WRITTEN BY REBECCA CHANDA

Summer brings sunshine, pool days, beach vacations, and all the outdoor fun—but it also brings an increase in sun exposure that can take a toll on your skin. Even with the best SPF intentions, months of UV rays can lead to sunspots, dullness, fine lines, and uneven texture. If your skin is feeling the after-effects of summer, laser treatments in the fall like CoolPeel CO₂ and Pico Laser can help restore a fresh, healthy glow.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

For over a decade, Ascent Audiology & Hearing has been Fredericksburg's premier destination for comprehensive hearing healthcare. Founded by Dr. Paul Kuster in 2011, what began as a small clinic has evolved into a state-of-the-art practice serving thousands of patients with cutting-edge technology and personalized care.

WRITTEN BY Aaron Johnson

As September arrives and trees begin their spectacular color transformation, homeowners face the annual question: What's the best way to handle falling leaves on your lawn? At Uncle Onion's Lawn Care, we've helped countless property owners navigate this seasonal challenge, and the answer isn't always as straightforward as you might think.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

In a world where youth programs often abandon children after age 12, Arline Gause saw a problem that demanded a solution. Her answer? GAD Youth Center, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting the often-overlooked teenage years when young people need guidance most.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In the heart of Spotsylvania County, Jackson and Brittany Flint have created something special – a blended family of seven that exemplifies the power of food, community service, and genuine connection. With five children ranging from teenagers to toddlers, their home buzzes with the energy of Mackenzie, Kai, Layla, Hannah, and Pierce, all of whom share a love for drawing, crafting, gaming, and soccer.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When Jamie Snyder retired three years ago, he had no idea that daily trips to the dog park would lead to a calling that would touch countless lives throughout the Fredericksburg community. Today, Snyder and his Bernedoodle Sophie form a certified therapy team, bringing comfort and joy to hospitals, schools, and shelters across the region.

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.