Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine January 2025 by Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine

THE WINTER COCKTAIL LIST

Local mixologists’ concoctions will keep you cozy

Meet the Scout behind Haymarket’s Free Little Pantry

How merciful elves helped Santa deliver

From mentor to poet: Teacher’s epic journey

Bringing Quality Care to

Bringing Quality Care to Our Community

Surgical Care in Our Community

Bringing Quality Care to Our Community

Fauquier

Bringing Quality Care to Our Community

Surgical Care in Our Community

Surgical Care in

Our Community

Fauquier Health Physician Services has grown the number of primary care and OB/GYN providers in our community to give you access to the care you and your family need. Our practices are all welcoming new patients.

With primary and OB/GYN care, close to home, we’ll help you live your healthiest life.

Primary Care

When you or a family member needs surgery, we have experts who can help. Our surgeons perform advanced, minimally invasive techniques using the latest technology.

Fauquier

Fauquier Health Primary and Specialty Care at Lake Manassas

Community

When you or a family member needs surgery, we have experts who can help. Our surgeons perform advanced, minimally invasive techniques using the latest technology.

Fauquier Health Primary and Specialty Care at Lake Manassas

Internal Medicine

When you or a family member needs surgery, we have experts who can help. Our surgeons perform advanced, minimally invasive techniques using the latest technology.

Piedmont

With surgical care close to home, you can live your healthiest life.

7915 Lake Manassas Drive, Ste. 101 Gainesville, VA 20155

703.743.7370

Kearn Ghuman, DO Family Medicine

Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology

Jenna Wong, DO Family Medicine

Nchang Azefor, MD General Surgery

Fauquier Health Family Practice at Bealeton 6200 Station Drive • Bealeton, VA 22712 540.439.8100

Olga Mazur, MD General Surgery

Ahmed Fida, MD Family Medicine

Fauquier Health Primary Care at Culpeper 1100 Sunset Lane, Ste. 1211-A Culpeper, VA 22701 • 540.316.5950

Tony Fiore, DO Family Medicine

Piedmont Internal Medicine 419 Holiday Court, Ste. 100 • Warrenton, VA 20186 • 540.347.4200

With surgical care close to home, you can live your healthiest life.

Aliona Bortun, MD Family Medicine Joseph David, MD Internal Medicine

Fauquier Health Primary Care at Culpeper 1100 Sunset Lane • Culpeper, VA 22701 540.316.5950

Christopher Nagle, MD Internal Medicine

Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

With surgical care close to home, you can live your healthiest life.

Nagle, MD Internal Medicine

OB/GYN

Fauquier Health

Joseph Brown, MD General Surgery

Nathaniel Saint-Preux, MD General Surgery

Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Victoria McDonald, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Coleman, FNP Internal Medicine

When you or a family member needs surgery, who can help. Our surgeons perform advanced, techniques using the latest technology.

When you or a family member needs surgery, we have who can help. Our surgeons perform advanced, minimally techniques using the latest technology.

Cynthia Dougherty, MD General Surgery

When you or a family member who can help. Our surgeons techniques using the latest With surgical care close

Health OB/GYN and Midwifery at Lake Manassas 7915 Lake Manassas Drive, Ste. 101 • Gainesville, VA 20155 • 703.743.7300

When you or a who can help. Our techniques using With surgical care

With surgical care close to home, you can live your healthiest

With surgical care close to home, you can

Fauquier Health OB/GYN and Midwifery at Lake Manassas 7915 Lake Manassas Drive, Ste. 101 • Gainesville, VA 20155 • 703.743.7300

G. Benjamin Wampler, MD General Surgery

Mohamad Salkini, MD Urology

Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Mohamad Salkini, Urology

Cynthia

Victoria McDonald, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Nchang Azefor, MD General Surgery

Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology

Joseph Brown, MD General Surgery

Nathaniel Saint-Preux, MD General Surgery

Olga Mazur, MD General Surgery G. Benjamin Wampler, General Surgery

Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Mohamad

Victoria McDonald, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Nchang Azefor, MD General Surgery

Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology

Joseph Brown, General Surgery

Nathaniel Saint-Preux, MD General Surgery

Olga Mazur, MD General Surgery G.

Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Victoria McDonald, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Nchang Azefor, MD General Surgery

Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology

Nathaniel Saint-Preux, General Surgery

Olga Mazur, MD General Surgery

Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics

Nchang Azefor, General Surgery

Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology

Nathaniel Olga Mazur, MD General Surgery

Barry Aron, Obstetrics &

Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology

Olga Mazur, General

Allan Hardy, MD Gastroenterology

Jae Lee, MD Internal Medicine

Candice Davis, FNP Internal Medicine

Hasina Hamid, MD Internal Medicine

Victoria McDonald, MD

Erica Coleman, FNP

Demetrius Maoury, MD

Mandy Colegrove, WHNP Gynecology

Tony Fiore, DO

Nagle,

Christopher

Jae Lee, MD Internal Medicine

Candice Davis, FNP Internal Medicine

Hasina Hamid, MD Internal Medicine

Victoria McDonald, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Erica

Demetrius Maoury, MD Internal Medicine

Mandy Colegrove, WHNP Gynecology

Aliona Bortun, MD Family Medicine

Joseph David, MD Internal Medicine

Barry Aron, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Monica Freidline, CNM Obstetrics & Gynecology, Midwife

Gabriela Ammatuna, PhD, CM, IBCLC Obstetrics

Gynecology, Midwife

Candice Davis, FNP Inter nal

Kearn Ghuman, DO Family Medicine

Ahmed Fida, MD Family Medicine

Hasina Hamid, MD Internal Medicine

Victoria McDonald, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Erica Coleman, FNP Internal Medicine

Lauren Kim, CNM Obstetrics & Gynecology, Midwife

Demetrius Maoury, MD Internal Medicine

Mandy Colegrove, WHNP Gynecology

Aliona Bortun, MD Family Medicine

Joseph David, MD Internal Medicine

Barry Aron, MD

Christopher Nagle, MD

Jae Lee, MD Internal Medicine

Gabriela Ammatuna, PhD, CM, IBCLC Obstetrics & Gynecology, Midwife

Candice Davis, FNP Internal Medicine

Kearn Ghuman, DO Family Medicine

Ahmed Fida, MD Family Medicine

Hasina Hamid, MD Internal Medicine

Victoria McDonald, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Erica Coleman, FNP Internal Medicine

Lauren Kim, CNM Obstetrics & Gynecology, Midwife

Demetrius Maoury, MD Internal Medicine

Mandy Colegrove, WHNP Gynecology Jenna Wong, DO Family Medicine

Look Both Ways

People think of the new year as a time to look forward and create a new you, but it’s not always the case. Actually, perhaps January is a middle place. In Roman mythology, the god Janus had two

faces. It allowed him to look both ahead and behind. This month, we decided to do the same thing.

How many of you really celebrated the holidays locally, or did everything pass by too quickly? You can still celebrate the season with friends and family or even treat yourself. We’ve highlighted some signature winter cocktails from some local establishments that will tempt you out even on a cold night. If you are doing a dry January, you’ll want to come out for the ambiance.

Similarly, it is a time to look over the accomplishments of the previous year; and why not define success through generosity of giving? We review the success of Christmas with Mercy’s toy drive and bring you the story behind the Free Little Pantry on Washington Street. Remember, the giving season is never over. People are always in need.

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.

The Lifestyle magazines are sister publications with Northern Virginia’s Leading News Source, INSIDENOVA.COM

PUBLISHER

Dennis Brack

dennis@whglifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Stacy Shaw

stacy@whglifestyle.com

ART DIRECTOR

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ADVERTISING

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

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Returning to the notion of mythology, we bring you the journey of an emerging Haymarket poet, a teacher who found her own voice by giving voice to the women and female figures in “The Odyssey.” Her reflections on the past empower her future and help us see literature in a new light for a new age.

Finally, for those of you looking to be a better you in the new year, remember there is no time except the present. We recommend some events to help bring you peace and others to help you feel whatever it is you’re feeling. Act now! No matter what you do, we hope you will wander past your front door and stay engaged with the community.

Happy New Year,

– Stacy Shaw CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

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RELAX, RENEW & ROCK ON

Looking to renew this new year?

January events provide the opportunity to relax and focus on health and wellness through dance, music and visual art. There are plenty of opportunities to find your moment of zen, whether through peaceful meditation, dramatic catharsis or head banging. Don’t be afraid to head out –these venues are warm and inviting.

Start the new year right by attending “TWENTY TWENTY THRIVE,” ARTfactory’s ARTful Wellness Series kickoff. Sample new Second Saturday programs focused on mental health, wellness and relaxation, including zen gardening, meditation, rock panting and more. Friday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m. ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St., Manassas.

Axial Dance proudly presents its 5th DANCING FOR A CURE, where dancers from across the DMV dance to raise funds to help TheTruth365 research and bring awareness to pediatric cancer. Saturday, Jan. 11, 7 p.m. $30 Hylton Performing Arts Center,10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas.

For an up-to-date list of events around the region, visit InsideNoVa.com/calendar

Enjoy a day of art appreciation. Attend the 13th annual PWCS ART EXHIBITION, featuring expressive and original works of art from creative and talented Prince William County Public Schools students. It’s Tuesday, Jan. 14, starting at 10 a.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center, Buchanan Gallery.

ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre presents “LES MISERABLES” Youth Edition. The inspiring musical captures the epic journey of Jean Valjean and the unforgettable characters who shape his destiny. Witness the power of love, sacrifice and revolution with stunning music, powerful performances and a message of hope. Jan. 24-26. $20-25. Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall.

Come out to The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm, Saturday, Jan. 11, 5-8 p.m. to hear V-n-G ACCOUSTIC. The Northern Virginia duo plays a wide variety of music, including classic rock, blues, country and much more. Relax by the fire with a glass of wine or beer. 15850 Sunshine Ridge Lane, Gainesville.

Rock out at Craftworx Taproom’s WINTER SHOW to see live performances by Haymarket’s School of Rock’s most talented student bands, playing folk rock, British invasion, glam rock, and more. Those 21 and over can enjoy a wide selection of self-pour beers on tap. Jan. 26, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. 5615 Wellington Road, Gainesville.

amazingkids

gReplenishingCommunity

Pioneering Scout builds Haymarket Free Little Pantry

BY STACY SHAW

One aspect of a good community project is that it brings the community together. That is exactly what happened with The Haymarket Free Little Pantry.

Naomi Schneider, 17, a life-long resident of Haymarket and senior at Gainesville High School, is a Life Scout of the Scouts of America and founding member of 924G, a girls troop that meets in Sudley Methodist Church in Manassas.

Schneider is a candidate for Eagle Scout, and last spring she started thinking about her community project. She had been on several mission trips to rural North Carolina with The Haymarket Church and seen what are called “Free Little Pantries.”

Free little pantries are modeled after free little libraries; however, instead of books,

they hold non-perishable food items.

“There’s no limit on who can or cannot take things,” Schneider said. “If you can give, give, and just take what you need.”

Synchronicity resulted in Schneider choosing the project. Patty Hessenauer, community outreach director at The Haymarket Baptist Church had been thinking about installing such a pantry. She talked to Brian Wendel, scoutmaster of 924B, who suggested the idea to Schneider.

Schneider thought the project would fill a real need and liked the centralized location in town. “It is really important for me to give back to the community where I’ve formed so many awesome friendships and connections,” she said.

Building the pantry was a team effort. Gainesville High School senior Leland

The Haymarket Town Council held a ribbon cutting ceremony for The Haymarket Little Free Pantry in cooperation with the Haymarket Baptist Church. Attendees included the architect, Naomi Schneider (right of pantry and in photo below), her family and Scoutmaster Liv Martin (in blue).

BY STACY SHAW

Burrows used CAD software from his engineering class to create a 3D rendering of the pantry. Troop members helped with carpentry and painting.

Eagles Scouts Jacob Hoffman and David Nagashima of Troop 924B and Eagle Scout project mentor Ed Shanahan provided assistance and guidance.

The project came together as intended, so that The Haymarket Free Little Pantry now resides in front of HBC.

Schneider credits HBC for going above and beyond. “I’m just really grateful to them for all their support and generosity. It definitely wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

Most importantly, the community is being served; people are being fed. While people do not think of Haymarket as a place where people need assistance, Schneider saw a need.

“Food insecurity tends to fly under the radar,” Schneider explained. “Things that happened out of the blue and people who never had to ask were suddenly needing food assistance.”

She liked that the pantry allows people to access the food without having to be “super vulnerable.” Often food will come and go a few times a day.

“I was definitely shocked after we built it by how quickly it was emptied. It’s either filled to the brim or gets restocked almost immediately. The church is quick to refill it,” Schneider said.

For a long time the community was served by the Haymarket Food Pantry. When that nonprofit moved to Limestone Drive in Gainesville, it created a hurdle for people without transportation or coming from parts west of the town.

Above: (Left to right) Jan Hermanson, Leland Burrows, Jake Surabian, Marchant Schneider, Naomi Schneider and Allyson Hermanson worked on the pantry this summer. Far right: Naomi Schneider with 924G Scoutmaster Liv Martin and Alyssa Martin.

A Scout pioneer

Back in 2019 when the Boy Scouts of America opened scouting to girls, Naomi Schneider was among the first to join. Her father and grandfather both made Eagle Scout and she wanted to be involved with the Scouts’ camping and survival activities as well as learn about leadership and community service.

Scoutmaster Liv Martin has also been with troop 924G since its founding. Martin calls Schneider a “trailblazer.”

“She pioneered what the other girls are coming into, and recruited from middle school,” Martin said. “She’s just been an excellent role model for all of the girls – not just all of the girls, all of the scouts.”

Schneider recruited girls who had never been Cub Scouts to join the upper ranks. “[Star, Life and Eagle are] focused on leadership, and it’s up to the Scout how quickly you progress,” Martin said.

Martin is a scoutmaster for both the Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts. She loves both, but girls have always wanted to take part in Boy Scout activities, herself included. “My dream was to be a Scout.”

Martin believes Schneider is charting a path for a new generation of female Scouts.

“It’s awesome to see our girls and our founding members progress to Eagle.”

Since joining the Scouts, Schneider said she has assumed leadership roles, which has taught her planning, organizing and delegating, and made her more self-assured.

She encourages others to get involved in their community and be of service.

“It’s a ripple effect. It’s a rewarding process,” she said. “You can really see you make an effect as I have with the little food pantry.”

The Haymarket Baptist Church did its best to fill the need with its own food pantry. However, pastor Mark Olsen said he did not realize the true extent of need until the free little pantry opened.

a real Godsend.”

The Haymarket Free Little Pantry is the first of its kind in the county, a point of pride for the town, and on Dec. 4 the town council held a ribbon-cutting for it. Although the event honored Schneider, she said the main purpose was to highlight the pantry itself.

“[The church and the town council] want people to know that it is there and it is accessible if they need it,” Schneider said. “We want to inform people of its function. It is really to just bring awareness.” L

The Haymarket Free Little Pantry is at 14800 Washington St., Haymarket. Anyone can donate or take food. Food is also available inside the church

“The food comes and goes very quickly, which shows the need is even greater than I realized,” he said. “Naomi’s project has been

“The [original] food pantry is inside, and you need to knock or make an appointment,” said Olsen. The outdoor pantry is more convenient and cuts out the middleman.

Stacy Shaw is the contributing editor of Haymarket-Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine and publisher/owner of BristowBeat.com.

THE RIGHT PARTNER MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

For more than 185 years, we’ve forged personal relationships with our customers and communities, funding economic development and rallying around the causes that are important to our neighbors. With local bankers you know and trust, businesses and individuals throughout the Commonwealth continue to choose United Bank.

Left to right, top row: Troop 924 Scout leaders Dave Martin, Marchant Schneider, Clark Overbaugh, Jan Hermanson, Liv Martin and Brian Wendel help Naomi Schneider (in tan) build the free little pantry, along with (bottom row) Scouts Carter Overbaugh, Jake Surabian, Andrew Kirby, Shannon Rose Rotter, Alyssa Martin and Padma Jeyamani.

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THE WINTER COCKTAIL LIST

Keep it cozy with these locally made cocktails

BY KATHERINE GOTTHARDT

Winter’s chill might mean staying indoors, but there’s no better way to make the most of the cold than with a seasonal cocktail. Warm up with these signature drinks by some of the area’s most talented master mixologists.

‘S'MORES MARTINI’

Bar Louie

It has all the flavor of a s’mores, but without the fire.

“S'mores Martini is the best winter cocktail, especially with the weather we've been having recently,” said April Wittig, general manager.

“It’s guaranteed to keep you toasty.”

For those seeking something other than smoky chocolate and marshmallow, Bar Louie offers martinis and mixes that cover cravings for sweet, tangy and bourbon. Its menu ranges from typical bar appetizers to New York strip steak to shrimp entrees.

14081 PROMENADE COMMONS ST, GAINESVILLE

‘THE GINGERPEAR MAN’

Grain & Grog American Tavern

Envisioned by Grain & Grog mixologist Drew Tomac, this drink is built on a neutral foundation of Tito’s Vodka, and tingles the taste buds with St. George Spiced Pear, fresh lemon juice and agave. Garnishes of mint sprig and fresh cranberries bring a semblance of winter holly to the table.

“The ginger beer helps brighten the citrus and spice flavors to create a warm yet refreshing winter cocktail,” said Ali Chandler, co-owner of the family-owned rustic tavern.

7960 CRESCENT PARK DRIVE, GAINESVILLE

‘THE PAPER PLANE’

Maaza 29

An Italian version of a Manhattan, the Paper Plane is a bourbon-based cocktail made with Buffalo Trace amaro, a bittersweet herbal liqueur and Aperol, an Italian bitter made with gentian, rhubarb, cinchona, among other ingredients.

“It’s warm and delicious and excellent when the weather is cold,” said Emanuel Reta, owner of Maaza 29, which touts fine dining, upscale cuisine and a commitment to using natural ingredients.

14630 LEE HIGHWAY, GAINESVILLE

‘CINNAMON APPLE SAGE SMASH’

MurLarkey

Distilled Spirits

The popular Cinnamon Apple Sage Smash features MurLarkey Cinnamon Whiskey, maple syrup, apple cider and sage. The taste starts with a smooth warmth from fresh cinnamon and finishes with locally milled sweetcorn, Virginia barley and rugged vanilla overtones.

For a touch of drama and a sensory experience, taste-master and award-winning mixologist “Papi” torches the tip of this drink’s cinnamon stick garnish.

MurLarkey Cinnamon Whiskey is 100% clean with no sugar or artificial additives. MurLarkey spirits are now served at 2Silos.

9925 DISCOVER BLVD., MANASSAS

A selection of cocktails at Red House Tavern bar.

MULLED WINE

Sunshine Ridge Farm

Sunshine Ridge Farm brings to the table mulled wine, a combination of red wine, apple cider and a special mix of holiday/wintery spices. Served hot, it’s a cozy alternative to coffee and tea – hearty and flavorful, but not overwhelming.

“The apple cider tames the intensity of the heavy red wine,” said Nicolette Rafferty, representative of the winery. “The spices add a fall/wintery smell and flavor that brings in the memories of the holiday season.”

Sunshine Ridge Farm offers a waterside experience on Lake Manassas, relaxed ambiance alongside wood-burning fireplaces or fire pits and live music. “[It is] a perfect getaway for any NoVa resident or traveler,” Rafferty said.

15850 SUNSHINE RIDGE LANE, GAINESVILLE

‘NEATLY KNITTED’

Red House Tavern

Neatly Knitted is a warming blend of infused cognac and bourbon balanced with the subtle sweetness of pear, the bite of black walnut, and topped off by a red wine float that buttons up the visual appeal – Neatly Knitted’s flavor profile lends itself to the season, along with the spirits and red wine themselves.

“It's sophisticated yet approachable for those who may not like the individual elements, and it’s a real statement piece,” said Justin Rock, general manager.

“Central to the Town of Haymarket, our bar [at the Hilton Garden Inn] is conveniently located and is the perfect complement to a dinner at our own Red House Tavern,” Rock said. “Grab a book from our lobby, cozy up beside our fireplace, or just hang out with live music every Wednesday night. Winter has never felt better.”

15001 WASHINGTON ST., HAYMARKET

Did you miss this?

The Heart of a Warrior

Inspired by a chance meeting when she was in the fifth grade, Shirley Dominick’s dream was a career in the military. Years later, she did just that. During her 22 years in service, she worked in communications and led critical initiatives at the Pentagon and across Europe, retiring as a major in 2003. Wanting to do more, she then founded the nonprofit Serve Our Willing Warriors Published in the November 2022 issue of Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle

Red House Tavern bar lead Terence Hicks adds garnish atop the Neatly Knitted.

‘TITANIC’

Trummer’s Coffee & Wine Bar

Floating sorbet represents the iceberg and the sinking grapes, the Titanic, in this signature wintery drink. Built with Ciroq vodka, green grapes, elderflower and Prosecco wine sorbet, the Titanic is a balance of tart and sweet, floral and effervescence that warms the body and cools the tongue.

The Titanic’s backstory gave the drink its signature status, said Suluz Gonzalez, general manager. “Stefan Trummer, during his mixologist years in New York City, made this cocktail for Victoria [his now wife and business partner]. That sparked their love story,”

Trummer’s also offers traditional European coffee cocktails and other winter warmers.

14013 PROMENADE COMMONS ST., GAINESVILLE

‘TOASTED MARSHMALLOW OLD FASHIONED’

Zandra’s Taqueria

This warm, sweet cocktail harkens back to the good old days. “It reminds our guests of a childhood treat with a kick,” said Jen Loeffler, corporate director.

Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey, marshmallow syrup, chocolate bitters with Amarena wild cherry and toasted marshmallow garnish give this cocktail the hint of chocolate and marshmallow that accentuates the bourbon flavor, Loeffler said.

Known for its fun, fiesta atmosphere, Zandra’s also prides itself in its Sugar Cookie Martinis, mojitos and margaritas.

14600 WASHINGTON ST., HAYMARKET

Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt is a freelance writer, an awardwinning author, and a poet with a 21-year history in western Prince William County. Learn about her at KatherineGotthardt.com.

An EpicJourney

Haymarket teacher’s poetic anthology weaves myth and modernity

BY STACY SHAW

In the Ancient Greek epic poem “The Odyssey,” Odysseus’ men strap him to the mast of the ship so he could hear the sirens’ song without being enticed and lured into a watery grave.

Women’s voices are often portrayed through the lenses (or ears) of men. The sirens were not human women, but it still begs the question: What does “The Odyssey” say about women? And what lies beneath the surface?

Michele Evans, 53, of Haymarket, poses such questions to her English students at Broad Run High School in Loudoun County, where she also teaches creative writing and advises the school’s literary magazine.

For years, Evans taught “The Odyssey” the traditional way. Odysseus, the hero – a warrior, king and husband – is homebound on an epic journey. His challenges are fierce, amusing and rife for interpretation.

However, repeated readings led Evans to delve deeper and explore the feminine voices and elements in the epic. That invocation launched her own odyssey to find her poetic voice.

Evans first poetic anthology “Purl,” will be released Feb. 14. “Purl” re-examines the female archetypes in “The Odyssey,” juxtaposing their trials and tribulations with those of contemporary women.

“The poems are all voices of women or feminine figures from ‘The Odyssey,’” said Evans. She drew upon “the obstacles and life experiences that these figures had in the poem, but women today still have.”

Evans is a fifth-generation Washingtonian whose family moved to Fairfax County. Studying Latin in high school ignited her life-long interest in the classics.

“I think just being exposed to Greek mythology, epic poems and the classics was a seed being sowed. I didn’t realize all these years teaching English that this is where it would resurface,” she said.

Evans attended Smith College in Massachusetts, Kings College in London and University of Maryland for graduate school. She returned to Northern Virginia and became an educator. She married, started a family and moved to Haymarket in 2001.

Every year, Evans wrote one poem for African American history month but poured most of her energy into teaching and parenting. Then in the summer of 2015, she participated in a creative writing program

for educators at George Mason University that helped her reconnect with writing.

“It’s the spark that led me to focus more on my writing,” she said.

In 2020, Evans was in the midst of teaching “The Odyssey” when everything shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving thoughts from “The Odyssey” circling in her mind. So, she took to her computer and poems poured out.

It was her “Covid baby,” she jokes, 49 poems that swirled together the ancient and mythological with the blunt and modern, often turbulently, like water crashing against jagged rocks.

Her characters navigate all too real experiences of love, loss, motherhood, naivety, fear, loneliness, mortality, regret, fear – and even threats of violence and political upheaval. All proved to be universal.

“There were events that were happening in our world that remind me of something that I read or taught,” Evans said. “What binds [the collection] is the resiliency of women when faced with obstacles. I'm amplifying their experiences, their voices.”

She also infused them with her personal and cultural experiences.

“As a Black woman, you would think there were not a lot of life experiences that are similar from this Ancient Greek period, but when you strip it down, you realize not a lot has changed. We have more in common that we realize,” she said.

Evans combined stories belonging to herself and others.

“I have a lot that I want to say but I’m not always comfortable saying it. I’m deflecting. My poetry is like the other Michele. I won’t say it aloud, but I’ll write about it,” she said. “I’m a pretty private person so I like to think I’m sharing a little about me with my poetry.”

When she chose the name “Purl,” she had a personal heroine in mind: African-American poet Phyllis Wheatley Peterson. Her maiden name is Peterson, so Evans always felt close to Wheatley.

The word “purl” appears in Wheatley’s “A Hymn to the Evening”:

Soft purl the streams, the birds renew their notes, And through the air their mingled music floats. Through all the heav'ns what beauteous dies are spread! But the west glories in the deepest red.

Purl means "to flow in a circular current,” or make a “murmuring sound,” reminiscent of the whirlpool in Odyssey’s rocky voyage. It also means threading the needle through the front of a stitch, alluding to Queen Penelope’s loom. Finally, it evokes the feminine imagery of a pearl.

Evans uses similarly evocative imagery throughout her book.

“If I couldn’t be a writer I would want to be an artist,” she said. “I am envious of those who have those gifts to create visual images with their hands and eyes. I try to do this with writing. I try to create an image that will pop up in the reader’s mind. Sometimes you don’t need words to tell a story, you can tell it with images,”

Evans' son Harrison, a tattoo artist, illus-

trated the book’s cover. It includes elements from “The Odyssey” but the woman on the cover is depicted with Greek and African features. Evans chose black and blue because those are her signature colors.

But before “Purl” became a collection, Evans submitted her poems in contests and for publication in journals. She soon learned that authorship required marketing.

Learning about the industry allowed her to prepare her students. “We learn together. I had them write their author bios,” she said, noting her bio was scant at the time.

Since 2022, Evans has been published multiple times, including in "Artemis Journal,” “The Yellow Arrow Journal,” “Spoken Black Girl Magazine,” and online in “The Mid Atlantic Review.”

Additionally, her poem "Anticlea" won first place in the 2023 “ASP (Alan Squire Publishing) Bulletin” poetry contest.

“The judges ended up being two of the people who wrote blurbs for ‘Purl,’” Evans said. She is now under contract with Finishing Line Press.

Evans describes herself as an “emerging poet,” who has, through these ancient women, found her voice. Her latest challenge is finding her spoken word voice, as she begins reading aloud before audiences.

Evans recently held a practice reading for family and friends at her mother’s house in Dominion Valley. She is excited to have been selected as a featured poet at Busboys and Poets, a Washington bookstore, restaurant and cultural hub.

For Evans, perceiving herself not only as a teacher, wife or mother but also as a writer feels like a homecoming.

“Literature and poetry have been a part of my life as long as I could read and write,” said Evans. “[I have been writing since] I could hold a crayon.” l

Stacy Shaw is the editor of HaymarketGainesville 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.

Want more?

Follow Evans @wordsmithie on Instagram, buy “Purl” via Finishinglinepress.com or on Amazon, and learn more about Michele Evans at awordsmithie.com.

Michele Evans works with Broad Run High School students to produce the school’s literary magazine “Unbound.”

It Takes a Christmas Village

House of Mercy helps parents play Santa

BY STACY SHAW

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY CARMEN BRICENCO

Santa is more than one person. He has a team of elves to help him, and all of Santa’s village takes part.

The people at House of Mercy in Manassas know cooperation, care and sacrifice, too. They practice their Catholic faith with an emphasis on good deeds and charity towards all – all year long.

Like Santa, House of Mercy, on Flannery Court in Manassas, has a small staff but a wide reach. The nonprofit relies on about 150 local volunteers who give their time and energy. It truly takes a village to care for one another.

Since incorporating in 2005, House of Mercy has provided food and clothing to registered area families and individuals. Groceries are provided at no cost, and clothing comes from the thrift store.

Monetary donations and sales from the thrift store fund the food pantry, and the thrift store relies on community donations of clothing and other items that can be sold.

Recent expansions have allowed the organization to help more families and it now has 3,000 active clients, said executive director Jessica Root, who lives in Gainesville.

Every December, the nonprofit holds an annual Christmas with Mercy shopping spree event at the pantry. It selects families at random,and the parents select gifts for Christmas morning – including new toys and clothing – at no cost.

It made sense to involve the parents, who are their clients, Root said. “It’s a little different than a Christmas giving tree and purchasing for ‘a kid. We encourage the parents to shop for what their kids want.”

This season’s event was held over two days in mid-December, and about 320 parents and guardians participated, serving more than 800 children. Each family selected eight items per child, including one large gift, like a bicycle; medium gifts, like a doll or board game; a few stocking stuffers, and clothing, such as winter coats.

Volunteers and staff wrap the presents for the families, and bring them to their vehicles.

“It’s a really fun experience, and it helps take the weight off the parents for the holiday, either not being able to afford things or not having time,” Root said. “They get to have the experience all in one day and have something for the kids to open on Christmas, and some kids might not get anything without it.”

Many toys are donated directly from Toys for Tots, while others come from

Clockwise from left: House of Mercy Client Services Coordinator Mayda Oporta looking festive. Parents shop enormous selection of toys at Christmas with Mercy event. Volunteer carefully wraps present. Santa’s elves enjoy working the wrapping station.

local churches, businesses, organizations, sponsors and individuals. “It’s all community-run,” Root said. “We really rely on our partners.”

House of Mercy even provides free babysitting for participating parents.

“We want Christmas to be a surprise, but it was just so hard for parents to get a babysitter,” Root said.

For the children, the organization brings in Santa and the Grinch. The Legion of Mary from Holy Trinity Church tells stories about the real meaning of Christmas. During the event, the pantry becomes a sight to see. Volunteer Jennifer Roderick of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints described it as “totally transformed.”

“The atmosphere of Christmas with Mercy is the North Pole itself. I truly felt like I was an elf working for Big Santa,” Roderick said.

The gifts do seem to be a Godsend to some.

Mayda Oporta, the nonprofit’s client services coordinator, shared the story of

a Manassas family in which the father is suffering from kidney failure and has been unable to work for two years.

When House of Mercy informed the family they were selected, the mother was overjoyed that her son would get to enjoy Christmas like other teenagers, and the new coat was a big relief.

Volunteer Lisa Smith of Nokesville said she witnessed a range of emotions when she told parents they had been selected. “[One woman] couldn’t stop thanking me and told me that she had been praying and praying for help with Christmas.”

Roderick believes she witnessed a small miracle during the event.

She was certain a deluxe kitchen and grocery store playset would be among the first items to go, but it sat all afternoon. Then, one mother came in feeling insecure that she couldn’t provide the gifts for her children.

“She noticed the kitchen/store set-up and was absolutely overjoyed when she realized

Transform Your Commute!

A House of Mercy volunteer (right) helps a woman with a large gift at the Christmas with Mercy event.

what it was [and] that it was available,” she said. “I cried; she cried; the dad cried.”

The event is meaningful for volunteers as well.

“The staff do a great deal to make sure volunteers feel appreciated and recognized; everyone feels that they are part of a team,” said Nancy Gisell, a volunteer from Culpeper.

She said the decor and characters help everyone “to tap into their inner Santa’s helper.”

Beyond the festive trappings, Gisell was most moved by how completely the nonprofit provided for the families. “The best part of Christmas with Mercy is seeing the relief in the parents’ faces.” L

House of Mercy accepts thrift store donations, Mondays-Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

For more information, including how to volunteer or register for assistance, visit houseofmercyva.org.

H&G’s

TOP 10

The five highest-priced homes that sold in each of the two ZIP codes between mid-November and mid-December. Data and photos from Realtor.com.

Gainesville

8823 BARN OWL COURT

$950,000

Sold: Dec. 4 4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms

5,034 square feet

6710 ABBERLEY LOOP

$878,897

Sold: Dec. 11

4 bedrooms

4½ bathrooms

3,092 square feet

7221 WINNIPEG COURT

$815,000

Sold: Nov. 26 5 bedrooms 4 bathrooms 4,553 square feet

14140 ESTATE MANOR DRIVE

$780,000

Sold: Dec. 3 4 bedrooms

3½ bathrooms

3,736 square feet

16124 SHERINGHAM WAY

$765,000

Sold: Dec. 3 4 bedrooms

3½ bathrooms

3,818 square feet

The Big Picture:

The local real estate market posted its second straight strong month in November, with home sales up 26.7% in the Haymarket and Gainesville ZIP codes combined, compared with November 2023. Median sales prices remained strong, and homes continued to sell quickly. And… Pending sales were extremely strong in both ZIP codes, although new listings were down overall, as inventory remains an issue heading into winter, according to the latest data from the Prince William Association of Realtors.

Closed sales:

• Up 28% in Gainesville to 32 units

• Up 25.7% in Haymarket to 44 units

• Combined sales totaled 76, up from 60 a year earlier

New Pending sales:

• Up 84.2% in Gainesville

• Up 16% in Haymarket

Median sales price:

• Up 13% to $689,450 in Gainesville

• Up 19.4% to $782,500 in Haymarket

Average days on market (homes sold in November):

• 22 in Gainesville

• 21 in Haymarket

20169 Haymarket

15691 HUNTON LANE

$2,100,000

Sold: Nov. 12

5 bedrooms

5½ bathrooms 6,135 square feet

14380 DOWDEN DOWNS DRIVE

$1,400,000

Sold: Dec. 9

4 bedrooms

4½ bathrooms 6,174 square feet

5604 DEAN CHAPEL COURT

$1,100,000

Sold: Nov. 22

6 bedrooms

4½ bathrooms 7,094 square feet

5018 BURNSIDE FARM PLACE

$1,005,000

Sold: Dec. 2

6 bedrooms

3½ bathrooms 5,005 square feet

15135 JUPITER HILLS LANE

$950,000

Sold: Nov. 21

5 bedrooms

3½ bathrooms 4,164 square feet

County acquires historic home of freed slave in Buckland

Adeal has been finalized to bring a historic remnant of the free African American community in western Prince William under county control.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors last month authorized the county’s purchase of the historic home of free African American Ned Distiller in the Buckland Historic District.

Supervisor Tom Gordy, who represents the Brentsville Magisterial District where the property – known as the Ned Distiller House – is located, highlighted the purchase from the dais.

“I’m real excited about the opportunity that this presents to us … our opportunity to celebrate and honor [Ned Distiller’s] life through this project is incredible,” Gordy said.

Built in 1819, the Ned Distiller House is at 16208 Lee Highway, Gainesville. It is the first known home in Virginia – and perhaps in the country, according to Gordy – to be purchased by a former slave.

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School board adopts cellphone ban

Abell-to-bell cellphone ban is coming to Prince William County Public Schools after the county School Board voted in December to implement the ban for the start of the next school year.

The School Board considered three different policy options, ultimately voting in favor of option three, which will enforce a bell-to-bell cellphone “off and away” policy at all school levels. This option involves a delayed timeline, with implementation slated for Aug. 1.

The delayed timeline is intended to give students, teachers and school administrators time to adjust the new policy, as opposed to implementing the policy by Jan. 1, which was another option considered and is the timeline recommended by the Virginia Department of Education.

The School Board approved option three in a 6-2 vote, with Brentsville’s Erica Tredinnick and Woodbridge’s Loree Williams casting the two dissenting votes.

Digital Gateway opponents continue fight in court

The PW Digital Gateway has not seen its last day in court. Opponents of the data center project – including nine individual plaintiffs, all Gainesville residents, and the nonprofit American Battlefield Trust – filed an appeal in December after a circuit court judge dismissed their case.

The 10 plaintiffs allege it was illegal for the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in December 2023 to signal approval of 23 million square feet of data centers on roughly 2,100 acres along Pageland Lane in Catharpin– with 37 data centers overall, roughly the size of 144 Walmart supercenters, immediately adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park. The data center campus is being developed by QTS Realty Trust Inc. and Compass Datacenters.

The outgoing, lame-duck board was in its final month at the time of the Digital Gateway’s approval in 2023. Despite confirming the board’s violation of its own ordinance – a statute related to the required period of notice and advertisement prior to the proposal’s public hearing – Judge Tracy C. Hudson on Oct. 31 ultimately held that state law supersedes county ordinance.

Raging Reptiles experience moves into Manassas Mall

Manassas Mall has some new inhabitants – of the cold-blooded variety.

Raging Reptiles, a regional educational roadshow featuring hands-on programming about snakes, lizards and other ectotherms, recently opened at Manassas Mall.

Owner Sean Masciandaro originally signed a lease to open a 9,600-square-foot space at Potomac Mills mall this summer, but he hit a snag before opening day when People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals got involved. The Woodbridge mall’s owner, Simon, had pledged to PETA back in 2011 to ban exhibits with wild and exotic animals at its malls, a point apparently forgotten when Masciandaro signed the lease.

Masciandaro then reached out to management at Manassas Mall, and a new storefront was born, though the new space near the At Home store is much smaller, about 3,000 square feet.

The space is part retail (but no live animal sales) and part exhibition education, featuring snakes and reptiles like Kaa, a 20-foot python.

Raging Reptiles offers one-, two- and threehour hands-on segments based on a theme or geographic area. Parents can also drop children off for the longer sessions and enjoy some kid-free time shopping, Masciandaro said.

See ragingreptiles.com for more information.

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