Prince William Living March 2020

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MANASSAS ART GUILD

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HALTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING

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CACTUS GRILL

prince william living March 2020

The premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Meet Our Five Influential Women!

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Irene V. Hylton Planetarium is Getting a Facelift PAGE 14

The Power of "No" PAGE 22

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S E N TA R A N O R T H E R N V I R G I N I A M E D I C A L C E N T E R

WOMEN’S HEALTH CONVERSATIONS SPRING /SUMMER 2020 MARCH

Bump to Baby–Your Journey to a Healthy Pregnancy Misti Gray, MS, RN, WHNP-BC Tuesday, March 10, 2020 • 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

APRIL

Deliverance to an Awesome Birth Experience Zerline Chambers-Kersey, M.D., featuring Amy Bookwalter, Certified Doula & Alice Sevivas, Certified Yoga Instructor Tuesday, April 14, 2020 • 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

MAY

Meet the Robot! Robotic Precision with Human Touch * Richard Jenet, M.D. Tuesday, May 12, 2020 • 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. *Location: Hylton Education Center, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, 2300 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22191

JUNE

High Risk Pregnancy–The Difficult Road to a Beautiful Destination Ugochi Akoma, M.D., Maternal/Fetal Medicine Specialist Tuesday, June 9, 2020 • 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

JULY

Your Questions from A to Z About Pregnancy, Birth and Baby with Cool Answers from Z to A Zohreh Nikkah Abyaneh, M.D. & Ashraf Afifi, M.D. Tuesday, July 14, 2020 • 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

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table of contents March 2020 | Vol. 10 | No. 3

FEATURE STORY Prince William Living Magazine’s Most Influential Women of 2020

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DEPARTMENTS FROM THE PUBLISHER Celebrating the Influential Women Among Us

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ON A HIGH NOTE Manassas Art Guild: Connecting Community to Art

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DESTINATIONS Irene V. Hylton Planetarium is Getting a Facelift

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GIVING BACK Halting Human Trafficking

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LIFELONG LEARNING Student Rep to School Board and Student Senate Chosen

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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS The Power of “No”

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FAMILY FUN 7 Activities to Welcome Spring

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LOCAL FLAVOR Cactus Grill: A Different Kind of Mexican CALENDAR

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COLUMNS

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CHANGE MAKERS HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME & HEARTH YOUR FINANCES

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Cover photos by Dawn Gardener–DG Photography

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prince william living Rebecca Barnes

PRINCE WILLIAM LIVING PUBLISHER rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Amanda Causey Baity ONLINE SUBMISSION MANAGER Carole Keily

Katherine Gotthardt EDITOR IN CHIEF kgotthardt@princewilliamliving.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amy Falkofske, Jennifer Halter, Gianna Jirak, Erin Pittman, Marianne Weaver, Bennett Whitlock

GIVE BACK PRINCE WILLIAM INITIATIVE Melissa Payne, melissa@givebackpw.org Johnnie Barnes, johnnie@givebackpw.org CLIENT CARE SPECIALIST Diane Puigdomenech, dpuigdomenech@princewilliamliving.com VISIBILITY PACKAGES sales@princewilliamliving.com SUBSCRIPTIONS info@princewilliamliving.com

COPY EDITOR Erin Pittman PHOTO EDITOR Amanda Causey Baity GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio PHOTOGRAPHER Amy Falkofske Dawn Gardener–DG Photography

Prince William Living, the premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas, is published monthly by Prince William Living, Inc. The opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Prince William Living. © Copyright 2020 by Prince William Living, Inc. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without written permission.

Visit the Prince William Living website at www.princewilliamliving.com for reprint permission.

Photos for the February's Giving Back were of First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.

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March 2020 prince william living

from the Publisher

Celebrating the Influential Women Among Us

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ave you ever wondered why, each year, Prince William Living celebrates the influential women in our area? It’s not just that we are impressed with what these exceptional ladies do on a daily basis. It’s the inspiration they bring to the community, the way they encourage others to go above and beyond and how they serve as role models to everyone they meet. This month, we’d like to introduce you to the 2020 Influential Women Award winners. Take some time to learn about the work they do and what motivates them. Then, go out and make a difference in your own way—because you also have what it takes to be influential.

If making a difference is important to you, be sure to see this month’s Giving Back section where we talk about a recent symposium and the people around us working to halt human trafficking. Then read about students serving on the Prince William County School Board. We think you’ll be impressed with what these young people are bringing to local education.

We continue with educational themes in Destinations, where we take you to the Irene V. Hylton Planetarium, a great place to visit if you’re seeking a fun learning experience close to

home. The planetarium is getting a facelift, making for an even better educational outing. Enjoy a little more food for thought in Taking Care of Business —“The Power of No” explains why saying “no” sometimes can allow you to say “yes” to the important things in work and life. Then there’s more to consider in our Budget and Finance, Health and Wellness, and Home and Hearth sections.

Ready to relax? On a High Note introduces you to the Manassas Art Guild. Read how they’re supporting other artists and bringing art to us through innovative programs and activities.

Hungry? Hop on over to Local Flavor where delicious food at Cactus Grill takes the spotlight. And don’t miss our popular Family Fun column with tips for keeping the kiddos entertained and active.

As always, we want to thank you for making Prince William Living what it is—a place to discover the good things and great people that make up our community. Enjoy this month’s issue.

Rebecca Barnes Publisher

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Prince William Living Magazine’s

Most Influential Women of 2020

By Marianne E. Weaver | Photos by Dawn Gardner

influential women award

W

hen Prince William Living launched its first Influential Women Awards six years ago, we quickly realized that this topic resonated with readers. Entries poured in, and the issue announcing the inaugural winners was one of our most read to date.

As in years past, choosing just five women from the impressive entries was no easy task for our judges, all past winners themselves.

Although Prince William is home to many women who give their time and talent to improving their neighborhoods, schools and communities, these five women stand out from the crowd and serve as an inspiration to others: Lori Bauckman-Moore, Uma Beepat, Paige Meade, Kristina Nohe and Robin Sturm.

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Congratulations to these Influential Women!

Lori Bauckman-Moore From sunup to sundown, Lori Bauckman-Moore is working hard to make Prince William a better place for everyone — residents, school children and even dogs, according to Bryanna Altman.

“Lori begins her day early, starting with Mechanix Auto Repair, then she's off to Old Bridge Elementary School for her job as cafeteria hostess (since 2004),” said Altman. “But wait, that's not all! A few days a week she leaves school and heads to work as a dental tech for Niles Dental in Woodbridge (since 1980) and in between it all, she takes and delivers orders for her Mary Kay customers (since 1982).”

She is the vice president of the Prince William Public Library System Foundation (since 2012), vice president of the Occoquan Lake Ridge Civic Associations and has worked tirelessly to bring a trail system to the eastern end of Prince William.

“She's always volunteering to help make something good happen for someone or a nonprofit, such as the Prince William Conservation Alliance, Potomac Nationals Booster Club, Special Olympics, Girl Scouts, and Woodbridge Little League,” said Altman. “She even crochets beautiful scarves that she sells and/or donates to nonprofits to raise proceeds at fundraisers.”

Bauckman-Moore was instrumental in the launch of the library system's first annual reading program. In 2016, when the foundation was asked to fully fund a new annual reading program called "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" for all libraries, she acted as the program ambassador, talking up the program to parents with young children. In 2018, more than 1 million books were checked out by parents, grandparents and care givers.

She is also the founder of the K9 Gunner Dog Park.

“Prince William County furry babies needed a place to run,” she said. “I used to play softball on that field back in the day.”

Altman said numerous requests for a dog park were coming into the county while Bauckman-Moore was serving on the Park Authority Board.

“She tracked down the owner and scheduled meetings between the property owner and the county park director to settle upon an agreement. But there was no funding,” said Altman. “Lori reached out to friends, neighbors and scouts to help raise money and organize crews to keep the park clean.”

Bauckman-Moore said, “I love my community and its kids — both fury and nonfurry.”

Uma Beepat

Uma Alexandra Beepat wears many hats: CEO of Lotus Wellness Center, CEO of The Lotus and The Light Metaphysical Center, President of the Manassas Holistic Chamber of Commerce and Elite doTERRA Wellness Advocate. She’s a member of the Prince William Leadership class of 2020 and the Chamber of Commerce, where she has an active role in the Women’s Council and the Health and Wellness Council.

“Uma doesn't see the wrongness in people; she only sees our strengths and works to make us see those strengths too,” said nominator Rob Pritchard. “Uma has owned Lotus Wellness center for 10 years and in those 10 years she has worked on close to 10,000 people (she is short by 75). She works tirelessly and quietly in healing people's pains, helping them to understand their issues and showing them their potential.”

Beepat moved from West Palm Beach, Florida to Manassas in 2008 with her then-husband who is from the Manassas area.

Even though they divorced, she stayed because she said she loves the change of seasons and the community she found in Manassas.

“I serve my community by healing the people in my care,” she said. “These people find their joy and desire for living again and in turn they bless their households with their happiness, which in turn blesses their community, their town, their county and their (continues on page 6)

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(continued from page 5) country. We spread peace and joy throughout all our interactions by first finding the joy within ourselves.”

She said she has been a servant to mankind all of her life.

“I grew up in a third-world country, but I was blessed to come from a good household. When I was given my allowance, I would send it to the orphanages. I didn’t have a need, my needs were taken care of and so I felt the need to take care of those who didn’t have,” she said. “When much is given to you, you build larger tables for people to join you, not larger fences. We are all here to take care of each other, so why wouldn't I give back to my community? We are family.”

Her metaphysical wellness centers offer classes in spiritual development, meditation, healing and intuitive development.

Beepat and her team of holistic practitioners offer services in energy healing, life coaching, hypnosis, reflexology and many other modalities under one roof.

“What the world needs now is peace and unconditional love,” she said. “So much healing can come from acceptance and inner peace. We can stop the violence, the suicides, the addictions, the rage, the fear and the lack by providing the path to inner peace and stillness. I know this firsthand and from my own experiences, I know we can heal our world."

Beepat said her goal for 2020 is to find more opportunities to serve. Her next undertaking currently in the works is serving the businesswomen in the community.

“I am creating a Women's Business Conference in May 2020 for Prince William County with several other powerful women leaders in our area,” she said. “There is no time to rest, only time to contribute valuable work to better our community.”

Paige Meade

In 1992, Paige Meade was the victim of sexual assault. For 17 years, she didn’t talk about it. Her rapist was caught and sentenced to two life sentences, plus 20 years. He was eligible for parole in 2008.

“It was suggested that I find a community-based group for sexual assault survivors to help me get through it,” she said. “I reached out to ACTS (then called SAVAS), and I was welcomed into an amazing group of women who helped me resolve long buried trauma and get through that first parole hearing.”

After making peace with her own issues, Meade said she felt the need to give back. She contacted ACTS in 2017 and completed

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the training to become a hospital victim advocate.

“This was particularly important to me because when I was assaulted in 1992, these services were not offered or available,” she said. “It was frightening to be a 19-year old in crisis with no support.”

Terry Swirchak, who nominated Meade, said as an ACTS Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, Meade provides more than 1,250 yearly hours of on-call, community-based victim advocate services. She is also a group facilitator in the Prince William Adult Detention Center women’s unit, where she created a trauma-informed curriculum and provides more than 105 yearly hours to facilitate a weekly women’s group, which provides peer crisis counseling with group sessions geared toward sexual abuse and sexual assault survivors.

She also works with the Virginia Department of Corrections to explain the impact that sexual violence has on the lives of victims, their families and the community.

“Her goal is to help individuals who have experienced sexual violence to establish healthy skills and discover paths to healing through understanding, peer interaction and education,” said Swirchak. “She also works with inmates to explain the impact that sexual violence has on the lives of victims, their families and the community.”

Meade said she strives to open a dialogue with the offenders.

And, although her main message is to make sure the offenders realize their actions leave victims scarred and sometimes broken, she has discovered many offenders come from scarred and broken places too.

“People often ask me about forgiveness. I don’t really know what it means to forgive a serial rapist,” she said. “All I know is that when I was in need, I was supported by other survivors right here in my community. Through terrible events and trauma in 1992, I was given the gift of strength and courage. If I can share that gift with another person, I feel like it balances out the terrible things that happened so many years ago. In the end, maybe that’s what forgiveness is about for me — balancing out bad actions with good works.”

Kristina Nohe

Kristina Nohe’s blog, BeTheGreySquirrel.com, bears the tagline: “Be Brave. Be Creative. Be Tenacious. And when all else fails, fluff up your tail and jump.”

“When squirrels jump from branch to branch, they don’t fear falling, because they are focused on what’s ahead of them and not the empty space under them,” she said.

“I would like to be more like that.”

According to Heather Steele, who nominated Nohe, she is just that.

“Kris is an example of someone who paints her own canvas with the colors of her ideas, and then isn’t afraid to put that canvas on display for public discussion and dissection,” said Steele. “Others might be too fearful to share opinions where there may be loud disagreement in response, but Kristina Nohe is never afraid. For that, she has an incredible positive impact on her friends, her family and the women in her community, who look to her example for the strength to also stand up and speak out, on topics from racism, to global warming, to sexual assault, to human trafficking, to the functioning of our federal, state and local governments.”

Nohe’s father was in the Navy, and her family moved often: Virginia to Puerto Rico to Rhode Island to Pensacola, then back to Virginia.

“Each move was a masterclass in culture shock and adaptation,” she said. “But, as I grew up, I learned that the important things are constants: family, true friendships and values. When nothing around me was familiar, these were the tethers that held me fast to who I was.”

She made Prince William her permanent home in 2001, when she moved back and took a job as the Public Relations Specialist for PRTC. “I have lived all over the country, but Prince William County is the first place that I could truly call home,” she said. “It didn’t take me long to sink my roots in deep here as I married a hometown boy, and we started raising our kids. The longer I lived here, the more pride I took in being from Prince William County, and the more invested my family and I became in its future.”

Nohe is a cofounder and board member of the Woodbridge Homeschool Co-op, which was started to give homeschoolers in Prince William a place for a diversified education. She taught American History, Government, Philosophy and Movies as Literature.

served on the arts grant selection panel and judged the Seefeldt Awards. She served on two strategic planning committees for Prince William County and has managed or counseled several political campaigns throughout the state. She also runs her own communications consulting business, NGD Consulting.

“A teacher once asked me, after one of my youthful crusades, ‘Does it always have to be you? Must you always be the one to say something?’ I remember answering, ‘If it needs to be said, then why shouldn’t I say it?’” said Nohe. “Over the past several decades, I’ve learned to temper my approach and, now that I have a house full of teenagers myself, I also appreciate the restraint that my teacher must have been exhibiting when attempting to curb my take-no-prisoners approach. Nonetheless, I am still the type of person who is not going to simply sit around and assume that someone else will deal with something that is happening in my community.”

Robin Conrad Sturm Robin Conrad Sturm and her late husband have taught dance to generations of Prince William residents.

Although she was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and Bethesda, Maryland, the couple chose Prince William for their first home 40 years ago.

“This area has become my home, and the fact that I have taught so many people here, and now teach their children, shows that we all still have something to give, no matter how long we have been doing it.

I am still learning, and I get to pass it on,” she said. “Speaking through the arts is one of the most effective, as well as beautiful, ways to communicate, and the arts are setting Prince William apart as a burgeoning mecca of artistic opportunities. I LOVE being a part of that.”

Strum founded and has directed the Northern Virginia Dance Academy since 1991. She cofounded and has directed the Asaph Dance Ensemble, a Manassas-based company of highly trained, classical dancers who use their talent to honor God through performances in the mainstream arts world, since 1984. She also teaches master classes in a business relationship with Charles Colgan High School for the Performing Arts. (continues on page 8)

She is also on the board of the Hylton Performing Arts Center and serves on the governance and education committees. She is the former vice chair of the Prince William Arts Council,

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and rehearsals are held at night so dancers can attend college or hold down day jobs.

(continued from page 7) “The only way to raise healthy, ambitious young people to have goals and visions for the future is to teach them that they have to be able to raise healthy ambitious young people to have goals and visions for the future. That’s one’s legacy, and it teaches to believe in your convictions and to always maintain your integrity,” she said. “It also teaches them that life is full of speedbumps, and life’s bumpy roads cannot keep them from continuing to move forward. The bumps and oppositions make us stronger, and those goals never disappear.”

Rebecca Voulgarakis, who nominated Sturm, moved to Northern Virginia to join the Asaph Dance Ensemble.

“After college, I did not expect to enjoy ballet for much longer.

Thanks to Ms. Sturm's influence, I am in the best shape of my life and love this art form more than I ever have,” she said. “My evening classes and rehearsals offer a welcome break from the mundanity I sometimes feel in my office job. I am frequently moved to tears backstage as I reflect on the depth and beauty of our work, the skill of my peers and the encouragement from Ms. Sturm that got us there.”

Unlike other dance companies that often charge a tuition for apprentices and trainees, Voulgarakis said Sturm insisted that all company members, regardless of age or rank, be paid. Classes

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“Ms. Sturm has created profound opportunities for young artists in greater Prince William,” said Voulgarakis. “In an art form frequently dismissed as frivolous, the Asaph Dance Ensemble's programs proclaim the beauty of nature, the impermanence of suffering and the true meaning of Christmas — ideas that cut to the core of our humanity and performances that move dancer and onlooker alike.”

In addition to its “home” stage at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, the company performs at the Fairmont and Paramount senior living facilities in Manassas four to eight times annually.

“I feel that the residents at these facilities for the aging are often a forgotten part of the community. They often feel that they have lost the respect and their significance to younger generations,” said Sturm. “Through our choreography and explanations that go with each piece, they are not just entertained, but they see that we love them and VALUE what they have brought to the world when they were younger and what they STILL bring to the world with their wisdom and experience.”

Marianne E. Weaver (mweaver@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance editor and writer. She earned a BA from the University of Pittsburgh and an MJ from Temple University.

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on a high note

Manassas Art Guild

Connecting Community to Art

By Erin Pittman

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Photo provided by Manassas Art Guild

ince 1970, the Manassas Art Guild has been spreading the beauty of art throughout the community. This 501(c)3 organization began with the goal of helping local artists become known for their talents and creations and promoting a diversity of the arts in Manassas and Northern Virginia.

Currently, the guild has about 25 members of all ages who continue to work with the same mission of integrating art into the community by “educating, exhibiting and providing arts events to connect with the Manassas community.”

Art Guild Meetings and Activities Members gather monthly, with the exception of the summer months.

“Sometimes at our meetings there are demonstration artists or members may paint together. We may talk about local art events, provide critiques or share our art with each other,” said Laura Lavarnway, President of the Manassas Art Guild.

Throughout the year, members hold a workshop or two.

These events run one or two days on a weekend and involve experimenting with different media, but typically some type of painting or drawing.

“Martin Cervantz and Jill Brabant did a palette knife workshop one year, teaching strictly how to paint with a palette knife, which was very interesting,” said Lavarnway.

Last October, members participated in the Manassas Fall Festival. Lavarnway, Josi Tullo, Stephanie McGee and Peter Smolens all had work on display. Members are currently

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This mural, located in Jirani Coffeehouse, was painted by several Manassas Art Guild members.

displaying their work at Manassas City Hall and Aquatel Realty on Church Street in ongoing shows at both locations.

In the summer of 2019, the owner of Jirani Coffeehouse asked members to create a mural in the coffee shop.

“It was a vision of Ken’s, the owner, as to what his coffee shop represents,” said Lavarnway. “He represents the arts, too, and does open mic nights, encouraging people to share. He also has a gallery there.”

McGee created the original mural and led members Lavarnway, Smolens, John Hart, Marti Whitehead and Maureen Guillot to create the exquisite painting depicting a cup of coffee held up and surrounded by various representations of the arts.

Current members span a variety of media including paper quilling, watercolor, oil painting, digital art and more. And while members are serious artists working to move along in their art, they are also a social bunch. The group members hold holiday dinners and keep in touch outside of meetings, as well.

For more information about the Manassas Art Guild, their activities or becoming a member, visit manassasartguild.com.

Erin Pittman has been a writer for 10 years, but a lover of words her entire life. Her work is published in local magazines and on local and national blogs. Contact Erin at epittman@princewilliamliving.com.

When asked about her favorite part of being a member and leading the art guild, Lavarnway replied, “It’s meeting other artists, socializing with them and seeing what other people are doing in the art world.”

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change makers Aaron Tolson “Changemakers” highlights the people of Prince William who are making a difference in our community. This month, we feature Aaron Tolson.

As a longtime resident of Prince William, Aaron enjoys the arts and activities our area has to offer. His goal now is to ensure others do, as well. Through leadership and service in the community, Aaron assists those facing crises. Among other initiatives, he has spearheaded the Prince William Food Rescue program, which seeks to minimize waste and redistribute food to the hungry.

How long have you lived in the Prince William area, and what do you most like about living here?

I am a native of Prince William, born and raised, and moved back here after separating from active-duty military back in 2001. I love all that this area has to offer within Prince William and Manassas, as well as the proximity to D.C. to the north, mountains to the west, beaches to the east, and amusement parks and small towns to the south. I’m happy to be able to live, play and work here (and not having to commute in traffic — been there, done that!).

What are some of your favorite things to do in the area and why?

Old Town Manassas is a great place to grab dinner and meet up with friends for a drink. Occasionally, you can find me checking out the local talent at open mic night hosted by Jirani Coffeehouse on Thursday nights. I really enjoy being active, from working out at LA Fitness to rock climbing at Vertical Rock to having played with both NVSA and VSA for many years. Effingham Manor Winery, with its rich history and award-winning wines, is a great place to step back in time and relax for a few hours. There are some great venues in the area to listen to local bands as well. Really, just about anything you’d like to do, there are options in the Prince William region!

I’ve also really enjoyed being part of the business community through the Chamber of Commerce and as a Leadership Prince William (LPW ‘18) alumnus. One of my favorite yearly LPW events is the Gourmet Guys Give Back event held every December.

How have you been involved in the community?

I’m involved in the community every day behind-the-scenes as the development director for Action in Community Through Services, which helps about 70,000 members of our community experiencing crises every year. But this past year I also launched the Prince William Food Rescue program, a new

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venture for ACTS, working with 412 Food Rescue to bring the technology it developed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania here to Prince William! Using a cell phone app, we have already redirected nearly 150,000 pounds of food from donor partners (who would have just thrown it away) to distribution partners (who regularly feed those who are hungry) in the first six months. All this is being done by volunteers called Food Rescue Heroes!

I’ve also been working on relaunching the Greater Prince William Food Council initially started by LPW alumna Pam Ryan. This council is led by an amazing group of people involved in various organizations, all of whom are passionate about addressing food-related issues being experienced in our community.

If you had to give advice to someone new to the area, what would you tell them and why?

Enhance our community. Be involved in some aspect that will make it an even better place to live: education, business, arts, politics, athletics, etc.

Invest in our community. Connect with an organization helping those in need (there are lots to choose from) and donate a little bit of your time and money every month.

Explore our community. There is so much to see and do in every pocket of Prince William. Check out the Marine Corps Museum in Triangle; go boating on the Potomac from the Town of Occoquan; take a walk on the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk then shop at Stonebridge at Potomac Center and Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge; attend a parade or hop on a train at Old Town Manassas; take the family bowling at Uptown Alley; listen to live music at 2 Silos Brewing or catch a ballet at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the GMU campus in Manassas; have a glass of wine and learn about early Virginia history at Effingham Manor Winery followed by delicious Mexican cuisine at Hector’s of Nokesville; do some shopping and catch a movie in Gainesville; go golfing in Haymarket.

While you are at each of these places you can find a dozen more opportunities!

So, live here, work here, play here and make “here” a better place every day!

How would you describe yourself in three sentences?

Aaron is a native of Prince William. He is a USAF veteran, graduate of Strayer University, philanthropist, published author, LPW alumnus, amateur chef, beachgoer and sports enthusiast. He is the development director at ACTS and current president of the Greater Prince William Food Council.

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To find out how we may be able to help, call the Prince William Area Agency on Aging at 703-792-4156.

Get in front of the more than 75,000 Prince William residents and businesses that read our magazine or visit pwliving.com every month.

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prince william living March 2020

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destinations

Irene V. Hylton Planetarium is Getting a Facelift

By Gianna Jirak

T

he lights, lasers and projections of Prince William County’s only planetarium — the Irene V. Hylton Planetarium — are shutting off for renovation, but just for a short while.

On March 16, the planetarium is closing for what will be one of the many renovations coming to Hylton High School, and reopening the following school year. With over a million dollars in private donations, the planetarium’s dome, seats and projection will be remodeled. “It’s going to get a total facelift,“ said planetarium director Anthony Kilgore.

When the planetarium opened in 1991 as a part of Hylton High School, it relied strictly on VHS and DVD laser capability.

Then, in 2010 it went under an extensive renovation, giving it a Konica Minolta Media Globe 2 fisheye lens star projector, along with an AVI Skylaser RBG laser projection system, bringing modernization to the space.

In this recent upgrade, the planetarium will receive 4K digital laser projection, which will be the first Konica Minolta system of its kind in the United States. “We are very, very excited about some of the changes that are coming here,” said Kilgore.

When the planetarium reopens, it will continue to service and cater to the 99 Prince William County public schools, as well as the public. It offers roughly 80 different shows, ranging in suitability from kindergarten audiences to graduate-student audiences.

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For students, the planetarium serves as a purely education experience, allowing them to learn about planets, stars and astronomy in general. But for the public, the planetarium serves as a unique form of scientific entertainment, and when in season, festive shows such as Star of Bethlehem or The Alien Who Stole Christmas are offered.

“Hands down the Holiday Laser Light Festival [is the most popular show]. Folks are always looking for something to do in December — the weather is a bit cold, so they’re looking for indoor activities, they’re looking for something festive, so that meets both needs,” said Kilgore.

The show dates for after the planetarium’s reopening have not been announced, but when they are, tickets will cost $10, with the exception of children 3 and under who are free.

The public, however, can do more with the planetarium than simply attend shows. The space is available to rent for birthday parties, proposals and other activities. “Anything that someone can dream up, if they give me enough notice, we can usually make it happen,” said Kilgore.

Gianna Jirak is a Prince William Living intern with aspirations of becoming an international and political reporter. She is a junior at Hylton High School and the editor-in-chief of her school newspaper.

CAN YOU IMAGINE ENDING HUNGER? Prince Prince William William Food Food Rescue Rescue prevents prevents perfectly perfectly good good food food from from stores, stores, restaurants restaurants and and more more from from entering entering landfills. landfills. Instead, Instead, the the food food isis routed routed to to food pantries where it can be given to those in need.

Using our mobile app, food pantries where it can be given to those in need. Using our mobile app, our our team team of of volunteers volunteers help help us us make make that that happen. happen. Each Each of of our our volunteers volunteers spends minutes on each rescue, and together, it adds up! spends minutes on each rescue, and together, it adds up!

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prince william living March 2020

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Easter Egg Hunt 0–7 Bring your family and friends to the Community Center for some springtime fun searching for Easter Eggs! Don’t forget to bring your camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny! Pre-registration is encouraged.

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March 2020 prince william living

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prince william living March 2020

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giving back

HALTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher and Katherine Gotthardt, Editor in Chief

H

uman trafficking is an issue that affects communities around the globe. Every year, millions of men, women and children are trafficked worldwide – including here in the United States and the Northern Virginia area. Anyone could be a victim. Understanding this, federal, state and local organizations are fighting back, starting with education.

Traffickers look for people who are susceptible for a variety of reasons. This includes individuals exhibiting psychological or emotional vulnerability, experiencing economic hardship, lacking a social safety net or living through natural disasters or political instability. The trauma caused by the traffickers can be so great that many may not identify themselves as victims or ask for help.

Awareness, Education, Communication at Federal and State Levels

Human trafficking is not limited to any race or socioeconomic level, according to Angela Alvernaz, former Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) human trafficking specialist. In 2019, Alvernaz became the first State Response Trafficking Coordinator in Virginia, traveling throughout the commonwealth to meet with schools, law enforcement, hospitals and other service providers to customize resources according to the needs of particular areas and agencies.

Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking and teach how to appropriately respond to possible cases. This effort aims to prevent human trafficking and protect those exploited by the perpetrators.

Working closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Blue Campaign creates general awareness training and materials to increase detection of human trafficking and to help identify victims.

According to Blue Campaign, human trafficking is modern day slavery that involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Traffickers might use violence, manipulation, false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations.

Language barriers, fear of their traffickers and/or fear of law enforcement frequently keeps victims from seeking help, making human trafficking a hidden crime.

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Alvernaz is aware that victims come through various agencies, all of which report data in different ways. Her goal is to create a consistent, systematic, statewide response plan for local and state agencies and to stop the supply and demand for trafficking.

“I want encourage the people and agencies I speak with to start helping each other in a different way than we have in the past,” she said. Alvernaz wants to build new paths to reach and identify victims, share information between localities and work with safety concerns.

Fighting Human Trafficking Close to Home Mary Ellen Smith is the Human Trafficking Prevention Specialist for Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS).

Previously a social worker, Smith coordinates the human trafficking program for the schools.

In January of 2020, Smith took part in a U.S. Department of Education webinar, “Identifying and Supporting Students Affected by Human Trafficking,” the first in a series to address the growing response of America’s schools to child trafficking.

The event included discussion of strategies being used to support students impacted by trafficking. In her presentation, she said: We know that trafficking happens all over the United States, and it looks different in different parts of the country and even in Virginia, we see different trends across the state, but here in Prince William County, some of our risk factors are that we have two major interstates, 95 and 66, which make it very easy for traffickers to transport people back and forth very quickly if needed to.

We also have a large number of students coming from other countries who are reunifying with family members after an extended period of time being away from each other, which puts them at risk not only for being trafficked but also for gang activity. We do have a large presence of gangs here in Prince William County.

Our Gang Taskforce has told us we have as many as 33 gangs here in Prince William County which over the last few years, we did see a strong correlation between gangs and the trafficking where the gangs were recruiting young victims and trafficking them and actually moving them up into Maryland and other states for the purpose of trafficking.

We have many families struggling with homelessness.

We have, at last count, 475 homeless students in our county. Not all of them stay in shelters. They may be going from home to home with family members or friends or staying in hotels and that definitely puts them more at risk of being targeted.

Then we also have a very transient population in Prince William County as well. Marine Corps Quantico is right here in our county, so we have lots of families moving back and forth out of our area. safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/events/webinar/identifyingand-supporting-students-affected-human-trafficking On January 29, 2020, in a standing room only meeting at the James J. McCoart Administration Building, volunteers, educators and elected officials attended a human trafficking symposium to learn what is happening in Prince William County to help prevent and address human trafficking.

Smith explained how predators use grooming to entrap minors, which includes gaining personal information, giving gifts,

offering a better life and isolating the teen from family and other adults. She also explained the difference between trafficking and sextortion. Sexstortion happens when an adult coerces a minor to produce a compromised photo of themselves. They then can use that photo to manipulate and extort the victim.

All this can take a large psychological toll on the victim.

“Sometimes a student that is rude is actually defensive. There’s a lot of embarrassment and shame involved,” she said.

Students in PWCS high schools and middle schools receive education on trafficking. This initiative offers case management for identified victims and public awareness and education for students and community agencies.

According to PWCS, following a 90-minute interactive lesson, students are able to privately identify themselves or friends as possible victims. The students who are identified meet privately with a social worker who assesses the individual needs of the student and utilizes community-based resources to get them the help that is needed to begin the healing process. These resources include medical care, mental health care and branding removal services, as needed. PWCS also works closely with the Prince William County Police Department as a project partner.

You can join the fight to halt human trafficking. For resources to work with your children, visit pwcs.edu/departments/student_ services/human_trafficking_prevention.

To volunteer locally, gain information on getting help or to donate to non-profit Action in the Community Through Service (ACTS) prevention programs, visit actspwc.org.

To report suspected trafficking, text the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 233733.

Visit dhs.gov/blue-campaign to learn more about national efforts to halt human trafficking and to find educational resources for a variety of audiences.

Award-winning publisher of Prince William Living, Rebecca Barnes (rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com) has been a business owner for more than 25 years in Prince William County. She served 12 years on the board of the Chamber of Commerce and was a founding task force member, first (co) Chair and a graduate of the first class of Leadership Prince William. Committed to the community, Rebecca is Director of the non-profit Give Back Prince William, as well as an active volunteer for the Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton Volunteer Fire Department.

Katherine Gotthardt (kgotthardt@princewilliamliving.com) is an award-winning author and Editor in Chief of Prince William Living. She is President of Write by the Rails, the Prince William Chapter of the Virginia Writers Club, as well as a member of the Poetry Society of Virginia and NOVA Bards. Learn more about her work at katherinegotthardt.com.

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health & wellness March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

BE UNIQUE

M

ore than 145,000 new colon and rectal cancer cases were diagnosed in 2019. The disease, which doesn’t always have symptoms, can be deadly. That’s why Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is so important.

Dr. M.H. Razavi has been working with Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and serving the Woodbridge area since 1993. As a gastroenterologist, he’s performed more than 27,000 endoscopies. “A gastroenterologist focuses on all areas of the digestive tract, liver, pancreas and works with the colon to perform cancer screenings and colonoscopies,” explains Dr. Razavi.

His message is one of prevention. “As I tell my patients, colon cancer doesn’t come as cancer. It comes as polyps. They get bigger and some of them become cancerous. The key thing is to get them early, as a polyp, before they have any symptoms.”

Symptoms of colon cancer include bleeding, constipation, change in your bowel habits and abdominal pain, but that’s not always the case. “Sometimes the disease can be completely asymptomatic, even with cancer,” explains Dr. Razavi.

That’s why annual screenings for both men and women are so important.

“American Cancer Society has recently changed the screening guidelines to 45 years of age. But, if you have a family history of colon cancer it should be 40, or 10 years younger than the age of the diagnosis, whatever comes earlier,” says Dr. Razavi.

Discuss with your healthcare provider at what age you should begin colon screenings based on your health and family history, but Dr. Razavi stresses, “If you’re having symptoms — regardless of your age — contact your doctor immediately.”

Find a gastroenterologist by calling 1-800-SENTARA or selecting “Find a doctor or provider” at sentara.com/digestive.

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March 2020 prince william living

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lifelong learning Student Rep to School Board and Student Senate Chosen

By Gianna Jirak

F

Photo provided by PWCPS

or the third time in Prince William County Public School’s history, student representatives to the school board have been chosen. This year, Ben Kim of Stonewall Jackson High School and Tahera Hamidi of Freedom High School were picked to represent the student voice, along with alternate representative Eliana Black of Hylton High School.

The student representatives to the school board serve as nonvoting members who are there to give input on the student perspective and share the concerns, ideas and suggestions of PWCS students. They are also tasked with informing the student body of the reports and decisions made at open school board meetings.

“I want to not only be a voice to the student body at Hylton and in PWCS, but also the parents, teachers, and everyone involved.

Together we all have our uniting cause, which is that we all want what is best for us as citizens of Prince William County,” said Black.

In order to be considered for such a prestigious position, students must be a junior or a senior at a Prince William County Public School, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, fill out an application, write an essay and go in for an interview — all of this taking place over the span of many months.

“I applied right before school got out last year. I wrote an essay in September and had an interview in early October. At one of the school board meetings in October, I was shocked to hear Dr. Lateef announce me as a student rep,” said Kim. Although the student representative position is very new, an even newer program has been implemented this year, the Student Senate. The Student Senate consists of one student from each Prince William County Public School (and Independence NonTraditional School) who applied for the student representative position.

“Senate members investigate and learn about their school’s issues in order to discuss them at senate meetings. The representative is the one who voices these issues and opinions to the members of the school board. The senate helps the representative learn about schools that are not his or her own,” said Teresa De Jesus Domingos-Koiza, Hylton High School’s student senator.

This year’s student senate consists of: Spogmai Anwar of Colgan High School, Himayatullah Azizi of Gar-Field High School,

Jessica Benitez of Woodbridge High School, Nia Brooks of Brentsville District High School, Aissata Cisse of Freedom High School, Rebecca Custer of Battlefield High School, Teresa De Jesus Domingos-Koiza of Hylton High School, Sadara Funches of Potomac High School, Thumay Huynh of Osbourn Park High School, Benjamin Raidman of Forest Park High School, Aashir Rana of Independence Non-Traditional School, Duaa Satti of Patriot High School and Eric Sledge of Stonewall Jackson High School.

The student representatives and student senate have many important issues to focus on this year, but one key issue is mental health.

“I want to implement mental health days at each PWCS high school (and maybe middle schools) where students can have an excused absence to cope with mental stress, as long as they meet with their counselor the next day,” said Kim. To contact the student representatives or get information about things happening in regard to the school board, follow Kim (@ benpwcs), Hamidi (@pwcstahera) and Black (@elianapwcs) on Twitter.

Gianna Jirak is an intern at Prince William Living with aspirations of being an international and political reporter. She is a junior at Hylton High School and the editor-in-chief of her school newspaper. prince william living March 2020

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taking care of business

The Power of “No”

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living and Brides and Weddings

S

aying “no” can often feel wrong. Afterall, many of us were raised to be “pleasers.” How will you make people happy if you don’t say “yes?”

So many of us just can’t seem to say “no,” even when it’s really needed. Unfortunately, your inability to do so may be exactly what’s holding you back. Saying “no” does not make you a bad person. In fact, saying “no” will open new doors, create better relationships and potentially even help you avoid disaster.

Why Do We Say “Yes?” We all have our own reasons for saying “yes” when we really need to say “no,” but here are some of the most common ones: n We want to help. n We fear rejection. n We respect others. n We fear confrontation. n We are carrying or fear we will carry guilt.

Why We Should Say “No” All the reasons above may legitimately be a concern, but let’s focus on all the reasons why we should say “no” — there are some really compelling ones. n You need to focus on oceans, not puddles, mountains, not molehills. Do the things that will make large impacts on your

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business and life, not small ones. Ask yourself, “Does this need to happen?” Do not limit your own ability to focus on what’s most important. n You can’t help others grow if you do all the work. It’s impossible to build new leaders if you are always doing everything. Step back and let others shine. You can always coach/mentor versus doing all the footwork. n Visibility may mean giving away your power. Do not let the need to be seen everywhere and doing everything take over your life. n It creates time for self-care. Yes, everyone seems to be talking about self-care these days, but it’s a truth to embrace, not a buzzword. You are NOT an unlimited resource. You need downtime to recoup and replenish. n People will stop taking you for granted. n Your goals matter. Ultimately you are here for you and what you feel is important. If the request doesn’t line up with those things, it isn’t right for you.

Take a page from Derek Sivers’ book Anything You Want. Sivers argues there should be no “yes” in our vocabulary. It’s either “HELL YEAH” or “No.” If you’re not gung-ho and ready to throw yourself into the endeavor, opt out. Sivers says, “When you say ‘no’ to most things, you leave room in your life to really throw yourself completely into that rare thing that makes you say, ‘HELL YEAH!’”

Become Better at Saying No

Ways to Decline

So, you now hear the logic and see the potential that saying “no” creates in your life, but how do you implement it? It certainly takes practice. Here are some tips to help you find your power to say “no.”

And if those tips aren’t quite enough to help you get the word out, try one or two of these phrases.

n Know yourself. What are your limitations? How much can you do and maintain the quality you are known for? Is it within your priorities and goals? n Remember to value your time. Saying “no” allows you to do other things, opening other doors and creating those new opportunities you may be seeking. n If someone gets upset, then it wasn’t a sincere relationship to begin with. People who truly care about you will respect your boundaries and trust that you know what’s best for you. n Be generous, but don’t let yourself be abused. If you are being used, negotiate the conditions or walk away. n If you aren’t sure of your answer when you’re asked, delay answering. n When you have to say “no,” be polite but firm. Don’t make excuses.

n To do that, I will need you to help me prioritize the other things you have asked me to do. What should we take off my plate? n I won’t be able to do that, but thanks for asking. n You know who would be really great for this? ____________ Learning to use the power of “no” can bring about tremendous changes in your life. Survey all you have going on and determine what would be most helpful to cut out. Start practicing your power in that area and stop letting your “yes” block your success.

Award-winning publisher of Prince William Living, Rebecca Barnes (rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com) has been a business owner for more than 25 years in Prince William County. She served 12 years on the board of the Chamber of Commerce and was a founding task force member, first (co) Chair and a graduate of the first class of Leadership Prince William. Committed to the community, Rebecca is Director of the non-profit Give Back Prince William, as well as an active volunteer for the Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton Volunteer Fire Department. prince william living March 2020

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family fun

7 Activities to Welcome Spring

By Jennifer Halter

W

e made it through winter and now sunny spring days are here! Celebrate the new season with seven activities suited for the entire family!

Spring Sensory Bin

As we begin the transition to warmer temperatures, you can bring springtime elements indoors for sensory play.

Fill a plastic bin with items such as potting soil, plastic bugs, faux flowers, small shovels and buckets. Kids will love digging and “planting.” If you prefer not to use soil, you can substitute with beans or rice.

Homemade Bird Feeders

This is a great project for reusing empty cardboard toilet paper tubes. Spread peanut butter on the outside of each tube, completely covering all the entire surface.

Pour birdseed on a plate. Roll the tube in the birdseed so that it sticks to the peanut butter. Finish by threading string or yarn through the tube and creating a hanger.

Place in a tree or bush and watch the birds enjoy their treat!

Plant an Indoor Garden

There are lots of seeds that sprout and grow quickly, which can be helpful if you are dealing with impatient

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little ones! Use clear plastic cups and fill halfway with soil. The clear plastic cups will allow children to see growing roots forming. A few examples of quickgrowing vegetables and herbs include radishes, lettuce and basil. Zinnias, cosmos, marigolds and sunflowers are some flowers that can begin to sprout within three to seven days. As plants continue to grow, you can transplant to larger pots or replant outdoors in your own garden.

Bird Watching

Spring is the perfect time to welcome back our feathered friends! Get outdoors and go on a bird hunt.

For preschool-age children, you can have them look for birds that are certain colors or identify if they are sitting, walking or flying. For older children, have them search for signs of birds, such as nesting materials, feathers and food. Have children document what they see by taking photos or drawing pictures.

Nature Paintbrushes

It’s always fun to paint with items of different textures than traditional paintbrushes. Nature paintbrushes are simple to assemble. Grab several sturdy sticks, approximately one foot or less in length. Gather a (continues on page 26)

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SPRING

(continued from page 24) variety of flowers, leaves or small twigs and attach to the end of your sticks using rubber bands or string. Use your brushes to paint just as you would with standard paintbrushes, but take note of how the different textures create interesting patterns and designs.

Sidewalk Chalk

Kids will have hours of fun playing with an outdoor favorite … sidewalk chalk! You can draw a hopscotch board or a four-square frame to get some physical activity in and help get the wiggles out. You can also grab some stencils (plastic stencils work best for this activity) for creating mini masterpieces. You can also make your own sidewalk chalk paint using this easy recipe: • Mix 1 cup of water and 1 cup of cornstarch. Stir until the mixture is smooth and in a liquid state.

• Pour mixture into muffin tin. For full-size muffin cups, you will need to double the recipe.

• Add a few drops of food coloring to each muffin tin cavity, and use a toothpick to stir until color is well blended.

• Take paint outside and have fun! Paint will wash away easily with water.

Have a Ball

Everyone will be ready to get outdoors, so grab some friends and host a neighborhood game of kickball, volleyball, soccer or baseball! If you don’t live in an area with enough space to host a game, head to your local park and meet some new friends.

Enjoy this time of renewal, longer days and warmer weather!

Jennifer Halter is publisher of Macaroni Kid Woodbridge and Macaroni Kid Gainesville/Manassas.

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home & hearth Cook Slowly, Cook Easily, Cook Safely

By USDA

A

t any time of year, a slow cooker can make life a little more convenient and less expensive. Not only can you plan ahead, you can save electricity. But using your slow cooker correctly does require some attention. Here’s what you need to know to cook safely using your slow cooker.

Is a Slow Cooker Safe?

Yes. The slow cooker, a countertop electrical appliance, cooks food slowly at a low temperature — generally between 170° and 280° F. The low heat helps less expensive, leaner cuts of meat become tender and shrink less.

The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking and steam created within the tightly covered container combine to destroy bacteria and make the slow cooker a safe process for cooking foods.

Safe Beginnings

Begin with a clean cooker, clean utensils and a clean work area. Wash hands before and during food preparation.

Keep perishable foods refrigerated until preparation time. If you cut up meat and vegetables in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator. The slow cooker may take several hours to reach a safe, bacteria-killing temperature. Constant refrigeration assures that bacteria, which multiply rapidly at room temperature, won't get a "head start" during the first few hours of cooking.

Thawing Ingredients

Always thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker. Choose to make foods with a high moisture content such as chili, soup, stew or spaghetti sauce. If using a commercially frozen slow cooker meal, prepare according to manufacturer's instructions.

Using the Right Amount of Food

Vegetables cook slower than meat and poultry in a slow cooker, so if you plan on using them, put the vegetables in first.

Large cuts of meat and poultry may be cooked safely in a slow cooker. However, since slow cookers are available in several sizes, consult the instruction booklet for suggested sizes of meat and poultry to cook in your slow cooker.

Lastly, add the meat and desired amount of liquid suggested in the recipe, such as broth, water or barbecue sauce. Keep the lid in place, removing only to stir the food or check for doneness.

Settings

Most cookers have two or more settings. Foods take different times to cook depending upon the setting used. Certainly, foods will cook faster on high than on low. However, for all-day

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March 2020 prince william living

cooking or for less-tender cuts, you may want to use the low setting.

If possible, turn the cooker on the highest setting for the first hour of cooking time and then to low or the setting called for in your recipe. However, it's safe to cook foods on low the entire time — if you're leaving for work, for example, and preparation time is limited.

While food is cooking and once it's done, food will stay safe as long as the cooker is operating.

Power Out

If you are not at home during the entire slow-cooking process and the power goes out, throw away the food even if it looks done.

If you are at home, finish cooking the ingredients immediately by some other means: on a gas stove, on the outdoor grill or at a house where the power is on. When you are at home, and if the food was completely cooked before the power went out, the food should remain safe up to two hours in the cooker with the power off.

Handling Leftovers

Store leftovers in shallow covered containers and refrigerate within two hours after cooking is finished. Reheating leftovers in a slow cooker is not recommended. Cooked food should be reheated on the stove, in a microwave or in a conventional oven until it reaches 165 °F. Then the hot food can be placed in a preheated slow cooker to keep it hot for serving — at least 140 °F, as measured with a food thermometer.

Enjoy your slow cooker and stay healthy! For more information visit usda.gov

JULY 13-24, 2020

2020 SUMMER YOUTH ACADEMY

2-for-1 Admission!

A UNIQUE DAY CAMP EXPERIENCE FOR YOUNG LEADERS, BECAUSE STUDENTS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!

Skate rental not included. Not valid on Friday night. Cannot be combined coupon per customer.

Expires Mar. 31, 2020 Youth & Adult Hockey Figure Skating Lessons for All Ages Public Skating Parties/Meetings

Fundraisers Scout Badges Broomball Curling Pro Shop & Cafe

www.pwice.com (703) 730-8423

a program of

A 2-week program to help students develop lifelong leadership skills, connect with other young leaders & learn about their community in the process.

LEARN MORE & APPLY ONLINE AT LEADERSHIPPRINCEWILLIAM.ORG

SENTARA’S HOSPITAL IN PRINCE WILLIAM IS IMPRESSIVE, BUT THEY’RE GIVING YOU FEWER REASONS TO COME IN. Sentara Home Care Services, an early adopter of telehealth technology, has enhanced remote monitoring of patients with chronic diseases using tablets and bluetooth software, giving patients the comfort and privacy of home.

With five universities, two major healthcare systems and 17% job growth, Prince William County offers unlimited potential for businesses that want to see what’s beyond their expectations.

Learn how you can go beyond at pwcecondev.org.

prince william living March 2020

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local flavor

CACTUS GRILL

A Different Kind of Mexican Food Experience Story and photos by Amy Falkofske

O

axaca is a city on the coast of Mexico known for its food, especially its cheese, and it’s also the inspiration for the newly opened Cactus Grill in Manassas. The Cactus Grill is owned

by Milton Hernandez and his wife Natalie, who is from Oaxaca.

Together they strive to stand out from all the other Mexican restaurants in the area. One way they succeed in doing that is with their authentic Oaxaca food.

“A lot of Mexican restaurants focus on the fajita. That’s the main thing. But here, what makes us unique is called the tlayudas. It’s a special dish from Oaxaca,” said Milton Hernandez.

The tlayudas is the Cactus Grill’s signature dish made up of a corn tortilla the size of a medium pizza, filled with two porks and one beef and then grilled. It can be customized with chicken or steak, or vegetables only for those who don’t eat meat. It’s also filled with beans, lettuce, relish and Oaxaca cheese. On the side is a special sauce made from scratch especially for the tlayudas.

Hernandez said that people have come from Front Royal, Annapolis and even Williamsburg, because they heard about the tlayudas. He said it’s been a big draw to the restaurant.

If you’re in the mood for Tex-Mex, the Cactus Bowl is an open burrito with rice, beans, pico de gallo and sour cream, but Hernandez said, “Our goal is to show people we’re not just Tex-Mex.” The Parrillada Cactus is another authentic Mexican dish (like the tlayudas) consisting of two chicken breasts, shrimp, sausage and steak, topped with grilled onions and peppers.

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Another thing that sets the Cactus Grill apart is that everything is made fresh, including all of their sauces and their salsa, which is made with grilled, roasted vegetables. “A lot of places, they already have their stuff pre-done. Not here. We cook everything by order,” said Hernandez.

Hernandez also points out the Cactus Grill is a family business.

“When you like food, when you like cooking, everything is a passion. We’re not just the owners, we’re the cooks. We do everything. It’s a family,” he said.

In fact, Hernandez’s six-year-old daughter, Ivanna, had a hand in naming the restaurant. She is the one who suggested using the word cactus as part of the name because it was different.

Actually, the Cactus Grill was almost Three Amigos since that sounds more American, according to Hernandez, but Ivanna’s choice won.

“If you ask her, she’ll tell you everything about this place. She tells everybody at school,” said Hernandez, who also joked that she was providing him free marketing.

Hernandez has actually been in the restaurant business since the age of 14, working with the BBQ franchise Red, Hot and Blue.

He started as a dishwasher, eventually became a cook, then a regional manager. “My passion was to be a cook,” he said.

Today, he owns his own Red, Hot and Blue franchise, which he caters from. He’s recently started catering from the Cactus Grill, as well.

Authentic Mexican foods with the flavors of Oaxaca set Cactus Grill apart from other restaurants.

Although the Cactus Grill has only been in business since July 8 of last year, a local food connoisseur of only 8, predicted that it would most definitely be successful. Hernandez relayed the story of a little boy who spoke to him like an adult and wanted to try the spicy sauce. The little boy said, “Look, in a few years, this place is going to be so packed. The food is so good!” It turns out this little boy wants to be a chef someday.

Admittedly, most 8-year-old boys would rather have stuff like chicken tenders and mac and cheese. The Cactus Grill has that too. Hernandez seeks to have something for everyone. “I want to make everybody happy,” he said.

It would seem as if Hernandez is meeting his goal of making everyone happy. “The BEST freshly prepared meals, all homemade recipes. It’s our new go-to place in Manassas!” wrote one reviewer on Facebook.

he said. “We have a passion here, and this is my wife’s (Natalie) dream too,” he said.

The food at Cactus Grill is reason enough to give it a try, but on Friday and Saturday after 8 p.m. and Sunday after 2 p.m., you can also enjoy live music.

The Cactus Grill is located at 8099 Sudley Road in the shopping center with the Giant. You can call them at 571-379-4707.

Amy Falkfoske is a freelance writer and photographer. She has a Master’s degree in Film-TV with a concentration in screenwriting.

She lives in Bristow with her husband, two boys and two Beagle dogs.

“We try to give the best to our customers,” said Hernandez. “If I see something that’s not right, I will take the plate out of the server’s hands,” he said.

Asked why he chose Manassas as the location for the Cactus Grill, Hernandez said Manassas is where he grew up. “I love Manassas. I live five minutes away from here. This is home,” prince william living March 2020

| 31

your finances The Inverted Yield Curve — What Does It Mean to Me?

By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor

I

nvestors who follow the markets have seen headlines in recent weeks about something called the “inverted yield curve.”

An inverted yield curve is a point on a chart where short-term investments in U.S. Treasury bonds pay more than long-term ones. And when it occurs, it’s generally regarded as a warning sign for the economy and markets. What does this mean, exactly? Let's discuss.

Understanding How Bonds Work

Before delving into the specifics of an inverted yield curve, it helps to understand how the bond market works. In this example of a yield curve, we’re focused on government-issued bonds referred to as U.S. Treasury securities.

Investors who purchase Treasury bonds are lending money to the government. In return, they earn interest, or a yield, on that security. In a typical economic environment, investors earn lower yields on shorter-term bonds and higher yields on longer-term bonds. This reflects an expectation that the longer the lending period, the higher the risk.

The Normal Shape of the Yield Curve

The proverbial “yield curve” is drawn by plotting out current yields on Treasury securities of various maturities. The shortest maturities are on the left-hand side (one-month, two-month, three-month and six-month). The scale continues plotting yields for one-year, two-year, five-year, seven-year, 10-year and 20-year yields, ending on the far-right side of the scale with 30-year bond yields.

If we assume that investors typically require higher yields to invest in bonds with longer maturities, then under normal circumstances the yield curve is upward sloping. For example, at the end of October 2018, yields on Treasury securities ranged from 2.30% for one-month bonds to 3.39% for 30-year bonds, with the curve rising steadily upward at each maturity level.

The Slope Changes

In recent months, we’ve seen a change in the slope of the yield curve. It has generally flattened out, with little differentiation in rates between shorter-term and longer-term Treasury securities.

Raising Investor Concerns

Yields on Treasury bonds are driven primarily by demand for those bonds. When yields on longer-term securities drop low enough to result in an inverted yield curve, it indicates that many investors are seeking to buy those securities.

The conventional wisdom is that investors who choose to accept low yields for longer-term bonds anticipate that a recession may be approaching. If a recession occurs, the Federal Reserve is likely to cut the short-term interest rates

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March 2020 prince william living

it controls. Often when that occurs, yields on other types of bonds decline, as well. So those investing in long-term bonds may anticipate Federal Reserve rate cuts and want to lock in higher rates on longer-term bonds before they drop.

Is It a Reliable Recession Indicator?

There is plenty of speculation that the inverted yield curve could signal a coming recession. While a recession has often followed a yield curve inversion, such an occurrence is not set in stone. What’s more, it is not a reliable indicator of the exact timing of a recession. In fact, no such indicator related to timing of the economic cycle appears to exist.

We are in an unusual environment for fixed-income securities, given the inverted or flattened shape of the yield curve. There appears to be a fair amount of uncertainty about the near-term outlook for the economy and markets. It may be an opportune time to review your current investment strategy.

Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC®, is a Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Director with Whitlock Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Contact him at 703.492.7732 or visit whitlockwealth.com.

Take charge of your financial future.

Since 1894, Ameriprise Financial has helped millions of Americans feel more confident about their financial future.

As an Ameriprise financial advisor, I remain true to our vision of always putting clients first. Discover the one-to-one attention you deserve, call me today at 877.WHITLOCK. Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor Whitlock Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 877.WHITLOCK 12848 Harbor Dr, Ste 101 Lake Ridge, VA 22192 9073 Center St Manassas, VA 20110 bennett.c.whitlock@ampf.com whitlockwealth.com

Whitlock Wealth Managment Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisory Practice

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (08/18)

From bankers to barbers, restaurants to retirement planners, Prince William Chamber members are among the most trusted businesses in our community.

Join us

in thanking all our OmniRide bus operators who provide safe, reliable and friendly transportation options for our community.

And thanks to all our employees for their oustanding service!

Learn more about Transit Driver Appreciation Day at TransitDriverDay.org

A Family of Transit Services at OmniRide.com

703.730.6664 • Omni@OmniRide.com

prince william living March 2020

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calendar Prince William Living’s Influential Women Awards

march

Tues. Mar. 3 | 6 to 8 p.m.

Sweeney Barn 9310 Discovery Blvd., Manassas When Prince William Living launched its first Influential Women Awards six years ago, we quickly realized that this topic resonated with readers. Choosing just five women from the impressive entries was no easy task for our judges.

Join us as we celebrate our 2020 winners and nominees. If you are interested in being a part of THE premier networking event of the season, please register at princewilliamliving.com/event/ prince-william-living-influential-womenawards/.

Prince William Living Presents Breakfast with an Expert Thurs. Mar. 5 | 8 a.m.

Online Only Join us for information from an expert, who will give you actionable advice you can put to work immediately in your business. RSVP princewilliamliving.com/ breakfastwithanexpert.

Russian National Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty

Fri. Mar. 6 | 8 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Experience the pageantry and elegance of classical ballet with the Russian National Ballet’s production of The Sleeping Beauty. The whole family will be charmed by this age-old tale of the redemptive power of true love. Tickets: hylton. calendar.gmu.edu.

Girl Scout Badge Day

Sat. Mar. 7 and Mar. 14 | 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Rippon Lodge 15520 Blackburn Lodge, Woodbridge Come and earn a Brownie or Junior Girl Scout Badge at a historic site! Brownie

badges held in the morning and Junior badges conducted in the afternoon.

Sessions will run rain or shine and space is limited. Advance registration required: pwcparks.org/historicprograms. Badge schedule is March 7 Painting for Brownies and Detective for Juniors; March 14 Gardening for Juniors and Home Scientist for Brownies.

Summer Job Fair

Sat. Mar. 7 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street, Manassas Park Looking for summer employment opportunities? Head to the community center for their annual job fair! Be prepared for on-the-spot interviews with department supervisors. Don’t forget an updated resume and a positive attitude!

Front Porch Conversation at Liberia House Sat. Mar. 7 | 2 p.m.

Liberia House 8601 Portner Avenue, Manassas Join in this series of casual conversations with experts and scholars that honor the more than 80 enslaved people who lived and worked at Liberia House.

Manassas Symphony Orchestra: American Idols

Sat. Mar. 7 | 7:30 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas The MSO showcases three American composers: Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein and Howard Hanson.

Copland’s Quiet City evokes scenes of New York in the early 20th century, while Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story captures the rhythmic fervor of NYC in the early 1960s. Capping the concert is Hanson’s Symphony No. 2 (“Romantic”), the quintessential American Symphony. Tickets: hylton. calendar.gmu.edu.

Preschool Playdate: Marching Into Spring

Tues. Mar. 10 | 10 to 11:30 a.m.

National Museum of the Marine Corps 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle Families with preschool-aged children (age 5 and younger) are invited to

celebrate spring at the National Museum of the Marine Corps! Participants will make springtime-themed crafts and have a singalong and story times.

“Sister Act” Presented by Prince William Little Theatre

Fri. Mar. 13 | 8 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 14 | 2 and 8 p.m.

Sun. Mar. 15 | 2 p.m.

Thurs. Mar. 19 | 8 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 20 | 8 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 21 | 8 p.m.

Sun. Mar. 22 | 2 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Sister Act is filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story. Tickets: tinyurl.com/PWLTSisterAct.

Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Sat. Mar. 14 | 11 a.m.

Historic Downtown Manassas The parade can be viewed along Center Street in Historic Downtown Manassas.

In addition to a host of schools, nonprofits and businesses that support this annual event, the parade boasts unique Irish flair with several pipe bands, Irish dance groups and members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Bring your family and friends (all dressed in green, of course) for this family-oriented celebration of the Irish!

Women’s History Tours of Ben Lomond Sat. Mar. 14 | 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas Celebrate Women's History Month with two exclusive tours of Ben Lomond Historic Site focusing on the female personalities of the property. Tours will last approximately one hour. 703-367-7872.

Have an event? Visit princewilliamliving.com/events to submit details to our online calendar.

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March 2020 prince william living

TCM Big Screen Classics: King Kong

Sun. Mar. 15 | 1 and 4 p.m.

Regal Virginia Gateway Stadium 14 & RPX 8001 Gateway Promenade Place, Gainesville The original King Kong, breaking loose in cinemas! This special event includes exclusive insights from Turner Classic Movies.

Yoga for Allergies

Sun. Mar. 15 | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Soaring Spirit Yoga 308C Poplar Alley, Occoquan Spring and the allergy season — that time of year when many of us are plagued by itchy or watery eyes, runny noses, and bouts of sneezing and coughing. These common allergy symptoms are the body’s way of defending itself against bacteria and viruses. Luckily, yoga can help! In this workshop we will practice asana that will open our nasal passages and improve drainage, move the lymphatic system, expand the chest and increase lung capacity to free the breath.

Prince William Living Lunch With the Publisher

Wed. Mar. 18 | noon Online Only Are you an advertiser with Prince William Living or interested in becoming one? Meet the people behind greater Prince William’s premiere lifestyle magazine, as you learn about getting your press releases published, tying into the power of our social media presence, visibility packages that increase your reach to targeted consumers and tips on how to focus on your message.

RSVP at princewilliamliving.com/ lunchwiththepublisher.

a different subject as the gruesome, scandalous and exciting little-known history behind Prince William County is examined. 703-365-7895.

Prince William County/ Manassas History Symposium Sat. Mar. 21 | 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Old Manassas Courthouse 9250 Lee Avenue, Manassas In this sixth annual Symposium, County to be named Hartford, learn about the Freedman’s Bureau; Lady Spies of the OSS; Prince William County’s Frontiersman Simon Kenton; the Life of Robert Carter III, Virginia’s First Emancipator; and the Legend of “Stonewall” Jackson. After the lectures at the Old Manassas Courthouse, enjoy a Curator reception at the Manassas Museum. Reservations required; call 703792-4754.

Oyster Fest With Nomini Bay Ranch

Sat. Mar. 21 | noon to 7 p.m.

Tucked Away Brewing Company 8420 Kao Circle, Manassas Nomini Bay Oyster Ranch will be at Tucked Away for the Oyster Fest. Stay all day — pay as you go for oysters on the half shell, grilled oysters, fried oysters, steamed shrimp or chowder. For the nonoyster eaters, there will be grilled hot dogs and chicken salad sliders.

Manassas Chorale "Voices United: One Voice, Many Voices" Concert

Sat. Mar. 21 | 7:30 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas The Manassas Chorale presents “Voices United: One Voice, Many Voices.”

Featuring guest conductor Sigrid Johnson and the Voices United Workshop Choir, this is their 22nd annual gathering of sacred music. Tickets available at hyltoncenter.org.

Frostbite Scramble

Tues. Mar. 24 | 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Stonewall Golf Club 15601 Turtle Point Drive, Gainesville Presented by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, this is a great day for networking! Your entry fee includes electronic scoring on the Stonewall golf app, lunch, greens and cart fees, contest, beverage cart and more. Register at pwchamber.org.

Mixology Class

Wed. Mar. 25 | 7 to 9 p.m.

MurLarkey Distilled Spirits 7961 Gainsford Court, Suite 100, Bristow Enjoy hands-on creation of three fantastic craft cocktails while learning the art of shaking, stirring, measuring, juicing, garnishing and much more! Includes cocktails, canape pairing and a take-home gift. Register today: mixclass@murlarkey. com

We Create & Foster Enduring Image!

A Taste of History With the Wine, Stein, and Moonshine Trail Thurs. Mar. 19 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow Grab a glass and join the Historic Preservation Division and members of the Wine, Stein, and Moonshine Trail as you taste a bit of history! Each session of “A Taste of History” will be featured at a different location on the trail and

prince william living March 2020

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Nar Shalome To Come

www.actspwc.org 703-441-8606 ACHIEVE WITH US!

winner

Committed to providing opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities to achieve their greatest potential growth and independence.

www.arcgpw.org 703-670-4800

paytonsproject.org

We bring the fun to you!

Pony Rides Petting Zoo Ice Cream Truck Family owned and operated for 20 years!

571-283-2408 • poniesplus.org

Vintage Moving & Storage Moving Your Life’s Treasures

Vintage

M

703-330-8145 www.casacis.org

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March 2020 prince william living

703.392.6260 www.vintagemoving.com

We hope you enjoy Prince William Living as much as we love to deliver the news and insight that enhance how you live, work and play in Prince William.

To continue to receive these issues monthly, please consider a subscription of $20 a year. That small investment will ensure that you will stay up-to-date with all of the articles, events and tips that make living in Prince William great.

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prince william living March 2020

Prince William Parks and Recreation

Prince William Public Library System

| 37

There’s a very good chance she could leave it all to the dog.

We’ll give you a leg up.

At Thrive Senior Living, we’re a lot like any family. Which makes us a whole lot less like other senior living communities. We treat your parents like they’re our parents.

We get to know them, not as

patients or as residents. But as

people. We do more than care for them. We care about them.

That’s what makes us Thrive.

That’s what makes them thrive.

Tribute at The Glen 4151 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192 571.402.1870 | ThriveSL.com/TheGlen A Thrive Senior Living Community

COME TO LIVE HERE.

TM