The Kids & Pets Issue
EDUCATION
INSPIRING YOUNG READERS
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
BEYOND THE TAIL WAG
LOCAL SERVICES
TREATS WITH PURPOSE AUGUST 2026
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The Kids & Pets Issue
August has a way of slowing us down just enough to appreciate what matters most in the late days of summer as we move toward the start of fall. Whether it's an afternoon spent exploring with the family, a quiet walk with a four-legged companion, or watching a child's imagination come alive through a favorite story, this month's Kids & Pets issue celebrates the connections that enrich our everyday lives.
Inside, you'll meet a children's author whose stories have delighted young readers by transforming ordinary moments into unforgettable adventures. She shares how curiosity, community, and a simple "what if?" have inspired her books.
We're also taking a closer look at communication of a different kind. Dogs may not use words, but they're constantly telling us how they feel. A local dog training expert offers practical insight into understanding canine body language, helping pet owners recognize the subtle signs of happiness, stress, fear, and overstimulation. Learning to read those cues can strengthen the bond between people and their pets while helping dogs feel more confident, safe, and understood.
For those who love rewarding their furry family members, we introduce you to a local entrepreneur behind natural pet treats. What began as one dog owner's search for a better training treat has grown into a thoughtfully crafted business focused on quality ingredients, practical design, and building stronger relationships between dogs and the people who love them. Plus, we also have a family-friendly destination for you that's an amazing escape perfect for pets and kiddos.
This issue also offers practical guidance for families thinking about the future. We explore how thoughtful financial planning can create freedom rather than restriction, with advice on balancing today's meaningful moments while preparing for tomorrow's goals. It's a refreshing reminder that the best financial plans make room for both responsibility and the experiences that matter most.
Together, these stories celebrate imagination, companionship, and the people who help make our community such an inspiring place to call home. Whether you're turning pages with a young reader, heading out on an adventure with your dog, or simply enjoying these final weeks of summer, we hope this issue inspires you to embrace the moments that matter.
As always, thank you to our readers, advertisers, and community partners for sharing your stories and supporting local businesses. We're grateful to have you as part of our Charlottesville City Lifestyle.
JAMES LISOWSKI, PUBLISHER @CHARLOTTESVILLECITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
James Lisowski | james.lisowski@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennifer Waldera | jennifer.waldera@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Faith Fields, John Flick, Trevor Joppich, Beth Kagarise, Tucker McQueen, Madison Patterson, Barry Rosenberg, Don Sankey, David Withers, American Marketing & Publishing, IX Arts Foundation, JLCH Creative Marketing, Kori Price Photography, Rivanna Conservation Alliance, Town of Damascus
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Medicine, Reimagined as a Relationship
At Rivanna Concierge Physicians, we've removed the barriers between you and your doctor. By intentionally limiting our practice size, we ensure you are always the priority.
Experience unhurried appointments that start on time, direct access to your physician after hours for emergencies, and comprehensive primary care focused on your health priorities.
Personalized care that fits your life.
Experience the New Standard in Family Medicine. For more information, call (434) 307-0268.
Rivanna Concierge Physicians www.Rivannaconcierge.com
630 Peter Jefferson Pkwy, Ste. 135 Charlottesville, VA 22911
Drs. W. Paige & Michael McClincy
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German Shorthaired Pointer Tobey in the water.
Photography: James Lisowski
city scene
1:
Physicians' ribbon-cutting. 2: Lantern-making workshop at The Looking Glass. 3: Culinary Concepts AB's GO Cook pop-up dinner. 4:
demo at Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters. 5: Beyond the Gates Farm Tour and Country Fair hosted by Grace Episcopal Church. 6:
at Rivanna RiverFest. 7: Geoffrey Warren Barnes II as Touchstone and audience in ASC's As You Like It, 2026.
JAMES LISOWSKI
Rivanna Concierge
Packing
Live music
IX ARTS FOUNDATION
KORI PRICE PHOTOGRAPHY
TUCKER MCQUEEN
RIVANNA CONSERVATION ALLIANCE
MADISON PATTERSON
JLCH CREATIVE MARKETING
business monthly
Driving New Possibilities
Piedmont Power is excited to announce that we are now an authorized dealer for both STAR EV and Club Car golf carts. Expanding these offerings allows us to provide customers with even more options for premium personal transportation, recreation, and utility vehicles. Whether for neighborhoods, campuses, businesses, or outdoor adventures, we’re proud to bring two trusted brands to the Charlottesville community alongside the outdoor power equipment and service our customers already rely on. PiedmontPower.com
Scan to read more
Money Made Simple
Iron Eagle Advisors is a family-run practice led by John and Kimberly Flick, serving Charlottesville and Albemarle County working families and tradespeople. Their approach is consultative and relationship-driven rather than sales-focused, organized around a Stewardship-Based Investing philosophy. The newest development worth highlighting is the Real World Money Show, John's local radio program airing Sundays at 10 a.m. on WCHV 107.5, which brings approachable, practical financial guidance to the community. IronEagleAdvisors.com
Photo Captured by American Marketing & Publishing
Photo Captured by American Marketing & Publishing
Local, Trusted, and Established Experts
As the region's only authorized Volvo dealership, service center, and parts retailer, CMA's Volvo Cars of Charlottesville combines expert care with a customer-first approach. Part of the family- and employee-owned Carter Myers Automotive group, which has served the Mid-Atlantic since 1924, the dealership is committed to making every car-buying and ownership experience exceptional because caring for customers extends far beyond the moment they drive away.
Photography by Don Sankey
Decoding Dog Body Language
Learn to recognize the subtle signals your dog uses everyday.
A dog's body language can speak volumes, but the message isn't always as straightforward as it seems. While many owners recognize obvious signals like a wagging tail or a growl, the quieter cues that come first are often missed.
Learning to recognize those signals not only strengthens the relationship between people and their pets but can also help prevent fear, anxiety, and unwanted behaviors from escalating. According to Jess Schneiderman, founder of Sadie's Rules K9 Training, understanding dogs begins with looking at the whole picture rather than relying on a single behavior. Here, she shares how to better interpret canine body language and respond in ways that help dogs feel safe, confident, and understood.
Dogs communicate constantly. What are some of the most important body language cues that owners should learn to recognize, and why are they often misunderstood? Dog behavior is often misunderstood because it is not black-and-white. Owners should be familiar with their own dog, their body language, and hopefully, what it means.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Having trained dogs for 10 years, I've learned to look at the dog as a whole and in the context of the situation. Typically, a dog that wags its tail and body and moves quickly towards a known person is eager and happy. However, if we take that same dog and change the context in which it meets someone new, the tail wag may still be there, but the dog may now lower its body and approach more slowly. Essentially, knowing your own dog, understanding their patterns, and learning to advocate for them will serve owners well.
Fear and stress can look different from one dog to another. What subtle signs do dogs commonly display before their discomfort escalates into more obvious behaviors?
I think the most overlooked sign of stress or fear in dogs is them moving away from a stressor. I see this time and again with dogs and kids. Kids often stress dogs, prompting them to try to move away as a coping mechanism. When dogs are hugged, chased, etc., and then
Duke with a ball. Photo Credit: Faith Fields
react with a more serious response, the dog is blamed. Movement away from a stressor precedes the growl, the raised lip, and the bite. And it is missed repeatedly.
Many pet owners assume a dog with a wagging tail is always a happy one. What are some common misconceptions about the signals pets use to express happiness and contentment?
We often like seeing excited dogs -tails wagging, mouths open, tongues out, jumping -- because we assume those signs mean the dog is happy. As a trainer, I see those behaviors only as arousal. On the flip side, most people see a calm dog as sad, when in fact that dog is likely happy and content.
Because animals instinctively hide discomfort, what body language changes might indicate that a pet is experiencing pain, even if they seem otherwise normal?
I think knowing your dog and its patterns is most important. It can be something as simple as your dog avoiding going up or down a couple of stairs, skipping meals, or just being a bit less active. If we pay attention to our dogs, they are always communicating with us.
How can owners tell the difference between a pet that is excited and engaged versus one that is becoming overstimulated and needs a break?
Excited and engaged dogs can listen and turn off their excitement when asked. Dogs that are overstimulated and/or may need a break are those that are unable to follow commands, may become mouthy during play (increased use of their voice or teeth), or are literally acting grumpy (towards their owners or other dogs).
Tobey in the water. Photo Credit: James Lisowski
If a pet is showing signs of fear, stress, pain, or overstimulation, what are the best ways for owners to respond in the moment to help their animal feel safe and supported?
I coach my clients to give their dogs guidance. Rather than leaving the dog to try and figure out what they should be doing when they are stressed, fearful, or overstimulated, give them direction (i.e., lie down, go to a place). Our world can easily be overwhelming for a dog; giving them guidance makes it less so.
Additional information you’d like readers to know:
My name is Jess, and I help dogs live their best lives with their families.
Sadie's Rules K9 Training 365 Truslows Lane Nellysford, VA 22958 434-993-8208, SadiesRulesK9Training.com
Jess Schneiderman with a dog.
Photo Credit: David Withers
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
One author's journey from simple questions to unforgettable stories.
Inspiring Young
Imaginations
For author Hannah Barnaby, great stories don't always begin with elaborate plans. More often, they start with a simple question. "One day, while I was watching the kids run around, I thought, 'What if there was a boy or girl who was proud of being a bad guy? What would happen?'" Barnaby said. That spark of curiosity eventually became Bad Guy, one of several books inspired by everyday moments and a generous dose of imagination.
Hannah Barnaby with her book, "The Pine Cone's Secret." Photo Credit: Beth Kagarise
Barnaby has built a career creating stories that are equal parts heartfelt, adventurous, and memorable. While she has worked as a bookseller, editor, reviewer, and writer, she said she has learned that the best stories come from trusting her instincts. "A story has to just be a story before it can become a book," she said.
Whether she's writing about friendship, family, or adventure, one idea continues to find its way into her work. "We all want a place and a community where we can feel embraced for being ourselves," Barnaby said. "That quest is different for everyone."
Charlottesville has played a meaningful role in that creative journey. Barnaby has called the area home for 14 years, and local experiences have quietly come to life on her pages. "Everything from the view at the Afton Overlook to the taste of Chiles' strawberries has made its way into my work," she said, noting that Charlottesville directly inspired two of her picture books.
When visiting schools, Barnaby is frequently asked where her ideas come from. Her answer is simple. "I always tell them to keep their antennae up, because once you open yourself up to receiving ideas, you'll start to find them all around you," she said.
Looking ahead, Barnaby hopes to return to writing novels after several beloved picture books. With her daughter heading off to college, she's embracing a new season of life and creativity. She said, "I'm feeling inspired to leap into the unknown and take some chances," she said.
Hannah Barnaby. Photo Credit: Beth Kagarise
Cover of "Monster & Boy: Monster's First Day at School", illustrated by Anoosha Syed
At Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic, our passion lies in delivering exceptional, ethical veterinary care for pets and their humans. We seamlessly blend top-tier medical knowledge and surgical expertise with low-stress techniques and a friendly, down-to-earth approach to solve your pet’s health concerns. From wellness to complex care, we’re here for all your pet’s needs. Let our compassionate team help you navigate the journey with confidence.
PRACTICAL TREATS,
Happy Dogs
Natural treats born from one entrepreneur's everyday walks with his dogs.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BARRY ROSENBERG
Dog treats. Photo Courtesy of Barry Rosenberg
Dog treats. Photo courtesy of Barry Rosenberg
Some of the best business ideas begin with a problem that seems almost too small to notice. For Barry Rosenberg, founder of Sensible Rewards, it started during his daily walks with his four dogs. Every outing meant breaking a single dog biscuit into four uneven pieces, leaving crumbs in his pockets, and making something as simple as rewarding good behavior more cumbersome than it needed to be. "It was a combination of an entrepreneurial spirit, a love of dogs, and a practical solution," Barry said.
That simple frustration sparked an idea: What if dog treats were designed to break apart easily without the mess?
In the spring of 2012, Barry began experimenting in his kitchen, working through recipe after recipe while figuring out how to manufacture a treat with the unique scored design he envisioned. The process involved plenty of trial and error, along with obtaining a design patent, before he finally found a way to consistently produce the treats he had imagined. "I always thought of it as a practical solution for training or when you're out with your dog on a walk, and you want to have a treat ready to go," he said.
Today, Sensible Rewards offers four flavors of natural dog treats, but Barry believes the ingredients matter just as much as the design. He has made a point of sourcing American-produced ingredients whenever possible and incorporated organic ingredients into his recipes. His commitment to quality even meant driving an hour to purchase freshly ground organic peanut butter.
Barry also believes building a strong relationship between dogs and their owners is at the heart of responsible pet ownership. "I think the most important aspect of having a dog is to build a relationship between you and them," he said. Because of that, he wholeheartedly supports reward-based training, viewing treats as more than just a snack. "Providing treats is a large part of that," he said.
While the pet treat aisle has become increasingly crowded over the years, Barry never focused on competing with every other brand on the shelf. Instead, he concentrated on making the best product he could. "There is a tremendous amount of competition
Barry Rosenberg. Photo courtesy of Barry Rosenberg
A pup and treats. Photo courtesy of Barry Rosenberg
I think the most important aspect of having a dog is to build a relationship between you and them. They need to trust you, and in turn, you need to trust them. I wholly support rewardbased training, and providing treats is a large part of that.
in the dog treat market," he said. "I learned a long time ago to focus on doing a great job on my product and not worrying so much about the other guys."
During market season, visitors can find Sensible Rewards at the Scottsville Farmers Market on Saturdays and the Fluvanna Farmers Market in Palmyra on Sundays. While online ordering has made it easy for customers to purchase treats year-round, he admitted there is something special about meeting fellow dog lovers in person. "I enjoy the face-to-face contact with customers at the farmers market," he said. "However, it's seasonal and subject to weather. It never rains online, and that's 24 hours per day, year-round."
Looking ahead, Barry hopes to continue expanding the wholesale side of Sensible Rewards by partnering with more locally focused retailers."My products do well in stores with a local feel," he said. "I will be trying to expand that end of the business."
Like the treats themselves, Barry believes steady growth comes from keeping things simple, practical, and rooted in quality that is extended to customers, and bloomed from what he does at home. “Most dogs that get treats are loved and happy. I aim to keep it that way.”
SensibleRewards.com
A pup and treats. Photo courtesy of Barry Rosenberg
Photo Credit: Lavender Dreams VA
PLANNING WITH PURPOSE
John Flick, Iron Eagle Advisor's founder, revisits mid-year finances in a second installment.
FINANCIAL PLANNING CAN SOMETIMES FEEL RESTRICTIVE, BUT IT CAN ALSO CREATE FREEDOM. HOW DO YOU HELP CLIENTS BALANCE PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE WHILE STILL ENJOYING LIFE NOW?
I’ll be honest with you: nobody has ever walked into my office and said, “I’d really love to spend the next hour talking about spreadsheets.” And yet, those same people often leave with a noticeably lighter step than when they arrived. That’s not because we made the spreadsheets fun. It’s because clarity, it turns out, feels a lot like freedom. There is a version of financial planning that has given the whole profession a slightly grim reputation. The one where someone slides a color-coded budget across the table
and informs you that your morning coffee habit is why you can’t retire. I don’t practice that version. Life is genuinely short, the coffee is genuinely good, and a financial plan that makes someone miserable in the present in exchange for a hypothetical comfortable future is not actually a good plan. It’s just delayed unhappiness with better math. What I try to help people understand is that the goal of a real financial plan is not restriction. It’s intention. There is a meaningful difference between spending money without thinking about it and choosing to spend money on something that genuinely matters to you. One of those leaves people feeling vaguely guilty and financially stagnant. The other leaves them feeling like the person in charge of their own life. The plan doesn’t tell
you what to enjoy. It just makes sure you can keep enjoying it.
The way I approach this in practice is to start with what someone actually wants their life to look like, not just at 65, but now, and in five years, and in ten. What experiences matter to them? What do they want to be able to say yes to without hesitation? What would they regret missing? Once those answers are on the table, the financial planning work becomes about building the structure that makes all of it possible rather than choosing between the present and the future as though they were opposing teams.
For most people, the honest revelation is that they don’t have to give up nearly as much as they feared. A lot of the spending that people feel they should cut back on
isn’t actually bringing them much joy anyway. It’s habitual rather than intentional. When someone gets clear on what they truly value, the adjustments that need to happen often feel less like sacrifice and more like editing out the noise so the good stuff comes through more clearly.
The clients I work with who seem to live the most fully are not the ones who spend the most freely. They’re the ones who have enough confidence in their financial foundation that they can say yes to the trip, yes to the celebration, yes to the experience, without that quiet background hum of financial anxiety following them around. That peace of mind is not a luxury reserved for the very wealthy. It’s available to anyone who takes the time to build a plan that actually reflects their life.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR, WHAT OPPORTUNITIES SHOULD PEOPLE BE PAYING MORE ATTENTION TO RIGHT NOW WHEN IT COMES TO SAVING, INVESTING, RETIREMENT, OR OVERALL FINANCIAL WELLNESS?
There is something genuinely energizing about the second half of the year when you approach it with the right mindset. The calendar still has real runway, decisions made now have time to take root before December, and for people who feel like the first half got away from them a little, this is the moment where that story can change direction completely.
On the savings side, the opportunity most people are sleeping on is simply automation. Not because it’s a revolutionary concept, but because the gap between knowing you should save more and actually saving more is almost always a behavioral one rather than a mathematical one. When saving requires a conscious decision every single month, life finds a way to interrupt it. When it happens automatically before anyone has a chance to spend that money, it just happens. People who set up or increase an automatic transfer today will look back in January, genuinely surprised by how much ground they covered in six months without it ever feeling like deprivation.
On the investment side, the second half of the year is a good time to pay attention to where opportunities may have quietly appeared. Markets move, sectors rotate, and the investment landscape in July can look meaningfully different from what it looked like in January. People who haven’t had a fresh conversation about their portfolio positioning in a while may find that some thoughtful adjustments are both warranted and timely. This isn’t about chasing performance. It’s about making sure the strategy still fits the moment and the person.
For retirement specifically, the second half of the year carries real urgency for anyone who hasn’t yet taken full advantage of their contribution limits. The numbers available to people right now, particularly those over fifty who qualify for catch-up contributions, are more generous than they have been historically. Every dollar that goes in before year-end does two things simultaneously: it builds the future, and it reduces the current tax burden. That combination is hard to beat, and the window to capture it closes on a fixed date regardless of how busy life gets between now and then.
The opportunity I find most underappreciated, though, is what I’d call the planning conversation itself. The second half of the year is when people who are genuinely serious about their financial lives tend to get intentional in a way that the first half rarely produces.
John Flick. Photo courtesy of John Flick.
TRAIL Town TOGETHER
Discover trails, waterfalls, and smalltown charm the whole family will love.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
For families looking to unplug, reconnect, and spend time outdoors together, Damascus offers the perfect getaway. This charming Southwest Virginia town has earned the nickname "Trail Town, USA" because seven major trail systems converge there, including the famed Virginia Creeper Trail and the wellknown Appalachian Trail. As a result, it’s a destination where adventure begins just steps from downtown, and every day can start and end with exploration.
The Virginia Creeper Trail remains the area's signature experience. This scenic rail trail winds through forests, alongside rushing streams, over bridges, and across beautiful, picturesque countryside, making it one of Virginia's most family-friendly bike rides. While portions of the upper trail continue to recover from Hurricane Helene, the popular 17-mile Abingdon-to-Damascus section, known as "The Start to the Heart," is open and offers a gentle, mostly downhill ride that's ideal for riders of all ages.
For the best experience, start at Blue Blaze Bike Rental & Shuttle. The longtime local outfitter offers high-quality bike rentals for adults and children, along with a convenient shuttle service to Abingdon, allowing visitors the opportunity to enjoy the leisurely ride back into Damascus at their own pace. Their knowledgeable team can also recommend routes, food stops, and local attractions to round out the day.
Beyond the trails, downtown Damascus is amazing for wandering. Locally owned shops, outfitters, antique stores, and inviting restaurants line the quaint streets of the cozy town, creating an atmosphere that's as welcoming as it is walkable. Throughout the year, the town also hosts family-friendly events, including the nationally recognized Appalachian Trail
People in Damascus during Appalachian Trail Days event. Photo courtesy of Town of Damascus.
Appalachian Trail Days Hiker Parade. Photo courtesy of Town of Damascus.
Days celebration, seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and community gatherings that bring visitors and locals together against the gorgeous backdrop of the scenery in the area.
Just about 30 minutes away, Grayson Highlands State Park makes an easy day trip and adds another unforgettable adventure to a vacation in Damascus. The park is famous for its sweeping mountain views, dramatic rock formations, and its herds of wild ponies. While visitors often think the ponies have always called the mountains home, they were actually introduced
Fishing during Trout Days event. Photo courtesy of Town of Damascus.
Sign in Damascus. Photo Credit: Trevor Joppich
A band playing during Appalachian Trail Days. Photo courtesy of Town of Damascus.
decades ago to help maintain the park's open grassy balds through grazing. Today, spotting them along the trails is one of Virginia's most memorable outdoor experiences while hiking or driving through the area.
After a full day outdoors, Damascus Old Mill Inn offers a peaceful place to unwind. Set beside Laurel Creek with beautiful waterfall views, the historic inn combines comfortable accommodations with inviting outdoor spaces where guests can relax, read, or even catch up on work while enjoying the soothing sounds of the water and beautiful views. Overnight guests can start the morning with a cozy breakfast before heading out for another day of adventure.
The on-site restaurant makes it easy to end the day without leaving the property. With a menu featuring steaks, seafood, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and regional dishes, there’s something for everyone in the family. Anyone looking to explore further will also discover plenty of local dining options throughout town. Meanwhile, adults can also stop by Appalachian Heritage Distillery & Brewery to sample handcrafted Virginia spirits.
Whether your family spends the weekend cycling, hiking, shopping, or just enjoying the slower pace of mountain life, Damascus proves that some of the best vacations aren't about rushing around: they're about spending time together, making memories, and taking in the gorgeous outdoor scenery that Virginia has to offer.
Worth Planning a Trip Around
Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail
Discover the underwater world through Virginia's first Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail site, where families can safely explore native fish and aquatic life.
Dam 200
This annual cycling event celebrates the Virginia Creeper Trail with rides through some of Southwest Virginia's most scenic mountain landscapes.
Appalachian Trail Days
Each May, Damascus welcomes thousands of hikers and visitors for the world's largest celebration of Appalachian Trail culture, featuring live music, vendors, and the beloved Hiker Parade.
Trout Days
Celebrate Damascus' trout fishing heritage with family-friendly activities, educational programs, and plenty of time on the water.
Town of Damascus. Photo courtesy of Town of Damascus.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
events
EVERY WEEK FROM APRIL THROUGH THE SUMMER AND FALL
Free Fishing Wednesdays
2500 Bezaleel Drive, Crozet, VA 22932 | 9:00 AM
Enjoy catch-and-release fishing for bass, crappie, and sunfish on Montfair's scenic private lake. No fishing license is required, making it an easy outing for anglers of all ages. Hosted every week from April through the summer and fall, offering free day-use fees, free canoe rentals, and no fishing license. MontfairResortFarm.com.
AUGUST 1ST AND 2ND
Homemade Peach Ice Cream Days
1351 Greenwood Rd, Crozet, VA 22932
Celebrate the 41st annual peach ice cream tradition featuring homemade peach ice cream crafted by the Crozet Lions Club, live music, and summertime fun during peak peach season. ChilesFamilyOrchards.com
AUGUST 7TH
Tomato Dinner at Barboursville Vineyards
17655 Winery Road Barboursville, VA 22923 | 7:00 PM
Indulge in Virginia's peak tomato season with a four-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Michael Clough and expertly paired with Barboursville wines. Reservations are required. BBVWine.com
AUGUST 15TH
Mushroom Foraging Walk
608 Berry Farm Rd Verona, VA 24482 | 9:00 AM
Join experienced guides for a morning exploring the fascinating world of wild mushrooms while learning safe identification techniques in the Shenandoah Valley. VisitStaunton.com
AUGUST 21ST
Taste of Argentina
Charlottesville's Barracks Road Shopping Center | 6:00 PM
Learn to prepare authentic Argentine cuisine during this hands-on cooking class at The Happy Cook. Guests create a delicious meal while learning techniques and flavors inspired by South America. TheHappyCook.com
AUGUST 30TH
Albemarle CiderWorks 5K & 10K
2545 Rural Ridge Ln, North Garden, VA 22959 | 9:00 AM
Run or walk a scenic 5K or 10K through the orchard and cidery grounds before celebrating with hard cider and beautiful countryside views. AlbemarleCiderWorks.com
