WRITTEN BY ABIGAIL NYINAKU

When Colonial Forge sophomore and violist Aaron Nyinaku first chose his instrument, he didn’t expect it to become such an important part of his life. “I was initially stuck,” he recalled. “I didn’t really have any idea which instrument I wanted to pursue.” The violin’s high notes felt “almost obnoxious,” and the bass and cello looked “too difficult.” But when Aaron discovered the viola, it “resonated as the perfect middle-ground”— a sound he enjoyed with just the right amount of personal challenge.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

On a peaceful farm in Hartwood, Courtland Divine—Eric to most who know him—tends to his Shetland sheep, Nigerian dwarf goats, and chickens while his Great Pyrenees, Beau, patrols the property. It's the kind of life he and his late wife Julie Ann dreamed of when they fell in love with this place in 2018, and it's where he continues her remarkable legacy of service to others.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

For nearly two decades, Rejuvalase Medspa has been a cornerstone of the Stafford aesthetic community, and owner Maggie McIntyre shows no signs of slowing down. What started as one woman's leap from teaching to medical aesthetics has blossomed into three thriving businesses: Rejuvalase Medspa, Nova Laser and Esthetics Training, and The Tox Drop podcast.

WRITTEN BY KIRA POHWALA

Mountain View High School’s DECA chapter is heading into the state competition season with major momentum and some impressive recognition to match. Students will travel to Virginia Beach not only to compete, but also to be celebrated as a Diamond Chapter, the highest distinction a DECA chapter can earn at the state level.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

For nearly six years, Tina Pressley has been on a mission to transform how families in Northern Virginia approach wellness through her business, Luminous Body Essentials. What began as a personal journey through grief has blossomed into a thriving community centered around natural, handmade self-care products.

WRITTEN BY DAN BOMAR

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that home performance issues and needs aren’t constant—they can change drastically from one season to the next. During certain times of the year, drafts, temperature swings, rising energy bills, and even moisture or air quality concerns often appear or worsen. At Comfenergy, we understand that a home must adapt to these changes, which is why our approach centers on improving home performance in a way that supports comfort in every season.

WRITTEN BY MORA SOAN

This activity is brought to you by the author of the children's book, Jacob in Japan! Jacob is a gnome who lives in New York. He owns a beautiful garden on the rooftop of a skyscraper. He is a picky eater and he only eats ordinary bland food. One windy night, Jacob falls into a magic flower pot. He wakes up in Japan. What will he do next? Will Jacob starve himself or will he find a way to enjoy and experience Japan? With an open mind, he may discover new and delicious foods that he never knew existed.

WRITTEN BY DIANA H. D’ALESSANDRO, Attorney-at-Law

For many families, the home is more than just real estate. It is where children were raised, holidays were celebrated, and memories were made over decades. So when parents leave the family home “to the children equally,” the decision feels simple, fair, and loving.

WRITTEN BY ADIA SHANEE

Last month, we explored why dog education requires unlearning the idea that obedience equals confidence and that control equals safety. Now we’re seeing why that matters. As the weather shifts, I hear the same concern: “My dog was doing fine… and now they’re reacting to everything.” Pulling increases. Barking escalates. Walks feel tense instead of peaceful.

WRITTEN BY LIYA ZEWDU

Black History Month is more than decorations in the hallway or themed spirit days. It’s about recognizing, learning, and celebrating the history of those who fought for our rights and made a huge impact on our lives today. Here at Riverbend, the Black Student Union plays a major role in making sure that impact is remembered, honored, and shared throughout the school community.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

For nearly four decades, Burke & Burke Insurance has been safeguarding what matters most to families and businesses across Virginia. Founded in 1985, this family-owned and operated agency has built its reputation on personalized service, deep expertise, and a genuine commitment to client education.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

When the Delcid family, comprised of Mercedees, Edvin, and their children, moved to Fredericksburg in 2020, they weren't just seeking a fresh start, they were planting the seeds for something far more ambitious: a multi-generational, multi-household family compound built on faith, shared values, and an unwavering commitment to raising their children together.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

In a cozy Stafford home with a backyard garden dotted with whimsical gnome figurines, local author Mora Soan has found inspiration for a children's book series that's capturing young imaginations across the region—and encouraging them to try new things!

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

The transition from "March Madness" to summer break happens in a flash. Now is the ideal time to secure engaging opportunities for your children. Whether you are looking for local spring break activities  or full-summer enrichment, here are the top local resources for families in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania.

WRITTEN BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

As March arrives in Virginia, there is a familiar shift in the air. The days stretch a little longer, the sun feels warmer, and our pets often sense it before we do. Dogs linger at the back door; cats seek out the warmest windowsills. Suddenly, everyone seems ready to shake off winter and get moving. But while the Virginia spring arrives quickly, our pets’ bodies often lag behind.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Sarah and Steve's story began in 2008 at a Super Bowl party during Steve's first tour at Quantico. "The Giants and the Patriots were playing, and it was when the Giants won and ruined the Patriots’ perfect season," Sarah recalls. But it was a July 4th baseball game at the Richmond Squirrels that sealed their fate. Deciding to leave a marriage proposal to chance, they proposed something more fun: they agreed to get married if they caught a foul ball during the game.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

Inviting a flooring company into your home is more than choosing a product. It’s about trusting a team to guide you through a transformation. At NK Floors, we believe a successful flooring upgrade begins with education, personal attention, and a commitment to quality at every step. From the first measurement to the final walkthrough, our goal is to deliver a seamless, first-class experience that exceeds expectations.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When Anne Little and her husband Carl moved to Fredericksburg in 2002, they noticed something missing from the playground behind their house: trees. Children were forced to play on scorching hot slides under the blazing summer sun with no shade in sight. That simple observation sparked a 17-year mission to restore Fredericksburg's urban landscape, one tree at a time.

WRITTEN BY KIRA POHWALA

February isn’t just about Valentine’s Day. It’s also International Boost Self-Esteem Month, a meaningful moment in the school calendar to focus on confidence, resilience, and kindness towards ourselves and others. In the midst of winter’s routine and academic pressure, this month reminds students that self-worth matters just as much as grades, sports, or weekend plans.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

The couple, Michelle and Saeed Riddick, still remember that fateful day on the subway, where Michelle had "her discman playing and a book in her hands” after a day of errands and shopping. Saeed Riddick was heading home from work when their eyes met. "Something about her presence drew me in," Saeed recalls, and he started a conversation that neither of them could have imagined would change their lives forever. "That chance meeting turned into dates, laughter, and a love that only grew stronger with time," Michelle adds.