WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Every day, veterans across the country are hanging up their boots for a business suit, trading MREs for MBAs, and transforming their dedication to their country into a commitment to community. 

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

What transforms a functional surface into a visual masterpiece? Custom flooring is a work of art because it uses magnificent skill to transform an ordinary living space into a canvas of design and creativity. The installation of custom floors goes beyond simple installation. It demands attention to detail, impeccable technique, and an artistic eye. The homeowner and floor experts collaborate to design a meaningful, attractive piece that adds character and personal style to any home.

WRITTEN BY LIYA ZEWDU

Every Friday night, students and families come together at the Riverbend stadium to support our football team. It's a night filled with fun, hanging out with friends, savoring good food, and soaking up the atmosphere.
As soon as the lights come on and the bleachers start to fill, the excitement begins to rush.

WRITTEN BY KIRA POHWALA

Mountain View High School's impressive football program is known for its grit on the field, but what the team does off the field is just as impressive. At the start of the season, the players traded their helmets for high-fives and story time during a visit to Margaret Brent Elementary School. This event wasn't about winning plays or touchdowns: it was about giving back to the Stafford community and inspiring the next generation.

WRITTEN BY SHA’AHN WILLIAMS

Body sculpting (body contouring) is a non-invasive treatment that targets stubborn fat pockets, combats obesity, and reduces cellulite to help individuals achieve their ideal body shape. Unlike surgical procedures like liposuction, it offers a safer, less invasive alternative for body enhancement.

WRITTEN BY KAT HALSTEAD

When it comes to hair care, not all salon visits are created equal. Many people are familiar with the traditional salon model—busy spaces,  quick appointments, lots of clients and a focus on getting them out as “efficiently” as possible. However, there's something  different: an intimate, personalized boutique experience that puts you at the center of everything.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

More than just a place to get a haircut, 77 Barbershop has become a community cornerstone built on service, trust, and genuine care. Since opening in March 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, this family-owned business has transformed the local grooming experience through its unwavering commitment to both quality and community connection.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Some love stories begin with dramatic gestures or romantic settings. Others start with a simple name tag at a car dealership. For Jose and Reyna Reyna, their 30-year journey together began with what might be the most uniquely memorable pickup line in dating history.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

As the warmth of summer and the humidity finally give way to fall's cool embrace, gardeners-- novice and veteran-- get 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 LIYA ZEWDU

Fall at Riverbend High School is one of the most memorable times of the year. As the weather cools down, football games get hyped, Spirit Week kicks off, and the pep rally brings everyone together; it just feels like a fever dream.  The anticipation for Homecoming Spirit Week is palpable all year long. It's a time when everyone can unleash their creativity and express themselves. Each day is themed, from Decades Day to Twin Day, Pajama Day, and more.  The excitement is tangible all week, with everyone eagerly sharing their outfits and actually looking forward to school each day.

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.