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EDITOR’S NOTE
Back to the Basics
September is severely underrated. It’s a time of year when it's perfectly acceptable to grab a hot pumpkin spiced latte in the morning and a frozen margarita in the afternoon. It’s a time when the temperature is just right to attend a weekend festival, take a comfortable hike or ride a bike.
There’s so much going on this month in Prince William County and surrounding areas, which is something of a tradition, one might say. Youth For Tomorrow’s Country Fair in Bristow is celebrating its 39th year! Occoquan Crafts Festival said “hold my Sam Adams Seasonal” as it turns 59.
September is also a time for flirting with the idea of fall and October. Most of us are still taken aback by Halloween decorations in the stores, but it doesn’t feel too early to wander around a Renaissance festival, see the new Beetlejuice movie or Do the Time Warp again!
And of course, traditionally September means back to school. While Prince William started in August, I still have trouble putting that heaviness on August. Sorry, Virginia, Mother Earth is nodding in approval.
So I chose September as our Back to School issue. There are many exciting things about going back to school. For kids, it’s new teachers, seeing their friends, sports starting up. For adults it’s returning to routines (at least those we enjoy), friends and coworkers back from vacation.
It’s also a time to be mindful for what students need to succeed, which is why I decided to feature two amazing local nonprofits serving school children – Boxes of Basics, which provides clothing to kids in need, and Settle the Debt, which helps pay off school meal debt and advocates for feeding children. Both are relatively new grassroots organizations spearheaded by exceptional women in our community. They demonstrate what we can accomplish when
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Charlotte Sveum of Dominion Valley shows off her gymnastics skills while modeling for Boxes of Basics.
BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
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to do list
September is the apex of summer and fall, it has the best of both worlds! Festival season has begun, while theater and concert season is still going strong. Explore events in the area.
THEATER
SCAN FOR DETAILS AND TICKETS:
BY DAWN GARDINER, COURTESY OF YOUTH
It’s been 25 years since the transvestite from Transylvania first did the “Time Warp” on Broadway, but the kitschy scifi/gothic musical – like the ’70s cult flix – will take you back. Rooftop Productions performs Richard O’Brien’s “THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW,” Sept. 20-Oct. 5. Join the wedding and grab a prop bag to go wild at the interactive show. ARTfactory: 9419 Battle Street, Manassas.
DMV does one kind of comedy best – politics, of course! The folks behind the Capitol Steps, present the musical ensemble, “CAPITOL FOOLS.” Expect bipartisan belly laughs with parodies, songs, impressions and comical costumes. Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas.
Fauquier Community Theatre presents Irving Berlin’s “ANNIE GET YOUR GUN,” from Sept. 13-29. The 1946 musical comedy takes liberties with famed sharpshooter Annie Oakley's relationship with her co-star of “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.” Songs include "Anything You Can Do." Fauquier Community Theatre: 4225 Aiken Drive, Vint Hill.
CONCERTS
It’s been ten years since sassy pop star MEGHAN TRAINOR gifted the world with “All About that Bass,” and it’s been seven years since her last tour! Good news for us, she’s swinging by Jiffy Lube Live on Sept. 17 for her Timeless Tour.. Tickets available via Live Nation. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Way, Bristow.
ARTS & CRAFTS
It’s time again for ARTS ALIVE!, Prince William’s annual family-friendly arts festival, featuring community artists and performers. On Sept 14, enjoy activities for all ages, multiple stages of performances, food and craft vendors and more! Co-produced by the Prince William County Arts Council and the Hylton Center, it’s free, at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas.
The OLD TOWN MANASSAS ART SHOW & CRAFT FALL FAIR brings art to town, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair features over 60 artisans and crafters, independent consultants and small businesses showcasing their wares. Manassas Museum Lawn: 9101 Prince William St.
The ANNUAL OCCOQUAN FALL ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW is in its 54th year. Sept. 28-29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the historic district becomes bizarre with makers and creators in more than 20 categories. Art aficionados can indulge in festival fare and enjoy live music in the Beer Garden along with kids activities. Free admission. 314 Mill St., Occoquan, shuttle buses available.
FUN FESTIVALS
Surround yourself in a world of Latin heritage, representing various South and Central American cultures. It’s the MANASSAS LATINO FESTIVAL, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Historic District. Celebrate with live music from multiple performers, including costumed folk dancing and live bands. Plus, authentic food and art, drinks, vendors, businesses and more. Harris Pavilion: 9201 Center St., Manassas.
YOUTH FOR TOMORROW'S ANNUAL COUNTRY FAIR & AUCTION is Prince William’s favorite fair. Celebrate its 39th year, on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy live performances, games, rides, extreme moon bounces, crafts and live animals – all included with admission. Plus, vendors, food, beer and huge auction prizes – like trips or a new Toyota! The event benefits at-risk children. Youth For Tomorrow: 11835 Hazel Circle Drive, Bristow.
For an up-to-date list of events around the region, visit InsideNoVa.com/calendar
Youth for Tomorrow’s annual Country Fair & Auction is scheduled for Oct. 5.
FOR TOMORROW
“We can all help our students develop the skills and tools that help them become wellrounded, warm-hearted adults.”
—Dr. Amrit Daryanani
Mental Health and Wellbeing in the School Setting
BY TUTT STAPP-MCKIERNAN
Schools are associated first and foremost with academic preparation–but in both schools and families, an increasingly examined subject today is how we balance the changing world, a college-prep academic program, and the mental and emotional wellbeing of our students. Where and how does student wellbeing intersect with other components of a contemporary and whole education?
For Dr. Amrit Daryanani, Director of Student Services and Wellness at Wakefield School in The Plains and known there as “Dr. D,” the role for wellbeing is not to intersect with other components, but to surround them.
“Wellbeing is almost the white space around academics,” she says. “We have concern for the overall wellbeing of our students, and that touches on so many different domains in their lives. Without wellbeing, academics is much harder! So this is an important area for us to consider here at school.”
Responsive vs. proactive
As schools seek to use their resources wisely in creating a healthy environment for students, they must balance being responsive to problems when they arise for individual students with being proactive, equipping students with the resilience and tools to understand, examine, and manage their own wellbeing, and thereby forestalling many problems in the first place.
“We have to have a counseling component that is ready to respond to problems, because in our world today, any news outlet is happy to share that there are a lot of problems right now in mental health, for all of us,” says Dr. D. “The other piece, though, of being more proactive, is also a beautiful piece that is continuously unfolding.”
According to Dr. D, “We approach wellness here from looking at many different domains…there’s the physical domain of wellness, there’s the emotional domain, there’s the cognitive domain, and the spiritual domain–and for those uncomfortable with
the word ‘spiritual,’ just drop in the words ‘meaning’ and ‘purpose!’...So considering all the new research that’s coming to us on wellness [and on] the interconnectedness of the different domains, all of this informs us in continuously trying to adapt our programming and our support systems here on campus for our students.”
“Mental Health First Aid”
Dr. D thinks that one of the important steps Wakefield has taken is to train all of its faculty in “Mental Health First Aid” (MHFA), an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance abuse challenges, sponsored by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
“MHFA gives us a community of adults that is accessible…we want for students to have lots of options for mentorship…[so] supporting faculty in being able to provide mentorship around issues of wellness and self-care is really important,” she says.
How do we help create a community of students who are vigilant about their own mental health and wellbeing? This ties to the idea of identity formation, an essential task of
adolescence. MHFA encourages both faculty and students to share in this important step.
“MHFA emphasizes that self-care is an important component of wellness, and that faculty need to not only talk about it, but do it, and model it!” says Dr. D. “It’s an important piece of how we support students on their own journey to wellness.”
Volunteering
According to Dr. D, one of the most beneficial things a school can do to increase wellbeing is emphasizing to the students the importance of volunteering–and doing it with them!
“That piece of doing it with them is so key,” says Dr. D. “There is a sense of community and of comradeship that is built when you work together towards a positive end, and for something that students resonate with–something that truly interests them in terms of serving. One thing that I think families could do to really foster wellness is active volunteering together.”
Dr. D sponsors two ongoing volunteer efforts for Wakefield’s Upper School students: at the Middleburg Humane Foundation, and through the “Wood Ministry” at Grace Church in The Plains, helping elderly or infirm community members manage their firewood.
Volunteering, Dr. D emphasizes, is not just going out there to help–it’s not “one and done.”
“Volunteering on a regular basis is to enter into a relationship with an organization, and with all of the beings, whether they be human or animal or environmental, that that organization serves,” she says. “It’s a very deep and thoughtful process when it’s done with intention, and over time, and with support, and with follow-up.”
Curiosity
Join Us for an Open House on October 25th!
JK through 12th grade on 65 acres in The Plains, VA. School-provided transportation available. Now accepting applications.
www.wakefieldschool.org | @wakefieldschooltheplains
dicing dialog, Johns writes into the storyline what the reader might be thinking about a protagonist like this:
“Maybe you should look in a mirror.... You are a lonely, miserable drunk, Haskell. You hate yourself so much that you can’t even see it. And you swim in the deep end of the cesspool because that is where snakes like you feel most comfortable.”
wellread
Legally Speaking
Gainesville lawyer Milt Johns publishes new novel
BY KATHERINE MERCURIO GOTTHARDT
When a contract attorney turns author, it can be killer.
This is not a plotline. It’s the story of Gainesville resident Milt Johns, a local lawyer and author – and former chair of the Prince William County School Board. Johns, a managing member of Executive Law Partners PLLC, has devoted more than 20 years to his law career. But he has been diligently writing fiction since his pre-teen days. His thriller novels include “Patriot
Future, Fear and Greed” and, published this summer, “Delivery Vehicles.”
What these stories have in common is a Northern Virginia-like setting and a healthy dose of grit that Johns calls “raw, unfiltered, real life.”
“Delivery Vehicles” is a prime example.
The book features Mike Haskell, an (almost) unlovable alcoholic attorney who stumbles into a strange world of murder, espionage and plot twists. With slicing,
Now wait. Everyone loves a good lawyer joke. But isn’t working in law and creating an antihero attorney a little risky for someone like Johns?
He said yes – especially because “Delivery Vehicles” is written in first-person narrative style. To maintain his legal reputation, Johns made sure he and his drinking, cussing character Haskell were clearly separate. So he spent a lot of time developing Haskell’s distinct voice and mannerisms. Sometimes, he even pokes at their shared career path:
“Is this why you went to law school? To take a single, simple case?”
I snorted. “I went to law school because math is hard. I applied for all of the ‘defender of justice’ positions when I passed the Bar, but it turns out they were all filled. So, in the meantime, I do this.”
Johns described writing Mike Haskell like channeling “this other person who talks very differently from me, has different opinions from me. I wanted to draw the line at someone who is unlikeable and then take two steps back.”
The effort proved interesting. And tiring.
Milt Johns’ newest book, “Delivery Vehicles,” was published this summer.
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Outsmarting the Block
“Delivery Vehicles” required many rewrites, Johns said. He wanted to nix stereotypes early on, and that took thinking, rethinking and re-editing.
“I wanted an interesting character I could insert into this storyline,” Johns said. “I asked myself, what happens when someone who is self-destructive and largely unlikeable is put in a situation with very grave consequences? Is there redemption for even seemingly unredeemable characters?”
It was tricky, because the author held high standards for all his characters – and because he had to work within the time constraints of his day job.
Johns also admitted he was largely at the mercy of his muse.
“I’ve never been good about making myself sit down and write,” he said. “I can’t force the voices in my head to come out –they come out in their own time and place.”
This made quickly finishing “Delivery Vehicles” impossible. In fact, Johns confessed, the book might never have been published if it weren’t for his wife, Michelle.
“The novel was unfinished at about 50% for several years, as I would meander through
About Milt Johns
Age: 58
Hometown: Wyoming, Pa (between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre)
Family:
Wife, Michelle, five adult children, two grandsons
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master’s in Security Policy Studies from George Washington University and law degree with High Honors from George Mason University School of Law
Legal Career:
Practicing law since 1998, licensed in Virginia; currently managing member of Executive Law Partners PLLC in Fairfax
Other interests: Reading, writing, travel and college football
Want more?
Follow Johns on Facebook at Milt JohnsAuthor or online at xlppllc.com.
a few paragraphs or a chapter at a time. Michelle challenged me to finish it,” he said.
He and Michelle took a week’s vacation in St. Augustine, Fla., and he knocked out the remaining 50%.
“Once I had time and no distractions,” he said, “the voices in my head started speaking to me.”
Even so, John said the off-and-on writers’ block continued to be debilitating. Sometimes he goes months without writing a word.
“When I can’t hear the muse, or I can’t hear my characters running dialogue in my head, I wait. I try reading new authors, watching new movies, new content that might spark an inspiration. Music often helps, too,” he said.
And once in a while, he admitted, so does a drink.
Writing Young
Johns grew up in the middle class suburb of Scranton, Penn., in the 1970s.
When Johns was 12, his parents bought him a typewriter for his birthday. “It was the olden days, and that was how you wrote,” he said. “My sixth-grade English teacher saw I had a knack for storytelling and challenged me to write a novel.”
So he did.
It was a derivative of “Creature from the Black Lagoon.” that he titled, “The Treasurer of Atlantis,” Johns recalled.
That book never made it beyond the classroom.
Years and novels later, Johns still deals with the exasperating publishing industry and occasional bad review.
“I try to be mature and accept constructive criticism,” he said. “I usually comfort myself by remembering that reviewers have almost never written or published their own novels.”
But Johns also says writers need thick skin. J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter book was rejected by 12 publishers before it hit the shelves and earned her a fortune.
Johns’ advice to writers just starting out?
“Write a lot and read a lot,” he said. “Try to write something every day, even if it is just a couple of sentences. Find a writing group of peers where you can get honest but caring feedback. And remember. Life is short. Finish that novel.” L
Find more about Milt John’s novels at miltjohnsbooks.com.
Gainesville author Milt Johns is managing member of Executive Law Partners PLLC
Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt is a freelance writer, an award-winning author, and a poet with a 21-year history in western Prince William County. Learn about her at KatherineGotthardt.com.
Photos courtesy of Milt Johns
The ofMaking a
Teen bassist’s journey to Grammy Camp and beyond
ROCK STAR
BY STACY SHAW
At the end of Cassie Menacker’s freshman year at Colgan High School, her music teacher, John Mills encouraged students to apply to Grammy Camp, but she was concerned she would not make the cut.
At the end of her sophomore year, as tribute to her former teacher, Menacker applied to the competitive program, submitting a video of herself playing bass guitar. It was a good thing she did.
Menacker, 16, of Bristow, was accepted to the prestigious 2024 Grammy Camp in Los Angeles and attended a weeklong session in July.
Organized by the Grammy Foundation and Grammy Museum, the music camp accepts only the most promising young musicians. It is run by music professionals, who provide campers with insight into the music business and how to achieve success in their chosen musical field.
Menacker is one of only three high school students in the country chosen for instrumental performance in bass guitar. And she was the only person from Virginia selected to attend this year.
Menacker began her music career young, first learning piano and vocals. When she was 9, her father suggested she try bass guitar, too, saying bands always need a bassist. She was not too happy with the experience until she switched to attending Contemporary Music Center in Haymarket.
“She had started bass lessons at a different
location initially and was ready to give up, but she was inspired by CMC, which has lasted with her even now,” said Mark Menacker, Cassie’s father.
CMC gave Menacker two years to learn the fundamentals, after which she could join a band and perform at the school’s summer rock camp concert. The band rehearsed for two weeks before performing for a live audience. This was a turning point for the young musician, who began taking the bass more seriously. She was no longer just a music student. She was a bassist.
She attracted the attention of CMC
ABOVE: Cassie Menacker of Bristow is ecstatic to be one of the few gifted young musicians chosen to attend Grammy Camp in Los Angeles.
LEFT: Menacker performs live with 1623 at Colgan High School’s back-toschool bash.
owner and instructor Menzie Pittman, who saw her as an exceptional student who brought a “sincerity to the effort.”
“I’ve never seen her step into a situation where she didn't light the room up. She has wonderful energy. Whenever Cassie is involved in something, it gets better,” Pittman added.
Pittman saw that she could take direction and add her own creativity to the mix, and she radiated an undeniable charisma. “She’s always positive, in any setting I’ve ever worked with her in. When you see the spark, that’s the kind of thing I always remember is to accelerate on it the best that I can.”
By the seventh grade, Menacker was constructing her own riffs in a CMC band consisting of high-school girls. Soon she became CMC’s “flagship” bassist and played with multiple house bands. She realized her father was right. Everyone does need a bassist.
The next year, her peers encouraged her to audition for Colgan High School’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, and she was accepted. She is now beginning her junior year in Colgan’s Music Technology Program, in which students learn to write,
Not only did Cassie Menacker meet singer/bassist Blu DeTiger, but the music artist signed her guitar.
LEFT:
BY
record, produce and publish music.
And she is excelling.
“Cassie is a dream student,’ said Colgan music tech teacher Sophia Levy. “She’s an excellent bassist and her consistent delivery of high-quality projects, meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations showcases her commitment and professionalism.”
Menacker was also selected to be a core member of the school’s select rock band, 1623, which performs often at school events. In addition to her music studies, she plays varsity field hockey and tennis for Colgan.
Menacker was overjoyed to be selected to Grammy Camp, to meet new musicians and learn from them.
“It was so great. I really liked getting to collaborate with all the other musicians around my age,” Menacker said. “Everyone had their own personal experience. Everyone had something to add.”
At camp, Menacker was placed in an instrumental track and assigned to a “combo” directed by three-time Grammy producer Jason “Spicy G” Goldman, who produced for Michael Buble. He encouraged the musicians to take the lead and be creative.
MENZIE PITTMAN
BY MENZIE PITTMAN
Cassie Menacker says she feels most alive when performing before an audience.
“We literally had our own voices. We gave our input, and talked out disagreements,” she said, “It was so collaborative.”
And she learned more about the industry than she ever knew. For instance, the campers were taught how to create a song that is marketable, basically “a hit.” It’s a skill Menacker hopes to teach her musical friends.
The campers were also taught to market themselves as musicians. “[They teach you how] to sell yourself as a brand, and put yourself out there on social media, to really send your brand to the people to get followers,
and get traction for your music,” she said.
And she was able to learn first-hand from Blu DeTiger, a professional singer and bassist she admires.
“She’s just another human being, very nice. Very down to earth,” she said. “It was interesting to hear her success story. How she really does prioritize bass.”
Menacker said she had such a good time she plans to apply again next year.
“It went by so fast. I wish it was longer,” she said. “I really met some lifelong friends. It was so special.”
Menacker plans to attend college and either major or minor in music. Even if she chooses another profession, she knows music will always play a part in her life.
“It’s really what I love, and it brings so much joy to me,” she said. L
Stacy Shaw is the contributing editor of Haymarket-Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine and the publisher of BristowBeat.com. She is a former English and writing teacher who lives in Bristow with her husband and daughter.
BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
BY STACY SHAW
The first time I visited Boxes of Basics I was impressed by the quality and style of the clothing.
BackSchool to Back to Basic Modeling 101
Local nonprofit provides for local children facing clothing insecurity
BY JENNIFER BALIOS
Haymarket mom Sarah Tyndall’s act of kindness in 2017– helping a woman who needed clothes for her kids –changed the trajectory of her life as well.
What began as a clothing collection drive in her Dominion Valley basement inspired her to launch Boxes of Basics. The nonprofit helps local children facing clothing instability due to homelessness, domestic violence, medical issues or family displacement.
Tyndall’s mission was clear: Every child deserves to have their basic clothing needs met.
“It’s the little engine that could. It’s grown, and it’s far surpassed me,” Tyndall said.
Basics
Doing things differently
Ill-fitting clothing or a lack of clothing and shoes are some of the reasons kids miss school, and clothing insecurity can be one of many stressors when a family experienc es financial hardship or homelessness.
“It’s this clothing insecurity issue that no one talks about or knows about, and the solution is right here,” Tyndall said. “We can fix it. It’s put ting the puzzle pieces together.”
Tyndall wanted children to receive clothes in good
With it being backto-school season, I knew the need for school clothes would be great and thought a back-to-school fashion spread would grab people’s attention and encourage donations from parents, sorting through their children’s clothes from last season or shopping for new clothes.
Boxes of Basics founder Sarah Tyndall was on board and the folks at the Dominion Valley Country Club offered us space. We chose an outdoor setting for a relaxed back-toschool feel. Because Boxes of Basics protects the privacy of their recipients, we reached out to friends and associates who support Boxes of Basics and asked their kids to model. I was thrilled with our participants, but saddened that not everyone could make it.
Each model received two to three outfits to choose from or to mix and match. The children brought their fashion sense to the shoot, and you can really see each model’s personality and style reflected in the photos. It was a pleasure working with Sarah and all of our young models.
Sarah Tyndall
L-R: Children of Boxes of Basics supporters Addy Sveum, 9; Paxton Tyndall, 11, Ashton Sadlack, 9, Raina Button, 7, Alexis Sadlack, 9, Charlotte Sveum, 12, and Eva Shaw, 9, are ready for school in Boxes of Basics back-to-school attire.
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or new condition. She believes children deserve dignity and should be excited about receiving clothes, so she packages them in neat boxes with blue and pink wrapping.
The boxes are comprehensive. Each contains a season’s wardrobe of quality clothing, based on the child’s age, size and gender. It also includes a dental kit and an age-appropriate book.
Boxes of Basics today
The idea caught on, and today, thanks to Tyndall’s leadership and the compassion of local residents, Boxes of Basics has scaled up its efforts, reaching more than 4,000 kids since its inception.
“People love that it’s hyperlocal. You know you're helping a kid right here in our community,” said Tyndall.
Boxes of Basics now has about 400 volunteers, more than 70 monthly donors called “Gems,” local grants, part-time staff and a warehouse to pack and store clothes.
In 2023, Boxes of Basics packed 1,450 boxes. By June of this year, the nonprofit had already packed 900 boxes.
Ashley Rodman of Haymarket, volunteer coordinator for Boxes of Basics, said the work is important to the community.
“It could be any of us. You could have a house fire, and then my kids would need clothes,” she said. “It’s about having uncon-
Donations of new or gently used clothing are accepted every Monday during designated hours at Boxes of Basics’ warehouse at 9239 Mike Garcia Drive in Manassas. Check the website for drop-off times. Additional drop-off locations include the Haymarket Police Department lobby and Gainesville Pharmacy.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Paxton Tyndall helps mom, Sarah Tyndall, collect donations; a volunteer folds clothing at the new warehouse; boys coats fill a clothing rack; I-66 Express presents Boxes of Basics with a $5,000 check; Sarah Tyndall accepts a donation from the Manassas Women’s Club.
ditional respect for others because you don’t know what people are going through. The work here is unconditional.”
Expanding space
In September 2023, Boxes of Basics moved out of a small house in Old Town Manassas and into a 2,600-square-foot warehouse on Mike Garcia Drive near Bristow. A donation from the Cecil and Irene Hylton Foundation made the expansion possible. More room for clothes and volunteers led to assisting more children.
Despite obtaining a larger space,Tyndall said that Boxes of Basics has already reached capacity. “If we had more space, we would be able to collect more sizes of clothes.”
To meet the demand, Boxes of Basics is considering several locations. Other jurisdictions are interested in replicating its model.
Remembering the mission
Although the operation has grown, Tyndall is reminded of the reason behind the effort: children in precarious situations.
“I was at the warehouse, and one of our referring partners looked upset. She told me the box was for a 10-year-old girl. Her mom is in jail…and she has a brother who is 19. They are trying to get the 19-year-old a job and custody of his little sister, who is having suicidal thoughts.”
“Doing this work has opened my eyes,” Tyndall added. “We provide more than a box of clothes. We’re giving kids a boost in confidence, self-esteem and mental health.”
Boxes of Basics has reopened its online referral portal for the new school year.
People who live in the area and need clothing for their children can also contact their school counselor, social worker or liaison.
Preparing for back to school
With the new school year starting, Boxes of Basics expects a big uptick in demand and will need help with clothing collection drives and fulfilling its Amazon wish list and Walmart registry.
“Hosting your own donation drive is
BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
Staff and volunteers will hand-select items, wrap each piece of clothing and include a handwritten note, so the recipient feels more like they are receiving a gift. The boxes of clothing are delivered to a child’s school because many families don’t have transportation.
Creating community
Tyndall said the mission has created a sense of connection for her volunteers. One volunteer had been mourning the death of her husband, and Boxes of Basics was the first place she wanted to go to get back into the world.
“It’s a little family we’ve created,” Tyndall added. “It makes me happy that our volunteers love being there and love what we’re doing.”
hugely helpful to us,” Tyndall said. The organization can provide donation bins to schools or businesses.
Boxes of Basics works with child advocates at school and parents and guardians can request special accommodations based on need, or simply because a child loves the color blue.
Building connections
Boxes of Basics has also grown thanks to business connections. For instance, in 2022
Gainesville insurance agent Anita Sadlack presented Boxes of Basics a $2,000 check through the State Farm Matching Gift Program.
“Boxes of Basics touched my heart in so
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Students walk confidently wearing Boxes of Basics clothing, shoes and backpacks.
many ways. As a mom of five kids, it hurts to see children suffer and struggle for the most basic necessities of life,” Sadlack said. “These boxes of love give hope, confidence and happiness to a local child in need, and that makes my heart happy and full.”
Teens supporting teens
A teen board grew out of service clubs at Patriot and Battlefield high schools, and the students serve as community ambassadors and host clothing drives.
And Tyndall has begun a pilot program for middle and high schoolers called Bundles of Basics. These bundles include new shoes, socks, underwear and a winter coat. Boxes of Basics also accept adult and junior size clothes and shoes to fit their older recipients.
Closing
Today when Tyndall looks at how far Boxes of Basics has come, she can’t believe it all started in her basement.
“When I started Boxes of Basics, I had no
idea how quickly it would grow, but it just shows that we’re meeting a real need in the community. Clothing insecurity is an underrecognized and underserved issue,” Tyndall said. “I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this small but mighty organization.” L
For more information, visit boxesofbasics.org
Jennifer Balios is a Haymarket-based freelance writer and communications consultant.
Friends Raina Button and Alexis Sadlack
Charlotte and Addy Sveum of Dominion Valley sport new backpacks donated to Boxes of Basics. BY
BY LUKE CHRISTOPHER
Fun! FALL Fun!
Your Guide to Quick Fall Getaways in Virginia & Beyond FALL
As autumn sweeps across Virginia, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, offering the perfect backdrop for a season filled with outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Whether you're exploring the wineries of Northern Virginia , the rolling hills of Central Virginia , or the scenic byways of Western Virginia , fall is a time to embrace our region’s natural beauty and rich traditions.
Explore Fall Fun! by scanning the QR code with your smartphone or at insidenova.com/fallfun
PLUS, find print copies of Fall Fun! at locations around Fauquier and Prince William counties and throughout the region.
FALL Fun!
One of the most cherished activities during this season is leaf-peeping – an opportunity to witness the spectacular change of colors in the foliage. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive offer some of the most scenic routes, where every turn reveals a new vista of autumn splendor. Hiking enthusiasts can take to the trails at Shenandoah National Park or George Washington National Forest to fully immerse themselves in this seasonal spectacle.
Fall in Virginia also brings a wealth of festivals, such as the Old Town Warrenton Fall Festival, celebrating everything from local crafts to the bounty of the harvest. And some, such as the Youth for Tomorrow
Country Fair in Bristow, support local nonprofits. Others showcase regional artisans, music and local farm-totable cuisine.
For those who enjoy a taste of the finer things, Virginia’s renowned wineries are in full swing during the fall, with vineyards offering tastings, tours and events amidst the stunning autumn scenery. The crisp fall air enhances the experience of savoring a glass of locally produced wine.
This special publication is your guide to making the most of fall in Virginia, highlighting the best places to witness nature’s artistry, celebrate the season and indulge in its flavors.
Look above to explore Fall Fun!
Settling the Debt
Gainesville mom’s effort to feed school children ignites national movement
BY JENNIFER BALIOS
If your child’s lunch card has ever gone in the red and they were still able to buy a hot lunch, you can thank Adelle Settle, a Gainesville mom, attorney and activist. Settle is helping K-12 students across the nation eat a hot school meal without being singled out.
Settle grew up in Ypsilanti, Mich., a small blue-collar town about nine miles from Ann Arbor.
“We had a Ford factory in town…a lot of working folks. My town had a fair amount of poverty and middle class folks doing okay,” Settle said.
At that time, life was not always easy. At one point, her mom worked two jobs to support the family.
But Settle went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Albion College in Michigan, then a law degree from George Mason University. A Capitol Hill internship brought her to Northern Virginia.
She secured a job as a state affairs assistant for a Washington trade association, then became a law clerk and landed a job as an attorney for the federal government. She also gravitated toward helping those in need.
While working as a lawyer at the Social Security Administration, she organized its annual food drives for about a decade. She also served on the board for the Northern Virginia Food Rescue, where she continues to volunteer to this day.
These life experiences culminated in something bigger than she could imagine.
One day, she heard a story on the radio that upset her. A little boy in another state didn’t have money for his lunch.
“The lunch lady took the meal out of his
hands and threw it in the trash – right in front of him and all his classmates. Instead, she handed the boy a cold cheese sandwich, and that was the alternative meal. It made no sense to throw that food away and punish a child,” Settle said.
Not everyone qualifies for free and reduced lunches, but families still experience temporary financial difficulties or simply make mistakes loading their lunch cards. In these situations their children were often penalized.
And many Virginia schools provided cheaper meals so as not to incur the debt themselves.
“The administrative staff had to make hard choices: choosing between giving kids a full healthy meal or educational opportunities. Many decided they would offer alternative meals. It wasn’t a meal. It was a Nutri-Grain bar, a cheese stick and a juice box or a milk. That’s a small snack for a child,” Settle said.
Then she learned that in 2017, Prince William school system’s total lunch debt exceeded $200,000.
“It felt like a huge lift. But at the time they were capping the amount of lunch debt that kids could go into,” she said. “So, the total amount could have been much higher.”
Settle took to social media to ask for help raising money to pay off the debt. One friend who responded was Maggie Hansford, a Bristow resident and Prince William teacher who now is president of the Prince William Education Association, the teacher’s union.
Hansford was eager to help, knowing Settle would dedicate herself to the cause.
“Her unwavering commitment to
Adelle Settle
BY HOLLY WHELDEN
serving and supporting the community has made her a reliable and invaluable friend to many in Prince William County, always ready to assist those in need at a moment's notice,” Hansford said. “Adelle is truly the epitome of a friend we all aspire to have. She consistently uplifts and supports her friends, offering a listening ear, guidance in problem-solving and genuine celebration during moments of joy.”
Settle’s friends provided initial momentum. “Within a day or two, we raised enough to pay off the school meal debt of three elementary schools that are closest to my house.”
Next, Settle started a GoFundMe that raised about $25,000. “We helped a lot of families.”
Settle continued to work as a lawyer full-time while raising her daughter with her husband. Still she was committed to supporting students.
“In Northern Virginia, people have so much opportunity, and the schools are amazing, but we can do better so kids in need can focus on learning and not feel hungry. Food is one of those very basic hu-
man needs,” she said. “Back then, they were still sending families to collections and still banning kids from going on field trips if they had school meal debt. There were all these negative consequences for the kid.”
Settle felt donating money was not enough. Better policies were needed.
In 2018, she contacted Virginia Del. Danica Roem, who is now a state Senator representing the 30th District, which covers parts of western Prince William.
“We had several meetings, and we spoke about the difficulties and our goals,” Settle said. “And they aligned. I was so glad that she was willing to take on my passion and make it her own. She and I worked together to write a ton of legislation.”
Roem saw it as an opportunity to lead with compassion. She couldn’t bear to see students being treated poorly.
“The biggest thing that she and I agreed that we wanted to focus on was eliminating school meal debt shaming,” Roem said.
“Before we even get to universal free school meals … the first thing we wanted to eliminate was the idea you could single out and
ABOVE: Adelle Settle with state Sen. Danica Roem. RIGHT: Ike Ejiochi met Adelle Settle while spotlighting Settle the Debt for Good Morning America’s News This Morning.
Prince William County Public Schools has a clean slate and NO SCHOOL MEAL DEBT starting this year.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently changed its standards for schools to qualify for free meals. As a result, Prince William will add 24 schools (enrolling 26,516 additional students) to the free meal program for the 2024-25 school year, bringing the total number of participating schools to 68.
LEFT: Adelle Settle and Danica Roem visit Yorkshire Elementary School in Manassas to present the administration with $780.52 raised by Settle the Debt. ABOVE: Adelle Settle with her husband, Justin, and daughter, Hazel.
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I don’t plan to stop until every child in the state of Virginia gets universal school meals.
stigmatize a child, because that child wanted to eat food at school.”
And Roem was always impressed by Settle’s dedication.
“What stood out about Adelle was her earnestness and trying to solve a problem –making sure kids didn’t have school meal debt. She just wants to feed hungry kids,” she said.
In the meantime, Settle officially launched a nonprofit, aptly named Settle the Debt. It began attracting local and national media attention, and Settle even appeared on “Good Morning America.”
“I was completely blown away. It was incredibly exciting, nerve-wracking and terrifying because I’m a nervous public speaker when it comes to speaking in front of a lot of
people on cameras,” she said.
The platform made school meal debt a national issue and mobilized people around the country.
Today, Settle can say she has made a difference. After many years of writing legislation and winning consensus, 14 school meal bills have been passed in Virginia. Settle’s legal knowledge and research skills played a key role, Roem said.
It’s now illegal in Virginia to tell a child they can’t participate in extracurricular activities, can’t walk for graduation, or can’t go on a field trip because they have meal debt. And laws in Virginia now ensure K-12 kids have access to full breakfast and lunch. There are no more alternative meals.
Moreover, the number of kids eligible for free school meals has increased significantly because of new legislation.
During the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provided funds for every public school student to receive free meals.
“That federal funding ended and the schools went back to charging for school meals. At that time, it was tough; it increased the school debt,” Settle said.
Despite setbacks, today, multiple states have passed legislation to restore free school meals for all during the school year.
Settle would like Virginia to do the same.
“I’ve been doing this for seven years now, and I don’t plan to stop until every child in the state of Virginia gets universal school meals,” she said. “These things matter to people’s lives. Over the course of our lives, we should try and leave this world a little better than when we found it.” L
Jennifer Balios is a Haymarket-based freelance writer and communications consultant.
For more information visit settlethedebt.org
H&G’s
TOP 10
The five highest-priced homes that sold in each of the two ZIP codes between mid-July and mid-August. Photos and home
from Realtor.com.
20155 Gainesville
8420 BEARHURST DRIVE
$1,300,000
Sold: July 25
7 bedrooms
6½ bathrooms
7,257 square feet
4237 LAWNVALE DRIVE
$1,130,000
Sold: July 17
5 bedrooms
3½ bathrooms
5,651 square feet
5958 BOWES CREEK PLACE
$1,080,000
Sold: Aug. 13
3 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
3,015 square feet
8039 ARCADIAN SHORE COURT
$995,000
Sold: July 31
5 bedrooms
3½ bathrooms
4,346 square feet
7941 AMSTERDAM COURT
$975,000
Sold: Aug. 14
4 bedrooms
3½ bathrooms
3,741 square feet
The Big Picture:
Home sales rose strongly in both the Haymarket and Gainesville ZIP codes in July, compared with July 2023. Median sales prices remained strong, and homes continued to sell quickly. Signs of the market loosening…New listings in July were up 27% in Gainesville and 8.9% in Haymarket, according to the latest data from the Prince William Association of Realtors.
The July Details:
Closed sales:
• Up 60.5% in Gainesville to 61 units
• Up 19.6% in Haymarket to 55 units
• Combined sales totaled 116, up from 84 a year earlier
Pending sales:
• Up 36.8% in Gainesville
• Down 10.9% in Haymarket
Median sales price:
• Up 0.4% to $712,500 in Gainesville
• Up 9.4% to $775,000 in Haymarket
Average days on market (homes sold in July):
• 12 in Gainesville • 13 in Haymarket
20169 Haymarket
3600 PLANTATION GROVE LANE
$1,735,000
Sold: Aug. 9
5 bedrooms
4½ bathrooms
6,125 square feet
15634 CALUM COURT
$1,230,000
Sold: Aug. 2
4 bedrooms
4½ bathrooms
5,058 square feet
14502 CHAMBERRY CIRCLE
$1,200,000
Sold: July 31
6 bedrooms
4 bathrooms 5,095 square feet
14794 ASHBY OAK COURT
$1,090,000
Sold: July 31
4 bedrooms
3½ bathrooms 5,114 square feet
15680 RYDER CUP DRIVE
$1,060,000
Sold: Aug. 9
5 bedrooms
4½ bathrooms
5,040 square feet
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Did you miss this?
The Heart of a Warrior
Inspired by a chance meeting when she was in the fifth grade, Shirley Dominick’s dream was a career in the military. Years later, she did just that. During her 22 years in service, she worked in communications and led critical initiatives at the Pentagon and across Europe, retiring as a major in 2003. Wanting to do more, she then founded the nonprofit Serve Our Willing Warriors
Published in the November 2022 issue
you may have missed...
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Community
New pedestrian bridge highlights interchange project
The Brentsville Road interchange is officially open, introducing a pedestrian and bicycling bridge across state Route 234 near Brentsville Road.
The $54.9 million project provides an interchange connecting the Route 234 Bypass, the Prince William County Parkway, Dumfries and Brentsville roads, according to a Prince William County news release.
The completion of the project, fully funded by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, or NVTA, was marked by a late-July ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega, whose district includes the project area.
Hospital celebrates six decades in Manassas
U VA Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas is celebrating its 60th anniversary this summer.
To help mark the occasion, UVA Community Health representative Debbie Fleischer sent a newsletter to the staff detailing the significant milestones and accolades accomplished by the hospital throughout its history.
Fleischer said what truly makes the hospital what it is today is the staff of dedicated employees, 45 of whom have been at the hospital for over 25 years.
“So many of the staff members were born in the area, lived there all their lives and had all their kids there,” Fleischer told InsideNoVa. “The farther I went through I realized what a thread was weaved between all the workers and the community, it was really heartfelt ... it really is more of a family environment.”
Superintendent's contract extended, with a raise
Prince William County Public Schools Superintendent LaTanya McDade has received a contract extension and 6% pay bump. Her annual salary, as of July 1, is $387,994.46. The extension came after the Prince William County School Board conducted its annual performance review of McDade in a late-June closed session.
McDade’s four-year contract now has an end date of June 30, 2028.
Looking for information?parksThere's an app
for that
Prince William County Parks and Recreation has launched a new app for local residents and visitors to browse information and view photos on the county’s parks, facilities and historic properties. The app can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play stores. It can be found by searching “Prince William Co Rec Mapper,” according to a county news release.
App users can local and learn about parks, playgrounds, pavilions, fitness and recreation centers, pools and more, the release states. The app allows users to view amenities by map or list, filter and search different areas and topics or get directions.
Additionally, teams and sports leagues can use the app to find specific field locations within a park.
leaders recently celebrated the completion of the Brentsville Road Interchange project, which includes a pedestrian and bicycling bridge across state Route 234 near Brentsville Road.
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