For those with a need for speed and a love for the roar of an engine, the world of motorsports offers an adrenaline-pumping escape from the everyday. Whether it’s the gritty thrill of off-road ATVing, the high-flying jumps of motocross, or the lightning-fast sprints of drag racing, there’s motorsport out there to get your heart racing and your hands gripping the wheel (or handlebars) with excitement. Here’s a glimpse into motorsports that promise to deliver excitement, challenge, and the sheer joy of high speeds.

ATVing: Imagine powering through rugged landscapes, conquering steep hills, splashing through mud, and navigating tight trails. ATVing brings you closer to nature while offering the thrill of navigating challenging terrains. Opt for a solo adventure on a four-wheeler or share the excitement in a two-seater side-by-side quad. Many outfitters offer rentals and guided tours, making it easy for adventurers of all levels to jump in and enjoy the ride.

Motocross: For those who prefer two wheels to four, motocross offers a dirt-filled, high-octane experience that’s hard to beat. With courses filled with jumps, bumps, and tight turns, motocross riders experience the thrill of flying on land. Whether you’re an experienced rider looking to hone your skills or a newbie eager to learn the ropes, introductory courses led by professionals can offer a safe and exhilarating entry into the world of motocross.

Closed-Circuit Drag Racing: If the straight-line speed gets your pulse racing, closed-circuit drag racing could be your adrenaline fix. This sport allows drivers to unleash the full power of high-performance vehicles in a controlled environment. With options to race your own car or a rental, it’s a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of pushing the limits of speed without the worry of oncoming traffic.

Beyond these thrilling options, the motorsports world is vast and varied, with something for every taste and level of experience. From the strategic overtaking maneuvers of go-karting to the snow-covered adventures of snowmobiling and even the splashy fun of power boating, motor sports offer a dynamic range of experiences for thrill-seekers.

So, if the mundane commute has left you yearning for more excitement behind the wheel, consider stepping off the beaten track and into motorsports. It’s an opportunity to experience the thrill of the race, the joy of mastery, and the unparalleled excitement of speed. Fasten your helmet, rev your engines, and get ready to explore the exhilarating world of motorsports!

Summer is a fantastic time for children to explore, learn new skills, and make lifelong friends. For many parents, choosing between day camps and sleepaway camps can be challenging. Both options offer unique benefits and opportunities for growth. To help make your decision easier, here’s a closer look at the advantages of each.

Day Camps: Convenience and Comfort

Day camps are popular for parents who prefer their children to be home in the evenings. Here are some benefits to consider:

• Routine Stability: Day camps allow families to maintain their regular daily routines, including meal times, evening activities, and bedtime rituals.
• Proximity to Home: Being close to home means parents can quickly respond if their child needs them, offering peace of mind.
• Cost-Effective: Generally, day camps are less expensive than sleepaway camps, making them a more budget-friendly option for many families.
• Gradual Independence: Day camps provide a gentle introduction to independence, allowing children to experience time away from home in a structured and safe environment.

Sleepaway Camps: Adventure and Independence

Sleepaway camps offer an immersive experience, with children spending several days to weeks away from home. Here are some reasons to consider a sleepaway camp:

• Scenic Locations: Many sleepaway camps are located in beautiful natural settings, offering children unique outdoor experiences and adventures.
• Enhanced Independence: Staying away from home helps children develop self-reliance, adaptability, and social skills in a supportive setting.
• Deepened Friendships: The continuous shared experiences at sleepaway camps can lead to stronger, lasting friendships.
• Personal Growth: The immersive environment encourages children to try new activities, overcome challenges, and discover new interests.

Making the Right Choice

The decision between day camps and sleepaway camps depends on several factors, including your child’s age, maturity level, and readiness for independence. It’s also important to consider your family’s schedule, budget, and preferences. Here are a few tips to guide your decision:

• Talk with Your Child: Include your child in the decision-making process. Discuss their interests and any concerns they might have about attending camp.
• Research Together: Look into different camps together, comparing programs, activities, and the camp’s philosophy to find the best fit.
• Consider a Trial: If your child is new to sleepaway camps but interested in trying one, consider starting with a shorter session to ease the transition.

Whether you choose a day camp or a sleepaway camp, the experience can provide your child with unforgettable memories, new skills, and increased confidence. The key is to select a camp that aligns with your child’s interests and your family’s needs, ensuring a summer filled with fun, learning, and growth.

The “This Is IT!” club of Warren County, Virginia, marked another milestone as a hub for budding IT enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The club, which started in 2023, has quickly become a cornerstone for students interested in the ever-evolving world of information technology.

At the  ‘This is IT!’ club gathering at the Samuels Public Library on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, students and community members came together to celebrate and learn. The club includes 9th to 12th-grade students from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds and is aimed to ignite curiosity and reward academic excellence in information technology and quantum computing.

The ceremony kicked off with an introduction by Melissa Chapman, an instructor involved with the club. She set the stage for a night that was not only about recognition but also about expanding young minds. “Understanding the vocabulary of quantum computing is the first step towards mastery,” Chapman remarked, highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge in this cutting-edge field.

The focal point of the evening was the guest lecture by Dr. Bruce Chesley, an aerospace engineer who adeptly connected the seemingly distant realms of space exploration and quantum computing. With palpable enthusiasm, Dr. Chesley described how quantum technologies could revolutionize our approach to exploring the cosmos. His talk made the complex topics accessible and entertaining, captivating the aspiring scientists in attendance.

Amidst the talks, the club took a moment to honor its bright young members through a scholarship awards ceremony. Scholarships were awarded to students who have shown exceptional prowess in STEM fields. These awards are a testament to the community’s support for its young learners and a major encouragement for them to pursue further education in technology. The winners were Jude O’Neal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, and Uli Duke.

From left to right: Jude O’Neal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, Uli Duke

As we approach Earth Day on April 22, it’s a poignant time to reflect on an invisible yet pervasive threat to our environment and health: microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, less than five millimeters, have infiltrated every corner of the globe—from the food we eat and the soil that nurtures our crops to the water we drink.

A startling revelation from a study by the University of Newcastle in Australia highlights the scale of our daily intake, estimating that the average person consumes about five grams of plastic every week, the equivalent of eating a credit card. The sources of microplastics are as varied as their impact is widespread. They emerge from the breakdown of larger plastic items and everyday products we might not suspect. Synthetic clothing releases plastic fibers every time they’re washed. Car tires and paint contribute to the problem as they wear down, and certain cosmetics and sunscreens contain microplastics intentionally added during manufacturing.

Our food supply is not spared. Microplastics have been detected in fruits and vegetables, likely absorbed through water by plant roots. They’ve also been found in products like beer, rice, honey, tea, and salt. The ubiquity of microplastics means complete avoidance is impossible—they’ve been discovered in remote locations such as the Arctic snow and desert sands, as well as in the apples hanging from trees.

Despite this dire situation, there are steps individuals can take to mitigate their contribution to the problem. All actionable measures are Reducing plastic container use, opting out of single-use plastic bags, and avoiding plastic packaging materials. Additionally, seeking alternatives to plastic in everyday items like water bottles and shampoo containers can help reduce personal plastic consumption.

The full impact of microplastics on human health remains a subject of ongoing research and speculation within the scientific community. Experts from Rutgers University caution that while definitive conclusions are yet to be drawn, there’s potential for microplastics to interfere with hormones and reproduction. Moreover, these particles may absorb harmful chemicals and toxins, which humans could then ingest.

As Earth Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect our planet, the issue of microplastics serves as a call to action. By making informed choices about our use of plastic and supporting efforts to reduce plastic pollution, we can contribute to a healthier planet and safeguard our own well-being. Let this Earth Day be a turning point in our relationship with plastic, inspiring us to seek solutions that preserve the environment for future generations.

For the first time in the history of the Shenandoah Apple Bossom Festival® three consecutive generations in a family will have served as Queen Shenandoah. Susan Ford Bales, Queen in 1975, and Tyne Vance Berlanga, Queen in 2001, will be accompanying Joy Elizabeth Berlanga as she assumes her role as Queen Shenandoah XCVII.

The Crowning Ceremony entertains from regal pomp and circumstance to joyful enthusiasm of Little Maids and Pages who are ever present to serve their Queen.  The youthful court interchange historical and educational facts from the British Crown to learning about a United States President – to asking, “Who has the Crown?,”  and with dancing.  The Queen will be crowned at the memorable Coronation celebration under the direction of Elaine B. Aikens.  The Ceremony to install the new sovereign is sponsored by Morgan Orthodontics, on Friday, May 3 at 1:30 p.m.at Handley High School. President Gerald Ford crowned Susan. Susan crowned Tyne, and Joy will be crowned by her mother and escorted by her grandmother.

Susan, Joy’s grandmother, is a Virginia native and now resides in Texas. She is the daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford.  Susan is the mother of two daughters, Tyne Berlanga and Heather Deavers, five grandchildren, Joy Elizabeth Berlanga, Cruz Vance Berlanga, Elizabeth Blanch Deavers, Jude Deavers, and Sullivan Bales, and three stepsons, Kevin, Matthew, and Andrew Bales.

Susan was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and attended Holton Arms School and the University of Kansas, where she studied photojournalism.  She is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree.  She is the author of two novels set in the Whie House, “Double Exposure: A First Daughter Mystery”, and its sequel, “Sharp Focus.”

Susan is the Ship’s Sponsor for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which she officially christened on November 9, 2013.   On April 8, 2016, in recognition of her service as the Ship’s Sponsor, she was named an Honorary Naval Aviator by the United States Navy, becoming only the 31^st American to receive this distinction.  And history was made with her selection – Susan is the first woman to be chosen as an Honorary Naval Aviator.

During her high school years, Susan lived in the White House and served as official White House hostess following her mother’s surgery for breast cancer in 1974.  In 1984, she and her mother helped launch National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Susan subsequently served as national spokesperson for breast cancer awareness.  Since the founding of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, Susan worked side by side with her mother on projects at the Center and was elected to the Center’s Board of Directors in 1992.  She succeeded her mother as Chairman of the Board 2005-2010, and currently serves on the board of directors of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.

In addition to her many charitable public service activities, Susan serves as Co-Trustee of the President Gerald R. Ford Historical Legacy, Trustee, Trustee of the Elizabeth B. Ford Charitable Trust, and the Honorary Advisory Committee of the Children’s National Medical Center.

Tyne, mother of Joy, Queen-designate, resides in Frisco, TX with her husband Hector and two children, Joy and Cruz.  She serves as a marketing manager for Western Son. With a passion for community involvement, Tyne sits on multiple school booster club boards for all her children’s activities.

On Tyne’s departure as Queen she reflected, “It was easy to be kind, gracious and humble Queen when surrounded by the people of Winchester.  My five-day reign as Queen Shenandoah was an occasion that will have a special place in my heart. I have formed friendships and made memories that will hopefully stay with me for a long time to come. On Sunday morning I was doing an exit interview with one of the reporters and he asked me, “If l had a daughter would I let her be Queen?” My answer was immediately “Yes, if she’s lucky enough to be given this opportunity.”   Now, Tyne eagerly anticipates returning to Winchester where Joy is set to embark on a remarkable journey, echoing Tyne’s own experiences from 23 years prior. It’s truly heartwarming to be able to share this moment with both her mother and daughter.

The Queen and her family will ride in the Hang 10 Firefighters’ Parade Friday evening at 5:30 and the glo fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Queen-designate Joy and her family will be making appearances at Festival events during the weekend.

Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin and lawmakers have agreed to work together on the biennium budget, after clashing for weeks over two distinctly different spending plans.

A special session will be held on May 13, Youngkin and lawmakers in both chambers announced Wednesday, to consider the revamped budget and prevent a shutdown ahead of July 1, when the current budget expires.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin was joined by Democratic and Republican leaders from both chambers in the Capitol’s rotunda on April 17. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)

On Wednesday, the House of Delegates voted to reject all 233 of the governor’s amendments to the budget, and agreed to seek a new budget to present to the legislature May 13, with voting on it expected May 15. They also took up the governor’s other bill amendments and 153 vetoes.

The House accepted all Youngkin’s vetoes, including bills that would have raised the minimum wage, created a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to cap drug prices, protected people who come to Virginia for reproductive health care from extradition and prohibited assault firearms in public places.

Future of skill games in Virginia still unclear as Senate rejects Youngkin’s proposal

The bill amendments up for debate included: changes to legislation that would legalize skill machines, which was rejected by the Senate; a measure that would lower the amounts Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company can recover from customers for their pre-construction costs of a small modular reactor, which was adopted in their respective chambers; and another that would require school boards to notify gun-owning parents annually of their responsibility to safely store firearms to keep them away from their children, which was also rejected by the delegates.

It’s not clear what will happen to the language the legislature included in its budget that would’ve ordered the state to rejoin the carbon market known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, that incentivizes electricity producers to emit less carbon by making them purchase allowances to do so.

Youngkin — who passed a regulation that withdrew Virginia from RGGI despite RGGI supporters saying a legislative change was needed — has opposed participation in RGGI, while calling the fee for the allowances that utilities can recover from ratepayers  a “hidden tax.” The regulation withdrawal is being challenged in court.

The budget delay also creates uncertainty for local governments trying to estimate how much funding schools will receive and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, or Metro, which is seeking additional funding from the state to bridge its $750 million shortfall.

Before Wednesday’s veto session, the governor tried compromising on the budget with lawmakers by removing all tax increases they had approved — including the digital service sales tax he initially proposed — but also dropping the tax cuts he requested in December.

In the Capitol’s rotunda with Democratic and Republican leaders from both chambers Wednesday afternoon, Youngkin said all parties are close to a budget agreement after meeting over the last few days.

“We believe this is a good path forward for the commonwealth,”Youngkin told reporters. “It reflects the work that has been done from the General Assembly and from the governor’s office.”

He added that no decisions have been made yet on the specifics of the budget, including tax increases, but he looks forward to meeting with leaders.

“This was a collective decision, and you will see from the vote this morning that it is unanimous amongst all of us to press forward in this fashion,” Youngkin said.

House Appropriations Committee Chair Luke Torian, D-Prince William, added, “We agreed that there is nothing that’s off the table. Everything will be up for discussion and deliberations. No decisions have been made at this point.”

Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee Chair Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, told a reporter that they were “absolutely correct” that envisioning the governor, Democrats and Republicans standing together in the rotunda two months ago was unlikely to happen when there were different budget priorities on both sides, including Youngkin’s arena proposal to bring two professional sports teams to Northern Virginia and the Democratic-controlled legislature’s plan to raise the minimum wage and allow retail cannabis sales in the state.

“But I think what’s changed is that there has been a lot of collaboration,” Lucas said. ”I think nothing helps the process more than everybody getting together, sitting around the table and talking about what we can all do to help Virginia. I think we all had different ways we thought we were going to get there, but I think now we are going to work together towards something that will keep the temperature down a little bit.”

Sen. Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, who, along with Lucas, met with the governor earlier this week, said he is optimistic about the process moving forward.

“That’s how you come to a resolution,” McDougle said. “Everybody’s got to come to the table and talk and be heard and once you do that you can find solutions.”

by Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury

Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com. Follow Virginia Mercury on Facebook and Twitter.