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DearResidents,
Happy Valentine’s Day!
We started this magazine years ago with a goal of connecting our neighbors. I love how our feature families have shared their stories – how they met and married, their passion projects, their kids’ accomplishments … all of it. In an area where so many people come and go, this magazine serves as an introduction among neighbors.
Maybe that’s why I’m so proud to introduce this month’s feature family: The Ho mans. That name might seem familiar to many of you, especially our female readers. A few months ago, Cyndi Ho man decided that she wanted to expand her friend circle. And she’s taken many of us – hundreds of us – along with her. Cyndi created the Facebook group Ladies of Haymarket and Gainesville Social Group. In just a few short months, nearly 800 women joined the group. They’ve created chats for every imaginable topic. And they’ve met in person for cocktails, co ee and play dates.
All because one woman wanted to make new friends. In this issue, learn more about this woman and her family.
MarianneWeaver CONTENT COORDINATOR
Love Cookies
BY GENEVIEVE MONROE
This Valentine’s Day, share these adorable cookies with someone you love. Enjoy!
WHAT YOU NEED:
• 1 package of peanut butter cookies
• 1 package of almond bark
• wax paper
• sprinkles and/or decorations
DIRECTIONS:
Lay out a long strip of wax paper. Melt almond bark in a glass bowl at 50% power until smooth. Dip one end of the cookie into the melted almond bark, wiping the back o on the rim of the bowl. Place the cookie on wax paper. Add your decorations or embellishments before the almond bark hardens. Once the rst end of each cookie is dipped, start
dipping the other side. This time, after the almond bark, immediately dip that end of the cookie into sugar crystals or sprinkles so they attach. You can be as creative as you want with color combinations and decorations for any season. These are delicious with a hot cup of cocoa or co ee.
Expert CONTRIBUTORS
HOSPITAL
Featured Expert: Allan Hardy, MD Fauquier Health 540-316-3627
FHDoctors.org
Dr. Hardy is board certi ed in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Obesity Medicine and he has training in Advanced Endoscopic Procedures from UNC-Chapel Hill. He is seeing patients exclusively at Fauquier Health.
REAL ESTATE
Ashley Tauzier Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty Cell: 571-469-0901 | O ce: 703-396-6000 ashley@mynorthernvarealtor.com
Ashley Tauzier is a realtor and 19-year military spouse. Her knowledge of NoVA neighborhoods, builders, schools and community amenities contributes to her value. She prides herself in being attentive and responsive to her client’s needs – striving to make your real estate transaction stress-free, whether you are a rst time home-buyer or a seasoned seller. Ashley looks forward to helping you reach your real estate goals!
VETERINARY SERVICES
Robert S. Dove, DVM
Companion Animal Clinic of Gainesville (703) 754-8387 info@cacgainesvilleva.com
Companion Animal Clinic’s mission is to provide exceptional veterinary and breeding services while prioritizing the health and safety of every pet. Their doctors have decades of experience providing veterinary care to a variety of animals. They strive to give every client and pet the best experience that northern Virginia and beyond has to o er.
Share your knowledge and stand out from the competition. To learn more, contact Debbie Wykowski at dwykowski@bestversionmedia.com.
THE CURE for WINTER BLUES: A Shift in Perspective for Mind, Body and Soul
BY JULIE BATCHOS
For many, the colder months bring a sense of dread. The days are shorter, the weather is harsh, and energy seems to dwindle. But what if winter could be a season of peace, comfort and renewal instead of a time to simply endure? By embracing ideas from Scandinavian traditions like hygge and ancient practices that honor the rhythm of nature, we can shift our mindset—and even nd joy in the cold winter months.
Here’s how to stop ghting the season and start embracing it as an opportunity for wellness.
Shift Your Perspective: Winter Isn’t a Punishment—It’s a Pause
Many of us approach winter with resistance:
“It’s so dark and cold.”
“I have no energy.”
“I just want spring to get here.”
These thoughts create a mindset that winter is something to survive rather than embrace. But when we look to nature’s rhythms, we see that winter is a time of necessary rest and restoration. Animals hibernate. Plants lie dormant. Even the earth pauses to rebuild strength for spring.
Rather than forcing yourself to keep the same pace year-round, try aligning your lifestyle with the seasonal cues by:
• Allowing yourself to slow down without guilt.
• Scheduling more downtime for re ection and rest.
• Releasing the pressure to be constantly productive.
Think of winter as a time to reset, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.
One of the best ways to shift your mindset about winter is to practice hygge—the Scandinavian tradition of nding coziness, comfort and joy in simple moments.
While you can certainly create a cozy atmosphere with blankets, candles and warm drinks, hygge is about more than decor. It’s about:
• Savoring small pleasures, like reading by the re or cooking a hearty meal.
• Building meaningful connections, through shared meals or deep conversations.
• Cultivating gratitude for what you have, rather than longing for what’s missing.
Practical Tips to Bring Hygge into Your Winter:
• Create a daily ritual that feels comforting, like starting the morning with tea and journaling.
• Focus on one sensory pleasure daily: a cozy blanket, a favorite scent, or soft lighting.
• Gather with loved ones for simple meals or creative activities.
• Make quiet time a priority, even for 10 minutes a day, and step away from technology and embrace gratitude.
Modern life expects us to maintain the same pace year-round, but our bodies naturally slow down in winter.
Instead of ghting the season, try embracing the slower rhythm it o ers:
• Rest more: It’s normal to feel tired in winter. Give yourself permission to sleep longer or take a nap when you can.
• Do less: Winter is a time to focus on essentials and let go of unnecessary commitments.
• Re ect and release: Use this time to journal, meditate or engage in creative pursuits you’ve always wanted to try.
Think of winter as a season of inner work— a time to process emotions, re ect on the past year, and set intentions for spring.
Instead of focusing on what you can’t do in winter, try focusing on what you can do that aligns with the season:
• Learn something new: Winter is perfect for taking up a hobby or learning a skill.
• Nourish your body and soul: Focus on comforting meals, warm baths, and gentle movement.
• Connect with nature in new ways: A brisk winter walk can be just as invigorating as a summer hike. Notice the stillness and beauty of bare trees, frost-covered ground, and the quiet of nature at rest.
Ancient wisdom teaches us that every season serves a purpose.
• Spring brings growth and renewal.
• Summer brings energy and expansion.
• Autumn brings re ection and harvest.
• And winter? It brings rest, release and transformation.
Think of it this way: Without the rest and re ection of winter, we wouldn’t have the energy to bloom in spring. Winter is a time to nurture your inner light, even when the world outside is cold and dark.
If you’ve been dreading winter, it’s time to reframe it as a gift. The season invites you to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and nurture your mind, body, and spirit.
Light a candle, make a hot drink, and take a deep breath. Winter isn’t something to endure—it’s an opportunity to rest and renew. And when you allow yourself to embrace the pause, you’ll emerge into spring feeling stronger, calmer, and more balanced.
Julie Batchos is a board-certi ed holistic wellness coach, energy healer, and sound practitioner with over 16 years of experience helping clients achieve balance and clarity through transformational tools and practices. Her website is juliebatchos.com.
February
EVENTS CALENDAR
Friday, Feb. 7
NEXT STOP COMEDY
@ Trouvaille Brewing Co., 14600 Washington Street, Suite 150, Haymarket Next Stop Comedy features a novel line-up with acts seen on TV and heard on your favorite podcasts.
TIME: 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. • COST: $25 trouvaillebrewingco.com
Saturday, Feb. 8
DECADES AT THE FARM ‘90s PARTY
@ The Farm Brewery at Broad Run, 16015 John Marshall Highway, Haymarket Celebrate the ‘90s with a live DJ, cocktails, food specials and Jello shots.
TIME: 7 p.m. • COST: Free thefarmbreweryatbroadrun.com
Saturday, Feb. 8
7TH ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SYMPOSIUM
@ Verizon Auditorium, George Mason University, 10900 University Blvd., Manassas
A Native Plant Symposium for beginners and beyond! Create a beautiful yard, save time and money, improve water quality, build habitat for pollinators and birds.
Keynote: Doug Tallamy
COST: $55; $30 for students with ID pwconserve.org/staging/3382/native-plantsymposium-2025
Wednesday, Feb. 12
LOVE POTION MIXOLOGY COCKTAIL CLASS
@ Rockwood VA, 7505 Iron Bar Lane, Gainesville
Hands-on instruction to craft two Valentine’s Day themed cocktails with guidance from expert mixologists. Sip, savor, and enjoy your creations while indulging in a tasty happy hour appetizer and sweet Valentine treats. Plus, take home some exclusive swag to remember the night.
COST: $40 per person rockwoodva.com
Saturday, Feb. 15
TASTES OF HOME: AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE AND AMERICAN CUISINE
@ Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas
Many Southern dishes have their roots in west and central African culture that enslaved workers brought to America. Participants will be able to prepare and taste African and Southern dishes in the historic Ben Lomond. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather.
TIME: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. • COST: $20
Advanced registration is required at pwcparks.info/ hptickets.
Saturday, Feb. 15
VALENTINES GALA AT MCCALL GALLERY
@ McCall Studio Gallery, 9409 Battle Street, Manassas
Enjoy the gallery’s valentine’s red carpet gala and art show of never seen charcoal original drawings. Live music. Prizes. Poetry Reading. Complimentary food spread, desserts and champagne.
TIME: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. • COST: $55 dmvisualstudio.com
Saturday, Feb. 15
VALENTINE’S BEER & OYSTERS
@ Old Bust Head Brewing Co., 7132 Farm Station Road, Warrenton Nomini Bay Oyster Ranch will be on site (noon to 8 p.m.) with fresh raw and charbroiled oysters, shrimp and more. Live music from Farah Camille, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Fresh bouquets for sale from LéRoy French Flowers, noon to 5 p.m. Sweet Treats available from The Sweet Pop Shop, noon to 5 p.m. COST: Free oldbusthead.com
Saturday, Feb. 15
VALENTINE’S WINE & CHOCOLATE PAIRING
@ The Wintery at La Grange, 4970 Antioch Road, Haymarket
The winery partners with Babylon Chocolate for another wine and chocolate pairing. Learn about the chocolate making process with Mia and why her delicious chocolates pair well with La Grange wines.
TIME: 1 p.m. • COST: $35
wineryatlagrange.orderport.net/wines/Tickets
© Best Version Media
Thursday, March 6
WOODCOCK WATCH
@ Leopold’s Preserve, 16258 Thoroughfare Road, Broad Run
Watch the evening “Sky Dance” of male woodcocks as they enter the mating season. At twilight, nd a viewing spot along Meadow Loop and settle down for a magical evening! Please bring a folding chair or blanket to sit on, and binoculars if you’d like a closer view. Dress warmly. You are welcome to bring a warm drink to sip as we watch. We also recommend a ashlight for navigating the trails by dark. Presented through a partnership of the Bull Run Mountains Conservancy and the White House Farm Foundation.
TIME: 5:45 p.m. – 7 p.m. • COST: Free, but please RSVP leopoldspreserve.com/events-1/woodcockwatch-3/form
Saturday, March 8
GREATER MANASSAS ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
@ Historic Old Town Manassas along Center Street
The family-friendly Greater Manassas Saint Patrick’s Day parade route begins at the intersection of Prescott Avenue and Quarry Road near Old Town Manassas. The route follows Prescott Ave around the corner onto Center Street and continues down Center Street to West Street. The parade crosses in front of the reviewing stand at West and Center Streets. Parade dispersal begins at the entrance to the Harris Pavilion.
TIME: 11 a.m. • COST: Free stpatparade.net
Saturday, March 8
DUELING KEYS
@ Heritage Hunt Golf and Country Club, 6901 Arthur Hills Drive, Gainesville
Experience the thrill of dueling pianos, indulge in delectable hors d’oeuvres, and enjoy beer and wine throughout the evening (mixed drinks will be available for purchase), a three-course sit-down dinner, silent auction and more! Event bene ts Boxes of Basics, nonpro t organization on a mission to empower local children in need with seasonal wardrobes of new and quality gently used clothing packed with dignity, compassion and love.
TIME: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. • COST: Begins at $150 boxesofbasics.org
Saturday, March 15
SHERIDAN RUITIN’S
ST. PATRICK’S TOUR
@ Tin Cannon Brewing Co., 7679 Limestone Drive, Gainesville
Enjoy the lively St. Patrick’s Day party featuring the spirited sounds of Sheridan Ruitin.
TIME: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. • COST: $20-$25 tincannonbrewing.com
Saturday March 22
PRINCE WILLIAM/ MANASSAS HISTORY SYMPOSIUM
@ Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas
Each year local historians and experts explore the many facets of county history through a wide variety of lectures.
TIME: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. • COST: $10 703-792-1731
Thursday, March 27 – Sunday, March 30
JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS –PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY’S HUGE CHILDREN’S RESALE EVENT
@ NOVA Sportsplex, 6966 Wellington Road, Manassas
Huge kids’ resale event - Newborn to Teen. Get excellent quality clothing, shoes, accessories, toys, books, games, furniture, all things baby.
TIME: March 27 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.; March 28 10:30 a.m. –7 p.m.; March 29 9 a.m – 7 p.m.; March 30 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
COST: Prices vary jbfpwc.ticketspice.com/jbf-prince-william-countyspring-sale-2025
Saturday, April 5
21ST ANNUAL BALLET BALL
@ The Gregory Theater, Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas
Black tie optional even supporting Manassas Ballet Theatre. The evening includes cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, silent and live auction, open bar, music by The Kim Reynolds Band.
COST: Prices vary manassasballet.org/ballet-ball
Saturday, April 26
BEN LOMOND DAY
@ Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas
Ben Lomond’s history spans centuries, from a Civil War hospital to a presidential retreat to a working farm. Experience the site’s varied history all in one day through talks, demonstrations, activities, games, farm animals, tractors and more.
TIME: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. • COST: Free pwcva.gov/department/historic-preservation
© Best Version Media
Ohana Means Family: MEET THE HOFFMANS
BY MARIANNE WEAVER | PHOTOS BY THE LITTLE PHOTO SHOP
Scott and Cyndi Ho man met the rst day of freshman orientation at Florida Tech. Together, they’ve moved from Florida to Hawaii then Virginia, cultivated careers – then switched – and extended their Ohana to include two daughters -- Halia and Alani – as well as the many visitors to their family business –Ono Brewing Company – and the group of women Cyndi has connected through her Facebook group, Ladies of Haymarket and Gainesville Social Group.
IN THE BEGINNING
Although Scott and Cyndi met their rst day on campus, they didn’t actually start dating for about three years.
“We went to an engineering school, the guy to girl ratio was like 20 to 1,” said Scott. “Cyndi was the hottest chic at the school. I hit on her every chance I could from the rst day we met at orientation. She always jokes that I had some growing up to do rst, probably true.”
Cyndi said she knew who Scott was, but their social circles didn’t cross often.
“It wasn’t until my senior year of college that I was nally without a serious boyfriend and had an upcoming sorority ball and needed a date,” she said. “My sorority sister had told me often over the years that she thought Scott liked me, but I never paid much attention.”
permission to kiss me. I was hooked from that night on and I had a date for my sorority formal two weeks later!”
Scott has a slightly di erent take on the evening: “Finally, my charm and persistence paid o ! My Joey Tribbiani line, ‘How you doin’?’ nally worked on her. We had a great night and I was nally able to kiss her after all those years! The best part was, I didn’t scare her away with my terrible dancing skills. I think I may have clubbed her in the head a few times on the dance oor.”
Their rst “date” was “tie night” at a bar in Melbourne Beach that o ered free drinks for anyone wearing a tie.
“I worked up the courage to irt with him a bit,” said Cyndi. “We ended up dancing together and had our rst kiss later that evening. He was such a gentleman and asked
Either way, they’ve been together since. Scott switched his major to civil engineering (he also earned an MBA from Webster University), which added a year. Cyndi graduated with bachelor’s degrees in marine biology and molecular biology, then started pursuing her master’s in marine microbiology at the University of Delaware.
“We spent that year apart doing the longdistance thing while he nished his last year at Florida Tech,” she said, adding that Scott, who was in Army ROTC, was commissioned and received his orders: Hawaii. “My mother was born and raised in Hawaii and I still had a lot of family on the island. Going to Hawaii sounded MUCH more exciting than what I was doing in graduate school in Delaware.”
© Best Version Media
She knew her parents wouldn’t be happy if she dropped out of school to “follow some boy to Hawaii,” she said. “Upon hearing this, Scott said, ‘Let’s get married.’To which I responded, ‘Did you just propose?’ And he said, ‘Yes I did.’”
She said yes. They called her parents, who also said yes.
Scott and Cyndi were married in her hometown in upsate New York. They left for Hawaii two days later.
Cyndi’s mother was born and raised in Kahuku, on the island of Oahu. During their time in Hawaii, Scott and Cyndi learned about the Hawaiian culture and traditions from Cyndi’s extended “Ohana” (family). After Scott’s tour ended, they returned to Florida, where they rst met and spent their college days. Cyndi earned her master’s in science education at the University of Central Florida and taught high school biology, while Scott nished his obligation with the Florida National Guard and worked at a small engineering rm. Meanwhile, they began to grow their family.
“Our kids were both born in Florida,” said Cyndi. “Due to our love of Hawaii, and the fact that we started our married life together in Hawaii, they both have Hawaiian names: Halia and Alani.”
In 2011, Scott’s job moved the family to Northern Virginia and they originally settled in Herndon.
“In 2020, with two growing teenage girls, we were looking for something di erent as a family,” said Cyndi. “We wanted a home with a neighborhood pool, areas nearby for walking, and proximity for things to do for our growing teens like shops, movie theaters etc. We fell in love with Virginia Oaks with the gorgeous oak trees lining the main streets. Although the golf course is no longer functioning and is now in the process of going ‘back to nature,’ we are thrilled to have access to the over ve miles of old golf-cart path right out our back.”
Since moving into the neighborhood, Cyndi served on the social committee in the neighborhood and Scott has served on both the pool and rec and technology committees. He was recently elected to a three-year term on the neighborhood HOA board of directors.
Halia is a sophomore at Virginia Tech majoring in biology. She plans to go to veterinary school. Alani is a senior at Gainesville High School and wants to study biomedical engineering in college.
BUILDING A BUSINESS
After ful lling his military obligation, Scott worked for a small engineering company for ve years and then went to work for Harris Corp. as an engineer and program manager for the next 12 years. Cyndi was a high school biology teacher in Florida for 12 years, then another six years in Virginia at Flint Hill School in Oakton .
All this time, Scott was perfecting a hobby he picked up in college.
“Cyndi bought my rst homebrew beer making kit in college. I brewed homebrew batches o and on as a hobby throughout our marriage,” he said. He started in the kitchen, until the stench (and Cyndi) sent him to the basement. But the smell still carried throughout the house and he moved into the garage. “Over the years, we would often invite friends and neighbors over to enjoy my homebrews. They would always comment how good the beer was and joke that we should open a brewery.”
In 2016, the two began toying with the idea of opening a business together. But they hadn’t found the right opportunity.
“We loved going to breweries, but there were very few in our area,” said Scott. After one of their homebrew parties, a neighbor – again – suggested they open a brewery. “We laughed as we usually did, but after the party I said to Cyndi , ‘I want to do it. I want to open a brewery.’”
She agreed. He started working on a business plan. In 2016, he quit his job at Harris Corp. and they signed a lease on a space in Chantilly where they’d create the brewery.
“I served as our general contractor and Cyndi continued to teach high school for that last year,” he said. They opened in September 2017.
Cyndi said they knew they wanted a tropical theme.
“We missed the laid back tiki-bar atmosphere of both Hawaii and Florida where we had each spent the last 19 years,” she said. “We decided to create a tropical oasis in Northern Virginia and our brewery tasting room would have a tropical theme, complete with tiki umbrellas on the patio and a laid-back atmosphere.”
But they were stumped when it came to naming the oasis.
“Our daughter Halia, 10 years old at the time, was ipping through her book of Hawaiian words and she said, ‘What about Ono? Daddy, people say your beer is delicious, you should call your brewery Ono,’” she said. “We loved it!! And Ono Brewing Company was born.”
© Best Version Media
It’s not just the unique name and tropical atmosphere that sets Ono apart from other local breweries. For starters, they o er a selfpour beverage wall where customers pour and pay by the ounce.
“This allows you to be your own bartender and sample beers and only get charged for what you pour,” said Cyndi. “Customers love it!
They’ve also partnered with a fulltime food vendor, Odd BBQ, who operates inside the tasting room seven days a week.
“They serve amazing barbecue that pairs nicely with our beverage options,” said Cyndi.
“We also recently got our winery license and plan to be making our own hard cider soon. The winery license allows us to feature wine on our self-pour beverage wall now so customers can now have craft beer, wine, hard seltzer, and hard cider options.”
BEYOND THE BUSINESS
As a family, the Ho mans enjoy hiking together and being outdoors.
“We used to go camping and enjoyed our time as a pop-up camper family until we discovered the world of Airbnb rentals, which were a lot less work than prepping the camper and cleaning up after a camping trip,” said Cyndi. “We enjoy traveling and often incorporate visiting local breweries on our family adventures where the kids get a soft pretzel of pizza and we get to enjoy the local craft beer scene.”
Viriginia Oks neighbors don’t always have to make the short trip to Chantilly, as Scott and Cyndi host Ono Beer Night/Hula Party Potluck at the Clubhouse.
“Since Ono Brewing is a Hawaiian themed brewery, neighbors were invited to come wearing Hawaiian shirts and bring a potluck item and we would bring several kegs of our beer and sell beer samples and full pints while the neighbors gathered over a potluck food and a good beer,” said Cyndi. “We love that our beer brings people together both in our brewery and outside of it!”
Both Ho man girls played softball since the age of 5 for Chantilly youth sports and later Prince William Little League. Alani played a bit in high school, but eventually shifted to focus more on academics, volunteering at the hospital and working. Halia ran track for a bit in high school and was extremely involved in Civil Air Patrol during middle and high school and reached one of the highest ranking positions in the organization. Both girls have held many jobs.
“As the children of entrepreneurs, they both have a very strong work ethic and have held summer jobs and jobs during the school year since they were old enough to work,” said Cyndi, adding that they’ve held down the hostess position at Blueridge Seafood, worked the sun ower and tulip seasons at Burnside Farms, and served as park attendants/ cashiers at SplashDown Waterpark. “Halia worked for a full year as a veterinary assistant at Glenkirk Animal Hospital and still helps out there on college breaks and currently works at a chiropractor’s o ce in Blacksburg. Alani is a host at the Outback in Gainesville and is training to be a server’s assistant.”
Cyndi said she is lucky to have found two wonderful groups within the neighborhood, a book club and a Bunco group. But it’s the Facebook women’s group beyond her neighborhood where she has facilitated networking among local ladies. She started the Ladies of Haymarket and Gainesville Social Group in September.
“I formed the group for sel sh reasons initially because I wanted to meet more like-minded women in my area to hang out with socially,” she said, explaining that when you move to a new area as an adult, it can be di cult to connect with other women socially and to form meaningful friendships. “I was inspired by a Facebook group for women that I found that seemed to be exactly what I was looking for but found that a lot of the activities tended to be more focused in the D.C. area or Loudoun County. I thought, wouldn’t it be great if we had something like that but in my area out in Prince William County? So, since it didn’t exist, I decided to create the group.”
To date, the group has 692 members (and growing).
”I have made so many wonderful connections in the group,” said Cyndi. “Within the main group, I have also created several sub-groups for women in similar ages/stages and with similar interests to connect.”
There are subgroups for expectant moms, new moms, toddler moms, and moms with teens 10 and up. There are groups for stay-at-home-moms, retirees, 20s moms and single ladies. There are also groups for women who like to work out and another for those interested in walking/hiking and outdoor adventures.
“Something I did not anticipate was the joy that I get not only in building a space where I can nd women friends and develop those close personal connections that I crave, but I have helped create a space for so many women to do the same,” said Cyndi. “I think it says a lot about people’s desires to connect beyond the computer screen. You can have 1,000 ‘friends’ on social media, but if they aren’t local and you don’t ever see them in person, then those ‘friendships’ are di erent from close personal friends that you see in person and do things with. My group helps people nd those friends and I love that!”
© Best Version Media
Fauquier Health Welcomes First Baby of the New Year
BY HEIDI JAMESON, FAUQUIER HEALTH
Fauquier Health welcomed the rst baby of 2025 on Thursday, January 2. Born at 11:32 p.m., baby Amelia weighs 8 pounds 7 ounces and measures 21.5 inches.
Parents Brooke and Trevor weren’t expecting a New Year baby – Amelia was due on December 27. “We came in at 6:30 in the morning,” said Brooke. “Amelia decided she was ready to arrive. We are both doing great.”
Fauquier Health’s Family Birthing Center is honored to have helped bring Baby Amelia into the world and wish her and her parents the very best.
© Best Version Media
Piney Branch Elementary BUILDS A ROBOTICS TEAM
BY MARIANNE WEAVER
The Piney Branch Robotics team is growing and making their mark at local, regional and state events.
Twenty-four Piney Branch students (12 fourth graders, 12 fth graders) started the year meeting twice a week. The kids were sorted into three teams of eight that competed in robot games, innovation projects and demonstrated the First Lego League (FLL) core values (discovery, innovation, inclusion, impact, teamwork and fun).
Each year FLL chooses a new theme and designs a robot challenge and innovation project around the theme. The theme for the FLL Challenge 2024-25 season is “Submerged.” Teams are challenged to use STEM and collaboration skills to explore life beneath the ocean’s surface and create innovations for a better world with healthy oceans.
Piney Branch’s Coral Crew focused on shing, speci cally illegal shing and bottom trawling. They designed an underwater robotic with sensors that ensure they are catching the sh they want and not catching protected or unwanted sh. The other teams designed robots to clean plastic in the ocean and to get food down to organisms in the Mariana Trench. The fourth graders took the lead on the innovation project and the fth graders led the robot game.
The teams competed in the regional competition in November at Osbourn Park High School. They presented their innovation project, robot design and completed missions at the robot table. With about three dozen teams, only nine quali ed to move on to the state competition. The Coral Crew placed rst in robot performance and the Cyber Hawks team placed third in the same category. Those scores were combined with the innovation project score and the core value score to determine advancement, and the Coral Crew quali ed to advance to states, which was held at James Madison University in December.
At states, the Coral Crew improved their presentation and nished ninth out of 54 teams in the robot missions. Members of the team included Charlotte, Hannah, Maher and Nahyaan from fourth grade, and Camila, Juan, Nate and Nathan from fth grade.
“I am very proud of how the members were able to get together as a team, welcoming Juan on as a replacement for an open spot,” said Jennifer Roberts, instructional technology coach. “They were also able to work independently and stay self-motivated. The fth graders did a great job of mentoring the fourth graders.”
The fth graders are now “retiring” while the fourth graders are learning the robot game for the PWCS FLL Fun Day in May.
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The History of St. Valentine
Who was Saint Valentine and how did he come to inspire Valentine’s Day?
BY REV. MONSIGNOR WILLIAM P. SAUNDERS, PH.D
In the early martyrologies, three di erent St. Valentines are mentioned, all sharing Feb. 14 for a feast day. Unfortunately, the historical record is sparse. The rst St. Valentine was a priest and physician in Rome. He along with St. Marius and his family comforted the martyrs during the persecution of Emperor Claudius II, the Goth. Eventually, St. Valentine was also arrested, condemned to death for his faith, beaten with clubs, and nally beheaded on Feb. 14, AD 270. He was buried on the Flaminian Way. Later, Pope Julius I (333-356) built a basilica at the site which preserved St. Valentine’s tomb. Archeological digs in the 1500s and 1800s have found evidence of the tomb of St. Valentine. However, in the thirteenth century, his relics were transferred to the Church of Saint Praxedes near the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where they remain today. Also, a small church was built near the Flaminian Gate of Rome which is now known as the Porta del Popolo but was called in the 12th century “the Gate of St. Valentine,” as noted by the early British historian William Somerset (also known as William of Malmesbury, d. 1143), who ranks after St. Bede in authority.
The second St. Valentine was the Bishop of Interamna (now Terni, located about 60 miles from Rome). Under the orders of Prefect Placidus, he too was arrested, scourged, and decapitated, again su ering persecution during the time of Emperor Claudius II.
The third St. Valentine su ered martyrdom in Africa with several companions. However, nothing further is known about this saint. In all, these men, each named St. Valentine, showed heroic love for the Lord and His Church.
The popular customs of showing love and a ection on St. Valentine’s Day is almost a coincidence with the feast day of the saint: During the Medieval Age, a common belief in England and France was that birds began to pair on Feb.14, “half-way through the second month of the year.” Chaucer wrote in his “Parliament of Foules” (in Old English): “For this was on Seynt Valentyne’s day, When every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.” For this reason, the day was dedicated to “lovers” and prompted the sending of letters, gifts, or other signs of a ection.
Another literary example of St. Valentine’s Day remembrances is found in Dame Elizabeth Brews “Paston Letters” (1477), where she writes to the suitor, John Paston, of her daughter, Margery: “And, cousin mine, upon Monday is St. Valentine’s day and every bird chooseth himself a mate, and if it like you to come on Thursday night, and make provision that you may abide till then, I trust to God that ye shall speak to my husband and I shall pray that we may bring the matter to a conclusion.” In turn, Margery wrote to John: “Unto my right well beloved Valentine John Paston, Squyer, be this bill delivered. Right reverend and worshipful and my right well beloved Valentine, I recommend me unto you, full heartily desiring to hear of your welfare, which I beseech Almighty God long for to preserve until His pleasure and your heart’s desire.”
While speaking of the amorous avor of Valentine’s Day, no mention is made of the saint.
While it seems that the exchange of “valentines” is more the result of secular custom rather than the memory of St. Valentine, and that the celebration has been further paganized with cupids and the like, there is a Christian message that should be remembered. The love of our Lord, depicted beautifully in the image of His most Sacred Heart, is a sacri cial, self-less, and unconditional love. Such is the love that each Christian is called to express in his own life, for God and neighbor. Clearly, St. Valentine no matter which one showed such a love, bearing witness to the faith in his dedication as a priest and in the o ering of his own life in martyrdom. On this Valentine’s day, looking to the example of this great saint, each person should o er again his love to the Lord, for only by doing so can he properly love those who are entrusted to his care and any other neighbor. Each person should again pledge his love to those loved ones, praying for their intentions, promising delity to them, and thanking them for their love in return. Never forget Jesus said, “This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:12-13). St. Valentine ful lled this command, and may we do the same.
Acknowledgement Saunders, Rev. Monsignor. William. “History of Saint Valentine.” Arlington Catholic Herald. This article is reprinted with permission from Arlington Catholic Herald.
The Author Rev. Monsignor William Saunders is pastor of St. Agnes Church in Arlington, Virginia. He is episcopal vicar for faith formation of the Arlington diocese. The above article is a “Straight Answers” column he wrote for the Arlington Catholic Herald.
Copyright © 2003 Arlington Catholic Herald
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PINK SPACE THEORY Provides Student-Centered, Hands-On STEAM Programs
BY MARIANNE WEAVER
Monica Nichols ranked in the top 10 percent of her high school class, but when she started Michigan State University, she was placed in remedial math. Looking back, she said she realized one of her biggest mistakes was not taking any math or science courses during her senior year. Unfortunately, she didn’t have the mentorship or guidance to help her understand how that decision would impact her future.
Nichols graduated with a Bachelor of Science in engineering arts from Michigan State University, a Master of Science from Virginia Tech and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Marymount University. She said starting college already behind in math made her path to becoming an engineer feel uncertain. She said she saw two choices: Let her struggles de ne her or push forward with determination. She
pushed ahead, proving that a setback doesn’t have to be a roadblock. That experience, she said, shaped her belief that grit, perseverance, and the right support system can make all the di erence for students pursuing STEM.
In 2018, she founded Pink Space Theory, a 501c3 organization that provides young learners, especially girls and underrepresented students, with the encouragement, exposure and opportunities they need to thrive.
“At Pink Space Theory, we emphasize that you don’t have to be a math whiz to pursue a STEM degree—you just have to be willing to put in the e ort and believe in yourself,” she said.
SERVING PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
“We support historically underserved and underrepresented communities in Prince William County’s Title 1 schools,” said Nichols. “Pink Space Theory is currently o ering programs to students at ve elementary schools and three middle schools within PWC. We hope to expand our programs to several other schools in the next year or two.”
The most popular program is GREAT Math Minds, which stands for Girls who are Responsible for their thoughts, Excited about learning new things, and not afraid to Ask questions and Take risks. This is a six-month program o ered to girls in grades 4 and 5 and provides advanced math skills and basic coding skills taught using a ball called “Sphero” Bolt Robot. Students receive an additional three hours a week in math and three hours a month in coding on top of their normal classes. This program is not a remedial program, but rather, it is for those with greater aptitude.
The Make Tech Pink class is also o ered for 4th and 5th grade girls and teaches science, technology, engineering and math using hands-on, engaging activities with a “Sphero” Bolt Robot.
“We strive to enhance technological literacy through hands-on computer programming assignments and to increase awareness of women contributing to the computer science eld,” said Nichols. “The students receive two hours of instruction per week and these lessons align with the Virginia Standards of Learning. The fall program focuses on storytelling using the Sphero and the spring program allows students to design their own game.”
Pink Space Theory also o ers a variety of other opportunities for students, including middle school programs such as STEM-tastic: The Beauty of Science and Engineering, Intro to Green Living, and Pink Space Theory Coders - Storytelling, Game Design and Cybersecurity (o ered to boys and girls).
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
“We have seen signi cant strides in improvement by our students,” said Nichols. “At the beginning of our programs, students take a test to determine their math/ technology skill level and, at the conclusion of the program, take the same test once again. Ninety-six percent our GREAT Math Minds students experience an average increase of 342 percent on post-program test scores.”
The program is possible through many strategic partnerships, starting with Prince William County Public School’s Supporting Partnerships and Resources for Kids (SPARK) program.
MISSION:
To expose, engage and empower underserved and underrepresented youth with STEAM learning experiences to prepare them for their future career paths and passions. Pink Space Theory provides youth with student-centered, hands-on STEAM programs that build skills for greater success in school and their professional journey.
“Together, we support programs and initiatives that our students might not have access to otherwise,” said Nichols, adding that Pink Space Theory also relies on businesses and corporate sponsors for nancial support, resource sharing, or collaborative projects. They also work with other non-pro ts that share a similar mission.
“We rely on the generosity of individuals and companies to continue providing highquality STEAM education,” said Nichols. “We are exceptionally grateful for the support from corporate, private, and community foundations as they are vital to our success. Donations directly support our STEM programs, enabling us to o er eld trips to expose students to various STEM-related careers, purchase educational materials, and develop new learning initiatives. Every contribution helps us inspire and educate more students in Northern Virginia.”
They also rely on volunteers to keep the program going.
“From classroom assistant to event organization or even role model/ ambassador, together we can ensure all children, regardless of race, income level, or gender, have the opportunities they need to succeed now, and in the future,” said Nichols.
For more information, visit pinkspacetheory.org.
