6 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • April 2024
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PUBLISHER Leigh Anne Van Doren
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Megan Walsh:
Mia, Noelle & Adelaide's mom
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Cheryl Carter: Alex, Kate & Jackie's mom
WEBMASTER, CALENDAR &
COOL THINGS TO DO ELETTER
caroline@fredericksburgparent.net
Caroline Murray:
Nate & Brendan's mom
EDUCATION & INFANT ELETTERS
Debra Caffrey:
Aidan's mom
SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR
jessica@fredericksburgparent.net
Jessica Trask:
Cye, Asher & Ragan's mom
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
Mira Dover
MARKETING & EVENT INTERN
Ragan Trask
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WRITTEN BY BRANDY CENTOLANZA
letter to reader letter to reader
Springing Into
Something New
Springtime, as we all know, is a time when everything is fresh and new. The flow-
ers and trees bloom, the temperatures rise, and the sun sticks around for awhile
longer during the day. You can feel the energy in the air as everyone and every-
thing emerges from hibernation, so to speak. This year, I am especially energized
as I start something new as your guest editor of Fredericksburg Parent & Family.
You may recognize my name, as I've penned many articles that have graced these
pages through the years. Now I get to try my hand with the editing process, and I
am pleased to be a part of the Fredericksburg Parent & Family fold once again.
Now that you have more daylight hours, I hope you consider stepping out of
your comfort zone and try something new as well. As you do so, be sure to also
take time to relax in the sun and read up on the latest issue of the magazine.
This month, you'll read about Sara Matczak, one of Fredericksburg's Difference
Makers, who's improving the lives of the dogs at Old Dominion Heritage Humane
Society through their Sunday hikes initiative. In honor of Autism Acceptance
Month, local mom and author Nancy Masannat shares her experience with
autism. Be sure to also check out our Family Money column with advice on
teaching your children how to think before they buy. Our Practical Pantry col-
umn offers tips on how to make your grocery store shopping experience a more
positive one so that you can get back outside as quickly as possible to enjoy the
spring weather.
I hope you all have a great spring awakening. See you next month.
Fredericksburg Parent's Family Favorites contest is
back. In this 10th edition of the contest, you, the read-
ers, have the chance to tell us what you love about life
in Fredericksburg. Vote for your favorite things to see
and do, places to shop and eat, and more this spring.
Which businesses do you most frequent? What do you
like to do for fun? Where is your favorite place to grab a
bite with the kids? Who is your top choice when it comes to
the health of your child?
Let us know your top picks in more than 50 categories. From indoor and
outdoor activities to the best places to send your children for arts and
sports lessons to your favorite dentist or pediatrician, we want to know.
Voting begins in early April and will end at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April
30. Winners will be announced in the July issue of the magazine. For more
details, visit fredericksburgparent.net and select Family Favorites from our
drop-down menu.
