WRITTEN BY BEATA ALGHABRA

As a nation of caregivers, we face an unprecedented challenge. With 10,000 members of the Baby Boomer generation turning 65 every day and 70% of them having a chance of needing some form of long-term care, families across America are navigating the delicate balance of supporting aging parents while managing their own responsibilities.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Some families move to find their home. Others discover that home has been waiting for them all along. For Dr. Lloyd Fick Moss III and his wife, Catherine, their love story is deeply intertwined with the Fredericksburg area, where their families have planted roots spanning generations and where they're now raising the next chapter of their family’s legacies.

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 CHERICE TAYLOR

The first quarter grades are in or will be soon. If your child did well, celebrating their success is a great idea. Acknowledging a job well done, no matter how small, teaches them that hard work is valued. This can translate to future success in the workforce through bonuses, awards, or promotions. If your child is struggling, the time to act is now.

WRITTEN BY ELLE SMITH

I have the honor of participating in the 2025 Cultured Pearls Debutante Cotillion, hosted by the Sisters of Ivy (SOI) Educational Foundation, Incorporated, in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Xi Upsilon Omega Chapter. For me, being selected as a debutante is more than wearing a gown and learning the waltz. A cotillion is a tradition with deep history.

WRITTEN BY ABIGAIL NYINAKU

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Rappahannock region chapter, which has served Fredericksburg and its neighboring counties of Stafford, Caroline, King George, and Spotsylvania for over forty years, is making positive strides in youth mental health outreach by creating safe spaces and innovative platforms for individuals to thrive.

WRITTEN BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

October is National Pet Wellness Month, a great time to remember that wellness is more than a yearly checkup. While rabies vaccines and flea prevention are important, true wellness is about everyday habits that keep pets healthy, balanced, and at their best. A preventive, whole-body approach addresses our pets’ needs through three key pillars: nutrition, emotional well-being, and physical activity.

WRITTEN BY VIKTORIYA TKHORYK

Skincare and aesthetic treatments should never be a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Our mission here at Thistle Medical Aesthetics is to create natural, timeless results that enhance your features, never overpower them, while helping you feel confident in your skin at every stage of life. Our team is here to guide you with integrity, artistry, and the same kindness we'd give our own friends and family.

WRITTEN BY DR. RONALD LOWE

As a parent, you want to ensure your child's smile develops beautifully and functionally. One of the most important steps you can take is scheduling an early orthodontic evaluation at the right time. At Rappahannock Orthodontics, we follow the American Association of Orthodontists' recommendation that children receive their first orthodontic assessment around age 7.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

With eight years of dedicated service, Lyndale's Honey Do List has established itself as a trusted name in home improvement services throughout the community. Founded by Lawrence Adams, this family-oriented business operates under the heartfelt mission of "Helping People Love Their Home" – a philosophy that drives every project they undertake.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Amirah Clowers has transformed a personal health journey into a thriving business that serves the Fredericksburg and Stafford communities. Five years ago, after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism, Clowers turned to her Trinidadian heritage for healing solutions. What she discovered would not only change her life but also inspire her to help others embrace natural wellness. 

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In the heart of Fredericksburg, where history meets hospitality, Maria and Will Negron have been serving up more than just delicious food—they've been dishing out life lessons, love stories, and authentic connections for nearly three decades. This dynamic duo has transformed their passion for food and people into a thriving business that nourishes both body and soul in the local community.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When local communities thrive, everyone benefits. That is the simple, yet powerful, notion that drives a grassroots movement in Fredericksburg. Go Local FXBG, a nonprofit founded by Marcus Toler and co-founded by Kitty Melerski, is creating tangible pathways to opportunity through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world support for those who need it most.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

With the change of seasons comes the need to change décor. What better way to embellish a room with floor fashion than to add an area rug? Accent rugs are floor coverings and powerful design tools that completely transform any space. Whether working with hardwood, tile, or carpet, layering the right rug can bring warmth, texture, and personality to any room. Here's how to use accent rugs by incorporating style, layering, and placement.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

In her exquisite studio in Stafford, Sha'ahn Williams has created something truly special with Body Thief Body Sculpting—a premier destination for noninvasive body contouring that goes far beyond traditional aesthetics services. What began as a determined leap of faith during one of life's most challenging periods has evolved into Northern Virginia's most inclusive wellness sanctuary.

WRITTEN BY KIRA POHWALA

It’s been a month since the school year began, and the excitement’s worn off. Some have settled into their rhythm, but not everyone has. As a junior, I’ve gathered strategies to reflect on the last few weeks and help you find your stride.

WRITTEN BY DAN BOMAR

Fall is here, and as temperatures begin their steady decline toward winter, many homeowners start thinking about their heating systems. But a truly comfortable, energy-efficient home during cold weather isn't just about cranking up the thermostat—it begins with understanding how your home manages airflow, insulation, and heat retention before you need it most.

WRITTEN BY OSCAR ESPINOZA

As a professional painter, I hear this advice all the time. Homeowners often plan improvements around a future buyer, not themselves. But here's the truth: Why not enjoy your home now?

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In the quiet cul-de-sac of their Stafford home, the Bon-Ami family has built something remarkable: a life woven together by service, faith, and an unwavering commitment to community. What began with a chance meeting at a gospel concert in Miami has blossomed into a story that spans continents, careers, and countless acts of giving back.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

A fresh, vibrant twist on classic risotto, this dish is packed with seasonal greens and creamy flavor. Onions, garlic, and celery form a savory base, while broccoli, zucchini, and peas bring brightness and texture. Finished with a swirl of basil pesto and a splash of almond milk, it’s a wholesome, plant-powered meal that’s as comforting as it is nourishing—ready in just 45 minutes.