JULY 2026 CH

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AN EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF AUGUSTINE, AUSTIN RIDGE , COLONIAL FORGE, EMBREY MILL, LIBERTY KNOLLS, SHELTON KNOLLS & SHELTON WOODS.

JULY 2026

NEIGHBORS OF

Courthouse

ROOTED IN SOMETHING REAL:

The Story of the Blais Family Photo by Karen Presecan Photography

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PUBLICATION TEAM

Publisher: Dori Stewart

Publisher’s Assistant: Valynda Phifer

Content Executive Assistant: Coordinator: Mallory Hardgrove Crissy Hall

Photographer: Karen Presecan

Designer: Erica Chancey

Dear Neighbors of Courthouse, Summer is heating up and so are our happenings here in Stafford. There’s so much to do, see, and explore in our area, and we welcome the opportunity to bring you events and stories each month.

This month, we’re proud to feature Aubry and Jason Blais, a powerhouse couple whose passions and businesses enrich our community. We’re also excited to showcase showstoppers from STEP VA. Learn more about this inclusive organization and more in the pages ahead.

As always, we want to thank our sponsors who allow us to bring you the good news each month.

Happy reading,

Mallory Hardgrove Contributing Writer: Karie Owens

Contributing Contributing Writer: Writer: Cherice Taylor Abigail Nyinaku

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Contact: Dori Stewart Email: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com Phone: (540)288-7928

FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS

Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

08

Cover Story Rooted in Something Real: The Story of the Blais Family

05

Business Profile Commonwealth Piano Services: Keeping the Music Playing in Stafford

07

Expert Contributor Debunking Summer Selling Myths: Why Late Summer Is One of the Best Times to List Your Stafford County Home

10

High School Highlights Research Study: Local Graduate Highlights the Need for Gender Equity in Sports Science

11

Home Improvement Corner Buy Once, Buy Right: How to Choose Flooring That Stands the Test of Time

12

Parents Education Corner Freedom to Learn: Building Independence Through Everyday Skills

13

Charity Spotlight Where the Stage Belongs to Everyone: The Story of STEP VA

14

Pet Corner Snake Season: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

E FXBGNeighbors

Q FXBGNeighbors

K FXBGNeighbors.com

J ULY 2026 | 3

© Best Version Media EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS ESTATE PLANNING, REAL ESTATE, & BUSINESS LAW Melissa Huntley-Bosco | HB Law, PLC 703-398-2143 hblawplc.com

FUNERAL SERVICES

Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service

REAL ESTATE

Todd Gerace | Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service 540-373-5842 (Fredericksburg), 540-659-7690 (Stafford) dignitymemorial.com

ORTHODONTICS

Matthew H. Caspersen, D.D.S., M.S. Rappahannock Orthodontics 540-371-2611 drcaspersen.com

PLUMBING

Gregory White | White Plumbing Company 703-672-8667 whiteplumbingco.com

Ginger Walker | Give Back Team of Coldwell Banker Elite 540-306-5585 GiveBackTeam.com

SKINCARE

Aubry Blais | Thistle Medical Aesthetics 540-783-8209 thistlemedicalaesthetics.com

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact BVM at doristewart@bestversionmedia.com or 540-288-7928.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

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COMMONWEALTH PIANO SERVICES: KEEPING THE MUSIC PLAYING IN STAFFORD For Stafford resident Tanner Honig, the piano is more than an instrument — it’s a calling. As the founder of Commonwealth Piano Services, the 27-year-old technician has built a business rooted in craftsmanship, education, and a genuine love for music.

Commonwealth Piano Services offers a full range of piano care, including tuning, on-site repairs, regulating, voicing, inspections and diagnostics, Piano Life Saver installations, and cleaning. Honig has also been developing educational resources on his website to help pianists better understand their instruments. “I’ve started to add some educational resources to my website to help pianists better understand and care for their instrument,” he says, “which I’m really excited about.”

Honig’s path to piano technology began with a deeply personal connection. Growing up, he was captivated by the sound of his grandfather — a church pianist — practicing hymns for Sunday services. That early love for the piano resurfaced in 2023 when he inherited his grandfather’s piano and decided to tune it himself. “I thought, ‘how hard can it be to tune a piano… I’ll learn to do it myself,’” he recalls with a laugh. “Turns out, it’s not easy.” That humbling experience led him to the Piano Technicians Guild, and within two and a half years, he had turned that curiosity into a thriving professional practice.

makes my day when you let your dog say hello.”

Outside of work, Honig is deeply embedded in the Stafford community, serving his local church in technical, musical, and administrative roles. He also enjoys practicing piano and guitar, reading, and spending time with his 12-year-old goldendoodle, Jules — his constant companion and, by family consensus, his furry look-alike.

TO LEARN MORE OR SCHEDULE A SERVICE, visit Commonwealth Piano Services online at commonwealthpiano.com.

The philosophy behind Commonwealth Piano Services goes beyond technical maintenance. Honig believes an instrument’s condition directly affects a musician’s motivation and creativity. “A piano should be more than something that simply functions; it should be something that inspires,” he says. “Through skilled, reliable service, practical education, and honest guidance, my goal is to support both the piano and the pianist.”

YOUR PIANO DESERVES EXPERT CARE

What drives Honig most is the connection he helps foster between musicians and their instruments. “One of my favorite things about my work as a piano technician is that I get to help pianists form a better connection and deeper appreciation for their instrument,” he explains. He views a poorly performing or out-of-tune piano as an unnecessary obstacle for players who are already working hard to master a challenging instrument, and he takes pride in removing those barriers. “It’s also satisfying to see — and hear — the tangible difference my work makes, whether it’s a simple tuning or a more complex repair.”

Life at work also comes with its share of memorable moments. Honig’s funniest stories tend to involve the family pets he encounters on house calls, including wrestling a five-pound dog over a rat’s nest removed from a piano and a cat that decided to climb inside an instrument and bat at the hammers mid-tuning. “No animals were harmed,” he’s quick to note. He also has a soft spot for the four-legged greeters he meets along the way and has a simple message for clients: “It

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EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

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BY GINGER WALKER, GIVE BACK TEAM OF COLDWELLBANKERELITE.COM

DEBUNKING SUMMER SELLING MYTHS: WHY LATE SUMMER IS ONE OF THE BEST TIMES TO LIST YOUR STAFFORD COUNTY HOME Ask most homeowners when to list their house, and you’ll hear the same answer: spring. It’s a deeply held belief that March through May is the golden window, and anything after that is a mistake. But if you’re a Stafford County homeowner waiting for “next spring,” you may be missing the strongest opportunity of the year. The truth is, late summer is one of the best times to sell, and the data, along with years of local experience, backs it up.

The Myth: The Housing Market “Dies” After July 4th The spring rush creates a kind of real estate FOMO. Buyers flood open houses, bidding wars erupt, and sellers feel invincible. But here’s what most people don’t tell you: that frenzy burns out potential buyers. By late summer, the casual tire-kickers and wishful lookers have largely moved on. What remains is a pool of highly motivated buyers: people who must move. Military families PCSing to or from Quantico. Federal contractors starting new positions in the DC corridor. Families who missed out on spring listings and now want to close before the school year starts. These buyers aren’t shopping for fun. They’re ready to write offers.

Less Competition, More Attention for Your Home In Stafford County, spring listings can number in the hundreds, meaning your home competes against a crowded field. By late summer, inventory often thins considerably. Fewer competing listings means buyers have fewer choices, so your home can get more showings, more attention, and

Still not sure when to list? Call me at (703) 825-0332 or email ginger@givebackteam. com to schedule a consultation www.

ColdwellBankerElite.com. Let us help you make the smartest move for your future.

often stronger offers. When inventory is low, well-priced homes don’t sit on the market. They sell.

The Hidden Advantage: Evening Light Here’s something that surprises many sellers: late summer actually offers stunning conditions for home photography and showings. With sunset arriving closer to 8:00 PM in July and August, evening showings benefit from the warm, golden-hour light that makes every home look its absolute best. Front porches glow. Landscaping pops. Interiors feel inviting rather than shadowy. That natural light is something no professional staging can fully replicate, and it makes a lasting impression on buyers walking through after work.

Stafford County’s Unique Market Dynamics Stafford sits at the intersection of Northern Virginia’s economic engine and the Richmond corridor, creating year-round demand that doesn’t follow national trends as rigidly as other markets. Strong employment, excellent schools, and continued infrastructure investment keep buyers active well past Labor Day. Listing in late summer means you’re still riding meaningful demand, with far less competition.

The Bottom Line The “wait until spring” approach can cost Stafford homeowners months of mortgage payments, carrying costs, and life plans put on hold. If your home is ready, late summer may be the right time to list. I always say the best time to move is when it is the right time for you!

List with Ginger

Don’t wait until the last minute, call me at (703) 825-0332 or email me at ginger@givebackteam.com now to schedule a consultation before your PCS date. Let us help you make the smartest move for your future.

Ginger Walker, REALTOR®, TV & Radio Show Host

• Military & Gov’t Relocation Professional • Local Real Estate Expert of 18 years • Proud Stafford Resident for 23 years

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• 500+ Clients Served • Custom Listing Marketing Plan www.GiveBackTeam.com • www.coldwellbankerelite.com 540.306.5585 • Ginger@givebackteam.com • 100 Parkway Blvd, Stafford VA 22554

J ULY 2026 | 7

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FEATURE FAMILY

Rooted in Something Real: THE STORY OF THE BLAIS FAMILY

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Some people stumble into love. Jason and Aubry Blais stumbled into it, surrounded by dirt, gravel, and the sound of boots on a barn floor.

They met in 2016. When it came time to marry, there was only one place that felt right: Highland Barn. It’s a rustic venue tucked into the Stafford countryside—the couple now owns and runs it together. On their April 2020 wedding day, the barn floor was still raw earth. It was unpolished and completely perfect—a fitting beginning for a couple who have always valued what’s real over what’s merely refined.

That spirit has never left them.

Aubry and Jason are often called a Renaissance couple; they’re people whose passions run wide and deep, and folks who have created a life shaped by intention and remaining authentic versions of themselves.

The Man Behind the Farm Jason Blais devoted years to service before trading combat boots for farm boots. As a Citadel graduate and retired Special Forces Army Officer, he served with distinction, a career Aubry describes with pride. “I am so proud of his contribution to the US Army and his pride in serving our country well,” she says.

That discipline didn’t disappear when he retired.

It simply found a new home. Jason now channels it into the rhythms of the farm, training their Deutsch Drahthaars, and running Highland Barn.

He is methodical, committed, and present. Aubry admires and relies on these qualities.

Their Deutsch Drahthaars—versatile hunting dogs—are trained through the rigorous Verein 8 | NEIGHBORS OF COURTHOUSE

Deutsch-Drahthaar Group North America program. Jason and Aubry’s dedication is evident; their three dogs, Tyr, Blaze, and Ari, are certified, as are the couple.

The Woman Behind Thistle Aubry came to aesthetics the way she comes to most things: with intention and a refusal to cut corners.

Her Army Nurse experience at Walter Reed gave her clinical precision, defining her approach to skincare. In 2018, she founded Thistle Medical Aesthetics in Stafford—a practice built on expertise and a sincere desire to help clients feel more like themselves. Not overdone.

Not unrecognizable. Just rested. Confident. Right.

“The approach has always been grounded in precision, trust, and doing things the right way — not the fast way,” Aubry says. And clients have noticed from the beginning.

She added another credential to her name, graduating summa cum laude from George Mason University as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

This meant two years of intensive study and clinicals while running a business, managing a farm, training dogs, and being present in her marriage and family. That achievement didn’t just earn her a new title; it reignited something in her and inspired an evolution at Thistle that had been quietly taking shape for years.

A Business That Evolved as They Did Thistle has never been static any more than Aubry and Jason have.

It has grown the way good things grow — not by chasing expansion, but by deepening into what it already was.

What began as a boutique studio has evolved into a full aesthetics destination, recently expanded into a beautifully redesigned space that feels warm, unhurried, and quietly luxurious. Consultations feel

© Best Version Media like conversations. Treatment plans are genuinely customized. The team Aubry has built — all aesthetic nurse practitioners and estheticians who share her standard of care — remembers not just your last appointment but your goals, your hesitations, and the small details that matter.

“We’ve always wanted Thistle to feel like more than a place you come for an appointment,” she says. “It’s a space where people feel taken care of, connected, and part of something.”

The menu has grown alongside the mission. It includes neuromodulators such as Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify, as well as RF microneedling, IPL, and CO₂ laser resurfacing. The philosophy remains unchanged. Education matters here. Clients learn what to do and why it works. Thistle’s “Skinformation” evenings, flower arranging workshops, vision board nights, and other gatherings fill the calendar. These events feel less like marketing and more like friendship—because that’s what they are.

A Life Built Together The pandemic, which slowed most people down, did something different for the Blaises. It brought clarity and renewed intention.

In 2020, the year they married, they established Highland Barn and Vom Drengr-Jager Kennel—each venture a natural extension of who they were. The farm gave Jason a place to lead and tend, while Thistle offered Aubry a career she could pour herself into. Jason trains and hunts the dogs himself, serves as the Atlantic Chapter Chairman, and is also a performance judge for the breed, traveling across the United States for each of these roles. Together, these steps formed something neither had mapped out, but both had always been moving toward.

Rounding out the humans in the family is their daughter, Mya, 22, who recently completed a basic esthetician program at DuoGlo Esthetics after finishing her associates degree at Germanna Community College.

Mya plans to continue her education at DuoGlo to obtain her Master Esthetician license. When she’s not following in mom’s footsteps, Mya can be found in a hot yoga class at Dragonfly Yoga, traveling with friends and family, or simply hanging out with her beloved Yorkie at home. And completing the four-legged family are their Highland cows—Nutmeg and Nettle—and a young bull named Maverick, who are fixtures on the farm.

At home, the Blaises garden and cook together. Aubry loves trying out new recipes. Travel is part of their year when schedules allow: Costa Rica, France, the Caribbean, Mexico, Kauai, and Italy– with adventures to Scotland and Germany in the works.

The Community They’ve Chosen Jason and Aubry have both lived in Stafford since the early 2000s. They’ve watched the community grow, watched their children grow alongside it, and made a deliberate choice, again and again, to stay.

“We have chosen to stay here as it is where our children were raised, and we love the sense of community,” Aubry says. “Our friends and family are here. We get to enjoy all four seasons on our farm, and it’s close enough to the mountains and ocean for fun getaways.”

Their neighbors are fellow farmers, and the Blaises live that neighborliness genuinely. They fix fences, lend supplies, and look after animals when someone needs to be away. Each summer, they host a big BBQ and occasional public events to open the farm to the community. Thistle gives back by covering Christmas wish lists for local families and seniors.

It also donates to schools and organizations throughout the year. It is just who they are.

Intention runs quietly through everything the Blaises have built. It’s in the way Jason serves whatever he commits to. It’s in the way Aubry does things right, even if there’s a faster path. It’s their choice to stay in Stafford, host the BBQ, open the barn gates, and build a business that cares about people who walk through its doors.

They’ve built a life — layered, purposeful, and grounded in the people and place they love most. Not WHAT they’ve built, but HOW they’ve built it, and WHO they’ve built it for.

THISTLE MEDICAL AESTHETICS is located in Stafford, Virginia.

To learn more or book a consultation, visit their website or follow along on social media.

But Stafford always calls them back.

Come experience the serenity of our new space

450 GARRISONVILLE ROAD, SUITE 205 • STAFFORD, VA 22554

540-783-8209 • THISTLEMEDICALAESTHETICS.COM Thistle is Veteran Owned and Operated

Thistle offers medical-grade skincare and treatments such as: NEUROMODULATORS (BOTOX/DYSPORT) • DERMAL FILLERS/VOLUME ENHANCERS (JUVEDERM/RESTYLANE/RHA) • SCULPTRA • MORPHEUS8 RADIOFREQUENCY MICRONEEDLING LUMECCA IPL • DIOLAZE LASER HAIR REDUCTION • DIAMONDGLOW MICRODERMABRASION • SKINPEN MICRONEEDLING WITH PLATELET-RICH PLASMA • CUSTOMIZED FACIALS • CHEMICAL PEELS J ULY 2026 | 9

© Best Version Media HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

BY ABIGAIL NYINAKU

Research Study:

Local Graduate Highlights the Need for Gender Equity in Sports Science PHOTOS BY MATT SMITH AND NADIA WILT

Ava Pendley, a Colonial Forge graduate in the class of 2026, transformed her personal experiences as a runner into meaningful research on female injuries in running sports. Her research, developed during her junior and senior years as a Commonwealth Governor’s School student, reflects her academic curiosity

and lived experience, offering insight into how biological differences shape athletic performance and recovery.

prove more inconsistently over time, while males normally improve at a consistent rate throughout their high school career.”

“I was always interested in how females and males are differently affected by the same training, especially after sustaining a stress fracture in my freshman year of high school,” Pendley explained. “I wanted to look more closely at how the biological factors contribute to the time gap in running.” This early injury became a turning point, prompting Ava to investigate patterns she’d observed firsthand, but wanted to understand more deeply through data and statistics.

These differences are due to components such as varying physiological endurances, body composition, and pacing strategies for athletes. Her findings highlight the need for more individualized training approaches and greater awareness of how gender-specific factors influence athletic outcomes.​

Ava’s background as a student-athlete and researcher gave her a unique perspective.

Having participated in an externship during the summer before her junior year and taken various sports medicine classes as a student, Pendley had a clearer idea of what all of the data she collected throughout her active research displayed, and how survey responses from female versus male runners correlated with supported research and studies. “As a runner,” Ava said, “I better understand the impact that a small injury has on your season, and common causes of injury could be.”

Pendley identified significant trends in injury rates and performance development between males and females. “I found that females are more prone to injury than males due to many biological factors, and they im-

Never Miss What’s Happening!

Looking ahead, Ava hopes her work will extend beyond the high school level. “I would love to get my research published or possibly build on this idea in a new study using a college team,” she says. Expanding her research to collegiate athletes could provide a larger data set and deeper insight into long-term development and injury prevention.​ Ava’s continuing passion for running and athletics, as well as dedication, has paid off, as she is committed to running at Johns Hopkins University as a molecular and cellular biology major on the pre-medical track. Her research on athletic injuries aligns naturally with her interest in medicine, suggesting a future in which she may continue exploring the intersection of science, health, and performance.​ Through her work, Ava contributes to a growing conversation about equity in sports science and exemplifies how personal experience can drive impactful research.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT CORNER

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BY KARIE OWENS, PHOTOS COURTESY OF NK FLOORS

BUY ONCE, BUY RIGHT: HOW TO CHOOSE FLOORING THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME We’ve all heard the saying, “Buy cheap, buy twice.” When it comes to flooring, that couldn’t be more true. Floors are one of the hardest-working surfaces in your home, quietly enduring foot traffic, furniture, spills, pets, and the general chaos of everyday life. Choosing the right floor from the start isn’t just a design decision, it’s a long-term investment in your home.

Hardwood: The Long Game When people talk about flooring that lasts, hardwood always comes up, and for good reason. A well installed, properly maintained hardwood floor can last fifty to one hundred years.

What makes it truly unique for the long term is that it can be sanded and refinished multiple times, giving it a brand new lease on life whenever it starts to show its age. Hardwood doesn’t love excess moisture, so it’s best kept out of bathrooms and laundry rooms. In living areas, hallways, and bedrooms, it’s one of the

best long-term investments you can make in your home.

Luxury Vinyl Plank: The Practical Powerhouse LVP has taken the flooring world by storm. A quality LVP product offers durability, typically rated for 20 to 30 years, while being waterproof, scratch-resistant, and much more forgiving in wet or high-traffic areas. For families with kids, pets, or just a busy household, LVP delivers peace of mind without sacrificing style. It won’t last quite as long as hardwood, but it requires far less maintenance and holds up beautifully under real-world conditions.

Tile: Built to Outlast Everything If longevity is your number one priority, tile deserves serious consideration. Porcelain tile in particular is extraordinarily durable and it’s

not unusual for a well-laid tile floor to last the entire lifetime of a home. It’s impervious to moisture, resistant to scratches, and incredibly easy to clean. The trade-off is comfort. The tile can feel hard and cold underfoot. In kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways, it’s almost unbeatable for long-term performance.

Carpet: Choose Wisely Carpet is the most comfortable underfoot but generally the shortest-lived flooring option, typically lasting 10 to 15 years depending on quality and traffic. If you want carpet, invest in a higher-grade product with a quality underlay. It makes a significant difference in how long it holds up and how good it continues to feel underfoot.

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PARENTS EDUCATION CORNER

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BY CHERICE TAYLOR

FREEDOM TO LEARN:

BUILDING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH EVERYDAY SKILLS Cherice Taylor, M.A. Education Administration, is a Part-Time Career Advisor for Germanna Community College. She is the 2022-2023 Past President of the Rotary Club of Stafford and a Charter Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Psi Omega Chapter. She is a relationship builder, poet and a former educator with over 10 years experience at the preschool through high school levels. Cherice earned her Bachelor’s degree from UCLA and her Masters in Education Administration from California State University- Dominguez Hills. She is married to LCDR Eric Taylor (retired) and a mother of four sons. A positive attitude and the belief that sharing pearls of wisdom along with the Golden Rule allows for everyone to improve and reach their personal goals. This is demonstrated in the podcast show that she hosts, Time Matters Podcast! Cherice believes that if we all do better, then we all do better, and that is why Cherice is involved in the community.

“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’” — Maria Montessori

parent stepping in — they are developing something that no standardized test can measure: the confidence that they can handle life.

Summer is often thought of as a break from learning — but for parents, it may be one of the most powerful teaching seasons of the year. With schedules loosened and more time at home, July is the perfect moment to step back and ask: Are we giving our children room to grow?

The observation, with my own children as well as my 30 plus years teaching, mentoring and volunteering with children, is that children who are allowed to practice independence early develop stronger problem-solving skills, higher resilience, and greater self-esteem as they move into adolescence and adulthood.

Independence doesn’t arrive overnight. It is built quietly, in the kitchen, in the backyard, at the grocery store, and in the small, repetitive moments of daily life. When children are given age-appropriate responsibilities — making their own breakfast, managing a small budget at the farmer’s market, or figuring out how to resolve a conflict with a sibling without a

Today many of our children’s schedules mirror adult schedules and leaves little time for free flow learning and more micromanaged time due to so many activities and commitments. Many kids arrive at college or their first job never having done their own laundry, cooked a simple meal, or managed their own time without a parent prompting them at every step.

The good news? It is never too late to start — and summer is your invitation.

Start small and be intentional. A six-year-old can sort and fold laundry. A nine-year-old can plan and help prepare a simple dinner. A twelve-yearold can manage a weekly allowance, track their spending, and begin to understand trade-offs. A teenager can navigate public transit, advocate for themselves in a doctor’s office, or take the lead on planning a family outing from start to finish. The goal is not perfection — it is practice.

One of the most important shifts parents can make is resisting the urge to rescue. When a child struggles with a task, the temptation to swoop in is real and loving — but pausing long enough to let them wrestle with it, make a mistake, and try again is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give. Mistakes are not failures; they are feedback. They teach children that setbacks are survivable and that effort leads to growth.

This July, consider creating a “Family Skills Summer” in your home. Sit down together and brainstorm a list of practical skills your child wants to learn or that you know they’ll need. Let them choose two or three to focus on in the coming weeks. Post the list somewhere visible. Celebrate progress — not just results. The enthusiasm you bring to these moments sends a message louder than any lecture: You are capable. You are trusted.

You can do hard things.

“Freedom to learn is not about doing less as a parent. It is about doing differently — shifting from doing for to doing alongside, and eventually stepping back to watch them lead.

That is where confidence is born.”

CHERICE TAYLOR, CONTRIBUTING WRITER & TIME MATTERS PODCAST CREATOR & HOST

12 | N E I G H B O R S O F C O U R T H O U S E

CHARIT Y SPOTLIGHT

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BY MALLORY HARDGROVE; PHOTOS PROVIDED BY STEP VA

WHERE THE STAGE BELONGS TO EVERYONE: THE STORY OF STEP VA In performing arts, people with disabilities often face daunting barriers that include sensory overload, limited access, and few accommodations. Jan Monroe and her co-founders saw these not as obstacles, but as opportunities. In 2013, they created STEP VA, an organization promising “Sensory + Theatre = Endless Possibilities.”

Looking ahead, STEP VA has a full calendar for those interested in getting involved. This summer, participants ages 8 and up can join several camps: Tech Camp, focusing on behind-the-scenes production experience, takes place in June; Arts Camp, which explores a variety of artistic activities, also runs in June; and A STEP Beyond, an Adult Arts Camp, is scheduled for July.

Monroe, a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, didn’t set out to run a nonprofit. She was simply answering a question she kept hearing from parents at her outpatient clinic. “I was often asked by parents what summer activities were available in the arts for children with disabilities,” she recalls.

The answer, too often, was: not many.

On the fundraising front, STEP VA’s fall gala will be held on September 25, 2026, at the Old Silk Mill. The evening features networking opportunities for businesses and community leaders, as well as highlights of STEP VA’s work with performers. Sponsorships are available for organizations interested in supporting programs that benefit participants and boost community engagement. More information about events, fundraising efforts, and camp specifics can all be found at www.stepva.org.

Monroe and two colleagues—a physical and an occupational therapist—saw the effect of simple accommodations when a weighted bear helped a young girl participate in a musical. Inspired, they launched STEP VA to extend that impact to the broader community.

Today, STEP VA serves around 100 participants and their families, and its annual Musical Experience draws over 800 attendees. In April, performers with disabilities starred in Shrek the Musical, Jr., affirming that the stage belongs to everyone.

Monroe is also quick to extend an open invitation to anyone who hasn’t yet experienced what STEP VA offers firsthand. “I would like to challenge all magazine readers to take it a ‘STEP’ further and attend a STEP VA performance, showcase, or invite us to perform at one of your events — to witness what is possible,” she says. “That is how we continue to grow and change perceptions about people with disabilities in our community.”

The possibilities, as their name suggests, are truly endless.

“All people can be heard, seen, and have an avenue of self-expression when participating in artistic activities regardless of their abilities or disabilities,” Monroe explains. “The arts at a foundational level bridge the gaps between our perceived and real differences.” STEP VA’s programs are built on this philosophy, emphasizing collaboration, teamwork, and self-advocacy while celebrating what makes each participant unique.

During the 2025 Finding Nemo, Jr. dress rehearsal, a leak caused buckets to scatter across the stage—particularly challenging for the sensory-sensitive cast. Yet, performers, ages 9 to 32, donned ponchos and carried on, demonstrating resilience despite adversity.

It’s exactly the kind of moment that encapsulates STEP VA’s beloved internal motto. “Expect the unexpected,” Monroe says with obvious pride.

“It helps everyone to be more flexible when working through challenges or things out of their control.” That night in 2025, Just Keep Swimming became more than a song from the show — it became a testament to what these performers are capable of.

For Monroe, these moments are everything. “My greatest inspiration through STEP VA and what brings me the most joy is watching an individual or group of individuals with disabilities overcome a challenge or fear,” she says. “I want them to believe they are as capable as I know they are. When I witness that happen, it’s truly magical.”

DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: register for summer camps, purchase tickets to the fall gala, or get involved in other ways at www.stepva.org. Your participation helps create endless possibilities for performers of all abilities.

J ULY 2026 | 13

PET CORNER

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BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP

SNAKE SEASON: WHAT EVERY PET OWNER NEEDS TO KNOW

If you’ve ever walked a trail along the Rappahannock or let your dog off-leash in a brushy backyard here in the Fredericksburg area, you’ve likely shared that space with a copperhead without knowing it. July marks the peak of copperhead activity in our region, and because these snakes are masters of camouflage, encounters often happen in an instant.

Rather than letting that knowledge keep you indoors, a little preparation goes a long way.

Spotting the Camouflage Copperheads are built to disappear into leaf litter and rocky soil, which is exactly why off-leash dogs on wooded trails are at particular risk. Here’s how to recognize one from a safe distance: Markings: Look for the classic hourglass or dark brown “Hershey’s Kiss” pattern along their sides.

Head shape: A broad, triangular head distinctly wider than the neck.

Eyes and pits: Vertical, cat-like pupils and heat-sensing pits located between the eye and nostril.

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14 | N E I G H B O R S O F C O U R T H O U S E

What the Venom Does Copperhead venom is a complex mix that attacks both local tissue and the circulatory system. At the bite site, it breaks down cell walls and blood vessels, causing rapid swelling, bruising, and intense pain. Systemically, it can disrupt the body’s clotting ability, depleting the platelets responsible for stopping bleeding and putting pets at risk for internal bleeding and shock. This is why time matters so much.

If You Suspect a Bite Dogs explore with their nose, so bites most often land on the muzzle, face, or front legs. Watch for sudden, dramatic swelling, visible fang marks, and signs of pain. If you suspect a bite: Keep Calm and Restrict Movement: Carry your pet to the car if possible. Keeping them quiet slows the spread of the venom.

Head Straight to the ER Vet: Call the emergency hospital while en route so the medical team can prepare for your arrival.

Leave the Wound Alone: Do NOT apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, suck out venom, or apply ice. These old myths concentrate the venom and cause significantly more tissue damage.

Don’t Try to Catch or Kill the Snake: A photo from a safe distance is helpful; a second bite is not.

What to Expect at the ER Every snakebite is different, but treatment generally centers on four things: fast-acting pain relief, IV fluid support to protect organ function and counter shock, blood and clotting panels to monitor the venom’s internal effects, and antivenin to neutralize and limit further progression. Because antivenin is delivered as a slow, carefully monitored infusion and patients need continuous evaluation, most snakebite cases require an overnight hospital stay.

Create a Snake-Resistant Yard Preventing an encounter entirely is the ultimate goal. Making simple landscape modifications can significantly reduce the likelihood of a copperhead setting up camp on your property: Keep it Clipped: Maintain a short lawn. Tall grass provides excellent cover for snakes and the small rodents they hunt.

Clear the Clutter: Remove brush piles, logs, and leaf litter. Store firewood off the ground and away from the house.

Rethink Your Border: Consider creating a wide border of gravel or heavy mulch between wooded areas and your lawn. Snakes dislike crossing wide, open spaces where they are vulnerable to predators.

Manage the Food Chain: Keep outdoor trash cans sealed and clean up spilled birdseed to avoid attracting rodents (snake food).

The Good News A snakebite is a genuine emergency, but the outlook with prompt care is excellent. Copperhead venom is considerably less potent than that of rattlesnakes, and pets who reach an ER quickly almost always recover fully. Knowing what to do in those first few minutes is the difference that matters most. By blending a little backyard prevention with swift medical action, you can safely navigate snake season and enjoy everything summer has to offer.

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J ULY 2026 | 15

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