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NEIGHBORS OF NEIGHBORS OF Courthouse Courthouse

Photos by Karen Presecan Photography & Courtesy of Women Entrepreneurs

© Best Version Media

Dear Neighbors of Courthouse,

Spring is in full swing, and our community is buzzing!

PUBLICATION TEAM

Publisher: Dori Stewart Publisher’s Assistant: Valynda Phifer

Designer:

Content Coordinator: Mallory Hardgrove

Contributing

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.

April 10

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This month, we’re proud to feature the women redefining what business looks like in our region. When over 100 entrepreneurs gathered at Eden Try Winery for the Power Players “In Full Bloom” event, something powerful happened: collaboration replaced competition and a sisterhood took root.

We’re also shining a light on the Cyber Bytes Foundation, whose work continues to make a meaningful difference in our area. You’ll find their story alongside other highlights that capture the spirit of our region.

Whether you’re a longtime reader or picking up your first issue, we hope these pages inspire you to connect, support, and celebrate the people building something special here.

Happy reading,

Mallory Hardgrove

© Best Version Media

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

CATERING

Will and Maria Negron | Hit the Spot Kitchen 540-479-1687 Hitthespotkitchen.com

ESTATE PLANNING, REAL ESTATE, & BUSINESS LAW

Melissa Huntley-Bosco | HB Law, PLC 703-398-2143 hblawplc.com

FUNERAL

SERVICES

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

MASSAGE

Linda Osorio, LMT | Bear River Massage 540-356-5535 bearriverspayoga.com

ORTHODONTICS

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

PILATES

Suzy Thompson | Club Pilates 540-783-1940 clubpilates.com/stafford

PLUMBING

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

REAL

ESTATE

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.

HOME IMPROVEMENT CORNER

BY KARIE OWENS, PHOTOS

© Best Version Media

SUMMER FUN MEANS SUMMER FLOORS

Summer is upon us, bringing puddles from wet swimsuits, sticky ice cream splatters, and foot traffic from summer cookouts and get-togethers. Doors stay open longer, kids run in and out, and pets track in water and dirt. With so much added activity, a home’s flooring becomes central to both function and style. Summer is the perfect time to consider whether your floors truly work for your lifestyle.

Various flooring types can help keep a home cooler. Hard surfaces like tile and stone naturally stay cooler underfoot, offering a refreshing break from the summer heat while still providing durability and style. Lighter-colored hardwoods and vinyl options can create a brighter, airier feel by reflecting natural light and visually opening up a space. With wet feet from the pool, backyard traffic, and increased foot traffic from guests, hard-surface flooring, especially LVP, accommodates summer fun. Water-resistant options like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and modern laminate flooring are go-to choices for homeowners seeking both beauty and resilience. These materials resist moisture, scratches, and wear, making them ideal for kitchens, entryways, and family rooms where summer activity peaks.

Summer inspires a connection between indoor and outdoor living. Flooring plays a key role in creating that seamless

flow. Choosing complementary tones or materials that coordinate with outdoor spaces, such as patios or decks, can make your home feel larger and more cohesive. Wide-plank designs and natural wood tones add warmth while keeping the space relaxed and open. Another important factor to consider is maintenance. Low-maintenance materials such as vinyl, laminate, and tile let homeowners spend less time worrying about spills and more time enjoying the season. Easy cleanup, stain resistance, and long-term durability make these options especially appealing to busy families.

Finally, summer is an ideal time for a flooring upgrade. Longer days and generally drier weather can help installations run more smoothly, and completing a project now means your home will be ready for the busy fall and holiday seasons ahead. It’s also a great opportunity to update older flooring by replacing worn carpet or dated materials with something that better reflects your current style and needs. The right flooring can enhance every part of your summer lifestyle— from quiet mornings with coffee and crescent to lively evenings spent entertaining friends and family. Whether you’re looking for something cool underfoot, durable enough for heavy traffic, or simply a fresh look, investing in the right floors now can make all the difference. Reach out to NK Floors to make your summer fun begin with new floors!

© Best Version Media

BUILDING BRIDGES TO THE FUTURE: THE CYBER BYTES FOUNDATION

In a region where technology careers are among the fastest-growing — and fastest-changing — one organization is making sure no one gets left behind. The Cyber Bytes Foundation, based in Stafford County, is on a mission to connect students, educators, and professionals to real-world pathways in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Leading that charge is Executive Director NancyLynn Rose Pattillo, whose passion for the work is both professional and deeply personal.

“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not,” Pattillo says, highlighting the foundational belief of everything the Foundation does. Through camps, certifications, workshops, and industry partnerships, Cyber Bytes works to close that gap, creating hands-on experiences that translate directly into careers.

Pattillo came to the Foundation with years of experience in workforce development, grant strategy, and partnership building. But her commitment to this work and the catalyst behind it goes beyond a résumé. As the parent of a child with special needs who excels in STEM, she has seen firsthand how the right environment can transform a life. “That experience has deepened my commitment to creating inclusive pathways in fields like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity,” she explains. “I’m motivated by the opportunity to remove barriers, connect people to high-demand careers, and build systems that allow innovative programs to scale and truly serve the community.”

That philosophy of access and inclusion shapes every program the Foundation offers. Rather than waiting for students to come to them, Cyber Bytes goes where the need is through their mobile training units, community-based programs, and partnerships with schools and workforce organizations across Region 6, including Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, and King George. Each year, the Foundation serves hundreds of residents directly and reaches thousands more through events and regional initiatives, with its impact extending across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Central to the Foundation’s model is the belief that education, industry, and government should not operate in isolation. “By bringing these sectors together, we create a connected ecosystem where learning is practical, skills are relevant, and individuals can see a clear path from education

to employment,” Pattillo says. It’s a systems-level approach — one focused not just on teaching, but on empowering.

For Pattillo, the most inspiring moments come from the students themselves. “I am most inspired by the students who are determined to pursue meaningful careers without following a traditional higher education path, as well as those who face barriers but still show up ready to learn and grow,” she shares. Whether it’s a first certification earned, a passion for technology discovered, or the realization that a career in AI or cybersecurity is genuinely within reach, those milestones are what drive the team forward.

This summer, the Foundation is channeling that energy into its 2026 Cyber Titan STEM Summer Camps, where more than 200 students will gain hands-on experience in AI, robotics, cybersecurity, drones, 3D printing, and engineering. “These aren’t just camps,” Pattillo says. “They’re opportunities for students to build real technology, explore future careers, and take home what they create,” Pattillo says. For many participants, it will be their first exposure to advanced STEM tools and the careers that go with them. The Foundation is actively partnering with community organizations and sponsors to ensure cost is never the barrier that keeps a student from attending.

Behind all of it is a small, tight-knit team — Sarah, Desiree, Sylvester, Matt, and Cam — supported by volunteers and a dedicated board of directors. The culture they’ve built is one of hustle, humor, and heart. “Our unofficial mantra is simple: show up, figure it out, and support each other,” Pattillo says. “That mindset keeps us moving forward, keeps things light when they need to be, and reminds us that even on the busiest days, we’re building something that truly matters.”

For families, students, or businesses looking to get involved, the Cyber Bytes Foundation welcomes the community to join them. Whether you’re a parent seeking a meaningful summer experience, a student curious about where technology could take you, or an employer ready to invest in the next generation of talent, there’s a place for you in this work.

To learn more about the Cyber Bytes Foundation, its summer camps, internships, and workforce training programs, visit them online at cyberbytesfoundation.org.

© Best Version Media

A Seat at the Table:

THE SISTERHOOD FUELING

FREDERICKSBURG’S NEXT ERA OF BUSINESS

BY MALLORY

Beata Alghabra Synergy Home Care

571.752.2991 fredericksburg.synergy homecare.com

Debra Balestreri Corgi Clay Art Center

540.628.2230 corgiclayartcenter.com

Aubry Blais

Thistle Medical Aesthetics

540.783.8209 thistlemedicalaesthetics.com

Rebecca Chanda House of Bloom

540.737.8464 houseofbloommed.com

Amirah Clowers

Naturalli Mi

571-310-3842 naturallimi.com

When Dori Stewart looked out at Eden Try Winery that morning, she saw what she’d worked toward for years: over 100 women—business owners, builders, healers, artists, educators, entrepreneurs—had gathered not to compete, but to celebrate. The energy was immediate and unmistakable: “The energy in that room was electric,” Dori Stewart, founder of FXBG Neighbors, said. “Over 100 women showed up, and you could just feel it the moment you walked in. There was this incredible mix of excitement, warmth, and genuine connection. Nobody was performing or posturing. Everyone was just there to celebrate each other — and that made all the difference.”

The Power Players “In Full Bloom” event didn’t just bring together women business leaders; it also inspired meaningful connections and elevated the visibility of women shaping the region’s economy. The results were profound: participants experienced new collaborations, discovered resources, and left with renewed purpose for their businesses.

The setting itself encouraged genuine interaction and facilitated impactful networking. Morning mimosas, tea, and charcuterie, a flower bar, photo booth fun,

and the winery’s warmth created a space where business owners could connect without the typical elevator pitch or rehearsed speech. Many attendees mentioned forming partnerships and finding encouragement to pursue new opportunities beyond the event.

A Sisterhood in Full Bloom

Ask anyone who was there how they would describe the atmosphere, and the same words kept surfacing: warm, welcoming, sisterhood. For many women, it was their first time in a room filled entirely with fellow women entrepreneurs from the FXBG region — and the experience was quietly transformative.

HARDGROVE • PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLEAN IMAGES BY TYRONE BROWN

© Best Version Media

“The atmosphere was welcoming and warm. It felt like a true sisterhood,” said Sha’ahn Williams, owner of Body Thief Body Sculpting. “I met some amazing women and made some lasting connections. We need this for our area.”

For Patricia Grant, agency owner at Farmers Insurance, attending the event opened her eyes to a side of Fredericksburg she hadn’t known before — both the community of women it holds and the hidden gems tucked within it.

“This was my first time being in a room filled with the community of women entrepreneurs in the FXBG area, and it was like a sisterhood,” she said. “The hidden treasures in Fredericksburg are unreal — I would not have known about the [Eden Try] Winery if I hadn’t attended this event.”

This isn’t just networking — it’s being present and empowering change. It’s women showing up for each other in business and in life. It’s about building community with intention.

- Maria Negron

Amirah Clowers, founder of Naturalli Mi, a wellness brand rooted in natural healing and self-care, felt the room’s authenticity the moment she arrived.

“It wasn’t just an event,” she remarked. “It felt like a space where women were truly seen, celebrated, and encouraged. What stood out most was how openly women shared their journeys — including both the wins and the challenges. That level of honesty created a real sense of connection.”

From these stories, a clear theme emerged: many chose collaboration over competition.

At Power Players, a single message stood out: there is space for every woman to succeed. While the world sometimes pits women against each other, this group has chosen collaboration to drive lasting change.

“I genuinely believe that when one of us wins, we all win. My whole platform is built around shining a light on other people,” Dori Stewart emphasized. “There is no scarcity here. There is more than enough room for all of us.”

That mindset was echoed across professions and industries throughout the morning. Dr. Katrina Spies, veterinarian and owner of Comfort Paws, put it plainly: “I embrace collaboration because the mission is bigger than any single practice or practitioner. With so many pets in our community needing help, competition only serves to limit our collective impact. By working together, we strengthen our ability to serve more families.”

staffordhaircut.com

Nicole McDaniel

Kevin’s Roofing

540.373.2463 kevinsroofing.com

Maggie McIntyre

Rejuvalase Medspa 540.720.8881 rejuvalese.com

Stephanie Michael GEM Realty 540-940-6440 gemrealty.co

Maria Negron

Hit the Spot Kitchen 540.479.1687 hitthespotkitchen.com

Linda Osorio

Bear River Massage & Yoga 540.356.5535 bearriverspayoga.com

Karie Owens

NK Floors 540.582.4000 nkfloors.com

Kim Oztuna Burke & Burke Insurance

540.736.1200 / 703.751.1001 burkeandburkeinsurance.com

Jennifer Peyton Burg Charcuterie 916.749.0940 burgcharcuterie.com

Karen Presecan

Karen Presecan Photography karen@kpresecanphotography.com kpresecanphotography.com

© Best Version Media

Balestreri, owner and artist at Corgi Clay Art Center, has spent three years cultivating her own community within the art world — and sees connection as the engine of growth.

“I often ask other gallery owners, art center operators, and artists to visit and chat with us and be a part of our programming when possible,” she said. “That’s how you grow valuable connections. It feels great to be acknowledged for the hard work we do — and I think all these women get that.”

Kat Halstead, who credits this very mindset with inspiring the launch of her second business, Chatham Heights Beauty Company, summed it up with the kind of conviction that only comes from lived experience: “At the top, we collab, we don’t compete. We help each other grow and look out for each other’s best interests, not just our own,” she said. “If you want to go fast, go alone — but if you want to go far, we go together.”

Being Seen Changes Everything

Running a business can be isolating. Long hours, high risks, and little recognition are common. For many women, Power Players created something rare: a space to be truly seen and valued.

“Being part of this community means everything to me,” Rami Thompson, owner and photographer of Black Lace Boudoir, said. “Running a business can feel isolating at times, so being surrounded by other women who understand the highs, the challenges, and the heart behind it all is incredibly meaningful.”

Karen Presecan, another photographer [Karen Presecan Photography] who views her peers as colleagues rather than competitors, noted that what FXBG Neighbors has built here is something she hasn’t encountered before in her years of networking. “I’ve been a part of networking groups in the past, and I am amazed at what Dori has created,” she said. “Her heart and hustle are like no other.”

Kim Oztuna of Burke & Burke Insurance, who is new to community networking in the area, was also moved by what she discovered: “It is collaborations like this that give us all that special recognition that we are being seen, and what we contribute to the community really does make a difference. I am thankful to be a part of such an amazing group of women in the Fredericksburg area.”

Maria Negron, who balances both a therapy practice and Hit the Spot Kitchen, offered perhaps the most precise articulation of what makes this community different: “This isn’t just networking — it’s being present and empowering change. It’s women showing up for each other in business and in life. It’s about building community with intention.”

Debra

© Best Version Media

Jenny Jones, owner of D&G Expressions, put an even finer point on it: “It’s a fantastic support system of women helping women succeed.” Jennifer Peyton, owner of Burg Charcuterie, who spent part of the morning finally meeting women she had only known online, summed up her experience with a feeling she hadn’t expected: pride.

“Just looking out at all of those beautiful faces and being so proud to be among these women I look up to,” Jennifer said, “and proud [of myself] hearing how some women look up to me.”

A Movement, Not a Moment

As conversations lingered, laughter and photographs were shared, and flowers were arranged, it became clear: this was not just another event. It was the beginning of a movement to unite and empower women in Fredericksburg.

Dori Stewart, who looked out at that room full of women she had spent years working to bring together, already knows what comes next.

“Seeing so many women who had built something from nothing, showing up for each other without hesitation — that is what I will carry with me. This community does not just talk about supporting women in business. They actually show up. Power Players is not a one-time event. It is a movement — and we are just getting started. If you are a woman building something in this region, there is a seat at this table for you.”

A seat is open. The sisterhood is strong. And, in Fredericksburg, a new era of collaboration and empowerment is blooming.

It’s not just networking, it’s connection with intention. Everyone is so intentional about connecting one another to another piece of the community where either they can support you or you can support them.

Alesa Riendeau

Cozy Llama Design, Co. Cozyllamadesign.com 540-227-0002

Angela Richwine Central Virginia OMT Centralvirginiaomt.com 540-369-6044

Becky Hamm Women Lead Well Womenleadwell.net 703-420-5868

Britt Valentine Valentine Financial Group valentinefinancialgroup.com 540-684-3035

Charmain (Charlie) Evans Faithfully Fit & Frugal LLC faithfullyfitandfrugal.com 202-378-7246

Debby Girvan Flair Communication Flaircommunication.com 540-940-2801

Erica Mynar Girl Time, LLC girltimellc.glossgenius.com 540-369-2747

- Charlie Evans

Dr. Julie Armstrong 3H Leadership Consulting 3hleadership.com 540-369-2540

Jennifer McCranie Veteran Empires Integrated Wellness Veteranempires.com 575-640-3681

Karen Koudelka Virginia Home Care Partners virginiahomecarepartners.com 540-419-1615

Katie Duvall Window World of Fredericksburg windowworldfredericksburg.com 540-834-4244

Maria Smith, LPC Serenity Therapy Services LLC mariasmithlpc.com 540-348-3633

Tammy Reid Union Home Mortgage uhm.com/jreid 540-840-9282

Woodly Claircius Fenelus Whetzel Fenelus Wealth Counsel, PLLC virginiawealthcounsel.com 571-720-5195

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

THE BRIDGE TO SUMMER: WHY MAY IS YOUR DOG’S

MOST IMPORTANT MONTH

April Spring Training with the FredNats bat dog, Diamond, got your dog moving. June promises to bring the heat. May is the month in between, and what you do with it sets the tone for your pet’s entire summer.

Your dog might be ready to go the moment you grab the leash, but is their body? As May arrives and the local activity level peaks, the question shifts from starting to sustaining. This is the bridge month: the window where good habits get locked in, small problems get caught before they become injuries, and your dog builds the foundation that carries them comfortably through the season ahead. Before the busy summer takes over, it is worth looking at the “maintenance” required to keep our pets performing at their best.

The Physiology of the Warm-Up

We often expect our dogs to go from a nap on the couch to a brisk walk in seconds. Cold muscles and tendons, however, have significantly less elasticity than warm ones. For any pet, particularly a senior or one recovering from an injury, a five-minute active warm-up is essential.

Start with a slow, casual pace to allow the body to gradually raise the temperature of the muscle tissue. This stimulates the movement of synovial fluid, which acts as a natural lubricant for the joints. Think of it as priming the engine before a long drive. It reduces the risk of soft tissue strains and makes the entire outing more comfortable from the first step to the last.

Proprioception: The Mind-Body Connection

A walk is more than cardiovascular exercise, it’s a sensory and neurological workout. One of the best things you can do for your pet this month is introduce them to varied terrain. This develops proprioception, which is the body’s ability to sense its own location, orientation, and movement in space.

Instead of staying on the flat pavement of our local sidewalks, try transitioning to uneven surfaces and a variety of substrate, like mulch, grass, or even sand or smooth rocks if you can find them. These surfaces fire different neurological pathways as the brain continuously adjusts

to shifting ground. Maintaining those pathways is a key component of long-term balance and cognitive health as our pets age. Best of all, it costs nothing more than a short detour through the neighborhood.

The Science of Cooling Down

As Virginia’s humidity begins to climb, it is important to understand how a dog’s cooling system differs from ours. Dogs rely primarily on evaporation through panting to regulate body temperature. They cannot sweat like we can to cool off. When ambient humidity is high, evaporation slows significantly. This means a dog can overheat even when the thermometer does not look alarming.

The Gear and Safety Check

Always check the heat index, not just the temperature. And watch your dog’s tongue: if it becomes very wide at the tip while panting, similar to a spatula, your dog is working hard to shed heat. That’s your signal to find shade and head home.

Before your next outing, take five minutes to inspect your dog’s “equipment”. If your pet gained muscle during spring training, their harness or collar may fit differently than it did in March. Collars and harnesses should be snug but not restrictive to breathing or a natural gait. You should be able to fit two fingers under their collar or harness.

Check pavement temperature before walking. Place the back of your hand on the asphalt for seven seconds. If you cannot hold it there comfortably, it will burn your pet’s paw pads.

Finally, May is the peak season for pollen and pests. Keep heartworm and tick preventatives consistent and consider wiping your pet’s paws with a damp cloth after walks to remove allergens that can trigger skin irritation and the persistent “itchy feet” you may have noticed.

Setting the Pace

Taking these steps now prevents the summer setbacks that can stall your pet’s progress. By focusing on the science of movement and environmental safety this month, you are ensuring your pet stays active, stable, and comfortable for everything the season has ahead.

n Acupuncture

n Rehab & Laser Therapy

n Food Therapy

Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments

Acupuncture Hospice & Palliative Care

Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments

n Herbal Medicine

n Hospice & Palliative Care

Acupuncture Hospice & Palliative Care Now partnering with Cladda Veterinary Emergency to provide integrative medicine services like acupuncture, pain management, and rehabilitation/physical therapy services at their location in Fredericksburg.

Rehab & Laser Therapy Herbal Medicine

n Pain Management & Quality of Life Assessments

Rehab & Laser Therapy Herbal Medicine

540-300-1213

comfortpaws.com

Food Therapy

Dr. Katrina Spies, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP

www.comfortpaws.com

info@comfortpaws.com www.comfortpaws.com

info@comfortpaws.com ComfortPawsLLC

info@comfortpaws.com

Colonial Forge’s Annual Student Talent Show

Abigail Nyinaku is a senior at Colonial Forge High School. Outside of writing, she enjoys making art, playing the violin, and has a strong passion for legal studies. Abigail is also the current Vice President of her school’s National Honor Society and runs a handmade personalized greeting-card business, called Heartfelt, in her free time.

Colonial Forge High School’s auditorium was electric on Thursday, March 19th, as students gathered for the highly anticipated Talon’t Show, an annual celebration of creativity, courage, and the diverse talents of our Eagles. From soulful melodies to energetic band performances, every act radiated passion and personality. The event, hosted by the spirited duo Lindsay Lee and Jackson Goodlet, kept the crowd buzzing with excitement and laughter from start to finish.

This year’s winners reflected the heart of the Forge music scene—a mixture of authenticity, teamwork, and a love for performance. First place went to junior Giovanni Amaya, known by his artist name Gova Amaya, and senior Adella Winn, who performed an original song of Amaya’s called “Since You Left.” Their emotionally charged duet held the crowd in quiet awe as phone lights swayed across the auditorium in rhythm to the song.

“I played an original song called ‘Since You Left’ with Adella Winn,” Gio shared. “Me and Adella practiced a lot beforehand, and I personally mentally prepared to be on stage. At first, it was a little scary, but once I saw people holding up their phone lights, the nerves quickly went away.” The moment wasn’t just about performing—it was transformative.

“My favorite part was playing on the stage because I realized I have a true purpose and love for it,” Gio said. His heartfelt performance, along with Adella’s talented playing, earned them the top spot and admiration from peers who witnessed their musical passion shine under the stage lights.

Second place went to “The Triple Dippers,” a band made up of seniors Marc Angelo Daganzo, Rax Jumadiao, and JJ Shellington, whose lively mashup of popular hits—including songs by Bruno Mars, Leon Thomas, Dominic Fike, and Malcolm Todd— had the audience singing along. Each member brought a unique energy to the performance: Rax on drums, JJ on the bass, and Marc on vocals and guitar.

For Marc, the Talon’t Show was far more than a competition—it was a celebration of friendship. “Preparing for the talent show was always a good time,” he said. “Our rehearsals weren’t just dedicated time to practice, but it

was a time we got to spend together. Due to jobs and school, our schedules were often packed and rarely lined up together. Whenever they would line up, it was time we got to spend together, not just as a band but as a group of friends.” Marc stated, recalling the late-night Wawa runs and spontaneous decision to name their band “The Triple Dippers” after spotting a Chili’s ad during rehearsal.

Although Marc admitted the band’s performance wasn’t flawless—“One of us missed our count within the first five seconds of the performance, we forgot to turn on our snare drum, and I consistently messed up chords, played off beat, or just didn’t play at all”—he described how the music eventually took over. “The music fully swallows you and solely puts you in the moment. Time flew by,” he recalled, “all of our mistakes and thoughts were drowned out by the roaring cheering from the crowd.” That connection with the audience solidified his love for performing.

Marc also highlighted the behind-the-scenes team (made up of CFHS’s Student Council Association, Class Office, and Performance Arts’ Student Volunteers), calling them “diligent,” “generous,” and “incredibly skilled.” He emphasized that the unseen effort backstage made the show “such a delicate experience.”

Third place went to junior James Sites, who performed Green Day’s “Time of Your Life” with skill and emotion—a fitting title for a night that was truly the time of their lives.

As the curtains closed, one thing became clear: Colonial Forge’s Eagles don’t just perform for applause, but they perform for the joy of expressing who they are. Whether it’s an original ballad or a band jam session, the Talon’t Show proved that spirit, creativity, and friendship help to make Forge’s community soar.

THE COUNTDOWN TO LAUNCH:

CELEBRATING YOUR CHILD’S NEXT GREAT LEAP

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.

May marks the culmination of a milestone year for families navigating educational transitions. It’s a time filled with mixed emotions, as steps from one stage to the next can be both exciting and nerve- racking at the same time.

Across the spectrum, students are moving up—from the toddlers-to-preschool class, preschool-to- kindergarten, kindergarten-to-primary school, primary-to-middle school, middleto-high school, and finally, high school to launching into a variety of paths.

These crucial steps are more than just acknowledgements; they are “launch pads” designed to prepare and guide students for the eventual launch to adulthood. Each transition represents a vital period of growth and development, helping our kids learn to lean in and grow at every new level.

During this time, let’s prioritize acknowledging and celebrating these varied milestones with celebrations big and small. By celebrating and creating memories now, we give our children something positive to reflect upon. When they look back from the launch to adulthood, they can smile and remember the times and people that helped shape them.

Congratulations Class of 2026!