Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine December 2022

HAYMARKET/ GAINESVILLE LIFESTYLE

From working as the head chef at his restaurant, to enjoying tennis, basketball, skiing and motocross, Andrea Ferrero’s life has kept him in motion. But it took a toll on his knees. After years of steroid shots, he opted for knee replacement surgery at Fauquier Health. “Being able to come back so quickly was amazing,” says Andrea. Joint and spine care at Fauquier Health. Today and every day.

Andrea Ferrero Orthopedic patient

FROM

s I write this, my husband and I are in New York City getting ready to head into the crowds to enjoy the twinkling lights and explore the holiday won derland Bryant Park’s been turned into for the season. At some point I’m certain I’ll claim frostbite (because it is so cold here!) and we’ll find me a hot chocolate to sip while I pursue my all-time favorite activity: people watching. I find people fascinating and I find the people in our community to be particularly so.

In this issue you’ll meet two local women who keep the spirit of the holi days in their hearts all year long. Sara Knight and Keysha Williams can only be described as angels for all the good they do for others in our community. Both women do and give and support because it’s how they’re built. They have helped countless individuals and families in Haymarket and Gaines ville and deserve our deepest thanks.

Thank you also, dear readers, for spending another year with Haymarket-Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine. For reading. For voting in Best Of. For entering your pets in our Cutest Pets Contest. (And for voting. Don’t forget to vote!) And thank you to our advertisers. We would not be here without your support.

Until we meet again in January, our best wishes for a season of joy, happiness, and health.

Cheers!

EDITOR Susan McCorkindale

CONTENTS

8 The To-Do List 10 Seasonal Fun for the Whole Family! 14 day trip All Aboard with Santa and Mrs. Claus Begin a new holiday tradition on the Santa Express

BY BILL KENT AND PAM KAMPHUIS

16 at home Organizing the Holidays

BY CAITLIN ADKINS

20 wine & dine Hosting a “Trim the Tree” Party? Dazzle guests with this yummy buffet and perfectly paired wines!

BY KARLA JONES SEIDITA, HOME ECONOMIST

24 cover story Community Angels: Meet two local women who do good deeds year ‘round

BY SUE BALDANI

30 our neighbors Meet Bristow’s Bill Wides: Award-winning attorney, community advocate, and darn good dad

BY SUE BALDANI

36 young entrepreneur Making Her Mark On the Beauty Business: Meet 21-year-old Michaela Murphy

BY SUE BALDANI

ON THE COVER

Sara Knight and Keysha Washington. Photograph by Luke Christopher

LIFESTYLE Celebrating Western Prince William County

The Haymarket Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed to over 11,500 selected addresses. The Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed to over 8,000 selected addresses. While reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Haymarket and Gainesville Lifestyle Magazines, 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. ©2022 Rappahannock Media LLC.

The Lifestyle

are

INSIDENOVA.COM

PUBLISHER Dennis Brack dennis@whglifestyle.com

EDITOR Susan McCorkindale susan@whglifestyle.com

ART DIRECTOR Kara Thorpe kara@whglifestyle.com

ADVERTISING

Sales Director: Jim Kelly jim@whglifestyle.com, 434-987-3542

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CREATIVE

Surfing & Spinning on Top of the World

Congratulations to our friend KEITH “KEBE” SNYDER who just set another skysurfing Guinness World Record. See it here!

Check out this month’s diversions as we near the New Year to do list

READ

TASTE

Looking for a holiday dessert your guests will love? DUNBRI’S DESSERT CAFE’S

MINI CAKES are creamy, perfectly portioned palate pleasers. Available in Red Velvet, Tiramisu, and Key Lime Pie. dunbris.com

DO

‘Tis the season of calorie consumption!

Fight back with a fun cardio class on Tuesday nights at JAZZERCISE HAYMARKET

FITNESS CENTER’s new adult class. Tuesdays, 7:158:15 p.m. $10. Information: JennaHipHop@ Hotmail.com

BUY

Teachers on your holiday shopping list? Play Santa at TEACHABLES The Bristow retailer offers a variety of classroom supplies and gift baskets filled with goodies teachers love. teachablesnova.com

Seasonal Fun for the Whole Family

Get out your calendar!

DECEMBER 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18

GUMDROP SQUARE

GumDrop Square is a long-time Warrenton holiday tradition. Bring the kids for photos with Santa and the chance to shop at Santa’s Secret Shop, where children can purchase $2 tickets to buy gifts for family and friends without parents looking over their shoulder.

JOHN BARTON PAYNE BUILDING | DECEMBER, 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, AND 18 | SATURDAY 11 A.M.-3 P.M. AND SUNDAY HOURS 1 P.M.-4 P.M. | INFORMATION: FB: @EXPERIENCEOTW

There’s so much holiday fun to be had this season, you’ll want to take note – and take the kids! – to the activities, performances, and singalongs listed below.

DECEMBER 2-18

IRVING BERLIN’S HOLIDAY INN

Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut… but life just isn’t the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim’s luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling perfor mances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. But when Jim’s best friend Ted tries to lure Linda to Hollywood to be his new dance partner, will Jim be able to salvage his latest chance at love?

FAUQUIER COMMUNITY THEATRE | 4225 AIKEN DR., WARRENTON. | ADULTS $22; SENIORS (60 AND UP) $20; FULL-TIME STUDENTS $18. | TICKETS: HTTPS:// FCTSTAGE.ORG/SHOWS-TICKETS/

DECEMBER 8, 9, 10

CHRISTMAS IN MUSIC BY THE WARRENTON CHORALE WITH THE PB SMITH HONOR CHOIR

For over 70 years, the Warrenton Chorale’s Christmas performance has been a Fauquier County tradition to ring in the season with a mixture of sacred and secular pieces that bring back fond memories of yesteryear.

WARRENTON UNITED METHODIST, 341 CHURCH STREET, WARRENTON | DEC. 8 & 9, 7:30 P.M., DEC. 10, 3 P.M. | TICKETS: WARRENTONCHORALE.ORG

DECEMBER 9

IT’S CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA WITH THE VIENNA BOYS CHOIR

The holiday season isn’t complete without the return of the Vienna Boys Choir. Experience the cherubic ensemble of boy sopranos and altos from eight to 14. The group’s yuletide program has something for ev eryone: Baroque classics, contemporary popular hits, Christian hymns, Austrian folk tunes, polkas, waltzes, and more!

MASON CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 4373

MASON POND DR., FAIRFAX | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 8:00 P.M. | FOR TICKETS: CFA.CALENDAR.GMU.EDU/VIENNA-BOYSCHOIR

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 8

BULL RUN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

DECEMBER 9-18

THE TRIAL

OF EBENEZER SCROOGE,

PRINCE WILLIAM LITTLE THEATRE

The Trial of the Century! A year after his miraculous transformation, Ebenezer Scrooge is back to his old ways and sues Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future for breaking and entering, kidnapping, slander, pain and suffering, attempted murder and the intentional infliction of emotional distress. Will Ebenezer rediscover the true meaning of Christmas? This comedy demonstrates that we should have the spirit of giving in our hearts every day, not just once a year.

GREGORY FAMILY THEATER, HYLTON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, MANASSAS | ADULTS $20; SENIORS (55 AND OVER), STUDENTS (13 AND OLDER) ACTIVE AND RETIRED MILITARY $17; YOUTH (12 AND UNDER) $13 YOUTH | TICKETS: HTTPS://HYLTON.CALENDAR. GMU.EDU/THE-TRIAL-OFEBENEZER-SCROOGE

DECEMBER 11

PIEDMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERT: MESSIAH SING-ALONG

Pile your family in the car for one of Northern Virginia’s favorite holiday activities. The route is 2.5 miles, illuminated by a wide array of holiday light displays. Be socially distant and drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn off your headlights and just follow the magical glow.

MONDAY - THURSDAY NIGHTS, 5:30 P.M. TO 9:30 P.M. | FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND HOLIDAY NIGHTS, 5:30 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M. HOLIDAYS INCLUDE NOVEMBER 24, DECEMBER 24, 25, 31, AND JANUARY 1. | $30 PER VEHICLE ONLINE; $40 PER VEHICLE AT THE GATE | TICKETS: NOVAPARKS.COM/ EVENTS/BULL-RUN-FESTIVAL-OF-LIGHTS

DECEMBER 12 FAUQUIER COMMUNITY BAND ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT

Put on your holiday best and join the band for a festive time at this free concert with audience singalongs. Enjoy classical and popular holiday favorites like “Sleigh Ride", "Winter Wonderland", and "Merry Christmas Darling" with the Fauquier Community Band led by Paul Hicks and Katie Bryant.

FAUQUIER HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM, 705 WATERLOO ST., WARRENTON | MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 7 P.M. | FAUQUIERCOMMUNITYBAND.COM

Join the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra for their annual Holiday Concert, featuring selections from Handel's "Messiah" and more holiday favorites! With classics like Sleigh Ride, The Christmas Song, and Around the World at Christmastime, the PSO celebrates the sounds of the season. Lift your voices and sing along to the Hallelujah Chorus and other highlights from Handel's majestic ora torio and get into the holiday spirit with the PSO.

HIGHLAND SCHOOL CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 597 BROADVIEW AVENUE, WARRENTON | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 3 P.M. | TICKETS: INSIDENOVATIX.COM

DECEMBER 16-23

MANASSAS BALLET THEATRE’S THE NUTCRACKER

Manassas Ballet Theatre, the resident professional ballet company of the Hylton Performing Arts Center, presents eight performances of everyone’s favorite holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. The magical story comes to life on the Hylton stage as Clara attends her family’s Christmas Eve party, where she receives the gift of a Nutcracker. Together they go on a dream adventure with the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Snow Queen, and other fantastical characters. Sure to delight all ages, gorgeous sets and costumes plus live music by the Manassas Ballet Theatre orchestra set the backdrop for a great family tradition.

HYLTON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 10960 GEORGE MASON CIRCLE, MANASSAS | TICKETS: HTTPS://HYLTON.CALENDAR.GMU. EDU/MANASSAS-BALLET-THEATRE-THENUTCRACKER/ hg

All Aboard with Santa and Mrs. Claus

40-minute train ride departing from historic Staunton that features dazzling views of holiday lights, sparkly Christmas trees, delectable treats, holiday music, and, of course, Santa and his Missus.

The Santa Express is hosted by Virginia Scenic Railway, a subsidiary of Buckingham Branch Railroad, which started its tourist rail excursions in August of 2022 out of the Staunton Amtrak station. Quickly becoming popular, the excursions offer a unique experience combining the breathtaking scenery of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains, an upscale dining experience, and the ambiance of a restored 1940s passenger car with cherry and maple wood trim.

Linda Trainum of Waynesboro said, “My husband and I tried an excursion on Virginia Scenic Railway for our anni versary. We were blown away by the experience. Every thing was spotless and shiny, the service was excellent, the food was delicious, and the scenery was gorgeous. Virginia Scenic Railway hit it out of the park in every single way.”

When she heard about the launch of the Santa Express for this year, she immediately thought of her two-year-old grand son who is obsessed with trains and bought tickets right away. “It’s really a no-brainer to take him. Just getting on the train will amaze him, but adding Santa and all the holiday features might well blow his mind. He is going to be so excited.”

Passengers for the Santa Express are advised to arrive early at the Staunton Amtrak station to admire decorations outside and inside the train, meet Conductor Travis Car ter and the rest of the train’s staff, and listen to holiday music. Shortly after the train departs, passengers get a holiday cookie or similar treat for those on special diets, with a choice of non-alcoholic beverag es like hot chocolate served in a souvenir cup.

BY BILL KENT AND PAM KAMPHUIS PHOTOS COURTESY OF VIRGINIA SCENIC RAILWAY

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what bet ter way to celebrate than dressing up in your holiday best and meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus on a historic train ride? Try the Santa Express, a magical round-trip

At just about the time riders fin ish their cookie, the train slows and stops at what appears to be Santa’s Workshop. Mr. Claus comes on board and, for the ride back, poses for pictures and asks guests what they want for Christmas. A few more surprises await before the ride ends. w

Organizing the Holidays

Tips for managing the chaos this year and next

BY CAITLIN ADKINS, SPACES ORGANIZED AND STYLED

Decorating for the holiday season is a treasured family tradition for many, but opening the boxes of decorations that were hastily put away last year can be daunting. After the holidays we are exhausted and we all get caught up in the “stuff it all in a box and sort it out next year” syndrome. By preparing and organizing this year, next year can be a breeze when the bins come out! Lifestyle magazine asked professional organizer Caitlin Adkins of Spaces Organized and Styled in Marshall for some tips.

Start off on the right foot:

As you are pulling things out of storage this year and decorating, take a look at what you are leaving behind in the bins/ boxes. Do you have grandma’s handmade ornaments that don’t fit your theme? Or maybe your less efficient energy incandes cent strand of lights have been upgraded to LED and are always at the bottom of the box. Start setting these items aside now. Throw away old lights, and plan to donate or pass along any sentimental items to family members. Also notice which items look “tired” or are missing parts/chipped/broken. Use this as a time to repair things or update a few pieces.

During the holiday season, frequent gift wrapping is a necessity. But unless it’s stored properly, your wrapping paper might be torn or wrinkled. And where on earth are the scissors? Bows? And, the most elusive item during the holiday season: the tape? I see a lot of clients try to use the plastic ver tical gift wrap storage containers, and they almost never work. Wrapping paper tends

expert tips

Be careful storing your holiday decor in the attic: candles will melt over the summer. Go for a minimalist look for the holidays. Don’t just add your holiday decor to your already crowded surfaces. Put away some of the yearround trinkets to make room.

When putting away the ornaments, store the non-fragile kids ornaments separately. Next year when it’s time to decorate the tree, you can just hand them the bag without being afraid your greatgrandmother’s hand-blown treasures will be at risk.

to be a lot longer than these bins so it’s a less than ideal solution. Instead, I recommend using a horizontal flexible wrapping paper storage organizer.

They allow you to easily store your pa per, scissors, tape, ribbon and tags. They also stack really nicely on a shelf or under a bed, or can stand between the shelf and wall when stored away

Plastic bins

Decorations should last years and mul tiple uses. But storing items in cardboard boxes is a big no. Cardboard boxes attract roaches, sly silverfish and a whole lot more pests you do not want in your home. They are also extremely susceptible to moisture damage, especially when they are usually kept in basements, garages and barns. The end of the year many stores have plastic/rubber storage bins on sale, so take this time to upgrade. Buy them in red and green to identify them easily next year. If you are planning to store sentimental items in an area you know is prone to flooding, make sure the bin is weathertight.

Wreath Organizer

One of the number one things I see my clients doing wrong when organizing/ storing holiday decorations is not using a

good wreath storage option. They gener ally just get tossed on a hook in the garage which leads them to get bugs during the spring/summer months. A wreath can be an investment and should last for many years. Stay away from the flexible, collaps ible versions; opt for a hard plastic wreath container that will protect the wreath’s shape.

Christmas Tree Bags

If you are going to be storing your tree in a bag, make sure you get one with wheels, trust me! Also consider putting the Christmas tree box in first. These bags are great but lose their shape and offer no protection to your tree getting smashed.

Ornament organizers

We all have had a memory of unwrapping a glass ornament that was buried in a stor age box and as we unwrap it, the ornament falls. Maybe we are still using those boxes with the clear plastic over the front which never hold the ornaments in and the plastic tears away after a year or two. Invest in a sturdy ornament storage organizer with in dividual sections for each ornament. Many come with customizable inserts which allow storage of larger ornaments. One with a clear front panel is ideal, so you can see the contents at a glance. w

Storing lights is always a challenge! There are a lot of gizmos out there that don’t really work. Keeping the original box to store them might work in some instances. Do you have an answer? If you’ve found something that works for lights, let us know at editor@ warrentonlifestyle.com

Gather

Santa’s

Helpers for a Trim the Tree Party

BY KARLA JONES SEIDITA, HOME ECONOMIST

Invite the elves to deck the halls and hang the tinsel. And when the elves get hungry, serve them this tempting buffet of season’s eatings and drinkings.

The shining stars of the menu are three easy to make, easy to serve, easy to eat casseroles. Everything is bite size so Santa’s tree trimming helpers won’t need to juggle plates, knives and ornaments. The casseroles keep warm in slow cookers making them easy to nibble while stringing all the twinkling lights.

Each recipe serves about 6 in buffet size portions. Double or triple the recipes as needed. There is a vegan option for the cheesy pasta, too, should any of your elves prefer plant-based.

Everyone will be rockin’ around your Christmas tree. Christmas - it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

(about 2 cups)

2 stalks celery – chopped (about 1 cup)

1 Tablespoon chopped garlic

2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1-1/2 cups burgundy or other dry red wine

2 cups beef broth

16 oz. fresh mushrooms (any type – washed & sliced)

GARNISH INGREDIENTS

1 (12 to 16 oz.) package noodles

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

3 Tablespoons chopped fresh, curly parsley (no stems)

2. Trim and discard any fat from meat. Cut meat into 1/2 inch cubes. Toss with remaining stew ingredients. Pour into prepared casserole. Cover.

3. Roast 1 1/2 hours. Stir. Continue roasting (covered) until meat and vegetables are very ten der – about 1 hour more. Add additional broth, if necessary, for a consistency you like.

4. Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package di rections. Drain. Toss with oil to prevent sticking. Put into preheated slow cooker. Top with hot stew. Sprinkle with parsley. Cover. Lower to “keep warm” for serving.

PAIRS WELL WITH CABERNET FRANC : Cabernet Franc is a delicious accompaniment to this dish as its savory and herbaceous flavors pair best with tender cuts of beef. Local Vintage: 2021 Philip Carter Nomini Hall Cabernet Franc. $35. winery.com

Dazzle guests with this yummy buffet and perfectly paired wines!

Sweet and Sour Asian Chicken

This casserole is so easy you may never get takeout again! For vegan, sub plant-based, vegan, breaded faux chicken strips. Yule luv it!!

INGREDIENTS

1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks in juice

Additional pineapple juice (about 2 cupsunsweetened)

¼ cup sugar

2 Tablespoons corn starch

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup vinegar

4 carrots (about ½ pound)

1 large green pepper

1 (20 to 24 oz.) package breaded chicken (or faux chicken) strips (cooked according to package directions)

GARNISH INGREDIENTS

4 cups hot, cooked rice

3 Tablespoons chopped fresh, curly parsley (no stems)

DIRECTIONS

1. Peel carrots. Diagonally cut ¼ inch thick. Microwave to soften-about 3 minutes.

2. Cut green pepper into bite size squares. (Leave raw.)

3. Cut each cooked chicken (or faux chicken) strip into 1-1/2 inch pieces.

4. Set everything aside while making the sauce.

5. Drain pineapple reserving the juice. Measure the juice. Add additional pineapple juice to make a total of 3 cups juice. Put into a medium pot. Whisk in sugar, corn starch, soy sauce and vinegar. Bring to a boil on medium heat, whisking until thickened – about 3 minutes. Fold in carrots, raw green pepper and chicken (or faux chicken). Cook till hot – about 5 minutes.

6. Put hot cooked rice into preheat slow cooker. Spoon chicken mixture over rice. Sprinkle with parsley. Cov er. Lower to keep warm for serving.

PAIRS WELL WITH VIOGNIER: Viognier is an excellent choice here. It’s a full-bodied white wine beloved for its fruity aromas. Local Vintage: DuCard Vineyards 2020 Signature Viognier. This aromatic dry white features wildflowers at first and honey and melon in the background. $34. ducardvineyards.com

FOR VEGAN Use vegan pasta sauce, egg-free pasta and sub plant-based cheese sauce for dairy cheese.

Easy-Cheesy Pasta

Purists will not approve of white Velveeta in this recipe but mozzarella just wouldn’t hold up well. As delicious as it is, mozzarella can get rubbery when held on a buffet for extended periods of time.

White Velveeta, on the other hand, does just fine and even purists, if you don’t tell them, will come back for seconds.

Penne rigate (ridged) pasta is suggested because the ridges hold the sauce and it can be eaten without cutting or twirling but any similar, bite size pasta works well.

CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS

1 (16 oz.) package penne rigata pasta 2 Tablespoons olive oil 6 cups your favorite pasta sauce 24 oz. white Velveeta (Queso Blanco - cut into random ½ inch chunks)

How to Preheat a Slow Cooker

It’s important to preheat the slow cooker so it doesn’t crack when hot food is added. Here’s how: oil the slow cooker or coat with cooking spray. Cover (empty) and set on low to preheat (about 10 minutes). Add the hot entrée after preheating. Lower heat to “keep warm” setting for serving.

PAIRS WELL WITH MERLOT: If your favorite pasta sauce is tomato-based, you can’t go wrong with Merlot. With its soft tannins and fruiti ness, it’s perfect with food or on its own. Lo cal Vintage: Barrel Oak 2019 Merlot. Garnet color with aroma of red fruit and a palate of bright flavor of cranberry and pomegranate, the 2019 Merlot offers a warm spice on the finish. $39. barreloak.com

PAIRS WELL WITH PINOT NOIR: If your favorite pasta sauce is creamy, you’d be wise to go with Pinot Noir. It’s the most popular, light-bodied red wine anywhere and is loved for its red fruit and spice aromas. Local Vintage: The Winery at LaGrange’s 2020 Pinot Noir. With aromas of apple, cooked fruits, and oak, and a palate of red fruits and soft tannins, the 2020 Pinot noir offers a short finish with low acidity and notes of cherry. $50. wineryatlagrange.com

GARNISH INGREDIENTS

¼ cup finely chopped, fresh parsley leaves (curly type – no stems)

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook penne according to package directions. Drain. 2. Toss with olive oil to prevent pasta from stick ing together. Set aside. Heat the pasta sauce to boiling. 3. To assemble casserole, spread 1 cup heated sauce on bottom of a preheated slow cooker. Top evenly with ½ the cooked penne, 2 cups heated sauce then ½ the cheese. Repeat with remaining penne, remaining sauce and ending with remaining cheese. Cover slow cooker. Cook on low till cheese melts – about 20 min utes. Sprinkle with parsley. Lower temperature to “keep warm” for serving. hg

angels community

Meet two local women who do good deeds year ‘round

BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOS BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER

There are many people doing good deeds around the country, including right here in our community, but we don’t always hear about them. The ones who are selflessly giving their time to help others don’t often blow their own horns and make a big deal about what they do. Instead, they just quietly work hard to make a difference in the lives of neighbors, friends, and total strangers. Two of these “angels” are featured here. Some of you may know them, especially if you or your family has been touched by their goodness.

Keysha Washington

NOKESVILLE

Mother, wife, realtor, volunteer, and all around giver

When Keysha Washington’s younger daughter, Makiya, was in Gainesville Middle School, there would be a Giving Tree placed in the hallway with tags of what different school children and their families wanted or needed for Christmas. It could be toys, books, clothes – almost anything. “Every year, I picked two or three because I was so afraid that some body's tag was going to be left on the tree,” she says.

When her daughter graduated from the school, Wash ington wanted to find other ways to help families around the holidays. So, she posted on social media asking people if they knew of anyone who had fallen on hard times and if so, to let her know in a confidential manner.

“I started to sponsor a few families this way and I’ve been doing that now for years,” says Washington. “The last two years, I have also provided a meal for a couple of families at Thanksgiving.” She’s also

cooked meals for local families experiencing major life upheavals. She even paid one family’s mortgage for a month.

Washington doesn’t collect money in order to do this; everything comes out of her own pocket. “I just love to give to people, and sometimes it’s random. If I see a GoFundMe or a meal train, it just really fills my heart and I have to participate.”

Washington has always been a giving person, and part of that came from watching her late mother, Carolyn Garcia, help those who needed it. One thing she says that really stands out in her mind about her mother was when Hurricane Katrina hit. It was right before Garcia died, and instead of worrying about herself, she was worried about the victims and wanted to assist them.

“She would always help people, so I just grew up like

When Keysha Washington isn’t giving Starbucks gift cards to random strangers in need, she and her organization Giving On Another Level (GOAL) are gathering school supplies and stuffing backpacks for local children and collecting food for the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry.

that,” she says. “We never went without, but we weren't rich by any means. She worked so, so hard as a nurse.”

Washington is also on the board of G.O.A.L. (Giving On Another Level) which she formed with a group of her girl friends. “We sponsored Yorkshire Elementary in Manassas and stuffed 857 backpacks. We had this huge 80’s themed concert and raised over $15,000 for the PTO.”

Pre-COVID, the group also served meals to the home less. “We helped some of them get driver's licenses too because you have to have an ID to get a job, and we've also held resume writing workshops.”

Occasionally, Washington will give away a Starbucks gift card so someone can get a free coffee on her. “That's something fun that I love to do because I love coffee.”

Something new Washington has started is a Stuff-ATruck event. Sponsored by her real estate office, Heart

to Home Properties Powered by Samson Properties, as well as others in the real estate industry, it will take place on December 10 at NOVA Sportsplex in Manassas. Donations such as toys and food will be loaded into a big U-Haul truck and distributed to both House of Mercy in Manassas and the Haymarket Food Pantry.

Washington and long-time friend Yara Pabon, who is partnering with her and providing the parking lot for the event, also arranged for a face painter and food trucks to be on site. It’s important to them to allow the community a way to give back and have fun at the same time.

Fortunately, her husband Michael and two daughters are very supportive of all she does, and her selflessness has definitely had an impact on Makiya, who is now 17, and Keyanna, who is 25. When she sees them giving to others, she says it warms her heart.

Sara Knight

BRISTOW

Wife, mother, and founder of the Sweet Julia Grace Foundation

Sara Knight, of Bristow, didn’t plan on starting her own foundation. It was born out of love, loss, and the desire to help others manage one of the worst nightmares a parent can face. “We watched our child overcome, suffer and smile in the midst of impossible situations, and we walked with her through 12 years of joy, fear, hope and pain,” she says. “When Julia passed away [from a rare disease called I-cell], I was drawn back into that world to be with other parents who were still in it.”

While Julia was alive, it was easy to find other families who were going through a crisis. “When she was in the hospital, I could not wait to meet the other moms who were down the hall. I just felt like I had the compassion to understand where they were at.”

Even though Knight had lost her own daughter, she still had so much to give to these other families. “I wasn't sure how I was going to be able to continue to support them,” she says. “I prayed about it and told God, ‘I know I’m be ing drawn towards something, but I don't know what it is. The only way I can do this is if you give me a clear vision and show me the first steps.’”

“I just love to give to people... it just really fills my heart”

“I’m very fortunate to have an avenue to honor my daughter”

Children helped by the Sweet Julia Grace Foundation (SJGF) are called Raindancers. Above left: Raindancer Max receiving his all-terrain wheelchair from SJGF. Right: Sara visiting Raindancer Matthew to bring him and his mom some gifts during one of his long hospital stays.

get to

Hometown: Originally from a little town called Newark in Upstate New York, Washington now lives in Nokesville.

Family: Husband Michael, and daughters Keyanna and Makiya

Favorite local restaurant: Hector’s of Nokesville. “They have great margaritas!”

Favorite holiday: Christmas. “For kids, it’s about the gifts, but as I got older, it became more about just being together under one roof.”

Favorite pastimes: Reading, listening to podcasts, cooking, and going on coffee dates with friends and colleagues.

Her philosophy: “I’m flattered to be in this magazine, but I don’t do what I do for the recognition. I do it because when I see a smile on someone’s face or people message me about how thankful they are, the feeling is indescribable. It just makes me feel so good.”

Organization: G.O.A.L. (Giving On Another Level) www.goal.community/about Mission: The purpose of Giving On Another Level, Inc. is to empower individuals with the necessities and tools to overcome life obstacles, and become self-sufficient.

Hometown:

Originally from West Virginia, Sara and her family reside in Bristow

Sara KNOW

Family: Husband Jason and son Cameron (who daughter, Julia Grace, called Bubba)

Favorite local restaurant: El Tio. “It's just such an easy place to hang out and meet friends.”

Favorite holiday: Christmas. Our foundation has a lot of Christmas traditions such as caroling. We pick a family that needs some extra joy and we usually take care of their Christmas presents as well. We also have a Christmas party which allows the kids to have time with Santa. Every year they get a snow globe and other gifts.

Favorite pastimes:

Going to the family cabin in West Virginia, spending time with friends, and paddleboarding. “I also spend quiet time with God every morning.”

Organization: The Sweet Julia Grace Foundation sweetjuliagrace.org Mission: To Bless, Celebrate, and Love children who are seriously ill, have special needs, or are currently facing a medical crisis.

One night in 2013, about a month after Julia passed away, Knight was lying in bed and suddenly had a vision of a little girl holding an umbrella. “And I heard in my heart, ‘The Sweet Julia Grace Foundation - helping children dance in the rain.’ Julia's life quote was, ‘Life isn’t about waiting for the storms to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain’ [by Vivian Greene.] We always said that no matter what she was going through, Julia just kept teaching us how to dance in the rain.”

Now that she had her vision, she had to figure out what to do next. “When you’re in such a deep place of grief and sadness and you have something that inspires you, it's like a ladder to climb up out of the grief. So I started climbing.”

The Sweet Julia Grace Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organi zation, was officially founded in 2014. “I'm very fortunate to have an avenue to honor my daughter,” says Knight. “We carry on her legacy by being able to come along side families who have children who are going through a medical crisis, have special needs, or are seriously ill. And

it allows me to come inside their inner circle, which is a very sacred, intimate, fragile place to be, and really get to know them and how we can support them.”

Fortunately, she has lots of help. Her husband, Jason, is a great supporter. “My son Cameron is also involved, as are my parents and best friends,” she says. “The people who volunteer with us have become my best friends too. The support I get from my family, friends, community partners, donors and sponsors allows me and the founda tion to do what we do.”

In recognition of Knight’s dedication, she has been awarded the PWC Healthy Communities, Healthy Youth “Local Hero Award,” the “Senator Charles L. Colgan Advocacy Award,” bestowed annually by the Indepen dence Empowerment Center of Manassas, and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s “Agnes L. Colgan Com munity Service Award.”

Starting the foundation has been a true blessing. It's not the doing that heals you, it's when you decide to serve others, love others, and focus on others,” she says. “Then God just naturally continues the work that he's doing to heal your heart at the same time.” hg

From left: Keysha and a GOAL board member collect food at Giant in Haymarket; volunteers at the GOAL backpack stuffing event; Sara visiting Raindancer Finley and presenting him with his very own yellow umbrella.

Bottom left: Sara and Raindancer Amy, a member of the SJGF family since 2016.

Meet Bristow’s Bill Wides:

Award-winning attorney, community advocate, and darn good dad

BY SUE BALDANI

Lawyers, says attorney and Bristow resident William (Bill) Wides, sometimes get a bad rap. “You're not going to tell us a lawyer joke about how we're all sharks that we haven't heard before,” he says. “Even one of Shakespeare's most famous lines was ‘The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.’”

He feels there's a perception that lawyers only care about making money. “That's just not the case. This is my eighth year as a member of the Prince William County Bar Association (PWCBA), and I'm still surprised at how quickly the attorneys are willing to either give their time and/or give their money towards worthwhile causes.”

The PWCBA partners with many of the victim ad vocacy groups in the community, including the Court Appointed Special Advocate® (CASA), an organization of volunteer child advocates. “We have a philanthropic arm of our Bar association, which is the Prince William County Bar Foundation, that we created specifically to give back to our community,” says Wides.

our neighbors ership position, so when my term was coming to an end in 2020, I ran to be president of the PWCBA.”

He adds, “Lawyers on average are doing well in life, but again, on average, those lawyers turn around and try to pull everyone else up along with them. I'm not sure if the public is aware of that.”

Wides certainly does his part to help, even though he’s a very busy guy. He’s a partner with Compton & Duling, Attorneys At Law, is currently serving as PWCBA’s presi dent, and is also a devoted husband and father.

“At my former law firm, the Manassas Law Group [where he made partner at 32 - possibly the youngest to do so in the PWCBA’s history], they encouraged me to get involved in the community,” says Wides. “So I ran to be one of the at-large directors on PWCBA’s board of directors, which was a four-year commitment. I started serving in 2016, and enjoyed being involved and in a lead

From top: Wides in his office at Compton & Duling, as Master of Ceremonies for the 2022 Prince William Bar Association Dinner Dance in March, and with wife Alison and son Ben, in May.

In January of 2021, he was named president elect, and then in 2022, became the president. In 2023, he’ll be on the board for one more year as the immediate past presi dent. In total, it’s a three-year commitment.

Wides has also served as chair of the Membership and Mentoring Committee, which partners novice lawyers with more experienced lawyers. Another program that’s close to his heart is JUSTice Like Me, where he serves on the planning committee. “Nationally, there’s a program called Colors of Justice, and the PWCBA co-opted it into our own program. With ‘JUST’ being all capitalized, it reads at first glance as ‘Just Like Me’, and it’s a program specifically designed to increase the diversity in the prac tice of law and in the courthouse overall.

Don’t use tinsel!

Top: Wides and members of the Prince William Bar Association (PWCBA) at the City of Manassas Expungement Clinic in August. Left: Wides joined PWCBA Immediate Past President Donna Dougherty to receive the Virginia State Bar’s Award of Merit for the JUSTice Like Me Program. Right: At the PWCBA Legislative Reception in June with, from left to right, Del. Danica Roem, Del. Briana Sewell, Del. Luke Torian, Sen. Scott Surovell, Del. Elizabeth Guzman, Wides, and Del. Michelle Maldonado.

“Statistically speaking, lawyers don’t match the diversity of the population, and so this program is really targeted towards showing local Prince William County high schoolers that a career in law is something they might consider pursuing.”

Wides has also been the recipient of many awards for his good works. In 2017, he received the Significant Service Award from the Virginia State Bar. “One of its subcom mittees is the Young Lawyers Conference of the Virginia State Bar which gives out awards every year to lawyers they deem as doing something significant within their commu nities,” he says. “I was a recipient of that award for my in volvement with the Prince William County's version of the Young Lawyers Committee and was organizing breakfasts at a local homeless shelter once a month.”

From 2019 to 2022, he’s been named a Rising Star by the Virginia and West Virginia Super Lawyer Magazine, and in 2021, he was recognized as an Up and Coming Lawyer by Virginia’s Lawyers Weekly.

Law is certainly a career he loves, and why he spent many years in the courtroom, where he thrived. “I was in court at least four days a week, if not five days a week,” says Wides. “I loved the court side of things, but the stress of building a practice, volunteering and other activities, I realized I wanted a change.” In February of this year, he became a partner with Compton & Duling doing civil litigation, which gives him more time for his personal life.

“I'm getting more involved in the Prince William Coun ty Chamber of Commerce, and my wife Alison and I are

His lovely love story

My wife and I met through a mutual friend during college. Alison attended American University in DC while I was at the University of Delaware, however my college roommate and Alison grew up in the same small town. We first met when she visited UD. Our four-year wedding anniversary was November 10th.

His favorite sports team

Penn State football.

Book that made a lasting impact on him

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Easy out as an attorney, I know, but this book was the first time I saw that one person can ensure that our judicial system achieves a just result, even when the entire community is pushing against him.

Sports he plays…or tries to

I played a lot of sports until middle school, when the big kids became big and I… didn’t. Since then I’ve been a runner; doing cross-country and winter and spring track throughout high school. I’ve also recently started trying to become a golfer.

His favorite restaurant/ vineyard/ brewery

The Farm Brewery at Broad Run. We enjoy going there because it’s extremely kid friendly, with their large field allowing kids and dogs alike to burn off some energy, and they have a wide selection of drinks for the adults to enjoy.

His hobbies

I enjoy getting outside when I can: hiking, going for runs, or occasionally going for long bike rides. I also enjoy reading.

Why he likes living here

The proximity to so many enjoyable activities. If we head east, in an hour we could be in DC enjoying the city life. Go an hour west and we could be in the Shenandoah National Forrest feeling like civilization is thousands of miles away.

BY

looking at sport activities for our son Ben,” says Wides. “He's only two, but as he gets older, we want him to play whatever sport he’s interested in, and I'd love to be his coach. I’d like to play an active role as a parent whether it's with the PTA or some other extracurricular activity.”

He adds, “That fits with Compton & Duling’s business model. They're happy to allow me to be a very active father, and the importance of family to me is something I want to prioritize.”

Originally from New Jersey, Wides fell in love with Virginia while attending summer camp here as a child for seven years. He eventually relo cated to the state and attended George Mason University School of Law. He never left, and he and his family now live in Bristow.

“We're big fans of the area,” he says. “We’re close to D.C., but we’re also close to Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Forest. In Bristow, we have the best of both worlds.” hg

Wise with a colleague at the Compton & Duling offices.

LUKE CHRISTOPHER

Cheryl Kinsey

Making Her Mark on the Beauty Business:

Meet 21-year-old Michaela Murphy

BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOS BY LUKE CHISTOPHER

At just 21 years old, Michaela Murphy of Bristow is both a business owner and a homeowner. And, she did it all the old fashioned way - by working hard and saving money. Her achievements are even more incredible because while in middle and high school, she suffered from terrible anxiety.

“It was a very rough time, because I was on and off medicine and trying different medications and it got to the point where I just couldn’t make it into school anymore,” she says. “I was so anxious about everything, so I decided to do my last year and a half of high school online. I actually ended up graduating a year early.”

Her family was worried about how she was going to make it in the real world.

“To be honest, I thought the same thing when I was in high school. If I can't make it to school, how am I sup posed to be an adult and have a job every day?”

It turned out there was no need to worry. While working for another salon, she decided she wanted a place of her own where she could offer her clients a better experience.

“I’ve been doing lashes for a little over four years, but I officially branched out and started The Beauty Effect in June of 2021,” says Murphy. “I've always wanted to be a business owner and really make a difference for my clients.” She chose Haymarket for its small town, friendly feel.

It’s complicated to start a business at any age, but lucki ly Murphy, the youngest of five siblings, had her family to cheer her on and help her.

“My mom helped walk me through every step and then followed behind me to make sure I was doing everything I needed to do,” she says. “I also did a lot of research on other people who opened their own beauty-related businesses.”

In addition to knowledge, it also takes money to open a business.

“I saved a lot of money for two or three years because I didn't want to have to take out a loan,” she says.

As she worked and took on more responsibility, instead of exacerbating her mental health issues, she found it took her mind off her anxiety, and little by little she began to thrive.

“It really helps that I love my job,” says Murphy. “My anx

ious episodes are few and far between now that I'm older and on the right medicine and have done the things I needed to do to help myself.”

Her family couldn’t be prouder.

“We all joke around that I'm like the star of the family now,” she says laughing.

The Beauty Effect offers a wide range of services such as eyelash extensions, lash lifting and tinting, body waxing, facials and perma nent makeup.

“We really focus on using only high quality materials so that everyone can have the best of whatever service they're getting. Our studio is very clean and comfortable and I designed it to really give off the vibe or impression of empowering women.”

On the walls, she hung pictures of women she feels portray various types of beauty and strength.

“We have Audrey Hepburn, Winnie Harlow - the first African-American model with vitiligo - and Ashley Gra ham, a plus-size model. We also have Marilyn Monroe, who was one of the first people that really made ‘normal’ bodies normal. I truly believe that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and I don't think beauty should be the way society defines it.” Although most of its clientele are women, it welcomes men as well.

Murphy is also very mindful when it comes to recruit ing technicians.

“When I’m hiring people, the most important part is how they will interact with and treat clients, how serious they take it and how engaged they are. I can always teach some one how to do eyelashes, but it's very hard to teach someone to have a passion for working in the service industry.”

Clients, she says, are not just coming in for a service; they're coming in for an entire experience.

“Most of my clients have been with me for four plus years, so at this point, they’re like family to me,” she says. “I know whose son's birthday is next week and I know whose daughter just broke up with her boyfriend, and all

The Beauty Effect team. From left to right: Lash technician Margaux Miller, owner Michaela Murphy, and permanent makeup specialist and lash technician Eve Chernykh. Murphy credits focusing on work for alleviating her mental health issues. “My anxious episodes are few and far between now,” she says.

these other personal things. A lot of my clients actually joke that coming here is a form of ther apy, where they can say whatever they want and know it will never leave the room.”

Murphy’s expertise and passion is eyelash extensions, although she knows how to do facials, waxing and some of the other services. The first person she hired was actually some one who followed her from the previous salon.

“Her name is Cora, and she’s been with me from day one,” she says. “She's just awesome and the most loyal, amazing and hard-working employee I could ever have asked for.”

Like Murphy, Cora does lash extensions, while another technician, Margaux, does lash extensions, some waxing, and lash lift and tints. Eve is their permanent makeup special ist. She does permanent makeup on the brows, as well as tattooing of lip liner and eyeliner, and can do camouflaging of scars so they’re not noticeable.

“Eve is so talented,” she says.

Murphy plans to expand and grow The Beauty Effect in her current location, but her goals don’t end there. They also include opening multiple locations from Virginia down to Florida, and one day buying a second home in the sunshine state.

Lofty goals for sure, but with her determination and clients who swear by her services, it looks as though Mur phy will more than achieve them.

“I have been seeing Michaela Murphy at The Beauty Ef fect for more than two years,” says Stacie Wilson of Bristow. “She’s extremely talented and gentle while doing my lashes and for a young entrepreneur, she’s an awesome conver sationalist all while making you feel comfortable. If you’re thinking of getting lash extensions, give Michaela or one of her lash artists a try. I promise you won’t regret it!” hg

To find out more about The Beauty Effect, and to make an appointment, go to thebeautyeffectva.com.