With so many fruits in peak season by July Fourth, summery desserts almost make themselves. Fruits are always a treat when eaten unadorned and out of hand, but they’re also the perfect starting place for an impressive variety of pies, cakes, bars, tarts and crumbles.

Ruth Ann Balderson, 75, of Fredericksburg, died Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at her home.

Hello! We are two jack russell mixes that would love to find a forever home together.

I am a one-year-old Blue Tick/Lab mix. I just came to the shelter, and I’‘m very much a mellow fellow.

We are two young adult female basset mixes, found as strays. We are very sweet girls, and it would be nice if we could be adopted together, if possible.

When strawberry season hits, it’s time to shelve those syrupy daiquiri mixes.

Hello all! My name’s Hudson and I am a 2-year-old lab mix. Aren’t I handsome?

Hello! I’m Moo and have a unique name since I am a very unique cat. I get along great with other cats and enjoy being groomed.

Greetings, I’m Hunter, a housebroken beagle. I’m 1-and-a-half years old and neutered. They say I’m good with children, and I’m ready for a family of my own. Come on down and see me.

Hi, I’m Buddy, a 5-year-old blue male weimaraner. I am housebroken and ready for a loving new family to call my own.

William Joseph Curtis II, 18, of Stafford, died Saturday, June 13, 2009 at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

James Loman Mooney, 87, of Fredericksburg, died Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at his home.

FREDERICKSBURG — Heather Burgess took the lead in the first heat in the Masters Division. And she never lost her edge as she rolled to victory in the 2009 Soapbox Derby last weekend.

I am a fun and playful 1-year-old hound mix who gets along great with other dogs.

Hello! I am an adorable 8 week old kitty who promises to keep you entertained.

STAFFORD — Last Saturday and Sunday a group of rather petit pups overran Pup’N Iron Canine Fitness and Learning Center in Stafford for an inaugural event.

Rachel Jordan Bradshaw, 71, of the White Oak area of Stafford County, died Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

Hello! I’m Wendell, a Jack Russell Mix that would love to find a forever home with Mattie.

Hello! I’m Mattie, a Jack Russell Mix that would love to find a forever home with Wendell.

Myra Lena Dent

Myra Lena Dent, 85, of Stafford County, died Friday, May 29, 2009 at Stafford Hospital Center.

Josephine Amidon Dillon, 84, of Stafford, died Friday, May 22, 2009 at her home while in Mary Washington Hospital Hospice Care.

Hello, my name’s Mookey and I am a 1-year-old beagle that gets along with kids and other dogs.

Hello, my name’s Merriwether! Do you need a walking partner? I am a 1-year-old beagle looking for a great home.

MySpace informational session to be held

STAFFORD — The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office will be offering an informational session regarding MySpace Internet network.

Despite my name, I am a sweet and loving dog. I am an adult brown/tan Lab mix, found as a stray and then abandoned by my owner.

I am Sam, a young adult, tri-color hound mix. I am housebroken, good with children and current on some vaccinations. I am looking for my forever home.

Greetings! My name is Madam. I’m looking for a quiet home with a nice, sunny spot where I can supervise the household’s comings and goings.

Hello! I am a sweet little 4 year old pomeranian who just wants a lap to sit on.

WOODBRIDGE — Every one of the athletes got a ribbon and all left with bigger smiles on their faces — an indication that they had a great time.

John H. Fields Jr., 50, of Stafford, died Saturday, May 16, 2009, at Stafford Hospital Center.