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The Biscuit Lady:

HOW JESSICA WILKINS BUILT A LIFE SEASONED WITH GRIT, GRACE, AND FAMILY PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Welcome to the June issue of Spotsylvania Living!

School’s out, and summer is here! This month, we’re thrilled to bring you the story of Jessica Baker, er, we mean Jessica Wilkins, who just happens to bake up the most buttery biscuits in the area. You’ll hear her story of motherhood and see how she transformed her passion for the culinary arts into what’s quickly becoming a new Fredericksburg institution.

Publication Team

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!

Dori Stewart Publisher

Mallory Hardgrove Content Coordinator

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Executive Assistant to the Publisher

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

Happy reading,

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Laura Anderson Designer

Liya Zewdu

Contributing Writer

Karen Presecan Photographer

Michelle Rojas

Contributing Writer

Karie Owens

Contributing Writer

Stephanie Cox

Contributing Writer

10

Resident Feature The Biscuit Lady: How Jessica Wilkins Built a Life Seasoned with Grit, Grace, and Family

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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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Expert Contributor Is Organic Lawn Care Right for You? Business Profile Uplifting Communities, One Property at a Time: Meet the Owners of GEM Realty Home Improvement Corner The Best Return on Investment for Home Improvement Projects Charity Spotlight From Donations to Careers: How Goodwill Is Powering Workforce Opportunity in the Fredericksburg Area Pet Corner The Invisible Essentials: Keeping Your Pet Safe This June Calendar of Events Upcoming Events June- July High School Highlights Beyond Medals: Riverbend Track Athletes Chase Life Lessons Kids Corner Inspired Art Project from the Book A Stick is an Excellent Thing By Marylin Singer J UNE 2026 | 3

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IS ORGANIC LAWN CARE RIGHT FOR YOU?

BY AARON JOHNSON, UNCLE ONION’S ORGANIC LAWN CARE

For generations, homeowners have relied on synthetic fertilizers and chemical treatments to achieve that picture-perfect lawn. But a growing number of families are asking another question: what if there’s a better way? Organic lawn care offers a compelling alternative — one rooted in the same principles that sustained agriculture for most of human history.

Like any approach, it comes with real benefits and honest trade-offs worth understanding before you make the switch.

The Case for Going Organic The immediate benefit of organic lawn care is safety. Every product we use is approved for organic farming, derived entirely from natural sources with zero synthetic chemicals. Some, like corn gluten meal and molasses, are food-grade ingredients. That means the moment we finish an application, your lawn is safe for your kids, your pets, and your neighbors. There’s no waiting period, no warning flags, and no runoff risk near ponds, streams, or storm drains.

Organic programs also eliminate the risk of burning your lawn. Because they rely on very little nitrogen — and only nitrogen sourced from nature — they feed your turf gently and consistently rather than delivering the harsh spikes that synthetic fertilizers can cause.

More importantly, organic lawn care works with your soil rather than around it. By nourishing the underground microbiome, organic treatments help build the complex ecosystem that allows grass roots to access nutrients and water far more efficiently. The result is a lawn that becomes genuinely resilient and better equipped to resist disease, pests, weeds, and drought, as well as requiring less water over time. The long-term goal is a lawn that becomes largely self-sustaining.

The Honest Trade-Offs We believe in transparency, so here’s what organic lawn care is not: a quick fix.

Visible results take longer than conventional or common lawn care programs and practices. In some cases, it may take one to two seasons before your lawn reaches the lush, dense appearance that synthetic treatments can produce more rapidly. In the early stages, weeds may also be more prevalent — organic programs rely on thick, healthy grass gradually crowding them out, rather than chemical suppression. Patience is part of the process.

Cost is another consideration. Our products are premium, and the approach is labor-intensive. Organic lawn care tends to be more cost-effective for smaller lawns. For larger properties, the investment can exceed that of conventional services.

The Bottom Line Organic lawn care is a long-term investment in your soil, your family’s health, and the environment. It won’t transform your lawn overnight; however, done right, it builds something far more durable than a quick green-up ever could.

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Business Profile

UPLIFTING COMMUNITIES, ONE PROPERTY AT A TIME: MEET THE OWNERS OF GEM REALTY

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When Stephanie Michael co-founded GEM Realty with her husband Glen, she had a vision that went far beyond buying and selling homes. With more than 15 years in real estate and property management, Stephanie has built a locally owned company serving Fredericksburg and the surrounding communities– and one that’s grounded in something larger than transactions.

“I was drawn to this work by the opportunity to help people through major life transitions while also creating something meaningful through business ownership,” she says. That early passion has since grown into a full-service operation offering real estate sales, leasing, and property management, all with an eye toward long-term community impact.

GEM Realty’s philosophy sets it apart from larger competitors. “We believe real estate is about more than buying, selling, or managing property — it is about creating opportunities that uplift people and communities,” Stephanie explains. That belief shapes everything from how the team handles a routine repair call to how it approaches investment strategy for clients. The company’s stated vision — building client wealth, creating meaningful jobs, and providing quality homes residents are proud of — isn’t just marketing language. It’s the standard they hold themselves to every day.

For Stephanie, inspiration comes from the ripple effects of the work itself.

“Helping a client grow wealth through real estate, providing a resident with a home they feel good about, or creating career opportunities for our team

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are all deeply meaningful to me,” she says. “What I enjoy most is building something with purpose: solving problems, serving people well, and knowing that our work can make a lasting difference in both individual lives and the broader community.”

That purpose-driven mindset extends to company culture as well. In an industry known for its unpredictability, such as surprise maintenance calls, last-minute showings, and problems requiring quick creative thinking, the GEM team has learned to lean into the chaos with humor and resilience.

Wins are celebrated, teamwork is prioritized, and the shared mission keeps morale strong even on the most demanding days.

Outside the office, Stephanie and Glen are active members of the Fredericksburg community, committed to contributing both professionally and personally to the area’s continued growth. Their household also includes two dogs, Ozzy and Oakley, who bring plenty of personality to life outside of work.

As GEM Realty looks to the future, Stephanie’s message to the neighborhood reflects everything the company stands for: “Thank you for supporting local business and for trusting companies like ours to be part of your journey.” It’s a sentiment rooted in genuine gratitude and a commitment to earning that trust, one property and one relationship at a time.

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© Best Version Media THE BEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Home Improvement Corner

BY KARIE OWENS

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NK FLOORS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Charity Spotlight

FROM DONATIONS TO CAREERS:

HOW GOODWILL IS POWERING WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITY IN THE FREDERICKSBURG AREA

BY MICHELLE ROJAS, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RAPPAHANNOCK GOODWILL

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.

providing services to members of the community through its Virginia Career Works Centers.

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 highquality jobs and careers and help employers hire and retain skilled workers.” 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,

Through its oversight from the Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board, Rappahannock Goodwill delivers workforce programs that support adults, youth ages 16 to 24, 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.

These centers operate as community hubs, offering career counseling, job readiness training, 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.”

“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. Others already have education but need industry-recognized credentials or hands-on experience to break into a field. 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.”

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With WIOA funding, Goodwill helps participants pursue training in high-demand fields such as healthcare, transportation, and information technology. Certifications like certified nursing assistant (CNA), commercial driver’s licenses (CDL), and IT credentials can open doors to sustainable careers. 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…

Community support, like rounding up a purchase at Goodwill, makes this possible.”

Collaboration: The Key to Success According to Jessica Weber, Manager of the Virginia Career Works Fredericksburg Center, collaboration is what allows the system to work effectively.

“WIOA gives us the structure and the funding,” Ms. Weber said. “But it’s the local partnerships—Goodwill, employers, local school divisions, and community colleges—that turn that into real outcomes for people.”

Last year, Germanna Community College and Rappahannock Goodwill Industries launched a partnership to expand internship and job placement opportunities for students. The program connects students with local employers, giving them paid

Supporting Youth and Schools Youth services are a significant part of Goodwill’s impact. Through the WIOA Youth Program, the organization supports young people ages 16 to 24 who face certain employment barriers, helping them improve educational achievement, explore career pathways, and gain early work experience.

Ms. Linkenhoker, who previously worked in career and technical education in high schools, now serves as a bridge between schools and workforce services. Workforce staff visit high schools across the region to provide resume workshops, interview preparation, and career exploration activities.

“When students hear the same message over and over, sometimes it doesn’t click,” she said.

“But when it comes from someone outside the building, suddenly it sticks. We’re here to support educators and give students a clearer picture of what comes next.”

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.”

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 jobseekers 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.

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The Biscuit Lady: HOW JESSICA WILKINS BUILT A LIFE SEASONED WITH GRIT, GRACE, AND FAMILY

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY & LEANNE HITT PHOTOGRAPHY

There’s a trailer people around Lake Anna recognize. They see it on the road, parked at an event, or at a local gathering. They know: the Biscuit Lady is here. For Jessica Wilkins, 36, that nickname is more than a fun local legend. It’s a testament to relentless work, a deep love of food, and determination that never clocks out.

From Culinary Student to Road-Tested Professional Jessica’s path into the culinary world wasn’t handed to her. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts and bravely entered an industry that asks everything of those who love it. From catering kitchens to restaurant lines to private dining rooms, she worked her way around the world, absorbing every technique and lesson the craft had to offer.

Her plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree paused when life intervened. “It was really hard to work full-time at the beginning of my career and get more of an education,” she reflects—a sentiment familiar to many working-class professionals. Even so, Jessica kept moving forward, letting both her hands and her heart lead the way.

Jessica’s distinction is not only her skill, but her unapologetic passion. For most, work pays the bills; for Jessica, it’s the fulfillment itself. “Honestly, my work is my hobby and food is my life,” she says, with rare self-awareness. Her devotion isn’t solely ambition; it’s a genuine love for food and the people she feeds. You taste that passion.

Biscuit Batch: A Business Built from the Heart At the heart of Jessica’s story is a business that has become a fixture in her community: Biscuit Batch.

The food truck—that recognizable trailer locals have come to love—is more than a mobile eatery; it’s the embodiment of all Jessica has worked for: an extension of her identity, served fresh and warm to 10 | SPOT SYLVA N I A LI VI N G

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her neighbors. Running a food business is no small feat, and Jessica is the first to acknowledge that entrepreneurship comes with its share of chaos.

best friends, and, over the years of genuine connection, grew into something more. Their love is built on trust and laughter.

“When owning a business, there are so many aspects to keep up with, and there are a lot of frustrating things,” she says. Still, Biscuit Batch is a labor of love.

Every biscuit that comes out of that kitchen carries the weight of her story: her education, her travels, her late nights, and her belief that good food can bring people together.

One now-legendary moment in Puerto Rico stands out: instead of waiting out a torrential downpour, they sprinted through it. “We’ve never laughed so hard,” Jessica says, still beaming. “My fiancé doesn’t get a lot of credit for Biscuit Batch, but he’s my backbone. He supports all my crazy and my venting.” He listens, talks her through hard days, and fixes things at the restaurant.

Three Kids, One Proud Mom If you want to understand Jessica Wilkins fully, you have to understand her as a mother first. She is raising three children — Alana, 11; Jameson, 5; and baby Ryanne, 1— and each one reflects a different shade of her warmth and spirit.

Alana is the reader, the quiet empath. “That girl has more compassion than anyone I know,” Jessica says of her eldest daughter, with an unmistakable swell of pride. Then there’s Jameson, the perpetual motion machine of the family. “He is the one who keeps going nonstop from sunup to sundown, but the funniest kid in the world,” she laughs. And little Ryanne, still in the earliest chapters of her personality, is already making herself known. Jessica grins when she talks about her youngest: “I think she is going to be a jokester.”

Motherhood in this season is all-consuming, and Jessica doesn’t pretend otherwise. With three kids, a business, and a household to manage, the math is relentless. Yet she describes her children not as overwhelming, but as joyful.

The family’s most treasured moments cost nothing. “Our favorite thing to do as a family is dance parties,” she shares warmly. “Some nights, we just play all kinds of music and dance.” This simple tradition reveals the home Jessica is building—full of music, laughter, and presence that her children will carry for life.

The Man Behind the Biscuits Behind every strong woman is a support system that is sometimes overlooked.

Jessica is quick to credit hers, especially her fiancé, Hector, 40, who is the steady anchor behind Biscuit Batch and their family. The two met as neighbors, became

Capturing special moments

In a world obsessed with solo hustle, Jessica is refreshingly honest about the power of partnership.

Putting Down Roots Near Lake Anna Three years ago, Jessica and Hector deliberately chose to leave city life for something more grounded. They put down roots near Lake Anna State Park on five acres of land with no HOA and plenty of space. “We knew we wanted property and not to be on top of our neighbors,” she explains. The move has paid off in ways they couldn’t have fully anticipated. Her mother lives just five minutes away. The neighbors have become genuine friends—so close that some are now in the wedding party.

Jessica hosts neighborhood bonfires, connects with the community at her food truck, and has discovered the rare gift of living somewhere that truly feels like home. “We absolutely love living out where we live,” she says. “I love meeting new neighbors at the food truck or restaurant.”

A Life Built Piece by Piece Jessica’s life is built piece by piece. She’s earned a degree while working. She’s launched a business from her passion. She’s raised a family through difficult, yet joyful nights. She’s woven a community together over biscuits and bonfires.

Jessica Wilkins never does anything halfway. She runs toward her dreams, laughing along the way and turning “someday” into something tangible today.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Heat Is More Than a Summer Nuisance We all know Virginia summers can be intense, but pets experience heat very differently than people do. Dogs can’t cool themselves efficiently through sweating. They rely primarily on panting, and when humidity rises, that cooling system becomes much less effective. A dog can move from comfortable to dangerously overheated faster than many owners realize.

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 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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Calendar of Events

Upcoming Events

June- July

EVERY WEDNESDAY Adventure Jeopardy @Adventure Brewing Company Time: 7:30- 9pm 33 Perchwood Dr., #101 Fredericksburg, VA 22405

THURS., JUNE 11 Barks & Recreation: Doggy Ice Cream Social @Fredericksburg Dog Park Time: 6- 8pm 1448 Kenmore Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

TUES., JUNE 30 Beach Day @Memorial Park Time: 11:30am- 1:30pm 1401 Kenmore Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

EVERY SATURDAY Spotsylvania Farmers Market Saturday Market @VDOT Commuter Lot- Spotsy Time: 8am- 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407

SAT., JUNE 13 Cars & Coffee @Gari Melchers Home and Studio Time: 8- 11am 224 Washington St. Falmouth, VA 22405

WED., JULY 1 Knitting Club at Madame’s @Madame’s Oddities Time: 5- 7pm 2011 Princess Anne St., Suite 101 Fredericksburg, VA 22401

EVERY SATURDAY HYROX Signature Series @F45 Training- Stafford Time: 11:30am- 12:30pm 35 Walpole St., Ste. 109 Stafford, VA 22554

SAT., JUNE 13 Kids Story Time- Second Saturday @Tales & Tails Time: 10- 11am 1010 Charles St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

FRI., JULY 3 First Fridays Karaoke @Reclaim Arcade Time: 8- 11:45pm 2324 Plank Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

TUES., JUNE 16 Picnic in the Park: Prince & Princess Day @Memorial Park Time: 11:30am- 1:30pm 1401 Kenmore Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

WEEKLY EVENTS

FRI., JUNE 19 Sunshine Concert Series @Eden Try Winery Time: 6- 8pm 6818 River Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 SAT., JUNE 20 HYROX Simulations @F45 Training- Stafford Time: 11:30am- 1:30pm 35 Walpole St., Ste. 109 Stafford, VA 22554

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EVERY SUNDAY Long Family Markets Stafford- Weekly Market @610 Slug Lot Time: 8am- 1pm 163 Staffordboro Blvd.

Stafford, VA 22556

*At the time this magazine went to print, all event times and locations were accurate, but please check event websites for the most current information. Some events may have been postponed or canceled.

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EVERY TUESDAY Music Bingo @Barley Naked Brewing Co. Time: 6- 8pm 15 Tech Pkwy.

Stafford, VA 22556 EVERY WEDNESDAY Trivia with Trapper @6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company Time: 7- 9pm 1140 International Pkwy.

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High School Highlights

BEYOND MEDALS:

RIVERBEND TRACK ATHLETES CHASE LIFE LESSONS

BY LIYA ZEWDU

Liya Zewdu is a rising junior at Riverbend High School. She actively contributes to the school newspaper, with a focus on highlighting student perspectives and advocating for change. Liya also plays a key role in supporting students in special education through a basketball program, showing her commitment to inclusivity and teamwork. A proud member of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the Junior Council for Cancer Kids First, Liya is deeply involved in her school community. Outside of her academic and extracurricular pursuits, she enjoys watching anime, reading books, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with family and friends. Liya aspires to pursue a career in Journalism, driven by her love for storytelling and creating meaningful connections through writing.

For track athletes at Riverbend High School, outdoor is more than running laps and competing in meets. The sport they compete in demands mental toughness, consistency, and dedication. There are lessons that many athletes carry beyond the track itself.

“Having people motivate me and hearing my name screamed in the final stretch keep me going,” Logan said.

Transitioning from team lessons to individual experiences, Junior Nhandi Logan described this outdoor season so far as one filled with growth and perseverance after returning from an injury that kept her out all season last year.

“I didn’t have the best indoor season, so I really wanted to make this outdoor season count,” Peyton said.

“Outdoor definitely had its ups and downs,” Logan said. “But so far, it’s going really well. I’ve experienced a lot of mental growth and have gotten better in that aspect.”

Logan competes in hurdle, sprints, and jumping events. She balances multiple events while striving for personal improvement. Instead of comparing herself to other athletes, she focuses on setting personal goals and improving her performance in each race.

“My goal this whole season was trying to get better every single race,” Logan said. “If I drop my times every meet, that puts me closer to state qualification.”

Her hard work has already paid off. Logan is currently state-qualified in the triple jump, 100-meter hurdles, and 300-meter hurdles, and has qualified for New Balance Nationals Outdoor in the triple jump.

Despite her achievements, Logan remains grounded and continues to focus on improvement.

“Once you get better and your personal best every now and then, it just gets better from there,” she said.

Logan credits much of her success to the support system around her, especially the teammates who encouraged her during difficult moments, such as recovery from an injury.

Similarly, junior sprinter Nycere Peyton used indoor track as motivation and found success in the outdoor season.

Peyton competes in the 100- and 200-meter dashes. He said patience and discipline helped him reach many goals this season.

“I definitely enjoy working, staying patient, and watching my goals become true,” he said. Among those goals were improving his times, qualifying for major meets, and becoming a more confident runner. Peyton has already qualified for both states and nationals.

“I feel excited,” Peyton said. “I feel ready just to see what the future holds.”

Peyton also credited Coach Logan for helping shape his growth as an athlete.

“She’s been my AAU coach in the summer,” Peyton said. “She definitely helped me become a runner, too.” Both athletes emphasized Riverbend’s positive track environment. Peyton added that shared motivation and encouragement push athletes to work harder daily.

“Everybody’s always positive,” he said. “Everybody wants to work hard, and we all have the same goal, which is to just win.”

As the season moves from the regular schedule into the postseason, both Logan and Payton continue to look toward the future. This includes competing at states, then at nationals, and eventually at the collegiate level.

But, beyond medals and times, they say track has taught them valuable life lessons about discipline, resilience, and overcoming obstacles.

“Track is definitely a very mental and physical challenge,” Logan said. “Once you get through that challenge, you feel like you can get through any obstacle.”

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Kids Corner

Inspired Art Project

June is a perfect time to create art outside and a stick is an excellent thing to use to create art. You can use it to make all kinds of art. Here are some ideas to get you started: e a Rock Star and make a microphone: Cover it in B tin foil and add something round to the end, perhaps a pom pom. See directions below.

2

Make a summer Christmas tree. Bury one end in the ground so it stands on its own. Decorate it with leaves, flowers, etc. whatever you can find in the yard. ance Like a Fairy. Wrap your stick with ribbons and D leave some loose ribbons at the end so that they can fly around when you swing your fairy wand. You can also make a fairy crown with flowers.

Create people/dolls. Find a stick with “arms and legs” or tie multiple sticks together to form a body. Next create clothes with paper, old mail or fabric scraps. Add some yarn for hair, or maybe find some pine needles.

Use your people as puppets and put on a show.

3

ake a Door Wreath. Create a larger shape by tying M sticks together, perhaps a star. Then decorate it with flowers, leaves, seed pods etc.

Chalk Art: Tie a piece or even a few pieces of chalk to a stick and then use it to draw a picture on the sidewalk.

Does having a stick make drawing easier or harder?

Did you add different colored chalk to your stick and draw with multiple colors at once?

4

uild a Fort. Use multiple sticks stacked on top of B each other to create a fort. You can even add an old shirt or a bandana to a stick and have a special flag for your building.

What ideas do you have?

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from the Book A Stick is an Excellent Thing By Marylin Singer

BY STEPHANIE COX, OWNER, ART CART KIDS ENRICHMENT STUDIO

How to Make a Pom Pom Step 1 - Grab a skein of yarn.

Step 2 - Hold the end of the yarn between your thumb and pointer finger.

Step 3 - Wrap the yarn lightly, you don’t want to cut off the circulation, around your 4 fingers on the same hand. The more yarn you wrap, the fatter your pom pom will be. When you have wrapped it enough, cut the end of the yarn.

Step 4 - Carefully remove the wrapped yarn from your hand and lay it down.

Step 5 - Cut another piece of yarn long enough to tie around your wrapped yarn. Tie the new piece of yarn around the middle of the wrapped yarn. Tie it as tight as you can.

Step 6 - Cut the loops of each string, on each side of the knot in the middle.

Step 7 - Puff it up to look like a sphere.

Other uses for pom poms: Use it as hair on the top of your person/doll. Make a bunch and pretend they are snowballs, you can protect yourself in your fort. Use them as decorations for your summer Christmas tree or to add to the decorations on your wreath.

About Art Cart Kids: Art Cart Kids Enrichment Studio is a child-choice art space where creativity and confidence grow side by side. Located at 77 Bells Hill Rd, in Stafford VA, each child is given the freedom to make independent decisions, follow their imagination, and create artwork that is entirely their own. In this calm, supportive environment, children learn that mistakes are a natural and valuable part of the process. Small missteps become opportunities to problemsolve, adjust, and try again—building resilience and self-trust along the way.

As your child explores, chooses, and creates, confidence begins to take root. They discover that their ideas matter, that challenges can be worked through, and that they are capable of figuring things out. This is a place where independence is nurtured, creativity feels easy and open-ended, and every child leaves feeling more sure of themselves than when they arrived.

Ready to give your child a simple, creative space where imagination leads the way? Check out our classes, camps and parties at ArtCartKids.com.

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