Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Our Community
Robotic-assisted surgery changes the surgical experience for both doctors and patients, improving precision and shortening recovery times. The da Vinci Surgical System is directly controlled by our trained surgeons, allowing them to perform your procedure with smaller incisions and better visualization. With this robotic platform, Fauquier Health is proud to offer minimally invasive surgical care in our community.
Benefits for the Surgeon:
•10x magnification in 3D allows a clear, close view
•Greater dexterity
• Precise micro-movements enhance surgical maneuvers
Benefits for the Patient May Include:
•Smaller incisions can mean less pain
•Faster recovery time
•Shorter hospital stay
•Reduced risk of infection
Robotic Procedures Currently Available at Fauquier Health*
General Surgery:
• Abdominal wall or ventral hernia
•Inguinal hernia
•Paraesophageal or hiatal hernia repair
•Colon resection
•Gallbladder
Gynecology:
•Hysterectomy
•Ovary removal
•Endometriosis, chronic pain and fibroids
Urology:
• Prostatectomy (prostate cancer and enlarged prostate)
•Mass and tumor removal
•Nephrectomy (kidney tumors and cancer)
•Adrenalectomy (adrenal masses and cancer)
•Pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction repair
• Ureteral reimplantation (ureteral stricture and obstruction)
•Radical cystectomy for bladder cancer treatment
*Not all conditions or patients qualify for robotic-assisted surgery
Trained Surgeons
Nchang Azefor, MD General Surgery
Olga Mazur, MD General Surgery
Mohamad Salkini, MD, FACS Urology
G.Benjamin Wampler, MD General Surgery
Victoria McDonald, MD OB/GYN
Nathaniel Saint-Preux, MD General Surgery
EDITOR’S NOTE
Wow, it’s really been a long, cold winter, but spring is on its way, and that’s something to be grateful for. It’s time to look on the bright side and plan to make memories, pursue your goals and manifest your visions. Whether you want to do this on a grand scale or are content to get outside and even just go for a walk, it’s time to look ahead.
This March, I’m excited to share with you the story behind Grain & Grog, an authentic momand-pop tavern founded by two Northern Virginia couples. They brought their knowledge of the restaurant business and seasoned it with pride in having a place that reflects their vision.
Speaking of visions, Gainesville High School’s visual arts program is helping the school move out of the shadow of its older siblings, Battlefield and Patriot. Julianne Huddleston’s photography students are learning to see the world through their own unique lenses, and they have shared their visions with us.
Photography teaches us that there are moments of truth and beauty all around. Student sports photographer Aided Munoz knows this and has become extremely adept in capturing pivotal sports moments as no scoreboard can. Sometimes the action is most captivating, but often it is the emotions it elicits – you get to decide.
If anyone knows about those life-changing moments it's girls lacrosse star Averie Cage. Years of teamwork, effort, strife and joy led to the moment when she accepted a scholarship offer to attend and play lacrosse for Arizona State. Her story is just beginning, and we still have an opportunity to see her play one more season with the Battlefield Bobcats before she embarks on her bright future.
– Stacy Shaw
CONTRIBUTING
EDITOR
STACY@WHGLIFESTYLE.COM Envisioning something better
Right now, sitting on a foldout chair watching a kids’ sports game sounds incredible. My goal is to savor those ordinary moments.
HAYMARKET / GAINESVILLE LIFESTYLE
The Haymarket/Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed to over 15,000 selected addresses. While reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Haymarket/Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. While ensuring that all published information is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or omissions. Reproduction in whole or part of any of the text, illustration, or photograph is strictly forbidden. ©2025 Rappahannock Media LLC.
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to do list
Choreography, Comedy, Crafts & Culture
It’s time to get your social life back on track. Whether you prefer an evening at the theater, live shows, music or comedy at a brewery, or working on a craft project, stop using the cold weather as an excuse to stay inside.
ACROBATICS & SHOW STOPPERS
Scan for details and tickets:
Dueling Keys for a Cause promises an Unforgettable Night of Giving and Music to benefit local nonprofit Boxes of Basics, Saturday, March 8, 6 p.m. Guests will be treated to the thrill of dueling pianos, plus hors d’oeuvres, drinks and dinner. $150. Heritage Hunt County Club, 6901 Arthur Hills Drive, Gainesville.
The Peking Acrobats have revitalized Chinese acrobatics, fusing ancient athleticism with special effects. Sunday, March 9, at 1 and 5 p.m, these world-class gymnasts, jugglers and cyclists will provide a gravity-defying spectacle, accompanied by live musicians. $33-55. Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax.
The Manassas Chorale presents “Voices United: Come to the Music,” Saturday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m, featuring the Voices United Festival Choir led by conductor Joseph Martin. The sacred music is guaranteed to lift spirits. $25+. Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas. More info at insidenova.com/calendar
Miscast Musical Cabaret is a one-ofa-kind production that reimagines well-loved songs from Broadway classics and pop hits performed by local talent showcasing their vocal and acting prowess. It’s March 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. $25+ at the Wind River Chimes Theater at The ARTfactory , 9419 Battle St., Manassas. More info at insidenova.com/calendar
For an up-to-date list of events around the region, visit InsideNoVa.com/calendar
COMEDY & ST. PADDY’S SPIRITS
In time for St. Patrick’s Day, worldrenowned Irish bluegrass group JigJam guarantees foot-stomping, heart-pounding feel-good tunes, Friday, March 14, 8 p.m. The quartet will perform on banjo, dobro, mandolin and fiddle. $29-$48, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas.
Beer Run Comedy and Eavesdrop Brewery bring comedians Jared Stern and Ace Jackson to its monthly comedy evening, Monday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. Adults are invited to bring friends, grab a pint from the taproom and enjoy big laughs. Free.Eavesdrop Brewery, 7221 Royal Fern Circle, Manassas.
Fans of Irish music and craft beer are invited to Tin “O” Cannon Brewery, Saturday, March 15, 7 p.m., for a lively St. Patrick’s Day party with live Irish-spirited sounds of national-touring band Sheridan Rúitín Tin Cannon Brewing, 7679 Limestone Drive, #130, Gainesville.
Comedian and entertainer Zane Lamprey is touring breweries around the country for his “Another Round!” Comedy Tour. He’ll be at Ornery Beer Co. celebrating St. Paddy’s Day, Sunday, March 16, 8 p.m. Ornery Beer Co., 8088 Flannery Court, Manassas.
The Peking Acrobats will perform Sunday, March 9, at the Center for the Arts
LAZY DAY CRAFTS
Merrifield Garden Center hosts “Create and Sip Terrarium Workshop,” Saturday, March 8, 2 p.m. Attendees will create a terrarium and enjoy wine at the festive social event. Merrifield Garden Center, 6895 Wellington Road, Gainesville.
Bricks n’ Brews Stone Cottage Build, at Heritage Brewing, Sunday, March 9, 1-4 p.m., offers an opportunity for guests to build a charming Lego cottage. Participants will engage in creative builds, great vibes and craft beer. Heritage Brewing, 9436 Center Point Lane, Manassas.
The Cozy Experience is back with Lazy Art Night at the ARTfactory, Friday, March 14, at 6 p.m. It offers artists and artistic types a chance to create in a low-pressure environment and connect with others. All mediums welcome. Free. ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St., Manassas.
Scan for details and tickets:
CULTURE & COFFEE
Local women are invited to The Culture Cup for its fifth Coffee & Tea Women’s Event, “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” Friday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. The My Natural Me event celebrates sisterhood, empowerment and there’s also great coffee! The Culture Cup, 8002 Crescent Park Drive, Gainesville.
sports
A Cage Defender
Battlefield girls lacrosse star heading to Arizona State
BY DAVID FAWCETT
Averie Cage settled into a couch in the family room of her Haymarket home with a notebook in hand and a bundle of nerves in her stomach.
It was 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2023, and the recruiting process was about to pick up for the Battlefield High School lacrosse standout. In 30 minutes, college coaches were officially allowed to contact recruits, and Cage had no idea what to expect. Would anyone call? And if so, who?
One minute after midnight, she got her answer when the first call arrived. Arizona State assistant coach Caroline Wakefield was on the other line with a specific request. Wakefield wanted to establish a rapport and get Cage out for a visit.
The Sun Devils had expressed some interest in Cage before Wakefield’s call, but now that interest had increased.
Other colleges pursued Cage as well, but ASU remained the honor-roll student’s most ardent follower. During her unofficial visit to the Tempe, Ariz., campus that September, the Sun Devils offered Cage a scholarship. That impressed her. The trip also convinced Cage that ASU was right for her.
Aided in part by Wakefield, who joined the Sun Devils’ staff in July 2022, ASU has actively recruited players from Virginia. There are five currently listed on the Sun Devils’ roster.
Wakefield has strong Virginia ties. She graduated from Centreville High School before playing college lacrosse at the University of North Carolina. Her father, Mike, and her aunt, Rebecca, are both Woodbridge High School graduates who stayed in-state for college athletics: Mike played football at James Madison, and Rebecca played soccer at William & Mary.
In addition, Wakefield’s cousin, Reagan Ferrick, is in her first year as an assistant for Battlefield’s girls lacrosse team.
Cage said the Virginia connection played a small role in her decision to sign with ASU in November.
“I didn't know any of the girls who were
from Virginia beforehand,” Cage said. “But when I went on my unofficial visit and got to meet them all, [it] helped me lean toward committing at ASU.”
But the overriding factor remained how welcoming the coaches and players made Cage feel.
“It felt nice to be wanted by a school I also enjoyed.”
Her decision means she will be a long way from home, but she and her parents believe it’s the right move. Cage was the
only Virginia-based player in Arizona State’s 10-person November signing class.
“At the end of the day, it’s so important to grow at this point in her life and be independent,” said her father, Tre. “I think she’s going to learn a lot about herself.”
A versatile player
ASU recruited Cage as a defender. She began her lacrosse career as a third-grader playing midfield for the Haymarket-based Brigade Lacrosse Club and remained in that position with her next two clubs.
When Cage joined the Capital Lacrosse Club as a high school freshman, she played attack. But midway through her sophomore year, she switched to defense to fill a void at that position and stayed there.
“One of the reasons I got chosen for defense is that I’m a versatile player,”
Averie Cage, the only Virginiabased player in Arizona State’s 10-person November signing class, was a first-team all-state selection in 2024 for Battlefield High School. Below: Cage began playing lacrosse with the Haymarket-based Brigade Lacrosse Club.
Cage said. “It was supposed to be temporary, but I grew to love it. I can run on offense and shut down a player on defense. It’s the best of both worlds.”
For Battlefield, though, Cage is a midfielder. Bobcats’ head coach Mary Kugler put her in that spot out of necessity. Battlefield had graduated its top midfielders and needed someone effective at draw controls.
Cage fit the profile. She didn’t play a lot on varsity her freshman year. But by her sophomore season, Cage began to understand more about what Kugler expected of her. Cage’s maturity, skills and knowledge turned her into a force that helped the Bobcats remain the best high school girls program in Prince William County and one of the best in the state.
Battlefield has not lost a district match since 2017.The program is also the threetime Class 6, Region B defending champion and has reached two state finals during that stretch.
During Cage’s sophomore season, Battlefield lost in the state final to Oakton, 9-8. As a junior, Cage took her game to another level in earning first-team all-state honors. She led the state semifinalists in five categories: goals (62), assists (29), draw controls (161), ground balls (45) and caused turnovers (29).
For her career, Cage has 131 goals and holds the program record for draw controls with 268, surpassing Kugler’s daughter, Alexandra, who finished with 234. Alexandra,
a 2016 Battlefield graduate and first-team all-state pick, holds the career record for goals with 182.
A team leader
Kugler appreciates Cage’s drive and her willingness to speak her mind.
“She expects the girls to be at her pace all the time and I like that,” said Kugler, entering her 11th season at Battlefield. “The competitiveness she brings is contagious. Those girls who want that are drawn to her. She draws them in.”
Cage knows no other way.
“I’d say it's an instinct for me because every game I always believe everyone on the field has something they can contribute to the game,” Cage said. “And I want to try to bring out that realization in them.”
Growing up, Cage also competed in gymnastics and basketball. But over time, lacrosse became her favorite sport. It’s one she works on constantly to improve, while balancing her time between school and her job at the Greenheart Juice Shop in Aldie.
“I enjoy the team aspect,” Cage said of lacrosse. “Everyone works together to get to the same point.” L
David Fawcett is sports editor of InsideNoVa. He can be reached at dfawcett@insidenova.
Left: Averie Cage with her family when she signed with Arizona State in November. From left, her father Tre, brother Ryder, Averie, brother Tre and mother Carly. Below: Averie Cage (right) led Battlefield last season in goals (62), assists (29), draw controls (161), ground balls (45) and caused turnovers (29).
SUMMER EXPLORERS ARE HERE!
Summer Explorers is a brand-new series of 2-week, full-day programs that offer exploration and enrichment for students ages 3 to 5. Sessions run from June 16 to August 8, 2025.
SPARK BUSINESS ACADEMY
Spark Business Academy empowers students grades 1-8 with essential financial skills and an entrepreneurial mindset. Students learn valuable skills including teamwork, independent thinking, and problem solving. This year, we’ve got 14 great Spark BUSINESS Academy camps for your students!
FAVORITE CAMPS ARE BACK!
Enrichment and sports camps for rising Grades 1-8 including art, ceramics, tie dye camp, STEAM, baseball, basketball, soccer, and so much more!
Dr. Lisa Kelly graduated cum laude from Harvard University where she majored in Government and was a member of the varsity women’s crew team. She received her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at Georgetown University Hospital, then stayed on for an additional year to serve as Chief Resident in Pediatrics.
Dr. Kelly has been with Northern Virginia Pediatric Associates in Falls Church for almost 20 years during which time she has been recognized as a top doctor by Washingtonian Magazine. She is a Clinical Instructor of Pediatrics at Georgetown School of Medicine and has won multiple teaching awards.
Dr. Kelly and her family moved to Warrenton in 2021 and are enjoying becoming part of the Warrenton community. Dr. Kelly is a horseback rider who is a member of the Warrenton Hunt and competes in local horse shows. She, her husband, daughter, dogs and horses love living in Virginia and Dr. Kelly is looking forward to being a member of the team at Piedmont Pediatrics.
wine&dine
A Shared Vision
Grain & Grog captures the spirit of friends and family
BY JENNIFER WALDERA
PHOTOS BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
When Haymarket/Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine solicited suggestions for places to go for winter cocktails, the magazine received an overwhelming response from people recommending a new restaurant called Grain & Grog.
Founded by two couples, Mikey and Jessie Love of Front Royal and Steven Chandler and Ali Mernin of Leesburg, the Gainesville restaurant is the result of years of planning and a shared vision for a place where locals can gather.
The four owners decided exceptional food and top-notch service was non-negotiable.
“If you’ve got great food, great atmosphere and great service, people will come out,” Jessie Love said. “They especially love that we are family run.”
Since opening in early October, Grain &
Grog in The MarketPlace in Madison Crescent has quickly become a favorite “it” spot for locals hungry for an independently owned and operated authentic American restaurant.
Jessie, whose enthusiasm for the restaurant is contagious, said the response from the community has been phenomenal. “We definitely got popular very quickly, which is a great problem to have.”
Grain & Grog offers a tavern-style menu with a focus on specials. Diners can expect dishes like the Burrata Cheesesteak, Monte Cristo, and the smashburger-style Tavern Burger for
lunch, while dinner options include a Crab and Shrimp Carbonara and a slow-roasted Honey Bourbon BBQ Pork Chop.
“We wanted to offer classic dishes while incorporating unique twists on comfort foods,” said chef Ed Kellams. He recommends the beer-braised short ribs, served with a rich fennel demi-glaze, noting they take 10 hours to prepare.
“I always do the Reuben,” Mikey said. It sounds like a casual dish, but it is roasted completely in house.
“We slow-roast the whole loin for 18 hours, so the meat is incredibly tender and full of flavor,” Kellams said.
Everyone has a favorite dish. “Mine is the tavern burger. I’m a burger person,” Mernin said, explaining how the founders ate burgers for days until they got the formula just perfect.
The restaurant’s cocktail menu includes classics like old-fashioneds, margaritas and negronis, but also house-made seasonal specials.
“We use fresh-squeezed juices and make in-house syrups and purees to provide the best cocktails possible,” Mikey said.
The beer selection includes a mix of local craft brews and sought-after seasonal varieties.
Additionally, the restaurant partners with local businesses, sourcing microgreens from Living Springs Microgreens in Amissville. Cold brew coffee is sourced from Culture Cup, located in the shopping center.
People often comment about the restaurant’s unique name. The team wanted a name that conveyed its casual yet sophisticated atmosphere without using conventional “bar and grill” terminology.
“It was harder than naming our child,” Mikey said. “We didn’t want to be too quirky, but didn’t want to be too generic.”
They chose “Grain,” evoking a farm-totable approach, and “Grog,” a slang term for alcohol and moniker for a warm
Grain & Grog co-owners Jessie and Mikey Love; chef Ed Kellams; and co-owners Ali Mernin and Steven Chandler behind the bar.
Crab and Shrimp Carbonara
Old Fashioned
cocktail with lemon and honey. The name indicates their food and drink is cultivated with care.
And it’s catchy. “Our customers have really embraced the name,” Jessie said.
When it comes to creating the right environment, the owners draw on their combined experience. Chandler has more than 25 years in the service industry in bartending and bar management in Virginia, Washington and San Diego, giving him an understanding of sophisticated urban dining.
Mikey Love, originally of Centreville, has spent 30 years in the industry. Jessie, who grew up in Gainesville, brings experience in restaurant management and her family’s business at the Occoquan Marina. Mernin, who has worked in both hospitality and accounting, rounds out the team.
From the start, the owners of Grain & Grog have prioritized engaging with and supporting the local community.
“Before our doors had even opened, we reached out to the community to start looking for ways to give back, sponsoring a local baseball team in 2024,” Chandler said.
The restaurant sponsors the Grain & Grog Growlers co-ed adult master division lacrosse team and the Battlefield High School cheerleading squad.
And although housed in a shopping center, Grain & Grog believes they have created a distinct and inviting space. The location is also convenient for those who live and work nearby.
“It has been absolutely incredible,” Jessie
said, explaining how those living in surrounding condos, townhomes and single families have embraced them. “They’ve really been looking for a place to come in here.”
Jo Mundorf and Niki Karageorges, who work at Arthur Murray Dance Center, made Grain & Grog their go-to place before or after work. They speak mostly highly of the staff and service.
“It’s a convenient location and the staff is friendly. They remembered us from the get-go, even before we were even regulars.” Karageorges said.
She also likes the fun “vibe” and that the restaurant is open late when they get off work.
Employees said they feel a similar sense of
belonging at the restaurant.
“Genuinely, this is the biggest family that I have ever worked for,” said server Maddie Corwin of Haymarket. “We come here when I have off. We want to be here.”
On weekends, the tavern is hopping. Live music plays a key part of the restaurant’s ambiance, with performances every Friday and Saturday evening.
With only 90 indoor seats, the weekend dinner rush is the restaurants’ biggest challenge, Jessie said, but it is a “good problem to have.”
Once the weather gets warm, the owners plan to add 40 patio seats. They also hope to increase weekday traffic by inviting business meetings and networking groups.
Knowing they could have gone in different directions, they feel fortunate that they landed where they did.
“Being in the industry, we knew Gainesville needed a cozy, welcoming place where families could enjoy a great meal and drink to match,” Jessie said. “We searched for over five years to find this place. We knew the moment we saw the space that this is where Grain & Grog was meant to be.” L
Jennifer Waldera is an award-winning freelance writer published in numerous print and digital publications. When she’s not crafting creative content, Jennifer can be found exploring new spots, indulging in some quality time with a new novel or magazine or streaming shows about food, drinks and travel.
7960 Crescent Park Drive in Gainesville grainandgrog.com
Bartender Sydney Ormond of Haymarket chats with server Maddie Corwin.
Grain & Grog is tucked away within The MarketPlace at Madison Crescent, located off U.S. 29 in Gainesville.
14535 John Marshall Hwy, Suite 109
Gainesville, VA 20155 (703) 754-0425 x300 www.mindbodywellnessLFM.com 5pm
https://www.facebook.com/ltfmcosmetics
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Mind Body Wellness is now offering the convenience of text messaging for appointment requests and changes! Reach us via text at 571-554-1080!
Lightning in a Box
Gainesville High School photography students
create and reflect
BY STACY SHAW
It’s a February morning, and students in Julianne Huddleston’s Photography II class at Gainesville High School are excited to edit their “Painting with Light” photos. For the assignment, students took photos of a still subject in a dark room while other students “painted” with a flashlight.
In today’s educational environment, students find such creative assignments to be a welcome reprieve, and Huddleston believes they are essential.
Huddleston, a veteran arts teacher, opened Patriot High School in Nokesville in 2013. She treasured that experience so chose to do it again when Gainesville opened in 2021.
“I was happy at Patriot, and I’m happy at Gainesville,” she said. “The [visual arts] program here, I’m really proud of.”
Huddlestone explains that Gainesville offers a visual arts “path” in which students can commit to taking a number of visual arts electives.
The program is already so strong that 14 visual arts students from Gainesville were invited to
participate in the 21st annual “Off the Wall” High School Art Exhibit & Competition at the ARTfactory in Manassas, in December and January. The exhibit showcases art in the categories of art & technology, painting/drawing, wearable art and photography.
Huddleston believes such accomplishments help the school form an identity, so it is no longer “the little punk brother or sister of Battlefield and Patriot.”
However, things have changed since Huddleston’s time at Patriot. As her current students are more diverse and more reliant on technology, she believes it is important to make them feel comfortable in her classroom. Teens are often self-conscious, so she tries to disarm them and is willing to show her vulnerabilities.
“There has to be a place of silliness and play,” she said – she even plays music during class changing time. “They come in dancing. It has nothing to do with photography and everything to do with them learning. My kids aren’t tardy. They know I would feel disrespected.”
After earning their trust, Huddleston’s students are willing to take creative risks and gain a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
Photography II student Andrew Makhene, a senior, recommends photography to artistic types who may not feel they have talent in arts such as drawing or sculpting. “It’s just a creative outlet. Photography is an easy way to create; it’s easily accessible,” he said, explaining one photo can tell a story.
Another student, senior Zuriel Andino, likes that he can take what he learned from class and club members in a “laid back” environment.
And the students find photography brings them a sense of accomplishment, said sophomore Quinn Love. “I really like the success of having a good photo.”
Makhene agreed. “The success of executing my plan and having it turn out well – there’s something about that success that just makes me feel good.”
In class, students are often required to plan their shots,
LEAH ROBY
QUINN LOVE
ANDREW MAKHENE
but because experimentation is also encouraged, happy surprises emerge. Love said her photos do not usually turn out as planned, but that’s not a bad thing. “It kind of makes it better.”
Students found this especially true when light painting, but also for an assignment in which they took a walk to see what captured their attention.
“We found this spot where there was a bunch of trash and a sock on a tree,” Andino said. “It wasn’t planned, but it was there.”
And the students felt they grew in life experience by conducting an exercise in photojournalism in which they photographed students going about their day. It forced them to interact with people they didn’t know.
“For me, personally, it was awkward,” Love said. “I didn’t just want to get my friends in the picture, I had to get out of my comfort zone.”
Huddleston said the students learned there was a level of connectivity with people that they never thought they would have
something in common with. And they also captured authenticity and intimate moments, such as a smile among friends. “These moments of empathy and connection are beautiful.”
Chellsea Hernandez, Catherine Bedell and Carrie Villca took Photography I together the first year the school opened and returned to take Photography II as seniors.
Bedell said she liked that Huddleston gave them enough freedom to put their own spin on their assignments. “I enjoyed the energy and attitude of the class and lightheartedness, and how Ms. Huddleston can joke around as she teaches.”
Hernandez added, “She helps us learn, instead of just getting
ANDREW MAKHENE
the grade in, and she moves at the students’ pace.”
Villca remembered fun assignments such as “Photo Olympics,” a competition in which students had to take photos that were different sizes and from different distances.
Huddleston acknowledged that photography might be the hardest class students may take in high school – because it is their own art “you can’t fake it.” However, for those same reasons, she believes it may also be the best class they take.
The class also mixes all grades, and the students support one another. “Tides rise all ships. Everyone’s learning together. There is work, but then there is also play,” she said. “Then you can exhale.” L
Stacy Shaw is the editor of Haymarket-Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine and publisher/owner of BristowBeat.com. She taught English and creative writing at Prince William County’s Fine and Performing Arts School from 2006-2010.
ANDREW
amazingkids
A Plan of Action
Student launches sports photography business
BY STACY SHAW
Gainesville High School sophomore
Aided Munoz was inspired after taking Photography I with Julianne Huddleston. She took that education further, learning from her grandfather, a professional photographer, and teaching herself as much as she could about cameras before enrolling in Photography II.
Aided Munoz (above) and some of her sports photography.
Munoz rode horses and started taking photos of others riding. “It was kind of cool to be tracking all the motion,” Munoz said. “I like to watch the action and get shots you can only get within a few seconds.”
After taking photos of the equestrians, she gave digital versions of the pictures to her subjects. This evolved into a photography business.
She needed a professional quality camera and website, so she worked at the stables over the summer, saving her money.
She decided to pursue sports photography, in addition to work for hire. That allowed her to make her own opportunities, attending school sporting events and photographing the athletes. Munoz enjoys capturing the emotions players and coaches express during and after a game so that her photos tell a story.
“You have to capture conceptual photos and look for a bigger meaning, not just fun little moments, but a deeper meaning within them,” she said. “I also search for photos to teach people and inform people. I learned a lot about connections.”
Being extroverted, she enjoys photojournalism, and is considering it as a career.
“Sports photography is already a big known industry, and I get a lot of recognition,” she said.
This year, she said she is still learning, and is interested not only in journalistic photography, but artistic photography she is learning in Photography II as well. L
TOP 10 H&G’s
The five highest-priced homes that sold in each of the two ZIP codes between mid-January and mid-February.
Data and photos from Realtor.com. Photos and home data from Realtor.com.
20155 Gainesville
7524 RIO GRANDE WAY
$995,000
Sold: Feb. 10
4 bedrooms
4½ bathrooms
3,994 square feet
13780 LONG RIDGE DRIVE
$982,500
Sold: Jan. 28
3 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
3,185 square feet
5923 BOWES CREEK PLACE
$939,900
Sold: Jan. 30 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 2,625 square feet
6777 ARTHUR HILLS DRIVE
$935,000
Sold: Jan. 30
3 bedrooms
2½ bathrooms
2,883 square feet
14410 BROADWINGED DRIVE
$925,000
Sold: Jan. 30 5 bedrooms
4½ bathrooms
5,478 square feet
The Big Picture:
After three straight strong months, the local real estate market had a disappointing January, with home sales down 41% in the Haymarket and Gainesville ZIP codes combined, compared with January 2024.
And… Pending sales declined significantly in both ZIP codes, and new listings were also down overall, according to the latest data from the Prince William Association of Realtors. The only bright spot was that homes continued to sell quickly – on average after less than three weeks on the market.
The January Details:
Closed sales:
• Down 22.6% in Gainesville to 24 units
• Down 60% in Haymarket to 12 units
• Combined sales totaled 36, down from 61 a year earlier
New Pending sales:
• Down 8.8% in Gainesville
• Down 59% in Haymarket
Median sales price:
• Up 21.8% to $810,000 in Gainesville
• Down 6.3% to $610,500 in Haymarket
Average days on market (homes sold in January):
• 20 in Gainesville
• 16 in Haymarket
7129 CURRIE FARM DRIVE
$1,222,000
Sold: Jan. 31
5 bedrooms
4½ bathrooms 4,816 square feet
15177 FOG MOUNTAIN CIRCLE
$940,000
Sold: Jan. 24
3 bedrooms 5 bathrooms 4,190 square feet
1505 DUFFEY DRIVE
$648,990
Sold: Feb. 7 2 bedrooms
3½ bathrooms 2,696 square feet
16109 PITNER ST.
$625,000
Sold: Jan. 2
3 bedrooms
2½ bathrooms 2,277 square feet
5489 RODRIQUEZ LANE
$615,000
Sold: Jan. 30
2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms 1,951 square feet
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McPike’s data center taxation bill dies in House subcommittee
AVirginia House of Delegates subcommittee tabled Senate Bill 1305, championed by Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-29th District. The measure was intended to lower tax bills for PW Digital Gateway landowners while pending litigation is resolved.
A House subcommittee of the Counties, Cities and Towns Committee voted 6-2 to lay the bill on the table.
McPike’s proposal sought to alter the state code such that a rezoning could not be taxed as the new zoning until all legal challenges are resolved or the property is sold.
The senator represents a large portion of Prince William County but not the Digital Gateway corridor near Haymarket.
Couples say ‘I do’ at clerk's annual Valentine’s bash
Manassas residents Kimberly Jordan and Giovanni Hilaya Vargas could think of no better day to tie the knot than on their 13th anniversary as a couple, which happened to fall on the most romantic day of the year.
“It was perfect that we got married today,” Jordan said.
Jordan and Vargas walked down the aisle Feb. 14 adorned with rose petals and joined hands under a floral arch where Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline Smith joined them in holy matrimony.
The couple was one of 19 to say “I do” at the Circuit Court Clerk’s seventh annual Valentine’s Day Bash in Manassas.
Smith officiated each of the ceremonies, which took place 15 minutes apart from one another. Couples exchanged vows at the ARTfactory, a contemporary art hub located in the refurbished historic Hopkins Candy Factory building in downtown Manassas.
Kimberly Jordan and Giovanni Hilaya Vargas were married by Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline Smith at the Circuit Court Clerk’s seventh annual Valentine’s Day Bash at the ARTfactory in Manassas on Feb. 14. By
Cameron Delean/ InsideNoVa Staff
Heritage Hunt community sees resident backlash amid DOJ investigation
The Heritage Hunt Homeowners Association’s Board of Directors voted narrowly to deny a resident complaint related to an ongoing Department of Justice investigation into whether the HOA in 2020 illegally applied for a Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, loan.
The board voted 4-3 against the complaint during its Jan. 23 meeting, with three of the four dissenting votes cast by members who were also serving on the board when the loan was approved in April 2020.
The complaint sought the resignation of Sandra Painter, the board’s president at the time of the loan’s approval. Current board President Maureen Storey allowed Painter, now the board’s secretary, to cast one of the four dissenting votes on the matter without recusing herself, despite Painter’s involvement in the initial PPP loan application.
Heritage Hunt is a 55-and-over community in Gainesville near Interstate 66 and Route 29. According to documents provided to InsideNoVa, the resident complaint was jointly filed by “five households” in the community.
Western Prince
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