Ashley Claire Simpson

The Connection Newspapers • 3rd June 2026

Alexa Paino Twirls Toward the World Stage in Paris

Before 12-year-old Alexa Paino took the floor for her routine at the Junior Women’s Rhythmic Twirl U.S. Trials — the highest competition for a junior American twirler — she grounded herself with a powerful reminder. “I wasn’t comparing myself to the other competitors; I kept telling myself to stay focused on myself and enjoying the experience,” Alexa, a rising eighth grader at St. Mark’s Catholic School in Vienna, said.

The Arlington Connection • 16th April 2026

Making a Difference During Kitten Season

It was a warm March afternoon when Amy Schindler, COO of the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, received an all-too-familiar call from an Animal Control Officer: what to do with a days-old kitten found in a car engine?

The Arlington Connection • 18th February 2026

Meet Dottie the Black Lab

In early 2025, Arlington County Public Safety Wellness Coordinators Leslie Geer and Donna Young faced the heavy responsibility of helping first responders process the trauma of an unprecedented event: the devastating mid-air collision at Washington National Airport. Amidst the crisis, they had an unexpected ally by their side to help them support Arlington’s hard-working first responders, a wellness dog named Bill who had been visiting from DC Fire.

The Arlington Connection • 19th November 2025

Not Ordinary Times

There is a widespread belief that pet owners who surrender their animals to shelters are selfish, even callous. This harmful narrative does not hold water, though, especially as unprecedented crises continue to drown Americans.

Fauquier Times • 26th March 2025

At Veronicraft, you can make just about anything

Elsie Verónica Morales Irizarry is a physicist and electrical engineer who has always made art on the side, treating it as a form of stress-relieving self-care. Last year, selling her art locally became a business for the Bealeton resident, who launched Veronicraft in Old Town Warrenton in December.

Fauquier Times • 17th October 2024

Inn at Little Washington chef honored in France

When award-winning Virginia chef Patrick O’Connell was in his early 20s — before he established the world famous restaurant, the Inn at Little Washington — he spent a year traveling across Europe by train, soaking in the sights and tastes of foreign places.

Prince William Times • 9th May 2024

Moms' pickup soccer club catches fire in Manassas

Less than two years ago, Tara Gollem organized the first-ever gathering of a Warrenton women’s pickup soccer group. It was a sunny afternoon in September 2022, and Gollem had her 8-month-old son on her hip as she kicked a soccer ball around Rady Park with three other moms, each also with a baby or toddler in tow.

Fauquier Times, PrinceWilliamTimes.com • 1st January 2024

With hunger on the rise, Feed Fauquier steps up

With the end of COVID-19 food assistance programs and the increases in food prices in recent years, hunger is a growing problem across the country – including in Fauquier County. Today’s heightened level of food insecurity is why meal programs like the annual Feed Fauquier effort of Warrenton’s Cornerstone Baptist Church have become vital supports for those in need.

The Arlington Connection • 11th October 2023

Debunking Common Myths about Pet Dental Care

In recent years, members of the Northern Virginia veterinary community have observed a positive toothy trend. Pet owners seem to be focusing more today on the oral health of their animals.

The Arlington Connection • 27th September 2023

Meet Wilbur, AWLA’s Deaf and Definitely Adored Canine Resident

One of the AWLA’s longest-standing residents, Wilbur – a roughly five-year-old neutered male dog – is craving a forever home. Wilbur – a 60-pound “goofy, cuddly” Pitbull mix – came into the AWLA’s care on June 12 and has since been in and out of short-term foster care with AWLA volunteers. According to AWLA Senior Communication Specialist Chelsea Jones, each of his foster families has noted all the qualities that would make him a great forever companion.

Fauquier Times • 11th August 2023

Couple’s love story begins a new chapter at the Open Book

The Open Book is filled with all kinds of reading material: classics, historical fiction, biographies and plenty of love stories. In fact, owner Cammie Fuller says romance is one of the shop’s most popular genres.

Fauquier Times • 26th July 2023

Building a sense of community one book at a time

Every year, the Fauquier Times’ Readers’ Choice Awards set out to recognize some of Fauquier’s best shops, best restaurants, best service providers and more, resulting in a list of must-visits, must-hires, must-eats and must-meets. For one special award, readers elect a person who best represents the “Spirit of Fauquier.”

Fauquier Times • 16th June 2023

From firefly to downward dog: Local author publishes 'nature memoir' on yoga

Even before Alison Zak pitched the idea for her book, “Wild Asana,” to her Warrenton-based writing group, she had an inkling that she had a gem on her hands: a “nature memoir” based on some of the animals that inspire yoga poses.

Alexandria Gazette • 31st May 2023

AWLA: First Animal Welfare Organization Certified Autism Center

Throughout its history and evolution, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) seeks to provide an easy-to-cross bridge between animals and Alexandrians. Especially in recent years – since a global pandemic illuminated the importance of community – the AWLA has been hyper focused on eliminating any barrier that would prevent anyone from walking through its doors.

The Arlington Connection • 17th May 2023

Everything You Need to Know about Heartworm

Coco was an upbeat, loving ten-year-old beagle when Homeward Trails Animal Rescue – a Northern Virginia-based rescue organization – took her under their wings.

The Arlington Connection • 5th April 2023

'Not Your Cat': The Cat Who Almost Got Away

Shiloh Hogan has always been a gregarious cat – so gregarious in fact that he seems to feel at home just about anywhere. And last year, it was his sociable nature that almost cost him his adoring family and loving home.

Fauquier Times • 23rd March 2023

Baking up a dream: Kettle Run H.S. grad appears on national baking show

As professional chef April Franqueza approached her Kettle Run High School graduation in 2010, she wasn’t like her classmates who were preparing for their next four years at a college or university. She didn’t know what she wanted to do – or what colleges she was be interested in – so she took a year-long break to plot her next move.

Prince William Times • 17th March 2023

Canine connections: Warrenton dog behaviorist helps clients pick the right dogs for their lifestyles

Animal shelters and rescue groups face major overcrowding across the country, and Fauquier County organizations are no exception.

Prince William Times • 23rd February 2023

Perfect for senior players: Pickleball offers less stress on joints and more focus on strategy

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Prince William Times • 23rd February 2023

Seniors strike their fancy with out-of-this-world bowling in Warrenton

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