stafford was founded in 2008. We offer custom tattooing in many styles, and each of our artists specializes in a variety of work. If you’re looking for a calm clientfocused studio, we provide private rooms and professional reception to help you enjoy your time with us.
OCCASIONS
LIMO/CAR SERVICE
FLORISTS
EVENT VENUE
15 TECH PARKWAY STAFFORD, 22556 BARLEYNAKED.COM (540) 623-4475
See write-up, Brewery category
PHOTOGRAPHER
STAFFORD, 22554
MARIUSCARTER
PHOTOGRAPHY.COM
(703) 445-2286
Marius Carter Photography is a fullservice photography team dedicated to providing our clients with superior customer service. We specialize in:
• Family, wedding, maternity, senior portrait photography
• Drone and videography coverage
• Onsite printing for any occasion
• Event coverage and photobooth services
• Commercial and real estate photography and more Call or email us today to schedule your free consultation.
ANIMAL RESCUE
VETERINARIAN
PET WALKER/SITTER
Critter Sitter of VA
SERVING STAFFORD AND SURROUNDING AREAS
(540) 407-2690
PET GROOMING
Dog Krazy Inc.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
901 GARRISONVILLE ROAD, STAFFORD, 22556 MONARCHPOOLCARE.COM | (540) 657-7946
Inspired by yoga, Pilates and ballet, our low-impact, high-intensity technique benefits clients at every fitness level and protects your joints from injury while you strengthen and tone your entire body.
BANKER
Bahvna, Suntrust, North Stafford
BANK
Navy Federal Credit Union
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Noah Lester, Edward Jones
INSURANCE AGENT/BROKER
Jarrett Bailey, State Farm
ATTORNEY
*
385 GARRISONVILLE ROAD, #202, STAFFORD, 22554 NAGEOTTELAWFIRM.COM
(540) 659-5050
Yvonne J. Nageotte has over 27 years of experience as a trial attorney in Virginia, concentrating in the area of domestic relations and litigating complex legal issues involving divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support and property division under the equitable distribution statute. The lawyers at the law firm of Nageotte, Nageotte & Nageotte P.C. also represent clients in the drafting and negotiation of premarital agreements and separation and property settlement agreements, adoption, guardianships, name changes, real estate, wills, living wills and powers of attorney.
REAL ESTATE / CONSTRUCTION / HOME IMPROVEMENT
MAID/CLEANING SERVICE
Simply Tidy Cleaning
Monarch Pool Care is a family-owned, full-service swimming pool and hot tub service company with retail stores serving the Northern Virginia area, including Stafford, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania. We provide professional, reliable swimming pool, hot tub and sauna sales, service and maintenance, as well as unbeatable customer service. We pride ourselves at offering the best for your pool, hot tub, sauna and all-around backyard needs.
POWER WASHING COMPANY
REMODELING COMPANY
MASON/DECKS
Greystone Masonry
PAINTING COMPANY
Coleman Painting
ROOFING COMPANY
Obsidian Roofing and Carpentry
COUNTERTOPS
United Granite
HANDYMAN
Silas Shim
HVAC COMPANY Yes Yes Air Conditioning and Heating
PLUMBING COMPANY
Dupee Plumbing
FLOORING/CARPET COMPANY
Pacheco’s Hardwood Floors
209 KINGSLAND DRIVE STAFFORD, 22556
PACHECOSHARDWOODFLOOR.COM
(571) 383-5946
Embroidery heat transfers stickers and vinyl decals
Enos and Amy Pacheco started a new business in 2019. Pacheco’s Hardwood Floors installs only hardwood floors. They specialize in one thing so they can be the best at what they do. Enos moved to the area after completing high school and has been in the hardwood floor industry since 1999. He oversees his crews and installs the most beautiful floors. Amy works in accounts management, providing estimates and handling all the business office duties. Pacheco’s Hardwood Floors meets the high standards of homeowners in the area. They are focused on good business practices – showing up when they say they will, working hard, doing the job right and not just fast, keeping the job site clean and communicating with their clients. They hold themselves to a higher standard to make sure clients are always satisfied. Along with three great crews, they produce superior hardwood floor installations, refinishing and repair projects at a competitive price and with personable service.
BUILDER/ CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
Dickinson Drywall & Construction
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT
Kris Dixon, Berkshire
Hathaway Home Services
PenFed Realty
ELECTRICIAN
Kelly Electric Services
LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT
DJ’s Lawn Sprinklers
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT
Yolanda Bundy-Bell, Samson Properties
GOLF COURSE
RECREATION FACILITY
1600 MINE ROAD, STAFFORD, 22554 ROUSECENTER.COM (540) 318-6332
The Rouse Center is a state-of-the-art 76,000-square-foot facility that houses a 50-meter competition pool with movable bulkhead and seating for over 800 spectators, a 25-yard recreation pool, a warm-water wellness pool, a group exercise studio, fitness floor, a full-size basketball court, and a full-service cafe to serve guests. The Rouse Center offers cycling, a variety of group exercise classes, swimming lessons and lifeguarding. The center also offers leagues for adults in volleyball and basketball, Lil’ Kickers soccer for children from 18 months to 9 years, summer camps, clinics, classes, a J-Club kids area for children ages 10 weeks to 12 years and much more.
FITNESS CENTER/GYM
1630 PUBLIX WAY, #120, STAFFORD, 22554 PUREBARRE.COM/LOCATION/STAFFORD-VA (540) 699-0793
At Pure Barre Stafford, our goal is to provide an exceptional full-body fitness program that will transform you physically and mentally. Inspired by yoga, Pilates and ballet, our low-impact, high-intensity technique targets strength, cardio and flexibility carefully crafted to benefit clients at every fitness level. Our musically driven, low-impact class formats protect your joints from injury while you strengthen and tone your entire body. We welcome you to join us in the studio and be inspired by our amazing community.
MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR
PERSONAL TRAINER
364 GARRISONVILLE ROAD, SUITE 111, STAFFORD, 22554 BRICKHOUSEFIT.COM | (540) 720-7254
See write-up, Yoga/Pilates Studio category
YOGA/PILATES STUDIO
364 GARRISONVILLE ROAD, SUITE 111, STAFFORD, 22554 BRICKHOUSEFIT.COM | (540) 720-7254
Brickhouse Fitness is a small boutique fitness studio that provides aerobic dance fitness, step aerobics, yoga, dumbbells and kettlebell toning classes. We provide all equipment, including barbells, dumbbells, treadmills and even towels; all you have to do is show up for a fun, energetic, calorie-burning workout. Whether a beginner or advanced athlete, our classes fit all fitness levels, any age, any shape and any size. We also offer one-on-one and small-group personal training, as well as boot camps. We offer a monthly membership rate, which includes all classes, or a flexible drop-in per class fee.
BY DAVID FAWCETT
First came the broken finger on his throwing hand during the second week of practice that kept him out of the 2022 season-opener.
Next came mononucleosis that required hospitalization and forced him to miss two games.
Finally, a torn anterior cruciate ligament during Colonial Forge’s final game of the season.
No matter how many times Eli Taylor tried to stay healthy and quarterback the Eagles as a sophomore last year, an injury or a sickness sidelined him. He’d recover from one thing and then have to deal with another. It was frustrating to say the least, especially because Taylor struggled to escape adversity. As Colonial Forge’s varsity backup quarterback his freshman year, he broke his collarbone in the third quarter of the Eagles’ season-opener against Unity Reed.
Taylor refused to believe he was injury-prone but questioned why it kept happening to him. The good thing is he didn’t stay there.
Instead, Taylor stayed resilient. He still had teammates who were counting on him. Taylor also has an inner strength that fueled him. It’s who he is.
“God gives us things to go through that gets us stronger,” Taylor said. “There was also a sense of not wanting to let my teammates down and always be there for them.”
Back at full strength, Taylor has played a key role in helping the Eagles (5-0 as of the time of publication) to their best start since 2018. Through the first five games, he was 27 of 55 passing for 401 yards with four touchdown passes and only one interception. His return has allowed Colonial Forge to open up its offense, averaging 38.6 points a game.
“He’s been through a lot,” said Colonial Forge head football coach John Brown. “It’s admirable how he’s handled it.”
Taylor doesn’t shy from hard work or contact. Off the field, he rides horses in competitions called Team Penning. The purpose is for teams of horse riders to separate cows into a penning area in a certain amount of time.
Taylor also loves working outside and doing things like fixing barbed-wire fencing. That speaks to his toughness.
“He enjoys that type of stuff,” Brown said.
“There’s this innate thing in him that says, ‘You are not going to get the best of me.’”
Brown believes Taylor can play quarterback in college. He has a big, strong arm that can fire a football at a high speed. Colleges also like his 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame.
“[Colleges] are interested,” Brown said. “They want to see how things go. Playing college quarterback is tricky. It’s not like other positions. They want to see you at camps and throw live. I think he will have a chance to play college football.”
Taylor says he entered the season taking extra steps to keep himself safe and not overdo it. And Brown does the same thing in looking out for Taylor. But both understand Taylor’s makeup as well. He’s a guy who doesn’t go down easily.
“You can’t give up,” Taylor said. “And it’s hard for me to give up football. I will know when it’s time to give up football.” And is that anytime soon?
“No, sir; not yet.”
David Fawcett is sports editor of InsideNoVa and lives in Stafford County. He can be reached at dfawcett@insidenova.com.
Discover the area’s only stand-alone, resortstyle independent living rental community for seniors at Acclaim at Belmont Bay. Residents love it here and often say it’s like living on a cruise ship … on land!
Rates start as low as $2,850 per month, and include:
• Monday – Saturday continental breakfast
• Complimentary scheduled shuttle service • 24/7 concierge service • Maintenance
Fall is officially here and so is the usual round of festivals, Halloween treats and other events across the region. Here are a handful - including a preview of some winter holiday events. For complete, updated events listings (and to submit your events), visit insidenova.com/calendar
DOG DAYS AT FERRY FARM
Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 268 Kings Highway, Stafford Adults, $5; children 17 & under, free kenmore.org
HALLOWEEN MOVIES IN THE PARK
Oct. 21, 5:30 p.m. Riverfront Park, Fredericksburg Free admission; snacks for purchase
RUNNING OF THE GOATS
Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. festival; goats at 1 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. 6 Bears and a Goat Brewery Co., Stafford 6bgbrewingco.com
WORKHOUSE HAUNT: GAME OVER
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 29, plus Oct. 31
Scan QR code for tickets at InsideNoVaTix www.insidenovatix.com
Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton The Workhouse Arts Center’s annual haunted trail immerses guests in a highly themed walk-through experience, as creepy characters deliver contactless
FOR VIRTUOUS DANCE CENTER
Oct. 14, 6 to 8 p.m. 31 Utah Place, #101, Fredericksburg Bake sale, costumes, food truck, prizes Register at eventbrite.com
LEESBURG CAR SHOW
Oct. 14, Noon to 4 p.m. Downtown Leesburg
HEALTH FAIR
Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rowser Building, Stafford Free staffordparks.com
HALLOWEEN 5K & MONSTER MILE
Oct. 28, 8 a.m.
Embrey Mill Park, 1600 Mine Road, Stafford runsignup.com
TREATS ON THE STREETS
Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to noon
Downtown Fredericksburg, Visitor Center lot & Farmers Market Free fxbg.com
HOLIDAY CRAFTS & DRAFTS
Nov. 19, 1 to 6 p.m. Adventure Brewing Co., Falmouth adventurebrewing.com
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
Nov. 22-Dec. 31, times vary Riverside Center for the Performing Arts riversidedt.com
FREDERICKSBURG PETPALOOZA
Oct. 21 & 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fredericksburg Convention Center, Fredericksburg Fredericksburgconventioncenter.com
HAYMARKET DAY 2023
Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Haymarket townofhaymarket.org
CREEPY CRAWLY CARNIVAL
Oct. 27, 5 to 10 p.m. Ron Rosner YMCA, Fredericksburg family-ymca.org
HARVEST FESTIVAL FLY-IN & TRICK-OR-TREAT
Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shannon Airport, Fredericksburg shannonezf.com
FAMILY COSTUME STROLL
Oct. 28, 9 a.m.
VRE Lot B, 405 Caroline St., Fredericksburg Free fxbgscarecrowfest.com
YMCA TURKEY TROT
Nov. 23, 7 a.m. start 2300 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg family-ymca.org and runsignup.com
HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW
Dec. 1-3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fredericksburg Convention Center, Fredericksburg fredericksburgconventioncenter.com
HOLIDAY SHOP & CRAFT MARKET
Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rockhill Elementary School, Stafford staffordschools.net
FROSTY 5K & REINDEER RUN
Dec. 9, 10 a.m. Embrey Mill Park 1600 Mine Road, Stafford
STAFFORD
CHRISTMAS PARADE
Dec. 16, 3 p.m.
Geico, 1 Geico Blvd., Fredericksburg staffordchristmasparade.com
Stafford High School seniors
Evan Hall and Mailynn Nguyen have been named as semifinalists in this year’s National Merit Scholarship Program, which recognizes the top 1% of high school students across the nation.
To be named one of the 16,000 semifinalists in the competition, Hall and Nguyen demonstrated academic excellence during all four years of their high school attendance as well as submitted superior PSAT scores in addition to academic transcripts, according to a news release.
“To be named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist is very impressive,” said Stafford Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor. “We are very proud of Evan and Mailynn, and to the teachers and family who helped them in their academic pursuits.”
This fall, Hall and Nguyen will apply for finalist status, competing against 16,000 other semifinalists to earn one of 2,500 National Merit $2500 Scholarships. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation will consider SAT scores, academic performance, and endorsement letters provided by principals when selecting finalists.
U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, whose 7th District includes Stafford County, led the introduction of bipartisan legislation to federally recognize the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia.
More than 2,600 members are enrolled in the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia – about 70% of these members live in Stafford County. In 2010, the Virginia granted state recognition to the tribe. However, the Patawomeck are not recognized by the federal government, meaning they are ineligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Spanberger’s legislation, introduced in September, would extend federal recognition to the tribe and its members, making them eligible for services and benefits provided to federally recognized tribes. Among other benefits, this recognition would create new opportunities for members to apply for grants for education programs, job creation and healthcare services.
“I represent nearly 2,000 members of the Patawomeck Tribe – and their long history, their rich traditions and their centuries of contributions to Virginia deserve respect and recognition,” Spanberger said.
Chief Charles “Bootsie” Bullock of the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia said the tribe worked tirelessly to secure official state recognition. “We are not only descendants of many centuries of our ancestors, but today we are neighbors, colleagues, friends and proud Americans – and our heritage deserves to be recognized by the federal government like other Indigenous communities.”
Kyle Allwine has been named economic development director for Stafford County, County Administrator Randal Vosburg announced in August.
Allwine comes to Stafford from the Northern Neck Electric Cooperative, where he was public relations manager and led economic development efforts for the entire service territory. Prior to that role, he was vice president of membership and government affairs for the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Allwine replaces John Holden, who served in the role from 2018 through April, when he resigned. Holden is now smart city manager for the city of Raleigh, N.C., according to his LinkedIn profile. Josh Summits has been serving as the interim director of the Stafford department.
Vosburg said Allwine was chosen for the role in part because of his ability to build connections and engage in cooperative efforts with stakeholders. “Kyle possesses an exceptional comprehension of the local business landscape and established connections, equipping him to initiate impactful actions swiftly.”
Allwine said he is looking forward to the role.
“Stafford County holds a favorable position in economic progress, boasting an appealing location and a skilled workforce that draws interest from various sectors.”
Before his positions at Northern Neck Electric Cooperative and the Fredericksburg chamber, Allwine held roles at the University of Mary Washington.
He serves on the Rappahannock United Way Board and the Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board. He has previously served on the Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity board.
Allwine has a bachelor of arts in history and historic preservation from Mary Washington and a master's of business administration. He is also a graduate of Leadership Fredericksburg. He lives in King George with his wife, Libby, an educator in Stafford, and his son, Kyle.
The Stafford County School Board has awarded a $139.3 million contract to Howard Shockey & Sons Inc. for the construction of High School 6.
A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 24. The school will be in the southwest quadrant of Stafford between U.S. 17 and Truslow Road.
“The construction of High School 6 is a significant step in addressing the growth crisis in Stafford County,” said Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, superintendent. “This project is long overdue, and we are excited to finally put shovels in the ground.”
Drs. Steven Mussey, Lisa Sarber and their staff of Mussey, Sarber & Associates PC have joined Mary Washington Primary Care, part of Mary Washington Medical Group. The doctors and staff will join Amy Jones, DO, and Ellen Scarlett, NP at their office, 4535 Spotsylvania Parkway in Fredericksburg.
Both Mussey and Sarber are board-certified internal medicine physicians, and each has nearly 30 years’ experience practicing internal medicine in the Fredericksburg region.
Widewater State Park in Stafford has a new motorboat ramp with direct access to the Potomac River. The boat ramp provides an excellent view of and direct access to the Potomac RiverMallows Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The new launch area opened in July and boasts 50 boat trailer parking spots, 14 single vehicle parking spaces and restrooms. A well, fully automated gate and contact station were also included in the construction.
Overnight and late return boating is permitted, but daily parking fees apply. The ramp opens at 5 a.m. every day and the gate will allow vehicles to leave anytime, but you must enter to launch before the automatic gate closes at dusk each day. Closing times change with dusk hours throughout the year, so contact the park office for updated closing times.
Election Day. For some it’s exciting – candidates, fliers and last-minute chats with voters. For others, hoping to see an end to negative ads and snarky mailers, it’s a relief. But let’s have a little fun and go back in time a bit, to the mid 1700s, and see how different things were and how far we’ve come.
First, when it came to elections, when the British were in charge there wasn’t that much to vote for. Local officers of the Colonial government, sheriffs and the Stafford Board of Supervisors (then called “the Quorum”) were all appointed by the Royal Governor.
However, there was one critical choice the colonists were allowed to make –their members of the House of Burgesses. This is the forerunner of our General Assembly. It was also this body, that as relations with the Royal Governor deteriorated, helped foment revolution in the Virginia Colony.
As the counties of Virginia were formed, each was allocated two members in the House. In those days, as would be the case for years to come, the heavier populated counties received as
much representation as those that had fewer people. The notion of “one man one vote” and proportional representation was still a long way off.
Elections in this era were open affairs – though not in a way that contributed to democratic behavior. Today, we have secret voting. In the late 18th century, everyone voted at the county courthouse, and each voter would tell the clerk, out loud, so everyone could hear which candidate he was voting for.
The clerk then kept a running tally, in plain sight, of how the votes stood. This allowed plenty of time for candidates and their friends to round up additional support.
Often, to win support, candidates provided their voters with food and liquor (lots of liquor), so – not surprisingly – drunkenness was a problem on polling day. Records show that the sheriff was often busy breaking up fights and trying to keep the flow of alcohol to a minimum.
There were some other quirks in the electoral process. For one thing, a candidate didn’t have to live in the county he represented. George Washington was one example. He represented Frederick County but didn’t live there. Another rarely mentioned fact about George Washington is that he lost his first race for the House of Burgesses. Imagine the father of our country losing an election. However, he wasn’t deterred and won the second time he ran.
It was also possible to vote in more than one county.
There is a story about a man who – thanks to some dogged horseback riding and county voting held on different days of the week – managed to vote in three separate county elections.
There is an important difference between voting in the Colonial era and today –who was qualified to vote. Only white males could vote, and only if they owned at least 50 acres of unimproved land, or 25 acres of improved land, and
belonged to the established church (though this was sometimes loosely enforced). That was it. It wouldn’t be until 1851 that all white men, regardless of property ownership, were allowed to vote in Virginia.
Women wouldn’t be allowed to vote until 1920, and African American men and women, save for a short period during reconstruction, would not be able to vote in significant numbers until after the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1965. That was a grave injustice and a long time to wait.
Fortunately, the world has changed since the Colonial era.
In 2023 every adult is allowed to participate, our votes are secret and the number of drunken brawls at the polls is virtually nil. But as restricted as the process was in that era, America was ahead of just about every other nation, including its mother country, Great Britain, in terms of citizens actively participating in their government.
Also, in many ways, it was the expectations from this early form of popular government, then so nascent, that led to the reforms, often achieved at great cost, that helped shape the modern participatory republic we know today.
David Kerr is a Stafford resident and an adjunct professor of political science at VCU. He worked on Capitol Hill and for various federal agencies for many years.
