WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Ah, back-to-school shopping – that magical time of year when parents everywhere discover that their children have apparently been using their backpacks as biological warfare experiments all summer. It's time to gear up for another year of educational excellence, which seems to require more supplies than a NASA mission.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Having just completed my senior year, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel. Between keeping up with school, taking the next steps for your future, and juggling any additional extracurricular activities, it is a year that surely will flash by in a blur. With all of its moving parts, it is undoubtedly a phase of life that only seems more easily navigable in hindsight. To help alleviate some stress for the class of 2026, I will share some tips that helped me throughout my senior year. 

WRITTEN BY HORACE CRENSHAW

While watching a recent PGA tournament, I noticed a consistent routine among the top players—something that's often overlooked by amateur golfers. Before teeing off, nearly every PGA Tour professional followed a structured one-hour warm-up: 15 minutes on the putting green, 15 minutes in the short game area working on pitching and chipping, and 30 minutes on the range dialing in their full swing. It's a deliberate process that sets them up for success—and it's exactly what I recommend to all my students.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

Are you a homeowner shopping for new flooring? Your focus may be on materials, colors, and pricing. Installation is often a key factor overlooked in the process.  Flooring selection centers that offer professional installation services provide consumers with unparalleled advantages over stores that sell only products.

WRITTEN BY OSCAR ESPINOZA

So, you did the thing. You scrolled Pinterest for hours, agonized over "Whispering Wheat" vs. "Mushroom Magic," braved the hardware store fluorescent lights, and finally transformed that blah wall into a masterpiece. High five! You pat yourself on the back, admire your handiwork, and think, "Looks dry! Time to style this Insta-worthy corner!" 

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When Kathryn "Kat" Halstead opened Chatham Heights Beauty Co. in November 2022, she wasn't just creating another salon—she was revolutionizing the beauty industry experience for both stylists and clients. Located at 74 Chatham Heights Road near downtown Fredericksburg, this innovative salon suite rental facility represents years of thoughtful planning and a clear vision for what the beauty industry could become.

WRITTEN BY KIRA POHWALA

Each summer, while many students catch up on sleep or spend long days focusing on their passions, dozens of aspiring high school athletes lace up their sneakers and prepare for bright mornings at Stafford schools’ summer sports training camps. These programs, often run by the schools’ coaches, are becoming a cornerstone of early athletic development and student growth.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

In the heart of Fredericksburg, husband-and-wife team Brian and Emily Beck are transforming bathrooms into luxurious retreats through their boutique construction firm, FXBG Construction. Founded in 2023, the company specializes in luxury bathroom remodels, bringing over 15 years of combined construction experience to every project.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In the heart of Stafford County's Widewater community, Skip and Cindi Causey have built more than just a successful winery—they've created a gathering place that brings neighbors together while crafting award-winning wines that reflect their deep European inspirations and four-decade commitment to their Virginia home.

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

Networking is defined as "the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts” (Oxford Languages). It's about connecting with people to share advice, offer support, and build a community. The purpose of networking is to expand your reach, access new opportunities, and gain knowledge. This can involve attending industry events, joining professional organizations, or connecting with others on social media and online forums

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

For thirty years, ComfortOne has been keeping Northern Virginia comfortable through every season. Founded in 1994 by Gary Hamby, this family-owned HVAC company has built its reputation on a foundation of expertise, integrity, and genuine care and concern for the community.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In a world where career success often comes at the expense of genuine community connection, Theodore "Geno" Lewis and Sokry Lewis have found a way to do both. For the past decade, this dynamic couple has been weaving themselves into the fabric of Stafford County, building not just successful careers in the skilled trades but also creating opportunities for others while raising four sons who embody their values of hard work, adaptability, and service.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Sarah Dye has spent the last decade uncovering the hidden stories that shaped Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County, with a particular passion for illuminating the lives of women whose contributions have been lost to time. Her latest work, To Give and To Gain: The Women of Todd's Tavern Sewing Circle, sheds light on an incredible tale of community leadership that deserves recognition.

WRITTEN BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, August is the perfect time. Clear the Shelters Month is a nationwide campaign focused on reducing shelter overcrowding and helping animals find loving homes.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

This summer, a group of Riverbend students travelled to Anaheim, California to compete in the 2025 FBLA National Leadership Conference. FBLA, or Future Business Leaders of America, is a student organization focused on career preparation and the development of leaders in the business field.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When Cheryl Lane was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, it became a turning point that would eventually lead her to create something extraordinary for the Fredericksburg community. Since then, she has "spent a lot of time making sure I am doing things I am passionate about and that I love." That passion materialized into Luminary Theatre Company, a professional theatre organization she founded last September after conceiving the idea in March 2024.

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 MALLORY HARDGROVE

At Insure Beauty Hair Extensions & Beauty Boutique, owner Marie Williams has created more than just a salon– she's built a sanctuary where confidence flourishes and community thrives. This full-service beauty brand offers premium hair extension services, braiding, styling, and personalized beauty care—all delivered with the warmth and professionalism that has become Williams' signature, whether in the comfort of the client's home or at their salon suite located downtown Fredericksburg.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

The legendary basketball coach and teacher John Wooden once said, "Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." This quote encapsulates the essence of Diana D'Alessandro's journey, who turned an initial setback into the foundation for an extraordinary legal career. This resilience and determination have not only built her thriving solo practice but also her community here in Fredericksburg.

WRITTEN BY Melissa Monaco, Owner, Sparkle Squad

Three key aspects of exterior maintenance—soft washing, window washing, and gutter cleaning—help keep your home clean, safe, and structurally sound. Most homes require these services at least once or twice a year, depending on environmental factors such as humidity, tree coverage, and pollution levels.