MARCH 2026 SPL

Three Households, One Heart: Three Households, One Heart:

The Vaughn Family’s Village Approach to Modern Family Life

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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

Welcome to another installment of Spotsylvania Living!

This month, we celebrate Women’s History Month and the inspiring women in our lives. What better family to feature than some amazing sisters who have chosen each other as their village? You’ll get to read all about Ebonee and Mercedees and their co-op that serves the community.

Speaking of service, we also highlight a group dedicated to the Fredericksburg landscape: Tree Fredericksburg. There’s more that awaits, too, but we don’t want to leaf anyone out of this introduction (wink, wink)— you’ll just have to turn the page and see what’s in store.

Happy reading,

Mallory Hardgrove

October 10

November 10

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WHEN SIBLINGS INHERIT A HOUSE TOGETHER: WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

BY DIANA H. D’ALESSANDRO, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW

For many families, the home is more than just real estate. It is where children were raised, holidays were celebrated, and memories were made over decades. So when parents leave the family home “to the children equally,” the decision feels simple, fair, and loving.

In theory, that is. In practice, however, shared ownership of inherited property can create legal and financial complications that families rarely anticipate. As a Virginia real estate and estate planning attorney, I have seen even the closest families struggle — not because of personal conflict, but because the law gives co-owners rights that often come as a surprise.

The Common Scenario

Consider a typical situation: three siblings inherit their parents’ home. Each child receives an equal one-third interest. At first, everyone agrees to “figure it out later.” But soon, practical questions arise:

• One sibling wants to sell and receive their share of the proceeds

• One hopes to keep the home for sentimental reasons

• One considers renting it out as an investment

All reasonable positions — yet they cannot all happen at the same time. When multiple people inherit a property together in Virginia, they usually become tenants in common. This means each person owns a share of the property, but all have equal rights to use and access the entire home. Major decisions typically require cooperation and, when that cooperation breaks down, problems follow.

The Legal Reality Many Families Don’t Know

Here is what many people find surprising: Under Virginia law, any co-owner has the right to force the sale of jointly owned real estate. Even if the other siblings want to keep the house. Even if the property has been in the family for generations.

Through what is known as a partition action, a co-owner can ask the court to divide or, more commonly, order the sale of the property and distribute the proceeds among the owners. Importantly, this does not require a majority vote or the consent of the other heirs. One owner alone can initiate the process.

Everyday Challenges of Shared Ownership

Even if a partition action is not initiated, co-ownership arrangement frequently creates practical difficulties. For example:

• Financial responsibilities: Who pays the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs? What happens if one person lacks the financial means to contribute?

• Unequal use: If one sibling resides in the home, should they pay rent to the others? How is that calculated?

• Decision-making: Repairs, renovations, or whether to sell can become sources of ongoing disagreement.

• Outside risks: A co-owner’s divorce, debt, or creditor issues can affect their ownership interest and potentially entangle the property in legal proceedings.

• Title complications: If inherited property is not properly transferred or probated, ownership can become fragmented across multiple generations — sometimes called “heirs’ property” — making future sales or refinancing extremely difficult.

Over time, what was intended as a shared family asset can become a source of stress and resentment.

When disputes reach the point of a partition action, the consequences can be time-consuming and costly. Court proceedings take time. Legal fees reduce the overall value of the property. And perhaps most importantly, litigation often strains — or permanently damages — family relationships.

Planning Ahead Makes a Difference

The good news is that many of these issues are preventable with thoughtful planning. After an inheritance, families may consider:

• One sibling purchasing the others’ interests

• Entering into a written co-ownership agreement outlining responsibilities and decision-making

• Placing the property into a LLC or trust for management purposes

• Agreeing to sell the property and divide proceeds before conflicts arise

For parents planning their estates, a carefully drafted Will or Trust can provide clearer direction, such as leaving the home to one child with other assets used to equalize distributions among other children, or by placing responsibility for the sale or transfer of the property with a neutral fiduciary, such as the Executor or– even better– a Trustee.

Clear planning not only protects the property’s value, but it also helps preserve family harmony.

The Bottom Line

Leaving a home to children equally may feel like the fairest choice. Yet under Virginia law, shared ownership comes with rights and risks that many families do not fully understand until challenges arise.

If you inherit real estate with siblings — or are considering how to pass your own home to the next generation — taking time to seek sound legal guidance can help avoid unnecessary conflict and expense. With the right plan in place, families can protect both their property and their relationships.

Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information. The actions described should not be taken without first consulting your attorney and/or tax professional.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN NK FLOORS COMES TO INSTALL FLOORING IN YOUR HOME

BY KARIE OWENS PHOTOS COURTESY OF NK FLOORS

Inviting a flooring company into your home is more than choosing a product. It’s about trusting a team to guide you through a transformation. At NK Floors, we believe a successful flooring upgrade begins with education, personal attention, and a commitment to quality at every step. From the first measurement to the final walkthrough, our goal is to deliver a seamless, first-class experience that exceeds expectations. Your journey begins with one of our knowledgeable sales experts, who takes the time to understand your lifestyle, design preferences, and long-term goals. During the complimentary in-home consultation, we don’t just measure rooms; we walk you through the process, answer your questions, and explain what to expect. We carefully discuss the types of flooring best suited to your space, whether that means durability for busy households, moisture resistance for certain rooms, or timeless beauty. Education is key, and we make sure you feel confident in every decision.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK NK FLOORS FOR BRINGING YOU THIS

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Details matter, especially in transitions and trim. Our team will coach you on appropriate transitions between rooms and flooring types, ensuring visual continuity and functional performance. We also review trim options, such as baseboards, quarter-round, or custom molding, to make the finished product look polished and complete. These finishing touches often make the difference between a standard install and a true flooring makeover. If subfloor repair is needed, we address it upfront. Our experts explain what’s happening beneath your existing floors, why repairs may be necessary, and how they affect the longevity and performance of your new flooring. No shortcuts, just knowledgeable guidance and solutions.

On installation day, you can expect professionalism and precision. Our certified

dards, ensuring the installation runs smoothly and on schedule. We coordinate logistics, communicate clearly, and remain available throughout the process. Customer satisfaction is not an afterthought at NK Floors; it’s a priority. We walk you through the job, address any concerns, and ensure the final result meets and exceeds your expectations. Because great projects often involve more than one trade, we’re happy to team up with other professionals, such as painters, plumbers, or contractors, to ensure the entire project is completed seamlessly and to first-class standards.

NK Floors is not your big-box, DIY flooring stop. We are your flooring makeover concierge, committed to personal service, expert guidance, and helping your

Three Households, One Heart:

The Vaughn Family’s Village Approach to Modern Family Life

They say you can’t choose your family, but sometimes you do. For the Vaughn Family, friendship and family are inseparable.

When the Delcid family, comprised of Mercedees, Edvin, and their children, moved to Fredericksburg in 2020, they weren’t just seeking a fresh start, they were planting the seeds for something far more ambitious: a multi-generational, multi-household family compound built on faith, shared values, and an unwavering commitment to raising their children together.

The Annan family-- Ebonee, her husband Alfred, and their children-- soon followed. The reason was simple: “The Annan family followed to ensure that the children could remain close together and experience the joy of growing up side by side,” Mercedees explains.

Today, sisters Ebonee, Mercedees, younger sister Lexus, and their mother, Jacqueline Ussery, have formed what they lovingly call The Vaughn Family—a beautiful example of turning the “it takes a village” philosophy into a way of life.

The connection between Ebonee and Mercedees runs deeper than typical sibling ties. These sisters don’t just live near each other; they are twins who have woven their daily lives together in ways that most modern families only dream about. They homeschool their children collaboratively, run a nature-based co-op together, and even played matchmaker for each other’s love stories.

The tale of how Ebonee met her husband Alfred is now family legend. When Mercedees and her now-husband Edvin were newly dating, they decided to crash Ebonee’s blind date, for safety purposes, of course.

“Mercedees and Edvin decided to show up at the same restaurant and sit at the table across from them, just to make sure Alfred was safe and not a threat,” Ebonee laughs. “Thirteen years later, we are still going strong, and everyone jokes that nobody has been harmed in the process.”

Building a Shared Legacy

At the center of the Vaughn Family’s life is Vaughn’s Meadow, a homeschool co-op that reflects the sisters’ vision for education rooted in nature, creativity, and faith. Vaughn’s Meadow is more than a learning space—it’s a lifeline for area families seeking affordable, community-centered education.

“We created Vaughn’s Meadow, our homeschool co-op, as a way to serve the families in our area,” Mercedees says. “Since there are not many options like this locally, it has filled a gap for families looking for both education and connection.”

The co-op meets at Sylvania Heights Baptist Church and Holy Roots Farm. For the Vaughn Family, education and faith are inseparable, and their commitment to both shapes everything they do.

Ebonee homeschools her children and is an educational leader, ministry servant, and behavioral health professional who serves as the Director of Therapeutic Consultation Services, where she leads behavioral support programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is also the founder and Educational Architect of Vaughn’s Meadow.

Mercedees balances homeschooling with her work as a remote medical billing & coding specialist in the tech space. Their husbands bring stability, too. Alfred works as a government employee, while Edvin manages teams and advocates for individuals with disabilities in the IDD field.

Between them, Ebonee and Mercedees have eight children, ranging in age from infants to young adults. There’s Tahtiana, 20, who lives on her own with her love of art; Avaughn, 15, a high school wrestler; Khloey, 14, a talented cellist; Ezra, 9, a gifted pianist; Macie, 8, a spirited volleyball player; Ava Jae, 7, a competitive gymnast; and the two youngest, Ezekiel, 2, and baby Isaac, who complete the circle. They share daily life, adventures, and the kind of childhood memories that will bind them for life; essentially, they are siblings rather than cousins.

“Together, we are not a traditional family by the world’s standards; we are three families who chose to stay one,” Ebonee says. “We share in raising children, supporting one another, and creating lasting memories as The Vaughn Family.” Their chosen family name– and the name of their company– honors their grandfather Willie B. Vaughn, whose legacy lives on.

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A Commitment to Fredericksburg & Service

The village mentality extends beyond the family’s own households. Service to the broader community is woven into the fabric of daily life. The teenagers volunteer at church, leading Thursday night Bible studies and participating in summer mission trips. The family regularly organizes donation drives, collecting school supplies for Stafford Junction, volunteering on local farms as farmhands, and donating items to the Ronald McDonald House. Edvin volunteered as a firefighter until illness forced him to stop. But the spirit of service he modeled lives on in the next generation.

“Service has become a way of life for us,” Mercedees emphasizes. “Whether it is through formal volunteer work, church ministries, or family-led drives, we see it as our responsibility and our joy to give back to the community that surrounds us.”

The sisters also administer many local moms groups and lead a neighborhood Bible study for women and host what they call a “backyard hub” for teens,a safe gathering space that extends the family’s hospitality and faith to the young people in their neighborhood.

For the Vaughn Family, Fredericksburg offers the perfect balance: small-town charm with room to grow, both literally and figuratively. They frequent Braehead Farm, where the children can pick fruits and vegetables, and the Fredericksburg Farmers Market, where they connect with local growers.

“What we enjoy most about Fredericksburg is the sense of community and balance of small-town charm with growth opportunities for our children,” Ebonee shares. The area provides space for children to explore nature, surrounded by history, culture, and strong values.

When vacation time comes, the family makes memories at Virginia Beach, Great Wolf Lodge, and their camper at Indian Acres. They also travel to Florida to visit extended family. But there’s one destination that holds special meaning: Hawaii, where Ebonee, Mercedees, and Lexus spent their childhood.

“One day, we dream of taking the kids back to Hawaii,” Mercedees says. “It would be so meaningful to share that part of our history and roots with the next generation.”

At the Heart of It All

Anchoring this remarkable family structure is Jacqueline Ussery, who was a single mother to the sisters and family matriarch. She is an Army veteran of 21 years, preparing for her second retirement. Jacqueline’s legacy of hard work, resilience, and dedication inspires the entire family.

“At the center of it all is our mother, Jacqueline, whose strength and love have built the foundation for our family,” Ebonee explains.

While many extended families are increasingly fragmented and nuclear families often feel isolated, the Vaughn Family offers a compelling alternative. They’ve created a modern village that honors both independence and interdependence, separate households that function as one family. This family is pursuing individual careers while pooling resources and raising children collaboratively.

It’s a model that requires intention, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to shared values. But for Ebonee, Mercedees, and the entire Vaughn Family, the rewards are immeasurable.

“For us, Fredericksburg is more than a place we live,” Ebonee concludes. “It is a place where our children are thriving, where family bonds are strengthened, and where we are building a legacy rooted in faith, love, and community.”

While the modern world often prizes independence, the Vaughn Family embraces the strength, joy, and resilience found in building community together.

The Vaughn Family welcomes families to join Vaughn’s Meadow and Nature Walkers programs at Sylvania Heights Baptist Church & Holy Roots Farm. For more information about their homeschool co-op and community programs, reach out through local homeschool networks or visit during their scheduled meetups.

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FROM UNLEARNING TO RESPONDING: WHY SPRING TRIGGERS REACTIVE RESPONSES

BY ADIA SHANEE, PHD

Last month, we explored why dog education requires unlearning the idea that obedience equals confidence and that control equals safety. Now we’re seeing why that matters.

As the weather shifts, I hear the same concern: “My dog was doing fine… and now they’re reacting to everything.” Pulling increases. Barking escalates. Walks feel tense instead of peaceful.

What many guardians describe as “reactivity” is more accurately an arousal-based response to environmental stimuli — a nervous system responding to a sudden increase in stimulation.

And spring increases stimulation everywhere. More scent. More movement. More dogs. More people. More sound. Picture this: You step outside on a warm afternoon. Your dog leans forward before you reach the sidewalk. The leash tightens. Their breathing becomes shallow. Their ears fix. Their eyes lock onto a dog across the street.

The bark hasn’t happened yet. But the response has already begun. The reactive response doesn’t start with the outburst. It starts with the forward lean. The tension in the leash. The fixed stare.

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This is where I introduce the traffic light framework:

• Green: regulated, curious, responsive.

• Yellow: arousal rising tension, scanning, shallow breath.

• Red: the nervous system tips into a reactive response.

Most people wait until red. But confidence is built in green. And supported in yellow.

We have been conditioned to intervene at red to correct, command, or control. But red is not where learning thrives. Red is survival. Yellow is where influence lives.

So what do you do in yellow?

You manage the environment — not the dog. That might mean creating distance early. Crossing the street before tension rises. Slowing your pace instead of tightening the leash. Turning away and resetting before escalation.

Support does not mean correcting the signal. It means reducing load. Volume matters. Cars are loud. People are loud. Spring is loud visually, socially, and through scent.

When sound, sight, and smell overlap, the nervous system absorbs that input. And when the volume is too high for too long, regulation decreases.

Dogs don’t need the world removed. They need the world to whisper.

Sometimes that means choosing quieter routes. Sometimes it means shorter outings. Sometimes it means letting your dog decompress in the woods behind your house instead of navigating a busy sidewalk.

You are not avoiding life. You are regulating input. Regulation is not a personality trait. It is a capacity built through repeated experiences of safety. And capacity grows when we respond earlier, not louder. Spring doesn’t create behavior problems. It amplifies sensory volume.

When we help dogs return to green again and again, we build resilience. And resilience is what confidence is made of.

Behavior isn’t the enemy. It’s the invitation.

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Whether you need advice about going to the emergency room, want help deciding whether your child’s temperature is normal or need to talk with a healthcare professional about your symptoms, it’s never been easier to connect to the right care, right now. Call Consult-A-Nurse® at 844-706-8773 to speak with a nurse 24/7.

BURKE & BURKE INSURANCE: A FAMILY TRADITION OF PROTECTION SINCE 1985

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

For nearly four decades, Burke & Burke Insurance has been safeguarding what matters most to families and businesses across Virginia. Founded in 1985, this family-owned and operated agency has built its reputation on personalized service, deep expertise, and a genuine commitment to client education.

Kim Oztuna’s journey with the company reflects the agency’s welcoming, family-oriented culture. After working in the restaurant industry, she made an unexpected career transition in 1992. “The owner of the restaurant I worked at sold the business and opened an Allstate agency in Annandale,” Oztuna explains. “I joined her in February 1992 to work as a customer service representative, and the rest is history!” Her three-decade tenure speaks volumes about the company’s values and work environment. At the heart of Burke & Burke’s approach is their guiding philosophy: “There is better coverage behind our shield.” This isn’t just a slogan; it represents the agency’s commitment to providing comprehensive protection across home, life, auto, and business insurance. With a team boasting over 100 years of combined insurance experience, clients benefit from knowledge that can only come from decades of dedicated service.

What sets Burke & Burke apart is their educational approach to insurance. Oztuna finds her greatest inspiration in “educating my clients and providing them

with the right protection for their needs.” She notes with pride, “I have had many clients leave saying that no one has ever taken the time to explain their coverage to them, and they were extremely thankful.”

This personal touch addresses a critical gap in the industry. As Oztuna observes, “Insurance is something that everyone NEEDS, but many don’t understand it. They just pay a premium because the law or their mortgage requires it.” Burke & Burke refuses to let clients remain in the dark. “At Burke & Burke Insurance, we pride ourselves on you being more than just a policy number to us— you are a valued client,” she emphasizes.

The agency’s family atmosphere extends beyond client relationships to the team itself. “Many of us have been working together for many years, some for over two decades,” Oztuna shares. “We are more like family than just co-workers. That in itself makes for a fun workday.” They are family-friendly as well, adding kid-approved mascots to their branding. Sir Burke is “our resident risk vanquisher” and Mischief is “our little pesky dragon friend who causes a bit of peril along the way,” explains Courtney Ruhling, Director of Operations and Marketing. “They represent insurance coverage and the perils we all face in our day to day,” she adds.

Oztuna herself embodies the community spirit that Burke & Burke values. A mother of four grown children and grandmother of three, she dedicated 22 years to parent volunteering, from running ele-

mentary school programs to managing high school concession stands. Now, she’s channeling that same energy into local networking groups, expanding connections throughout the region.

With four locations across Virginia—Alexandria, Annandale, Fredericksburg, and Bowling Green—Burke & Burke continues to grow while maintaining its personalized approach. Their team of experienced, licensed associates stands ready to help new clients “join our family” and discover the difference that true partnership makes in protecting life’s most important assets.

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PLANTING SEEDS OF CHANGE:

TREE FREDERICKSBURG TRANSFORMS THE CITY’S LANDSCAPE

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When Anne Little and her husband Carl moved to Fredericksburg in 2002, they noticed something missing from the playground behind their house: trees. Children were forced to play on scorching hot slides under the blazing summer sun with no shade in sight. That simple observation sparked a 17-year mission to restore Fredericksburg’s urban landscape, one tree at a time.

“In 2007, we decided to apply for a small grant and planted 17 trees to shade the playground,” Anne recalls. What started as a modest neighborhood improvement project quickly grew into something much larger. The following year, they planted 58 trees throughout their neighborhood, and they haven’t stopped since. Today, as Executive Director of Tree Fredericksburg, Anne leads an all-volunteer organization responsible for 47% of the city’s current trees on public land.

Anne’s passion for nature began years earlier with an unexpected encounter.

“When I moved to Virginia, I saw my first bluebird. I was instantly in love with this beautiful bird,” she explains. That love led her and Carl to co-found the Virginia Bluebird Society in 1996, which now boasts over 500 members. Her interest in bluebirds naturally evolved into researching native plants, as she discovered that bluebirds rely on berries in winter and caterpillars in summer to survive.

The connection between bluebirds and trees revealed a larger truth to Anne: individual efforts, while meaningful, needed to be multiplied across the community to create real environmental impact. In 2010, Tree Fredericksburg held its first Earth Day tree giveaway, expecting modest attendance. “We immediately realized that there was a tremendous void when over 900 people came to get a free tree that day,” Anne says. Since then, the organization has given away over 60,000 native trees and shrubs to the public.

The numbers tell an impressive story of grassroots environmental restoration. Over 17 years, Tree Fredericksburg has planted more than 10,000 trees throughout the city: over 550 in downtown, more than 1,000 in parks, and 700 in schoolyards. Anne intentionally scattered cherry and redbud trees throughout the city to add splashes of spring color. “Many of our streets that were void of trees are now shady and great to stroll on,” she notes with pride.

What makes Tree Fredericksburg unique is its volunteer-driven model. The organization operates without any paid employees, instead mobilizing thousands of community members.

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“Over the years, we estimate that over 8,000 volunteers have helped us with our tree planting, including students, churches, scouts, civic groups, and businesses,” Anne shares. The volunteer pool has been remarkably diverse, including the director of public works from Kathmandu, Nepal, and a group from Prince William County Mosque, whose traditionally robed women “were faster than most of our volunteer groups and finished in record time.”

For Anne, the greatest reward isn’t found in statistics or accolades. “My biggest joy is when we take a group of young people out on Saturday morning to plant 50 trees in about 3 hours. I then ask them all to turn around and look at what they have done. Seeing the joy and the sense of accomplishment on their faces is my reward.”

Her accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed either. Recently, The New York Times featured Tree Fredericksburg as Virginia’s representative in their “50 Environmental Fixes for 50 States” project, highlighting how the organization has “planted over 10,000 trees along the street, in the parks and in the schoolyard” and distributed “60,000 native trees and shrubs to the general public.”

Behind the scenes, Carl Little serves as the organization’s backbone, having written grants totaling over $600,000 for tree planting initiatives. The couple’s complementary skills— Carl’s organizational prowess and grant writing, paired with Anne’s public relations and volunteer coordination—have proven essential to Tree Fredericksburg’s success.

Looking ahead, the organization plans to give away approximately 3,000 native seedling trees on March 28, with another giveaway scheduled for their Native Plant Festival on October 5, 2026. Anyone in Virginia can sign up at TreeFredericksburg.org to receive notifications about these events. Reservations for the free trees are required prior to the giveaway event and those on the email list will be notified when the sign-up window opens.

As Fredericksburg’s trees grow taller and their canopies spread wider, they provide cleaner air, cooling effects, wildlife habitat, and natural beauty— all benefits that will continue to grow exponentially for generations to come.

If you’re a NYT subscriber, check out the full article “50 Environmental Fixes for 50 States” here: nytimes.com/interactive/2025/12/28/climate/us-eco-friendly-projects-readers.html

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MORA SOAN BRINGS MAGIC AND ADVENTURE TO YOUNG READERS THROUGH JACOB THE GNOME SERIES

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

In a cozy Stafford home with a backyard garden dotted with whimsical gnome figurines, local author Mora Soan has found inspiration for a children’s book series that’s capturing young imaginations across the region—and encouraging them to try new things!

Soan’s journey into children’s literature began with a simple conversation with her daughter after returning from a trip to Japan. “After taking a trip to Japan without my daughter, she asked me to tell her about my vacation,” Soan recalls. “As I shared my experiences, ideas began to flourish. I realized that if my daughter was curious about Japan, other children might be too, so I decided to share my adventure with them.”

That conversation blossomed into Jacob in Japan, the first book in the Jacob the Gnome series, with Soan’s daughter serving as illustrator. The series follows Jacob, described by Soan as “a gentle, clumsy, and picky little gnome,” who travels through a magic flowerpot to explore different countries, including Japan, Canada, and Korea.

The character of Jacob emerged from an unlikely source: Soan’s own backyard. “My backyard garden inspired my main character, Jacob the gnome, and his picky eating habits come from my own children learning to eat healthier,” she explains. “I bought my first gnome to add a little magic to my garden, and over time, collecting gnomes became a joy.”

Growing up in Montreal, Canada, Soan’s literary influences run deep. She cites Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classics as foundational to her writing dreams. “Growing up with limited means, these stories felt like an escape into another side of the world and taught me to appreciate childhood discovery, nature, and simple pleasures,” she says, referring to Anne of Green Gables and the Martine series that shaped her youth.

Now working at a local school, Soan draws daily inspiration from her young students. “Working at a school and spending time with children strongly influences my writing. Seeing how kids think, feel, and learn helps me create stories that are relatable, gentle, and meaningful for young readers.”

Fredericksburg itself plays a role in nurturing her creativity. Soan enjoys walking around downtown Fredericksburg to spark her imagination, and counts Jabberwocky Bookshop among her favorite local spots—”a wonderful independent bookstore with a warm, welcoming feel.”

Currently, Soan is working on Jacob in Hawaii, slated for publication this summer. In this new adventure, Jacob meets a kind sea turtle who helps him learn an important lesson about perseverance. “As he struggles with trying new things, the sea turtle encourages him not to give up when things feel hard the first time,” Soan shares. “Through their friendship, Jacob gains courage, patience, and confidence, helping him grow into a better gnome.”

This may be the final chapter in Jacob’s adventures, as Soan’s daughter prepares to leave for college next year. “My daughter is heading to college next year, so this may be my last book. We will see where the journey takes us,” she notes.

For aspiring writers in the community, Soan offers refreshingly straightforward advice: “Just go for it. Do not overthink it. Write for your own journey and for your own joy. Do not be afraid to try, because every story begins with taking that first step.”

At its heart, Soan’s work reflects her hope for how families engage with her stories. “I hope my stories encourage children and families to slow down, stay curious, and enjoy the small moments together,” she says.

“If Jacob’s adventures can spark imagination, kindness, or a love of reading, then I feel grateful to be part of that journey.”

Orange Handprint Leprechaun Craft

BY MORA SOAN, AUTHOR OF THE SERIES: ADVENTURES OF JACOB THE GNOME

Directions:

Materials:

☐ Orange washable paint

☐ White construction paper or cardstock

☐ Googly eyes

☐ Red crayon

☐ Glue

1. Pour a small amount of orange paint onto a paper plate.

2. Have the child cover their hand with paint.

☐ Green and yellow construction paper

☐ Scissors

☐ Paper plate or paint tray

☐ Glitter (if you’d like)

3. Press the hand firmly onto the paper with fingers spread. This will be the leprechaun’s beard.

4. Lift the hand straight up and let the paint dry completely.

5. Glue googly eyes just above the handprint.

6. Draw a nose and smile with a black marker.

7. Cut a simple green hat from construction paper and glue it above the eyes.

8. Cut a small yellow rectangle or square and glue it onto the hat to make the buckle.

This activity is brought to you by Mora Soan, author of the children’s book, Jacob in Japan! Jacob is a gnome who lives in New York. He owns a beautiful garden on the rooftop of a skyscraper. He is a picky eater and he only eats ordinary bland food. One windy night, Jacob falls into a magic flower pot. He wakes up in Japan. What will he do next? Will Jacob starve himself or will he find a way to enjoy and experience Japan? With an open mind, he may discover new and delicious foods that he never knew existed. Jacob in Korea is now available on Amazon. To purchase a book, visit your local Barnes and Noble and follow Jacob’s story on Instagram @jacob_the_gnome.

© Best Version Media

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT RIVERBEND HS

BY LIYA ZEWDU PHOTO COURTESY OF RHS BLACK STUDENT UNION

Liya Zewdu is a sophomore 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.

Black History Month is more than decorations in the hallway or themed spirit days. It’s about recognizing, learning, and celebrating the history of those who fought for our rights and made a huge impact on our lives today. Here at Riverbend, the Black Student Union plays a major role in making sure that impact is remembered, honored, and shared throughout the school community.

Hannah Fountain, Junior and President of the Black Student Union, explains why recognizing Black History Month in schools is important:

“Black History Month is important in schools because it helps students learn the full and honest story of our country. Too often, history classes focus mainly on a limited perspective, leaving out the voices, struggles, and achievements of Black Americans. It celebrates a culture that has overcome something others would not recover from. Learning about African American culture helps students understand how deeply Black people have shaped the United States, from music, clothing, food, and hair to cinema and even

small things like lingo. Although I feel like our culture should be celebrated year-round instead of just the shortest month of the year, it’s important that schools encourage celebration for this month and highlight black excellence.”

When asked how they choose what to focus on, she explained, “Our goal is to highlight the beauty, power, and excellence of Black culture in ways that are fun, creative, and welcoming for everyone.”

As a student-led organization, BSU decides what matters most to its community and what it wants to share with peers here at Riverbend. That freedom allows them to be creative while remaining respectful and purposeful, ensuring their events are not just entertaining but also impactful and inspiring.

This year, BSU plans to host an inclusive spirit week along with a “Culture on Screen” mixer. The event will bring students together to connect, enjoy food, and watch an engaging Black film.

“Our goal is to create a fun, welcoming space that celebrates culture while bringing the school community closer. This event will also help us fundraise for important club needs, including graduation necessities, future events, and field trips.” Fountain said.

Beyond celebration, BSU hopes these events have a real impact on those interested in Black culture.

“Our plans are meant to bring people together in a fun, welcoming way where everyone feels included…we want these events to feel exciting, social, and meaningful all at once. This helps make Black history feel more relatable and engaging, and encourages more students to get involved.”

Through leadership and planning, this shows that Black History Month is more than a few weeks on the calendar. It becomes a reminder of history, excellence, and bringing the community together as a whole.