Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine February 2026

Meet Stella

Love, legacy, and the women who carried a story forward

Your pick for Fauquier’s Cutest Pet!

Red Truck founder cooks up a new menu

Summer Camps & Private Schools

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

FROM THE EDITOR

The Evolution of the Country Store

In the late 80s and early 90s, I lived in Hume where Mrs. Wright had a store by the crossroads known simply as Mrs. Wright’s. I think she’d been there for a very long time, and if I remember correctly, it closed in the early 90s when she passed away.

This was a real Southern country store, the likes of which are pretty much extinct now.

Today, country stores offer sandwiches, (sometimes even made to order and some with gourmet ingredients), fresh baked desserts, specialty snacks like Virginia peanuts, and beer and wine in addition to the basic staples of milk, bread and some canned goods.

In contrast, the old-time country store had the staples, yes, but were usually lacking in the finer points.

Mrs. Wright sold milk, bread (exclusively Wonder Bread), and an impressive array of canned goods. But I think the bulk of her inventory and sales were good, old fashioned junk food. Soda, potato chips, Doritos and the like. But I think Mrs. Wright had a sweet tooth, because the store was also impressively stocked with candy and prepackaged baked goods like Twinkies, Hostess cupcakes with the “creme” filling, Honey Buns, Little Debbies, those tiny chocolate-covered donuts, and more. In summer, there was an ice cream freezer with ice cream sandwiches. Note the absence of vegetables, fruit, and beer and wine.

But the real key that indicates a real old-time country store is what’s on the counter by the big cash register: a big jar of pickled pig’s feet. It would turn my stomach, but apparently it was enough of a popular item to make it worth

WARRENTON LIFESTYLE

offering. Thankfully, that trend seems to have faded.

All these years later, there may be a store in Hume again. Pending zoning approval to stay permanently, Remnant Farm Store, formerly located in Warrenton, is operating as a pop-up shop three doors down from Mrs. Wright’s.

I was talking to a friend who is a longtime resident of Hume who said that for the first time he is not longing for Mrs. Wright’s. Even for its shortcomings, it was, after all, a store. With milk. And in the winter, there was a

I’d love to hear more stories and maybe even photos of Mrs. Wright’s store. Please email me with memories!

big wood stove in the center, surrounded by locals and farmers passing the time on snow days. I mentioned that Mrs. Wright wouldn’t be caught dead with a fresh vegetable in her store, he said, “Yes, but…I bought seed potatoes there once.”

On another note, although our cover story is the Pet Contest (180 pets entered this year!), I do want to also mention the story of Lisa Larkin’s book on page 32. I knew Lisa from a writers’ group before she passed away, and I am honored that her family approached me and asked me to tell the story, not of her book itself, but of the love and commitment to the craft of Lisa’s friends who worked to finish it for her. It is truly a special story.

PUBLISHER

Dennis Brack

dennis@warrentonlifestyle.com

EDITOR

Pam Kamphuis pam@warrentonlifestyle.com

ART DIRECTOR

Kara Thorpe kara@warrentonlifestyle.com

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Jay Ford creative@warrentonlifestyle.com

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The Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and distributed to over 11,500 selected addresses. While reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Warrenton 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.

8 Best Bets

Top events for February in Fauquier and nearby

of Time and Talent

Local volunteer opportunities in Fauquier County

Around Fauquier Marking Revolutionary War

Nonprofit names new leader Bravo for Fauquier High School Theatre!

Meet Fauquier’s Teachers of the Year

Remnant Farm Store relocates

Fauquier Health patients honor nurse

Ovaka Farm opening winery 22 Warrenton’s Cutest Pets of 2026 Meet the winners – and some other favorites –in

38 A New Menu for Brian Noyes Former Red Truck Bakery owner to open Hayfields Cafe in Little Washington BY JULIA

SHANAHAN

CLARE

Best Bets

TOP EVENTS IN FAUQUIER & NEARBY

What to do? There's lots going on in our area — and there's never enough time! This page and our free weekly Best Bets email newsletter (scan the code below to subscribe) aims to help you make plans and have fun.

Rapidan Trout Unlimited 36th Annual Fly Fishing Show

Saturday, Feb. 14 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Highland School 597 Broadview Ave., Warrenton

The Rapidan Trout Unlimited 36th Annual Fly Fishing Show brings together anglers of all skill levels for a full day celebrating fly fishing and conservation. The event features expert fly-tying demonstrations, a variety of vendors offering classic and new gear, prize drawings, informative classes on fly fishing fundamentals and fly-fishing–inspired art. Award-winning author, guide and conservationist Beau Beasley will be the guest speaker, sharing insights on fishing and conservation topics. Proceeds from the show support education, stream restoration, and conservation efforts through Rapidan Trout Unlimited.

Trouble in Deadwood

ARTfactory's Murder

Mystery Dinner Theatre

Friday & Saturday, Feb. 13-14, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m.

ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St., Manassas

Sweetheart Swing Dance with the the Silver Tones Swing Band

Saturday, Feb. 7, 7-9:30 p.m.

Warrenton United Methodist Church, 341 Church St., Warrenton

Celebrate love and swing into Valentine’s season at the Sweetheart Swing Dance. This special evening brings the 18-piece Silver Tones Swing Band back to the WUMC dance hall, filling the space with romantic Big Band favorites with Wendy Marie, Gene Bates and the Silver Belles vocal trio. The night begins with a refresher/beginner swing dance lesson led by dance pros Valerie Pyle and Joe Manning, followed by two long-play sets ideal for dancing or simply enjoying the music from audience seating. Guests are invited to make a free song dedication to someone special, read aloud during the event, adding a personal and memorable touch to this sweetheart celebration. Admission $19.50 online, $25 at the door.

Piedmont Symphony Orchestra February Concert and Young Artists Competition

Sunday, Feb. 15, 3 p.m.

Highland School, 597 Broadview Ave., Warrenton

The Piedmont Symphony Orchestra presents its February Concert and Young Artists Competition, featuring three gifted student instrumentalists performing alongside the orchestra and competing for scholarship prizes. The competition is open to student instrumentalists under the age of 19 in Fauquier and nearby counties. This year’s finalists include violinist Satchit Mainali of Haymarket, pianist Tiffany Yawgel of Locust Grove, and pianist Carter Young of Culpeper. The afternoon also features a performance of music from “The Lord of the Rings” by the PSO accompanied by a student art showcase inspired by the theme, with artwork by students of all ages projected above the orchestra as the music is played. Admission $35.

Saddle up for an evening of mystery, mischief, and mouthwatering barbecue! Step back into the Wild West, where the good folks of Deadwood are gathering for a lively celebration — until someone turns up dead! It’s up to you and your table of fellow sleuths to figure out “whodunit” before the culprit rides off into the sunset. Enjoy a three-course dinner buffet catered by The Bone, featuring their signature smoked flavors and hearty fixings, complemented by wine and cider from Nokesville Winery, as you watch the hilarious story unfold around you. This interactive theatre experience invites guests to laugh, dine, and play detective — no acting required, just a sense of adventure.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR: Hosting an event? Add it to the calendar at no charge and it may be chosen for Best Bets! FauquierNow.com/calendar

2026

Youth Resource Fair

Saturday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Liberty High School, 6300 Independence Ave., Bealeton

Bring the whole family out for a fun, informative day at the second annual Youth Resource Fair and Transition & Disability Fair, hosted by the Fauquier Alliance for Youth and the Parent Resource Center. This community-wide event connects families with service agencies and organizations that support students from preschool through high school and beyond, from childcare, after-school programs, arts and sports to employment, vocational education, transition services and independent living resources. Enjoy engaging activities and games while learning about the many supports available to help your child thrive at every stage.

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giving back

The Gift of Time and Talent

Warrenton Lifestyle’s ongoing “giving back” feature highlights some of the countless time and talent volunteer opportunities in Fauquier County and nearby. In this we hope to bring awareness not only to the needs of our neighbors and the organizations that help but the many ways you can be a part of strengthening even more what is already an impressive community.

Dementia Friendly Workplace Program Support Volunteer

Aging Together is a local nonprofit that connects people to communities and resources to improve quality of life as we age. This volunteer opportunity supports the expansion of dementia-friendly businesses across Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties by strengthening communication, outreach and coordination efforts. In this role, you will help local businesses better serve individuals living with dementia by assisting with email newsletters, connecting with existing and new participating businesses, coordinating dementia-friendly trainings, maintaining program information and promoting community awareness. This role is ideal for someone with familiarity with email newsletter software, strong organizational and communication skills and a passion for community service and dementia awareness. This is a mostly remote opportunity that would occasionally include visits to local business or restaurants. Flexible schedule, 5-10 hours per month.

Aging Together

98 Alexandria Pike #35, Warrenton 540-829-6405 info@agingtogether.org

Homework Club Helper

This hands-on volunteer opportunity supports children living in Family Shelter Services’ temporary shelter by providing help with homework, school projects, games and arts and crafts in a safe, supportive environment. Volunteers work with school-aged children in grades K–12 as part of a year-round program. Located in Warrenton, Family Shelter Services helps nearly 400 people each year through its emergency shelter and transitional housing program, relying primarily on community giving to sustain its work. This role is well suited for retired teachers, older students pursuing early childhood education, or anyone who enjoys working with children and helping them succeed. A background check is required. Homework Club is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m.

Family Shelter Services

95 Keith St., Warrenton

Tracy Forloines, tforloines@fauquierfamilyshelter.org

For more opportunities to help, check the PATH Foundation’s Volunteer Hub database at letsvolunteer.org or inquire at another nearby nonprofit or organization that relies on volunteer assistance.

Are you an organization in need of volunteers?

Email editor@warrentonlifestyle.com with information.

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around FAUQUIER SHORTS

Revolutionary War History to be Marked in Fauquier County

BY FAUQUIERNOW STAFF

Fauquier County will soon have a new historical marker approved by the Virginia Board of Historic Resources highlighting the leadership of military officer Gen. Anthony Wayne during the Revolutionary War. The marker, sponsored by the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution, is to be placed at the Intersection of Sumerduck Road and Normans Ford Road.

The marker will read: Gen. Anthony Wayne’s Rappahannock Crossing Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, commanding 1,000 infantrymen of the Pennsylvania Line and a Continental artillery unit, moved south from Pennsylvania late in the spring of 1781 to reinforce the Marquis de Lafayette in Virginia. On 8 June, Wayne’s troops crossed the Rappahannock River at Norman’s Ford, one mile southwest of here, and entered Culpeper County. They joined Lafayette south of Raccoon Ford in Orange County on 10 June. The combined force numbering about 4,000 men moved toward Charlottesville to deter British Lt. Gen. Charles Cornwallis’s raids on military stores. The troops then followed Cornwallis as his army marched eastward and greatly contributed to his surrender at Yorktown on 19 Oct.

Fauquier’s new historical record was one of nine approved by the department in December, according to a news release. Another nearby marker will be in Clarke County, highlighting Thomas Laws, a formerly enslaved Black man whose courage during the war helped Union forces secure victory in the Third Battle of Winchester in 1864.

The marker will read:

Thomas Laws (1817-1896)

Thomas Laws was born enslaved in present-day Clarke Co. In Sept. 1864, Union Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan learned that Laws had a pass to cross Confederate lines into Winchester. At Sheridan’s request, Laws risked his life to deliver a note—wrapped in tin foil and held in his mouth—to Unionist Rebecca Wright, a Quaker schoolteacher in the city. Based on intelligence about the weakness of Confederate forces that Wright sent back with Laws, Sheridan attacked on 19 Sept. His victory in the Third Battle of Winchester secured Union control of the strategically vital lower Shenandoah Valley and brought momentum to Pres. Abraham Lincoln’s reelection effort. Laws farmed in Clarke Co. after the war.

The marker is sponsored by the Josephine School Museum, and is proposed to be located at the Intersection of US 340 and Route 255 in Clarke County

Following the Board of Historic Resources’ approval of the markers, it can take upwards of six months or more before a new marker is ready for installation, the release states. The marker’s sponsor covers the required $3,000 manufacturing expenses for a new sign.

Virginia’s historical highway marker program began in 1927 with installation of the first markers along U.S. Route 1. It is considered the oldest such program in the nation. There are over 2,600 state markers, mostly maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation except in localities outside of VDOT’s authority. L

Felicia Champion named executive director of nonprofit Community Touch Inc.

BY FAUQUIERNOW STAFF

Felicia Champion has been named executive director of the Bealeton-based nonprofit Community Touch Inc., which serves families across Fauquier, Rappahannock, Culpeper, Madison and Orange counties.

Community Touch, which is celebrating 25 years in operation this year, has grown into a cornerstone resource in the region, according to a news release announcing the leadership shift, with programs including Victory Transitional Housing, Clara’s Faith House Food Pantry and Noah’s Ark Outreach along with efforts aimed at preventing homelessness and helping people regain long-term stability.

“Community Touch was built on compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to helping people move toward stability,” Champion, a co-founder of the organization, said in the release. “As we celebrate 25 years, I’m honored to carry forward the mission with the same care and excellence our community has come to rely on—while also building toward what’s next.”

Felicia Champion succeeds her husband T. Tyronne Champion as executive director. Tyronne Champion will continue serving as director of operations.

“This is not a departure from who we are—it’s a step forward,” Tyronne Champion said. “Felicia’s vision and expertise will elevate our impact, and I’m fully committed to supporting our team and ensuring our operations remain strong and steady.” L

Stressed About Summer?

Fauquier High School Theatre Department wins state championship for 'The Price'

BY FAUQUIERNOW STAFF

Bravo!

The Fauquier High School Theatre Department won the VHSL Class 3 state championship for its one-act performance of “The Price.”

After winning both the regional and super-regional competitions, Fauquier High advanced to the state finals in December, competing against

three other high school regional champions from across Virginia.

“The dedication and talent of our students were on full display,” outgoing Fauquier High Principal David Ferguson said in a news release. “I have seen this performance three times, and it was clear that the Falcons took the feedback from previous competitions to deliver a state championship performance.

They brought both laughter and moments of sacrifice to life, and it is an absolute honor to see them achieve this success.”

The play, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s dark tale, follows a mother who pursues Death after her only child is taken. Along her journey, she meets a cast of characters who reveal her child’s whereabouts, but only if she makes certain sacrifices. The production featured an ensemble cast of 11 students and a backstage tech crew of three.

Cast members included Kira Merryman, Niko Reutzel, Pierce Shaw, Kairi Esposito, TJ Boykin, Landon Thomas, Anthony Simpson, Raelyn Jackson, Sam Boykin, Annie Gentry and Yoshi Hara. Maggie Lang served as stage manager and assistant costumer, while Lorelei Pointer and Arabella Pointer were assistant stage managers.

Among the individual recognitions, Kairi Esposito, who portrayed Mother, was named one of four Best Actors of the state competition. The award-winning production was directed by April Poland, an English and theatre teacher with extensive theatre experience.

The cast and crew was recognized earlier this month by school division officials and the School Board. L

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Fauquier County Public Schools recently recognized 18 educators as their school's 2026 Teachers of the Year.

The school system said the teachers were selected “for going above and beyond in their classrooms, for their dedication to students, and for their impact on their community,” according to a news release.

HIGH SCHOOLS

• Fauquier High School: Sandra Shipe, vocational health/medical science

• Kettle Run High School: Joe Golimowski, English

• Liberty High School: Alicia Schrank, special education

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

• Auburn Middle School: Sha'Von Sutton, special education

• Cedar Lee Middle School: Joan Bryant, reading specialist

• Marshall Middle School: Rebecca Ream, special education

• Taylor Middle School: Ron Watkins, health and physical education

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

• Bradley Elementary: Robyn Hayzlett, early childhood special education

• Brumfield Elementary: Amanda Carter, kindergarten

• Coleman Elementary: Nichole Chamberlain, kindergarten

• Greenville Elementary: Wendy Schultz, first grade

• Miller Elementary: Kelly Innocenzi, fifth grade

• Pearson Elementary: Catherine Jenkins, special education

• Pierce Elementary: Meghan Ryan, second grade

• Ritchie Elementary: Michelle Breslin, third grade

• Smith Elementary: Kelly Roach, fifth grade

• Thompson Elementary: Shelley Kane, kindergarten

• Walter Elementary: Tione Rivera, English as a second language

“These teachers represent the very best of Fauquier County Public Schools,” Deputy Superintendent Meaghan Brill said in the release. “We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and the difference they make in students’ lives.”

Fauquier County Public Schools will announce the division-wide Teacher of the Year during April’s School Board meeting. L

Remnant Farm Store relocates to Hume

Just about a year ago, Stephanie and Adam Taylor of Remnant Farm in Orlean opened the Remnant Farm Store just off Waterloo Street in Warrenton. The shop was quickly embraced by the community, becoming a go-to spot for locals seeking high-quality, locally sourced goods.

After learning that their lease would not be renewed for the next year, the Taylors, undaunted, looked at their options.

At the beginning of December, they reopened in the heart of the village of Hume, operating as a popup shop while waiting for zoning approval to run the full farm store. Sharing the space with Dwell Fine Arts Studio just across the street from the post office, the de-facto hub of the rural community, it’s a prime location.

While the location has changed, the mission has not. Still very much a family operation with daughter Cate at the helm on weekdays, Remnant Farm Store is continuing to provide what the Taylors learned over the past year their customers valued most.

granola and specialty chocolate as regular purchases.

Pending zoning approval, the Taylors are thinking ahead to fulfill more of the local community’s needs and wishes.

“Over time, we’d like to become more than a farm store, offering a place with seating for people to hang out, have a cup of coffee, and run into neighbors. Whatever the community puts in, they will get back,” Stephanie said. L

Stephanie said, “They want local everything, and quality everything.”

The store carries primarily locally sourced products ranging from produce, pastured meats, dairy, and eggs to tallow soap and freshly baked sourdough.

Longtime Hume resident John Piper said, “We are so happy to have the store in Hume. Stephanie and her family are such wonderful people.” Piper and his wife Tracy shop there often, mentioning the bread, pasta, pasta sauce, honey,

Fauquier Health Names DAISY Award Honoree

Madison Graves, LPN, was named Fauquier Health’s DAISY Award Honoree for the third quarter of 2025. The DAISY Award celebrates and recognizes extraordinary nurses by collecting nominations from patients and their families.

Graves’ compassion, one of the most important attributes in nurses, is one of her strongest qualities. This was emphasized by Chief Nursing Officer at Fauquier Health, Tony Maxwell, APRN, FNP-BC, as well as praised in a nomination from a patient’s mother who recommended “five stars.”

“My favorite thing about being a nurse is forming a relationship with patients and being the safe space in their toughest times while cheering them on as they

recover,” said Graves, who has been a nurse at Fauquier Health since 2024 and is currently studying for her RN with plans to go on to obtain her BSN.

Maxwell concluded in a press release, “Madison is a wonderful example of how our nurses take exceptional care of our patients. At Fauquier Health, our nurses are the best of the best, so for her to achieve this recognition is an impressive accomplishment.”

NEW BUSINESS

A New Winery for Fauquier County

Ovoka expands its agritourism experiences

The historic Ovoka Farm, located in Paris, is adding a winery to its existing Wagyu beef operation, expanding the farm’s already renowned agritourism offerings which include beef tastings, property tours and overnight stays.

The winery is launching with red wines selected to pair naturally with the farm’s pasture-raised Wagyu beef.

Chef Joel Valente explained, “We want to showcase the marbling, natural flavor and aromas of our pasture-raised Wagyu— qualities that are distinct and unique to our land. Our wines

are crafted to gently accentuate those characteristics.”

To this end, Ovoka is working with classic Bordeaux varieties—Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot—grapes that perform well in the Virginia terroir.

Ovoka’s winemaker Kendall Anderson of Centreville whose passion for farming led him to winemaking, is a perfect fit for the operation that values its land and prizes its sustainable farming practices. According to Anderson, who also works with local vineyards Winery at Bull Run and Old Farm Winery at Hartland, the Rappahannock County-grown grapes are fermented in concrete to retain fresh, fruit-forward structured character, then aged for three to nine months in French oak barrels to allow for the flavors to evolve.

Ovoka Farm’s first bottling is scheduled for February. The wines will initially be available through their farm store and at agritourism events, with a tasting room planned to open later this spring. Looking ahead, the farm is also exploring the possibility of planting its own vineyards on the property in the future. l

Exc ellence Without Compromise

Wakefield Country Day School Proves That Affordability and Achievement Can Go Hand in Hand

By Suzanne Zylonis, Director of Admissions

At a time when many families feel pressured to choose between affordability and excellence, Wakefield Country Day School continues to prove that you can have both.

For more than half a century, this small PreSchool–12 independent school has quietly achieved an extraordinary distinction: every single graduate has been accepted to a strong four-year college or university. That record — unbroken for over 50 years — speaks not only to academic rigor, but to Wakefield Country Day’s deep commitment to knowing

is not about keeping pace with a crowd; it is about building confidence, curiosity, and competence. Students don’t just complete assignments — they understand them. And because they feel seen and supported, they learn to love learning itself.

Equally important, this level of personalized education remains value-priced. Families are often surprised to discover that an independent school of this caliber can be within reach.

Transportation from surrounding areas further expands access, including a convenient bus route that places Wakefield just over 20 minutes from Warrenton. Students from multiple counties come together each day, united by a shared commitment to growth and discovery.

Beyond the classroom, WCDS’s athletic program reflects the same philosophy: growth for every student. Participation is encouraged, development is prioritized, and fundamentals come first. Whether a student arrives with years of experience or has never picked up a ball, each athlete is coached to improve, contribute, and believe in themselves. Teams are competitive, but the culture is inclusive. Every student has a place, and every student grows.

The result is a community where young people thrive — academically, socially, and physically. WCDS graduates leave not only with college acceptances and significant scholarship offers in hand, but with strong study habits, resilience, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. They are prepared for the demands of higher education and confident in their ability to meet them.

and preparing each student as an individual. Even more impressive, Wakefield graduates collectively earn over one million dollars each year in merit-based scholarships, a testament to the strength of their preparation and the confidence colleges place in them.

The foundation of this success is small class size. With intentionally limited enrollment, teachers truly know their students — their strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Lessons are not rushed. Questions are encouraged. Fundamentals are mastered before moving on. In this environment, learning

In a world that often equates “bigger” with “better,” Wakefield Country Day School stands as a powerful reminder: when students are known, challenged, and supported, remarkable outcomes follow. For over 50 years, those outcomes have included a 100% college acceptance rate, more than a million dollars annually in merit scholarships, and generations of students who truly love to learn.

Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine’s

BY BROOKE ARTHUR

Fauquier County loves its animals!

cutest pets

It’s February again, time to announce the winners of our annual Cutest Pet Contest! This contest has become extremely popular over the years, and this year is record-breaking with a whopping 180 entries and over 2500 votes cast.

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all who submitted their furry friends and to the voters who took the time to look at all 180 of them and make the tough choice on a favorite.

Winner Stella

STEPHANIE AND GREG BUTLER

MIDLAND

PHOTOS BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER

The best way for Stephanie and Greg Butler to describe their nine-year-old Basset Hound is simple: “just a good ol’ hound dog.” Sturdy yet sprightly, Stella joined the couple’s 10-acre farmette as a puppy in 2016 and has since settled comfortably into her role as a calm, steady farm companion.

Stephanie grew up with dogs like bulldogs and red heelers, but when it came time to choose a dog of her own, she followed a childhood memory—selecting a Basset Hound like the one her uncle had owned. Stella proved to be the perfect fit. Being a best friend is what she was made to do. If Stella suspects Stephanie is heading somewhere, she’ll position herself firmly by the car, determined not to be left behind. She happily tags along on daily adventures around the property, accompanying Stephanie as she tends to the cows and Boer goats, watching over them as if they were her own.

Stella shares the farmette with a cast of other animals, including Tom, a shorthair tabby barn cat who makes it clear that he is truly in charge. Stephanie’s son also brings his German Pointer over to visit, giving Stella a playmate and some extra company.

Unlike most Basset Hounds, Stella is a bit of a princess. She maintains her social standing by attending one of the local highlights of the year—the Fauquier County Fair. Whether lounging in the aisles with her own personal fan or slowly moseying through the crowd, she delights fairgoers who can’t resist stopping to give her a pat. True to her hound heritage, Stella’s long ears brush the ground, but unlike many of her breed, she’s remarkably quiet. She tries to howl, but never quite gets there—and she’s never been one to drool. Her favorite treats are duck and sweet potato, and she appears right on schedule every day to collect them: one in the morning from Dad and one in the evening from Mom. When she was younger, Stella even joined in farm chores while perched proudly on the tractor seat. Though she’s slowed down a bit with age, she remains the same sweet girl she’s always been.

These days, Stella enjoys sitting in Stephanie’s lap when the grandkids are around, soaking up attention and belly rubs as the undisputed center of affection. The Butlers hope to one day take their faithful companion to the beach to see how she likes it. After all, every girl deserves a little princess treatment.

Second Place

Stanley

LYNN AIANI OLD TOWN WARRENTON

What do you get when you mix a poodle with anything? The absolute cutest creature ever. Three-month-old Cavapoo Stanley came out of the oven perfectly toasted and ready to rumble. Owner Lynn Aiani welcomed him into the family as a 1.8-pound puppy from a coworker’s dog’s litter. Although he weighs only 2.5 pounds now, he more than makes up for it with spunk and energy. Nobody plays as hard—and naps harder—than this little guy. Stanley is the center of attention, running, jumping, munching and soaking up the spotlight. He experiences major cases of FOMO, warranting his inclusion in any and all activities, no matter how important. Aiani had to find hands-free ways to include Stanley while still accomplishing things around the house, so he can often be found in a sling or sitting in the hood of Aiani’s sweatshirt, worn backward for his comfort. Although he soaks up most, if not all, of the spotlight, Stanley shares his people with his cat cousin, Zeke, a rescued black-and-white domestic shorthair. Zeke tolerates his rambunctious housemate with all the kindness he can muster. Stanley’s toy of choice is a micro-sized lambchop, and he enjoys his puppy food but also expresses interest in human foods, toilet paper rolls or particularly crunchy mailing envelopes. With curiosity in paw, little Stanley has a world of wonders ahead to discover.

superlatives

“Leader of the Band”

Clyde

As a full fledged member of the local blues band Bobby G and the Heavies, this redbone coonhound has an ear for music, howling along as the band plays and hitting all the right notes as if he’s been practicing all week. Clyde isn’t just a dog; he’s the soul of the show, the glue that binds the band to their audience.

Alissa LeBoeuf, Warrenton

Third Place

Simmi

BRENT, ALISHA, SAVINA AND SALEM CARPENELLI

THE HIGHLANDS OF WARRENTON

A puppy chosen after in-depth research and countless “Can we get a dog?” questions, Simmi—the 8-month-old American fox red Labrador retriever—is living life to the fullest. In the summer of 2024, Alisha and Brent Carpenelli challenged their children to help research the best furry companion for their family. They landed on a Labrador retriever, with the added (and practical) requirement of a coat color that might better withstand Alisha’s white couch. Bred by Yates Family Labradors in Arlington, Simmi’s breed designation reflects her distinctive reddish coat, a variation of the classic yellow Lab.

The Carpenellis brought Simmi home in July 2025. Fun-loving, curious, and social, Simmi is convinced everyone and everything wants to be her friend. Highly intelligent and quick to learn, she eagerly meets her family’s training expectations. She’ll happily play with anything retrievable, especially enjoying tug-of-war and her beloved “chicken and waffle” plushie. Simmi also loves adventure walks around town, frozen peanut butter Kong toys, and visits with Tucker, the older German shepherd mix next door.

The Carpenellis compare life with a new puppy to life with a new baby. As they attempt to reenter society, a series of classic Labrador antics—impromptu swimming in muddy water and the ingestion of questionable items included—has made that transition a bit tricky. Life with Simmi may be unpredictable, but it guarantees daily excitement.

staff pets

Milo Jim Kelly, Sales Director

Lifestyle staff are pet lovers too. Here are the animals who keep us company, keep us laughing, and sometimes keep us from getting any work done.

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Telling Mom’s story, ‘Despite it All’

Love,

legacy and the women who carried a story forward

BY PAM KAMPHUIS

This is a story of so much love. Romantic love, family love, love of craft and the lasting bonds between friends.

It’s an unlikely love story that started between two very different people in the aftermath of World War II. It’s about appreciating family and raising children with love. And it’s about a group of women who fulfill a friend’s dream for her family.

Remembering what came before

Lisa Larkin, a reading specialist from Warrenton, grew up hearing stories of WWII. Her mother, Liesbeth Rathjens Mendelsohn, was German, the daughter of a Nazi engineer, who had memories of attending Hitler’s birthday party. Her father, John Mendelsohn, was a quarter Jewish, staying beneath the radar and working for a plumber who aided the resistance in Berlin. Both of her parents emigrated to the US after the war, John by joining the U.S. Air Force and becoming an American citizen, and Liesbeth (nicknamed “Tish”) by being sent to relatives in the U.S. in the wake of the Nazi defeat. Here they met while attending the University of Maryland, introduced by a mutual academic advisor.

Tish, called Yaya by her granddaughters, raised Lisa and her brother with stories from the war, an appreciation for the value of history, and consequently, emphasizing the importance of a loving, stable family life, which had been denied to their parents. Lisa, in turn, raised her two girls with an awareness of her parents’ experiences.

“She had us read books like ‘Number the Stars’ by Lois Lowry. She worked hard to make sure we were aware of the Holocaust since it was part of our history,” said Lisa’s daughter Kate.

Listening,

learning, and writing it down

Lisa felt her parents’ story not only should be told but would be of interest to others. Although she hadn’t written a book before,

she embarked on a mission to turn it into a historical fiction novel based on their lives.

For years, she listened to her mother, taking careful notes while peppering her with questions that yielded one story after another of both Tish’s own life and her husband’s experiences, tidbit by tidbit.

After attending a writers’ workshop at Shenandoah University, Lisa was inspired to finally sit down and start the process. She reached out to Sharon Krasny, a friend who was a fellow teacher and writer, for advice.

This turned out to be the genesis of the Lavender Ink Society. Lisa and Krasny were joined by fellow teachers and writers Katrina Grzankowski and Jeny Sisk, forming the writers’ group. They met every few weeks or so, usually at O’Brien’s Irish Pub, helping each other with their respective projects. Over the next two years, Grzankowski, Sisk and Krasny learned about Lisa’s project, the information she was working with, her writing style and her passion for publishing the book.

By spring of 2024, Lisa had some notes,

an outline, an idea for the organization and plot of her book, and about 20,000 words written. Then she was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer and passed away within 6 weeks. The book remained unfinished.

Fulfilling Lisa’s dream

Knowing how important the project had been to Lisa, the members of the Lavender Ink Society reached out to Lisa’s husband Brian and her daughters Kate and Beth and offered to finish the story if they were interested.

It wasn’t easy to hand off their mother’s dream. “In the beginning, it was really challenging to even wrap our heads around somebody else writing this book in the first place. Mom should be here finishing her story with us cheering her on and supporting her,” said Kate.

The three remaining members of the Lavender Ink Society faced a daunting task. Not only was it incredibly emotional, but they had to work together to blend their three different writing styles while keeping Lisa’s voice as well.

They knew how Lisa wanted the book organized: part one is her dad’s story during the war, part two is her mom’s, and part three is about their meeting in the U.S. and falling in love. And they knew Lisa had titled the book “Despite it All.” Armed with the Larkins’ trust, Lisa’s draft, all her notes and what they knew from Lisa herself, they set to work.

Collaboration and craft

The work itself was emotional. In addition to being gifted with the responsibility of

“Despite it All”

They grew up in two different worlds. He was the son of a Jew, she was the daughter of a Nazi. They defied all expectations through the love they found. Based on a true story, “Despite It All” is told through the eyes of their daughter and follows the journey of a couple through the aftermath of World War II, demonstrating resilience, grit, survival and the quiet courage of love.

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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 advertise in Lifestyle, over 65,000* of them see you.

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And we’d go back in. It wasn’t about us, it was about Lisa, her story, her parents and the fact this was worth fighting for. And it’s a good story,” said Sisk.

Lisa’s family values the unique perspective of the story. Since not much is written

from the perspective of a child of a Nazi, her honesty is rare and important. It casts a light on the possibilities and healing that can emerge when longstanding prejudices are set aside.

Kate and Beth were involved at every turn, reading chapters, filling in details, and consulting their grandmother when necessary. But they depended on the Lavender Ink Society to bring it to life.

“If anybody is to take on this heavy and challenging process, I'm glad it's these women. Their dedication and sacrifices to make Mom's vision possible are truly a gift and deep form of love that we will forever be grateful for. And I believe in my heart that mom's light is shining extra bright knowing her parent's story of resilience and love is continuing on and coming to light thanks to the Lavender Ink Society,” said Beth.

Krasny said, “The thing for us is that... [emotional pause] we really wanted them to feel the love of their mom and that's what she gave everybody so that's why we did what we did. We didn't do it for any other reason. It's for them.” L

A NEW MENU FOR BRIAN NOYES

FORMER RED TRUCK BAKERY OWNER TO OPEN HAYFIELDS CAFE IN LITTLE WASHINGTON

BY JULIA SHANAHAN, RAPPAHANNOCK NEWS STAFF

For a town known for hospitality, Brian Noyes thought Little Washington was missing something surprisingly basic: a folksy gathering place for breakfast, lunch and a place to grab a last minute cooking ingredient or dinner item.

“It was really boring here, especially during the week, because everybody disappears and there’s nothing to do,” said Noyes, 68, who purchased a 100-year-old home in town last fall. “It’s either [The Inn at Little Washington] or it’s Patty O’s, or you have to get in the car to drive somewhere.”

Now the longtime food entrepreneur — best known as the founder of Red Truck Bakery in Warrenton and Marshall — is preparing to open a cafe and general store called Hayfields General Store and Cafe in the Rush River Commons development across from the town’s post office, aiming to create a daily gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Noyes said the idea grew naturally after settling into town and walking its streets each day. “I just thought somebody needs to open,” he said. Prior to moving into his home on Mount Salem Avenue with his husband, architect Dwight McNeill, he rented a house on Harris Hollow Road.

Noyes had announced last year that Hay-

fields would be opening in the old Tula’s Restaurant and Bar at 311 Gay St., but he ultimately determined that it wouldn’t be an ideal space for the type of operation he wanted to run. He said the layout funneled customers toward a bar and would have required late-night operations that conflicted with his goal of focusing on breakfast and daytime service.

Luckily, the Rush River Commons development — which opened its townhomes, apartments, food pantry and social services

office in stages since mid-2024 — had been searching for a vendor to move into a space for a cafe.

“Having Brian and Hayfields join us at Rush River Commons is a fitting conclusion to Phase I development of the campus, and a wonderful way to begin the new year,” the project’s developer Chuck Akre said in a statement to the Rappahannock News.

Akre had been persistent, Noyes said, about encouraging him to consider opening a business at Rush River Commons. Noyes

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said he initially resisted the idea, preferring an older building in the historic district and was reluctant to operate in a new development.

“I worked too many years at the National Trust for Historic Preservation … to walk away from some old historic building in a historic village,” he said

After visiting the Rush River space, however, Noyes said his view began to change. He described the space as open, light-filled and flexible, saying, “I just thought this could work.” He said the ability to design the interior from scratch, add seating and potentially access a shared commercial kitchen for larger orders made the location more viable for the kind of operation he wanted to run.

The cafe will be counter service, not table service, which Noyes said will reduce some staffing needs. He said he intends to hire a general manager to help oversee daily operations, ordering, inventory and staff training.

The decision to put down roots and invest again in a food business was shaped not only by community need, but also by a series of

“

IT FEELS LIKE HOME HERE ”

family connections that made Rappahannock feel like home. Noyes traced his lineage to early colonial settlers and discovered that he shared an eighth-great-grandfather with Judd Swift, a local author he met at the Rappahannock County Public Library and whose home he eventually bought.

“It just made me think this might be the place where we should end up,” he said. “It feels like home here. It was just too many little wacky coincidences.”

Hayfields will offer breakfast and lunch, grab-and-go items, baked goods and what Noyes describes as a “general store” stocked

with everyday staples for locals. “There’s got to be some place right here to get all that stuff,” he said, recalling the difficulty of finding basic ingredients without driving to Warrenton.

The space is expected to seat 30 to 40 people indoors, with additional outdoor seating, and Noyes said he hopes to be open seven days a week. “I want people to be able to count on coming by,” he said. “I want to be open every day.”

He said he plans to start with breakfast and lunch, then evaluate demand and staffing before expanding to dinner service. If dinner is added, he said it would likely consist of simple offerings such as sandwiches, wraps and salads rather than “big plated menu affairs,” along with occasional ticketed events like a monthly Sunday family supper.

After selling Red Truck Bakery in 2023, Noyes said returning to the food world was not about repeating the past, but about hospitality. “I never considered a restaurant or me a chef,” he said. “It just seemed more like a hospitality venture.”

If all goes as planned, Hayfields is expected to open late spring or early summer. L

Subtle Elegance, Handcrafted Charm

Recipes to make your Valentine’s Day memorable

PBY CHEF ASHA CLARE

icture a crisp February evening where the kitchen transforms into a canvas of warmth and connection. This month’s recipes celebrate the art of the heart and hearth; where romantic dinners deepen bonds and create lasting memories. So go ahead, use subtle indulgence and handcrafted charm—set the table, light a candle, turn on the music and let this meal become a moment to remember.

Garlicky Mussels in White Wine Broth

Tender mussels are bathed in a savory, fragrant white wine broth and served steaming with fresh herbs, Parmesan, and crusty bread to soak up every last drop. A staple in my family for good reason, we’re devoted seafood lovers, and these garlicky mussels are absolutely irresistible. If you’re a seafood lover as well, I’ll wager you’re gonna keep this recipe in your back pocket and on heavy rotation. After just a little prep, the dish comes together quickly and is on the table in minutes—a classic French bistro favorite that feels luxurious, yet is surprisingly economical.

ABOUT THE CHEF

4-6 servings

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup olive oil, more for finishing

2 large shallots, peeled and minced

6 large garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1½ cups white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

8 oz. clam juice

4 lbs. live mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded. Throw out broken and open mussels.

6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes

½ cup coarsely chopped, fresh flat leaf (Italian) parsley

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup thinly grated parmesan

1 lemon cut into wedges, seeds removed toasted baguette, country or peasant bread

DIRECTIONS

1. Prep and measure out all ingredients. This is very important for the recipe to go smoothly.

2. In a large heavy bottom pot, warm ¼ cup of olive oil over medium heat and sauté shallots until tender, approximately 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. Raise the heat to medium-high. Add the wine, clam juice and mussels, stir to coat in the broth and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Steam covered for 3-5 minutes. The mussels should be opened. Discard any mussels that have not opened during the cooking process.

4. Remove the pot from the heat. Divide the mussels into deep serving bowls, leaving the broth in the pot.

5. Return the pot to the stove. Over medium heat whisk in the cold cubes of butter until melted. Add parsley, salt and pepper to taste.

6. Pour broth over the mussels, sprinkle with parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

7. Serve with sliced or torn bread that has been brushed with a high heat oil like avocado or sunflower oil and broiled until golden.

Chef Asha Clare of Warrenton is the owner and creative force behind The Kitchen Fairy, an artisan hospitality company that artfully weaves dining, event design and guest service into unforgettable culinary experiences. Growing up in Madison County, Clare was introduced to cooking with fresh garden ingredients by her grandmother, and developed a lifelong appreciation for food made with love and intention. Known for her elegant yet rustic and chic style, she handcrafts meals that are as thoughtful as they are delicious, rooted in local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. KITCHENFAIRY.CO

Easy White Chocolate Mousse with Classic Raspberry Coulis

This easy white chocolate mousse reads like an elegant love letter and tastes like a sweet spoonful of romance. Its texture is delicate and creamy, with buttery vanilla forward flavor and notes of condensed milk. It is the perfect canvas for glossy, sweet-tart raspberry coulis. This no-bake, make-ahead recipe comes together with ease while presenting as a refined decadent dessert ideal for an intimate evening for two or dinner party with friends and family.

Two standard servings or four tasting cups

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE MOUSSE

1¼ cups cold heavy whipping cream, divided

4 oz. white chocolate, finely chopped (Ghirardelli, Guittard, Valrhona recommended)

½ teaspoon vanilla extract pinch of sea salt

FOR THE RASPBERRY COULIS

12 oz. raspberries, fresh or frozen

3-4 tablespoons granulated sugar

zest from one medium lemon

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon water pinch of salt

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon Chambord (optional)

DIRECTIONS

MOUSSE

1. Place chopped white chocolate in a medium, heat proof bowl.

2. In a small pot, heat ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream over medium heat.

3. When it is just about to boil, remove from heat and pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 3 minutes. Stir to combine. Set aside to cool to room temperature, approximately 20 minutes. The ganache should be smooth, lightly tan in color and shiny.

4. In a separate bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment, whisk 1 cup heavy whipping cream. When it starts to thicken, add vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Whisk to firm peaks.

5. Using a rubber spatula, fold the whipped cream into the cooled ganache until combined. Gently spoon or pipe into individual serving dishes, leaving a ¼ inch gap at the rim. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

1. In a small pot, combine raspberries, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, water and pinch of salt. Using a fork, mash the berries to help them release their juices. Allow to sit and macerate for 10 minutes.

2. Heat the berries over medium high heat, until the fruit has broken down, the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture has become syrupy, approximately 3-5 minutes. The coulis should be a balance of sweet and tart. Add sugar to taste, if needed.

3. Place a fine mesh strainer over a small heat proof bowl. Strain berry mixture, gently pressing solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard seeds. The coulis should be a syrupy consistency, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and leave a distinct path when you run your finger through the coating.

4. Add the vanilla and Chambord if using. Cool sauce to room temperature, then cover and chill in the refrigerator until use.

5. Just before serving, remove the mousse from the fridge. Pour over a light layer of raspberry coulis (approximately ⅛ inch), garnish with fresh raspberries or white chocolate shavings as desired and serve. L

To simplify this recipe even further, instead of making homemade coulis, you can substitute raspberry jam. Mix ½ cup of jam with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Thin with water to your desired consistency and strain into a small container. Cover and keep in the refrigerator until use.

Fauquier’s

TOP 10

Top Sales

The ten highest-priced homes that sold between mid-December, 2025 and mid-January, 2026 in Fauquier County. Data and photos from Zillow.com.

140 CULPEPER ST., WARRENTON

$2,200,000 Sold: Dec. 19

4

8501 COUNTRY CLUB LANE, WARRENTON

$1,100,000

Jan. 8

7323 BAYFIELD LANE, WARRENTON $1,099,000

23

7241 BLACKWELL ROAD, WARRENTON

$1,016,151 Sold: Dec. 22

6348 BARN OWL COURT, WARRENTON

$1,000,000 Sold: Jan. 8

The Big Picture

“In December 2025, the Greater Piedmont four-county housing market saw 163 homes sold, up from 129 in December 2024, signaling strong year-end activity. The median sold price was $575,000, slightly below last year’s $595,000, while total sales volume increased to $105 million, reflecting higher transaction levels. Active listings rose to 353, compared to 267 last year, giving buyers more choices, and average days on market increased to 46 days, indicating a market that continues to move toward a more balanced pace.”

—Carrie Brown, 2025 Greater Piedmont President

The December Details for Fauquier County

Compared to December 2024

Median Sales Price: $681,000, up from $630,000 Sales Activity: 82, up from 71 Days on Market: 26, up from 12

Greater Piedmont REALTORS® is a trade association representing 650 REALTORS® in Fauquier, Culpeper, Rappahannock, and Madison counties.

3497 BULL RUN MOUNTAIN ROAD, THE PLAINS

$1,000,000

Sold: Dec. 30

12587 LAKE COVENTRY

What Would Dawn and Wendy Do?

Addressing potential issues that could prevent a profitable sale (ie.water marks on ceiling, smells)

Neutralizing the home to attract as many buyers as possible

Determine best investments for the property to set the seller up for a successful listing

Organize, declutter and pack (separate donations from trash)

Make a plan to improve curb appeal

Preparation now = Gains later

Direct: 540-729-6740

E-mail: Realtor@dawnarruda.com

Website: DawnArruda.com RossVA.com/dawn-arruda

Direct: 302-222-6703

E-mail: wendyj.reagent@gmail.com Website: RossVA.com/wendy-johnson