Prince William Living March 2022 by Prince William Living

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IMAGINATION LEARNING CENTER

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BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES

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LEARNING WITH FITNESS

prince william living March 2022

The premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Meet Our Five Influential Women! PAGE 4

Celebrating Influential Women in Our Lives PAGE 16

A Masterpiece in Sheep’s Clothing PAGE 22

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table of contents March 2022 | Vol. 12 | No. 3

FEATURE STORY Prince William Living Magazine’s Most Influential Women of 2022

DEPARTMENTS FROM THE PUBLISHER Celebrating Influential Women

GIVING BACK ImagiNation Learning Center: Westfields' hidden gem of child care

FAMILY FUN Celebrating Influential Women in Our Lives

DESTINATIONS Tour Prince William’s Breweries & Distilleries: Discover Your New Favorite Brews, Tasty Food and Community Fun

LIFELONG LEARNING New Options Pair Learning with Fitness

LOCAL FLAVOR The Black Sheep Restaurant: A Masterpiece in Sheep's Clothing

CALENDAR

COLUMNS

YOUR FINANCES HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME & HEARTH

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prince william living Rebecca Barnes

PRINCE WILLIAM LIVING PUBLISHER rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com

Erin Pittman EDITOR IN CHIEF epittman@princewilliamliving.com

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Amanda Baity ONLINE SUBMISSION MANAGER Carole Keily GIVE BACK PRINCE WILLIAM INITIATIVE Johnnie Barnes, johnnie@givebackpw.org

PHOTO EDITOR Amanda Baity CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amy Falkofske, Jennifer Halter, Dawn Klavon, Dominique McIndoe, Wendy Migdal, Bennett Whitlock

CLIENT CARE SPECIALIST Diane Puigdomenech, dpuigdomenech@princewilliamliving.com VISIBILITY PACKAGES sales@princewilliamliving.com SUBSCRIPTIONS info@princewilliamliving.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Mark Gilvey SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Katherine Gotthardt GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Alison Dixon/ImagePrep Studio

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 2022 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.

Prince William Living 9994 Sowder Village Square #816 Manassas, Va 20109 Phone: (703) 232-1758

Editorial Have a story you’d like our staff to cover? Contact Prince William Living editorial staff at (703) 232-1758, ext. 2, or at editor@princewilliamliving.com.

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Advertising Prince William Living accepts display advertising. For complete advertising information, contact our sales staff at (703) 232-1758, ext. 3, or at sales@princewilliamliving.com.

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Visit pwliving.com for daily updates on events, the arts, nonprofits, dining and entertainment in your neighborhood. Look for Prince William Living contests, get-togethers, deals and more. You can also submit a story or event online. Stay plugged into what is happening and what is important to you. Prince William Living is your community magazine, all month long.

Subscription rate is $20 (Continental U.S.) for one year. Change of address notices should be sent to Prince William Living at info@princewilliamliving.com. Reprints and Back Issues: To order article reprints or request reprint permission, please visit the website: www.princewilliamliving.com. Order back issues by emailing Prince William Living at info@princewilliamliving.com. For further information about Prince William Living, visit www.princewilliamliving.com, or contact Prince William Living at (703) 232-1758.

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March 2022 prince william living

from the Publisher Celebrating Influential Women

here are so many reasons to be excited about March here at Prince William Living. The days are getting longer and we're seeing spring colors returning! And even more exciting than the warmer weather heading our way, each March we get to celebrate the best and the brightest women throughout our community. Check out our feature this month to meet this year’s five most influential women in Prince William. During Women’s History Month, share Prince William’s influential women with your family, and head over to our Family Fun section for ideas to celebrate the month with children of all ages. You’ll find books and movies about strong female characters and ways to celebrate the incredible women in your life. Get a jump on the season and bring tastes of spring into your home with fresh spring decorating ideas in Home and Hearth. And as you wait for those temps to rise a bit, perhaps you’d prefer to stay indoors and enjoy your new décor as you work out from the comfort of your home. Lifelong Learning has info on the latest at-home workout trends. Ready to try virtual reality? You just might be inspired.

And speaking of inspiration, in Giving Back we’re bringing you the story of ImagiNation Learning Center, a nurturing, unique child development center that’s truly accessible for every child. This nonprofit is filling a great need within our community and providing exceptional care and education to children. With the colder temperatures soon making their exit, make some plans to get out and explore our community. Destinations features our local breweries, distilleries and their food and fun, so you can plan your own tour of these Prince William hot spots. Or head out to The Black Sheep restaurant at Farm Brew Live! in Manassas to sample their whiskey, wine and noshery. Get all the details in Local Flavor. Your Finances shares the top five mistakes to avoid when it comes to naming beneficiaries on your financial accounts. And Health and Wellness is focused on National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Thank you for your continued readership. Happy spring! All the best,

Rebecca Barnes Publisher

B R I D E S & W E D D I N G S O F N O R T H E R N V I R G I N I A V O L U M E 1 9 , N O . 1

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prince william living March 2022

Prince William Living Magazine’s

Most Influential Women of 2022 By Dawn Klavon

influential women award

ormer First Lady Michelle Obama once said, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish,” and the women of Prince William wholeheartedly prove her point. For the eighth year, Prince William Living has endeavored to seek out and recognize influential women who are leading, serving and improving our community. This is no small feat, as the number of nominations that poured in illustrate the sheer impact women are having, whether professionally, philanthropically or personally. The annual honor, judged in part by previous winners, displays talents and accomplishments seldom recognized for the immense value they hold. Read on to discover Prince William’s most influential women of 2022 and their selfless service and unwavering commitment to excellence.

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Congratulations to these Influential Women! Nancy Berlin

Nancy Berlin has bloomed where she was planted. Berlin has worked as Natural Resource Specialist, Volunteer Coordinator, and Education and Outreach Instructor for the Environment and Natural Resources program of Virginia Cooperative Extension in Prince William since 2007. But serving her community has been a lifelong endeavor; she has volunteered doing stream monitoring, documenting plant and animal species in the landfill buffer, as well as leading a 4-H group. “Nancy is a dynamic person possessing skill in volunteer administration and a genuine heart for the people she works with and helps,” said Paige Thacker, Virginia Cooperative Extension Prince William, Education and Outreach Instructor. “She takes the time to get to know the volunteers personally, which has made significant positive impacts on volunteer retention in the Master Gardener program.” Berlin also developed a mentoring program for volunteers that supports individuals as they go through the Master Gardener training and offers opportunities for veteran volunteers to share their expertise. “Many of Nancy’s co-workers and volunteers call her a friend also,” Thacker said. “Her personal style of true caring, creativity, making learning fun, and volunteer management has helped the program grow, welcoming new community collaborators and volunteers.” Berlin generously inspires more than 200 trained Extension Master Gardener volunteers, offering research-based education and outreach programs that benefit local water quality, the environment and the Prince William community. She plans and assigns volunteers to help with annual programs like Master Gardener Training, the Teaching Garden and Tours, Garden Center Plant Clinics, Saturday in the Garden classes, the Basics of Gardening Series, the Extension Horticulture Help Desk and Plant a Row for the Hungry produce collections at local Farmers Markets.

online while finding innovative ways to continue to incorporate hands-on activities into the lectures and labs,” Thacker said. “This involved learning course management software, rebuilding the course and implementing the course in the space of a few months — all while continuing to recruit, liaise with community partners and manage new and on-going projects.” But Berlin’s influence doesn’t stop there. She led efforts to provide Master Gardener mentors for over 70 school and community garden requests over the past decade. Recently, Berlin also supported efforts for City of Manassas Liberia Plantation landscape planning and replanting and designed and helped plant the Novant Prince William Hospital healing garden. “I see the positive difference she makes in how volunteers continue to engage with her and have a loyalty to her and the program,” Thacker said. “There have been other people in the position Nancy holds that did the job but didn’t master the people aspect of the job; the volunteers who work with her know the difference.”

Mary Finnigan

Mary Finnigan leads by serving, and she’s made a career out of using her organizational superpowers to help her community. Professionally, Finnigan has held a variety of influential leadership positions, most currently as the Chief Operating Officer for the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia. She has revolutionized the business side of the corporation, and done so not only efficiently, but with genuine concern and compassion. Her knowledge, organizational and interpersonal skills and deep faith have enriched her colleagues and brought the Benedictine Sisters into a brighter future. Finnigan’s biggest challenge, financing and building a new monastery, is near completion and will stand as witness to her unwavering commitment to the Benedictine Sisters. (continues on page 6)

“In 2020, with COVID-19 complicating training plans, Berlin successfully moved the local Master Gardener training class

prince william living March 2022

(continued from page 5) “I personally have never known a person with more integrity and honesty than Mary Finnigan,” said Joanna Burley, Benedictine Sisters prioress. “The Benedictine Sisters are honored to have Mary with us, and we treasure her dearly.” The daughter of community influencers, Finnigan’s future was sealed when she embraced leadership opportunities early on. Maybe Finnigan’s can-do spirit was developed by her father’s Top 10 list as a child. “I believe Mary takes his number 8 to a new level,” said colleague Debbie Jones from the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia. "When you're getting ahead in life, make sure you reach out and give someone a hand up." Finnigan has helped numerous people find a new job or enter a new career by sharing her time and skills, being a mentor, reviewing their resumes or helping them make a powerful connection. Finnigan’s impact on her community has been evident for decades as she has set an example for all businesswomen, juggling a demanding executive career and serving as a vibrant community leader. Married, with two grown children and four grandchildren, Finnigan models how to incorporate our family and friends into volunteer activities — the foundation for a strong community. Finnegan has supported and been active in numerous causes and organizations in Prince William throughout her lifetime. Her service includes serving as past president of the Metro Council Chambers, past chair of the Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce, past chair of the Prince William United Way Campaign, past president of BARN, a transitional housing program for homeless Women and their children, past president of the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory (ARTfactory) and past chair of Leadership Prince William. “Her strength is in her ability to see a challenge or opportunity, then rally the appropriate individuals together with the right talents and skills,” Jones said. “She’s results oriented and gives her energy to the improvement of Prince William year after year.”

Kathie Johnson

Oprah Winfrey said a mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself. Kathie Johnson possesses a gift for identifying potential in others and fostering professional growth and development in her teams. Her leadership as president of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center has expanded services,

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allowing the community to receive high-quality care close to home. “Kathie’s leadership and trust compels me to reach higher and take on new challenges,” said Julie Billingsley, Director, Patient Care Services at SNVMC. “With her guidance and encouragement, I have accepted increasingly elevated professional opportunities I never would have attempted on my own.” Johnson holds herself to a high standard and has an innate ability to lift others to their highest potential. She earned multiple advanced degrees — PHD, MBA, RN — while pursuing her profession and raising two children, who are both physicians currently in residency training. She continues to inspire those around her, fostering cooperation and collaboration. “Kathie is the type of leader we all hope to have as a mentor,” said Christy Grabus, Chief Nursing Officer, SNVMC. “In my career, I have had the privilege of working with Kathie in three different hospitals within two healthcare systems, and across two states spanning more than 21 years.” Johnson is a visionary leader, colleagues said, who works with leadership teams to establish goals and allows those leaders to work with their teams to achieve those goals. She supported a research partnership between George Mason University and Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center during the pandemic. “As a result, we completed our first study investigating a diagnostic breath study for COVID-19 with the local GMU research team,” said Heather Causseaux, Director, Patient Care Services at SNVMC. “Our team and community were happy to be a part of a possible solution during the pandemic.” Johnson has used her downtime to serve the community on the boards of Prince William Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Prince William and Potomac Place. She has generously sponsored numerous events and programs, like LPW Health & Human Services Day, Summer Youth Academy for H&HS, Healthy Communities Vision and the annual Valor Awards, recognizing first responders in our community. “My professional relationship with Kathie is captured in the words of Sir Isaac Newton: ‘If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants,’” said Grabus. “In terms of leadership and influence, Kathie is truly a giant.”

Sara Ordway

Sara Ordway has been a graceful powerhouse in Prince William since 2006, when she electrified the stage during her dance career with Manassas Ballet Theater.

Ordway is the glue that holds her dance community together. “You learn that the way you treat others matters,” Sullivan said. “That is the magic — it’s not perfect technique, or acting, or vapid politeness and empty niceties. It's showing everyone around you that you care. And doing everything you can to make this community, this world better because of it. That’s her impact: she makes us better, makes us truly, actually good; not just good dancers, but good people.”

The magic did not end there. Ordway founded the Manassas Youth Ballet, believing student dancers deserved performance opportunities, and she inspired them to find their own voice onstage. But, more importantly, her vision was to make ballet accessible for all. This idea truly came to life when she opened her own studio in 2018, where dancers perform at free, public events year-round. Her studio, Ordway Conservatory of Classical Ballet, is thriving. “Miss Sara has been an inspiration to me for over 15 years,” said Elizabeth Sullivan, OCCB Artistic Director. “She never fails to amaze me in all the ways that she positively impacts everyone she meets.” Ordway’s students have performed at Occoquan Day and Arts: Alive!, among many other events, and when the pandemic hit, she created her own performances at Locust Shade Park so the community still had an artistic outlet when everything else seemed to be closed. Her "An Interactive Nutcracker" has become a community staple during the holiday season, fulfilling the dreams of hundreds of aspiring ballerinas each year when they get to come up on stage and dance with Clara and her friends. “Dancing with her lends itself to a certain level of reverence and respect because she creates art, and it feels like a privilege to be a piece of that,” Sullivan said. At the very beginning of quarantine in March 2020, Ordway encouraged students to deliver care packages to essential workers, like local fire departments and schools, as well as the Prince William Animal Shelter. She succeeded in keeping OCCB open throughout the entire pandemic, first through virtual ballet classes, and then a hybrid class schedule, maintaining social distancing. Ordway reached out to the community throughout the pandemic by hosting community events, like virtual craft nights, BINGO and ballet trivia. Colleagues report she has been incredibly passionate about helping dancers and their families maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the pandemic uncertainty, and despite all odds, the studio has grown as a result.

Francis Robin

Fran Robin knows how to get things done, but not just little things. “These are the things that make normal people shrug and say, ‘It's horrible, but what can we do?’” said nominator Krisitina Nohe. “When Fran sees a big problem, she simply increases her effort and comes up with an even bigger solution.” Robin is the founder and director of Carried to Full Term, a Haymarket, Virginia nonprofit providing long-term housing to pregnant and homeless women. More than a decade ago, she had a vision to help women in crisis pregnancy by providing them not only with shelter and safety, but with hope. Robin’s mission is to help women break cycles of poverty, abuse and struggle at the organization’s home, offering a safe space for healing and growth. Women are welcomed into "the yellow house" located in Haymarket for up to 24 months, during which time they receive pre- and post-natal care, counseling, job skills and education. The goal is to help mothers gain the skills they need to be self-sufficient and successful as mothers and women. After years working with rape victims and trauma survivors, Robin understands that healing and change take time, which is why Carried to Full Term is a long program and does not end with the birth of the woman's child. In many ways, the birth of a child is just the beginning of the work. “There is something about Fran that draws people in, and when she has an idea for a new project, you can't help but sign on,” (continues on page 8)

prince william living March 2022

(continued from page 7) Nohe said. “There is an essence about her that helps people look beyond the problem and instead join her in becoming part of the solution.” Robin’s perseverance and tenacity are noted by her colleagues as she has extended her reach of impact to her community. Carried to Full Term currently looks to add homes to provide shelter and hope to more women and even whole families, thanks to Robin’s passion. “I have watched Fran dedicate herself to inspiring everyone around her to be the best version of themselves, whether that person is a homeless mother or a business leader,” Nohe said. “She never sees just who you are today, but who you can become.”

reconciliation. A Different Truth discusses issues of race in the context of current events and historic relevance. “Franie is bold and compassionate, never shying away from the hard work it takes to evolve and improve the lives of everyone in our community,” said Nicole Bland, Robin’s podcast cohost. Robin’s nominators can’t state her qualifications strongly enough: “She is the definition of an Influential Woman,” Nohe said, “and we are all blessed that she is using those skills here in Prince William County.” Dawn Klavon is a contributing writer for Prince William Living. Reach her at dklavon@princewilliamliving.com.

Robin also cohosts a podcast called, A Different Truth, which grew out of her community efforts working toward racial

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your finances Five Mistakes to Avoid When Naming Beneficiaries By Bennett C. Whitlock III Whitlock Wealth Management

f you’ve ever spent time working through your estate plan, you know how important it is to select and update your beneficiaries. Failing to do so can result in costly mistakes — for you and your loved ones. Here are five common mistakes that can easily be avoided with a bit of proactive planning: Mistake #1 – Not naming a beneficiary on all accounts. Ensure you have beneficiary designations on all your retirement, investment and banking accounts, as well as your insurance policies. If you don’t name a beneficiary on one or more accounts, your estate becomes the beneficiary of that account, and your loved ones will need to go through the probate process (a legal process most families want to avoid for financial and emotional reasons). If this happens, your relative can lose their ability to use “stretch” payouts based on their life expectancy because the tax-advantaged status for retirement assets is lost. Mistake #2 – Forgetting to name a contingent beneficiary on all accounts. Many people list the same loved one — usually a partner or parent — as the primary beneficiary on most or all accounts. If this is how you’ve handled your assets, it is important for you to also name a contingent beneficiary. This is because if your primary beneficiary passes away first and no contingent beneficiaries are listed, it’s comparable to having no beneficiary designation. If you both die at the same time, funds go into probate. Naming contingent beneficiaries also gives the primary beneficiary the option to execute a qualified disclaimer so some assets can pass to next-in-line loved ones. For example, a primary beneficiary may not wish to claim the assets because of tax implications or because they don’t need the assets and prefer instead to pass your gift onto another beneficiary. Mistake #3 – Not using specific names. One mistake many people make is listing a generic term — such as children or parents — instead of specific names in their beneficiary selections. This can be problematic, especially if you are part of a blended family. Many states won’t include or recognize stepchildren when the word “children” is listed. Another risk of vagueness is a family member you’ve lost contact with may enter the picture and try to claim a piece of your remaining assets. With this in mind, make sure you use full names of each person when naming beneficiaries.

Mistake #4 – Failing to review your beneficiary selections regularly. Beneficiary designations override your will, so it’s crucial to keep them up to date. You may need to update your choices every few years due to life changes, such as if beneficiaries have died or your relationship with them has changed. This is particularly applicable if you’ve gone through a divorce or remarried. If your ex-spouse inadvertently remains the designated beneficiary of an account, he or she may have the upper hand if the case winds up in court. Mistake #5 – Not communicating your preferences with your partner and family. Communicating your legacy wishes is an important step to helping your loved ones know what to expect upon your death. While it can be tough to initiate the conversation, doing so can help reassure loved ones that you have a plan. Keep in mind that you don’t need to share the exact amount of money you plan to pass down to respective family members, unless doing so is your preference. Instead, share high-level details that give your family insight into how you intend to share your hardearned wealth. Estate planning isn’t the most enjoyable part of planning for your financial future, but it is crucial to helping ensure your assets are handled the way you desire after you no longer have control. Beneficiary designations can be complex, and depending on your situation, it may be hard to decide who to list as the recipient of assets. If you want a second opinion or help assessing the implications of your options, consult an estate planner and financial advisor in your area. 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. He offers fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 22 years. To contact him call 703.492.7732 or visit his website at whitlockwealth.com. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

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giving back

ImagiNation Learning Center Westfields' hidden gem of child care By Dominique McIndoe

ow, more than ever, child care and childhood education in the United States are hot-button issues, and Virginia is often at the center of the discussion. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, children all over the country took part in virtual learning for the first time. Homeschooling became a norm rather than an alternative, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 Household Pulse Survey (homeschooling rates increased by 5.6% between the spring and fall of 2020). Two years have passed, and as we, in one way or another, learn to live with this virus, parents are slowly trickling back into their workplace offices, and children have already made their way back into the classroom. A few factors stand out when caring parents decide where to send their children in their early years: safe, healthy environments conducive to learning, creativity and play, and affordability. Fortunately, for northern Virginia parents with infants through preschool-aged children, ImagiNation Learning Center perfectly fits the description.

The History of ImagiNation Learning Center The non-profit organization was originally founded in 1987 as Westfields Play and Learn Children’s Center. Westfields business community was in the midst of expansion, and the center’s primary goal since then has been to fulfill the “overwhelming need for child care solutions that would combine affordable child care with a quality educational experience,” says Lisa Matteson, Director of ImagiNation Learning Center. Westfields Play and Learn Children’s Center officially changed their name to ImagiNation Learning Center in 2011 and

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expanded their facility outside of their Chantilly location into Gainesville. What started as a bold initiative blossomed into a close-knit community. ImagiNation serves approximately 200 children annually and has enrolled thousands since its inception. Prince William is their major hub, but families come from all over Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier and Loudoun counties, and the city of Alexandria.

The Compass Combining affordability and quality is no easy feat when it comes to child care, which is why ImagiNation is not just your average daycare. They make it so even families who may not typically be able to afford child care are still able to enroll their children and give them the opportunity to benefit from their programs. ImagiNation Learning Center offers a specially curated, STEAM curriculum called The Compass, and it’s tailored to each unique child and their natural bent, learning style and interests. Programs aim to develop each child socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically. Language and literacy, math, music, science and the arts are just a few of the subject areas the children learn to stimulate their brains in a nurturing environment. “Our Mission at ImagiNation Learning Center is to fulfill our foremost responsibility of providing the highest quality care and educational services to the children, families and communities we serve, and enriching the lives of the children entrusted to us,” says Matteson, who’s been working with ImagiNation for 28 years.

these unique perspectives is what allows us to be successful on a broader community level.” says Matteson. Similarly, the teachers are a crucial part to achieving the center’s mission. “It’s not enhancement programs like Spanish, or science, or art that set us apart from other centers,” says Matteson. “It’s the time that our highly qualified staff put into building lifelong relationships… These are degreed teachers with strong early childhood backgrounds, who hold the future of our families and society in their hands.” It is a major goal of the nonprofit to create an exceptional work environment that motivates their employees and encourages the growth and professional development of all employees by valuing their unique ability to contribute. This will, in turn, translate into happy and well-rounded children. “The most challenging part of working for any high-quality early childhood program is hiring amazing nurturers and educators and knowing that no matter what you do, you can’t possibly compensate them for what they deserve,” says Matteson.

ImagiNation Learning Center offers bright, engaging classrooms for all ages.

Their method of child care and development has proven successful, as children who were once a part of ImagiNation have revisited the learning center many years later as high-performing, functioning, productive adults in society. They’re now doctors, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs and sports-industry staff, just to name a few. Their childhood success has “culminated in those same children coming back to work for the company as young adults, or [they bring] their own children back as they have entered the workforce,” says Matteson. Children whose enrollment is subsidized through the state or county have parents who are also seeking to build a better life for themselves and their children through advancing their education or working a full-time job as a single parent, says Matteson. They know their children are safe and intellectually challenged at ImagiNation.

Parent-Teacher Teamwork The bright children who pass through their doors every day accelerate the learning center’s positive trajectory. An equally important piece to the puzzle is the collaborative effort taken on by the parents, who make up the board of directors, and the teachers. The members of the board, mainly parents whose children are enrolled at the centers, come from all walks of life and work. They are “instrumental in turning the visions of our management teams into reality… The ability to combine all of

Challenges and Steps Forward ImagiNation Learning Center has survived everything from the Great Recession and rebranding to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Since COVID began, our company has utilized opportunities to receive funding from a variety of different sources including the Payroll Protection Plan [PPP], Build Back Better, and the Cares Act,” says Matteson. “We had challenges bringing in operating revenue and necessary supplies at the beginning [of the pandemic]. We continue to have challenges with the day-to-day operations when COVID infections impact our teachers and families.” Despite these challenges, the ImagiNation Learning Center mission remains the same and the non-profit continues to be resilient. ImagiNation also takes their fiscal responsibility and accountability very seriously. They’ve partnered with Leadership Prince William and Smart Beginnings of Greater Prince William, and they seek to expand their reach even more. “We want everyone — or at least as many as possible — to have the opportunity to attend ImagiNation Learning Center,” says Matteson. ImagiNation opens its doors to all, regardless of race, family structure or socioeconomic status. “Those early foundations of learning and nurturing will be carried through a child’s whole life. Why wouldn’t we want to share that? Every child deserves to be a success story.” For more information about ImagiNation Learning Center, visit imaginationlearning.net. Dominique McIndoe (mcindoe@princewilliamliving.com) is an assistant production editor at Rowman & Littlefield and a longtime writer. prince william living March 2022

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health & wellness March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Provided by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

ccording to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States. It’s estimated there will be more than 150,000 new colon and rectal cancer cases diagnosed this year. The disease, which doesn’t always have symptoms, can be deadly, that’s why colorectal cancer awareness 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 has 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,” he said. 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.”

“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.

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.

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.”

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

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

The past two years have been filled with uncertainty – for all of us.

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prince william living March 2022

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family fun

Celebrating Influential Women in Our Lives

By Jennifer Halter

arch is Women’s History Month, a time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions by women to culture, history and society. Additionally, International Women’s Day is an annual opportunity to bring awareness to the importance of gender equality. This year’s event will be celebrated on March 8, 2022. This is a wonderful opportunity to educate our children about women who have made history or are currently making an impact in the world, in our communities and even within our own families. Here are five ways you can celebrate influential women this month.

Support Women-Owned Businesses

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. A quick search online or a chat with friends and family can help identify female-owned businesses. If you can’t shop with them or utilize their services offered right now, you can always share their information with others or purchase gift cards. You may be able to personally connect the owner with your children for an interview. Help them prepare questions about how she got started in her business, her favorite thing about being a business owner and challenges faces. You may inspire a future entrepreneur in the process.

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Read Books About Famous Females in History

Reading is powerful. Pick up a copy of these books to read to your daughters AND sons this month. Think Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison (babies and toddlers): This is the board book version of Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World, which introduces the youngest children to trailblazing women. Ordinary People Change the World Series by Brad Meltzer (ages 5-8): These beloved books highlight people important in our history. Search for female heroes, and you'll find books dedicated to great figures such as Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, Dolly Parton, Oprah Winfrey and Anne Frank. Who Was? series (ages 8-12): This series includes books dedicated to female figures like Coretta Scott King, Kamala Harris, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Princess Diana, Mother Teresa, Maya Angelou and many more. There are many fantastic young adult books with strong female characters. Penguin Publishing curates book lists on a variety of subjects. Visit penguinteen.com/10books-to-read-for-international-womens-day for superb International Women’s Day reads for your teens.

Watch Movies About Inspirational Women Make your next movie night about more than just

popcorn and bonding time. Choose one of these films about women who made a difference:

Pictured: Superhero Summer Camp

A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story (NR) Lizzie Velasquez has been bullied her entire life due to her appearance because of an extremely rare congenital disease. Now a motivational speaker and author, Velasquez has made it her mission to inspire and empower a more positive online environment. Girl Rising (PG-13) This inspiring documentary follows nine girls from different countries — Afghanistan, Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Nepal, Peru and Sierra Leone — on their journeys to acquire an education. Harriet (PG-13) Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery and with courage and determination, she helped free hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad. Through her bravery, she transformed herself into one of America’s greatest heroes and helped change the course of history. Hidden Figures (PG) Based on Margot Lee Shetterly's book, Hidden Figures is the incredible true story of a team of African-American mathematicians who worked for NASA and played a vital role in some of the greatest achievements during the early years of the United States space program. A League of Their Own (PG) This movie was inspired by the documentary of the same name about the short-lived, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. It follows the story of two sisters and their wins and struggles, as they try to make their mark in a historically male-dominated sport.

Plan Ahead for

Summer! Summer Camp registration at MPCC opens th

Friday, April 15

Be the first to know when registration opens! Sign up at: mpdpr.com/stayconnected

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street Manassas Park, VA 20111 703.335.8872

www.manassasparkcommunitycenter.com

Mulan (G for animated version; PG-13 for the live-action film) Based on an ancient Chinese ballad, Mulan tells the story of a young woman who disguises herself as a young man, so she can take her father's place in the Imperial army and becomes one of China’s greatest heroines in the process.

Honor Important Women in Our Lives

Some of the most influential women exist in our own lives. From family members to teachers to our neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, we are fortunate to be surrounded by many special women to celebrate this month. Have your child choose someone who inspires them and allow them to honor her with flowers, a card or a video message. It is sure to brighten her day! Jennifer Halter is the Publisher of Macaroni Kid Woodbridge and Macaroni Kid Gainesville/Manassas, free online calendars and resources to help you find your family fun all year round. prince william living March 2022

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destinations Tour Prince William’s

BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES Discover Your New Favorite Brews, Tasty Food and Community Fun By Amy Falkofske

his month, why not shake things up a bit and go on a tour of Prince William’s breweries and distilleries? You'll not only experience fantastic drinks, but you'll also find good food, games, live music and St. Patrick's Day events. And an added bonus: You'll be supporting many of our area's small businesses.

Breweries The Prince William community has an abundance of breweries, many recognized as craft brewers by the Independent Brewers Association. Be sure to add these stops on your tour. 2 Silos Brewing Company at Farm Brew LIVE “At 2 Silos, we pride ourselves in offering something for everyone! This is demonstrated in the variety of beer selections we offer, from American Lagers to Barrel-Aged stouts. We offer live music year-round, and food ranges from pizza to barbecue and empanadas,” said Cofounder Forrest Morgan. You can enjoy live music Wednesday through Sunday in the winter and Tuesday through Sunday during the summer months. Their special igloo experience is available until midMarch. 2 Silos is located at 9925 Discovery Blvd in Manassas.

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Brew Republic Bierwerks “Brew Republic is not JUST great beer; our taproom is a destination that features various house-brewed beer styles that are presented alongside delicious food menu items, craft cocktails that feature locally distilled spirits, and fun events throughout the week, all meticulously prepared and served by our friendly and talented staff whose mission it is to make your visit the very best, every single time you escape to the Republic,” said Owner Jeff Frederick. The taproom is open to children, and they can enjoy root beer that is brewed in-house. Enjoy tours Monday through Friday afternoons or by special request. Keep an eye on the website at brewrepublic.beer for details about Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day events. Brew Republic Bierwerks is located at 15201 Potomac Town Place in Woodbridge. Eavesdrop Brewery Eavesdrop Brewery brews “a wide selection of craft beers onsite that include IPA's, Lagers, Fruited Sours, Stouts, Lagers, Seltzers, and many more to ensure there's always something for everyone,” said General Manager Sam Madden.

A visit to Eavesdrop Brewery will prove to be a unique experience. “Eavesdrop is home to a former racing pigeon loft in the heart of Yorkshire, Virginia. We've added an expansive outdoor experience that includes a rooftop patio to enjoy the views of the largest mural in Prince William County done by our friend, Nick Zimbro,” said Madden. Eavesdrop’s annual St. Paddy's Day Festival is coming up on Saturday, March 19. It includes live music, a beer release and food from Eugene's Sausage & Fries. Eavesdrop is located at 7223 Centreville Road, Suite 115 in Yorkshire.

Sinistral Brewing Company According to Owner Blane Perry, Sinistral Brewing Company stands out from other breweries by having a friendly and knowledgeable staff and a Cheers-like environment. Sinistral hosts trivia, bingo, open mic, hop jam sessions and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Join them for their St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Saturday, March 12. Sinistral Brewing Company is located at 9419 Main Street in Manassas. The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm The Winery at Sunshine Ridge has beer brewed on-site, as well as wine and cider. If you’re looking for entertainment, you can plan your visit for the weekend and enjoy some live music. The Winery at Sunshine Ridge is located at 15850 Sunshine Ridge Lane in Gainesville. Tin Cannon Brewing Company Tin Cannon Brewing is a quaint spot hidden away in an industrial park, off the beaten path. “People seek out our taproom for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, while we don’t have a ‘viewery’ due to our location, we always have great beers on tap. Our brewer and coowner, Aaron Ludwig, is a master at delivering consistent quality, flavor, and variety in our beer selections,” said Operations Manager Marcy Hilkert.

Farm Brewery

The Farm Brewery at Broad Run The Farm Brewery is located on 6 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and has heated outdoor spaces, multiple firepits, areas for kids and dogs to play, easy access and multiple parking spaces. If you’re the active type, you’ll love the ax-throwing in The Farm Brewery’s open-air arena and football in the open-air pavilion. The Farm Brewery also has weekly beer releases, live sporting events on one of 12 TVs and live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s located at 16015 John Marshall Highway in Broad Run. Ornery Beer Company “Ornery’s beers include a very diverse line up that are created to best pair with food. Our taproom layout in our Bristow location of Wellington Road is right in the middle of the brewery, giving our guests a truly great brewery experience,” said CEO and Founder Randy Barnette. Come for the axe throwing league on Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings, the cornhole league on Tuesdays, Team Trivia on Wednesdays or Bar Bingo on Thursdays. Ornery Beer Company’s address is 8088 Flannery Court in Manassas.

“A second reason our taproom stands out from some other breweries is because we have a warm, intimate environment created by co-owner John Hilkert, and our wonderful staff, who get to know the customers and create an environment that makes people want to come back,” she said. Every Thursday, you can enjoy Brains and Beer Trivia at 7 p.m. Thursdays are also taco night, with El Tio Tex-Mex Grill serving food on site. In addition, there is live music and food trucks on most Saturdays, with one Saturday each month reserved for a darts tournament. Every third Wednesday, guests enjoy music by the very talented Uncle Drew and The Scoundrels Band, and Open Mic Nights happen the last Wednesday of each month. Tin Cannon Brewing Company is located at 7679 Limestone Drive, Suite 130 in Gainesville. Tucked Away Brewing Company “Tucked Away Brewing Company is a great space to hold events. We have a wonderful indoor space that is off the beaten path where you can relax with family and friends,” said Co-owner Pete Lex. Tucked Away offers a variety of options for entertainment like a disc golf putting league on Tuesday nights, blind draw cornhole tournaments on Wednesday evenings, trivia each Thursday night, and rotating events like bingo and open mic nights on Fridays. They also have live music on Saturdays and Sundays. (continues on page 21)

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lifelong learning New Options Pair Learning with Fitness By Wendy Migdal

ho isn’t a fan of killing two birds with one stone? If this sounds like you, you may be intrigued to learn about some of the newer developments in home fitness that check more than one box — they’re good workouts, they can teach you something, and they’re a heck of a lot of fun.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality headsets have been called a game changer in the home fitness market. For about $300 and a small monthly subscription, you can hit all three sides of the wellness triangle. While that may sound like a commitment, the monthly fee is normally much less than a gym membership, and the equipment is much less pricey than some of the fancy “smart bikes” that are out there these days. There’s a big list of virtual reality programs available, so there are plenty to choose from. Most VR fitness programs have some type of game element to them. To a family member, you may look like you’re flailing around the living room. Inside the headset though, you may be slashing at targets with your bats. “While in the headset you feel so powerful — I mean, I feel like I look like a million bucks when I'm working out. And since I can't see myself there is nothing to tell me I am wrong. It's a beautiful thing!" laughs Erin Pittman, Editor in Chief of Prince William Living magazine. All of that target-slashing works on your eye-hand-body coordination and improves precision. The headsets offer what techies call “six degrees of freedom” (which has nothing to do with Kevin Bacon). This means that the headset, along with two hand controllers, can detect your movement along six different axes of rotation. Apps can calculate if you’ve hit a target and award points, helping those who like a little extra motivation. If getting your aggression out on targets isn’t your thing, hold on, because there are more options out there. For example, you can find programs specific to learning to dance, kickbox or work on your racquetball skills. Many programs have several different elements to them: skills lessons, fun solo games, futuristic/ fantasy environments or group activities where you can interact with other online users. Pittman uses Supernatural, one of the more popular programs. She says, “I work out in gorgeous locations around the world (but actually in my living room!), move to incredible playlists, and have a number of data points to track and motivate me. I (positively) compete with friends, interact with real coaches, get frustration out by pummeling targets, try new things every day, and genuinely have so much fun.” It offers new workouts every day, includes a meditation program, and is constantly introducing new types of activities. Visit getsupernatural.com for

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March 2022 prince william living

more information. Other apps have appealing selling points as well, though. For example, VZFit pairs with Google Street View to take you on location during a workout. Learn what the streets of Prague actually look like as you stand or ride your stationary bike, or explore the Grand Canyon. Holofit is known for being able to work with any of your existing equipment, such as a rowing machine, bike or treadmill, to take you on locations all around the world.

Subscription Services

If you think virtual reality might be just a little too much excitement, then forget the headset and consider trying a subscription to learn a new skill while working out. For all the activities already mentioned (and more), there are streaming programs that usually have both live and recorded classes. Learn yoga, Pilates, barre, all types of dance, kickboxing and more. Virtual reality is great for motivation, but finding a subscription program that really teaches you skills from a great instructor can provide motivation as well. Services can keep you on track by constantly providing new workouts and helping you choose workouts to match your fitness goals.

Smart Fitness Machines

If money is less of an issue, there are many smart machines on the market today. For pairing fitness with learning something new, the Mirror is a good bet. It looks like a regular mirror hanging on the wall. As you work out, you can see both the instructor and your reflection, which enables you to hone your movements while tracking your heart rate (and which also reminds us a bit of Orwell and Bradbury novels). The Mirror offers a wide range of activity types, and requires the initial purchase costs plus monthly membership fee. Visit mirror.co for more information. Exercise and learning something new both provide jolts of pleasure to the brain, and unlike many other pleasurable activities, they’re both good for us. Years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine how a computer could be at the junction of those two things. But we’ve seen many things lately that we would never have expected, which happens if you live long enough. Here’s one that you just might love. Wendy is a freelance writer who has lived in the Northern/ Central Virginia area since 2000. She has written extensively for local publications and also works for online educational companies.

(continued from page 19 Check Tucked Away’s website at tuckedawaybrew.com for details on their upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Party featuring Irish dancers. Tucked Away Brewing Company is located at 8420 Kao Circle in Manassas.

MurLarkey

KO is open Wednesday through Sunday afternoons for tours, tastings and cocktails. On Fridays, they are open until 8 p.m., and on Saturdays, until 7 p.m. Check KO’s website, kodistilling.com, for information about its St. Patrick’s Day event. Water's End

Water’s End Brewery “Water's End Brewery was established in 2016 in the heart of Lake Ridge, creating a local, neighborhood-friendly watering hole for the community,” said Marketing Associate Sarah Morrisey. “One of the main things that makes Water's End stand out from other breweries in the area is the Beer Club. The W.E. Brew Beer Club, which offers exclusive perks, events, discounts and more, has now grown to include over 500 members,” said Morrisey. Water's End has two taprooms in Prince William and soon will be opening their third in Historic Downtown Fredericksburg at their newly purchased building, Fredericksburg Square.

KO Distilling is located at 10381 Central Park Drive, Suite 105 in Manassas. MurLarkey Distilled Spirits MurLarkey is an award-winning distillery, having received Gold/ Best of Category medals in international competition for its vodka, gin, whiskey and infused whiskey. “Something that really makes MurLarkey stand out from the crowd is our variety. From our Divine Clarity Vodka to our Imagination Gin, to our sipping whiskeys (including our first bourbon we released this past November, MurLarkey Birthright Straight Bourbon Whiskey) to our all-natural infused whiskeys, there's a spirit for everyone to enjoy at MurLarkey,” said MurLarkey’s Social Media Editor Josh Luckenbaugh.

Water’s End is located at 12425 Dillingham Square in Lake Ridge and 14397 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge.

In addition to tastings, MurLarkey hosts Mixology classes on the last Wednesday of each month, led by MurLarkey Master Distiller and Mixologist George "Papi" Zwetkow. MurLarkey Head Distiller Kevin Szady also conducts periodic Distiller for A Day events, providing a day-in-the-life experience of a craft distiller to attendees. Visit murlarkey.com/visit-us/ to see a complete list of upcoming events and book tickets.

Distilleries

MuLarkey Distilled Spirits is located at 7961 Gainsford Court in Bristow.

Ongoing events at Water’s End start up this month and include live music and food vendors on Saturdays.

There are only 50 distilleries in Virginia, and two of them are right here in our area. Add these two stops to your tour for unique tastings and fun events. KO Distilling KO Distilling is coming up on its 10th anniversary this September. “Other breweries/distilleries in Prince William are great establishments. What makes our distillery a bit different is that the aged whiskeys we made ourselves are at least 3 to 4 years old,” said Cofounder and CEO Bill Karlson.

No matter what kind of drink or fun activity you are in the mood for, the odds are pretty good you can find it at one of these local breweries or distilleries. So, this month, grab a friend or two and take your own tour. You’ll be glad you did. Amy Falkofske is a freelance writer and screenwriter. She has a Master’s degree in Film-TV with a concentration in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University. She lives in Bristow with her husband, two boys and two Beagle dogs.

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local flavor

The Black Sheep Restaurant

A Masterpiece in Sheep’s Clothing By Dawn Klavon

rince William locals are coming down to the farm — Farm Brew LIVE, that is. Among the array of food and beverage establishments on the 8-acre Manassas campus is rustic The Black Sheep Restaurant.

The Feel The Black Sheep: whiskey + wine + noshery is part of Farm Brew LIVE, which calls itself Northern Virginia’s first destination brewery campus. Diners will find craft beer, craft food and live, local music. The spot even offers trendy outdoor, transparent igloos equipped with heaters and fleecy blankets, and many guests snuggly park inside them. Owned and operated by the Villagio Hospitality Group, The Black Sheep is one of several destinations they own, all in the same complex. The restaurant shares the neighborhood with 2 Silos Brewing, Co. and tasting room, The YARD outdoor live music venue, The Pit BBQ and beer garden, La Gringa Food Truck and 2nd Stop Ice Cream and Coffee Bar. Located amidst plenty of open

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space in a somewhat industrial park area, Farm Brew LIVE is part of Innovation Park. Arriving at the restaurant, guests are presented with a spectacular, two-story historic dairy barn with exposed-beam vaulted ceilings. This is a legit historical treasure, known as the Thomasson Barn and built in 1929. The vintage barn features a dedicated arts and entertainment space as well as private dining rooms in the lower level barrel-aging quarters. One cozy room accommodates about 15 and the other well-appointed area hosts about 50, staff say. (Note to self, if you want to throw a big bash.) The Black Sheep’s eclectic and intriguing interior decor includes crystal chandeliers in the enormous barn, with lots of interesting details. The restroom doors alone are pause for a laugh — the men’s room has the words ‘Sausage Bananas’ etched on the door, and the ladies room door projects ‘Eggs Peaches.”

Come Hungry But attention-getting decor and welcoming oversized booths

Their unique Bacon Tower is torched table side.

Try their Avocado Toast during brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

are just the tip of The Black Sheep iceberg. The food, says owner Marcus Silva, is star here, with a compelling menu to get anyone’s juices flowing.

date night, family occasion or quiet dinner. The restaurant welcomes guests of all ages and levels of formality to enjoy a nosh and a whiskey. And the excellent acoustics make conversation easy.

The restaurant is committed to promoting locally sourced cooking and supporting local farms and farmers striving to procure fresh, locally grown ingredients, while providing a palate of world-inspired comfort food. Popular items include the unique Bacon Tower, torched table side. Upon ordering the appetizer, out comes a little clothesline with four meaty pieces of candied nueske bacon hanging on it, and a sprig of fresh rosemary. Serving staff fire up a miniblow torch to heat up the bacon from top to bottom, offering a unique and memorable presentation. Entrees run the gamut from healthy options, like beet salad or avocado toast, to indulgences like the French onion grilled cheese sourdough sandwich with warm caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese. Diners’ dietary needs and whims can be met with delicious options across the board.

Reservations fill quickly at this very popular restaurant, so plan ahead. This memorable dining establishment is definitely a crown jewel in the Villagio Hospitality Group’s growing restaurant empire. It’s tastefully appointed, graciously staffed and the memorable menu offers plenty of options to keep diners returning again and again. Dawn Klavon is a journalist, author, media director and recent transplant to NOVA. She thrives on juggling multiple projects, discovering local hot spots, consuming blue crab and conquering sudoku puzzles. Dawn can be reached at dklavon@princewilliamliving.com.

A robust selection of beers, wines and spirits are available at the bar or in the dining room, with seasonal brews from neighboring 2 Silos. The Black Sheep’s bar is a destination unto itself, in stunning white, black and gray natural stone. Guests can order meals at the large bar, and diners can linger there over inventive cocktails and cuisine. The Black Sheep would be a fun destination for a group dinner, prince william living March 2022

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home & hearth Home Décor Planning: Transitioning to Spring By Jorge de Villasante

s the days get longer, the weather warmer, and the landscape slowly changes from brown and bleak to colorful, there is a sense of anticipation for longer, sunnier days. It's been a long winter, and we all may be yearning for a change in season. Spring signifies life, and the rebirth of nature is everywhere you look. It’s not too early to anticipate the change. Start planning how you will leave the cold days behind by doing some simple spring redecorating in your home.

Refresh and Renew with Spring Colors

After a long winter, incorporating fresh spring colors can refresh your home. Pale blues, light purples, shades of yellow, light greens, shades of pink and white reflect the freshness and newness of spring. Let the colors mirror spring blooms, and have it pop in your home on pillows, lighter weight throws, fresh wall hangings and sit arounds.

Switch it Out: Simple Spring Décor

Think of decorating your coffee or kitchen table with springcolored runners, knicks-knacks, a fresh tablecloth or new placemats to brighten up your space. Changing out decorative couch pillows is another easy way of incorporating spring colors to your home. A pastel-hued shower curtain can signal the change of season in your bathrooms. And in your bedroom, change the heavy winter comforter and pillowcases to lighter ones with spring shades.

orange. You can even buy blends of several scents or mix your own.

Get Creative with Spring Crafts

For those who dabble in arts and crafts, there are many ways to bring spring into your home. Whether you make a new wreath, decorate candle holders, make baskets or wall decor, now is the perfect time to start creating. A few minutes on Pinterest can provide a full list of inspiration for your space, or check out class offerings at your local craft stores. Now that the short, dark days are leaving us and nature promises to come back to life, it’s time to think spring. Welcome the season of rebirth and freshness into your home. Jorge de Villasante is a multilingual writer and translator who enjoys traveling as much as he enjoys his home and caring for his two cats.

THE TOWN OF OCCOQUAN AND THE OCCOQUAN BUSINESS PARTNERS PRESENT

Add Flowers and Greenery

Bring the signs of the season inside by placing fresh-cut flowers and greenery around the house. Not only are fresh, colorful flowers and greenery visually appealing, they also bring a fresh spring scent. A bouquet of flowers placed in a vase in the kitchen or living room livens up the area with the colors and aroma. Don’t forget to include sprigs or flowering branches for a pop of color. These could be cleverly placed in mason jars or watering cans. Add greenery to reflect the season with a lemongrass or wheat grass centerpiece. Visit your local greenhouse for new colorful plants like geraniums and daisies, which can be used indoors, in window boxes or in your garden.

Try Fresh Scents

To add more fresh spring aromas, candles will do the trick. Try scents like honeysuckle, lilac, roses, gardenia, lemon or raspberry. Retailers usually have a wide selection of spring scents available. You can also try essential oils. Aromatherapy oils, which come from flowers, trees and herbs, are said to promote physical and psychological well-being. Put the oil in a diffuser to consistently spread the scent around your space for long periods of time. Spring oil scents, similar to candle fragrances, include lavender, rose, geranium, lemon, lime and

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-17 2 1 L I R P A THE PEEP SHOW

Stroll historic Occoquan and vote for your favorite business-made PEEPS® diorama. One lucky voter will win the grand prize!

OCCOQUAN COMMUNITY PEEP CONTEST

Build and enter your PEEPS® diorama for a chance to win Occoquan gift cards!

VISITOCCOQUANVA.COM/PEEPS

The lifestyle you want. The support you need. Potomac Place is nestled in a quiet, wooded neighborhood, just minutes from all that Prince William County has to offer. Plus, vibrant activities, licensed nurses, and delicious dining are only steps away from your spacious apartment! Spend time doing the things you love. We’ll take care of the rest. Call 703-494-3817 today to schedule your tour.

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calendar Making the Most of Prince William Living

Online – On Demand Are you an advertiser with Prince William Living or interested in becoming one? Now online, our publisher Rebecca Barnes will help you discover how to “Make the Most of Prince William Living.” Meet the people behind greater Prince William’s premier lifestyle magazine. Visit princewilliamliving.com/ lunchwiththepublisher.

Ice Skating at Stonebridge Town Center

Through Tues. Mar. 11, weather permitting Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge Come for an hour or two or plan a group outing for the afternoon. The skating rink can host groups of up to 60 guests for private events. More information at stonebridgeptc.com/skating.

march

Dale City Farmers Market

Sundays | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dale City Commuter Lot 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City The Dale City Farmers Market, run by the Prince William County Department of Parks & Recreation, has operated since 1987.

We the People: Portraits of Veterans in America

Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. National Museum of the Marine Corps 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Triangle In 2010, internationally renowned artist Mary Whyte set out on an inspirational seven-year mission to paint fifty largescale watercolor portraits of current-day American veterans. WE THE PEOPLE: Portraits of Veterans in America is Whyte's remarkable series depicting military veterans of all ages and in all walks of life. Images including a Missouri dairy farmer, Rhode Island lobsterman, Pennsylvania science teacher, South Carolina single mother, and 46 other

moving portraits will be showcased together, culminating in a timeless portrait.

Prince William Living’s Influential Women Awards

Wed. Mar. 2 | 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sweeney Barn 9310 Discovery Blvd., Manassas Many women in Greater Prince William give of themselves to strengthen our community, leaving their marks in the business world and serving as inspirations to others. Join us as we celebrate our 2022 winners and nominees. Register at princewilliamliving.com.

Kind Kids Yoga

Fri. Mar. 4 | 10:30 to 11 a.m. Chinn Park Regional Library 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge Breathing exercises, poses, music and story time will be used to guide you through a fun time together. Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel. Age 1 to 3 years with adult.

MerMagic Con 2022

Fri. Mar 4 | 12 to 5 p.m. Sat. Mar. 5 | 12 to 5 p.m. Sun. Mar. 6 | 12 to 5 p.m. Freedom Aquatics & Fitness Center 9100 Freedom Center Blvd., Manassas Circus Siren Pod and Freedom Aquatic Center proudly presents MerMagic Con — the largest Mermaid Convention in the country! Classes, workshops and programming for all levels of mermaid enthusiast — guppy to pro! Mermaid Gala on Saturday night. Dress in your formal mermaid best. (Separate ticket, 21+, open bar.) Visit MerMagicCon.com for more information

PJ Luau

Fri. Mar. 4 | 6 to 9 p.m. Historic Downtown Manassas A family-friendly evening of Hawaiianstyle relaxation. Dress in your pajamas and enjoy activities like limbo, hula and a fruit roll up contest.

Books on Tap

Sun. Mar. 6 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. Ornery Beer Company 8088 Flannery Court, Manassas Like books? Like beer? Books and beer pair perfectly in this beer book club hosted by Ornery Beer Company and Prince William Library. If you like to read and discuss books, especially over a cold pint of beer with friends, this is the club for you. For more information contact jraghunathan@ pwcgov.org.

Cooking a Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Meal

Sat. Mar. 12 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 to 3 p.m. Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas Many 19th-century Prince William County citizens traced their roots to Ireland. The meals they prepared reflected their Irish ancestry. Participants will be able to prepare and taste traditional Irish dishes in the historic slave quarter at Ben Lomond. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather. Advance registration is required: 703-367-7872.

Troop 964 Model Train Show Event Sat. Mar. 12 & Sun. Mar. 13 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lake Ridge Middle School 12350 Mohican Road, Woodbridge Scout Troop 964 is hosting its 22nd annual train show.

Four-Leaf Clover Hunt

Mon. Mar. 14 | All day Lake Ridge Library 2239 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge Are you feeling lucky? Stop by Lake Ridge Library the week of St. Patrick's Day and go on a four-leaf clover hunt. If you find the lucky four-leaf clover, you'll win a prize.

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

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PW Chamber Frostbite Scramble

Tues. Mar. 15 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dominion Valley Country Club 15200 Arnold Palmer Drive, Haymarket Swing into golf season at the Prince William Chamber’s 2022 Frostbite Scramble! The Frostbite Scramble 9 Hole Golf Tournament includes raffles, golf contests, networking, lunch, beverage cart, after-play reception with buffet and cash bar. Visit pwchamber.org to register.

Facebook Live Event: Managing BPH

Tues. Mar. 15 | 12 to 12:30 p.m. Online Sponsored by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center A free, live Q&A with Sentara urologist Dr. Marhamati to hear the latest updates and current trends with the management of BPH. Tune in to learn more and get all your questions answered live without the cost of a copay: fb.me/e/1BH05rpLh.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Fri. Mar. 18 | 1 to 2 p.m. Potomac Community Library 2201 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge Alzheimer's is not normal aging. It's a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Learn about the impact of Alzheimer's, the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, Alzheimer's disease stages and risk factors, current research and treatments available, and Alzheimer's Association resources. Registration is required for this program and starts Friday, March 4: pwcgov.libnet.info/ event/5854724,

Garden Talk: For the Birds

Sat. Mar. 19 | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Montclair Community Library 5049 Waterway Drive, Dumfries Get your bird houses outside — it's almost nesting season! Make sure your yard has the plants required to provide food, cover and nesting materials for cavity nesting birds rearing their young: chickadees, titmice, swallows, wrens and the Eastern Bluebird. Join Valerie Kenyon-Gaffney, president of the Virginia Bluebird Society, for an informative presentation about

how to make your outdoor space a bird haven. You'll learn what plants provide food, cover and nesting materials for birds, so you'll be sure to attract a pair of cavity nesting birds to your nest box! Register here: pwcgov.libnet.info/event/5911701

19th-Century Womanhood at the Haislip-Hall House

Sat. Mar. 19 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow A day of living history to learn about what life was like for women in the 19th century. Learn about many aspects of the home that women oversaw from the daily household chores, education, medicine, and more. Participate in cooking demonstrations, sewing, and other household activities that women had to complete daily without the benefits of electricity or running water. Even take a little bit of women’s history home with you!

You and Your “Stuff”

Mon. Mar. 21 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Potomac Community Library 2201 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge To an extent, the phrase “Your kids don’t want your stuff,” is very true. But there is a way to work with that fact to help ensure you not only successfully transition the “stuff” of your history, but also help the next generation not regret their hasty decisions. Terri Blanchette from TimeSorters, LLC will discuss ways to preserve family memories for the next generation. Registration opens March 7:

We Create & Foster Enduring Image!

pwcgov.libnet.info/event/5854387

Historic Preservation Lecture Series: "Light Horse Harry" Lee Thurs. Mar. 24 | 7 to 8:30 p.m. Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Ave., Manassas “Light Horse Harry” Lee of Virginia was one of George Washington's handpicked young officers and advisers in the field. Later, he became a lifelong friend. With his superb leadership instincts, George Washington used the best capabilities of men as different as Lee and John Eager Howard. Lee’s career as a Revolutionary War Cavalryman is a story of daring raids, brilliant exploits and constant danger. Historian Jim Piecuch will examine the military story of this native of Prince William County.

7th Annual Prince WilliamManassas Historic Symposium

Sat. Mar. 26 | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Ave., Manassas Courage and perseverance are no strangers to Prince William during its long history. Whether it was courage shown by soldiers in battle, perseverance in the political arena during the founding of America, to the courage shown by the first four African American teachers to integrate schools in the county. There has been no shortage of courageous deeds in the county.

Your PWPLS Digital Library Audiobooks, e-books, music, movies, and more: all available on your devices, all free with your PWPLS library card.

pwcgov.org/digitallibrary

Have an event? Visit princewilliamliving.com/events to submit details to our online calendar. prince william living March 2022

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prince william living March 2022

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Prince William Living March 2022

Articles inside

CALENDAR

HOME & HEARTH

New Options Pair Learning with Fitness

Magazine’s Most Influential Women of 2022

Celebrating Influential Women in Our Lives

YOUR FINANCES

Celebrating Influential Women

The Black Sheep Restaurant: A Masterpiece in Sheep's Clothing

ImagiNation Learning Center: Westfields' hidden gem of child care

Tour Prince William’s Breweries & Distilleries: Discover Your New Favorite Brews, Tasty Food and Community Fun