WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Nestled in the heart of Embrey Mills, the Coulter family epitomizes warmth, resilience, and community spirit. With Elizabeth and her partner Craig at the helm, alongside their vibrant crew- Louie, Maribel (Belle), Frankie, and Asher - their home resonates with laughter, love, and a shared commitment to making a difference, both within their family and in the wider community.

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 STEWART T. HENDERSON

On May 4th, 1864, Lieutenant General Ulysses Grant began his first campaign as General in Chief of the United States Army, the Overland Campaign. Instead of staying in Washington, DC, his headquarters would be with the Army of the Potomac, commanded by Major General George Meade, and the Independent IX Army Corps, commanded by Major General Ambrose Burnside. This immediately created an awkward command situation. General Burnside outranked General Meade, so Grant had to issue commands to each army to get them to work together.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

In the heart of downtown Fredericksburg, Fahrenheit 132 stands as a culinary oasis, offering an unparalleled dining experience that transcends mere sustenance and is every carnivore's dream. Arguably the best restaurant in town, Fahrenheit 132 captivates patrons with its exquisite ambiance, impeccable service, and a menu that pays homage to the finest ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

"Mom, what's for dinner?" is quite possibly my least favorite phrase. I spend too much time coming up with grocery lists, meal plans, etc., so when I find something quick and easy, I have to share it. We typically keep some frozen shrimp ready to rock in the freezer, and we just happened to have some taco toppings ready to go and on hand, so I threw the following together recently, and I was pleasantly surprised. There's minimal preparation to this one, and I may try it again soon with feta cheese as a bonus, but here's what I did with minimal effort.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

With Mother's Day fast-approaching, I'm here to help the spouses out. Now, I am definitely biased, and you'll notice a trend in what moms really want for Mother's Day. I'm sure there's some mathematical equation that I could use, taking into account variables such as the number of children and how old the children are, but I taught English and not math, so this will have to do. 

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Spring has officially sprung, and along with the blossoming flowers and warmer weather, Mother’s Day is now upon us. One of the first Mother’s Day celebrations was celebrated in Ancient Greece thousands of years ago. The United States has now adopted and molded the celebratory tradition into American culture, celebrating Mother’s Day annually on the second Sunday of May.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

In the heart of Fredericksburg, the Bill Carroll Foundation shines brightly as a beacon of hope, inclusion, and creativity. Founded by CEO and visionary Bill Carroll, this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is dedicated to providing inclusive arts programs and instruction to individuals of all abilities, focusing on veterans and those with disabilities.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

It's that time when teachers, parents, and students anticipate the close of another school year. For some of us, it marks the commencement of a new era. It is a time for celebrating the accomplishments and future dreams of our seniors. As a mom of nine, with two of my own children graduating, I wish to share some inspiration with our dear graduates.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Dungeons and Dragons is a fictional role-playing game created in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules Inc. Players form an "adventuring party" and embark on fictional quests in fantasy worlds. The game has no winner but does have various roles and levels a player can fall into, including the referee, such as the Dungeon Master.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

The Commonwealth Governor's School aims to bring students' passions to life and promote the growth of intelligent thinkers. These students thrive in an environment where critical thinking is encouraged, and knowledge is appreciated. A fundamental aspect of this program is an extensive research project known as "culminating." 

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

Nothing says “Spring” like cherry blossoms and a dust mop. Spring cleaning is as much a home improvement as a new deck or floor. It is essential. Many get lost in the enormity of the task. Keep it simple and break it down into doable steps. Plan a spring-cleaning schedule to accomplish your goals for the next days or weeks. Include family members in tasks and make it a goal!

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In the heart of Fredericksburg resides a woman named Kim Hicks, affectionately known as "Miss Kim," who embodies the essence of Southern hospitality, resilience, and timeless elegance. With a legacy steeped in love and community, Kim's grace, style, and devotion to family illuminate the lives of everyone around her.

WRITTEN BY TAYLER TANKS

With Women's History Month last month, I wanted to shine a light on an incredible event that uplifts the fantastic women of Stafford: Central VA’s Most Influential Women Banquet.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In the bustling heart of Montreal, Canada, Mora Soan's journey began—a journey that would intertwine her fate with that of her loving husband, Jack Preap. Their love story, ignited by a chance encounter at a family wedding, quickly blossomed into a lifelong partnership and adventure. 

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

Parents of rising high school juniors, seniors, and the soon to be class of 2024 graduates, this is for you. It seems like yesterday my kids were in elementary school, and now my youngest is in college. I mean where does the time go? What is the plan for life after high school? Have you really talked about it?

WRITTEN BY NORA AHMAD

North Stafford High School is proud to introduce the production: The Wizard of Oz. The Wizard Of Oz is a musical about a girl named Dorothy who travels to a magical land called Oz. On her journey to meet a magical Wizard who can take her back home, she meets friends and faces many challenges.

WRITTEN BY ALLIE MEDINA

Colonial Forge’s “Talont” Show was on Thursday, March 7. There was a huge crowd, and tickets sold out the night of. All of the acts were amazing, starting with Ian Bast on the piano, playing a personal piece. After his performance, he spoke of his inspiration to play at the show.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

As self-proclaimed aficionados of Italian cuisine, my husband and I were eager to try Orofino, drawn by its reputation for genuine Italian fare. Having spent nearly three years living in Italy, our standards were high, and Orofino did not disappoint.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Pots & Palettes is more than a "Paint Your Own Pottery" Studio; it's a haven for creativity, relaxation, and making lasting memories. Nestled in the heart of the Lees Hill Community, the studio invites people of all ages to unleash their inner artists while enjoying the company of friends and family.