Tim: My parents, like Emily’s, were big into volunteering. There wasn’t one single “spark.” It was cumulative. We were taught the importance of adding value to community life. I’ve always felt that running toward something is more rewarding than running away from it.

Proudest Achievement: Emily: Graduating from law school in two and a half years at age 55 — I felt pretty good about that. Over the years I received a lot of recognition, but the award I’m most proud of was for my pro bono work with free legal and medical clinics. Tim and I have been successful in our careers, and that has given us the ability to help others with our time and resources.

Tim: Right after high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. I didn’t see myself as college material — I wanted to be an aircraft mechanic. A few years later, after leaving the Air Force, I was working on a heavy maintenance aircraft project. My supervisor, Bob McCoy, urged me to think about my future and encouraged me to go to college. I followed his advice, earned a degree in finance from the University of South Florida, returned to the Air Force as an officer, and later earned a master’s degree in public administration. My proudest achievement is the education I received — it opened many doors. Education is the key to tying the successes of one generation to the next.

Biggest Challenge Emily: There have been significant challenges dealing with personal grief and loss. My first husband was on a ventilator for nearly three years before he passed away. That experience, which occurred during the Terri Schiavo case (a landmark legal battle in Florida. over end of life care), ultimately led me to pursue law school and specialize in end-of-life issues. More recently, my son died two years ago. With the support of the community and our church, we’ve been able to move forward and help others facing similar losses.

Tim: Like Emily, I lost my first spouse. It was a very difficult period for me. In my volunteer work I look for opportunities to connect with young people to pass on knowledge and values. Sometimes it’s challenging to communicate effectively with younger generations. Maybe it’s technology, social media or just the generation gap that makes it difficult, but I’m always looking for ways to better connect. On a lighter note, trying to get a Lions Club meeting started on time is also a challenge.

Why It Matters Emily: I just like the people in Rappahannock County — getting to meet them, hear their stories and cheer them on. It’s important to give everyone dignity, no matter who they are. Sometimes just simple things matter most. Recently, I helped serve food at the Benevolent Fund dinner. Talking with people as they came through the line made them feel good, and it made me feel good.

Tim: I want to make a difference in people’s lives, especially with young students. That’s always been important to me. I go back to Bob McCoy’s advice I received years ago that changed my life. Look to the future and if you’re going to do something, do it well. The effort and commitment you put into something — whether professional or volunteer — is what really matters.

Favorite Rappahannock Treasure Emily: It comes back to the people. There are so many individuals here with varied interests and a deep commitment to making the community strong and vibrant. From education to the environment to community theater, it broadens my perspective and makes this a great place to live.

Tim: I’ve lived in many beautiful places during my military career, and Rappahannock is right up there. But what stands out most is the people. Before joining the Electoral Board, I served as an election official, and watching a young person vote for the first time was a thrill. Seeing the next generation take part in our democracy is something I deeply treasure.