Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine January 2026

JANUARY 2026

H A Y M A R K E T / G A I N E S V I L L E L I F E S T Y L E

Haymarket teen publishes revolutionary AI book Gainesville students share their ‘Off The Wall’ artwork

Restoring Power to the People Learn how George Stewart went from service member to supervisor

Live Healthiest LiFe Your

Live Live Healthiest Healthiest LiFe LiFe Your Your

Compassionate. Caring.

Nationally recognized.

Fauquier Health has earned Leapfrog’s Top General Hospital award for outstanding quality and safety—the only hospital in Virginia and one of just 36 in the nation to receive this distinction.

Compassionate. Caring.

Nationally recognized.

Compassionate.

Caring.

Fauquier Health has earned Hospital Nationally recognized.

This honor acknowledges theLeapfrog’s efforts ofTop ourGeneral caregivers to keep award for outstanding quality and safety—the only hospital our patients safe.has We’re proud to be recognized as one of the Fauquier Health earned Leapfrog’s Top General Hospital in Virginia and one of just 36 in the nation to receive this award for outstanding quality and safety—the only hospital safest hospitals in America. distinction.

in Virginia and one of just 36 in the nation to receive this distinction.

This honor acknowledges the efforts of our caregivers to keep

With trusted care, close to home, we’ll help you live your our patients safe. We’re proud to be recognized as one of the This honor acknowledges healthiest life. safest hospitals in America.the efforts of our caregivers to keep our patients safe. We’re proud to be recognized as one of the safest hospitals in close America.

With trusted care, to home, we’ll help you live your

See all we have healthiest life. to offer at With trusted care, close to home, we’ll help you live your FauquierHealth.org healthiest life. to offer at See all we have FauquierHealth.org See all we have to offer at FauquierHealth.org

Stronger starts here.

OrthoVirginia is Virginia’s largest provider of orthopedic medicine and one of the leading providers of physical, hand and occupational therapy.

OrthoVirginia’s team of orthopedic specialists provides both surgical and non-surgical care to patients.

With over 160 physicians and 37 locations across the state, expert care is close to home.

Convenient Haymarket and Manassas offices.

To view all of our Northern Virginia area orthopedic physicians and their specialties, scan the QR code or visit orthovirginia.com/physicians

To schedule an appointment, visit us online orthovirginia.com | or call 703.277.BONE (2663)

EDITOR’S NOTE

The Past, Present and Future

I

t is now 2026 – at least for you reading this magazine. However, for me on the other side of Dec. 31, there is so much still unknown that I feel like a time traveler. (Did aliens arrive on Earth?

No, don’t tell me.) While I can’t offer much insight on the new year, I can tell you a little about this issue and how it relates to the past, present and future.

All of us should expect a bright future if Connor Secrist, a Highland Upper School student and author of a new book, “AI – Understand the Revolution: From Basics and Buzzwords to Tech Giants, Governments and Your Future,” is to be believed. AI has helped him overcome struggles, and he suggests we embrace all the positive possibilities. Read about his insights on Page 10.

Our profile on new Gainesville Supervisor George Stewart looks backward and forward. We explore the experiences that shaped him – growing up in the Bronx, traveling the world with

the Navy, working on Wall Street and settling in Haymarket to raise a family – all on Page 14.

Back to the present day, I recommend you check out ARTfactory’s “Off The Wall” exhibit, featuring work by some of the county’s most creative high schoolers. I talked to some of them from Gainesville High about their inspiration and for the future. Read all about it and see samples of their artwork on Page 18.

Then a trip to Melrose Caverns is a fun way to explore the past. These ancient caves preserve Civil War graffiti and even pieces of Native American history. Don’t worry – it is relatively warm down there. Find more information on Page 24.

Have a wonderful new year!

– Stacy Shaw CONTRIBUTING EDITOR STACY@WHGLIFESTYLE.COM

H A Y M A R K E T / G A I N E S V I L L E L I F E S T Y L E Celebrating Western Prince William County

CREATIVE

SERVICES

DIRECTOR

Jay Ford creative@whglifestyle.com ACCOUNTING

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. ©2026 Rappahannock Media LLC.

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

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PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

“Dr. Louis Magdon’s compassionate, patient-focused care gave me rapid relief, a swift recovery, and a return to a pain-free, functional life ... he is the surgeon you can trust to deliver outstanding results.”

HHHHH WebMD review (Oct. 2025) Est. 1977

NOW I CAN!

n Sports Medicine n Joint Replacement n Spine Care n Pain Management n Physical Therapy n Surgical Center

540-347-9220 blueridgeortho.com

WARRENTON n GAINESVILLE Dr. Louis Magdon is an orthopedic doctor who specializes in spine surgery.

ST. PAUL’S All are welcome!

EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Celebrate the NEW YEAR With Us! SUNDAY SCHEDULE 8:30 AM: Holy Eucharist 9:30 AM: Church School & Choir Rehearsal 10:30 AM: Holy Eucharist & Children’s Liturgy 11:30 AM: Fellowship Livestream on our Website - Sundays at 10:30 AM!

Upcoming Celebrations Join us for St. Paul’s Feast Day: January 25 Our full schedule is on our website!

6750 Fayette Street, Haymarket, VA 20169 www.stpaulsepiscopalhaymarket.org

JA N U A RY 2 0 26

Rev. Sean K. Rousseau Family

&

Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle 5

8

Nationally Ranked Battlefield’s Moritz-Toledo and Gomez among top 100 high school baseball players

BY D AV I D FAW C E T T

18

Off The Wall Gainesville art students engage in freedom of expression

10

BY S TA CY S H AW

Haymarket teen demystifies the AI revolution

Local Adventure

A Bright Future

BY H E AT H E R S T I E T Z E L

14

Restoring Power to the People New Gainesville supervisor steps into service

BY C A RY L E E C A R R I N G T O N

24

Explore underground history of the Civil War at Melrose Caverns

BY JA C K I D Y R H O L M

28

Real Estate Local home sales dip in late fall

14 30

InsideNoVa News New neighborhoods coming, days get longer for PWCS teachers and data center news continues ON THE COVER:

New Gainesville District Supervisor George Stewart.

PHOTO BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER

L U K E C H R I STO P H E R

C O N T E N TS

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Battlefield Baseball Duo Ranks Nationally Nico Moritz-Toledo and Christian Gomez named among the top 100 high school players

BY DAVID FAWCETT

Nico Mortiz-Toledo

Moritz-Toledo, a centerfielder committed to Virginia Tech, is rated No. 44. The sports publication cited Moritz-Toledo’s speed as his biggest asset and compared him to outfielder Dante Nori, the Philadelphia Phillies’ 2024 first-round pick out of high school.

Baseball America said Moritz-Toledo’s speed is an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale.

As a sophomore last season, Moritz-Toledo was a first-team all-Class 6 state selection in helping Battlefield reach the state final.

For the season, the left-hander hit .370 with eight doubles, two triples, three homers, 30 RBI, 34 runs scored and 23 stolen bases.

8 Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle

Christian Gomez

Gomez, an outfielder and left-handed pitcher, has committed to North Carolina. Gomez is rated No. 89. Last spring was his first season with Battlefield after moving from Florida.

He hit .444 with eight doubles, one triple, one homer, 14 RBI, 28 runs scored and 13 stolen bases.

The 6-2 Gomez became a high-profile recruit over the summer during the travel season when he hit .444 with four homers, 21 RBI, a .889 slugging percentage, a 1.422 on-base plus slugging percentage and a .444 isolated power percentage in 21 games.

He committed to the Tar Heels in early September.

Baseball America cited Gomez’s left-handed swing, power and speed as his biggest attributes.

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B I L L K A M E N JA R

B I L L K A M E N JA R

B

attlefield High School junior baseball players Nico Moritz-Toledo and Christian Gomez are rated among the top 100 high school baseball players in the nation according to Baseball America, which recently published its latest rankings for the class of 2027.

Left: Battlefield’s Nico MoritzToledo rounds third on his way home as he scores an early run against Colgan in June 2025.

Right: Christian Gomez scores en route to a 4-2 state semifinal victory over Madison in June 2024.

David Fawcett is InsideNoVa’s sports editor.

He can be reached at dfawcett@insidenova.com.

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Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle 9

A Bright Future Haymarket teen demystifies the AI revolution

BY HEATHER STIETZEL

C

Connor Secrist is the author of “AI- Understand the Revolution.” His book is available on Amazon and QuickByteBooks.com.

B AS SA M S E B T

onnor Secrist may look like a normal 16-year-old. He lives in Dominion Valley with his parents and older sister, attends Highland School in Warrenton, where he is on the robotics and golf teams, and loves to help people in his community.

However, there is more to this young man than meets the eye. In November, Secrist released his first book on artificial intelligence, which he started writing at 15. Within a month, the self-published book was listed among the best-selling new releases on Amazon in three categories: Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Neural Networks and Machine Theory.

Secrist has an optimistic view of AI’s impact on society that he expounds upon in “AI – Understand the Revolution: From Basics and Buzzwords to Tech Giants, Governments and Your Future.”

“The AI revolution has already happened,” Secrist said. “Every app, every system, every decision we interact with is shaped by AI – but most people don’t know how or why. I wanted to write a book that makes AI simple and practical for everyone.”

Secrist doesn’t think people should fear AI; rather, they should open their eyes to all the ways AI could make the world better.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings about AI,” he added. “Hollywood put a bad name on [this new technology]. I wrote my book so more people can understand AI and how it works.”

Contrary to the idea of AI becoming an independent being that we ought to worry about, Secrist said it is a sophisticated machine. “It’s just neuronetworks with math underneath it.”

He acknowledges there could be a dark side of AI, “if it gets into the wrong hands,” but that is true for most technology. He said those tasked with overseeing it should be well versed in the ever-evolving area of technology.

RESEARCH, ANALYSIS AND REMEMBER:

Claude can help with recall, analysis and fact-checking, and it stores information across conversations.

Connor Secrist recommends the following AI applications for professional tasks:

10 Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

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ChatGPT for crafting emails, refining tone and structures and adding persuasive elements, like urgency or calls-to-action.

ADD MULTIMEDIA CREATIVITY:

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“A society with AI will help us cure diseases faster and make us a more efficient civilization,” Secrist said. “Everything will change and a variety of tasks will be made faster and more efficient through the use of AI.” While he predicts certain jobs may become obsolete – such as truck driving, data entry, packing and warehousing – many of these positions have severe labor shortages already.

Secrist doesn’t see technology replacing humans; rather he envisions a beneficial partnership. In fact, he credits AI with helping him to persevere academicly despite challenges.

He was diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disability that makes it hard for him to read, write and spell. But through the help of AI, he finished his 152-page book in just shy of four months.

“AI didn’t write my book – it helped me organize my thoughts and communicate them,” Secrist said.

“It didn’t replace my creativity. It amplified it.”

Those who know Secrist are not surprised by his accomplishment.

“Technology is his primary focus in life. He'd rather be on a computer than doing anything else,” said Jennifer Wood, Highland Upper School learning specialist and National Honor Society advisor.

“Not only is he passionate about technology,” Wood added, “but he is able to explain things to

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people in such a way that puts them at ease. He never makes anyone feel inferior because they are not familiar with technology in the way that he is.”

Wood gave a copy of the book to her 85-yearold stepfather. “He couldn't put it down and even bought copies for his friends so that they could be informed about AI.” In addition to writing his book, Secrist founded Quick Byte Books, an independent publishing company, to share his work with the world. Secrist would eventually like to work for an AI company that balances public safety and user experience.

He is currently looking for opportunities to volunteer in teaching people how to use AI. And he is working with key IT stakeholders in his community to help him break through his age barrier.

He thanks those in his supportive network, including his mother, Amy, and the faculty at Highland School.

However, if there is one thing he would change at his school, it would be to loosen its restrictions on AI-assisted writing. “Education should teach students to use AI responsibly,” he said. “It’s the future – and it’s already here.” L Heather Stietzel of Bristow has a B.A. in journalism.

She is director of membership sales for the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.

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Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle 13

Restoring Power to the People New Gainesville supervisor steps into service

BY CARYLEE CARRINGTON

I

n a special election triggered by the passing of Supervisor Bob Weir, voters in November chose a new Gainesville District representative to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. That person, George Stewart, 58, is the first Democrat to serve the district in recent memory.

A Life of Service

Stewart’s story begins far from the golf course community of Dominion Valley. Raised in New York City after being adopted just before his third birthday, he grew up in an “extremely civically active household.” His parents took him to community meetings, watched the news together and

ABOVE: In 1986, George Stewart, 18, enlisted in the Navy.

LEFT: Stewart’s wife, Andrea, and their daughter, Arabella, join him for his swearing in ceremony.

made sure he understood that public service was a responsibility, not an option.

“I was an only child, so I’d be there with my comic book, but I was still listening,” he said. “You realize early how everything connects, your neighborhood, your city, the world.”

After graduating from high school, Stewart joined the U.S. Navy and expanded his worldview far beyond the Bronx. Serving aboard the USS Midway he traveled to Japan, Thailand, Kenya and Australia – and in each location he tried to avoid tourist traps and instead meet people where they lived.

“My uncle, who fought in Korea, used to say that despite the cultural overlays, everyone wants the same thing – peace, prosperity and better opportunities for their children,” Stewart recalled.

“Traveling confirmed that. Beneath everything, there’s a shared humanity.”

During his time in the military he served in Operation Desert Storm and worked for the State Department’s Anti-Terrorism Task Force.

He briefly flirted with the idea of becoming a Formula One driver, before moving to Vancouver, British Columbia, where he had his first daughter (Madison, now 33), launched a business and served on the Vancouver Board of Trade.

With his parents aging, he pivoted to working on Wall Street, building a 30-year career in derivatives trading – an experience that strengthened his understanding of economic forces.

In 2005 he co-founded Geoscope Media, which produced commercials, documentaries and marketing campaigns. In 2019, he founded Geoscope Trading to mentor brokers on financial strategy.

He later brought the firm with him to Virginia.

Stewart married his wife, Andrea, in 2019, and in 2021, with the arrival of baby Arabella, the Stewarts moved to Haymarket, drawn by the schools, the community feel and the balance of open space and convenience In Haymarket, he served on the Dominion Valley HOA board, the Gainesville Democratic Committee and the Board of Equalization, contributing to his sense of civic duty.

“Any job where you’re elected is about constituent services,” he said. “Whether you’re a dogcatcher or the president, you’re responsible for your neighbors.”

Standing for the people

Running for Gainesville supervisor, the issue that dominated much of his campaign was data centers. Stewart is direct on the issue. “I want no more data centers in Prince William County.”

14 Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

George Stewart assumed the office of Gainesville District Supervisor after winning in a special election in November.

Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle 15

L U K E C H R I STO P H E R

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Gainesville Supervisor George Stewart works from his office on Heathcote Boulevard.

He believes housing must align with that vision.

“Many of the people who make communities function, administrative workers, first responders [they] can’t afford to live here,” he said. “We need attainable housing, not just luxury housing. We need mixed-density development that preserves our character while ensuring that people who work here can stay here.”

Stewart worries about the next generation – including his own daughter. “Statistically, she won’t be able to afford a home in Prince William County,” he said. “That’s unacceptable. The American dream shouldn’t be out of reach for our children.”

And he feels a strong responsibility to his neighbors today and tomorrow.

“You’re your neighbor’s keeper, whether you’re elected or not,” he reflected. “We’re all called to leave the world a little better than we found it.” L

16 Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

CONTACT YOUR SUPERVISOR Gainesville District Supervisor: George Stewart 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 150, Gainesville 703-792-6195 gainesville@pwcgov.org

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He wants to protect the water supply and power resources, preserve neighborhood character and restore trust.

Elena Schlossberg, president of the Coalition to Protect Prince William County, which has lobbied against data centers, respects that. “Residents need a leader that puts our needs before that of the data centers,” she said. “He is proving to his constituents he is that leader. Bob [Weir] would be pleased.”

Stewart acknowledges that data centers already here cannot be undone so he wants to broker firm negotiation with data center operators to define the county’s next steps.

Where they exist, they need to be good neighbors.

“Imagine you move into a neighborhood you love, and someone builds a massive, humming complex next door that uses huge amounts of water, puts power lines over your home and affects your taxes,” Stewart said. “They’re taking a tremendous rip out of the community in aesthetics, resources and impact. The least they can do is give back in a way that lifts everyone. To whom much is given, much is expected.”

Still, as a businessman, Stewart is very in favor of economic expansion. Because the technology industry already has a foothold in the western end of the county, he envisions a future in which tech and service industries can thrive together, creating jobs closer to home.

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Off The Wall Gainesville art students engage in freedom of expression

BY STACY SHAW

S

ix years ago, Jiamei Liu moved to Haymarket from China and entered middle school without knowing much English. Fortunately, she had two languages in which she could communicate: math and art.

She loved creating artwork and found relief in its universal language. “[It’s] creative freedom, a way to express myself,” Liu said.

Now as an AP Art student at Gainesville High School, looking toward college, she plans to major in math, and either minor or even double major in art.

Liu is one of 11 Gainesville High School students selected to participate in the ARTfactory’s 22nd Annual Off the Wall high school art exhibit and competition. The juried exhibition, which runs Dec. 18-Jan. 25, recognizes student artists by showcasing their work in the ARTfactory’s studio in Manassas.

“By treating these young artists as exhibiting professionals, we help nurture the next generation of creators, thinkers and cultural contributors,” said Jordan Exum, gallery director for the nonprofit.

This year’s exhibition includes artwork from more than 70 student artists representing nine county high schools: Battlefield, Brentsville District, C.D. Hylton, Colgan, Forest Park, Gainesville, Osbourn Park, Patriot and Woodbridge.

Gainesville High was well represented with nine juniors and seniors recognized for their visual artwork in the categories of painting and drawing, or art assisted by technology. Additionally, ninth-grade Gainesville student Xavier Thomas’s poem “Truth of Me” was selected.

Most of Gainesville’s 12th grade artists are students of Jennifer Marshall-Greeson, who teaches AP Art. She said she feels fortunate to work with such advanced students.

“They are so creative,” said Marshall-Greeson, known as “Mrs. MG.” “They have such a great work ethic.

They really work through the process.

They take feedback; they revise; they work through issues. They are taking risks with new materials and difficult subject matter.”

Most of all, they have developed their own style and voice. “Honestly, they are true artists.”

The ARTfactory will recognize one talented artist in each category with monetary prizes at an awards ceremony Jan. 10. The idea is that art has value and can be a viable career choice, Exum explained.

Senior Britney Kay thinks it is important that artists follow their passion.

“If you have something you really want to do. You should try your best to do it.”

Gainesville High AP Art students, (from left) Jiamei Liu, Vi-Anh Nguyen, Hasom Lim and Britney Kay

18 Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

seniors

Britney Kay, grade 12 “EMPTY”

Kay, of Bristow, has always been interested in art and took art classes after school and in the summers when she was younger.

Presently she favors two-dimensional monochrome tones that allow her to visualize depth and shadows, but wants to broaden her horizons.

And she highly recommends Gainesville’s art program.

“It’s pretty great. The teachers here are super nice. You have a lot of materials [to work with],” and said that it is even great for anyone who likes art as a hobby, plus it is not “super stressful.”

Kay plans on majoring in architecture and would like to study in New York City or Seattle. “I definitely like to draw inspiration from around me.”

CHARCOAL

Kay applied charcoal to toned paper, “to accentuate the depth of our beings, finding meaning in the tangle of our remains.”

Jiamei Liu, grade 12 “THE CAROUSEL OF CHILDHOOD” TECHNOLOGY & ART

“I wanted to show the moment when childhood innocence breaks, and the world becomes both beautiful and frightening.”

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Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle 19

finalists in painting and drawing

Hasom Lim, grade 12 “ONE WAY, MANY VOICES” ACRYLIC PAINT, CHARCOAL

The piece shows how identity forms in a bustling city, by capturing the loud and energetic feelings on canvas. “[The mix of colors] shows the tension between who we are inside and the environment that shapes us.”

Hasam Lim of Gainesville began taking art classes at age 5. She values the collaborative environment of her Gainesville High art classes, in which she can get feedback on her work from other students.

Lim created “One Way, Many Voices” after visiting New York City. She liked the energy of so many different people in one place all rushing in different directions.

She plans to major in art, and her parents support that decision. “Ever since I told them I wanted to major in art, they have been very supportive of everything. Ever since I was a little kid they encouraged me to pursue my dreams.”

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Vi-Anh Nguyen, grade 12 “MARCHING STAR” ACRYLIC, COLOR PENCIL AND PEN

Nguyen describes the mesmerizing effect of marching with the band, moving lockstep with the music, acting unconsciously, from memory and synchronizing with those around her.

Vi-Anh Nguyen was not initially a fan of art classes because she was told to draw things exactly as saw them. She wanted to have more creative freedom, and she found that in her Gainesville High art class. “I wanted to be an artist in which you look at my art and you know it is made by me.”

Her piece “Marching Star” is part of a series. Nguyen wanted to explore what others are passionate about and looked into hobbies she and her friends share – guitar, photography and marching band for inspiration. “It’s my way of connecting people.”

For “Marching Star,” she also drew upon her own experiences. “I really wanted to do marching band this year,” she said, and the color guard gave her that opportunity. “I met a lot of cool people through it as well.”

Nguyen also runs track, works on the yearbook and is co-president of the National Arts Honor Society at her school.

She likes that in her art class everyone brings something different to the table. Different interests, styles and passions, but they also get along and help each other.

She planned to major in architectural design in college, but lately has been considering being an art teacher. “Just seeing Mrs. MG do her job, it just seems really cool.”

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Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle 21

finalists in painting & drawing

Nuvi Delgado, grade 12 “UNNOTICED” ACRYLIC PAINT

Through 20 snippets of newspaper and photos applied with gesso, and the use of acrylic paint throughout, Delgado depicts the story of Mexicans who came to the United States through the bracero program to help the American economy during World War II. Despite their contributions, when the war ended, they faced racism, segregation, exploitations and threats of deportation.

Molly Montgomery, grade 11 “BILLY’S BUDDY” ACRYLIC PAINT AND COLORED PENCIL

To cheer up her neighbor who was placed in hospice care, Montgomery painted a picture of his beloved pet bird, Felix.

Jasper Lee, grade 11 “THE EXPRESSION LOVE” PASTEL, COLLAGE AND PENCIL

Lee’s parents would never say they loved him, “but I always felt loved without hearing those words.” They expressed love in their actions. For instance, whenever he felt sad, his mom would give him a mandarin.

22 Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

Malalai Sharifi, grade 11 “DAYDREAM”

finalists in art & technology

The piece explores Sharifi’s struggle daydreaming in class, “and what occupies my mind during these surges of discouragement and disassociation.”

Avi Rustin, grade 11 “MUTTON”

Rustin said the piece represents the religious guilt and fear he used to harbor – the idea that someone was judging him from above and would meet him after death. L

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Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle 23

local adventures

Hidden History Explore underground history of the Civil War at Melrose Caverns

BY JACKI DYRHOLM

W

hat do bullet holes, the signature of a relative of Abraham Lincoln, Native American carvings, and the names of Union and Confederate soldiers etched into cave walls have in common? They can all be found inside Melrose Caverns, a newly reopened show cavern, wedding venue and event center just outside of Harrisonburg! Smaller than most other show caves in the Shenandoah Valley region, its size makes it feel more approachable.

Melrose Caverns lies underneath the Harrison homestead, a parcel of land that

traces back to a 1748 pre-revolutionary land grant awarded to the Harrison family from King George II. The caverns were opened to visitors in the 1920s but ceased operations in 1967 due to lack of business after the completion of interstate 81. Later restored, the caverns reopened to visitors in late 2021.

The Geology of Melrose Caverns

Melrose Caverns are a natural limestone cave system that formed over millions of years, and like most caverns it has its share of stalagmites, stalactites and other cool

24 Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

geological formations. As you walk through the caverns you will come across the obligatory cave rock formations, an organ that can be played by hitting the “pipes” with a rock and a beautiful underground lake illuminated by colored lights.

As you continue down the winding paths you will start to see thin, feathery vines draping down from the ceiling. In these areas the cavern ceilings are close enough to the surface of the ground for tree roots to make their way in through cracks in the rocks.

Native American History

During your tour your guide will point out two Native American carvings of faces, along with an alcove where Native American artifacts and human remains were discovered.

It is believed that the first Native Americans discovered the caverns around 300 AD.

Civil War Signatures

Though the rock formations seen in Melrose Caverns are interesting and impressive, what makes this cavern unique is the history behind it. The caves were occupied at various times by both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War and, as mankind has done since the beginning of time, they left graffiti behind — their names carved in the cave walls with their bayonets, stamped or written in ash from their fires.

It is estimated that there are around 400 names written throughout the cavern, the majority of the signatures from 1862. In April of that year, Union soldiers under the command of General Nathaniel Bank

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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 H A Y M A R K E T / G A I N E S V I L L E L I F E S T Y L E Celebrating Western Prince William County

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Registration Checks must be received prior to registration day. Checks made payable to HBCPK for $175.00 per student.

Payments can be mailed to: THE 15 ANNUAL HBCPK PO Box 182 20 25 Haymarket, VA 20168 School e-mail: haymarketbcpreschool@hbcpk.com TH

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Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle 25

Know Before You Go

Address:

6639 N Valley Pike Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Winter Hours:

Tuesday-Friday 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

were looking for a place to rest and store ammunition on the way to Gettysburg.

We can imagine they discovered a hole in the ground with cool air rising from it and decided to investigate. They discovered a vast underground cave system to store their supplies as well as get some sleep.

There is also evidence that they might have gotten bored at times. There is a stalactite column bearing pockmarks that researchers suspect the soldiers used for target practice.

Soldiers weren’t the only ones to leave their signatures on the wall of the caverns.

Back in 1829, a relative of Abraham Lincoln who lived nearby left his name in the cave as well. Interestingly, he later joined the Confederate Army to fight against the Union forces headed by his own cousin.

Unfortunately, Native Americans and Civil War soldiers were not the only ones to leave evidence of their visits to the caves. Your tour guides will be quick to point out that some of the names (mostly written in red) are the result of more recent visits by college stu-

Admission:

$26.50 online in advance for adults, $19 for kids 6 – 12, children 5 and under are free.

Tickets are more expensive at the door.

Tour Length: 45 minutes – 1 hour.

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What to Wear:

Light layers or a jacket. The temperature is a constant 55°F. If it rains, the cavern floods and creates large puddles, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Accessibility:

While there are no stairs or steep descents/ascents, the walkways are made of crushed stone and are not ideal for wheelchairs or strollers, especially when it rains.

Online:

melrosecaverns.com

dents from area universities from the 1960s and 1970s after the caverns closed but the buildings on the property were used by the University of Virginia for various events.

In Conclusion

Melrose Caverns is a hidden gem and well-worth a visit. The amount of information you will learn about the geology of the cave along with the human history associated with it makes it stand out among all the other more commercialized show caves.

The owners take great pride in the caverns and are restoring them with great respect to both the geological and human history contained within them. The tour guides are personable and friendly. And there is an added bonus of touring this smaller, family-run business: depending on the day and time you go, you might just end up being the only one on your tour! L Jacki Dyrholm lives in Warrenton with her family and a menagerie of animals. Follow her travels at jackigoesplaces.com and on Facebook.

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Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle 27

realestateroundup

The Big Picture:

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.

Photos and home data from Realtor.com.

The November Details:

After two months of growth, local home sales dipped in November, declining 23.7% in the Haymarket and Gainesville ZIP codes combined, compared with November 2024.

Sales were down in both ZIP codes, although Haymarket’s decline was significantly larger.

Closed sales: • Down 6.3% in Gainesville to 30 units • Down 36.4% in Haymarket to 28 units • Combined sales totaled 58, down from 76 a year earlier New pending sales: • Down 8.6% in Gainesville • Up 34.5% in Haymarket

Just a blip? Pending sales were up in the two ZIP codes combined, and median sales prices were mixed, according to the latest data from the Prince William Association of Realtors. New listings were basically flat in the two ZIP codes combined as the market headed into the typically slow winter months.

Median sales price: • Up 4.1% to $717,500 in Gainesville • Down 7.3% to $725,357 in Haymarket Average days on market (homes sold in November): • 22 in Gainesville • 21 in Haymarket

20169 Haymarket

20155 Gainesville 8318 ROXBOROUGH LOOP

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15326 CUTLER CREEK WAY

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14428 EAGLE ISLAND COURT

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15236 WEISKOPF COURT

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15641 SUNSHINE RIDGE LANE

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15266 FOG MOUNTAIN CIRCLE

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$856,873 Sold: Nov. 13 4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms 4,069 square feet

THIS MONTH’S REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

$1,225,000 Sold: Nov. 19 4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms 5,435 square feet $880,000 Sold: Nov. 21 2 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 3,994 square feet

$862,500 Sold: Dec. 15 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 3,598 square feet $857,000 Sold: Dec. 15 4 bedrooms 3½ bathrooms 3,746 square feet

$850,000 Sold: Dec. 11 3 bedrooms 4 bathrooms 4,238 square feet

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news you may have missed...

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Rezonings approved for Vint Hill Road

T

he Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved three rezonings from Northern Virginia developer Stanley Martin for the Vint Hill corridor in the Brentsville District, just 24 hours after Nokesville-area residents voiced displeasure with the projects at a joint town hall.

The board voted 6-2 on Dec. 9 to authorize the projects, estimated for completion around 2031. Yesli Vega, the Coles District supervisor, and George Stewart, the Gainesville District supervisor, cast the dissenting votes.

Together, the three developments – Hawthorn at Kettle Run, Alderwood at Kettle Run and Longleaf at Kettle Run – are set to bring 1,058 new homes to the corridor over 1,123 combined acres and at a density of 0.94 dwelling units per acre – to go along with 63.7% open space, according to Jonelle Cameron, an attorney representing Stanley Martin.

A Dec. 8 town hall at the Nokesville Volunteer Fire Department saw significant resistance from a sizable turnout of approximately 70 local residents.

School Board member working for data center lobbyist

P

rince William School Board member Erica Tredinnick of the Brentsville District is working with lobbying firm LSI Communications, also known as LSI 360, a group advising residents involved in PW Digital Gateway land sales.

Warrenton-based LSI Communications represents Pageland Lane property owners as they navigate selling their properties to make way for the massive data center project near Gainesville.

Pageland residents have an agreement to sell their land to data center developers QTS and Compass to build the Digital Gateway campus across over 2,100 acres in western Prince William.

Tredinnick, who ran with Republican support, has represented the Brentsville District on the School Board since 2024. School Board members do not directly vote on land-use issues, but they can advocate against land use that would negatively affect schools either personally or through a School Board vote.

Tredinnick told the news site Bristow Beat that her employment at LSI is unrelated to her School Board position.

Roem pitches sweeping data center crackdown

S

tate Sen. Danica Roem is pushing the Virginia General Assembly to take two major steps during its 2026 session: limiting the placement of data centers to exclusively industrial areas and removing the sales tax exemption for data centers.

Roem, D-30th District, made her pitch at a joint meeting with the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, the School Board and several other local legislators. Roem said the state spent $920 million in fiscal 2023 on data center tax subsidies due to the exemption.

As data center power demand has risen, Dominion Energy has continued to develop its 36.5mile Morrisville-to-Wishing Star transmission line along with a 6.5-mile line connecting the Nokesville and Bristow substations. Concerns are mounting that wooded areas in Braemar, a residential community in Bristow, could be infringed upon.

The General Assembly session starts in January.

30 Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

Prince William teacher workdays extended

T

he Prince William County School Board voted to extend teacher contract hours an additional half hour per workday, a move made against the wishes of many educators in the county.

In a 4-3 vote in early December, the board approved a change to a School Board regulation to “ensure the classroom teaching assignment, planning period, and lunch period of teachers” does not exceed 7.5 hours. The change will begin in the 2026-27 school year.

Justin Wilk of the Potomac District, Lisa Zargarpur of the Coles District and Richard Jessie of the Occoquan District cast the three dissenting votes. Brentsville District board member Erica Tredinnick was absent from the meeting.

Super Pet Expo moves to Manassas Mall

T

he largest pet event in the Washington region is coming to Prince William County.

With the Dulles Expo Center, its home of 25 years, permanently closing in Chantilly, Super Pet Expo organizers will bring the showcase for local pet businesses, nonprofits and experts to Manassas Mall next year instead.

The show will be held at the shopping center in Prince William from March 13-15.

Ikea announced Oct. 30 that it will open a nearly 110,000-squarefoot store, replacing the Dulles Expo Center, in the spring.

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