WRITTEN BY SHIRLEY VON RAESFELD

My name is Shirley Von Raesfeld and I am a Breast Cancer Survivor! I am a wife, mother to two beautiful girls, a bonus mom to two beautiful girls, and a grandmother of three. My husband and I are originally from Oklahoma, but like many military families, the Marine Corps has taken us coast to coast all over the United States. We are currently stationed at Quantico, VA.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL, RECIPE BY LOUIE ANNE BATAC-NGUYEN

I wanted to create a late summer drink with whispers of autumn. Yuzu sake brightens the cocktail, and the red shiso leaf tea mellows out all the citrus flavors, just as the summer evenings begin to cool down.

Kanpai!

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

When my family received orders to Japan from California, we were very unprepared. These orders were very unexpected, as we thought we had at least two more years in California. However, in typical military fashion we adapted and overcame it.

WRITTEN BY PACHECO’S HARDWOOD FLOOR

Maintaining hardwood floors is essential for several reasons, as it helps preserve their beauty, functionality, and longevity. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and polishing, helps keep your hardwood floors looking their best.

WRITTEN BY EMILY STEMBRIDGE, RAPPAHANNOCK ORTHODONTICS

Dr. Ronald Lowe, a recent graduate of the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine for Advanced Study in Orthodontics, officially joined Rappahannock Orthodontics in July.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Pia Munoz was 18 years old when she moved to the United States from Peru. It’s not easy to move to another country and leave most of the family, friends, and lifestyle behind. However, Pia was ready to make her mark in the States.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

As the warmth of summer and the humidity finally give way to the cool embrace of fall, gardeners are presented with 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 BRITTANY JACQUES

Did you know that pomegranates are in season during the fall? Thanks to How to be a Vodka Snob by Brittany Jacques. Red Lightning Press. Our September cocktail is this delicious pomegranate blend.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Detective First Sergeant C.L. Smith has served as an officer of the law for Stafford County for the past 10 years. He was born and raised in Spotsylvania County. He is a graduate of Chancellor High School and has a Business Degree from Bloomsburg University.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Going pumpkin picking has become a beloved fall tradition in America, but how did it start? Well, the origins of this tradition can be traced back to Native American history and European settlers' folklore, as well as harvest festivals, the media and pop culture, and the rise of agritourism.

WRITTEN BY DORI STEWART

Contact K&M Roofing and Contracting to solve all your rooftop issues. They are a family-owned company founded by Mike Jenkins and have been operational for 28 years. Mike has been in the roofing industry since he was 12 years old. His parents owned a roofing business for 40 years and he grew up with the trade. Their business philosophy is simple, “to build a lasting and trustworthy relationship with their customers.”

WRITTEN BY DORI STEWART, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

It's a rare gift to find a partner who shares your most crucial values and supports you in all of life's most thrilling adventures. But for Ben and Raeann Litalien, that's exactly what they found when their paths first crossed nearly 40 years ago.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Mental Health America of Fredericksburg has been supporting the citizens of District 16 since 1955. District 16 includes Stafford, Fredericksburg, Caroline, King George and Spotsylvania counties. Mental Health America identifies the gaps in local services and creates unique programs and forms local partnerships to address those issues.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL, RECIPE BY STEPHANIE ROMAN

September kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month! A hodgepodge of celebrations for many Hispanic countries. I reached out to a dear friend to share the only birria taco recipe you need in your life.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

September is here! Get ready for pumpkin patches, tractor rides, and corn mazes! Here is a fun September activity to get you ready.

DIY Tree Craft

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Where were you on September the 11th 2001? It’s a moment one never forgets. I was an 8th grader at Blessed Sacrament School in Queens, New York. I was a witness to the aftermath of this tragedy. I clearly remember the next day opening the door of my grandmother’s house and being surrounded by debris that made its way to us from Manhattan. For this edition of our Heroes Spotlight, we are highlighting our local heroes and the residents whose lives were lost that day.

WRITTEN BY DORI STEWART

Are you looking for a local plumber ready to knock your next job out of the park? Grand Slam Plumbing is prepared to step up to the plate to get your repairs done right!

WRITTEN BY DORI STEWART, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

During life's most challenging moments, love, community, and shared passions are often what get us through the day. The Vorse-Sales family serves as a testament to this truth and acts as a symbol of resilience and love in the face of adversity.

WRITTEN BY PETMAN GROOMING

Great Pyrenees. Husky. Samoyed. Chow Chow. Not only are these usually very large dogs, all of these breeds also have what's known as a double coat. Double and single coated dogs all have an outer coat composed of guard hairs that should be thick, coarse and flat. What lies beneath this outer coat on a double coated breed is known as the undercoat.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Hillary is a Marine Corps spouse who has followed her spouse all over the world. After her husband retired they decided to settle in Fredericksburg, Virginia.