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FXBG Neighbors 📍Fredericksburg | Things to do, events & eats
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Meet the Team

The team may be small, but they complement each other very well. It’s the classic story of when strangers become friends. The friends just happen to be powerhouses in their own fields. Let us introduce you to the team that makes the publications of FXBG Neighbors arrive at your doorstep every month. Editor and Publisher: Dori Roberts Stewart

The first thing you notice about Dori is

her kind smile. She gives an aura that automatically makes you want to get to know her more. By the way, that kind smile is on par with her personality, she is an incredibly kind person with a thunderous background. Dori was a teacher at Colonial Forge High School teaching high school engineering for 11 years before starting an award-winning company. She has even been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, CNN Money, Fox Business, and Kiplinger’s, and was named Stafford County Business Innovator of the Year. She is the host of her own podcast called Business in the Burg and is now the editor and publisher of Neighbors of Courthouse, Neighbors of Chancellorsville, and Stafford Living Magazine. As a long-time resident, Dori is excited to serve the community she loves to bring people together and also help other businesses grow. Content Coordinator: Liz Hensel

Liz has been living in the Stafford area for the last two years. However, her ties are rooted to Virginia, as Virginia was her first duty station while she was on active duty with the Marine Corps. Her husband is still on active duty, and they hope to make Stafford their forever home with their two daughters and two rescue dogs. While serving in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps reserves has allowed Liz to see all parts of the country and the world, there is truly no place like home. Working on this magazine gives Liz the opportunity to meet her neighbors and the local businesses and more importantly, she gets to highlight them to others. Liz is also the founder of a nonprofit called Leave No Paws Behind USA. She led the campaign to have the legislative change to include pet transportation fees included in military moves. With her leadership, the bill was passed in the FY23 National Defense Appropriation Act. Liz is excited to continue to write the stories of our FXBG Neighbors. Photographer: Karen Presecan

Meeting Karen is walking into a room full of joy. That is what her photography sessions provide. A military spouse, Karen found her love for photography after her husband left on a deployment. Looking for a creative outlet, Karen Presecan Photography was born. Her children help her with setups while her husband handles the finances. Talk about teamwork! Karen’s sincere passion for her work speaks for itself. Her philosophy is to bring joy to the home with stunning photographs of special moments. Her photography portfolio ranges from professional headshots, families, senior portraits, and my personal favorite pets. Karen's photos can be seen on our cover and for many of our family features. She is thrilled to be part of the FXBG Neighbors team. Together these three women work together to bring you the most up-to-date news in the neighborhood. They tell the stories of your neighbors and connect you with the top businesses that serve the residents of the Stafford and Fredericksburg area. This is what FXBG Neighbors is about! Welcome to the neighborhood.

Not every mission ends when the uniform comes off, some evolve into building businesses, teams, and communities.Brothers...
20/11/2025

Not every mission ends when the uniform comes off, some evolve into building businesses, teams, and communities.

Brothers Jake, Matt, and Zach Lethbridge of Kitchen Tune-Up Fredericksburg & Stafford know what it means to lead with discipline, resilience, and shared purpose. Their military experience didn’t just shape who they are, it shaped how they work.

Today, they carry that forward by serving families and homeowners across our region with craftsmanship, integrity, and respect.

They each offer wisdom for those stepping into entrepreneurship:

Jake:
“Hire people who share the same passion, drive, and commitment to excellence that you have, and never compromise on that standard. Stay humble, always be willing to learn and when things get hard, you gotta be harder.”

Matt:
“Know your strengths and weaknesses, and, just like our time in the service, surround yourself with people that share your same values.”

Zach:
“You are in for a wild ride. The mission is different but it is no less challenging and there is a reason most small businesses fail. Reach out to another veteran small business owner and ask them to tell you about the good, bad and ugly.”

Their journeys remind us:
A strong mission begins with strong values, and is sustained by the people who live them out every day.

Proud to recognize their service, their leadership, and the work they continue to pour back into our community. 💙

What’s Happening Around FXBG This Week 🎉🍁From hands-on holiday workshops and live music to festive brunches, community e...
20/11/2025

What’s Happening Around FXBG This Week 🎉🍁

From hands-on holiday workshops and live music to festive brunches, community events, and family activities, Fredericksburg is full of ways to enjoy the season. Whether you’re exploring something new or planning a local weekend out, this week’s guide has plenty to inspire your plans.

Want event roundups like this delivered weekly?
💬 Comment FXBG and we’ll keep you in the loop.

20/11/2025

🎉 EPISODE 100! 🎙️

I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate this milestone than with Honey - a therapy trainee, pitbull ambassador, and absolute heart-stealer who's healing hearts one cuddle at a time. 💙🐾

This episode was extra special because I left the virtual studio and filmed IN PERSON so you could meet Honey and her owner Stefan. Their mission? To bring comfort, love, and hope where it's needed most.

100 episodes of sharing stories from local business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community champions who make Fredericksburg extraordinary. I'm so grateful to everyone who's trusted me with their story.

A huge thank you to Mallory for capturing this behind-the-scenes footage and keeping Honey entertained during setup - it takes a village to make the magic happen! ✨

Thank you for being part of this journey! Here's to the next 100! 🎊

5 YEARS of Stafford Living Magazine! 📰Countless stories shared, connections made, and good news celebrated! 💙What an inc...
19/11/2025

5 YEARS of Stafford Living Magazine! 📰

Countless stories shared, connections made, and good news celebrated! 💙

What an incredible journey this has been! Thank you to every business owner who trusted us with their story, every sponsor who believed in our mission, and every reader who's been part of this community. You make what we do possible.

Here's to many more years of sharing good news and connecting neighbors! 🎉

This National Veterans and Military Families Month, we recognize the leaders who continue to serve our community long af...
19/11/2025

This National Veterans and Military Families Month, we recognize the leaders who continue to serve our community long after their military service, through care, expertise, and a commitment to making life better for others.

Meet Dr. Paul Kuster and Dr. Ryan Malkiewicz of Ascent Audiology and Hearing Fredericksburg, two U.S. Veterans who now dedicate their work to helping our neighbors hear more fully, connect more deeply, and live more confidently.
Their guidance for fellow Veteran entrepreneurs:

From Dr. Paul Kuster:
“My advice for fellow Veterans is to take full advantage of any and all services and perks afforded to you. Let a grateful nation show its gratitude: seek out and utilize local, state and Federal resources without hesitation. Business ownership is hard and everyone needs help at some time.”

From Dr. Ryan Malkiewicz:
“Do it. The discipline and adaptability you relied on in service will serve you well in business.”

Both remind us that while the mission may change, the values that carry us, service, adaptability, and care for others, remain the same.

We’re grateful for their service, their leadership, and the way they continue to strengthen our community. 💙

19/11/2025

When government shutdowns threatened to leave veterans without support, Stafford showed up. ❤️

77 Barbershop didn't just offer 50% off haircuts. They rallied TWO other local businesses to make Veterans Day extra special:
☕️ Nube Coffee brought free drinks
🧁 Batch Slapped (veteran-owned!) donated fresh baked goods

The result? Veterans got more than a haircut. They got a moment to feel SEEN and APPRECIATED.

This is what small business community looks like.

18/11/2025

From Chaos to Clarity: Meet Aimey Giacinto of Tidy Transformations

On this episode of the FXBG Neighbors Podcast, hosted by Dori Stewart, we welcome Aimey Giacinto, founder of Tidy Transformations, to talk about more than just decluttering, it’s about reclaiming peace, purpose, and space that supports your real life.

Her journey started with a job that fell through, two kids, and a mortgage, and turned into a thriving organizing business rooted in empathy, service, and sustainable systems. Aimey shares how she helps families, teachers, and everyday neighbors shift from overwhelmed to empowered, no judgment, no pressure, just real results.

Whether it’s baby clothes, holiday decor, or a classroom that needs a reset, her mindset-first approach tackles both the emotional and practical sides of organizing. You’ll hear how small wins build big momentum, and why decluttering isn’t about bins, it’s about breathing room.

She also shares how donations from client clean-outs go to local organizations like Head Start and Provisions, proving that transformation at home can ripple out into the community.
📩 Connect with Aimey & Tidy Transformations
🌐 tidytransformationsva.com
📧 [email protected]
📞 540-420-2936

Tidy Transformations

💬 Have a story that inspires or uplifts your neighbors? Visit fxbgneighbors.com to be featured in an upcoming episode or magazine issue.

This November, we honor the veterans who continue to lead with service, courage, and purpose in every chapter of life.We...
18/11/2025

This November, we honor the veterans who continue to lead with service, courage, and purpose in every chapter of life.

We are proud to highlight Christina Hudson, a U.S. Veteran and dedicated leader at F45 Fitness, whose journey reflects strength, discipline, and commitment to community.

Christina shares this insight for fellow veterans transitioning into entrepreneurship and leadership:

“My nugget of wisdom: don’t underestimate the value of what you already bring to the table. The leadership, problem-solving, and resilience forged in the military are exactly what entrepreneurship demands. Pair that with humility to keep learning, and you’ll be in a strong position to succeed. "Your military leadership, problem-solving, and resilience are your greatest assets in entrepreneurship—stay humble, keep learning, and you’ll succeed."”

Her message is a powerful reminder: the qualities shaped in service are exactly the qualities that build impactful businesses and meaningful community influence.

Please join us in recognizing Christina and the many veterans who continue to serve, inspire, and lead right here in our neighborhoods. 💙

18/11/2025

Celebrating stories, community, and a love for books! 📚✨

I recently had the best time attending the ribbon cutting for Books-A-Million's brand new Stafford location at Stafford Marketplace! The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce led the ceremony, and it was wonderful to see so many community members come out to support this exciting addition.

Here's the thing - supporting local matters. Whether it's a new bookstore opening its doors or a small business celebrating a milestone, these moments are what make our community thrive. Books-A-Million isn't just bringing books to Stafford; they're creating a gathering place where families, students, and book lovers can discover new stories and connect with each other.

Even better? They're partnering locally with the Stafford Education Foundation to give back to our local schools - now that's the kind of community investment we love to see!

I'm so grateful to be part of a community that shows up for moments like these. Here's to more pages turned, more stories shared, and more reasons to celebrate right here in Stafford! 📖💙

What if being in one room on one day could change your life? 🚀LIVE2LEAD FXBG is coming to the Fredericksburg Convention ...
17/11/2025

What if being in one room on one day could change your life? 🚀

LIVE2LEAD FXBG is coming to the Fredericksburg Convention Center on February 10th, 2026, and this is going to be HUGE for our community!

This one-day leadership event is backed by the legacy of John Maxwell and features an incredible lineup of streamed speakers including John C. Maxwell himself, Anthony Trucks, Jesse Cole, Craig Groeschel, and Tiffany Bova - plus live speakers Mike McClanahan, Vernon Green Jr., James Kingman, and Kirstin Purcell bringing proven growth strategies and invaluable networking opportunities.

I'm incredibly honored to be part of the live speaker lineup for this transformational event! 💡

Whether you're a business owner, nonprofit leader, or someone looking to level up your leadership skills - this event is for YOU.

I'm also thrilled that FXBG Neighbors is a proud community partner for this day. This is exactly what our community is about - growing together, learning together, and lifting each other up. 🙌

Mark your calendars for February 10th and grab your tickets now! This is going to be a game-changer for our Fredericksburg community.

🎟️ Get tickets & partnership info: Live2LeadFXBG.com

Who's ready to lead? Let me know in the comments if you'll be there! 👇

✂️ Ribbon Cutting Announcement ✂️We are proud to celebrate the Grand Opening of Greater Washington Oral & Maxillofacial ...
17/11/2025

✂️ Ribbon Cutting Announcement ✂️
We are proud to celebrate the Grand Opening of Greater Washington Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Stafford.

Founded in 2021 by Dr. Ibrahim Haron, GWOMFS was built on a commitment to delivering advanced surgical care with compassion and clinical excellence. In just five years, the practice has expanded from one location to multiple offices serving Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Manassas, a reflection of their dedication to patient care, safety, and innovation.

Their team provides comprehensive maxillofacial services, including dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, corrective jaw surgery, trauma repair, bone grafting, pathology services, and more, all supported by modern technology and a patient-centered approach.

We invite the community, business leaders, and healthcare partners to join us in welcoming and celebrating their continued growth in our region.

📍 Wednesday, November 19
🕒 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Greater Washington Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
905 Wonder Rd., Suite 110, Stafford, VA 22554

17/11/2025

The REAL talk about food bank donations 💙

SERVE Food Pantry is distributing over 2-1/2 TONS of food EVERY WEEK right here in Stafford County. That's not a typo. And they need our help year-round, not just during the holidays.

After chatting with the folks at SERVE Food Pantry, here's what ACTUALLY helps the most:

✅ Peanut butter (seriously, #1 most requested!)
✅ Hearty canned soups (think Progresso, Chunky - meals in a can)
✅ Quick sides (Rice-A-Roni, pasta bowls)
✅ Frozen meals (yes! Pizza, pot pies - they have freezers!)
✅ Cooking basics (flour, spaghetti sauce)
✅ Canned protein (tuna, chicken)

🤫 Here's the insider secret: CASH donations go 4-6x further because food banks buy in bulk and can get fresh stuff - eggs, produce, meat, dairy - that we can't donate.

Pro tip: Don't forget to shop YOUR pantry first! And grab that receipt - SERVE Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) so you get that tax write-off!

SERVE Food Pantry helps families in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, and Fredericksburg during financial crises. They're our neighbors helping our neighbors, and they need us.

📍 WHERE TO DONATE:
SERVE Food Pantry - Stafford
15 Upton Lane, Stafford, VA 22554
⏰ Mon-Thurs: 11am-4pm
⏰ Every 2nd Wednesday: Extended until 6:30pm
☎️ Special delivery? Call (540) 288-9603

Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank
3631 Lee Hill Dr, Fredericksburg, VA 22408
⏰ Mon-Wed: 8am-4pm
⏰ Thurs-Fri: 8am-3pm

Who's making a donation run this week? Drop a 💙 below and let's take care of our community!

SERVE Food Pantry Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank

Address

VA

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