Service sorority expands to our area
Scale modelers reconstruct history Spitony’s Pizza turns 50
Urban Air Adventure Park opens in Gainesville
LiveLiFeHealthiest Your LiveLiFe
LiveLiFeHealthiest Your LiveLiFe
Compassionate. Caring. Nationally recognized.
LiveLiFeHealthiest Your LiveLiFe
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. Nationally recognized.
This honor acknowledges the efforts of our caregivers to keep our patients safe. We’re proud to be recognized as one of the safest hospitals in America.
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.
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.
With trusted care, close to home, we’ll help you live your healthiest life.
This honor acknowledges the efforts of our caregivers to keep our patients safe. We’re proud to be recognized as one of the safest hospitals in America.
This honor acknowledges the efforts of our caregivers to keep our patients safe. We’re proud to be recognized as one of the safest hospitals in America.
With trusted care, close to home, we’ll help you live your healthiest life.
See all we have to offer at FauquierHealth.org
With trusted care, close to home, we’ll help you live your healthiest life.
See all we have to offer at FauquierHealth.org
See all we have to offer at FauquierHealth.org
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Hello and happy summer!
It’s July and it’s a fun time to get away from it all. However, I’ve always said that this area is not one I want to run away from. Before you head off to the beach, consider the fun to be had close to home.
For instance, you may want to take your family and friends to the new Urban Air Adventure Park in Gainesville. The entertainment venue hopes to serve the community by providing fun activities for families, schools and organizations. Kids are already having a blast, as you can see in our cover story, beginning on Page 14.
Then there are the places that have stood the test of time and become local institutions. One such
place is Spitony’s Pizza in New Baltimore. Families have gathered there for 50 years. Parents and grandparents can share generational memories over a slice and a soda. Read the story behind the institution starting on Page 10.
But it’s not only the places that make Gainesville and Haymarket great, it’s also the people who live here, and the smaller communities they form with each other.
Take Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters. They were tired of a lack of representation in the Gainesville area, so they formed their own chapter. As a result, they built a sisterhood that is serving our community. See the details starting on Page 20.
And today with the internet it is easier than ever to connect those
HAYMARKET / GAINESVILLE LIFESTYLE
Celebrating Western Prince William County
The Haymarket/Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed to over 15,000 selected addresses. While reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Haymarket/Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. While ensuring that all published information is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or omissions. Reproduction in whole or part of any of the text, illustration, or photograph is strictly forbidden. ©2025 Rappahannock Media LLC.
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with those with similar hobbies all over the world. One Haymarket man did just that with scale modeling, while also growing the modeler’s connections in Northern Virginia. Now, it is home to the biggest scale modeling club in the country, as you’ll learn in the article starting on Page 24.
However, I won’t judge you if you still want to get away. In fact, turn to Pages 18-19 for details on how to access our annual Road Trip! section, which is full of fun ideas.
Enjoy!
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to do list
For an up-to-date list of events around the region, visit
It’s July, but you don’t need to go to the beach to experience summer vibes. There’s plenty to see, hear and taste in your neighborhood.
History & Hiking
Take a free walking tour of Haymarket on Friday, July 18, at 6 p.m. with Walking Tours of Prince William Towns: Haymarket. Incorporated in 1882, Haymarket has a rich history spanning back to the 18th century. Haymarket Museum, Washington Street.
Culture, Food & Festivals
Join the festivities at the multicultural Latin American Artisans & Entrepreneur EXPO, Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Experience Latin American art, food, folk dances, live music, artisans and exhibitors. Harris Pavilion, Manassas.
Savor Thai food and culture, Sunday, July 13, at the NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival. There’ll be live music, Thai dance, crafts and more. Free entry. Manassas Museum lawn.
Acoustic Concerts
Take back Tuesdays with Acoustic Tuesday Concerts, July 8, 15, and 29 at 7 p.m., featuring Enslow Duo, Kevin Koa and Shane Gamble. It is part of the 2025 Summer Concert Series at the Harris Pavilion in Old Town Manassas.
See Northern Virginia’s V-n-G Acoustic perform rock, blues and country, Friday, July 11, while you sip wine on the lake at The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm, Gainesville.
Giuseppe’s restaurant welcomes the bluesy, rock-a-billy band, Josh Allen and the Whiskey Brothers, Friday, July 11, 7 p.m.. Washington Street, Haymarket.
Jim Koennicke brings his jam-band style acoustic rock to Trouvaille Brewing Co., Saturday, July 12, 6 p.m. Washington Street, Haymarket.
Musical Theater
Set in the backdrop of politically charged 1930s Berlin, “Cabaret” mixes provocative themes with memorable songs and explores the allure of escapism. See it performed by the Actors Theatre, July 11-27, at the ARTfactory, Manassas.
Sports & Leisure
Want something different for date night? Polo in the Park by Salesforce offers an opportunity to cheer on nationally and internationally recognized players. Bring a picnic or purchase food on site. Saturdays, July 12, 19 and 26. Morven Park International Equestrian Center, Leesburg.
The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm
Scan for details and tickets:
Scan for details and tickets:
wine&dine
A Slice of Tradition
Spitony’s Pizza turns 50
BY GRACE SCHUMACHER
Just a few miles south of Gainesville, along Route 29 between Warrenton and New Baltimore, sits a red brick building that has been serving fresh, made-to-order pies for 50 years.
Spitony’s Pizza, founded in 1975, is more than a local staple — it’s a living family legacy, now in its third generation under Alex and Lauren Chakalos.
“We’re the one and only Spitony’s,” Alex said. “We want each experience to be unique and everybody to feel at home.”
That focus on hospitality runs deep for Alex, who grew up alongside the business.
“I would get dropped off by the school bus at Spitony’s,” he said. “I was always in the back making boxes for quarters or playing video games in the corner.”
For him, the restaurant is more than a workplace — it’s an extension of home.
Spitony’s was started by Alex’s grandfather, Spiro, and great-uncle Tony, who combined their names to create “Spitony’s.” Originally housed inside a Stuckey’s conve -
nience store, the family-run pizzeria was a bold venture at a time when pizza was still considered a novelty in rural Virginia.
“They were looking to pioneer something that hadn’t been done before,” Alex said. “Something that would set them apart.”
One of one: A ‘Spitony’s Pizza’ is its own thing
The Chakalos family wants customers to crave a “Spitony’s pizza” — not just any slice.
The family proudly embraces their heritage, operating the neighboring Northside 29 restaurant serving Greek cuisine, but Spitony’s serves up New York-style pizza, shaped by the early mentorship from the building’s previous owners, Charlie and Jules.
“The legal name of the business is still C.J. Spitony’s,” Lauren said.
At Spitony’s, pizza is a craft.
“On paper, pizza is just dough, sauce and cheese. But it’s so much more than that,” Alex said. “We make our dough fresh daily. It has to be the same every time.”
Consistency, he said, is non-negotiable — from the dough’s texture to the evenness of toppings.
“Our pizzas can’t be overcooked or undercooked. Nothing about our recipes changes, so it all comes down to technique,” said Alex.
“Even the temperature of the water is monitored,” added Lauren.
That attention to detail adds up. In 2024 alone, they made nearly 55,000 pizzas. The sauce — made from scratch two to three times a week in 55-gallon batches — is considered sacred.
“It’s our secret recipe,” Lauren said. “It’s special, and it can be easily messed up. We’ve had to scrap entire batches when just one thing is off. We can’t just be like, ‘It’s good enough,’ because that's not how we flow.”
Lauren and Alex, both 2009 graduates of
Fauquier High School, reconnected years later at a club softball game. Their love story, like the restaurant, is rooted in partnership.
“I was between jobs, and Alex was shortstaffed,” Lauren said. “I offered to come in and help, even if it was just answering phones.”
Seven years later, she’s still there — now as Alex’s wife and a vital part of the day-today operations.
Working side by side comes naturally.
“Alex’s parents, Bill and Tracy, work the same way,” Lauren said. “They’ve created a strong model of what a healthy work-life dynamic can look like.”
That model begins with hard work. Bill Chakalos, who took over the business from his father, Spiro, is known among staff and family alike as the tireless engine behind Spitony’s.
“He is Spitony’s,” Lauren said. “You’ll find him on the roof fixing hood fans, checking the freezer, or changing filters in the A/C unit. We joke about starting a challenge: If anyone can snap a photo of Bill sitting down and relaxing, they win a prize.”
Alex credits his father for shaping his leadership style.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot from him,”
Spiro and Tula Chakalos immigrated to the United States from southern Greece in 1956 with the dream of owning their own business.
he said. “He told me once, ‘This is a gold mine — but you have to mine it.’”
Alex wasn’t always sure that taking over the family business was the path he’d follow. His parents made it clear: There was no obligation.
“They told me, ‘We can hire a general manager. Don’t do this just because you think you have to,’” he said. “But one day it clicked. I saw everything they’d worked for, and I thought maybe I could step into that and provide a great life for my own family.”
Now, with Lauren by his side, Alex is continuing the legacy with care — for both customers and staff.
“We’ve had kids who started working
Macey MacEwen, a longtime Spitony’s employee, dishes up “a slice of heaven.”
In 1971, Spiro and Tula Chakalos purchased the property in New Baltimore where Spitony’s is today.
with us at age 15, stayed all through high school, came back during college breaks, and some who’ve worked with us for over a decade,” Lauren said. “That really speaks to how Alex leads. He genuinely cares about his staff and respects their time.”
The couple had planned to marry in October 2020, but like many others, their wedding was delayed by the pandemic.
COVID-19 also became a defining moment for the business.
“Navigating COVID-19 ... So many restaurants didn’t survive,” Lauren said. “We were lucky — we actually got busier.”
They quickly adapted with curbside pickup and streamlined operations. Though chaotic at first, the experience made the business stronger.
“It actually helped us to fine-tune. Now we’re trained to be busy,” Alex said. “It made us faster and more efficient.”
“Nobody had ever gone through something like [COVID-19] before. We were learning at the same time as everybody else and adapting to what's going on,” Lauren added. “It’s hard to remember what things were like before.”
Affordability helped too.
“Pizza was something families could still afford,” Alex said.
Spitony’s gives back when they can, said Lauren. During government shutdowns, they offered free lunch specials to furloughed federal employees who showed valid ID.
Now, the family sees the anniversary as a chance to say thank you.
50 years of community support
“This anniversary is for the community,” Alex said. “They have been there for us. This is our livelihood, our family business. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.”
Spitony’s doesn’t chase trends. In fact, much of the kitchen equipment — like the original dough bowl and pizza oven— has been there since 1975.
“We want people to walk in and say, ‘This hasn’t changed a bit,’” Alex said. “We want it to taste exactly how they remember. We don’t change a lot here, and that's our strategy.”
Still, they make small updates, like rotating local beers and maintaining a social media presence. But what keeps customers coming back is the sense of belonging.
“When someone walks in, we want it to feel like home,” Alex said. “Because for us, that’s exactly what this place is.”
Tracy and Janine Melvin of Catlett stopped by on a rainy Wednesday earlier this month.
“This is our favorite pizza, hands down,” Tracy said. “There’s no limit to how far we’ll drive for Spitony’s.”
In an age of franchises and food trends, Alex said he hopes Spitony’s reminds people what it means to build something that lasts. L
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.
Spitony’s Pizza is under the management of Alex and Lauren Chakalos, the family’s third generation. Lauren shows off her dough-tossing skills in Spitony’s kitchen.
Might As Well Jump!
Urban Air Adventure Park opens in Gainesville
BY HEATHER STIETZEL
PHOTOS BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
Since she first heard about Urban Air coming to Somerset Crossing in Gainesville, Jessi Lightfoot, mother of two 10-year-olds and chair of the activities committee for Buckland Mills Elementary School, had been eagerly waiting for it to open.
In April, Urban Air Gainesville invited Lightfoot, along with a few other mothers and community influencers, to a sneak peak at the indoor park.
“We really don’t have anything like this, family-friendly here on this side of the county,” Lightfoot said. “It’s a place to get together. It’s really one-of-a-kind for this area.”
Lightfoot was amazed by what she saw and booked a birthday party for her twins, Wyatt and Grace, at the park.
In May, Urban Air Adventure Park officially opened. The 49,000-square-foot center offers activities from various high-jumping trampolines to indoor climbing walls, bumper cars that flip upside down and “ninja” obstacle courses.
Additional fun activities include a laser tag arena and a zipline where kids can soar over the park.
The park has become a popular place for birthday parties, PTO spirit nights and endof- the-school-year celebrations.
Mettalise Campbell (left) and Samantha Rosen of Bristow enjoy the ninja obstacle course at Urban Air in Gainesville.
The Tayyab family of Bristow were also eager to visit the park and arrived on the first day it opened. The children sped immediately to the high-rise zip line.
“We felt like we were flying and didn't want to come down,” said Isa Tayyab, 10.
Subir Singh of Arlington, co-owner of Urban Air’s Gainesville and Woodbridge locations, also owns several Learning Experience locations, including one in Bristow.
“We are [already] in the daycare business, so from that it became a natural evolution into trying to do something else for the community,” Singh said. “Then we thought, ‘Alright, the next one’s fun.’”
When it came to choosing to open his first Urban Air franchises, Singh was drawn to CEO and co-founder Michael Browning's vision for the adventure park: “happy kids + strong kids = good kids.”
Singh and his team have tried to embody those ideals by providing opportunities not only for fun, but for skills building, team building and even STEM projects.
He chose to locate his second adventure park in Gainesville because the area has many young families.
He hired Jalissa Henderson as his marketing director. She managed SkyZone Trampoline Park in Manassas for many years.
Henderson has been working at both Prince William Urban Air locations to
Mother Approved, Kid Tested
BY STACY SHAW
In early June, Amanada Scholl and Erin Blankenship of Bristow took Junior Girl Scout Troop 90115 to Urban Air Gainesville. Scholl said they wanted to do something special, and with the excitement around the opening of the park, it was an obvious choice.
The fourth-grade girls wasted little time before heading out to explore. Most of them scurried off to the floor-level ninja course, where they swung on ropes and skipped across landing pads overlooking a ball crawl. Workers oversaw the course to make sure the children did not crash into or trample each other.
Having their fill, they quickly made their escape, running off to the next activities – bumper cars and then high-jumping trampolines. Afterward they gathered for a game of laser tag, donning their equipment and adopting cool code names, including “Alpha,” “Cyber”and “Skye.”
While not everyone ventured up to the Sky Rider Zipline, Nora Blankenship and Shay Baldwin were not deterred – even if they were a bit terrified, they confessed. However, after making it safely across, they realized they had nothing to be afraid of.
Quickly, they returned to the podium. This time, they got a running start, put more energy into the dismount and zipped quickly from one platform to another, taking it all in with smiles.
With so much to do the girls scarcely returned to the large, brightly lit party room. They had pizza and chicken nuggets but still requested treats from the cafe such as polar ice drinks and popcorn.
Parents scoped out the healthy and allergy-conscious options. (Adult beverages are also available.)
When 7 p.m. rolled around, it seemed all the girls were begging their parents to allow them to stay longer. By 7:30 p.m., moms were still coaxing their children out the door.
Everyone was eager to return, and many moms had already purchased their summer passes.
From left: Urban Air franchise owner Subir Singh, marketing director Jalissa Henderson and director of operations Danté Edwards prepare for Urban Air’s opening at the Somerset Crossing shopping center (shown below).
Isa Tayyab of Bristow is ready to go on the trampolines.
Where: 7471 Somerset Crossing Drive, Gainesville
Options:
Urban Air offers three levels of day passes, an annual membership and a summer pass. Some passes include a meal or snack.
Details: urbanair.com/virginia-gainesville
Samantha Rosen (left) and Eva Shaw play laser tag at Urban Air.
Girl scouts (from left) Charlotte Scholl, Tatiana Chinn and Kennedy Shivers enjoy a party at Urban Air.
connect with local families and schools, partner with off-duty police officers and host adult and teen nights. She hopes to partner with more parents and organizations, including daycares and sports teams.
Building a community for families and friends to meet and spend time together is her passion, and she appreciates that Urban Air caters to people of all ages.
Urban Air is an appropriate place for teens and tweens to hang out and be loud and energetic without getting into trouble. But it is also a place where parents can take their smaller children to play in the kids’ jungle-gym while they sit and chat nearby.
Of course, parents and children can also take part in many activities together.
“Urban Air isn’t just a trampoline park, but a place where people of all ages can enjoy –from toddlers to grandmas,” Henderson said. “Since safety is our number one goal, families [can worry less] and focus on enjoyable memories that last a lifetime.” L
Heather Stietzel of Bristow, has a B.A. in journalism. She is director of membership sales for the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
ROAD
Your Guide to Quick Summer Getaways in Virginia & Beyond
As schools close and summer begins, the picturesque landscapes of Virginia beckon travelers with promises of unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re looking for new places to explore or eager to uncover hidden gems, our comprehensive guide covers the best things to do in Northern Virginia, central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
In Northern Virginia, the vibrant mix of urban and natural attractions ensures there’s something for everyone. Discover the charm of Old Town
Explore RoadTrip! by scanning the QR code with your smartphone or at insidenova.com/roadtrip
PLUS, find print copies of RoadTrip! at locations around Fauquier and Prince William counties and throughout the region.
ROADTrip!
Your Guide to Quick Summer Getaways in Virginia and Beyond
Alexandria with its historic waterfront, boutique shops and delectable dining options. Take a scenic drive along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, where breathtaking views of the Potomac River await. For the outdoor enthusiast, Great Falls Park offers exhilarating hikes and stunning vistas that are perfect for a summer day adventure.
Central Virginia, with its rich history and rolling vineyards, invites you to indulge in a different kind of exploration. Wander through the historic streets of Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia and the renowned Monticello. Wine aficionados will delight in the region’s award-winning wineries, offering tastings and tours amidst picturesque vineyards. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, where pan-
oramic views and lush landscapes create an idyllic backdrop for a leisurely drive.
The Shenandoah Valley, a true natural paradise, is the perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and adventure. Shenandoah National Park, with its cascading waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and miles of hiking trails, is a haven for nature lovers. Experience the thrill of Skyline Drive, a scenic byway that offers unparalleled views of the valley and beyond. Quaint towns like Luray and Winchester provide a delightful mix of history, culture, and hospitality, ensuring a memorable visit. Join us as we uncover some of the must-see destinations, hidden gems and local favorites that make Virginia a top summer destination in a special publication. See how above!
Sisters in Service
New
AKA
chapter brings service, sisterhood and representation home
BY CARYLEE CARRINGTON
After years of vision, and about two years of dedication and community engagement, a new graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the nation’s first intercollegiate historically African American sorority, has officially been established to serve western Prince William and northern Fauquier counties.
The chapter, known during its interest group phase as PEARLS – Positive, Empowering, Achieving, Resourceful, Lively Sisters – was formally chartered June 7 with a ceremony at the Regency at Dominion Valley, and 33 sisters were inducted.
“We did it. The PEARLS are officially chartered,” said the Ivy Leaf reporter, Jo Ann Obie. “We are now The Alpha Delta
Delta Omega Chapter, ‘ADDO,’ of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.”
The chapter, composed of college educated women, has been years in the making. In spring 2022, sorority sisters Veronica Johnson and Elizabeth Chisolm kept running into each other at a local store. They started talking about starting a chapter in western Prince William, where they both live.
To assess interest, Johnson and Chisolm pulled in other sisters they knew and organized meet-ups. Each time the sisters invited more sisters living in the area.
In January 2023, Chisolm, Tracy Epps and Shirley Miller hosted sisters at the Dominion Valley Country Club for a Founders’ Day celebration, “Pearls & Pink Tea Party,”
where they encouraged them to join the “Journey to Become an Interest Group.”
Over the next few months, they hosted several more sister-related events, often fun get-togethers, such as a paint night, yoga and line dancing. And they also started participating in volunteer opportunities.
Geography played a role, too, because for Gainesville-area residents the nearest chapters were in Fairfax and Woodbridge. And when members joined distant chapters, they found themselves supporting areas where they didn't live and school systems that didn’t serve their children.
That is how Kimberly Highsmith, who lives in Dominion Valley and works as an executive director in human services, became instru-
PEARLS sisters visit families at the Virginia Women and Children Support Center home in Haymarket.
The first elected officers for the new local chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (L-R) Dr. Alfie Lena Turner (parliamentarian), Ms. Melissa Ward Williams (hostess), Shawn xRichardson (corresponding secretary), Shirley Miller, (recording secretary), Veronica Johnson (vicepresident), Dr. Malikah Day (president), Tiana Adams (treasurer), Shantiki Sanders (financial secretary), Ailsa Ware Burnett (reporter), and Rev. Dr. Kimberly Lewis (chaplain).
mental in the process. A former president of AKA’s Lambda Kappa Omega Chapter in Fairfax, she became PEARLS president.
“There’s always been a significant number of AKA members in the western Prince William and the northern Fauquier area,” Highsmith said, “but in the last couple of years, the timing, the people and the purpose aligned.”
That alignment was not without effort. The journey to becoming an official chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha was extensive.
Before they could even apply to charter, the group had to first be approved as an official interest group. That required submitting demographic data, community needs assess-
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ments and proposed service projects.
“We had to prove there was a need – and then we had to show how we’d meet it,” said Malikah Day, vice president of PEARLS.
The group had already led and participated in numerous service projects in line with the sorority’s mission to be “Supreme in Service to All Mankind.”
One of the most rewarding parts of the process was the bond that grew among the women.
“We didn’t all know each other,”
Highsmith said. “So, we spent months building sisterhood – hosting monthly outings, sharing laughs over winery tours and just really getting to know one another.”
Day, who also lives in Dominion Valley, is a clinical pharmacist who joined AKA as a college student in 1997. For her, forming the new chapter was about more than convenience – it was also about representation.
“Living here, especially raising children here, you notice the lack of representation,” Day said. “We wanted to be visible for
PEARLS members beautify the grounds of the Dumfries Slave Cemetery.
our kids. We wanted them to see professional, service-minded Black women doing good things right in their own neighborhoods.”
The interest group partnered with Haymarket Regional Food Pantry and provided classroom snacks to schools such as Tyler Elementary. Members also participated in Read Across America, reading to students at Innovations Academy in Manassas.
Members also regularly volunteered at the Willing Warrior Retreat in Bull Run, a nonprofit that serves wounded service members and their families. And they held a “Pink Goes Red” heart disease awareness event at Vint Hill Yoga in New Baltimore to promote healthy living.
“Our goal was to hit the ground running with service,” said Day, who chairs the group’s program efforts. “That way, when we officially became a chapter, we wouldn’t be starting from scratch – we’d be building on a strong foundation.”
The initiative the sorority sisters are most proud is hosting a Youth Leadership Institute for 10 middle school-aged girls that focused on leadership, public speaking, event planning and service.
The group also gave back to the community through donations. By the time of the induction, PEARLS had
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA)®, an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American collegeeducated women.
Community service projects conducted by the PEARLS sisters have included (clockwise from left) donating supplies to the Virginia Women and Family Support Center; registering new voters at a Gainesville community shred event, and donating money and children’s clothing to Tyler Elementary School.
serving children.
Membership:
AKA offers both undergraduate and graduate membership, meaning women can join while attending college or after graduation.
Age restrictions: AKA does not have age restrictions for membership.
Inclusivity: Although traditionally a Black sorority, AKA does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity or religion.
The women donated to Virginia Women and Families Support Centers, helped pay off student lunch debt, donated winter clothing to teens and provided financial support for their Youth Leadership Institute program.
Before the chartering ceremony the chapter name was a closely guarded secret, and Highsmith noted, with a laugh, that people had been actively trying to guess. “It’s part of the joy – watching all of our hard work culminate in that special moment.”
On the day of the induction ceremony, it was revealed that they would be known as Alpha Delta Delta Omega, or “ADDO.”
Following the ceremony, the sisters were soaking in the celebration – and setting their sights on the future.
“This is more than a sorority chapter,” Day said. “This is about legacy. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and creating something that will last.” L
Carylee Carrington is an award-winning children’s author, marketing consultant and advocate for diversity in children’s literature. Her website is readwithcarylee.org.
Building on the Past
Northern Virginia Modelers craft with passion, precision and nostalgia
BY STACY SHAW
Scott Bricker, 53, of Haymarket, runs a graphic design and marketing business by day. In the evenings, he drives his sons to and from after-school activities.
But Friday is for modeling.
“Friday is the build day, and there are five to six of us that meet and build,” Bricker said.
Bricker has a basement full of model airplanes, but otherwise the hobby has served him well. He is the current president of Northern Virginia Modelers, the largest chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society in the United States with 120 members. He is also a major influencer within the hobby with 45,000 Facebook followers.
“Anemoia” describes the feeling of nostalgia for a time or place that one has never experienced. The term seems to fit modelers. Fathers often pass on the hobby to their children, and with it an interest in the history, vehicles and military campaigns of previous generations.
Bricker began modeling at age 6. His father was an Air Force pilot. “As a kid I used to ride my bike to the flight lines and watch the airplanes fly,” he recounted.
And his father never dumbed down the hobby for him. “Most people don’t start with an airbrush at 6, but I did.”
Painting models led him to pursue a fine arts degree. Today, as a graphic designer, he obsesses as much over finite details in logos and illustrations as he does with scale models.
Modeling is a hobby for artists and historians, and Bricker will “mask” his vehicles with historically accurate details. “I will have five different versions of the same kit and they will all look divergent.”
Models range in prices from a few hundred dollars into the thousands. Often, the kits are more valuable than the finished products because people want the experience of creating something of their own.
Building a model typically takes 40 hours, but some can take thousands. “I spend probably at least 12 hours a week [on scale modeling,]” Bricker estimated.
The Northern Virginia Modelers club meets monthly at Fairfax High School. Its members are partial to airplane building, but modeling includes various vehicles, and more recently sci-fi and other pieces of pop fiction.
The hobby has evolved with the internet. When
Scott Bricker oversaw the IPMS Northern Virginia Model Classic 2025 in April. His basement (seen below) is full of scale modeling kits.
BY STACY SHAW
Bricker created his Facebook page, he never imagined it would become a hub for modeling fans, where modelers from all over the world can share knowledge, but he’s glad it has.
Haagen Klaus, 47, of Haymarket, is vice president of the Northern Virginia Modelers Club, and an archeologist with a doctorate in anthropology. When not excavating pyramids in Peru, he can be found teaching at George Mason University in Fairfax, photographing airplanes or building scale models of them.
Klaus also grew up watching low level fly-bys.
“Over time we [my friends and I] got to know a number of the test pilots and a number of engineers,” Klaus said. “My first flight instructor was a F-14 fighter pilot.”
Bricker has had a passion for model airplanes since childhood.
Klaus applies his knowledge of history to the hobby and knows others are just as meticulous. “We want to make sure it’s accurate, that it represents a moment in history.” He said they try to then “replicate down to the smallest nut and ribbon.”
The precision extends to the artistry. “We use some of the same techniques and materials that artists use, including sculptors,” he said. “There are lots of experts in paint in our field.”
In April, Northern Virginia Modelers held its IPMS Northern Virginia Model Classic 2025 at Fairfax High School, attended by hundreds of people. The theme, although not limiting, was the “Anniversary of the War in Southeast Asia 1955-1975.”
Hundreds of distinct models were on display in the school’s gymnasium, mainly 20th-century military vehicles such as airplanes, battleships, cars, trucks and tanks. A smaller section featured sci-fi and pop culture vehicles from “Star Wars” and “Star Trek,” Transformers and anime.
Mason Wallace of Manassas, 30, was among those attending. He has been building cars, tanks and trains for two decades, but he especially loves airplanes. “I just love flying things.”
Professionally, he engineers systems to detect enemy drones, and also flies pretend enemy drones in practice scenarios.
“The skills I am learning from building models help me in my everyday work. I get a lot of job envy. I’ve been told it’s been kind of a dream job, and it really
From left, Haagen Klaus, Scott Bricker and Matt Lounn inspect scale models of military airplanes at the IPMS Northern Virginia Model Classic in Fairfax.
is,” Wallace said.
Wallace frequently uses a 3D printer to make parts and models. “This hobby, 3D printing. It all kind of meshes,” he said.
Samantha Wood of Fairfax is unique to the group as a woman and a pop-culture enthusiast. She joined two years ago but has been building models since elementary school.
She finds the hobby relaxing. “It is very therapeutic, and it’s creative, and there’s a surprisingly good community of people.”
Former club president Tim Barb of Springfield, a retired U.S. Marine, ran the children’s “Make and Take” table at the show. He also participates in the Na-
tional Air and Space Museum’s annual model exhibit for children each spring.
Barb enjoys encouraging children to join the hobby, as he did as a child. “This has got to be an older hobby, but we try to do these [children’s tables] at our annual show.”
Adaline Luna, 10, of Fairfax, was one of two dozen children who built models at Barb’s table. She accompanied her older brother, who is deep into modeling.
“He got to meet a World War II vet and he did a paper on him. He learned about his time in the military,” Luna explained. That led him to begin building models of military vehicles.
Bricker was pleased with the turnout at the show, but even more so to hear the stories about what his fellow builders get out of the hobby. He acknowledges that while scale model building is niche, expensive and a lot of work, it is satisfying.
When he is focused on scale model building, it’s more than nostalgia, because it is more than a remembrance. He is there again, experiencing a stress-free, joy-filled moment. “It’s reliving your childhood.” L
More information on Northern Virginia modelers can be found at novaipms.org.
Stacy Shaw is the editor of Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine and publisher/owner of BristowBeat.com.
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The Big Picture:
The local real estate market was mixed in May after a strong April, as home sales were down 2% in the Haymarket and Gainesville ZIP codes combined, compared with May 2024. Gainesville sales were actually up significantly, but a big decline in Haymarket offset that. More signs of weakness: New listings were down in both ZIP codes, while pending sales were up in Gainesville but down in Haymarket, according to the latest data from the Prince William Association of Realtors. Median sales prices also differed – up slightly in Gainesville and down in Haymarket.
The May Details:
Closed sales:
• Up 26.5% in Gainesville to 62 units
• Down 30% in Haymarket to 35 units
• Combined sales totaled 97, down from 99 a year earlier
New pending sales:
• Up 9.8% in Gainesville
• Down 8.3% in Haymarket
Median sales price:
• Up 2.6% to $760,000 in Gainesville
• Down 1.7% to $730,000 in Haymarket
Average days on market (homes sold in May):
• 11 in Gainesville
• 18 in Haymarket
20169 Haymarket
7374 SUGAR MAGNOLIA LOOP
$1,400,000
Sold: June 10
5 bedrooms
4½ bathrooms
5,232 square feet
8534 LINK HILLS LOOP
$1,390,000
Sold: May 16
4 bedrooms
5½ bathrooms
8,036 square feet
4792 MAURINE COURT
$1,370,000
Sold: May 14
4 bedrooms
3½+ bathrooms
4,822 square feet
14500 MOSS LEDGE COURT
$1,350,000
Sold: June 6
6 bedrooms
5 bathrooms
5,031 square feet
14475 BLUFF POINT COURT
$1,340,000
Sold: June 10
5 bedrooms
4½ bathrooms
4,786 square feet
15243 SKY VALLEY DRIVE
$1,375,000
Sold: May 23
4 bedrooms
4½ bathrooms
5,004 square feet
5557 ROAN CHAPEL DRIVE
$1,350,000
Sold: May 23
4 bedrooms
4½ bathrooms
6,382 square feet
15700 BERKELEY DRIVE
$1,200,000
Sold: June 9
4 bedrooms
3½ bathrooms
5,160 square feet
5630 ANNENBERG COURT
$1,175,000
Sold: May 27
5 bedrooms
4½ bathrooms
4,830 square feet
5235 BLOSSOM HILL DRIVE
$1,100,000
Sold: May 23
6 bedrooms
4½ bathrooms
5,367 square feet
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A first for Gainesville High
With seven returning starters and four four-year starters, Gainesville High School’s baseball team entered the 2025 season with high expectations.
The fourth-year program delivered by winning the school’s first state team title in any sport June 14 with an 8-6 victory over western Prince William County rival Battlefield in the Class 6 state final. The championship game was played at Glen Allen High School in Henrico County, outside Richmond.
Facing a challenging regular-season schedule that included six teams that wound up qualifying for the state tournament, plus one nationally ranked program, the Cardinals were battle-tested by the time postseason rolled around.
They won their final six games to capture both the region and state championships and finish with a 23-5 overall record.
For more coverage of Gainesville’s title run, including features on some of the key players and coaches, visit InsideNoVa.com/sports And scan the QR code to see more than 60 additional photos from the state championship game.
PHOTOS BY BILL KAMENJAR
Western Prince
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