Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine May 2026

Meet a Battlefield teen stepping onto the global stage

Three seniors honored for service by AARP

Family Recipe

How Blue Ridge Seafood became a multigenerational treasure

FROM THE EDITOR

Hooray for May!

While the colder months drag, spring has been moving swiftly along. It’s a fun time of year. The weather is warm and the flowers are blooming. The month begins with Mother’s Day and ends with Memorial Day – the unofficial start of summer.

We don’t specifically have a Mother’s Day story in this issue, but we do have a story about family. One mom and pop opened a seafood house in Gainesville in 1979, and today it is still going strong thanks to three – going on four – generations of family members. Learn about Blue Ridge Seafood’s origins in our cover story, beginning on Page 24.

The Pied Piper Theatre of Manassas is staging its 100th show this month, “Oliver!” I had the pleasure of talking to the young cast members from Haymarket and Gainesville about what inspired them to step into the spotlight. Hear what they had to say on Page 12.

Riley Devereaux is a Battlefield High School student with a passion for world politics and advocacy. She learned to give back volunteering with Boxes of Basics, and last summer stepped onto the world stage as a youth delegate to the United Nations. Read more about her passion and advocacy on Page 18.

Did you know that May is Older Americans Month? The local chapter of the AARP is recognizing three super senior citizens from our community who are giving back in their retirement years. Learn more about them on Page 22.

I hope to see you out and about this month.

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR STACY@WHGLIFESTYLE.COM

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.

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Finding the Right Fit

Inside Wakefield’s College Counseling Program

At Wakefield, the college process isn’t treated as a finish line. Rather, it’s a journey of discovery.

Beginning as early as eighth grade, Wakefield’s college counseling program is designed to guide students through a thoughtful, student-centered exploration of who they are and where they belong. Rather than focusing solely on admissions outcomes, the program emphasizes something more meaningful: helping each student find the right fit.

That philosophy shapes every step of the process. Students are encouraged early on to explore their interests, challenge themselves academically, and engage deeply in the activities that matter most to them. Through a balance of dynamic coursework (including Honors, Advanced Placement, and Dual Enrollment) and authentic extracurricular involvement, students begin to build a profile that reflects not just achievement, but purpose.

As they move through high school, support becomes increasingly personalized. What starts with group guidance in ninth grade evolves into individualized meetings with students and families, creating a collaborative partnership between counselor, student, and parent. Together, they navigate course selection, standardized testing, essay writing, and the development of a balanced, intentional college list.

Structure and support go hand in hand. With access to tools like Naviance, a clear college planning timeline, and dedicated workshops for both students and parents, Wakefield ensures that families feel informed and students stay organized and confident throughout the process.

Equally important is exposure. Wakefield’s junior class college tour offers students the opportunity to experience a wide range of campuses - large and small, urban and rural,

BY ELISE SCALISE

"At its heart, Wakefield’s college counseling program is about more than college admission. It’s about moving forward with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of self."

well-known and under-the-radar. These visits bring clarity to the search, helping students move beyond assumptions and toward a deeper understanding of what truly fits.

Throughout it all, Wakefield’s college counselor, Matt McDonough, and upper school teachers emphasize a balanced, realistic approach to admissions. Students learn that success isn’t about perfection or quantity, but about thoughtful choices: challenging themselves appropriately, pursuing meaningful commitments, and presenting an authentic story.

The result is a college process that feels less overwhelming and more empowering. Wakefield graduates go on to attend a wide range of institutions, from major research universities to small liberal arts colleges and specialized programs, each choice reflecting a student’s individual path and goals.

At its heart, Wakefield’s college counseling program is about more than college admission. It’s about moving forward with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of self.

Some students realize partway through high school that they’re capable of more more challenge, more opportunity, more direction.

At Wakefield, students are guided through their final years with intention, building the confidence & clarity to find the college path that truly fits.

Graders

to do list

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

Enjoy the warm weather with Mothers Day events, festivals and live shows.

MOTHERS DAY

Bring mom to Little Goat Farm at the Lake for MOTHER’S DAY FUN: BABY GOAT, BUNNIES AND FARM ANIMALS , on Sunday, May 10, at 11:30 a.m. Many bunnies are available for adoption. Burwell Road, Nokesville

Celebrate Mother’s Day at MOTHERS DAY BRUNCH AT BRENTSVILLE HALL , featuring handcrafted pastries, chefattended stations, a mimosa bar and more, courtesy of the culinary team behind The Black Sheep. Sunday, May 10. Reservations required. Brentsville Hall, Manassas

THEATER

Pied Piper Theatre’s “MEDUSA & CIRCE: AN ODYSSEY, THE MYTH THAT BORN THEM ALL” student production reimagines Medusa and Circe as central figures in a shared odyssey. Performances are May 15-17 at the Wind River Theater. ARTfactory, Manassas.

FESTIVALS & LARGE EVENTS

The OLD TOWN MANASSAS ART SHOW & SPRING CRAFT FAIR , Saturday, May 9 , 10 a.m.-3 p.m., invites you to shop a wide selection of handmade art, crafts, jewelry, home décor, gifts and more from local artisans and vendors. Manassas Museum Lawn, Old Town Manassas.

Car enthusiasts, bring your friends and family to the free annual car show, VETTES FOR WILLING WARRIORS, Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. See over 200 Corvettes and classic cars, plus enjoy food and activities. Warrior Retreat, Haymarket.

Ben Lomond's history spans centuries. It served as a Civil War hospital, presidential retreat and farm. Learn about the site through demonstrations, activities, games and more on BEN LOMOND DAY , Saturday, May 16 , 11 a.m.3 p.m. Ben Lomond Historic Site, Manassas.

BIG LICK COMIC CON NOVA , a celebration of fandom, returns to NoVa May 30 and 31 . Shop comics, plus pop-culture toys, art and more from indie sellers and makers. Meet Supernatural, Power Rangers and Disney actors. Manassas Expo Center, Manassas Mall.

Fauquier Community Theatre presents “TALES OF THE ARTISAN” an original musical about the intrigue and humor of a Scots-Irish family, created by the awardwinning team of Matt Moore and Cate Murray. Several shows from May 1-17 at the Vint Hill Theater on the Green.

Somersal Productions presents “RAISIN,” the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s American classic novel, “A Raisin in the Sun.” The story follows a working-class Black family seeking the American dream. Several shows May 16-24 . Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, MUSIC! is a spectacular show that invites audiences to experience a thrilling blend of iconic film scores and musical performances, Friday, May 29 , 7:30 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas.

A Milestone Performance

Pied Piper Theatre’s 100th show spotlights local actors

BY STACY SHAW

For Pied Piper Theatre’s 100th show, producers wanted something grand to stage at the Hylton Performing Arts Center’s Merchant Theater.

With a young boy at its center, orphans, a gang of young pickpockets and a bevy of rich characters – plus toe-tapping music –Lionel Bart’s 1960’s award-winning musical, “Oliver!”, fit the bill.

Based on Charles Dickens’ 1838 novel “Oliver Twist,” the play follows a young orphan searching for love and belonging during a period of crime, poverty and exploitation. Featuring iconic songs such as “Consider Yourself,” and “Where Is Love?”, the production celebrates hope, resilience and compassion.

The ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre, founded by Anne Ridgeway, staged its first performance in 1990. It has since grown into one of Northern Virginia’s premier youth theater programs, offering training in acting, voice, movement and technical theater for students ages 8-18. The nonprofit company produces multiple full-length productions and intensives each season and has earned regional and national recognition.

“Oliver!” director David Johnson, 33, started as a Pied Piper kid at age 10. By the time he graduated from Battlefield High School in 2011, he was directing main stage shows. Today, Johnson teaches special

education at Reagan Middle School and continues to direct for Pied Piper.

“‘Oliver!’ pushes actors “to expand their musical theater repertoire,” said Johnson, by exposing them to different stylistic elements in acting, singing and dance.

“They have to exaggerate [their characters] but they still have to find the authenticity there,” said Johnson. “Their character doesn’t realize it’s absurd. It’s not gags or bits.”

The music is not classic Broadway. “It’s Gilbert and Sullivan meet Operetta,” said Johnson, adding they are “fun little ditties.”

Choreographer Meghan Marshall explained that in “Oliver!” dance is intertwined with action. She tried to make the pickpocketing “look cool and stylized,” explaining, “in a way it can be more challenging [for the dancers],” because it requires precise timing.

Jacob Smith, 10, plays Oliver Twist. “He is very much a standout. I saw him in ‘Grease’ and was very much impressed

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by his performance,” Johnson said. “The little kids are almost better [getting into character] because they aren’t afraid to try things.”

“Oliver!” actors participated at no cost thanks to a sponsorship from The Iron Horse Family Foundation.“That’s been huge,” Johnson said. “I feel like it opened up the auditions a little more because it wasn’t a burden.”

Meet the Cast

Pied Piper’s cast includes 55 actors, nine of whom live in Haymarket and Gainesville. While some got their start in Pied Piper Junior Broadway intensives, most caught the theater bug performing in school programs. Pied Piper became their next step, where they could further develop their talents and find their people.

The Inguenue

Jolie Hinkle, 17, of Villages of Piedmont, plays Nancy, Bill’s love interest. She commutes to Colgan High School to specialize in theater. “It was a big decision,” Hinkle said. “But Colgan is known for its performing arts.”

Hinkle first acted at Haymarket Elementary School and most recently performed in Pied Piper’s “The Lightning Thief.”

She is compelled to authentically portray Nancy, a victim of domestic violence and “the character who changes most throughout the play.”

She looks forward to bringing her to life on stage. “The character I bring to rehearsals isn’t the same as in front of the audience,” she said, “[The difference is] the audience’s energy.”

Broadway Bound

Amelia Robertson, who plays Bet, performed in 14 shows since she was 8, including at Pied Piper Theatre and the

ARTfactory. “I only do musical theater [not dramas],” said Robertson, 16, “because I really love the singing and the dancing part. That’s what I feel passionate about.”

Robertson, who attends Battlefield, studied voice with Angela Knight for many years and previously studied dance. She represented her school as first alto in the All-Virginia High School Honors Chorus this April.

Kooky in Character

Kaitlyn Byrdy, 15, of Haymarket, has appeared in more than a dozen Pied Piper shows.

“David was my first director,” Byrdy said. “[He creates] such a positive environment. He really knows how to encourage us and really get us out there completely in character.”

To play Mrs. Sowerberry, the undertaker’s wife, Byrdy channeled another character she’s embodied: Wednesday Addams. “[Mrs. Sowerberry is] very noisy, curious, in that kooky way,” she said. “[The Sourberrys are] very interesting people. They are very peculiar.”

Byrdy played a pickpocket in Prince William Little Theatre’s 2023 performance of “Oliver!” and has performed with Upper Room Theater Ministry. “[Pied Piper gave me] the confidence and the training to do other theater companies.”

She was chosen to represent her school, Paul VI,

at Virginia’s All- District 16 Choir Concert. “Everyone knows Paul VI is sports heavy, but I feel the performing arts performances are just as strong.”

The Choir Kid

“Choir kid” and Patriot High School student Jackson Fernandez, 15, plays Noah Claypole, a humorous character who gets into a scuffle with Oliver. “It’s a very funny fight,” he said. “It’s a very fun role to play. I think I do better with the antagonistic roles; I like doing the accents as well.”

This is Fernandez’s first company performance. “I am very interested in musical theater, so this show was the perfect opportunity,” he said. “I feel really included in this community.”

Fernandez works with voice instructor Shirlee Glomb.“I wouldn't be the singer I am today without her. I would not have the opportunities I have without her,” said Fernandez, who also made it into the Virginia All-State Choir.

Fernandez auditioned for “Oliver!” online at the eleventh hour.

“I’m so glad I did it. This show has taught me so much,” he said. “The quality of the

talent here and the directors is amazing, and the opportunity to perform at the Hylton Center – it’s an amazing experience for kids to have.”

High School Musical

Amelia Kier, 16, of Dominion Valley, first appeared with Pied Pipers in a recent production of “Grease,” the same musical that sparked her love for musical theater.

Additionally, she has performed in about 13 shows, including “Alice in Wonderland” with Battlefield High School.

Kier, who plays Mrs. Bedwin, said she loves acting. “It’s fun to play around with the characters’ emotions and their different inflections. Usually it all comes together. Everybody in Pied Piper is really talented.”

The Rising Star

This is the first company show for Paul Sirocky, 13, of Piedmont, who plays a pickpocket. Sirocky took a drama class at Bull Run Middle School and is performing in its “Wizard of Oz” production.

He feels incredibly grateful to be part of such a professional-quality production. Sirocky was recently accepted into Colgan High School’s theater program.

The Legacy

Oliver Bogue, 10, of Haymarket, who also plays a pickpocket, started acting with Pied Piper at 8, at the encouragement of his mom, a former Pied Piper kid.

He has since played Horton in "Seussical,” John Darling in “Peter Pan” and Marshmallow in “Frozen.” He is simultaneously rehearsing for the ARTfactory’s adult musical, “Newsies.”

Musical theater has helped earn him a solo in the Alvey Elementary School chorus. “I love singing,” Bogue said. “I have dedicated pretty much two years to singing, because I just love it. I just love theater in general.”

Double Trouble

Twins Ani and Alan Sarang, 11, of Dominion Valley, who play orphans, have starred in “The Lightning Thief,” and “The Land of Forgotten Toys,” and Alan played the title character in Prince William Little Theatre’s production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

Both are excited to participate in a larger production. “I love to sing and dance, and it’s really fun because you get to be really professional and act on stage,” Ani said.

“I think this is a great experience for kids to make friends and learn new skills in theater,” said Alan, who said he is considering theater as a possible career.

Coming full circle

Johnson loves working with students, especially fostering their love for theater, and is honored to be involved in Pied Piper’s 100th show.

“It is home. It has been my artistic home since I was 10 years old. I’ve been here almost 25 years,” Johnson said. “I’ve been able to see new management, new kids come through and graduate from high school. And even though it’s new people, the spirit of this place and the objective of this place has always stayed true: [to provide a] really creative and artistic experience.” L

Pied Piper’s performance of “Oliver!” will be held on May 9-10 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. Tickets may be purchased at virginiaartfactory.org/tickets or by calling the Hylton box office at 703-993-7550.

More information on Pied Piper Theatre’s past and upcoming performances can be found at virginiaartfactory.org/ppt/. Pied Piper Theatre holds its rehearsals at the ARTfactory at 9419 Battle St., Manassas.

Stacy Shaw is an award-winning journalist. She is the editor of Haymarket/Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine and publisher/owner of the local news site BristowBeat.com.

Leader for Tomorrow

“Over the years we’ve had the privilege of watching her grow into an incredible, compassionate and driven young woman,” said founder Sarah Tyndall.

As a high school student, Devereaux dedicated her time to a score of issues she believes strongly about. These range from being a student advocate with the National Coalition Against Censorship to representing Battlefield High School on Prince William County Public Schools’ student senate.

“I’m rarely just sitting around,” she said. “I’m either doing my activities or doing my schoolwork.”

Battlefield teen went from acting locally to leading globally

BY CARYLEE CARRINGTON

At just 17, Riley Devereaux, a junior at Battlefield High School, is already doing the kind of work most adults only dream about.

From her leadership role at a local nonprofit to representing youth voices at the United Nations, Devereaux is redefining what it means to be a student leader, and she’s just getting started.

Devereaux’s story begins in her backyard of Dominion Valley where Boxes of Basics, a nonprofit that provides quality clothing to children in need, was founded. As one of the organization's first volunteers, while in fifth grade, Riley was drawn in by something

deeply personal.

“Even when I was younger, I took much pride in my sweaters and my outfits,” Devereaux said. “When I don’t have a good outfit, I just don’t feel good about myself. Knowing that this organization can provide clothes to children that will not just empower them, but build their confidence is why I wanted to be a part of it.”

Devereaux made Boxes of Basics the subject of her Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Award projects. She then joined the nonprofit’s teen board, serving eventually as president, and she founded a teen branch at Battlefield.

Her motivation comes from recognizing the impact of work. “My academics don’t necessarily affect anyone besides me, but my activities, they affect so many people.”

Devereaux was selected to be a United States youth delegate to the United Nations for the 2024-2025 term, joining a delegation of 105 young people (most over 18) from 37 nations in discussing global issues affecting young people and their futures.

“I have always paid attention to international issues by watching the news and researching numerous issues,” she said.

As delegate, Devereaux attended international conferences and spoke directly with representatives from the European Union, sharing her perspective on climate change. “Climate change is causing damage to their infrastructure, which has led to less money and resources to spend on improving accessibility.”

She is also a UN non-government organization representative for accessibility,

Riley Devereaux’s various leadership roles, memberships and honors, 2024-26:

Youth delegate, United Nations

NGO representative for accessibility, United Nations

Ambassador, World Literacy Foundation

Student advocate for speech, National Coalition Against Censorship

Virginia state lead, She’s in Office

Vice chair of environmental policy research caucus, Young Democrats of America

Disability caucus outreach director, Virginia Young Democrats

Membership director, Virginia High School Democrats

Human rights award recipient, Prince William County Board of Supervisors

Student senator, Battlefield High School, Prince William School Board

Human rights commission student leadership ambassador, Prince William Schools

Member, National Honor Society

Teen board president, treasurer, Boxes of Basics

Speaker/participant, Prince William TEDx Youth

Fellow, Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness

Member, Youth Research Council for George Mason University

Student adviser, George Washington's Mount Vernon

Director of outreach, Youth Diplomacy Network

Recruitment team members, HOBY Virginia

Youth teacher assistant,

Smithsonian Institute

Climate advocate, FXB Group

currently working on a report examining disability and accessibility infrastructure in Samoa.

Devereaux has her sights set on human rights and women’s rights as her focus at the UN level. “I can definitely see myself working there full time,” she said.

Closer to home – yet still global in scope – Riley is a World Literacy Foundation ambassador, working to eradicate illiteracy worldwide. Through producing blogs and videos, she has spread the message to a global audience.

She also hopes to work to collect and purchase books to donate to area shelters. “There’s not many things you can do if you cannot read,” she said.

“Riley has consistently stood out as a student who is deeply aware of the world around her and actively engaged in current events,” said Benjamin King, Devereaux’s gifted teacher

Eucharist 9:30 AM: Church School & Choir Rehearsal 10:30 AM: Holy Eucharist & Children’s Liturgy 11:30 AM:

at Battlefield. “Her motivation is rooted in a strong sense of empathy and a genuine desire to be part of the solution to societal issues, rather than remaining on the sidelines.”

Devereaux plans to major in political science in college and potentially international relations. However, she tells students they should not wait to “grow up” to make an impact.

For any teen wondering how to find their footing stepping out into the wider world, her advice is straightforward: find your passion, then look beyond your school walls.

“Research a specific social issue you’re passionate about, whether it’s climate change, gun violence, women’s rights or disability issues, and reach out to organizations working on it,” she said. “There are a lot of people within these organizations who are willing to help you, who are willing to be patient with you. Change isn’t necessarily going to happen overnight, so you just really need to start and keep building and building until you finally achieve your goals.”

To support Riley Devereaux’s mission with the World Literacy Foundation readers can go to worldliteracyfoundation.org/ambassador-fundraising. Naming Riley Devereaux as your ambassador when donating will help funds to stay within the community.

More information on Boxes of Basics can be found at boxesofbasics.org.

Carylee Carrington is an award-winning children’s author, marketing consultant and advocate for diversity in children’s literature. Her web site is readwithcarylee.org.

Lifetimes of Service

Recognizing super seniors during Older American Month

Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.

For the third year, the AARP’s Haymarket-Gainesville-Manassas Group will pay tribute to older individuals who have volunteered in their communities, recognizing them at a private luncheon later this month at Dominion Valley and sharing their stories.

This year’s honorees are accomplished seniors who continue to serve their communities, including other seniors.

Sgt. Al Ullman, Haymarket:

“Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”

At 93, Albert “Al” Ford Ullman is still working as a docent on the behalf of the Marines and planning large events in his 55-and-over community.

Ullman, originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., enlisted in the Marine Corps at 18, fought in Korea and rose to the rank of staff sergeant before earning a degree from Pratt University.

He moved to Virginia to work as an insurance agent and eventually became managing director at Acacia Mutual in Fairfax.

He was active with the River Ridge HOA board in Lake Ridge, including chairing the architectural review board. After retirement, he chaired the Regency at Dominion Valley co-op for four years.

“Al” is a proud member of the Korean War Veterans Association-Chapter 313 and became a docent with the National Museum of the Marine Corps in 2016.

He is also a proud patriarch, with three sons and a daughter, three step children, multiple grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren.

He and his wife, Claire, are co-chairing the America 250 Regency Working Group in coordinating the semiquincentennial celebrations within the community.

Ullman enjoys woodworking and pen and ink drawing. His artwork has been exhibited in the Regency clubhouse.

Col. Judy Perry, Springfield: Still managing the books

Most people do not take joy in doing taxes, but that’s what makes Judy Perry so valuable.

Col. Judy Perry graduated from the University of North Carolina and transferred from reserves to activity duty in the Air Force. During her 28 years of service, she worked in financial management as a war planner and military assistant to the auditor general. She earned the rank of colonel, retiring as the commander of the Air Force Financial Services Center at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.

In 2011, Col. Perry settled in Fairfax County, where she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity,

Friends of Richard Byrd Library, Westhaven Homeowners Association and Fairfax Master Gardeners and as an AARP Foundation tax aide.

For 10 years, she has served as a local coordinator for the AARP’s tax aide program, working at a “super site” six days a week during tax season, overseeing about 40 volunteers who file thousands of tax returns each year. She does this work without pay – all in service to seniors.

Perry became president of Friends of Richard Byrd Library in 2016. She currently leads a team of volunteers who raise money to support events such as author talks and children’s programs.

Judy continues to serve as the landscaping chairperson for her HOA. She enjoys travel, reading, exercising and golf.

BY

Spotlight on Susy Moorstein, Manassas

Susy Moorstein, co-founder of Prince William Little Theatre, has loaned her time and talent to the company continuously since 1984, acting, directing, producing, costuming and serving as president from 2011-14.

One of the company’s first volunteers was an elderly gentleman, and since, she made sure seniors always had a place in the nonprofit company.

The Little Theatre collaborates with the Lifelong Learning Institute, an educational organization serving seniors in the area, and the Little Theatre has staged performances in senior facilities. “We pride ourselves on having an open-door policy for everyone in our community,” Moorstein said.

Moorstein served on the board of the Prince William County Cultural Arts Federation, and as its president for five years; chaired the board of the Virginia Theatre Association’s Community Division, and has a scholarship created in her name.

Moorstein is still performing, still giving back through cultural enrichment programs, embracing local senior communities and passionately supporting the theatre’s policy of inclusion. L

When readers turn to our pages, they see people they know and others they’d like to know – local heroes, amazing kids, neat neighbors, and rising stars. They see beloved businesses, favorite mail carriers, and long-standing members of the community. They see their family and friends. They see themselves.

And when you promote your business in Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine , over 80,000* potential clients will see your message.

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Family Recipe

Blue Ridge Seafood is a multi-generational

BY STACY SHAW

PHOTOS BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER

Rodney Stringer, 95, original owner of Blue Ridge Seafood, never planned on running a restaurant - let alone one that would remain in his family for almost five decades.

In the mid-1970s he was working as an air traffic controller in Leesburg and felt the itch to pursue small side businesses.

“I was looking for something to do during the last seven to eight years in air trafficking,” Rodney said. “[I always did] something on the side.” He drove a taxicab, sold firewood and Christmas trees, but selling crabs proved most successful.

Around 1977, a coworker suggested he buy a popular hamburger restaurant on Route 29 in Gainesville and turn it into a crab house.

At first look, Rodney was unimpressed by the building, but his wife, Cora, now 91, had worked as a hostess at a seafood restaurant. She realized Gainesville was due for a restaurant of its own, plus this one had an apartment on site.

“She was always looking for three bedrooms,” Rodney said. “She decided we would live upstairs.”

The Stringers moved with their daughters, Donna and Gail, who were in their late teens and early 20s, and they got to work updating the restaurant.

In 1979 they opened the restaurant under its original name: Blue Ridge Family Restaurant.

The Stringers added crabs to the menu but

Recipe

multi-generational treasure

continued selling hamburgers and french fries. Business was booming.

“It was just a new place to go, so when it opened, [the customers] just rushed in,” Rodney said. “When we had crabs, everyone wanted crabs and they couldn’t get them out there [fast enough].”

“I just can’t keep up with this,” Rodney remembered thinking. “All these people coming in from Vint Hill for hamburgers and we don’t have enough of a grill.”

They got inventive. They added shrimp. They phased out hamburgers. They boiled crabs in bulk in large metal cans outside. By 1982, Rodney dedicated himself fulltime to the restaurant. “It was a rough road, but I enjoyed it.”

The restaurant slowly expanded the menu, and finally, the family renamed it Blue Ridge Seafood.

Over the years, the Stringers kept the atmosphere casual. With picnic tables covered in paper, Blue Ridge Seafood remains a place where customers don’t have to worry about getting messy. And when the family expanded the space, they attached a large carport to the building.

It was 100% a family business. “I came to work here in my 20s to help with the business,” said daughter Donna Donovan, now 66. “I’ve just been here ever since.”

The Stringers’ other daughter, Gail Constant, now 69, worked at Blue Ridge in her 20s. Her son, Kevin Ellis, and his wife, Angie, met working at the restaurant. Gail’s other son, Stephen Ellis, is a member of the catering team. His wife, Sarah, is the present manager, and their teenage son,

Tucker, cleans tables.

When their parents moved to Florida in 2006, Donna and Gail took over the business with help from Donna’s husband, Mark. His sister, Jeanie Lingo, is the longtime bar manager. “At some point in time almost all the family worked here in one way or another,” Donna said.

The Donovans’ sons, Daniel, 38, and Kyle, 35, practically grew up with the restaurant, and Kyle returned to be the general manager after teaching in Loudoun County.

“It’s perfect for him; he’s a people person,” his mom said. “It’s in very good hands.”

Kyle said he loves the job. “It’s kind of cool to keep your grandfather’s legacy going.”

Kyle believes the restaurant’s success comes from its quality seafood, including shrimp sourced from the Gulf of Mexico, lobsters from Maine and snow crabs from Alaska. Blue crabs, oysters and scallops usually come from the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

“We do our best to get domestic seafood the best you can and support our communities,” Kyle said.

Blue Ridge has a remodeled deck and tiki bar. Live bands play on Friday and Sunday nights when it’s warm.

Sherry Knicely of Fauquier County has worked at Blue Ridge for 26 years. “I love the family,” she said. “It’s a fun job. The staff get along well, and we have loyal customers.”

She said customers come from as far away as Winchester, Charlottesville and Maryland, and regulars introduce her to their children and grandchildren.

“It’s just a real family around here,” she said. “The older ones of us, we’ve lived here, and our kids have played together. Everybody’s kids worked here – both of my boys worked here.”

Mark Jenkins has been eating at Blue Ridge since it opened.

“When it came to seafood it was always Blue Ridge for my mom and my dad, my aunt and my cousins,” he said. “The seafood is second to none. It is the best. The blue crabs have been incredible the past few years, large meaty good crabs.”

Jenkins values family businesses. “The reason they are here and continue to thrive is they care. That’s the vibe here. It is still mom and pop, while every single business I’ve known in this area is a conglomerate."

After moving, Rodney and Cora Stringer opened a seafood restaurant near St. Augustine. They are now fully retired, but Rodney still misses working. “I’d flip burgers if I could,” he said, “but I won’t do it for $15 an hour.”

When he bought the business 47 years ago, he never imagined it would still be going strong.

Even if his family sold the restaurant, he hopes Blue Ridge Seafood would live on. “I hope some others continue in the business. I don’t want to see it go.” L

Want to go?

Where: 15704 Lee Highway in Gainesville.

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and until 9:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed on Mondays. Online: blueridgeseafood.com

Stacy Shaw is an award-winning journalist. She is the editor of Haymarket/Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine and publisher/owner of the local news site Bristow Beat.com.

H&G’s

TOP 10

The five highest-priced homes that sold in each of the two local ZIP codes between mid-March and mid-April. Photos and home data from Realtor.com.

20155 Gainesville

3504 FINISH LINE DRIVE

$1,300,000

Sold: March 27

5 Bedrooms

4½ Bathrooms

6,291 square feet

7625 GREAT DOVER ST.

$1,250,000

Sold: March 30

5 Bedrooms

4½ Bathrooms

6,358 square feet

5934 BOWES CREEK PLACE

$1,195,000

Sold: April 9

4 Bedrooms

3½ Bathrooms

4,873 square feet

13826 ESTATE MANOR DRIVE

$1,075,000

Sold: March 25

4 Bedrooms

4½ Bathrooms

4,846 square feet

8831 CALBERA COURT

$949,900

Sold: March 30

4 Bedrooms

4½ Bathrooms

4,989 square feet

The Big Picture:

Local home sales posted a fourth straight monthly gain in March, with strong results in both the Haymarket and Gainesville ZIP codes. Sales were up 75.9% in the two ZIP codes combined, compared with March 2025. More to come?

Pending sales and new listings were up in both ZIP codes, according to the latest data from the Prince William Association of Realtors. And homes continue to sell quickly – within two to three weeks on average.

The March Details:

Closed sales:

• Up 54.8% in Gainesville to 48 units

• Up 113% in Haymarket to 49 units

• Combined sales totaled 95, up from 54 a year earlier

New Pending sales:

• Up 23.5% in Gainesville

• Up 31.8% in Haymarket

Median sales price:

• Up 18% to $720,000 in Gainesville

• Down 13.6% to $799,000 in Haymarket

Average days on market (homes sold in March):

• 17 in Gainesville

• 11 in Haymarket

20169 Haymarket

15602 CALUM COURT

$1,325,000

Sold: March 23

5 Bedrooms

4½ Bathrooms

5,170 square feet

5806 WATERLOO BRIDGE CIRCLE

$1,295,000

Sold: April 10

5 Bedrooms

5½ Bathrooms 5,610 square feet

15629 VILLAGE COVE PLACE

$1,040,000

Sold: April 7

5 Bedrooms

4½ Bathrooms 4,452 square feet

5533 HILLSMAN FARM LANE

$950,000

Sold: April 16

4 Bedrooms

3½ Bathrooms 4,034 square feet

5909 SUNSTONE LANE

$714,990

Sold: March 24

4 Bedrooms

3½ Bathrooms 3,883 square feet

Contact: Jim Kelly, Sales Director jim@whglifestyle.com 434-987-3542 YOUR NAME AND LOGO HERE!

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Buc-ee and his beaver family live on in Wentworth Green

Abeaver family in Gainesville’s Wentworth Green community has been granted a reprieve from “lethal removal” after neighbors rallied to save Buc-ee, his mate Miracle and their kit Chance.

Prince William County Public Works had planned to remove the beavers, saying their dam was blocking a critical stormwater facility and creating a flood risk. But neighbors disagreed and placed the blame on maintenance and drainage issues from the nearby Village Gateway shopping center.

Residents launched two petitions to fight for the wild little family.

The situation began in early April when resident Andrea Petersen noticed three men near the beavers’ lodge and learned they were there to perform a “lethal removal,” she said. Petersen intervened to temporarily halt the action and got to work trying to save the beavers.

The Wentworth Green community argued the beavers were being “incorrectly blamed for clogging a storm drain,” and noted that because state law makes it illegal to relocate beavers, the county’s only plan had been to kill them.

Petersen said the community “absolutely adores” the beaver family and couldn't bear to see them killed. “They are cherished members of our community and bring us so much joy.”

Is the Digital Gateway officially dead?

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors formally withdrew from appeals of the controversial PW Digital Gateway lawsuit on April 14, following a unanimous vote.

The decision came after the county had spent $1.72 million in taxpayer funds defending the legal challenges to the data center project.

The withdrawal followed a unanimous Virginia Court of Appeals ruling that halted the project. This ruling consolidated major legal challenges brought by the Oak Valley Homeowners Association and American Battlefield Trust, with improper public notice being a central issue.

The Digital Gateway rezoning was initially approved narrowly on Dec. 13, 2023, following a marathon 27hour meeting. Although the county will not appeal the recent ruling, developer-defendants Compass and QTS still have the option to appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court.

The proposed digital gateway near Gainesville was planned to be the world's largest data center corridor, covering over 2,100 acres with 37 data centers and over 22 million square feet of space.

One suspect jailed, another dead after Gainesville bank robbery

A40-year-old Loudoun County man faces robbery and conspiracy charges in connection with an April 1 bank robbery in Gainesville, as authorities formally tied him and a second, now dead, suspect to a string of robberies across Northern Virginia.

The surviving suspect, Paul Peter Gerardi Jr. of Leesburg, was arrested April 14 in Herndon by Fairfax County police. He is charged with robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery for the heist at the Capital One in Gainesville’s Virginia Gateway.

Gerardi has also been charged in a March 24 robbery in Middleburg and a March 30 robbery in Great Falls.

The second suspect, Josiah Jor-El Jackman, 39, of Hamilton, was found dead April 14 after a standoff with deputies at his home.

Amazon buys land in Gainesville

More data centers appear to be on the way in the Wellington Road corridor in Prince William County.

Amazon Data Services has bought about 44 acres at 6922, 6894 and 6898 Wellington Road and 8019 Devlin Road near Gainesville for $120 million. The sale closed in February.

The properties, within Prince William County’s data center overlay district, are next to the former Merrifield Garden Center, which closed at the end of last year after being sold to a different data center developer for $160 million.

VOTE STARTING MAY 10!

Local business... the heart and the lifeline our of community. From retail stores to restaurants, entertainment and service providers, these are the organizations and people who make this county a great place to live. Our annual “Best of” competition strives to highlight local businesses as voted on by you, our readers.

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