Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/534168
8 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • July 2015 letter to the readers PRODUCTION PUBLISHER Leigh Anne Van Doren Tabitha & Jamie Nelle's mom EDITOR-AT-LARGE Chris Jones Jordan, Quincy & Hayden's dad OPERATIONS & MARKETING Heidi DiEugenio, President, HD Solutions Duke & Dane's mom OFFICE MANAGER & EVENT PLANNING Stephanie Maldonado; Julia, Tyler & Aiden's mom ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Sheila Giscard; Jack's mom Jodi Urquhart; Noah & Carly's mom Liz Colon; Olivia Grace's mom Emma Stevens DESIGN & PRODUCTION Cheryl Carter, President, Carter Creations Alex, Kate & Jackie's mom WEBMASTER Karen Charney Joshua & Spencer's mom CALENDAR EDITOR Leigha Pecher Jake & Luke's mom CIRCULATION Krista Starosta Nick, Andrew, Kaylin & Kensington's mom COMMUNITY BLOGS Mary Becelia Katherine Laura & Robert Joseph's mom FACEBOOK COMMUNITY Pamela Quinones: Corinn, Michael, Isabella & Dalton TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & PINTEREST COMMUNITY MANAGER Brenda Sapanghila: Archer & Maddox's mom parent fredericksburg & family Entrepreneur of the Year PROUD FOUNDING MEMBER ADVERTISING PHONE 540/374-1495 E-MAIL adsales@fredericksburgparent.net CALENDAR & RESOURCE REQUESTS E-MAIL calendar@fredericksburgparent.net E-MAIL resources@fredericksburgparent.net EDITORIAL PHONE 540/374-1495 E-MAIL editor@fredericksburgparent.net SNAIL MAIL P.O. Box 7884, Fred'bg, VA 22404 www.fredericksburgparent.net The publishers reserve the right to reject any advertisement, editorial or listing that does not meet the publication's stan- dards. No part of this magazine may be reproduced with out permission. Listing and advertising rates are available upon request. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained herein, however, the publisher cannot guarantee such accuracy. Listings and advertisements are subject to typographical errors, ommissions and/or change without notice. For terms and condi- tions please visit our website at www.fredericksburgparent.net © Copyright 2015 Nurture, Inc. All rights reserved. T his issue is one of the most exciting that we've put together in a long time. It's not that issues past aren't chock full of great content, but this month the content centers on you, our readers, and your relationship with the businesses within our community. The concept of family favorites has been in the minds our staff for years, but it takes a lot of work to execute. We're grateful for the outpouring of support from the greater Fredericksburg community in highlighting the busi- nesses and services that you love, value and recommend. Every year, our area contracts and expands with influxes of new people coming and those going in transit. This issue will serve as a prime guide and starting point for those new to the community and expose those who have been here to providers that you may not have considered. It's a true win-win. While you're thumbing through the Family Favorites, don't for- get to read the departments this month. I think you'll find them humorous, timely and helpful. In her Family Chatter column, Mary Becelia shares a story of what happened when she tries to explain how teens use Instagram to a friend. The dialogue is comical, yet very relatable if you're a parent of a teen. Our Family Money column explores when and how to use wholesalers — like Costco and BJs — to get the most for your money, and when you should just stack a few coupons at the grocery store instead. Elaine Stone makes a case for getting away and going off the grid in her Family Values column. In our age of easy access — cell phone, Facebook, Instagram and others — it's important to take time to be alone with family. I'm a connected guy, and when I hear someone mention not tweeting, posting or answering a call or text for a weekend or more, I think of Ron Swanson in Season 6 of Parks & Rec when he went off the grid. Makes me chuckle a bit, but I see the importance, and I hope you will, too. I hope you have an amazing and memorable summer. Thank you for your continued support of our magazine and the businesses and services that shape and influence our community. Chris Jones is the editor-at-large of Fredericksburg Parent and Family Magazine. BY CHRIS JONES letter to the readers BY CHRIS JONES Bridging Community and Family