WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

While many people associate tree care with spring, fall is actually an optimal time for pruning and planting trees in many parts of the country, including Virginia. The fall temperatures here are relatively mild, and the soil remains soft and warm enough for trees to take root quickly. Plus, the intense heat and sun of summer that tend to dry out the soil have subsided by then.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Marie King, the driving force behind Lok Custom, Lok Fashion Academy, and Lok Fashion Institute, is a name synonymous with fashion and education in the Stafford area. As a fashion designer, owner, and founder of these thriving ventures, Marie has devoted her life to empowering others through her unwavering dedication to style and nurturing new talent.

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 CHERICE TAYLOR

Effective communication is crucial for ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned regarding your student(s). This principle applies across K-12 levels, college, and for students seeking opportunities such as internships for the upcoming summer or sooner.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

“Hope House has taken a lead role in the community providing vital support to children and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless,” explained board member Keith Lebor. “While our primary focus is on families needing immediate assistance, our Homeless Helpline often serves as the first point of contact for anyone in need.” Through the helpline, Loisann’s Hope House is able to guide most callers to the appropriate resources for their specific situations, ensuring they have access to services in the region. 

WRITTEN BY ALLIE MEDINA

Getting accepted to The George Mason Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) was a surprising experience. I applied after being nominated by my journalism teacher, unsure of the details but knowing that anything to do with writing intrigued me enough to give it a shot. 

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.