WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

For over 25 years, Horace Crenshaw has been immersed in the world of golf—as a player, a golf sales associate, and now, as a certified instructor and business owner. His passion for the sport and desire to help others improve catalyzed the creation of Crenshaw's Sports and Fitness, LLC.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

F45 Training Stafford VA is more than just a fitness studio—it's a community-driven space where innovation, camaraderie, and results redefine the fitness experience. As part of a global network of over 1,400 locations, F45 Training specializes in high-energy, functional workouts that combine strength, cardio, and hybrid HIIT exercises, all guided by expert coaches and enhanced by cutting-edge technology.

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

Over the years, I've had the privilege of interviewing a wide range of individuals—from C-suite executives and television professionals to college professors and business owners. I started the Time Matters Podcast during the pandemic, where the focus was on professionals from diverse industries sharing insights from their personal journeys.

WRITTEN BY OSCAR ESPINOZA

Have you noticed a shift in home color palettes lately? Gone are the days of stark white walls and subtle accents. Instead, a bold new trend has taken hold: color drenching.

Color drenching is exactly what it sounds like: immersing a room in a single, saturated color. Walls, trim, outlets, and sometimes even ceilings are painted in the same hue, creating a dramatic, cohesive look.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Ginger Walker and the Give Back Team of Coldwell Banker Elite have redefined what it means to serve a community through real estate. Led by Ginger Walker, a REALTOR® since 2008, the team’s mission extends beyond helping clients buy and sell homes—it’s about making a lasting impact through community involvement and acts of kindness.

WRITTEN BY DAN BOMAR, COMFENERGY

A comfortable home starts with the right balance of temperature and humidity. Insulation combined with dehumidification can help in achieving this. Proper insulation helps regulate indoor temperature, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By preventing heat loss or gain, it also reduces energy costs, making your home more efficient. Common areas to insulate include attics, walls, and crawl spaces.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

The Buskirk family's story is one of love, community, and a deep-rooted connection to Stafford. Jordan and Desiree Buskirk and their infant son Sullivan (affectionately called Sully) have built a home filled with warmth, shared passions, and an appreciation for family traditions and new experiences.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

Engineered hardwood is a popular flooring choice because of its durable design, smart aesthetic, and price point. Like natural hardwood, engineered hardwood boasts natural beauty and adds innovative design that stands the test of time. Solid, natural hardwood is cut directly from a specific species of hardwood. Engineered hardwood differs in that it is a multi-layered flooring product made up of a veneer of natural hardwood on top of a plywood or high-density fiberboard core. Let’s look at the basics of engineered hardwood.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

For 45 years, S.E.R.V.E., Inc. has been a cornerstone of hope and nourishment in the Fredericksburg community. As the region's largest and oldest food pantry, S.E.R.V.E. provides vital food assistance to thousands of residents across Stafford, Caroline, Spotsylvania, and King George Counties and the City of Fredericksburg and Quantico. Through their innovative 'open-choice' pantry model, S.E.R.V.E. not only empowers guests to shop for themselves, treating them with dignity and respect, but also significantly reduces food waste and ensures that guests receive the items they need most.

WRITTEN BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

As an emergency veterinarian, I’ve seen how quickly a pet’s curiosity can turn into a life-threatening emergency. Each year, countless pets end up in the ER after ingesting common household items—many of which can be toxic. In honor of Pet Poison Prevention Month, here’s what every pet owner should know about common toxins, prevention strategies, and what to do if poisoning occurs.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

I sometimes consider myself a strong woman—a mother of nine, including giving birth to twins, twice. I have lived in two different parts of Africa. I have been at home with my children when someone tried to break in. I was medically evacuated out of the jungles of Cameroon for tropical illness. I have homeschooled and taught high school science at a local Christian school. I work alongside my husband in our business. I have had many struggles and hardships, some too painful to put to paper. I have tasted both victory and defeat. At times, I find myself lacking strength and I desire to grow into a woman who braves the dark. What qualities does a woman of fierce resilience possess?

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When it comes to gathering with family, friends, or colleagues, food is more than just nourishment—it’s an experience, a centerpiece, and a conversation starter. That’s precisely what Burg Charcuterie delivers with its luxury charcuterie and catering services. 

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When Aaron Johnson founded Uncle Onion’s Electric Organic Lawn Care, he had one mission in mind: to provide a better, safer lawn care alternative for families and the environment.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

For Jim and Karen Beall, Fredericksburg has always held a special place in their hearts. Their journey together started decades ago in a ninth-grade science class at Crossland Sr. High in Camp Springs MD, where Karen first took notice of Jim—who, at that moment, was sitting outside the classroom for being disruptive. That fateful day sparked a high school romance that carried them through college at separate universities—Karen at Mary Washington College (now the University of Mary Washington) and Jim at the University of Maryland. Despite the distance, their love endured, leading to 40 years of marriage—though, as Karen humorously notes, “it feels like 47.”

WRITTEN BY ANGELA RICHWINE

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialized therapeutic approach to address functional disorders of the oral and facial muscles. It involves exercises and techniques designed to optimize the function of the tongue, lips, and facial muscles, which play critical roles in breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. This therapy is becoming increasingly recognized for its benefits in improving overall oral and systemic health.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Shane Heath, the founder of Battlefield Decks and Patios, has been transforming outdoor spaces in the community for over two decades. As a custom outdoor living contractor, Shane and his team specialize in creating stunning decks, porches, patios, and pools that elevate both the functionality and beauty of their clients’ homes. “We provide exceptional craftsmanship and customer experience,” Shane explains, emphasizing the high standards that set Battlefield Decks and Patios apart.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Since 2021, Ryan Deane and his wife, Ellie, have been at the helm of Pro Service Plumbing & Gas, a family-owned business serving Stafford and the surrounding areas. Specializing in residential and commercial plumbing and gas services, Pro Service Plumbing & Gas can flush any problem. Their expertise ranges from fixing small leaks and water heater repairs to installing gas lines and replacing underground sewer systems. For Ryan, the journey of running a business has been as rewarding as it is challenging.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

The Presecan family of Stafford, Virginia, exemplifies a life enriched by a passion for animals, photography, and community. Karen and Hank Presecan, along with their children, Jackson and Vivian, have called Stafford home since 1999, when the Marine Corps first brought them to the area. Over the years, they have built a life rooted in their love for family, the natural world, and meaningful connections.

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

The Super Bowl attracts even those who aren’t typically fans of football. The Olympics brings together people from across the globe to watch the world’s best athletes compete. The Spelling Bee captures the attention of a national audience each year, cheering on the top spellers. Yet, when it comes to K-12 awards and recognition, opinions are divided. It’s often baffling to me how some dismiss the concept of "every kid getting a trophy." From my perspective, if effort is invested and goals are achieved, then everyone who reaches that goal should be acknowledged with an award, reward, or recognition.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

For Dr. Katrina Spies and her husband, Dave, life is centered around a love of animals, a passion for their community, and a commitment to living fully—whether at home in Stafford or traveling the world. Their story begins with an unexpected encounter.