WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Tough Mudder. Ironman. The Murph Challenge. America is no stranger to competitions, from athletic to intellectual and everything in between; we even celebrate our nation's birthday with a hotdog-eating competition. We're well-versed in the requirements of marathons and triathlons, too, where participants continue to push themselves to their mental and physical limits— it's not a new concept. 

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When it comes to swim safety, one often overlooked factor is the color of bathing suits. While the style and comfort of swimwear are usually prioritized, the color can play a crucial role in enhancing visibility and preventing drowning, particularly in crowded or natural water environments. Here’s why the color of your bathing suit matters and how it can make a significant difference in water safety.

WRITTEN BY ALLIE MEDINA

It is imperative over the summer for kids to keep moving, get exercise, and interact with their peers. One of the most effective (and fun) ways to do this is athletic camps. This summer, Colonial Forge continued the county-wide tradition of hosting an array of student-run sportscamps for a variety of ages and skill levels.

WRITTEN BY NORA AHMAD

Students at North have been spending their summer either on vacation, practicing sports, relaxing, or, in this case, being employed. Plenty of students at North Stafford have jobs throughout the year and a summer job. As we get ready to start the new year, rising juniors and seniors might want to consider a summer job as well.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

It’s no secret that war takes a toll on service members. Some return from war with visible wounds and scars, but many more return with wounds invisible to the eye— that’s precisely where Leashes of Valor steps in to help. Founded in 2017 by retired Marine Corps Capt. Jason Haag, this nonprofit organization provides service dogs at no cost to wounded and disabled veterans who served during and after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Agave Bar & Grill in Fredericksburg, VA, is a charming Mexican restaurant offering an authentic and diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. My friend and I met for lunch a few weeks ago, and it's our new favorite Mexican spot. It is apparent from the moment you walk in that the restaurant prides itself on its culinary excellence, which is quite evident in its fresh and flavorful dishes, excellent service, and impressive drink options.  

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

The Gilason family is full of life and energy. Residing in Stafford, Virginia with Amy and Nick Gilason at the helm, their household buzzes with the energy of their four boys—Brayden, 13, identical twins Carter and Colten, 11, and Rory, 9. Together, they navigate the complexities of daily life, balancing careers, school activities, and community involvement while fostering a deep sense of family and togetherness.

WRITTEN BY TAYLER TANKS

Raina Chan, a rising junior at Mountain View High School, is not just your average student. She is an inspiration, too, embodying the essence of following your dreams and conquering any challenges that may arise along the way.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

The enchantment of summer is upon us. Leisure and frolic have taken on new heights, and our outdoor spaces have become nature escapes. Tranquility and warm connections are calling. You can transform an outdoor eyesore into a tantalizing tapestry. King of his craft, Paul Gardner, owner of Artscapes, shares his expertise with us.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

We were ready for adventure! Our wanderlust had grown to epic proportions. The RV had snacks, blankets, clothes, games, and all the “things” for a fun-filled family vacation. We were headed for a destination of bliss to several of our nation’s breathtaking national parks. These are trips of a lifetime!

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

I hope the month of July allows you the opportunity to relax, reconnect and create memories with your families and friends. I enjoy the sounds of my young adults being home from college. I chuckle at the fact that at dinner time, they are wondering what’s for dinner, like they can’t fix something themselves. Their memories of home are the day to day joys they reflect on and appreciate a little more by going away from home. Regardless of how you spend your July, summertime is like a family reunion to exhale a little and enjoy some long needed and well deserved downtime.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Ara Der-boghossian has been an integral part of the moving industry for 14 years. Six years ago, in 2018, he decided to take a significant step by founding Precision Home Movers. The inspiration behind this venture stemmed from his personal experience. 

WRITTEN BY PAUL GARDNER

While summer is in full swing, and the thought of Christmas might seem far off, July is the perfect time to start planning for the holiday season. At Elf Pros, we understand that the months leading up to December can be the busiest time of year. With Halloween, Thanksgiving, back-to-school activities, and the changing of the seasons, your schedule can quickly become overwhelming. That's why we believe that now is the ideal time to take one major task off your plate by scheduling your professional Christmas decorating service.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Jim Clore, Paul Gardner, and their teams are proud to be a local company owned and operated by Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania natives for over 25 years. Their dedication to the community is reflected in their commitment to enhancing the quality of life for their customers through beautiful, functional, and festive outdoor spaces.

WRITTEN BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

Summer's arrival brings not just sunny days, but also thunderstorms and fireworks. Explosive sounds, including booms echoing from Quantico, can easily turn your typically calm pet into a panting, drooling, nervous wreck. Here are a few integrative techniques you can use to keep your furry friend calm during these stressful events.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Chef Daniel Perron’s culinary journey is a testament to dedication, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. Residing in Stafford with his wife Cassie, 35, and their two children, Sophie, 14, and Michael, 12, Daniel has not only established himself as a prominent figure in the culinary world but also as a beloved member of the community.

WRITTEN BY NORA AHMAD

Last month, North Stafford High School and other high schools across the country celebrated and proudly sent off their high school seniors. North Nation encourages your path in life no matter where you go and what you choose to do. We celebrate and commend our 2024 graduating seniors for their hard work and dedication for the past four years. 

WRITTEN BY ALLIE MEDINA

Colonial Forge had a great year in athletics, with multiple teams making districts and even beyond.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

The Palmer Family resides in the heart of Liberty Knolls. The dynamic unit is led by Garrick and Chrissy and completed by their four remarkable daughters: Danielle, Gabrielle, Avrielle, and Kristen. Their journey is one adorned with tales of service, love, and the pursuit of dreams.

WRITTEN BY STEWART T. HENDERSON

You may be wondering why a travel agent is useful when you can log on to any vacation website

and book a trip yourself. There are five major reasons to go through a travel agent, though,

especially on something as important and expensive as your family vacations.