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.

WRITTEN BY Sofia Pessoa, B&G Construction

As a general contracting company, B&G has been a part of countless home renovation and remodeling projects over the years. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: when a professional interior designer is involved, everything runs smoother—and the results speak for themselves.

Here’s why we always recommend our clients consider bringing an interior designer onto their home project team.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

The Downtown Dolls, described as "Pinups with Purpose," represent far more than their eye-catching vintage aesthetic might suggest. This modern pinup social club has become a driving force for positive change in Fredericksburg, channeling the confidence and fierce femininity of the pinup era into meaningful community service that touches lives throughout the region.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Patricia Grant's love for Stafford County is a testament to the unexpected beauty that life can offer. Twenty years ago, she was set on Woodbridge, ready to leave Dumfries for what she thought was her dream location. But life had a different plan, and Stafford County became her unexpected love.

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

It's already July, and many of us are wondering why summer seems to be flying by. When I look at my own children, it feels like just yesterday they were toddlers. Now they are grown men, and my husband and I are incredibly proud of the young adults they've become.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

After a distinguished 34-year career in government, Julie Birt has embarked on a new chapter that combines her passion for housing with her commitment to helping others achieve the American Dream. As a licensed mortgage professional with Mortgage Network Solutions, LLC., Ms. Birt brings a unique perspective to the lending industry, one shaped by personal experience and a genuine commitment to client service.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

For nearly two decades, the Stafford Education Foundation (SEF) has stood as a beacon of support for the county's vast educational community, bridging gaps and creating opportunities where they might not otherwise exist. What began as a vision to empower students has evolved into a comprehensive support system that touches every corner of Stafford County's schools.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but Hit the Spot Kitchen has found their way into Fredericksburg’s heart through their food. Building community through delicious cuisine and founded by Maria and Will Negron, this unique catering and takeout business has been serving the community for a decade, transforming from Will's Place into the beloved Hit the Spot Kitchen we know today.

WRITTEN BY CHRISTINA HUDSON

Endorphins are chemicals produced by your body to relieve stress and pain. The word itself is a mash-up of endogenous (from within) and morphine—a pretty clear clue to how powerful they are. They interact with receptors in your brain to reduce pain perception and trigger positive feelings.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When Jenny Jones began teaching at Dance & Gym Expressions (D&G) in 2000, she couldn't have imagined that she would become the owner of the cherished dance and gymnastics studio two decades later. Yet, when founder Sandra Childress decided to retire in 2020, she entrusted her legacy to Jenny, who had transformed from employee to family over their years working together.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In the quiet South Stafford neighborhood where Robin and Lester Long have made their home since 2011, success is measured not in profits but in community connections. At the heart of their story lies Long Family Markets. This business represents far more than commerce—it's a platform for service, a bridge between generations, and a testament to the power of following one's passion.