WRITTEN BY PAUL GARDNER

By the time this article lands in your mailbox, October will have already arrived, which means Christmas is just around the corner—less than 90 days away! At Elf Pros, our Professional Christmas Light Installers are already in full swing, turning homes into festive winter wonderlands. Whether you’re planning to light up your home with Elf Pros this season or not, here’s a sneak peek at what sets our premium service apart: design, installation, maintenance, take down, and storage—all wrapped up in one seamless experience.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for Bradford Jenner, owner of Affordable Automotive, it’s an opportunity to merge his passion for cars with a cause that hits close to home. Through the Brakes for Breasts campaign, Jenner and his team are not only offering essential vehicle services but are also raising crucial funds for an innovative breast cancer vaccine trial.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Daly Martinez, originally from Mexico and a Fredericksburg resident for the past 18 years, is the proud founder of Cleaning with Zoey, a residential cleaning company named after her daughter. Daly and her longtime friend and business partner, Abraham Martinez, run the business with a shared commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and creating a work-life balance that prioritizes family. 

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

For over 30 years, Ray’s Siding Company, LLC has been a trusted name in exterior remodeling in Fredericksburg, VA. Founded by Ray King and now helmed by his son, Michael King, and his wife, Chrissy, this family-owned business continues to uphold the values that have earned them a reputation for excellence: honesty, integrity, and a genuine commitment to customer care.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Dana Atkins and Kim Reynolds share a friendship that spans decades, dating back to when they first met in seventh grade at Walker Grant Middle School in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Their bond has only strengthened over the years, leading to a unique and thriving business partnership. Together, they've built a deep personal connection and a mobile bar business, Love Buzz Mobile Bar,  that is turning heads in the Fredericksburg area.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

American Legion Boys State is a week-long program for rising senior boys that serves as an optimal source for leadership growth through immersion in aspects of local government. Steve Robertson, chair of the Virginia and Post 320 Boys State Committees, says, "...the program is an activity of high educational value, born out of the need for youth development and practical citizenship."

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Summer is a highly anticipated season for most students, as it is a time for fun and relaxation. Many RHS students are rather active throughout the summer, involved in athletics, academic activities, community service, and many other unique activities. These students use the summer to extend their passions, talents, and knowledge and to work unwaveringly toward their future. 

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Living in the Fredericksburg area, it is likely that you have heard of or even visited Chatham Manor. Whether you know it as the place popular for its scenic walkthrough or have visited to take high school prom photos, there is more to why Chatham Manor plays such an important role in our nation’s history. 

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

With a solid foundation laid in 2006, J Hood Services, a family-owned business based in Manassas, Virginia, has been a trusted heating, cooling, and plumbing provider across Northern Virginia. Serving a wide range of counties and areas, including Fredericksburg, Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, Arlington, Alexandria, Fauquier, Culpepper, Spotsylvania, Caroline, Warren, Orange, and Stafford, the company has built a strong reputation on high-quality work, exceptional customer service, and competitive pricing.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Pierpoint Construction, Inc., a family-owned home remodeling company, has been a steadfast presence in the community since 1990. Founded by Todd Pierpoint, who has been in construction since his youth, the company offers full-service interior and exterior remodeling. Todd's journey into construction was inspired by his father, a firefighter who took on handyman projects during his days off. This early exposure to construction fueled Todd's passion, leading him to establish his own business 34 years ago.

WRITTEN BY REBECCA CHANDA

In the ever-evolving world of medical aesthetics, neuromodulators, aka Botox®, have secured their place as a cornerstone of non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Known for their ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, these injectable treatments offer a safe, effective, and minimally invasive option for those seeking to enhance their natural beauty.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Jason Haag's life is a testament to unwavering resilience, a solid commitment to his country and family, and a deep sense of service. As a Marine Corps veteran and founder of Leashes of Valor (LOV), a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs to wounded and disabled veterans, Jason's journey is one of unyielding strength and dedication. But behind his professional accomplishments is a man deeply connected to his family— with members including both humans and canines.

WRITTEN BY TAYLER TANKS

With the 2024-25 Mountain View Football season on the horizon, the Wildcats have been working tirelessly since the end of their 2023-24 season. The team has been putting in countless hours in the "Lab" and isn't shying away from hard work or hot days!

WRITTEN BY PAUL GARDNER

Life can be stressful. Whether you're working, retired, or somewhere in between, everyone faces challenges such as deadlines, financial issues, and difficult relationships. These stressors can take a toll on our well-being, making it essential to find ways to reduce stress and enhance our quality of life. One often-overlooked solution is the power of outdoor living spaces.

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.