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KRISTINA KOTLUS
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RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
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RESTAURANT FAVORITES
prince william living May 2020
The premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas
Virtual Tours
Curing Corona Cabin Fever PAGE 4
Bringing Movie Magic to the Backyard PAGE 14
Lifelong Learning Institute PAGE 21
princewilliamliving.com
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) SAFETY GUIDELINES With continued concern about COVID-19, we need your help keeping everyone in our facilities safe. Please observe the following guidelines. Together we can help stop the spread and stay healthy. SOCIAL DISTANCING Avoid close contact (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible. Avoid meeting with more than 10 people at a time.
STAY HOME IF SICK If you feel sick, stay home unless you need to receive medical care.
AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE
Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.
sentara.com/coronavirus 3/17/20 2:30pm
WASH YOUR HANDS
Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds.
DISINFECT FREQUENTLY
Clean touched surfaces and objects frequently.
COVER YOUR COUGH & SNEEZES Cover your coughs and sneezes then throw any tissue in the trash.
table of contents May 2020 | Vol. 10 | No. 5
FEATURE STORY Virtual Tours: Curing Corona Cabin Fever
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DEPARTMENTS FROM THE PUBLISHER Keep it Healthy, Keep it Kind
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ON A HIGH NOTE Kristina Kotlus: Facing Brain Cancer With Faith, Family and Friends
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DESTINATIONS Bringing Movie Magic to the Backyard
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GIVING BACK Making the World a Little Better, One Random Act of Kindness at a Time
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LIFELONG LEARNING Lifelong Learning Institute – Manassas: Learning As If They’ll Live Forever
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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS J & M Tile, Granite & Marble: An American Success Story
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FAMILY FUN Summer Fun: Ice Cream in a Bag
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LOCAL FLAVOR Restaurant Favorites … Made at Home CALENDAR
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COLUMNS CHANGE MAKERS HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME & HEARTH YOUR FINANCES prince william living May 2020
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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, 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 PHOTOGRAPHERS Amanda Causey Baity, Rob Jinks
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. Š 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.
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May 2020 prince william living
from the Publisher
Keep it Healthy, Keep it Kind
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he past couple of months have not been easy, with everyone’s health being at risk. Yet, I derive great hope from what I’ve seen this community do, coming together to share kindness in spite of the stress brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. So in between the quarantine and handwashing, we at Prince William Living have been working hard to bring you resources and articles, both online and in print, to help you maintain quality of life. May is no exception. This month, we’d like to take you on a virtual tour, courtesy of VisitPWC.com. It’s a great way to learn about our area and the rich history and culture it holds. I mentioned kindness and how we’ve seen it all around us. In Giving Back, read about kindness in motion and the people making it happen. We encourage everyone to get involved in this effort to ensure our community stays strong. Keep the positive momentum going by working on your mental health, which is especially important during these times. Get some tips in our Health and Wellness section. In Home and Hearth, learn some food safety facts you might have overlooked. And as always, keep your finances healthy by checking out our Finance section.
Ready for entertainment? In Destinations, we bring you to the movies — right in your own backyard. Learn how to set up a movie night, complete with your favorite show and delicious food. Speaking of food, we've got more recipes for you in Local Flavor. Turn your own kitchen into a gourmet experience by using these ideas. You’ll notice our calendar this month has activities you can take part in from the comfort and safety of home. Check out what’s happening virtually and get involved with online events. And don’t miss our Family Fun column for even more ideas. It’s important to keep kids and adults active and learning, and we’ve got resources for you. Finally, don’t miss our Taking Care of Business section, where we introduce you to a local business owner and tile artisan, creating beauty and functionality. He’s got quite a backstory. We at Prince William Living want you to stay safe and healthy in every way. As you enjoy this issue throughout the month, continue to follow the official guidelines designed to protect your health. And practice kindness. We’ll do the same as we continue to serve you, our community.
Rebecca Barnes Publisher
There’s a reason why Imagine is among the most awarded marketing agencies in Virginia. And we invite you to find out why for yourself. From branding to social media, we care about one thing above all else: the success of your organization. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.
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VIRTUAL TOURS Curing Corona Cabin Fever By Marianne Weaver
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May 2020 prince william living
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e’ve all been stuck inside for what feels like forever. Parties, holidays, weekend get togethers, vacations: all cancelled. School? Canceled. Sports? Canceled. ESPN is showing reruns. Even binge-watching Netflix isn’t curing the cabin fever. What’s a local to do? VisitPWC.com has the answer. The Master Gardeners of Prince William are a great resource for learning about gardening. Check out their website at mgpw.org. The Virginia Cooperative Extension offices in Prince William, Fairfax and other localities, staff horticulture helpdesks. You can call the Extension Horticulture Help Desk at 703-792-7747 or send an email to master_gardener@pwcgov.org, or 703-3248556 and mgfairfax@vt.edu for Fairfax. In mid-March, as schools, museums, art galleries and other popular meeting places were closing their doors, Prince William County’s tourism office sprung into action. A ‘Support Local – #PrinceWilliamStrong’ webpage (visitpwc.com/ princewilliamstrong) was launched Friday, March 20, to provide a resource to residents during the COVID-19 health situation. “The page gives residents a vehicle to engage with and support the local businesses while following the governor’s orders and prevention guidance provided by health officials,” said Ann Marie Maher, CDME, director of tourism. “The page was inspired by the county’s mission to keep the community healthy, safe, connected and supported during this health challenge.” The page has a little something for everyone: takeout, curbside and delivery dining options; craft beverage producers; open spaces; virtual experiences; gift card ideas, online wellness and fitness classes; hotels; and virtual shopping. There’s even a calendar of upcoming virtual events, which include a chunky knit blanket class, virtual dance breaks and more. Businesses that would like to participate in the #PrinceWilliamStrong campaign can sign up at surveygizmo. com/s3/5511773/PWCDineLocal. Here is a snapshot of some of the featured attractions.
Jiffy Lube Live/Live Nation Keep on rockin’ in the free world. Just because crowds of music lovers can’t convene at Jiffy Lube Live doesn’t mean the music has to stop. Each day, Live Nation hosts live streams from around the globe as artists perform from their homes sharing music, stories and more. Some of the artists include Diplo, DJ Questlove, KIDZ BOP, Melissa Etheridge, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Weir, the Disco Biscuits and many more. Artists are updated often. To catch a performance, go to livenation.com/livefromhome.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps shares their many artifacts along with monuments that are on the grounds in Semper Fidelis Park.
National Museum of the Marine Corps Although the National Museum of the Marine Corps is closed, its virtual experience is available 24/7. The interactive virtual environment allows visitors to explore the U.S. Marine Corps' proud heritage from their desktops. The virtual tour includes full screen, high-definition 360-degree panoramic tours of all the galleries, oral history recordings, walking tour narratives, video interviews and personal recollections by museum docents, zoomable HD photos of special exhibits, and interactive 3-D models of aircraft and other artifacts. To access the tour, go to virtualusmcmuseum.com. (continues on page 6) prince william living May 2020
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Stone House, built during the second quarter of the 19th century, is currently available for virtual tour on the NPS website.
National Park Service The National Park Service has modified its operations on a parkby-park basis in accordance with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities. While most facilities are closed, NPS has developed some virtual tours, which can be found at nps.gov/ mana/learn/photosmultimedia/virtual-tour.htm.
Registration costs $25 and a commitment to buy a gift card/gift certificate from an Occoquan business. “The net proceeds will go to three organizations in town: the Good News Community Kitchen, VFW Post 7916, and the Occoquan Historical Society,” he said. “Participants will get an event T-shirt several weeks after it closes.”
The site, which is under development, includes photographs and text about each stop of the driving tour. Currently, the tour features the Stone House, which was built during the second quarter of the 19th century.
Registration is open at occoquanva.gov/occoquan-virtual-5k/.
During the Civil War, it witnessed significant action during the two battles of Manassas. According to the NPS website, the Stone House was purchased by NPS in 1949. During the early 1960s, it underwent a major restoration project, restoring it to its Civil War era appearance. Virtual tours take visitors into the tavern room, decorated room and the information room.
“Puzzle Palooza is doing a brisk curbside, pickup-to-go business,” he said. “Additionally, we are encouraging people to consider ordering gift cards/certificates online or by phone from businesses and having them mailed to them.”
Occoquan Although the third annual Occoquan Community Peep Contest had to migrate online this year, Mayor Earnie Porta, JD, PhD, said Occoquan residents and businesses are trying to maintain a positive outlook. The town’s virtual 5K marries the need for people to get solitary exercise with the needs of businesses and nonprofits “People can register for and complete between now and June 10,” said Porta. “In this 5K you can walk, run, bike, hike, kayak, canoe, or SUP the distance anywhere (including on your treadmill at home) and then upload your results.”
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Porta also said he encourages the community to consider curbside or pickup-to-go not only from restaurants that offer the service, but also from businesses.
For a list of businesses offering either curbside, pickup-to-go, or shipping services, go to occoquanva.gov/business-online-phonepickup-offerings.
Prince William Historic Preservation Prince William’s Historic Preservation Division is the caretaker of all county-owned historic structures, interiors, archaeological resources, natural resources, historic landscapes, artifacts and collections. Their goal is to show the connection between history, present and future with growth as a community. They strive to bring history to life through interpretation, research, living history and special events. But in a time when in-person visits are (mostly) out of the
Photo by Amanda Baity
While you can't stroll along the river boardwalk in Occoquan, you can participate in their virtual events to including their upcoming 5k.
Sweeney Barn is a rustic indoor/outdoor wedding and event venue located in Manassas.
question, the division has taken their tours to YouTube: youtube. com/channel/UCZRGSetuSkClGOYqHMTQEWg/videos.
boomed in the early 20th century.
Kevin Pawlak, historic site manager of Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park (10708 Bristow Road, Bristow), leads a virtual tour of the 140-acre historic site where federal and confederate soldiers fought the Battle of Kettle Run on Aug. 27, 1862, and the Battle of Bristoe Station on Oct. 14, 1863. The peaceful landscape features more than 2.7 miles of walking and equestrian trails. Wildlife abounds in the fields, woods and ponds. As of press time, the walking paths were opened from sunrise to sunset. Historic Preservation Division Manager Rob Orrison’s virtual tour of Williams Ordinary (17674 Main St, Dumfries) takes viewers inside the building, which is normally off-limits to residents. The 1790s building now serves as the division’s office in Dumfries, Virginia. Bill Backus, curator/preservationist, leads a virtual tour of the 1850s Haislip-Hall House located at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Center (12229 Bristow Road, Bristow). The 28-acre Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre includes five historic buildings: 1822 courthouse, 1822 jail, 1880 church, 1850 farmhouse and a one-room schoolhouse that served the young children of Brentsville from 1929 to 1944. Backus’ virtual tour focuses on the house and its long history in the region.
Alannah and Noel Sweeney said they are avid barn lovers and fell in love with the barn the first time they saw it. They purchased the barn and surrounding land then set out to create their vision of a rustic indoor/outdoor wedding and event venue, featuring an upper balcony and seating for up to 200. Although large events are on hold for the time being, general manager Andrea Van Wambeke said she and her team are meeting with couples online to plan their events. “We're meeting our couples in a video chatroom, then walking through the building virtually while answering questions and reviewing our policies — just like we would give a regular tour, but online,” she said. “In a time when couples want to plan their event but can't leave their homes, it's exciting to take some initial steps to help develop their vision. We know they will want to see our venue in person once the quarantine lifts, but this gives us a chance to discuss their happy news and get them started on the next steps of wedding planning.” Find the visual walk through at: my.matterport.com/ show/?m=nXgQEZAp2pa.
Sweeny Barn Sweeney Barn (9310 Discovery Blvd., Manassas) was constructed as a one-story dairy barn with a hayloft around 1939. The original owners, the Birkett family, used the barn to house cows waiting to be milked as Prince William County’s dairy industry prince william living May 2020
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Support your favorite restaurants. They are still open for carry out and delivery!
Burger Fi Firebirds Dok Khao Brew Republic Red Mango Brixx
Potbelly Nando’s Bar Louie Duck Donuts Sushi Jin
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on a high note
Kristina Kotlus
Facing Brain Cancer With Faith, Family and Friends By Erin Pittman
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Photos provided by Kristina Kotlus
ay is Brain Cancer Awareness Month, and local author and brain cancer survivor Kristina Kotlus is doing her part to spread awareness of this disease. Kotlus' book, "I Quit: Facing Cancer with Faith, Family, and Friends," was released on Feb. 4 of this year. This part cancer-fighting story/part spiritual and advice book shares her journey through two rounds of cancer diagnoses and treatments and provides hope for those in similar situations.
Kotlus’ Experience In the fall of 2012, Kotlus was experiencing severe headaches. She was diagnosed with migraines and given a medication that she was unable to take because of severe side effects. She pushed through the pain for three more months. In January of 2013, as she was helping one of her sons get ready for hockey practice, she passed out in the hallway. This time she was given an MRI very quickly. “They called with my results the same day, and that’s never a good sign,” Kotlus said. She was diagnosed with ependymoma, brain cancer. “My husband and I decided to grieve for 24 hours. We cried and ate lots of Ben and Jerry’s. Then I put on my big girl panties and trusted that God was going to deal with it,” she said. She chose joy, as she did countless times over those next few years. Even when she was diagnosed a second time in 2017, when the same cancer had metastasized in her spine.
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Kotlus' book "I Quit: Facing Cancer with Faith, Family, and Friends" is available for purchase at kristinakotlus.com.
Throughout her years of treatment, Kotlus endured a 16-hour brain surgery, six weeks of radiation, spinal surgery, six more weeks of radiation, and a full year of chemotherapy.
“I fully believe that you can train yourself to choose joy, just like prayer, running, etc. It’s a discipline,” she said.
It was during chemo that she went to lunch with some friends, two of whom were currently writing books. They said she should write a book, too. Kotlus is the owner of Prince William County Moms, pwcmoms.org, so writing was not new to her. She was in.
Kotlus Today
About the Book “I titled my book ‘I Quit’ because when I was diagnosed, I said, ‘Here’s the deal, God. I’m incapable of doing this; you’re going to have to deal with this. I will find doctors and go to appointments, but I’m quitting — quitting worrying and carrying this myself. I’m not doing this. You’re going to have to do this,” she said. Kotlus approached her story like she approached her treatment process — with humor, honesty and a healthy dose of sarcasm. Readers will discover a new way of thinking about healing from cancer. “I reject the warrior mentality many people have against cancer,” she said. “No one ever says when someone dies of old age that they lost their battle with old age or their heart, but they do with cancer. This mentality puts extra pressure on people with cancer, like if they don't live, then they’ve let others down. There’s a responsibility on the person with cancer to triumph over this disease, and I find that ridiculous.”
Kotlus continues to get MRI scans every three months to monitor her ependymoma. Her scans have remained stable since her last treatment ended. Today, you’ll find her writing on her blog and website, homeschooling her three children and speaking with women’s groups, through the North Star Network, to cancer survivor groups and anyone else who invites her. She loves speaking with others about “parenting, faith, cancer, choosing joy, and, of course, general joking/sarcasm.” “It’s been great, because the benefit of doing all this is being able to encourage people. I tried to write the book so that you wouldn’t need to be a brain cancer patient to glean hope from it. People going through divorce, marriage struggles, different types of cancer and more can pull hope from it,” she said. To learn more about Kotlus or to order a copy of her book, visit kristinakotlus.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.
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Kotlus encourages readers not to put pressure on people with cancer for something they have no control over. In the second part of her book, she shares advice with chapters like “My Friend Has Cancer and I Don’t Want to Suck: A General Guide,” offering advice on how to help loved ones with cancer, and “Contrary to What Your Teacher Told You There Are Stupid Questions,” sharing things not to ask someone with cancer. Kotlus notes she’s not trying to win “the suffering Olympics,” but she hopes that people will read her story and say, “If she can have that situation and still have hope, then I can, too.” Readers will find the theme of choosing joy woven throughout her story — from keeping a gratitude and blessings journal as a family to addressing the hard times with laughter through tears.
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change makers Stuart Schadt “Changemakers� highlights the people of Prince William who are making a difference in our community. This month, we feature Stuart Schadt. Stuart Schadt touches on various levels of the Prince William community in his daily life. He can be found uplifting the youth population and volunteering at local schools when not tending to the needs of his congregation as rector of Trinity Episcopal Church. A part of Prince William as much as Prince William is a part of him, he makes sure to take advantage of all the area has to offer in both his work and free time. How long have you lived in the Prince William area, and what do you most like about living here? I moved to Prince William in 1990 when I was called to be a rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Manassas. For the first six months, we rented a house in Occoquan Forest. I immediately fell in love with the diversity of the landscape of Prince William. The land includes the mountains, battlefields, forests, farms, rivers and suburbia. Over the years, the diverse landscape has welcomed a diverse population, creating an even more enriching environment. What are some of your favorite things to do in the area and why? When I can, I take advantage of the hiking and biking trails. We have a great variety of both. I am especially fond of the Prince William Parkway bike path because I live near it. Those are good interests because my other favorite thing is food. I visit both the Manassas and Woodbridge Farmers Markets in season. I also frequent a variety of local restaurants: Indian, Salvadorian, Mexican and Thai are among my favorites. How have you been involved in the community? Over my 30 years here, I have done many things beyond the church for the community. I currently volunteer at Marsteller Middle School. Many of my seventh-grade classes read my book "Henry on Fire." I am invited to classes to speak about the writing process, the development of plot, to answer their questions and to hear their critiques. I carry an underlying message that as much as life is changing for sixth-through eighth-grade people, they can choose who they are becoming. This past Valentine’s Day, working with their No Place For Hate Committee and PTO committee, I helped deliver a carnation to every girl and a candy to every boy in the school.
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If you had to give advice to someone new to the area, what would you tell them and why? I would tell them to go explore. Get a map of Prince William and go for what in my childhood we called a Sunday drive. Because members of the congregation live in every part of Prince William, I have seen some parts that no errand would have ever led me to. I also try to take a different way back each time to see even more. How would you describe yourself in three sentences? Rev. Stuart Schadt has 40 years of experience in the ministry of the Episcopal Church. He loves going to work. He currently spends his free time writing middle-grade and YA novels and has published seven books.
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destinations
Bringing MOVIE MAGIC to the Backyard By Amanda Baity
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very spring, I go crazy thinking of all the fun activities I want to do with my family. Warmer months are the perfect time for backyard water slides, water balloons and homemade Popsicles. When the weather starts to warm up, I always think of my family’s much-loved movie nights. Movie nights are even more fun when you bring them outdoors. My family only does this a few times a year since it takes a little extra effort, but the results and memories are worth it.
Set the Night Up Right On the day of movie night, we prepare the yard and start setting up. First, you need a projector. Prices for new top-of-the-line projectors can start well into the thousands of dollars. However, along with newer models, many electronics stores carry a range of cheaper, refurbished projectors, and you can find used models starting at around $200. You can also rent projectors online or borrow them from a friend. Your next decision is whether you want to stream the movie or use a DVD. If you want to stream, a laptop or phone will do. You might even bring your big television outside and attach it to the projector. If you need a DVD player, some laptops or popular game consoles, such as an Xbox, can serve this purpose. No matter what you choose, you will need A/V cables to hook your player to the projector. Follow your projector’s instruction manual if you have any difficulties. You will also need sound,
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so plan to use stereo or computer speakers. No speakers? No problem. You can pick up a cheap set online. Picking the perfect movie is key. Keep your audience in mind. Depending on the quality of the equipment you have, picking a family favorite may be better than choosing a new release as it could be hard to hear, and the projector quality may not be up to movie theater standards. Now on to the screen. You can show your movies on anything from a purchased or rented screen to a smooth outdoor wall. I use my photography backdrop stand with a thick, white sheet. You could also secure the sheet along a fence or clothesline.
Atmosphere Is Everything Of course, atmosphere is vital. There are so many ways to create the perfect movie theater feel. I hang string lights for a soft glow. Candles and lanterns will accomplish this as well. For seating, my family uses beanbags and lounge chairs, blankets and even tents. If you are feeling especially ambitious, you can pull the couch or a futon outside like my dad used to do. Another essential component is food. Popcorn, candy and soda are some of our favorite snacks and a requirement for a successful movie night. I also like to get creative with some twists on the classics. Buttered popcorn cupcakes is one of our favorite outdoor movie treats.
Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes Try these cupcakes out to help create the perfect movie night experience. INGREDIENTS About 8 egg yolks or 6 ounces (room temperature) 8 1⁄2 ounces milk 1/8 ounces vanilla extract 10 1⁄2 ounces all-purpose flour 10 1⁄2 ounces granulated sugar 19.5 grams (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon) baking powder Pinch of salt 6 ounces unsalted butter (room temperature) DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place liners in cupcake pan. 2. Combine the yolks, vanilla and 2 ounces of milk in a bowl, and whisk lightly. 3. Place all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and combine on low speed. 4. Add the butter and remaining milk. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are moistened. 5. Increase to medium speed and beat for 11⁄2 minutes. Scrape down the sides. 6. Gradually add the egg mixture in three batches, mixing for about 20 seconds and scraping between each addition. 7. Fill cupcake liners halfway and bake for about 25 to 35 minutes until finished. Let cool before decorating.
Simple Buttercream Icing This easy-to-make, egg-free frosting recipe has been in my family for generations. It’s not only great on cupcakes, but also for decorating cookies for holidays, birthdays and parties. To add coloring to the icing, use color paste. INGREDIENTS 1⁄2 cup shortening 1⁄2 cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons milk DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening and vanilla. 2. Blend in the sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. 3. Beat in the milk and continue mixing until light and fluffy. 4. Keep icing covered until ready to decorate.
First, color half of your batch of marshmallows yellow and let them dry. Next, make a small cut in the middle of each marshmallow and then make three small cuts in their tops. Twist the marshmallows lightly at the middle. Then press the three “petal” shapes made from the three cuts lightly until they begin to fan out. Voila! Your marshmallows look like popcorn. The more shapes you make, the better the “popcorn” will look. If the marshmallows get sticky while you are manipulating them, dust them lightly with powdered sugar. Be aware that the sugar will dull the yellow color of the marshmallows, so use it sparingly. You don't have to go very far to enjoy a night with the family. Turn your backyard into a movie theater, and watch the fun unfold.
Amanda Baity is Prince William Living’s Director of Operations and Photo Editor and Director of Operations for Brides & Weddings. Wife of a Marine Corps combat veteran, Amanda co-founded Semper K9 Assistance Dogs with her husband, Christopher. She serves as Director of Operations for Semper K9 and an advocate for the military community with a focus on invisible wounds.
Marshmallow “Popcorn” For cupcake topping, you can get creative with marshmallow “popcorn.” You will need regular-size marshmallows, yellow food coloring and a little powdered sugar. prince william living May 2020
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Operational and administrative opportunities are available for volunteers of all backgrounds and skill sets.
JOIN TODAY! 703-675-9933 www.OWLVFD.com
Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department www.OWLVFD.com 16 |
May 2020 prince william living
Prince William's New PC Gaming Center 65 PC & console stations in sleek, ultramodern esports facility Many popular games Parents play free with paid 13 & under kids Sat/Sun until 5pm! Available for birthday parties & company events Bring this ad in for 1 FREE extra hour with any purchase of game time at regular price. 13592 Jefferson Davis Hwy Woodbridge, VA 22191 (571) 206-1400 I www.techtimegaming.com
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prince william living May4/10/20 20202:58 | PM 17
giving back Making the World a Little Better,
One Random Act of Kindness at a Time By Olivia Overman
W
Photo by Rob Jinks
hile it seems like today's world keeps us busy every minute of the day, there are some special people who don't hesitate to take a moment to put a complete stranger first. Whether it is letting somebody in line in front of you at a store, paying for something for someone else, or offering a simple smile to brighten a person’s day, it is a random act of kindness that helps make this world a better place. And in today’s world, that is priceless.
Have You Been BARK’d? Officially started five years ago, Semper K9’s BARK’d program is the brainchild of the Baity family. It is a complement to their non-profit, Semper K9, a nonprofit veteran's charity that provides custom-trained service dogs to wounded veterans at no cost. BARK’d stands for “Baity Acts of Random Kindness” and is a tradition that started as their family sharing kindness over the holiday period. “For years, my family has had a tradition of doing random acts of kindness leading up to the holidays. My children love being able to hand out small gifts or pay for the person behind us in line at the fast-food drive-through. They turn and look behind at the surprise on people’s faces and giggle. That sound warms my heart and gets us all in the spirit of the season,” said Amanda Baity, co-founder of Semper K9. Seeing the need for kindness and the impact one small gesture can have on someone, the Baity family decided to create a card to go along with their random acts of kindness to encourage people to pay it forward. “When we do something nice, we attach a card, which sends people to a website where we have a custom message and video, challenging others to be kind along with suggestions on ways they can give back for the holidays … or more importantly every day!”
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Amanda Baity, founder and Director of Operations for Semper K9 Assistance Dogs is the face behind the random acts of kindness campaign she and her family created years ago, BARK.
Asked how people are chosen to receive a random act of kindness, Baity said “It is entirely random. If I personally am having a tough day, I will pay for someone behind me in line at the drive-through or pay for their meal in a restaurant. I give items out as well including hand sanitizer and, even during this time, I am still handing those out. They all have a little card on them that encourages them to go to the website and read our story. The whole point is to encourage them to do something nice as well."
Photos by Amanda Baity
Bill Daffan's property, home to CJFinz, Imagine, Foster's Grille and Jirani Coffeehouse.
Amanda gifts hand sanitizer to friends and family along with those who comment through social media.
Giving Comes Full Circle
children bringing containers of cookies to the Prince William County Western District Station; Tandoori Nights Bar and Grill Woodbridge donating food to the Prince William County Eastern District Station, feeding staff and officers for two days; and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Manassas donating coffee and donuts for the Prince William County Public Safety Communications Center staff.
While a random act of kindness can help you and others feel good in that moment, you will never know how much a simple act can make a difference in someone’s life. Baity described how a $20 meal helped someone during a difficult time in his life: "Normally we go to Waffle House [on Christmas Eve], tip our server well and give out gift cards to the rest of the staff. We have been doing this for several years now. About five years ago, we went to iHop on Smoketown Road for dinner. There was an older man and what appeared to be his daughter having dinner. I told our server I wanted to pay for their meal. The day after Christmas, someone in our Semper K9 volunteer group said his wife and father-in-law had their meal paid for by someone and was handed a BARK card. He then told us that his motherin-law had recently passed away and this was their first meal dining out without her and their first Christmas without her. Our volunteer said his father-in-law said it was a sign from his wife that she was still with them because she was always so kind. He recently told me his father-in-law still talks about that night regularly. So just paying $20 for someone's dinner has made that much of an impact on someone's life ... imagine if we all did that,” said Baity. During this current period of quarantine, Baity is still paying it forward. She has been gifting excess seeds from her garden, plants from her greenhouse, giving out hand sanitizer when she makes essential public outings and mailing out hand drawn inspirational quotes to strangers that have been nominated for a surprise through Facebook posts.
A New Normal
Helping small businesses in downtown Manassas during this difficult time, landlord Bill Daffan recently offered his four tenants a deferment of their rent for six months. Not a requirement, just a kind gesture during this challenging time. Speaking about his gesture, Daffan said, "I've lived here all my life, as has my father and grandfather. One thing I know about Manassas is that we are stronger as a community than we are as individuals. This community has always come together during hard times. If what I've done has helped the community or others as a whole, then we'll get through this and will be stronger for it." Look on any local neighborhood site, and you will see offers from people to pick up groceries and medicine for neighbors. Random acts of kindness are having quite an impact. Ready to make yours?
Olivia Overman (ooverman@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer for both online and print organizations. She earned a M.A. in Journalism and Public Affairs from American University, Washington DC.
In today’s new normal, random acts of kindness mean even more. Some of the examples in our community include prince william living May 2020
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health & wellness Maintaining Mental Health During the Pandemic Provided by the Centers for Disease Control
A
fter this extended period of social distancing and #stayhome, COVID-19 is not only a dangerous disease to contract; it’s putting many of us through mental stress as well. Strong emotions, fear and anxiety in both adults and children can be overwhelming. Each person copes in their own way, so we need to make sure to take care of ourselves and others.
and Mental Health Services Administration website at samhsa.gov.
Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control:
Things You Can Do to Support Yourself
Everyone Reacts Differently to Stressful Situations.
How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people and the community you live in. People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include: • Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19 • Children and teens • People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors and other health care providers, or first responders • People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use
Stress During an Outbreak
Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include: • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones • Changes in sleep or eating patterns • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating • Worsening of chronic health problems • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
Need Help? Know Someone Who Does?
If you or someone you care about are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others, reach out for help: • Call 911. • Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline at samhsa.gov/find-help/ disaster-distress-helpline, or call 800-985-5990 and TTY 800846-8517. • Text TalkWithUs to 66746. • Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline at hotline.org, or call 800-799-7233 and TTY 800-787-3224. People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Find additional information at the Substance Abuse
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Taking care of yourself, your friends and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger. • Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths and stretch. Try to eat a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy. • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Call your health-care provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
Reduce Stress in Yourself and Others
Sharing the facts about COVID-19 and understanding the actual risk to yourself and people you care about can make an outbreak less stressful. When you share accurate information about COVID-19, you can help make people feel less stressed and connect with them.
For Parents
Children and teens react, in part, to what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children if they are better prepared. Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include: • Excessive crying or irritation in younger children • Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting) • Excessive worry or sadness • Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits • Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens • Poor school performance or avoiding school (continues on page 35)
lifelong learning LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE – MANASSAS: Learning As If They’ll Live Forever By Erin Pittman
S
ince 2003, members of the Lifelong Learning Institute of Manassas have been learning and growing together. This welcoming and inclusive group of people, age 50 and up, who gather together in support of their mission of providing affordable, educational and social opportunities in a friendly atmosphere. LLI-Manassas is one of many LLIs across the United States, and are all based on the philosophy that keeping your brain active and inquisitive, and maintaining social connections are important components of healthy aging. LLI-Manassas partners with local volunteers: the Manassas campus of NOVA Community College, the Hylton Performing Arts Center, Bethel Lutheran Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, the Manassas Park Community Center and Dar al Noor Islamic Center. Together with their partners, they offer programming, social events and trips that appeal to their members. The generosity of such people and organizations allows LLI-Manassas to continue to operate.
The Courses
n A Musical Journey: From Classical to Popular Jazz n Understanding Opera: A Guide for the Passionate and the Puzzled
LLI-Manassas’ courses come together through their program committee, made up of about 12 to 15 members.
n Pottery 101
“These are the champion arm twisters of the world,” said President Mike Ahern. “They are active in the community with contacts in various industries like government, the arts and education. These members are very active in getting people to deliver instruction to our members.”
n Poems That Tickle Your Fancy
Some course instructors come from NOVA Community College and George Mason University. Many courses are born from one member attending a stimulating lecture at the Prince William Historical Society or experiencing a musician giving a unique presentation on the history of the guitar, for example. "It's a matter of shaking the bushes. This committee meets for several months in advance and spends a great deal of time working their contacts,” said Ahern. Topics are always varied to ensure they are appealing to all of their members and prospective new members and may cover subject areas like history, fine arts, literature, science, philosophy, health and fitness, government and more. Some courses that were planned for this spring included:
n Creating Art Through Photography n Making Space: The Art of Decluttering LLI-Manassas offers about 50 classes and events per semester. Members can purchase full or half-year memberships. Ahern noted that they work to keep their dues affordable.
The Social Side In addition to keeping active minds, LLI-Manassas members enjoy social benefits. The group schedules a couple of bus trips each semester. This spring, they had planned trips to the Dumbarton House and Tudor Place, and Wilson’s Presidential Library and the Frontier Culture Museum. “In the past, we’ve had lectures ahead of time and trips related to the topics,” said Ahern. “We had a lecture on the Library of Congress and then took a trip downtown to visit.” (continues on page 35) prince william living May 2020
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taking care of business
J&M
Tile, Granite & Marble An American Success Story By Amy Falkofske
J
avier Moreno’s story is a true example of how to achieve the American dream through hard work, perseverance and determination. His story is also one that highlights the importance of faith, family and serving others. As the CEO of J & M Tile, Granite & Marble, along with his partner, his wife Yakeline (pronounced Jaqueline), he has been providing quality kitchen and bath remodeling products and services to the Woodbridge and surrounding areas since the early 2000s.
Coming to America Moreno’s country of origin is Bolivia, and in the late 1990s, economic unrest caused him to lose his job as an accountant. For a while, he worked small, temporary jobs, but eventually made the difficult decision to leave his family behind and come to America for better opportunities. “It was a hard decision for me to leave my wife and my daughters,” he said. He landed on American soil in Miami, Florida, in 2001. Despite having graduated from a university in Bolivia in 1996, Moreno had trouble finding work due to the language barrier. He ended up doing a variety of things like working for McDonalds, delivering newspapers for the Miami Herald and washing cars. Eventually, Moreno began work in the construction industry, first as a helper carrying supplies. He was fortunate enough to have a boss who allowed him to learn the trade, and within six months, he had learned enough to be a construction worker himself.
Moving to Virginia Family was at the center of every decision Moreno made, including the decision to move to Northern Virginia in 2003.
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“Miami was a great opportunity, but it didn’t meet the expectation that I had,” said Moreno. Those expectations were to be able to provide for his family. “I left my daughters in Bolivia and it was very hard, so I told my wife, let’s move to Virginia so we can earn more money for them.” Moreno’s life in Virginia began with a company called Jud Tile in Vienna. By this time, he was a “professional tile guy” and customers were requesting him specifically to work on their tiling projects.
J & M Tile Despite his success at Jud Tile, Moreno wanted to strike out on his own. “There was something I was trying to do by myself, so in 2005 I decided to create my own business,” said Moreno. That’s when he started J & M Tile, a feat he says he couldn’t have accomplished without Yakeline. “Everything that I do, I couldn’t do without her. She is one of the most important parts of my life,” he said. J & M Tile began in Haymarket, but Moreno said they decided to move the company to Woodbridge after six months to be in a more industrial area. Moreno serves as the CEO managing the business, and Yakeline takes care of the administration and accounting. At first, they were only selling tile, but then saw an opportunity to expand the business. Moreno pointed out that tile is mostly used in kitchens and bathrooms and that’s what gave them the idea to branch out and do more. “We saw a big window to sell the other products that are involved in the kitchen and the bathroom like
Photo provided by Jose Gonzalez of Photo Genesis
A kitchen remodel completed by J&M Tile, Granite & Marble.
shower doors, plumbing fixtures like a faucet, and cabinets and countertops in the kitchen," he said.
that decision. This is a wonderful country. We are so blessed to be here.”
Business Ideals
The success of J & M tile has given his twin daughters the opportunity to attend VCU and study art. The Morenos also have an older daughter and a 6-year-old son.
Moreno said lead time for a project at J & M Tile is about four to five weeks. “We control our schedule and our time, which is very important,” said Moreno. “If you go to Home Depot or Lowes, it takes about six weeks, and if something is wrong, it takes another six weeks. It’s tricky, so we control those times,” he said. He also said that this makes the customers happy. “We don’t want to leave our customers without a kitchen for more than two months. That’s one of our keys to being successful,” said Moreno. J & M Tile supports local manufacturers by getting their cabinets from manufacturers in Pennsylvania and Lynchburg, Virginia. While they do import cabinet parts from China, Moreno says he is looking for something comparable here in America to support American industries and create jobs for Americans. J & M cuts their own tile in their shop in Woodbridge. At J & M Tile, the employees are considered family, and employee retention is very important. Moreno goes out of his way to make sure his employees feel financially secure with a salary that they can live on.
Faith, Family and America
Moreno loves America and feels that God guided him here and has helped him to be successful. “God is the one who guides us and it’s the most important thing in our lives,” he said. “Without God, our family couldn’t persist together. This country made my dreams come true. I have everything that any person needs.” Eventually, Moreno and Yakeline would like to open a cabinet showroom in a commercial area, as well as start an organization to help immigrants to America get acclimated to the language and learn how to find gainful employment. J & M Tile, Granite & Marble is located at 2625 Hanco Center Drive in Woodbridge. You can call them at 703-286-529 or visit their website at jmtilellc.com.
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.
Although Moreno says the decision to leave Bolivia was a hard one, he feels that it was the right one. “I’m so grateful that I made prince william living May 2020
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family fun
Summer Fun Ice Cream in a Bag By Amanda Baity
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othing says summer like the sound of an ice cream freezer whirring as it turns cream into frozen goodness. As a child, I knew hearing that sound meant something good was on its way. My mom always made the best homemade vanilla ice cream, and as an adult I have followed in her footsteps, perfecting my vanilla and experimenting with a lot of different flavors along the way. While an ice cream freezer is a nice touch, it is not a necessity. Our family has made ice cream with our stand mixer, in a freezer bag and even in a large coffee can. My kids love trying new recipes and new techniques. Sometimes we dress the ice cream up a bit, adding to the fun by making do-it-yourself sundae kits. These are great for parties or as a gift. Pick up some waffle cone bowls, sugar cones and assorted candies, and repackage everything in clear cellophane bags with colorful labels and bakers twine. Then, make homemade chocolate sauce and package it in a cute container. Create a
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customized box, place your kit into it, and you have an awesome present for someone special or a fun time on a summer afternoon.
Ice Cream in a Bag You need:
• ½ cup milk • ½ cup cream • 3 tablespoons sugar • ½ teaspoon vanilla essence • 4 cups ice • 8 tablespoons salt (larger crystals will work better than regular table salt) Mix the first four ingredients together in a bowl, and then pour it into a Ziploc®/freezer bag. (continues on page 26)
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ICE CREAM
(continued from page 24)
Next, place the ice and salt into a larger Ziploc bag, along with the first bag. After shaking this mixture together for just 5 to 10 minutes, you can open up the bags to reveal actual ice cream! All that’s left is adding toppings and enjoying your creation. Plus, your frozen treat can be a teachable moment — There’s some really interesting science behind this cool trick: The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, thus allowing the milk mixture to freeze at a lower temperature than is normally needed. It may look like magic, but it’s pure, basic physics. Who said learning can’t be fun?
To use, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for an hour prior to serving, or heat for 15 seconds in the microwave.
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream • 4 cups half-and-half or light cream
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract • Fresh strawberries (about 1 cup chopped) • 8 slices of pound cake
Easy Chocolate Sauce • ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter • 3 tablespoons corn syrup • 6 ounces chocolate chips Combine cream, butter and corn syrup in a small saucepan and heat until the butter melts and the sauce is almost boiling. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate, stirring until melted. Cool to lukewarm and spoon into glass jars. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and store in the fridge.
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In a large bowl, combine the first three ingredients and mix well. Pour the mixture into an ice cream freezer. Make according to manufacturer’s instructions. While the freezer does its thing, clean and slice your berries. Add them to the ice cream. Slice cake into cubes, then add these to the strawberries and ice cream mixture. Top with more berries and cake, or a whipped topping. And there you have it — recipes for yumminess and fun! Give it a try and enjoy some family time together. Amanda Causey Baity (abaity@princewilliamliving.com) is Prince William Living’s director of operations and photo editor. Read more at amandabaity.com.
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home & hearth Stay Food-Healthy: Tips for Avoiding Food Poisoning By USDA
W
ith so much focus on various health-related issues, it’s easy to forget the basics. Food poisoning is one of them.
Food poisoning or foodborne illness can affect anyone who eats food contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins or other substances. Still, certain people are more likely to get sick or to have a severe illness. Here are some tips to help keep your family in good health.
Know Who Is at Risk
Know whether you’re in a group of people who are more likely to get food poisoning, and make safer choices to reduce your risk for foodborne illness. People at risk include: n Adults age 65 and older n Children younger than 5 years n People whose immune systems are weakened due to illness or medical treatment n Pregnant women If you or someone you care for is included in one of these groups, follow our four necessary steps to food safety and the additional tips included below. Clean: Wash hands and surfaces often. Separate: Separate raw meat and poultry from ready-to-eat food. Cook: Cook food to the right temperature. Chill: Chill raw meat and poultry, as well as cooked leftovers, promptly (within two hours).
Dining Out
n Ask whether the food contains raw or undercooked ingredients such as eggs, sprouts, meat, poultry or seafood. If so, choose something else. n Ask how these foods have been cooked. If the server does not know the answer, ask to speak to the chef to be sure your food has been cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature. n If you plan to save leftovers to eat later, refrigerate perishable foods as soon as possible — and always within two hours after purchase or delivery. If the leftover is in air temperatures above 90°F, refrigerate within one hour. n If in doubt, make another selection.
Leftovers
Becoming a Safer Shopper
n Discard any food left out at room temperature for more than two hours — one hour if the outside temperature is above 90°F.
n Choose unbruised fruits and vegetables.
n Place food into shallow containers and immediately put in the refrigerator or freezer for rapid cooling.
n Do not buy or use damaged, swollen, rusted or dented cans. n Do not buy or use cracked or unrefrigerated eggs. n Pick up frozen and refrigerated items just before you check out at the grocery store. n Refrigerate groceries right away and never leave perishable foods out for more than two hours. n Put raw packaged meat, poultry or seafood into a plastic bag before placing it in the shopping cart, so that its juices will not drip on and contaminate other foods.
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n Use cooked leftovers within four days. n Reheat leftovers to 165°F. It’s easy to slip into bad habits that can lead to food poisoning, but with a little preparation and education, you can keep yourself and your family food-healthy!
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local flavor
Restaurant Favorites …
Made at Home By Marianne Weaver
I
n the blink of an eye, COVID-19 changed everything: the way we socialize, the places we shop and even how we feed our families.
On Monday, March 23, when Virginia Governor Ralph Northam banned all public events with more than 10 people, essentially shutting down all eat-in restaurants and bars in an attempt to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, residents withdrew into their homes, adhering to the quarantine and a “new normal,” which included more home-cooked meals. Three meals a day, seven days a week … Anna Tjoumas with Pampered Chef offered some suggestions for a few memorable — yet very doable — recipes.
APPETIZER: Brown Sugar-Dijon Brie “This is a perfect easy appetizer for any occasion,” said Tjoumas. “I would suggest using a piece of stoneware to place the brie in the middle and surrounded by the sliced baguette so that everything cooks at the same time in under 10 minutes.”
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Ingredients • ½ cup sliced almonds, divided • ½ cup packed brown sugar • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 1 4" (10-cm) round (8 oz./250 g) brie cheese with rind, room temperature • 1 loaf (16 oz) French baguette • Vegetable oil Directions Preheat the oven to 425°F. Coarsely chop ¼ cup of the almonds. Combine the chopped almonds, sugar and mustard; mix well. Cut the brie in half horizontally. Place half of the brie, cut-side up, in the center of the round stoneware. Spread half of the sugar mixture evenly over the bottom half of the brie. Top with the other half of the brie, cut-side up. Spread the remaining sugar mixture over the brie and sprinkle with the remaining almonds. Use the bread knife to cut the baguette on a bias into 24 quarterinch slices. Arrange the slices around the brie and spritz them with oil.
Bake for eight to 10 minutes, or until the baguette slices are golden brown and the brie begins to soften. Remove from the oven and let stand for five minutes before serving. Tjoumas said camembert cheese can be used instead of brie, and plain buttery crackers can replace the bread.
MAIN: Tuscan Spaghetti Tjoumas picked up this recipe a few years ago from a fellow Pampered Chef consultant who previously owned a restaurant. “This is a restaurant-quality meal that feeds quite a few people. It’s an impressive meal that comes together quickly and doesn't take a lot of time to cook,” she said. “We have adapted for use in our Quick Cooker (pressure cooker) where everything is done in a matter of 20 minutes.” Ingredients • 2 large chicken breasts • 1 medium onion • 4-5 cloves fresh garlic • 3/4 cup Chardonnay wine • 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes • 1 lb. box spaghetti or linguini • 4-5 cups chicken broth or stock • Salt and pepper • 1 cup heavy cream • 4 oz. chunk fresh Parmesan cheese • 1 lb. bacon, cooked crisp, then crumbled • 1 8 oz. bag fresh baby spinach • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced thin Pressure Cooker Directions Slice chicken breasts into thin strips. Slice medium onion, then quarter the onions. Peel and slice four cloves of garlic. Add 2 tbsp. of olive oil to pot. Add chicken, onions and garlic and sauté for three minutes, stirring constantly. Add 3/4 cup of white wine to deglaze the pot. Stir. Add 1 lb. of spaghetti broken in half, 4 cups of chicken broth or stock, and the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir all together. Lock and set the pressure cooker on the custom or manual setting for five minutes. Grate 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, set aside. Cook bacon, then crumble.
Turn off the pressure cooker, pour pasta into a bowl, grate cheese on top, and sprinkle with remaining bacon and basil. “Use plenty of fresh basil at the end and a good block of Parmesan cheese,” she said. “I do not buy pre-shredded cheese because they contain preservatives. Buy the block and grate it yourself with our microplane.”
DESSERT: Chocolate Peanut Butter Molten Lava Cake “This is a great easy dessert that comes together easily and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare,” said Tjoumas. “I always serve it with fresh whipped cream made in our Whipped Cream Maker. No Cool Whip, as that contains chemicals. Ice cream is a good option as well.” Ingredients • 1 pkg (16.5 oz./432 g) devil's food cake mix • 2 eggs • ½ cup oil • 1¼ cups water • 1 cup creamy peanut butter • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels • Optional: vanilla ice cream Directions Combine the cake mix, eggs, oil and water in a Dutch oven. Add peanut butter to the cake mix. Add the chocolate chips. Gently stir the ingredients into the cake mix. Microwave, covered, for nine to 11 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let it stand, covered, for five minutes.
Manually release the pressure. Cancel, then set to sear and add 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir and cook until bubbly and thickened (three to four minutes). If the pasta is thick, add a bit more stock to make it creamy.
Scoop the cake out with a large spoon. Serve with ice cream, if desired.
Add one bag of spinach to the pasta and stir in until wilted. Add half of the crumbled bacon. Stir in some chopped basil, leaving some for garnish.
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. prince william living May 2020
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your finances Is This a Good Time to Refinance Your Mortgage? By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC®
associated with the transaction. You should plan on continuing to own the home for at least that long to justify refinancing.
I
If you are far along on paying off your loan (for example, with 10 years or less to go on your 30-year mortgage), starting over with a new mortgage may not make sense. Being in a position to pay off your mortgage sooner rather than later may be advantageous to you.
Private Wealth Advisor
f you have a home mortgage, it likely represents one of your largest monthly expenses. With interest rates on the decline, you may be wondering if you could lower your home payments by refinancing the terms of your mortgage. Here are some factors to consider: In recent months, mortgage rates have moved significantly lower. The interest rate on a 30-year mortgage dropped from 4.94% in November 2018, to 3.49% in early September 2019. That means a $300,000 mortgage that would have resulted in monthly payments of approximately $1,599 (principal and interest) at the higher rate, will amount to roughly $1,345 at the lower rate, or a savings of 16% on the monthly payment. If current rates are noticeably lower than the rate you pay on your existing mortgage, there may be an opportunity to reduce your monthly payment. If you can obtain a mortgage for an interest rate that is at least 1% below the rate you are paying, it is worth investigating. The case to refinance is more obvious if market rates are 2% or more below the rate on your current mortgage.
Assess Your Options Mortgage refinancing is an opportunity to reduce your monthly cash outflow. You want to make sure your plans fit within your overall financial strategy. Talk to your financial advisor to be certain you understand the full ramifications before moving forward. 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. 1 Source: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, September 5, 2019. (http://www.freddiemac.com/ pmms/).
It’s About More Than Interest Rates Declining rates are the primary impetus to pursue refinancing. When those conditions are in place, it also opens up opportunities to improve your long-term financial position, depending on the terms of your current loan. You may want to consider: n Refinancing with a shorter-term loan. There can be significant cost savings over the life of your mortgage if you choose a 15-year mortgage instead of the typical 30-year mortgage. Lower rates may make a 15-year mortgage work for your budget. n Switching to a fixed-rate mortgage. If you hold an adjustable-rate mortgage, this may be a great opportunity to lock in a low, long-term mortgage rate with a 15- or 30year loan. Assessing the Costs of Refinancing There are different factors that might offset the potential benefits of refinancing, depending on your circumstances. For starters, refinancing isn’t free. Lenders will assess a cost to the loan equal to approximately 3% to 6% of the principal amount. So, with a $100,000 loan, costs could add up to $3,000 to $6,000. You want to be certain your savings in interest charges will ultimately offset those fees. In some cases, lenders may limit the fees charged, but in doing so, they typically bump up the interest rate. You’ll need to calculate a payback period on refinancing — at what point will your interest savings overcome any costs
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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)
BE UNIQUE From bankers to barbers, restaurants to retirement planners, Prince William Chamber members are among the most trusted businesses in our community.
Westminster at Lake Ridge offers unique possibilites, with more than 62 acres nestled in a gorgeous, wooded setting. Our classic apartments and spacious cottages are perfect for an active and engaging lifestyle. The Center for Healthy Living, opening this summer, will offer even more amenities to this already exceptional community. SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR TODAY! WESTMINSTER AT LAKE RIDGE www.wlrva.org // 703-822-4781
Westminster at Lake Ridge is a not-for-profit, CARFaccredited, SAGECare-certified, life plan community.
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calendar Prince William Living’s calendar is prepared several weeks before the magazine is printed. As we all know, at the end of March, Governor Northam issued a stay-at-home order through June 10, 2020. Normally, our May calendar would be full of local festivals and fairs, concerts, and Mother’s Day and Memorial Day events. Since that won’t be the case this year, we encourage you to check out the online events listed here. Several local yoga studios and gyms are offering online classes. Libraries and churches and other businesses are offering online stories and gatherings. Where feasible, local businesses are offering some or all of their services online. And, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce (pwchamber.org) has been offering webinars. We also encourage you to order takeout and delivery, as available, from local restaurants.
Manifestation Mondays @ Lotus
Mondays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 | noon to 1 p.m. Online Set your intention for the week with this manifestation meetup! Join Rob Pritchard, Master Healer and LOA Facilitator, and Uma Alexandra Beepat, owner of The Lotus and The Light Metaphysical Center, Amazon best-selling author and spiritual teacher, as they guide you through a meditation to clear your mind and quiet the mental chatter. Please email info@ thelotusandthelight.com for details.
may
George Mason SBDC Webinar: Legal and Administrative Steps to Start a Business
Wed. May 6 | 4 to 6:30 p.m. Online Presented by Bernard Ferret, Mason SBDC Senior Business Counselor and Serial Entrepreneur. Prepare your business for opening day! Learn about essential steps to start your business from legal forms, tax registration, company name, finance, employees and a foundation for your business plan. Webinar information: clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop. aspx?ekey=110400007
Prince William Living Presents Breakfast with an Expert Thurs. May 7 | 8 a.m. Online 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.
Spilled Ink
Fri. May 22 | 7 p.m. Online Spilled Ink is an open mic night that celebrates the written word. Join local authors, poets and scribblers as they read their work. All are welcome to listen or read! Be brave! All material must be at a PG-13 rating (spilledinkva.com).
Women’s Wedding Network
Wed. May 13 | 11:30 a.m. Online Most of the wedding industry is closed to the public. Learn how the wedding industry can adapt and survive during this time. For more information: bridesandweddings.com/womens-weddingnetwork/
Prince William Living Lunch With the Publisher
We Create & Foster Enduring Image!
Wed. May 20 | noon Online 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.
Have an event? Visit princewilliamliving.com/events to submit details to our online calendar.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS (continued from page 20) • • • •
Difficulty with attention and concentration Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past Unexplained headaches or body pain Use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
There are many things you can do to support your child: • Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand. • Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is OK if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress, so they can learn how to cope from you. • Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand. • Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities. • Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.
For People Who Have Been Released From Quarantine Being separated from others if a healthcare provider thinks you may have been exposed to COVID-19 can be stressful, even if you do not get sick. Everyone feels differently after coming out of quarantine. Some feelings include: • Mixed emotions, including relief after quarantine • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones • Stress from the experience of monitoring yourself or being monitored by others for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 • Sadness, anger or frustration because friends or loved ones have unfounded fears of contracting the disease from contact with you, even though you have been determined not to be contagious • Guilt about not being able to perform normal work or parenting duties during quarantine • Other emotional or mental health changes Children may also feel upset or have other strong emotions if they, or someone they know, has been released from quarantine. You can help your child cope by taking care of yourself and educating yourself on how best to help them. Visit CDC.gov for more information.
LIFELONG LEARNING (continued from page 21)
This type of recruitment isn't atypical, as Ahern reports that most of their new members come through word of mouth.
The group has also taken trips to Civil War Battlefields, cultural sites and architectural places of interest.
LLI-Manassas is 100% volunteer-driven. Members do all the legwork to keep this social and intellectual group of people going.
If trips aren’t what members are looking for, they can join one of several interest clubs, such as the book, bridge, mahjong and lunch clubs. These clubs are centered around specific activities, allowing easy conversation and shared interests to naturally grow friendships.
“We would not exist without our volunteers. We are all so grateful to the people in this organization for the time, effort and the love they devote to it,” said Ahern. “And our gratitude extends to the community organizations that have partnered with us and made this possible.
“We also have some informal groups who go out to lunch after classes or attend movies together regularly,” said Ahern.
To learn more about LLI-Manassas, visit their website at llimanassas.org. They invite other seniors in the area to join them in living their motto of “Learn as if you were to live forever.”
The Members LLI-Manassas is made up of about 350 members, making it a medium-sized LLI group. Most members were like Ahern, looking to keep their brains active and expand their social contacts.
Note: The spring semester has been canceled to comply with social distancing to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, but club members look forward to welcoming new members at an appropriate time in the near future when courses and social events resume.
“I retired and was looking for something to do in 2008,” he said. “My wife joined first. I watched her and saw how much fun she was having, so I joined, too.”
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.
prince william living May 2020
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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
