WRITTEN BY SAM DE JAGER

Travel, sojourn, expedition, trek, excursion, odyssey - just some of the many words for travel. Do you love to travel or does the thought of travel stress you out? (We can talk about that another time…) What are the benefits of travel? There are some obvious benefits while others may be less apparent.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL, PHOTO BY LAURA VISIONI

What do you do when you find out a neighbor’s child is going through pediatric cancer? You start an organization to help families who are undergoing that exact challenge. The Fairy Godmother Project was founded by Andie Ayers and Stephanie Johnson to support families with emotional and financial needs while their child is going through pediatric cancer treatment.

WRITTEN BY REX ROBINSON

Theatre and arts education can be a magical experience for both children and adults alike, as it provides escapism from the humdrum of life. Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg has offered that escapism to audiences in the region for 25 years.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Firefighter/EMT, Marine, and Future Nurse

Please meet Sgt. Elizabeth Joyce Adams

Elizabeth is a Marine Corps veteran who has been married to her husband Tim for the past 11 years. Tim is an active-duty Marine stationed in Marine Corps Base Quantico. They have 3 boys, Ryan (10), Tyler (7), and Dylan (2).

WRITTEN BY MOLLYE HOFFMAN

As the saying goes, Spring Showers Bring May Flowers, and we are in full bloom this spring! Do you know what that means! Beautiful butterflies all around in the month of June. Here is a fun activity to have your own personal butterfly in your home.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Leashes of Valor is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded by Marine Corps Captain Jason Hagg. Jason served for 13 years in the Marine Corps before being medically retired, after being injured in Afghanistan. This was not his first injury. He had been injured before and in true Marine fashion, he kept going until in his words, “I zigged instead of zagged.”

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Leashes of Valor is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded by Marine Corps Captain Jason Hagg. Jason served for 13 years in the Marine Corps before being medically retired, after being injured in Afghanistan. This was not his first injury. He had been injured before and in true Marine fashion, he kept going until in his words, “I zigged instead of zagged.”

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Michelle is a franchise owner who has been the owner of Wine & Design of Fredericksburg for the past 9 years. It was a bittersweet serendipitous moment that led her to open her own franchise. The closest Wine & Design to her at the time was in Richmond. Her friends were all going, and she was supposed to go too, except that the theme was Paint Your Pet. Michelle had just rehomed her dog, and it was just too sad to attend.

WRITTEN BY SHUNAKA WHITE

As our neighborhoods steadily grow with new construction, the median age of houses in our county is 23 years old. Homes purchased when our families were younger, activity levels higher, health at its peak, change as we change. Change as we age. The friendly communities and multi-level homes that welcomed us on moving day may not serve us as life happens and our needs, abilities evolve.

WRITTEN BY BRITTANY JACQUES

Brittany Jacques is the pen name used of this husband-and-wife team who came together to compile some of the best vodka cocktails. Originally from Florida, they put these recipes to use once they realized what “95 Traffic” meant.

With school out, friends are coming into town to celebrate the holidays, and the grill ready! Here are some recipes to include in your next get-together!

WRITTEN BY SAM DE JAGER

Travel, sojourn, expedition, trek, excursion, odyssey - just some of the many words for travel. Do you love to travel or does the thought of travel stress you out? (We can talk about that another time…) What are the benefits of travel? There are some obvious benefits while others may be less apparent. Travel is one of the best ways to relax & unwind, whether it’s a long weekend just hours from home or an exotic expedition on another continent. We lead such stressful lives and travel is a great way to reduce stress and improve our health, allowing us to live in the moment and appreciate life.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Heather and Dan Kampans both attended North Stafford High School, yet their paths wouldn’t cross until 18 years later. Both were rebuilding their lives post-divorce when Dan reached out to Heather online. Being coy, Dan has asked Heather a question he clearly knew the answer to. However, it didn’t click for Heather until two weeks later, that he wanted to continue their conversation.

Still healing from a divorce, Heather chose the least romantic setting for their first date. She had zero thoughts of re-marrying at this point. Life had other plans.

WRITTEN BY AUBRY BLAIS, THISTLE MEDICAL SKINCARE STUDIO, PHOTO BY BONNIE TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Thistle Medical Skincare Studio is a boutique medical spa located in Stafford, Virginia and is the home of your skin experts in medical facial aesthetics and skincare. Our team of aesthetic professionals strive to be your “beauty best friends” where we believe in a no-pressure approach to skin care that’s attainable for everyone!

WRITTEN BY AUBRY BLAIS, THISTLE MEDICAL SKINCARE STUDIO, PHOTO BY BONNIE TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Thistle Medical Skincare Studio is a boutique medical spa located in Stafford, Virginia started in May of 2018 and is the home of your skin experts in medical facial aesthetics and skincare. Our team of aesthetic professionals strive to be your “beauty best friends” (as a client had once mentioned) where we believe in a no-pressure approach to skin care that’s attainable for everyone!

WRITTEN BY DAVID STEWART, DOMINION SEPTIC, INC.

Maintaining a healthy septic system isn’t always top of mind for homeowners—but it should be. While it’s no fun paying fees for regular septic system maintenance every few years, the alternative is far worse. Replacing or repairing a malfunctioning septic system starts in the thousands of dollars and goes up from there.

WRITTEN BY DAVID STEWART, DOMINION SEPTIC, INC., PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

For more than 15 years, David Stewart has been a trusted resource for septic system needs throughout Stafford County. His expertise in designing and inspecting these critical aspects of everyday life has been a huge asset to the community he serves. From his background in working for local government and consulting to now running successful businesses, David understands what it takes to deliver exceptional work you can rely on.

WRITTEN BY MICAH CUNNINGHAM, JMS CONSTRUCTION

The signs telling you to replace your windows are obvious, right? Not always! There are several warning signs that can go unnoticed to the untrained eye. If you are unsure whether you should replace your windows or not, look for and evaluate the following:

WRITTEN BY MICAH CUNNINGHAM, JMS CONSTRUCTION

Here is a list of a few things you should know and consider when looking to hire a contractor for a project at your home.

WRITTEN BY DORI STEWART, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Homeowners and business owners in the Fredericksburg area know that when they’re in need of renovations or repairs, JMS Construction can be there to provide top-quality service quickly and affordably. They’ve been a trusted name in the community since 2018, and there’s a reason they’ve been so successful. They consistently produce high-quality work that impresses their clients, and they clearly enjoy what they do.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Stafford Marketplace will be the new home for Club Pilates Stafford. Pilates is a form of strength training but doesn't use traditional strength training exercises. The workout emphasizes improving muscle tone rather than building muscles, producing greater stability and endurance. Rather than bulking you up, Pilates is designed to cultivate a longer, leaner look. It leads to greater flexibility, functional movement, and may even reduce your likelihood of injury.