JUNE 2026 CH

© Best Version Media

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

JUNE 2026

NEIGHBORS OF

Courthouse A PLACE AT THE TABLE:

How the Hackman Family Turns Grief into Welcome

Photo by Karen Presecan Photography

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© Best Version Media Dear Neighbors of Courthouse,

PUBLICATION TEAM

School’s out, and summer is here! This month, we’re highlighting a truly incredible couple. You’ll meet the Hackmans, who decided to turn their grief into impact.

They’ve reached across the ocean to welcome foreign exchange students into their home to honor their late daughter.

We also have some high school highlights, tips for keeping your pets safe from the heat, and more in store for you! Get ready to dive in!

Publisher: Dori Stewart

Content Executive Assistant Coordinator: to the Publisher: Mallory Hardgrove Crissy Hall

As always, a huge thank you to our incredible sponsors, without whom, this publication wouldn’t be possible.

Happy reading,

Mallory Hardgrove

TABLE OF CONTENTS Publisher’s Assistant: Valynda Phifer

Account Executive Liz Hensel

Photographer: Karen Presecan

Designer: Laura Anderson

Contributing Writer: Karie Owens

Contributing Writer: Cherice Taylor

Contributing Contributing Contributing Writer: Writer: Writer: Abigail Nyinaku Michelle Rojas Stephanie Cox

ADVERTISING

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.

Content Due Edition December 10 ...............................................................................January January 10.................................................................................. February February 10.......................................................................................March March 10.................................................................................................April April 10......................................................................................................May May 10...................................................................................................... June June 10....................................................................................................... July July 10................................................................................................ August August 10................................................................................ September September 10..............................................................................October October 10............................................................................... November November 10......................................................................... December

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Cover Story A Place at the Table: How the Hackman Family Turns Grief into Welcome

05

Expert Contributor Your Summer Proof Skin Plan: What to Pause, What to Prioritize, and How to Glow Safely All Season

07

Expert Contributor PCSing Out? How to Decide Whether to Sell or Rent Your Stafford Home

10

High School Highlights “School’s Out!”: Valuable Ways for Students to Spend the Summer Break Season

11

Home Improvement Corner The Best Return on Investment for Home Improvement Projects

12

Parents Education Corner What’s the Summer Academic Plan?

13

Charity Spotlight From Donations to Careers: How Goodwill Is Powering Workforce Opportunity in the Fredericksburg Area

14

Pet Corner The Invisible Essentials: Keeping Your Pet Safe This June

FXBG NEIGHBORS DINNER CLUB FXBGNEIGHBORS.DNNR.IO

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2026 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

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© 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

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

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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

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BY VIKTORIYA TKHORYK, THISTLE MEDICAL AESTHETICS

SUMMER PROOF SKIN PLAN:

WHAT TO PAUSE, WHAT TO PRIORITIZE, AND HOW TO GLOW SAFELY ALL SEASON Summer is all about feeling confident in your skin, and with the right approach, you don’t have to pause your progress during the warmer months. At Thistle Medical Aesthetics, we focus on strategic, summer-safe treatments that keep your skin healthy, glowing, and protected while accounting for increased UV exposure, heat, and outdoor activities.

Certain treatments are typically paused during summer because they increase sun sensitivity, including aggressive chemical peels, IPL photofacials, and some laser procedures.

However, many minimally invasive treatments can still safely support your skincare goals when used properly and with proper aftercare.

Injectables are among the easiest treatments to maintain throughout summer. Neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify soften fine lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movement while creating a refreshed, rested appearance with virtually no downtime. These treatments are unaffected by sun exposure and can also help reduce excessive sweating in areas such as the underarms or palms.

Dermal fillers remain another excellent option for restoring volume, enhancing facial contours, and softening deeper lines. For those wanting gradual, natural-looking rejuvenation, Sculptra stimulates collagen production over time to improve skin quality and restore youthful structure.

Microneedling treatments also remain popular during summer when performed thoughtfully. SkinPen Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving texture, pore size, acne scarring, and fine lines. Morpheus RF Microneedling combines this process with radiofrequency technology to tighten

loose skin, improve crepiness, contour, and further enhance tone and texture.

While many laser treatments are avoided in summer, advanced technology like Solaria CO2 Resurfacing allows for lighter, more conservative settings during the warmer months. These customized treatments continue to stimulate collagen and improve skin texture while minimizing downtime and reducing the risk of UV-related complications. Careful timing and diligent sun protection are essential when pursuing laser treatments during summer.

BioRePeel is another excellent year-round option. Unlike traditional peels that often involve significant peeling and downtime, BioRePeel brightens skin tone, smooths texture, and stimulates collagen with minimal visible shedding, making it ideal for maintaining radiant summer skin.

To soothe and calm the skin, GlacialSkin cryotherapy provides an instantly cooling effect that reduces inflammation and supports recovery after treatments like microneedling or CO2 resurfacing. Professional custom facials are also especially beneficial during summer, helping clear congestion caused by excess oil, sweat, and buildup while keeping the skin hydrated and balanced.

No matter which treatment you choose, sunscreen remains non-negotiable. Daily SPF use, frequent reapplication, limiting direct sun exposure, and following post-treatment instructions are critical for protecting your skin and preserving results. To summarize: prioritize sun-safe treatments, pause those that increase sensitivity, and always protect your skin. With a personalized plan and thoughtful summer strategy, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin all season long.

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BY GINGER WALKER, GIVE BACK TEAM OF COLDWELLBANKERELITE.COM

PCSing OUT?

HOW TO DECIDE WHETHER TO SELL OR RENT YOUR STAFFORD HOME You have orders. Now you’re staring at the house you’ve spent years making a home, and asking: Do we sell it or rent it out? It’s one of the most consequential financial decisions military families face, and in Stafford’s current market, both options have real merit.

The Case for Selling If you’ve owned your home for 2+ years, you’ve likely built meaningful equity. Stafford’s market has appreciated steadily, and selling now lets you lock in those gains, walk away clean, and fund your next chapter, whether that’s a down payment elsewhere or simply peace of mind.

The tax benefit is significant. As a primary residence, you may qualify to exclude up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 for married couples) from federal taxes, but only if you’ve lived in the home for at least two of the last five years. If you rent it out for several years before selling, you could lose part of that exclusion. Timing matters.

Selling also eliminates the stress of remote landlording. Managing a property from across the country, or overseas, is a real job, and not every family has the bandwidth for it mid-deployment or during a new assignment.

The Case for Renting Stafford is an exceptionally strong rental market, driven by the steady drumbeat of military and government contractor families cycling through the area. A well-priced home here rarely sits vacant long.

If your mortgage rate is low, and many Stafford owners locked in rates well under 5%, renting can generate monthly cash flow while a tenant builds

equity for you. Over time, you’re accumulating an asset that historically appreciates, a real advantage for long-term wealth building.

Renting also preserves optionality. If there’s any chance you’ll return to the Stafford/Quantico area for future orders or even retirement, keeping the home means you have a place to come back to, and at a mortgage payment that would be impossible to replicate in today’s market.

Questions to Help You Decide • What’s your mortgage rate? Under 4–5%? Renting is likely cash-flow positive.

• Do you have a local property manager you trust? This is non-negotiable for remote landlording.

• How long until your 5-year ownership window closes? That capital gains exclusion has a clock on it.

• Could you handle a bad tenant or vacancy from 1,000 miles away? Be honest.

The Bottom Line There’s no universal right answer, but there is a right answer for your situation. My team and I have helped hundreds of military families navigate exactly this decision in Stafford and Northern Virginia. If you’re on the fence or just want to discuss your options, please don’t hesitate to call me. I am happy to help you navigate the selling vs rental market decision.

Should you decide to purchase out of state, I have a vetted network of Realtors® and would be glad to recommend someone in your target area to streamline that transition as well.

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.

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J UNE 2026 | 7

FEATURE FAMILY

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A Place at the Table: HOW THE HACKMAN FAMILY TURNS GRIEF INTO WELCOME

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY

a little something about endurance. But no training in the world or actual deployment can prepare you for losing a child.

In the midst of their grief, Louise remembers reading a newspaper article about a foreign exchange student in need of a host family.

She didn’t give it a second thought.

On a quiet street in Stafford, Virginia, the Hackman home has a way of drawing people in. There’s Shadow, a five-year-old Black Pyradoodle who greets everyone with a gentle tail wag. There’s the smell of something delicious coming from the kitchen. And this year, there’s Feras Abdalla, a 17-year-old from Israel, navigating American high school life with the kind of curiosity and adaptability that makes Jeff and Louise Hackman beam with quiet pride.

The Hackmans have been doing this for 20 years. Hosting foreign exchange students, that is. Twenty students from around the world have called the Hackman home their home, if only for a season. But the reason they started — the catalyst for bringing foreign exchange students into their home each year — has nothing to do with a program brochure or a love of travel.

It has everything to do with their daughter, Nerissa.

Nerissa’s Legacy On February 6, 2004, Nerissa Jean Hackman was tragically killed in a car accident, sliding on black ice on her way to Colonial Forge High School. She was only 16 and a half years old.

“She had wanted to major in International Relations,” Louise recalls. “She was curious about the world.”

In the years that followed, grief settled over the Hackman household like a season that wouldn’t turn. Jeff, a 25-year military veteran who had served nine years in the Navy and sixteen in the Air Force, knew 8 | NEIGHBORS OF COURTHOUSE

“I read that article, and I thought, ‘This is how we honor Nerissa,’” she says. “She wanted to know and explore the world— we’d bring the world to us.”

That first student walked through their door, and something shifted. Twenty years and 20 students later, Louise is wrapping up a two-decade career in which she has supervised more than 300 exchange students across Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland. She’ll be retiring from the program this year, but not before giving Feras Abdalla the best American experience possible.

Feras Finds His Footing at Colonial Forge Feras came to Stafford from Israel with a backpack, a sense of humor, and never having played a team sport. He had no idea what lacrosse was. That last part has now changed.

At Colonial Forge High School — the same school Nerissa was driving to on that fateful morning — Feras has thrown himself into American student life with a kind of fearless enthusiasm. He’s in the band. He was on the swim team, even earning recognition at the end of the season with the “Most Improved” Award. And he’s taken up lacrosse, a sport he’s now become most passionate about.

“After the winter [swim] season was over, I thought I didn’t want to play any sports,” Feras explains. “ Then I suddenly heard about lacrosse and Forge had a team, so I asked [about it] and decided to give it a try.” Feras was surprised to learn that Israel is ranked first currently in Europe and seventh in the world for lacrosse, so it is now “my new plan for life.” Feras continues to improve on the field, but what he loves most about the sport is that “we are OHANA, which means ‘Family’,” Feras explains. “And I can see that all my

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teammates are family now and no one is left behind– we are teammates and have good teamwork.”

The Hackmans watch Feras’s adventures with delight. “He’s taken to everything we’ve thrown at him,” Jeff says with a grin. Shadow, for her part, has been an adjustment for some of their students over the years, as not every teenager arrives comfortable around a large, fluffy dog. “She’s very sweet and gentle with the students who may not be used to living with a dog,” Louise notes.

Feras, it seems, has made his peace with Shadow just fine, and he’s enjoying the nature that surrounds Stafford and loves little things we may take for granted like “how the neighborhoods here work.” Community spirit and pride seem to be a common theme in the aspects of American life, and life here in Stafford, that Feras appreciates most.

Roots and Rhythms Jeff and Louise are Stafford fixtures in the truest sense. Jeff arrived in 1998 when he was stationed at the Pentagon — a posting that turned into 23 years of civilian service after he hung up his uniform. He finally retired in 2024, and now spends his days the way a man who spent 25 years at someone else’s command deserves to: puttering around the house, getting involved at their church, and slowly, lovingly restoring two cars — a GEO Tracker and a 1969 Camaro.

“I picked up a Squid in a bar at Virginia Beach right after I got out of college,” Louise says with a laugh, using the affectionate slang for a Navy sailor. That Squid became her husband of more than four decades.

Their two sons are now grown adults and scattered across the States.

Edward, a member of the very first graduating class at Colonial Forge, works as an IT Specialist in Stafford with his wife, Sarah. Jeffrey Jr., known as “JJ,” is an executive in Texas, where he and his wife, Megan, are raising their 13-year-old son, Logan, and 10-year-old daughter, Camdyn.

And then there is Nerissa, whose spirit remains present. Her memory lives in the exchange students who come through that front door, in Louise’s career, in the choice the Hackmans make year after year to say, “Yes!” to one more student who needs a home.

Friday Nights and Full Tables The Hackmans love Stafford the way people love a place they chose deliberately and never once regretted. They still go to Friday night football games at Colonial Forge, and Feras has learned to love how Americans show their school spirit as well.

“Stafford is located centrally for traveling to New York, DC, the beach, and so many attractions on the East Coast,” Louise says. “But it also has that small-town feel. You can get to know the owners if you choose to be regulars.”

They’re regulars at several small, local establishments – like the 6 Bears & a Goat Brewery and Mason-Dixon Cafe in Fredericksburg, where the owners make everyone feel like friends and the service feels personal.

They enjoy the Riverside Dinner Theater, cheer for the Fredericksburg Nationals, and make the occasional trek to DC or the Charlestown Race Track in West Virginia.

They’ve built a community here, too. Beyond the hosting community, they’ve started a Friday lunch group that began with church friends and has grown organically over the years. “We’ve added friends of friends,” Louise explains, “and a lot of them are now widows, so we watch out for each other.”

That instinct — to watch out, to make room, to pull up another chair — is at the heart of everything the Hackmans do.

Feras Abdalla knows it. He’s had the opportunity to sit at that table, learn lacrosse, find his stroke in the pool, and make his way through the halls of Colonial Forge. And somewhere in all of it, Nerissa Jean Hackman is present, still curious about the world and — through Feras and the nineteen students who came before him — getting her chance to meet it.

Capturing special moments

with family, pets and more.

“The first football game I watched was so cool. I had lots of fun,” he explains. “My first pep rally I was so emotional and I was sad my family and friends back home were not with me to see this incredible thing going on.”

He’s had pretty incredible role models here in Stafford through his Host Family: the Hackmans. Outside of the Forge community, Jeff and Louise embrace greater Stafford, too.

Karen Presecan, M.Photog.,CPP

karen@kpresecanphotography.com www.kpresecanphotography.com

J UNE 2026 | 9

© Best Version Media School’s Out!: HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Valuable Ways for Students to Spend the Summer Break Season

BY ABIGAIL NYINAKU

Abigail Nyinaku graduated from Colonial Forge High School in May. We want to thank Abi for her hard work, dedication, and for blessing us with her phenomenal writing skills this past year. She might stick around for a couple more months, but we wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate her on an amazing high school career. We wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors, and we know she’ll do some tremendous things as she flies from the nest!

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One of the most common summer opportunities is camp enrollment. The City of Fredericksburg’s summer camps offer a variety of activities for young people, and registration opens on a first-come, first-served basis. Families should pay close attention to sign-up dates, eligibility requirements, and program details to ensure they don’t miss out. Camps can be a valuable way for students to stay engaged during the summer while building friendships, confidence, and new interests.

For students seeking academic or career-focused experience, Stafford Junction offers programs including a middle and high school STEAM camp with hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The organization also runs programs that include lunch and transportation for the neighborhoods it serves, making participation more accessible.

Another important option is summer work. Jobs for teens in the Fredericksburg area often include lifeguarding and swim instruction, camp counseling, and other seasonal opportunities that can help students earn money while building responsibility and leadership skills.

When considering applying for such jobs, students should sign up early and pay attention to requirements like age, certifications, or prior experience.

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As the summer months commence, high school students have a range of opportunities to consider, from camps and jobs to internships and volunteer programs. For students hoping to stay active, gain experience, or strengthen their college and scholarship applications, now is the time to start looking. Many of the most desirable programs fill up quickly and have early deadlines, so planning ahead is essential!

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Internships are also worth considering, especially for students interested in exploring career fields before graduation. Stafford County has partnered with SCPS to offer internship opportunities, including work-based learning experiences that connect students with real-world job settings. These programs can be especially valuable for students seeking career exposure in government, utilities, education, or other professional fields.

Students interested in STEM should also keep an eye out for regional science and enrichment programs. Fredericksburg has a strong camp and enrichment scene, including science-focused programs that offer hands-on learning in areas such as data science, life sciences, and physical sciences. These opportunities are helpful for students considering college majors or careers in healthcare, engineering, computer science, or research.

A good summer plan usually includes more than one type of opportunity, with a blend of summer camps, work, and volunteer or intern experience. A combination of tasks can help students stay active, develop new skills, and stand out for college and scholarship applications. Whether the goal is earning money, gaining experience, or just trying something new, this summer can be a great time to grow and expand your knowledge!

HOME IMPROVEMENT CORNER

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BY KARIE OWENS, PHOTOS COURTESY OF NK FLOORS

THE BEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS Before picking up a hammer or calling a contractor, every homeowner asks: Will this pay off? Whether you’re preparing to sell or building long-term equity, not all home improvements are equal. Some projects recoup a fraction of their cost; others return more than you invest. After years of helping homeowners transform spaces, here’s our breakdown of the improvements with the best return on investment.

3. Garage Door Replacement This one surprises homeowners every time. Replacing an outdated garage door consistently ranks among the top ROI projects in Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, often returning 90–95% of the investment. It’s pure curb appeal — and first impressions drive offers.

1. Hardwood Flooring Installation or Refinishing We may be biased, but the numbers support us. The National Association of Realtors finds refinishing hardwood floors can recover up to 147% of their cost at resale, among the highest-ROI projects. New hardwood installation follows at about 118%.

Buyers list hardwood floors as a top priority, while outdated carpet is a common deal-breaker. If your floors are worn or dated, this is the most impactful pre-sale upgrade.

4. Entry Door Replacement (Steel) Replacing an old door with a new steel entry door is low-cost and returns about 88% of its value. Buyers also appreciate improved energy efficiency and security, both of which translate to perceived value.

2. Minor Kitchen Remodel A full renovation rarely pays off, but a minor kitchen remodel — cabinet refacing, new hardware, updated countertops, and modern fixtures — typically recoups 80–85% of costs. Kitchens are the heart of the home, and buyers are willing to pay more for fresh, functional spaces.

5. Deck or Outdoor Living Addition As outdoor living continues to trend, a well-built wood or composite deck can return 65–75% of costs while significantly expanding your home’s usable square footage. In competitive markets, outdoor spaces often tip the scales in favor of one listing over another.

The Bottom Line Smart improvement isn’t about spending the most — it’s about spending strategically. The projects above all enhance livability and signal quality to future buyers.

Not sure where to start? Start from the ground up.

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PARENTS EDUCATION CORNER

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BY CHERICE TAYLOR

WHAT’S THE SUMMER ACADEMIC PLAN? 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.

Summer is finally on the horizon. I remember sometimes being almost more excited about school being out for the summer than the kids. The day-to-day routine was finally getting a break, which meant we were getting one, too. The before- or after-school obligations were on pause for some of us and ramped up for others. I used to plan our family vacations a year in advance to get the best flight and hotel deals for our family of six or to work around my husband’s active duty schedule before he retired. That was no easy task. Some years, the summers were open and without structure.

Other years, there was too much going on, and it flew by, and the back-toschool commercials were playing, and we felt like we missed out somehow on our summer break. Vacation and sports training plans are in full effect.

You’ve planned them for months, and now the time is finally here. Did your student’s school year end as successfully as he or she hoped or planned?

If not, what are the next steps?

Academic bumps in the road can upset the apple cart, and adjustments have to be made. Are we going to pretend things don’t need to be addressed, or are we going to weave in an academic plan to better prepare our students for the next school year? It’s important to address the elephant in the room, if you will. If the grades weren’t what they needed to be, it is important to set your plan of action to fill those gaps during the summer break and prepare for a successful start to the new school year in the fall.

Here are a few things you can do to improve reading comprehension, math facts, etc: • Pick a book to read and discuss as a family. You can have your student write about their favorite part of the book. Check sentence struc-

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ture, grammar, and spelling together. Look up words your student doesn’t understand.

• Have math facts flashcards for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You can practice on road trips, on the plane, on the train, at the beach, at the lake, at your grandparents’ house, etc.

• Have your student do a couple of pages each day in a Summer Bridge Book (get one at a local bookstore or online) for the upcoming grade.

• Use free online resources to review subjects like Algebra, English, and SAT prep on khanacademy.org or collegeboard.org for PSAT and SAT prep, or to search for college information.

• Ask your student’s teacher or counselor if they have any resources.

Just as important is keeping the students who did reach their academic goals engaged to avoid learning loss that comes if you do absolutely nothing all summer long. The recommendations above can also help keep the student on grade level or even get ahead for the next school year.

I remember thinking, as we went from AAU track meets up and down the state of Virginia, that the money and time spent, although a sacrifice, was the same money we needed to allocate for tutoring and additional academic help.

It is important to prioritize the student part of the student-athlete, so that if they are able to play their favorite sport in college, they can meet the rigor of college academics. I’ve learned over the years that children need to learn to accept those bumps in the road, seek help and guidance to address them, and improve. Self-advocacy is a soft skill that will take them far.

Happy Summer, Families!

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CHARIT Y SPOTLIGHT

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BY MICHELLE ROJAS, CONTRIBUTING WRITER; PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RAPPAHANNOCK GOODWILL

FROM DONATIONS TO CAREERS: HOW GOODWILL IS POWERING WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITY IN THE FREDERICKSBURG AREA Michelle Rojas is a social media marketer and multimedia journalist based in Stafford, Virginia. With over four years of experience in digital media and brand strategy, she creates and manages content for companies and organizations across digital channels. She is also the founder of @MichelleReports, a social media news platform covering local news in the Stafford area, with expanded coverage throughout Virginia and Washington, D.C. Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Business from the University of Rochester, where she built a strong foundation in audience insight and strategic communication that informs her work in digital media.

For many people, Goodwill is best known as a place to donate clothing and shop for secondhand finds. What’s less visible is the work it does beyond the stores, using a portion of its sales revenue and federal funding to create career opportunities and support the local workforce. Rappahannock Goodwill creates convenient opportunities for residents to shop and donate with 2 e-commerce sites, 15 retail stores, and one of the largest Goodwill stores in Virginia, now open in Stafford’s England Run shopping center.

Behind the racks and registers is a workforce development mission supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), a 2014 federal act designed “to help get Americans, including youth and those with significant barriers to employment, into high-quality jobs and careers.” While WIOA provides the framework and funding, its impact depends on local organizations that bring those resources directly to people who need them. The Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board administers WIOA funding locally, and Rappahannock Goodwill Industries has been an applicant and awardee for several years, providing services to members of the community through its Virginia Career Works Centers. These centers operate as community hubs, offering career counseling, work experiences, and access to occupational skills training that aligns with local employer needs.

Beyond the Store: Goodwill’s Workforce Mission “The biggest misconception is that Goodwill is just a store,” said Stacey Linkenhoker, a WIOA Career Services Specialist at the Virginia Career Works Fredericksburg Center. “What people don’t see is that every donation has a second life—not just on the sales floor, but in the form of education, training, and support that helps someone move forward.”

Rappahannock Goodwill delivers workforce programs that support adults, youth, and individuals who have lost jobs due to layoffs or economic shifts. At its core, the work is about removing obstacles that keep people from employment.

“Sometimes that barrier is a lack of experience. Sometimes it’s financial.

Sometimes it’s transportation, childcare, or even just not knowing where to start. Our job is to meet people where they are and help them take the next step,” Ms. Linkenhoker explained.

Personalized Pathways for Participants That next step looks different for every participant. Some come in needing help completing a GED or building basic workplace skills. Increasingly, many are adults retraining after realizing their previous career no longer offers stability or growth.

“Life happens,” Ms. Linkenhoker said. “Plans change. Having a place you can go when that happens makes all the difference.”

With WIOA funding, Goodwill helps participants pursue training in high-demand fields such as healthcare, transportation, and information technology. Equally important, the program offers supportive services that help ensure participants can complete their training.

“We don’t just pay for a class and wish someone luck,” Ms. Linkenhoker said. “If they need help with gas, work shoes, scrubs, books, or testing fees, we help them. Those things matter. If you don’t address them, people can fall through the cracks.”

Building Community Impact These efforts help reframe what Goodwill represents in the community—not just a retail destination, but a workforce partner invested in long-term economic stability.

“When you help someone overcome barriers to employment,” Ms. Linkenhoker said, “you’re not just helping that person. You’re strengthening families, employers, and the entire community.” In 2025, Rappahannock Goodwill served 10,000 job-seekers and placed 1,700 community members into jobs, ranking #3 nationally amongst all Goodwill organizations with a starting wage that averaged over $22 an hour.

As workforce needs continue to evolve, local employers play an important role by partnering with Goodwill through work experiences, internships, and job placements. Even a single hire can represent a meaningful success.

“It might feel small on the business side,” Ms. Linkenhoker said, “but for us, every placement matters. Every success story adds up.”

From Donations to Opportunity Ultimately, the Rappahannock Goodwill Industries demonstrates how donations, public funding, and community collaboration can intersect to create real opportunity. What begins as a donated jacket or a visit to a career center can become a pathway to stability, independence, and a stronger local workforce.

For residents unsure of their next step, Ms. Linkenhoker offered advice: “You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to know where to go.”

J UNE 2026 | 13

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PET CORNER

Every summer, I see the same pattern.

A family comes in shaken after their dog slipped out during a backyard cookout or collapsed on what seemed like a perfectly pleasant afternoon walk. These emergencies are rarely dramatic at first. More often, they start with quiet risks that are easy to miss in the middle of an otherwise happy summer day.

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

THE INVISIBLE ESSENTIALS:

That’s what I call the invisible essentials: the simple preventive steps that don’t seem urgent until they suddenly are. This June, I want to focus on two of the most important ones: your pet’s digital identification and the Virginia heat.

KEEPING YOUR PET SAFE THIS JUNE

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A Microchip Is Only as Useful as the Information Attached to It June is National Microchipping Month, which makes it a perfect time to check one detail many pet owners overlook. The microchip itself is permanent, but the contact information connected to it is only helpful if it’s current.

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Summer is the prime escape season. Gates get left open, families host backyard gatherings, and thunderstorms can send even normally calm dogs running. A microchip is one of the best safety nets you can give your pet, but if you’ve moved or changed your phone number since registration, that safety net may not work the way you expect.

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Take ten minutes this month to log into your pet’s microchip registry and confirm that your contact information is up to date.

Local shelters in Stafford and Fredericksburg rely on that data to reconnect lost pets with their families, sometimes within hours.

And keep a clear photo of your pet and their microchip number saved in your phone. If your pet goes missing while you’re out, having both available immediately can make the search much more efficient.

Dr. Katrina Spies, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP 540-300-1213 540-300-1213 540-300-1213 comfortpaws.com www.comfortpaws.com www.comfortpaws.com info@comfortpaws.com info@comfortpaws.com info@comfortpaws.com ComfortPawsLLC

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Before any walk, try the five-second rule: Press the back of your hand to the pavement. If you can’t hold it there for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. On those www.NaturalliMi.com days, skip the downtown sidewalks and head somewhere shaded. Government

Island’s boardwalk stays noticeably cooler, and the canopy along Alum Spring Park makes a real difference.

When you head out, bring fresh water, a collapsible bowl, and a microfiber towel you can wet down and press against your dog’s chest and underarms. Small things to pack, but exactly the kind of preparation that matters when time counts.

Knowing the early warning signs of heat stress may be the most important thing in this article. Brick-red gums, glazed eyes, and heavy panting that doesn’t slow down when your dog rests are the signs I take seriously. Get inside and get cool immediately– and if you suspect heat stroke, call your vet right away rather than waiting to see if it passes.

A Closing Thought My favorite outcomes are the ones that never require a clinic visit. Summer in Stafford and Fredericksburg should be something you enjoy with your pet, on the trails, on the patios, or at a FredNats “Bark in the Park” night. A few simple precautions taken now can make the whole season safer.

Next month, we’ll pick up the outdoor safety conversation with another hazard that surprises a lot of pet owners this time of year.

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