WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

November. Wow, it’s November. One minute it's Halloween, the next you're staring down your
kid’s semester deadlines and the sheer logistics of Thanksgiving dinner. The good news is,
through all the rushing and planning, this season has a natural undertow of gratitude and
community that pulls us all toward what really matters.

WRITTEN BY KIRA POHWALA


For many students at Mountain View High School, music isn't just notes—it's a community and a way of life. Junior Nikoloz Matiashvili, who has played piano for 10 years and guitar for three, says, "Music has changed my life for the better. I would be a very sad person without it—it fills my house with melodies that my family loves, and has brought me out into the community."

WRITTEN BY SHANE HEATH

After 25 years of building decks and patios, I’ve learned that protecting your home starts with two simple questions—and every trustworthy contractor should be glad to answer them.

When I first started out as a carpenter more than two decades ago, I thought success was all about craftsmanship—the perfect cut, the tightest joint, the smoothest finish.

WRITTEN BY ABIGAIL NYINAKU

Since stepping onto the track as a freshman, Colonial Forge High School Senior Michelle Basoah-Sarfo has been setting the pace as one of Stafford County's most decorated runners. Known for her lightning speed in the 55 and 100-meter dashes, Michelle has built a record as a team leader who brings consistency and relentless drive to improve each season. 

WRITTEN BY MASON LEWIS

As the vibrant colors of fall fade and leaves begin to blanket your yard, it’s easy to put off cleanup until “later.” But those piles of leaves can do more harm than you think. Beyond creating a messy appearance, excess leaf buildup can smother your grass, invite pests, and even lead to mold or disease. Proper leaf removal is an essential part of seasonal lawn care—and a key step in keeping your property healthy and beautiful year-round.

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 DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

November marks both National Pet Cancer Awareness Month and Senior Pet Health Month.  A cancer diagnosis is never easy, but being informed can help families make confident decisions that honor comfort, dignity, and their pet’s best interest.   

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Ashley Lavin, owner of HOMEstretch Services, has built a thriving home improvement business on the foundation of reliability, integrity, and genuine care for her customers. Operating throughout the Fredericksburg to Woodbridge region of Virginia, HOMEstretch Services specializes in painting, flooring, remodeling, light handyman, and clearouts—offering comprehensive solutions for homeowners seeking to transform their living spaces without the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies such projects.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

As a parent, Tammy knows firsthand how starting kindergarten can be both exciting and a little scary—for kids and even for parents. That’s what inspired her latest book, Eric the Colorful Cricket Starts Kindergarten. It follows Eric, a bright and lovable little cricket, on his very first day of school. Through Eric’s eyes, young readers get a fun and reassuring story to help them face their own first-day jitters with confidence.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When Malanna Henderson's father took her to see Oliver! on Broadway, something transformative happened. "It was mesmerizing," she recalls of that childhood experience that would ultimately shape her life's work. Now, as the founder and artistic director of Somewhere in Time Productions, Henderson is creating opportunities for other storytellers to experience that same theatrical magic—but from the other side of the curtain.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Every day, veterans across the country are hanging up their boots for a business suit, trading MREs for MBAs, and transforming their dedication to their country into a commitment to community. 

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

What transforms a functional surface into a visual masterpiece? Custom flooring is a work of art because it uses magnificent skill to transform an ordinary living space into a canvas of design and creativity. The installation of custom floors goes beyond simple installation. It demands attention to detail, impeccable technique, and an artistic eye. The homeowner and floor experts collaborate to design a meaningful, attractive piece that adds character and personal style to any home.

WRITTEN BY LIYA ZEWDU

Every Friday night, students and families come together at the Riverbend stadium to support our football team. It's a night filled with fun, hanging out with friends, savoring good food, and soaking up the atmosphere.
As soon as the lights come on and the bleachers start to fill, the excitement begins to rush.

WRITTEN BY KIRA POHWALA

Mountain View High School's impressive football program is known for its grit on the field, but what the team does off the field is just as impressive. At the start of the season, the players traded their helmets for high-fives and story time during a visit to Margaret Brent Elementary School. This event wasn't about winning plays or touchdowns: it was about giving back to the Stafford community and inspiring the next generation.

WRITTEN BY SHA’AHN WILLIAMS

Body sculpting (body contouring) is a non-invasive treatment that targets stubborn fat pockets, combats obesity, and reduces cellulite to help individuals achieve their ideal body shape. Unlike surgical procedures like liposuction, it offers a safer, less invasive alternative for body enhancement.

WRITTEN BY KAT HALSTEAD

When it comes to hair care, not all salon visits are created equal. Many people are familiar with the traditional salon model—busy spaces,  quick appointments, lots of clients and a focus on getting them out as “efficiently” as possible. However, there's something  different: an intimate, personalized boutique experience that puts you at the center of everything.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

More than just a place to get a haircut, 77 Barbershop has become a community cornerstone built on service, trust, and genuine care. Since opening in March 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, this family-owned business has transformed the local grooming experience through its unwavering commitment to both quality and community connection.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Some love stories begin with dramatic gestures or romantic settings. Others start with a simple name tag at a car dealership. For Jose and Reyna Reyna, their 30-year journey together began with what might be the most uniquely memorable pickup line in dating history.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

As the warmth of summer and the humidity finally give way to fall's cool embrace, gardeners-- novice and veteran-- get a fresh canvas and the opportunity to adorn their lawns and gardens with new plants and flowers. We've compiled some gardening advice and tips below so you're ready to showcase your landscape with iconic fall colors, prepare to ready your garden for winter, and select plants that flaunt autumn's array of colors.

WRITTEN BY LIYA ZEWDU

Fall at Riverbend High School is one of the most memorable times of the year. As the weather cools down, football games get hyped, Spirit Week kicks off, and the pep rally brings everyone together; it just feels like a fever dream.  The anticipation for Homecoming Spirit Week is palpable all year long. It's a time when everyone can unleash their creativity and express themselves. Each day is themed, from Decades Day to Twin Day, Pajama Day, and more.  The excitement is tangible all week, with everyone eagerly sharing their outfits and actually looking forward to school each day.