Father’s Day Traditions Around the World
WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL
In the United States, Father’s Day is an integral aspect of many families. It was made an official holiday rather recently, in 1972, and is now celebrated annually on the third Sunday of June. Being a day full of family gatherings, gifts, and overall a showering of love for all of the father figures, it truly is a special celebration.
Kids Corner: Easy Paper Cup Car
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.
Mountain View High School: A Spotlight on Student Council
WRITTEN BY TAYLER TANKS
Mountain View High School's student council is definitely a force to be reckoned with! The Mountain View High School Student Council is run by Emily Mason. The student council is a very important part of schools because it allows the student body to voice their opinions and concerns to the administration. The main goal of SCA is to promote school activities and make the school a place where everyone feels like they belong.
Advice from Dan Whitley of Edward Jones: Don't Let Your Investments Take a Vacation
WRITTEN BY DAN WHITLEY
Summertime is almost here — and for many people that means it’s time to hit the road. But even if you decide to take a vacation, you’ll want other areas of your life to keep working — especially your investments.
Cheers to Stephanie Johnson: A True Community Champion
WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN
Stephanie Johnson's life in Stafford County is a testament to the power of giving back, embracing your community, and making a difference in that community.
Mountain View High School: Behind the Curtain
WRITTEN BY TAYLER TANKS
The play at Mountain View High School, Something Rotten, was undoubtedly worth observing. The Mountain View's theater department put on an outstanding production this April!
Kitchen Remodeling: Ideas That Will Transform Your Space
WRITTEN BY CHRIS ROMERO
More often than not, the kitchen is the heart of the home—a bustling space where culinary magic unfolds and memories are created. However, with the array of utensils, appliances, and ingredients that amass over time, maintaining an organized and functional kitchen can be a challenge. This is where innovative cabinetry and countertop space-saving options come into play, ensuring that every corner of the kitchen is optimized for efficiency and convenience.
Introducing Morningside House of Fredericksburg: A New Chapter in Senior Care
WRITTEN BY MICHELLE DIETZ
Morningside Elite Management, a distinguished women-owned and operated senior living company with over 30 years of industry expertise, proudly announces its latest venture: Morningside House of Fredericksburg. Formerly known as Poet's Walk, this esteemed memory care community now operates under new management while retaining its commitment to excellence and compassion in senior care.
Embracing Creativity, Community, and Canine Companions: The Balestreri Family
WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN
Debra, Aaron, and their three beloved canine companions, Loki, Brisby, and Ripley, have created a home in Aquia Harbor, but they've also created their own community of artists.
Parents Education Corner: Tips from a Local Superintendent
WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. I asked Dr.Taylor if he could give two tips to parents, what would they be? His response is below.
Ready, Set, Prom: Getting Ready for Prom at North Stafford
WRITTEN BY NORA AHMAD
This month North Stafford is excited to announce their annual Prom. This year's prom theme is “Once Upon a Time” inspired by Disney movies and all things magical. At North Nation, prom is especially exciting because only seniors and juniors are allowed to go but not just that, at North Stafford we go all out in decorations and preparations. Prom has been the buzz at North Stafford since we returned from spring break back in March. Everyone is getting ready trying to find the best dresses, shoes, suits, and of course, accessories.
Colonial Forge Presents "Alice in Wonderland"
WRITTEN BY ALLIE MEDINA
Colonial Forge debuted its musical production of “Alice in Wonderland” on April 12th.
Refinishing vs. Replacing Hardwood Floors: Which Option Is Right for You?
WRITTEN BY PACHECO’S HARDWOOD FLOOR
Hardwood floors exude elegance and timelessness, enhancing the aesthetics and value of any home. However, as years pass, these floors may start to show signs of wear and tear, prompting homeowners to consider their options: refinishing or replacing. Both choices offer distinct advantages and considerations, making it essential to understand the differences between them before making a decision.
Introducing Paw Cutz LLC, formerly known as Aquia Grooming
WRITTEN BY ZOYA DE JAGER
Welcome to Paw Cutz LLC, the newly rebranded and refurbished pet grooming haven formerly known as Aquia Grooming. Led by Zoya de Jager and her dedicated team, Paw Cutz promises a grooming experience like no other in the Fredericksburg area. With 15 years of grooming expertise under her belt and a commitment to excellence, Zoya is on her way to becoming a certified master groomer, ensuring that your furry friends receive top-notch care tailored to their specific needs.
Celebrating Volunteerism & Catalyzing Change: The Coulter Crew
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.
Kids Corner: Bottle Cap Soda Flower Wreath
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.
The Overland Campaign: The Beginning of the End of the Civil War
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.
Fahrenheit 132: A Carnivore's Dream in Fredericksburg
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.
Recipe Corner: Mango Tango Shrimp Tacos
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.
A Spouse's Guide to Mother's Day
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.