WRITTEN BY NORA AHMAD

Whether you're new to North Stafford, an incoming freshman, or just looking to try something new this year, there are plenty of exciting clubs and sports teams to explore. Joining a club or sport is a fantastic way to establish a community, especially if you're new and want to make friends. Clubs introduce you to new people, broaden your social circle, and help you pursue your passions. Additionally, extracurricular activities are a great way to enhance your college applications, especially for rising juniors and seniors.

WRITTEN BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, a timely reminder to learn how to recognize pain in our pets. Dogs and cats can't tell us when they're in pain, and their natural instinct to hide discomfort makes it even harder to detect. As pet parents, it's up to us to notice the subtle clues they give us so we can get them help quickly.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

Parents and Teachers, what an incredible role we have! As we emerge into the 2024-2025 school year, may we focus on one of life's most important callings: mentoring the youth in our paths. Our mission field is the youth in our community, on our school campuses, and around our dinner tables. There is no greater way to impact our future.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

Home improvement begins in the mind. It is the culmination of hopes and dreams. Home improvement anticipates change that will bring happiness, value, and identity. What is the blueprint for choosing the companies to dream with you and make those dreams come true? Like a floor plan on a blueprint, a company's core values help lay out key components. Core values identify which attributes a family, institution, or business possesses. Choosing companies for your home improvement investment that align with your core values is essential. You will see these ideals carried out in the craft, communication, and customer service you receive during your project.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Owner Gregory White's journey into plumbing began early, deeply rooted in family traditions. "My uncle owned a plumbing company when I was growing up, and I can remember spending my days off from school and summers in the trucks with my cousins and father," he recalled. This immersive exposure to the trade made plumbing a natural career choice. "Most of the men in my family were plumbers," he said, highlighting the generational knowledge and skills passed down to him.

WRITTEN BY SUZY THOMPSON, CLUB PILATES

Pilates builds a strong core, simultaneously increases strength and flexibility, and improves posture, stability, and alignment. It also emphasizes complete concentration on smooth movement and proper breathing. You become acutely aware of how your body feels, where it is in space, and how best to control its movement. Many describe this feeling as being more “connected” to your body. Joseph Pilates called his method “Contrology” because of the benefits of balancing the body, mind, and spirit.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

The Castillo family, led by Alvaro Castillo, has recently made Stafford their home, bringing with them a strong sense of community and a deep commitment to family. Alvaro, 45, is the proud father of three children: Sarah, 17, Callen, 14, and Oliver (Ollie), 13. Alvaro’s mother, Mia Donado, 64, will soon join them from Ecuador.

WRITTEN BY MELISSA HUNTLEY-BOSCO, HB LAW PLC

Approximately one out of every three Americans own a firearm, with many owning more than one. Possessing such a heavily regulated item requires unique solutions for sharing, gifting, and transferring such property. Yet, many gun owners commit accidental felonies when trying to use and share their firearms. Gun trusts exist to prevent this, giving owners the freedom to use and share their property according to their wishes. 

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Leila Abel's life story is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of loved ones. From overcoming personal hardships to building a successful career and giving back to her community, Leila's journey is inspiring and heartwarming.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

It has been a little over two years since our family moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia. Fredericksburg is quite different from our hometown, with its hustle and proximity to our nation's capital. Nicely situated in this new place we call home, our eyes have been opened to the many gems of nature and history embedded in our local community and nearby towns. Our family time explorations have led us to walks that made us feel like we should be in the midst of an enchanted forest with fairies, caverns of stalagmites and stalactites creating a scene that is a reminder of Lord of the Rings, and battlefields where soldiers stood and fought for what they believed in. What beauty, rich in creation and history, right in our backyard!

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Comfort Paws, LLC, an integrative veterinary practice based in Stafford, Virginia, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for pets through a variety of specialized services. Founded by Dr. Katrina Spies, Comfort Paws offers pain management services such as acupuncture, rehabilitation, laser therapy, herbal medicine, quality of life assessments, hospice and palliative care, and food therapy. To ensure accessibility for all pet parents, the practice provides house calls, in-clinic, and telehealth appointments.

WRITTEN BY DAN BOMAR, COMFENERGY

Did you know that your attic can be the reason why your upstairs bedrooms are too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter? It can also be the reason you have high energy bills. So how can you tell if you have poor “home performance”?

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

The Romero family, residing in St. George's Estates, is a shining example of dedication to their country and community. With a rich history of military service and local involvement, they have left each place they've called home better than they've found it. Stafford has been fortunate to have them as residents since 2004, and they've become an integral part of the community through their active participation in sports and business.

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 DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

As families gear up for the new school year, it's crucial to remember our furry companions who also feel the impact of changing routines. Our beloved dogs and cats experience stress during this transition, making it essential to consider their well-being alongside our own preparations.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Established in 2023, Heart-Centered Academy has become more than just an educational institution; it has become synonymous with hope, offering support for students and their families. This faith-based, non-profit learning center, led by Executive Director Melissa Coleman, offers a unique blend of individualized and small-group support tailored to meet the diverse needs of children from elementary to high school.  

WRITTEN BY PAUL GARDNER

In the realm of home improvement, landscape lighting is often overlooked. Yet, it's one of the most impactful investments you can make for your property. At Ignite Illumination, we believe every house deserves the transformative power of well-designed outdoor lighting. Here's why landscape lighting is not just a luxury but a necessity for every home.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Summer is widely known as a time for vacation and relaxation. However, many students of Riverbend High School use the summertime to work behind the scenes to prepare for success in sports during the upcoming Fall. Student involvement in preseason training, kids' camps, and fundraisers sets the teams up for incredible success by the time Fall rolls around. Two incredibly remarkable teams stand out this summer as they both have been extremely active.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

The transition back to school after summer break can be pretty bumpy. Re-perfecting your sleep schedule and ramping back up the workload can be challenging, as the relaxing summer has abruptly ended. 

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

“Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation" - Zig Ziglar.

August represents new beginnings and opportunities.