WRITTEN BY NANCY MASANNAT, CERTIFIED LIFE COACH

The diversity in our communities should include those with additional needs, not simply tolerate them, but fully embrace them in ways that ALL of us can have fulfilling, meaningful lives. After all, humans are social creatures and want to be accepted. Autism families are in the front row waving their hands to be included. This ranges from the need for employment for those more profoundly impacted to supporting others in social situations by learning to accept and embrace people’s differences.

WRITTEN BY CHRIS ROMERO

Planning a kitchen renovation requires careful consideration and organization to ensure the project runs smoothly and results in a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan for a kitchen renovation:

WRITTEN BY DORI STEWART, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Linda Osorio is no stranger to facing challenges in life. As the daughter of Colombian immigrants who grew up watching her own parents overcome many challenges and find a deep love for their new country, as well as their new home in Stafford, Linda knew from an early age that life can be anything you decide to make it, even in the face of uncertainty.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

The Empowering Young Women’s club at Riverbend High School is a club for young women, and supporters of young women. The purpose of the club is to advocate for the intelligence and importance of up and coming girls in our community.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, the Riverbend High School Sophomores of the Commonwealth Governor’s School took their first field trip of the year to Washington DC.

WRITTEN BY CHRISTINA CARTER

Hosting Thanksgiving this year and wondering where to start? While transforming your house into a Fall Fantasyland is not required, an understated but beautiful tablescape will set the perfect tone. Follow the below styling tips for a Thanksgiving dinner to remember!

WRITTEN BY DORI STEWART, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Registered nurses by trade, Corey, an outdoorsman and avid hunter, and Meghan, a skilled archer who loves to read, met one fateful day in the hospital's critical care unit where they were working. They bonded over a shared passion in working for local hospitals and building leadership programs - the rest is history.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Living close to the Pentagon, the conversation on what happened on September 11th is going to happen at school. Everyone who was alive can remember exactly where they were on that day.

WRITTEN BY PETMAN GROOMING

Desensitization is a huge key to having a well-balanced dog. Exposing your pet to anything and everything will help them build confidence and realize the world is not as scary as it may seem!

WRITTEN BY SUZY THOMPSON, CLUB PILATES

Pilates adherents will tell you many reasons they enjoy the exercises: Flexibility gains, greater range of motion, core strength, reduction of pain or discomfort in joints, coordination and balance, or improvement in other exercises or sports; these results often boil down to two things that seem different but really are closely related: Movement & Control.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Kevin and Erin met through mutual friends on New Year's Eve 10 minutes before the ball dropped in 2010. At the time Erin was a special education teacher in the Bronx, NY, and Kevin, a Marine, was about to move to North Carolina after completing Basic Reconnaissance Course in California. After that, they took turns traveling from New York to North Carolina to see each other. They married in April of 2012 in New York.

WRITTEN BY SHIRLEY VON RAESFELD

My name is Shirley Von Raesfeld and I am a Breast Cancer Survivor! I am a wife, mother to two beautiful girls, a bonus mom to two beautiful girls, and a grandmother of three. My husband and I are originally from Oklahoma, but like many military families, the Marine Corps has taken us coast to coast all over the United States. We are currently stationed at Quantico, VA.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL, RECIPE BY LOUIE ANNE BATAC-NGUYEN

I wanted to create a late summer drink with whispers of autumn. Yuzu sake brightens the cocktail, and the red shiso leaf tea mellows out all the citrus flavors, just as the summer evenings begin to cool down.

Kanpai!

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

When my family received orders to Japan from California, we were very unprepared. These orders were very unexpected, as we thought we had at least two more years in California. However, in typical military fashion we adapted and overcame it.

WRITTEN BY PACHECO’S HARDWOOD FLOOR

Maintaining hardwood floors is essential for several reasons, as it helps preserve their beauty, functionality, and longevity. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and polishing, helps keep your hardwood floors looking their best.

WRITTEN BY EMILY STEMBRIDGE, RAPPAHANNOCK ORTHODONTICS

Dr. Ronald Lowe, a recent graduate of the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine for Advanced Study in Orthodontics, officially joined Rappahannock Orthodontics in July.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Pia Munoz was 18 years old when she moved to the United States from Peru. It’s not easy to move to another country and leave most of the family, friends, and lifestyle behind. However, Pia was ready to make her mark in the States.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

As the warmth of summer and the humidity finally give way to the cool embrace of fall, gardeners are presented with 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 BRITTANY JACQUES

Did you know that pomegranates are in season during the fall? Thanks to How to be a Vodka Snob by Brittany Jacques. Red Lightning Press. Our September cocktail is this delicious pomegranate blend.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Detective First Sergeant C.L. Smith has served as an officer of the law for Stafford County for the past 10 years. He was born and raised in Spotsylvania County. He is a graduate of Chancellor High School and has a Business Degree from Bloomsburg University.