Leashes of Valor: How Shelter Dogs Heal Veterans in Fredericksburg

Hi there,

I need to start with Leashes of Valor because this story gets me every time. A local veteran had an idea in 2017: what if the dogs nobody wanted could help the veterans who felt the same way? That's the kind of beautiful, broken-things-healing-each-other story that reminds me why I love this community so much.

Also, there's puppy yoga happening on February 6th, Bubblebee reopened with those famous golden honey bubbles everyone keeps talking about, and Harry's Downtown has an owner story that will make you want to support them immediately.

Oh, and voting for the FXBG Neighbors' Choice Awards closes February 11th, so if you haven't voted yet, now's the time.

Let's get into it.

Dori

Local Pulse: FXBG Edition

How Leashes of Valor Turns Shelter Dogs Nobody Wants Into Heroes for Veterans Who Need Them

In 2017, a combat-wounded veteran in the FXBG area had an idea that would change hundreds of lives: what if the dogs nobody wanted could help the veterans who felt the same way? Leashes of Valor was born from that thought. They rescue dogs from shelters, the ones with time running out, and train them to become service animals for post-9/11 veterans battling PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and mobility challenges. The veteran gets a fully trained service dog at no cost. The dog gets a purpose and a person to love. One leash really does save two lives. I love this organization because it's proof that sometimes the most broken things can heal each other. Our community can help by fostering dogs during their training, volunteering at their local facility, or donating to keep this work going. Learn more at leashesofvalor.org.

Canstruction Turns Canned Goods Into Art and Feeds 24,300+ Neighbors

If you've never experienced Canstruction, you're missing one of the most unique events in the FXBG area. Teams compete to build giant structures using nothing but cans of food. Seriously. The 14th Annual Canstruction happens March 1st through 10th at Spotsylvania Towne Centre. After the competition ends, every single can gets donated to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. Last year's event provided 24,300 meals for neighbors facing hunger. It's the kind of event where creativity meets compassion, and you get to watch it all unfold. Want to build? Register a team. Want to support? Become a sponsor. Or just show up and vote for your favorite. Find all the details at fredfood.org/canstruction.

We're the 13th Fastest-Growing City in America (And I'm Not Surprised)

When I saw Fredericksburg ranked #13 on the national growth cities list, my first thought was "only 13th?" Based on where over 2.5 million moving trucks ended up in 2025, FXBG is one of only 25 cities in America where significantly more people moved in than moved out. Yes, we dropped from #2 in 2024, but Florida basically owns the top 10 with eight cities on that list. When I see those moving trucks rolling down Route 1, I get it. People are choosing Fredericksburg because we've built something special here. The historic downtown. The restaurants, the wineries, the fact that you can't go to the grocery store without running into someone you know. Two years in a row on this list isn't a fluke. People want to be here, and frankly, I don't blame them.

Let's Celebrate the Women Building Businesses Right Here in FXBG

Every woman-owned business in the FXBG area deserves to be recognized. FXBG Neighbors is creating an online directory and a magazine called "Power Players: Women Entrepreneurs Fueling FXBG's Growth" that celebrates YOU and connects you with 50,000+ potential customers who want to support women-owned businesses. Get listed for FREE, with options for even more visibility. We're also hosting a celebration event at Eden Try Winery! This is your moment to be seen, celebrated, and connected.

Click here. I’ll send you the details.

Featured Event

I Saved You a Seat at Live2Lead

I'm speaking at Live2Lead on February 10th at the Fredericksburg Expo and Convention Center, and I want you there.

John Maxwell. Jesse Cole. Craig Groeschel. Plus local leaders Vernon Green Jr., James Kingman, and Kirstin Purcell. One day to get unstuck, gain real momentum, and connect with people who get it. My readers get $20 off. That's $79 instead of $99. Use code DStew at checkout.

Business Briefs

They're Building a Billion-Dollar Vegas Sphere at National Harbor

National Harbor wants to build a smaller version of that massive LED sphere from Las Vegas. The 6,000-seat venue would bring Vegas-style concerts and immersive experiences to Prince George's County. Officials are backing it, projecting 7,000 jobs and a billion dollars in economic impact. Imagine U2 concerts, 4D movie experiences, and all that Vegas spectacle without the flight. The project is still in early stages and needs approvals, but if it happens? This could be one of the coolest entertainment venues to hit the DMV in years.

Puppy Yoga is Back at Old Dominion Humane Society (Bring Your Mat and Your Love of Chaos)

Listen, I know what you're thinking. "Puppy Yoga? Isn't that just an excuse to play with puppies instead of actually doing yoga?" And you would be 100% correct. Old Dominion Humane Society is hosting Puppy Yoga on Friday, February 6th, and here's what happens: 30 minutes of straight puppy cuddles, then 45 minutes of attempting yoga while rescue puppies use you as a jungle gym. Will I hold a single pose successfully? Probably not. Will I leave with puppy breath on my face and joy in my heart? Absolutely. It's $20, all the puppies are adoptable, and ODHS was voted Best Pet Rescue in the 'Burg two years running. If you've had a rough week and need tiny paws and wagging tails to fix it, this is your answer.

Potomac Point is Having the Perfect Saturday, and You're Invited

February 15th at Potomac Point Winery is basically a day I want to live on repeat. Start with Galentine's Brunch in the Bistro where they're serving cheesecake-stuffed French toast with champagne strawberries, crab benedict, and "Mi Amor" mimosas. Then at 2pm, join their Cellar Tour & Tasting for a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking, plus you'll taste four wines including one straight from the barrel before it's even bottled. Limited to 20 people, so it feels exclusive. Honestly, I can't decide if I'm more excited about the champagne strawberries or tasting unfinished wine like some kind of sommelier. Visit potomacpointwinery.com to book.

Bubblebee is Back, and I Need to Know What These Golden Honey Bubbles Are

Bubblebee is reopening in Central Park! They used to be downtown, and when they closed, people genuinely mourned. Everyone keeps talking about their golden honey bubbles, which are these perfectly chewy bubbles with natural sweetness that make every drink better. It's their signature thing, and I need to try it immediately. They specialize in hand-crafted bubble tea, specialty drinks, and creative desserts made with quality ingredients. They had their soft opening on January 19th at 1865 Carl D Parkway, Suite 108, and I'm adding it to my list of places to visit this week. If you've been, tell me what to order. If you haven't, let's go together and figure out what all the hype is about.

Your Vote Counts: FXBG Neighbors' Choice Awards Are Open Now

It's time to celebrate the businesses, people, and places that make Fredericksburg special. The inaugural FXBG Neighbors' Choice Awards voting is open now through February 11th. This is your chance to shout out your favorite local restaurant, coffee shop, trainer, realtor, contractor, or any business that's made your life better this year. No corporate picks, no paid placements. Just neighbors voting for neighbors. Head to vote.fxbgneighborsconnect.com and make your voice heard.

Local Flavor

Harry's Downtown: The Bartender Who Bought the Bar (and I'm Here for This Story)

I love a good "worked your way up" story, and Harry's Downtown has one. Trevor Sherwin started as a bartender at Harry's Alehouse in 2016, fell in love with the brand, worked his way up to General Manager, then Managing Partner, and in 2025, he and his wife Lacy bought full ownership of Harry's Downtown. That's the kind of commitment to a place that makes you want to support it. It's all about scratch-made food, warm hospitality, and being genuinely family-friendly. Trevor is passionate about great food, beer, whiskey, and creating memorable experiences, and you can tell when you eat there. People rave about the crab dip and those onion rings. They also opened Harry's Sidecar right next door as a cocktail bar with small plates. Trevor and Lacy have kids, they're invested in this community, and they're building something worth paying attention to. Find them at 601 William Street in downtown Fredericksburg. harrysdowntownfxbg.com

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

Suite Tooth Pediatrics: Transforming Kids' Dental Care in Stafford

Dr. Ashlee Kato opened Suite Tooth Pediatrics in 2024 at 1229 Garrisonville Road in Stafford with a different approach to pediatric dentistry. Instead of the typical, busy, open-layout practice that can feel overstimulating, she designed her office like a suite, offering one-on-one attention in a calm environment.

Dr. Kato focuses on building confidence and making kids actually comfortable at the dentist. Suite Tooth regularly visits local schools to teach proper brushing techniques and partners with organizations to provide free oral screenings to children who need care. The goal is simple: create a dental experience where kids smile on the way in and smile even bigger on the way out.

What’s Happening In & Around the ‘Burg

This section includes only the major events happening soon. Check event websites for the most current information.

Due to the weather, check with venues before heading out to make sure these events are still happening. Stay safe out there!

Friday, January 30

Hip Hop Through the Decades Music Bingo | 6:30PM
- Location: Laudenbach Brewing, 45 Centreport Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA,
- Description: This playlist will be filled with Hip Hop in it's many forms - from the foundational hits to the current bangers!
Trivia with Trapper Benefit | 6:30PM
- Location: Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA
- Description: Grab your friends, test your trivia skills, and compete for gift cards for the top three teams, all while supporting Special Olympics.

Saturday, January 31

Don't Tell Comedy Show | 8:00PM
- Location: Fredericksburg Nationals, 42, Fredericksburg, VA
- Description: There will be a carefully curated lineup of 4 to 7 different comics to create a hilarious and diverse show.
Families Make a Winter Penguin Workshop | 1:00PM
- Location: Corgi Clay Art Center, 25 Tech Pkwy, Stafford, VA
- Description: Friendly workshop participants will learn how to create a penguin using a pinch pot method and can accessorize any way they want will wear a winter hat a scarf earmuffs.

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Shelter dogs saving veterans, puppy yoga chaos, and the bartender who bought the bar