WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

A warm fall's day has been spent, and now the sun begins to retreat. Pink and amber beams embrace the treetops while the last essence of the day flickers. The grill is lit, and smoke and spices fill the air. The fragrance of a sizzling feast causes mouths to water for the delectable delight. The grill's crackle is the soundtrack to the conversation as laughter staccatos through the tinkling of ice in glasses. Time stands still. An outdoor grill feast with friends is the perfect fall setting for connection. Here are some tips on how to make your gathering memorable.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

As I sit here with my third cup of coffee (don't judge), after dropping my girls off at the bus stop, I'm already feeling that familiar September overwhelm creeping in. Between soccer practices, family functions, work deadlines, and trying to squeeze in some sort of social life and time with friends, it's enough to make any parent want to hide under the covers.

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

As students transition from summer to fall, they face a variety of changes and challenges. Whether they are entering school for the first time, moving to a new school level, starting college or a career, or simply navigating uncertainty about their next steps, their social and emotional health is a critical concern. Support systems, including parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, and school administrators, play a vital role in helping students navigate these changes.

WRITTEN BY LIYA ZEWDU

Colonial Forge High School senior and Biology STAT student, Caroline Bass, is already making a difference in Fredericksburg’s animal care community. Passionate about becoming a veterinarian, she has spent her high school years volunteering with and shadowing local clinics and animal shelters, building a strong foundation of hands-on skills and real-world experience. 

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In the center of Stafford, where historic charm meets modern entrepreneurship, Zachary Guy and his wife Claire Edwards have tapped into something special. Their venture, Laudenbach Brewing, represents more than just another craft brewery—it's a testament to how deep community roots and shared passions can ferment into something truly remarkable.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

Stanton Carpet has been a leader in the premium carpet and custom rug industry for over forty years. It now offers carpet and has expanded to provide custom rugs, runners, and luxury vinyl. It is known for combining innovative design with high-quality materials. Based in the U.S., Stanton offers a carefully chosen range of stylish and durable flooring options tailored to various residential and commercial needs. Whether you're a designer seeking a sophisticated finish, a realtor looking to increase a home’s appeal, a homeowner ready to elevate your interior, or a builder aiming to add high-end touches to your projects, Stanton Carpet delivers an unmatched blend of fashion, function, and performance

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Ready for some fall fun? Try a day at the fair! Offering a large multitude of activities in various areas around us, a day at the fair is sure to be a whole lot of fun for all ages. Some upcoming fairs in our area, along with their unique features, are highlighted below

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

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the importance of recognizing and addressing pain in our animal companions. Many dogs and cats live with chronic pain, especially as they age or recover from injury. While modern medicine offers many effective treatments, integrative therapies like acupuncture are gaining recognition for their safe, natural ability to relieve pain and improve quality of life.

WRITTEN BY LIYA ZEWDU

While most students are enjoying their summer, fall athletes at Riverbend High School are already hard at work preparing for the upcoming Fall season. These students are spending their mornings and afternoons training, conditioning, and staying in shape. From football to cheer, these teams are already putting in the work to make sure that they are ready when the season kicks off.

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.