WRITTEN BY RICHARD BIBB

As an independent insurance agent, the question I get asked most often by clients when they get their renewal notifications is “Why have the premiums increased so much over what I was paying last year?”.

WRITTEN BY AUBRY BLAIS, THISTLE MEDICAL SKINCARE STUDIO

Thistle Medical Skincare Studio is proud to be your beauty besties and resident experts in Stafford. Our aesthetic nurses Aubry, BSN, RN, CANS and Angela, MSN, FNP-C answered some of the most frequently asked questions about our lip filler injections.

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

Do you have a wall calendar in your home office, place of business or kitchen? Do you rely on your electronic device calendar? Do you use both or are you that person that can keep it all in your head?

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Located in the heart of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Chancellor Swim Club offers the ultimate summer oasis for families seeking relaxation and excitement.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

With the fourth quarter nearing, final exams are quickly approaching. As this can be a time of stress for many, much worry can be alleviated with the proper preparation and test-taking techniques. There are a few essential thoughts to remember during this test-taking season that will set you up for success!

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

As adolescents begin to expand their interests throughout high school, it is essential for school to be a place that creates opportunities to bring students with similar passions together. This provides these students with an environment where they can bond with their classmates over shared interests and build strong and long-lasting friendships.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

SYNERGY HomeCare of Fredericksburg is owned and operated by Beata Alghabra, who comes from a background in healthcare management and finance. She is joined by Jalal Alghabra, PA-C, who has over 20 years of experience working as a healthcare provider.

WRITTEN BY MALANNA HENDERSON

The Scandalous Women of the Civil War Guild mix history with scandal and adventure as they perform first-person narratives from daring historical personages. These women defied 19th century decorum and flourished outside the communal spheres of family, church and home.

WRITTEN BY LOUIE ANNE BATAC-NGUYEN

PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY

The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival is almost here! Beginning mid-March, locals and tourists alike will find the District celebrating the beautiful sakura (cherry trees) that line the Potomac and bring new life to the capital region every year.

WRITTEN BY KAREN PRESECAN

It’s not impossible to take great pictures of your pets, even on your own. Dogs and cats can photograph beautifully but require very different techniques. Before you begin, find a place in your home or outside that doesn’t have a distracting background.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Beauty for Ashes is a local women's and children's home in Fredericksburg, Virginia. They provide a unique 9-12 month residential program that allows a mother and her child(ren) to stay and grow together as the mother is restored from a life-controlling situation.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

For over five decades, the Special Olympics has unified thousands in the spirit of sport and has been a beacon of hope and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In Area 11 of Special Olympics Virginia, which encompasses Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg, this organization has become a lifeline for hundreds of local athletes and their families by offering year-round sports training and competition.

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 MALLORY HARDGROVE

Since its inception in June 2011, Ascent Audiology & Hearing has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive hearing care services to the community of Fredericksburg. Founded by Dr. Kuster, a seasoned audiologist with 29 years of experience, the practice has remained committed to delivering customized, compassionate care to every patient who walks through its doors.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Standing for excellence in kitchen remodeling, Kitchen Tune-Up is a realized dream for three local brothers. Owned and operated by brothers Zach, Matt, and Jake Lethbridge, the company offers services tailored to fit customers' budgets and needs, including cabinet wood reconditioning, painting, redooring, refacing, and new cabinetry installation.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

There is something delightful about stepping onto a new floor's smooth, soft surface. The tones and texture of each plank pull you into the harmonious blend of the room's interiors and colors. With each step, you can drink in the hues of ash, pine, oak, or your delight in nature. You feel grounded, balanced, and rejuvenated. A beautiful floor means a welcoming space. A durable, dependable, and versatile floor means quality for everyday life.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Since 2008, Dr. Pepper has held a highly anticipated Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway. This event is held annually at each of the major college football conference championship games. For this much-anticipated event, fifteen current college students are selected to compete for $100,000, by throwing footballs into an oversized Dr. Pepper can in the allotted amount of time.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Throughout the school year at Riverbend High School, there are many opportunities for students, staff, and the families of Riverbend to give back to the community.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Co-owned by Tiffany Prine and Suzanne Brady, NextHome Blue Heron stands out for its commitment to delivering a tailored experience to each client. With over 30 years of realty, sales, and service experience, Tiffany and Suzanne joined forces to establish NextHome Blue Heron Realty Group.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

As someone who lives in Virginia, it is almost certain that you have heard the phrase, “Virginia is for Lovers.” It is often stamped onto mugs, t-shirts, and keychains on sale throughout the state, but the origin of this phrase goes much deeper than this stylish merchandise.