Prince William Living May 2021

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LEARN LANGUAGES

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CELEBRATE MOM!

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TUMMYYUM YUM

prince william living May 2021

The premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

FIRST RESPONDER

HEROES PAGE 4

Reinventing Theater Online

PAGE 10

The Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

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table of contents May 2021 | Vol. 11 | No. 5

FEATURE STORY Prince William First Responder Heroes

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DEPARTMENTS FROM THE PUBLISHER Spring and All It Brings

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ON A HIGH NOTE All the World’s a Virtual Stage: Reinventing Theater Online

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LIFELONG LEARNING Learn Languages in the Classroom, at Home or on the Go

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GIVING BACK Didlake: Creating Opportunities Through Volunteerism for People with Disabilities

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FAMILY FUN It’s Time to Celebrate Mom!

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DESTINATIONS The Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

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LOCAL FLAVOR The Unexpected Story Behind Tummy-Yum Yum’s Gourmet Candy Apples CALENDAR

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COLUMNS

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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 Melissa Payne, melissa@givebackpw.org Johnnie Barnes, johnnie@givebackpw.org CLIENT CARE SPECIALIST Diane Puigdomenech, dpuigdomenech@princewilliamliving.com VISIBILITY PACKAGES sales@princewilliamliving.com

PHOTO EDITOR Amanda Baity CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kate Anderson, Mia Brabham, Emily Carter, Carla Christiano, Amy Falkofske, Katherine Gotthardt, Jennifer Halter, Rena Malai, Dominique McIndoe, Erin Pittman, Bennett Whitlock SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Katherine Gotthardt GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Alison Dixon/ImagePrep Studio

SUBSCRIPTIONS info@princewilliamliving.com 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 2021 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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May 2021 prince william living

from the Publisher Shining a Spotlight

W

e have so much to celebrate in Prince William. So, this month, we are calling out some of the most special folks we know: moms, first responders, business owners and some very special volunteers.

Back shares the story of this remarkable nonprofit helping those with disabilities make a tremendous difference in their communities. From assisting seniors to stocking food pantries, Didlake volunteers logged more than 25,000 hours of service in fiscal year 2020. That’s some incredible giving back!

Our feature shines a spotlight on the incredible first responders we are blessed with in our area. From police to fire and rescue — and our amazing dispatchers — these incredible people sacrifice daily to keep us safe. The pandemic has challenged them in unimaginable ways, and — you guessed it — they rose to that challenge. Read all about how they’ve adapted and continued to provide exceptional, personal service to our community amidst COVID-19.

On a High Note brings you insight into the theater business amidst COVID and how “the world has become a virtual stage,” while Lifelong Learning shares opportunities for you take up a new language online or through a local program.

In Family Fun this month, we’ve got some inspiring ideas to help you celebrate Mom that won’t allow her to lift a finger. And on top of those great ideas, you could even throw in a delicious candy apple treat from Tummy-Yum Yum. Read owner Sharita Rouse’s unique story in our Local Flavor section.

Have you heard of Didlake? If not, you’re in for a treat. Giving

Check out Destinations to learn about the benefits of therapeutic massage to treat your aches and pains. And in Health and Wellness, an expert shares information on Total Ankle Replacement. You’ll also find tips on what to consider before downsizing in our Your Finances section and ways to bring the upcoming summer season inside via décor in Home and Hearth.

We hope you enjoy this issue and as always, we appreciate your patronage.

Rebecca Barnes Publisher

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Prince William First Responder

HEROES

By Rena Malai and Erin Pittman

A

ctor Christoper Reeves — who originally played Superman — said that a hero is someone who, in spite of…doubt or not always knowing the answers, goes ahead and overcomes anyway.

This has struck a chord of truth in the past year, as the pandemic turned life upside down. Local law enforcement and fire and rescue teams within the community have had to forge into the unknown realms of COVID-19, putting themselves and their families at higher-than-usual risk, while keeping up with unprecedented changes daily as the shutdown unfolded.

Prince William Living shines a light on our local first responders.

They have taken their already heroic professions and added an even deeper dimension in the past year to their hard work and commitment to keeping the community safe.

Prince William Area Law Enforcement Everything changed when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, according to Prince William County Police Department Public Information Office Supervisor and First Sergeant Jonathan Perok.

“We — and everyone else — needed to change and reassess how we operated,” Perok said.

One of the first things he noted was to make sure first responders and the community stayed safe by ensuring plenty of personal

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protective equipment, like hand sanitizer and masks, was on hand.

“These are typically things we have in stock. We needed to ensure more abundance of these items and had to make sure we had the protective equipment that we needed in place,” Perok said.

Law enforcement typically risk their lives everyday as part of the job, and Perok said sometimes heroic acts can lie in those thoughtful nods that truly support the community, like bringing positivity to front line health care workers with supportive visits or celebrating a birthday pandemic style.

“Our officers really engage in efforts to support members of the community,” Perok said. “A parent gave us a call about their child’s birthday party that got cancelled because of the pandemic and asked if some (patrol) cars could maybe drive by with the sirens and lights on to celebrate his day.”

He says while these kinds of requests can’t always be accommodated, Prince William law enforcement really enjoy doing it when they can.

“Those moments offer us and the community a lot of joy, especially during such a challenging time,” Perok said. “We want the community and our front line health care workers to know, we stand with you. We’re here for you.”

Photo courtesy Prince William County Police Department

Photo courtesy Manassas Park Police Department

Prince William County Police Department adapting to COVID and ready to serve.

City of Manassas Police Department echoes the same sentiments.

“I’m not sure anyone was prepared for COVID to impact us the way it has for over a year. For Manassas City Police, our Community Policing philosophy was impacted immediately,” said Colonel Douglas W. Keen, Chief of Police for the City of Manassas. “Normally we use public events and meetings to engage and interact with our residents and businesses but that changed immediately. However we are used to changing on the go and that is what we did.”

Like Prince William, Manassas City started doing drive-by birthday and other celebrations for residents — especially the younger residents.

“To have police officers show up or drive by with lights and recognizing them went a long way — even though we couldn’t see the smiles due to masks, parents relayed how excited and happy we made them. It is always nice to receive those kind of remarks,” said Chief Keen.

He noted that operationally, it was a major adjustment getting used to virtual meetings and engagements and that officers have worked hard to not lose the personal touch they are used to providing.

“Our efforts were limited due to the unprecedented impact and restrictions of COVID-19. Nevertheless, through creativity,

Manassas Park Police were still able to work with Santa to continue their Shop with a Cop program for Christmas.

innovation, and determination, several safe and healthy ‘virtual’ engagement strategies were developed and implemented,” said Sgt. Gio Barahona, City of Manassas Police Department Public Information Officer.

The department successfully adapted their annual Shop with a Cop program at Christmas into a virtual event, as well as scaled down and live-streamed their National Night Out last fall. They have also partnered with local organizations to help distribute food resources on a weekly basis, and they have hosted virtual station tours, vehicle displays, community partner meetings and career day appearance for Manassas City Schools throughout the pandemic. (continues on page 6)

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(continued from page 5) Like their neighboring departments, City of Manassas Park Police Department also shifted gears operationally and found themselves in new territory during the pandemic.

“We stopped ride-alongs, fingerprinting, and visiting schools and daycares,” said Captain Frank Winston of the City of Manassas Park Police Department.

However, one interesting thing that did come out of the pandemic for Manassas Park was an unofficial partnership with the MAP clinic and Manassas Park Recreation Center for a noappointment, walk-up vaccination clinic. Officers helped staff the event that resulted in 1,000 vaccines delivered on a firstcome, first-served basis. Events like these were in extremely high demand in March.

“We had to turn away 1,500 people," said Captain Winston.

From vaccination clinics to birthday parties, Prince William area officers have risen to the call during the pandemic — likely in countless ways that they never could have imagined. And each of these adjustments and “extras” hasn’t gone unnoticed. We thank you all for the exceptional heartfelt work you’ve done over the past year and continue to do every day.

Prince William Area Fire and Rescue Like law enforcement heroes, Prince William County Fire and Rescue System first responders have certainly faced many challenges in light of COVID-19, particularly with work/life balance, says Erik McCoy, Battalion Chief of the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System.

“As fire fighters, first responders and volunteers, we’re working hard behind the scenes on communicating our public education and fire safety messages,” Garrett said. “We have a relationship with the community that goes far beyond emergency services.”

And even though COVID-19 was so sudden and drastically changed everything, fire and rescue workers rose to the crisis beyond words, said James. S. Soaper, Fire Chief at City of Manassas Park Fire & Rescue.

“These men and women showed up every day, putting themselves and their families at risk every day, without thinking twice,” Soaper said. “They accepted the risk, embraced it and truly provided a very passionate approach.”

That holds true even when it comes to mowing a lawn to help out, according to McCoy. He recalls that during the pandemic last summer, units responded to an individual experiencing a lifethreatening medical emergency — in the midst of cutting grass with his wife.

“Once the individual was stabilized and transported to the hospital, the remaining members on the scene recognized what was happening,” he said. “They … grabbed (the) lawn equipment and finished the job for the family. This is just one example of how Fire and Rescue System members go above and beyond to serve the public.”

From sharing messages of fire safety with young and old to providing life-saving care when needed most, we see you and we thank you for your kindness, commitment and bravery.

Photo courtesy 0WL Volunteer Fire Department

But he adds it hasn’t in the least impaired the ability of first responders in the community to provide quality service.

“People have really stepped their game up. They have the stamina to keep doing the right thing and provide a high quality level of service,” McCoy said.

No one could have possibly predicted the pandemic, says City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Department System Fire and Rescue Chief William A. Garrett. As very visible leaders in the community, first responders embraced the challenges and set the example, displaying incredible levels of commitment and staying the course.

“In this profession, we’re expected to respond and operate at a high level of proficiency during the unthinkable,” Garrett said.

“Our first responders have continued to maintain their energy, effort and focus to ensure that during this pandemic, our system of services has shown no drop whatsoever.”

The pandemic has posed challenges with community engagement, Garrett said, and he noted the creative approaches taken to maintain visibility.

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Fire Fighters from OWL VFD show kids Fire Engines at Station 2 in Woodbridge.

Photo courtesy 0WL Volunteer Fire Department

Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department worked to bring Santa to children, via their annual parade.

Rena Malai is a contributing writer for Prince William Living. She can be reached at rmalai@princewilliamliving.com. Erin Pittman is Editor in Chief of Prince William Living and can be reached at epittman@princewilliamliving.com.

PRINCE WILLIAM AREA DISPATCH When an emergency call for help comes in, dispatchers are the first chain of command in ensuring a caller gets the help they need as quickly as possible. It takes quick thinking and staying calm under pressure to handle each situation correctly.

According to Perok, dispatchers in Prince William prescreen each call to assess what COVID measures a first responder may need to put in place when arriving on the scene.

“It allows us to have more vigilance, more awareness and cut down on any unnecessary exposure or spread of COVID-19,” Perok said. “These dispatch call prescreens help tremendously in allowing us to know exactly what we need to do in preparation, to keep everyone as safe as possible.”

To the men and women who answer the calls day in and day out, providing calm support while dispatching the emergency services we need — thank you.

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your finances What to Expect If You Plan to Downsize Your Home

By Bennett C. Whitlock III Whitlock Wealth Management

I

f you are nearing or in retirement, you may be reconsidering your housing needs. Does your current home feel like it’s too big for your needs? Will multi-level living be challenging later in life? Do you look at your current home as a source of retirement cash if you can sell it and move into something smaller?

Downsizing is a logical consideration, but it is not a decision to be taken lightly. There are a variety of factors you need to consider before you lock into your decision.

Weigh the Benefits Against the Downsides

Depending on the size of your existing home, shifting to a smaller living space is an adjustment. You still want sufficient room to comfortably conduct your everyday life. This can include entertaining guests and hosting overnight visitors in your house (such as adult children and grandchildren). You also want adequate storage and space for your kitchen, home office or workshop.

Longer-term considerations include issues like reducing or eliminating the need to climb stairs to get around your home or making it wheelchair-accessible. Limiting outdoor maintenance requirements may be another factor. Think about your priorities and how a different-sized home would meet those needs compared to your current accommodations.

the appropriate location is not a decision to be taken lightly.

The most important thing is to make a choice that suits your lifestyle and your retirement goals. The financial implications are an additional factor. Talk to your financial advisor about how your home plans fit into your overall retirement plan.

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.

The Financial Side

Many believe they will be able to bank a large amount of money from selling their existing large home and moving to a smaller, presumably less expensive one. It may not always work out the way you think.

Depending on where you live, you may find that the market for larger homes is not as strong as you’d expect. At the same time, with many baby boomers considering the benefits of downsizing, the demand for smaller homes is high, and those homes may be more costly than you think.

As you weigh your options, ask a real estate agent to help you not only in your search for a new home, but for a market analysis that will help you determine the value of your existing property.

Other financial considerations include potential taxes if you generate a large gain on the sale of your existing home. Check with your tax advisor to find out more. Closing costs are also an added expense that will come into play in your transactions.

Planning is Important

Your living space is a core aspect of your life and becomes even more important in retirement since you may be spending more time there. Determining the right type of home and

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You’ve prepared for a rewarding retirement.

We can help you make the most of it.

Your vision of retirement is unique, and your financial plan should be too. As an Ameriprise private wealth advisory practice, we have the qualifications and knowledge to help you grow and preserve your wealth. Whether it’s investment management, tax strategies or legacy planning, we’ll work with you to find the right financial solutions for your individual needs.

And we’re backed by the strength and stability of one of America’s leading retirement planning companies.

Call us today and discover the personal service you deserve.

Whitlock Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC 703.492.7732

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The Compass is a trademark of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice.

Consult with a tax advisor or attorney.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2021 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (03/21)

woodbridge@purebarre.com (703) 904-6322 @purebarrewoodbridge

Let us help you live healthier.

Just one $20 subscription to Prince William Living could be $20 that you don’t spend in a drive-thru.

Does that mean that we’re the secret to weight loss? You’ll have to subscribe to find out.

To subscribe, visit pwliving.com/subscribe.

Blending experience and individualized attention, Compton & Duling takes the time to learn your unique situation. We understand that your case can be complex and personal, so we tailor our services to deliver the best possible outcome.

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prince william living May 2021

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on a high note

All the World’s a Virtual Stage

Reinventing Theater Online

By Carla Christiano

T

heaters across the country have had a tough time in the last year. Most have had to close for at least some period of time because of the pandemic and are struggling financially.

Many had to get creative to reach and keep their audiences. For some area theaters, this creativity meant crafting performance space on a virtual platform.

New Challenges “In the beginning, when we first launched into this brave new world last April 2020, there was a huge learning curve for all involved — artists, production crew, marketing staff and patrons. We were all forced out of our comfort zone pretty quickly,” said Adrienne Bryant Godwin, Hylton Performing Arts Center’s Director of Programming.

body instead of relying on facial expression for developing their character,” Ridgway said.

Theaters also face the challenges of what to perform and how to present it. “Due to rights and royalties restrictions, the most popular plays and musical theatre shows are unavailable for theatre companies to film or live stream productions,” Ridgway said. “Hiring video services and utilizing new streaming services may be unaffordable for small theatre groups, especially in the current economic climate.”

At the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, they are easing into this new environment. “We are starting fairly modestly with the smaller plays. It also involves fewer moving parts,” said Joseph Wallen, Workhouse Arts Center Director of Performing Arts.

Over at the ARTfactory in Manassas, they found reinventing theater for this new platform “has been an experiment in innovation,” said Anne Ridgway, Theater Arts Director. “With this new way of presenting theatre, we have had to learn to adapt to the challenges of virtual productions,” she said.

Up until the pandemic, the center had not considered hosting performances on a virtual platform. Now they are. “We do have a series of one-act plays by Anton Chekov that we are producing virtually. We are in the middle of how that online platform will happen,” he said.

Those challenges have ranged from budget constraints to safety constraints. Actors and directors have also had to adjust.

New Opportunities

Because of COVID-19, theaters still require masks and social distancing during filming. As a result, “Actors have had to learn to work on enunciation and projecting their voices to improve sound quality. They are also learning to act with their entire

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Although there are still many things to be worked out, one thing Wallen realized is that the Zoom platform they have used allows for actors and directors to be in different locations and performing together. “Our director can be in Rhode Island and the actors are all around the D.C. area, but there’s no reason why

you couldn’t have an actor in New York, California or Iowa be in the show.”

Virtual platforms not only increase opportunities for performers but also allow them to expand to new audiences outside of their physical performance spaces. Signature Theatre in Arlington discovered that although most of their ticket sales for online performances are coming from the D.C. metro area, they have sold tickets in every state except Arkansas and North Dakota, as well as Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. “We have also sold tickets to our mainstage Signature Features series to people in 14 countries on five continents including China, South Africa, Thailand, Spain and the Netherlands,” said Jen Buzzel, Signature’s Director of Marketing and Sales.

Workhouse’s Wallen also sees the potential. “It opens a different door for audiences. It makes you think about your audience reach a little differently,” Wallen said. He noted they are even considering continuing virtual performances after they can hold performances at the center. “It may not be appropriate for every project, but it is something to take into consideration.”

First, however, they need to get the proof of concept down. That means tracking ticket sales and social media to determine how large an audience they are reaching and their responses to the performances. They want to make sure that it is also financially viable.

Synetic Theatre based in Arlington is using a “digital stage” to reach new audiences as well, especially those who may have been prevented from going to a theater in the past because of accessibility issues or cost. Patrons have several options to fit their budgets: single film rentals, monthly subscriptions or annual subscriptions. “We are able to bring our performances into their homes,” said J.P. McLaurin, Synetic Theater Associate Producer.

Like many theaters, virtual productions are new to Synetic.

Before the pandemic, the theater just offered tickets and links to closed videos, McLaurin said. In the last year, Synetic has dabbled in digital productions and is looking toward future film making. They are also trying to refine the user interface by using a streaming platform, which they want to make user-friendly and like what patrons are familiar with. To better understand what those patrons need, Synetic is hosting focus groups and talking to people across the country who are creating streaming content.

Although Synetic doesn’t want to replicate the exact theater experience of getting a ticket and walking into a theater, they are still trying to define what that experience will be, McLaurin said.

“What is this new way of theater going? And is it even theater going? I don’t know,” he said. “It’s opening a door for lots of new exciting possibilities.”

Upcoming Performances Dim the lights, silence your phones (or not) and check out these theaters from your own couch.

ARTfactory What’s Playing: n Opera production of “Suor Angelica,” which was filmed at the Benedictine Monastery. Expected release is summer 2021. n Virtual Summer Series from 2020, which includes “Pandemic” and “Bottom’s Dream.”

How to Access: Go to virginiaartfactory.org/from-the-artfactoryto-you/.

Additional Information: virginiaartfactory.org/

Hylton Performing Arts Center What’s Playing: Pre-recorded and livestreamed digital performances, but no offerings announced as of March for the summer season How to Access: Go to hyltoncenter.org/ticketsevents/paid-digitalperformances; other methods available at gmu.mylivenow.net/ how-to-troubleshooting/.

Additional Information: hyltoncenter.org/

Signature Theatre What’s Playing: Signature On Demand offers virtual performances filmed in High Definition of: n “Midnight at the Never Get,” which is scheduled for April 30 – June 21 n “After Midnight,” which is scheduled for June 13 – Aug. 4 n “Detroit '67,” which is scheduled for Aug. 2 – Sept. 16 How to Access: Go to sigtheatre.org/signature-on-demand/ or watch on TV through the Marquee TV app.

Additional Information: sigtheatre.org/

Synetic Theater What’s Playing: n “The Adventures of Peter Pan” n “The Phantom of the Opera” n “The Decameron,” including “Malattia” and Marina” How to Access: Go to syneticstreaming.uscreen.io/ streamed on computer or watch using the Synetic Streaming App on Apple TV or Roku device.

Additional Information: synetictheater.org/

Workhouse Arts Center What’s Playing: Virtual cabarets on their website How to Access: Go to workhousearts.org/performing-arts/.

A streaming service will be available in the future.

Additional Information: workhousearts.org/ Carla Christiano (cchristiano@princewilliamliving.com) is a native of Prince William, admitted history geek and a technical writer for SAIC. prince william living May 2021

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lifelong learning Learn Languages in the Classroom, at Home or on the Go

by Dominique McIndoe

“T

o learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world,” the ancient Chinese proverb proclaims.

Expanding knowledge through learning languages can undoubtedly broaden intellect and cultural and social worldviews. Learning a foreign language doesn’t have to be confined to a grade school or high school classroom, and it’s never too late in life to seek knowledge. Increasing linguistic skills, even during this period of limited travel, is a valuable investment for people of all ages and life situations. Following is a list of language learning opportunities curated specially for residents of Prince William.

Northern Virginia Community College NOVA is a hub for those who seek the structured classroom route. The Manassas, Woodbridge and Annandale campuses offer prospective students eight languages and cultures to study: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Spanish. The Annandale campus has a dedicated World Languages program where students can take classes in person, online or both.

Level placement in a language class depends on the students’ proficiency and prior knowledge of the language, which is assessed through a placement test. Whether working toward an associate’s degree or seeking professional or personal development, NOVA seeks to immerse current and prospective students in worldwide cultures and critical language skills. To learn more about enrolling at one of NOVA’s campuses, visit nvcc.edu.

Prince William Public Library The PWPL Digital Library provides free access to thousands of online and digital resources including the language-learning databases Pronunciator and Rocket Languages. To access these portals, Prince William residents can use their Digital Library Card (or sign up for one at pwcgov.org). This all can be done from the comfort of a remote location, and the process of registration is free.

Pronunciator is an online language-learning resource that’s fun and free to try. Learn any of 163 languages — both common and uncommon — through personalized courses, movies and music.

Languages like Romanian, Mexican Sign Language, Afrikaans and Urdu are at your fingertips with the click of computer keyboard or the swipe of a mobile device. Pronunciator includes new, self-directed COVID-19 language courses in 101 languages, designed to assist the general public and health-care providers

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in communicating relevant vocabulary and phrases in multiple languages.

Rocket Languages is also a helpful language-learning product that has been going strong since 2004. Though not free, the program offers 14 languages courses, as well as an ESL (English as a second language) component, that use real-world conversations to teach the important grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation of a chosen language. Rocket Languages also reinforces how to speak, read and write in a target language through engaging lessons. The online program offers in-depth tools and 120 hours of focused lessons per level that keep users motivated and on track with studies at their own pace. Access this program and pricing through the PWPL Digital Library.

Duolingo For those who are on the go or who want their language learning in bite-sized pieces, the free Duolingo app is the way to go. Created in 2012 and available on Apple, Android and computers, Duolingo offers 35+ languages in mini lesson plans based on individualized learning and personalized linguistic education. Italian, Navajo, Hebrew, Swahili, Irish, Greek, Korean and the ancient language of Latin, are among the course options that users can navigate. Though users can certainly get the most out of the free application, there is the option to upgrade to Duolingo Plus that provides a few extra perks like an ad-free experience and offline courses for a small fee.

Duolingo’s mission is to give users of all ages access to a private tutor experience through technology, provide an enjoyable experience through the game-like features and foster long-term retention in learners through written and oral comprehension lessons. Users have the chance to study multiple languages at once and all progress is tracked with points, plaques, crowns and “lingots” (virtual currency).

In addition to the quizzes and assessments that earn you points as you go, Duolingo provides other award-based methods to engross you in your chosen language. Interactive stories and prompts, as well as podcasts and competitions, further develop conversational language skills. The progression is rewarding and the interface is enjoyable enough to distract you from the reality that you are, indeed, learning.

Dominique McIndoe (mcindoe@princewilliamliving.com) is an assistant production editor at Rowman & Littlefield and a longtime writer.

Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Vol. Fire Department wants to know what fuels YOUR fire?

Her dedication to the fire service.

Operational and administrative opportunities are available for volunteers of all backgrounds and skill sets.

JOIN TODAY.

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giving back

Didlake

Creating Opportunities Through Volunteerism for People with Disabilities

By Amy Falkofske

T

hough not extremely well-known, Didlake is a local nonprofit making a big impact by creating opportunities for people with disabilities. Didlake’s Vice President of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Erika Spalding, says the organization has been a “quiet partner” in the community for the past 55 years.

“A lot of people are not familiar with us unless they are directly participating or are affected by our program. We're a quiet nonprofit rehabilitative services provider that has had a significant impact on the community by helping thousands of people with disabilities contribute through volunteering or work opportunities. We’ve also helped [program participants] develop self-esteem, a sense of purpose and excitement about being a part of their community,” said Spalding.

Didlake began as the Didlake School in Manassas. It was started by a group of family members who wanted to create a school for their children with special needs. Back then, special education was not mandated by the school system. Once special education was mandated in the mid-70s, Didlake’s school-aged students went to public school. The students who had graduated became a part of a vocational rehabilitation program that is a cornerstone of Didlake to this day.

Day Support Programs One way Didlake serves the Greater Prince William area is through its Day Support Program. This program supports people with significant disabilities in locating and participating in volunteer opportunities within other nonprofit organizations.

During fiscal year 2020, 85% of program participants engaged

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Yajairo Arizago working at the House of Mercy food pantry.

in volunteer opportunities and logged a collective total of 25,447 volunteer hours.

“It's very frequent that individuals with significant disabilities are not afforded the opportunity to be able to be full contributing citizens because of transportation or some other barrier that is in their lives. We're facilitating their ability to give back as members of the community,” said Spalding.

Didlake’s Day Support Programs not only give participants a way to give back to their community, but it also helps them engage within it.

“This isn't just a group of people with disabilities going to Walmart to go shopping or going to the grocery store, but really fully participating to the extent of our staff modeling to the community how you interact and treat someone with a disability. For example, going to the Starbucks in their community where they live, where they volunteer, where they play and developing relationships with the people that work there,” said Rachel Payne, Didlake’s Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy.

Didlake, which opened its first Day Support Program in Manassas in 1996, now operates five Day Support Programs, including three in Prince William County, one in Fauquier County and one in Roanoke. Altogether, the programs support 170 individuals.

Over the years, Didlake has volunteered for more than 20 local nonprofit agencies such as health and rehabilitation centers, animal shelters and several food banks.

“We do a variety of volunteer work to match interests of individuals in our program,” said Emily Theimer, Didlake’s Program Director of Community Services.

Supporting Those in Need Didlake coordinates many opportunities for individuals who are history buffs, or who enjoy the great outdoors and gardening.

Didlake volunteers help maintain the historic grounds at the Rippon Lodge, one of the oldest homes in Prince William, built in 1747.

Volunteers also manage the garden around another historic Prince William home, the Weems-Botts house, also built in 1747.

Additionally, Didlake volunteers help keep Veterans Memorial Park beautiful by removing trash weekly for Keep Prince William Beautiful as a part of the Adopt-a-Spot Program.

Day Support Program participants help those in need at the Bull Run Universalists food pantry in Manassas by unloading trucks of produce, stocking the pantry, breaking down boxes and maintaining the waiting room.

At the House of Mercy food pantry, volunteers help food donors unload their cars and fill bags with items to be delivered to assisted living facilities or placed on the pantry shelves. Didlake also volunteers at House of Mercy’s thrift store, where volunteers sort and hang clothing. You can also find participants helping at Noah’s Ark, a thrift store in Bealton, Virginia.

Around Christmas time, you might see a Didlake volunteer ringing a bell for the Salvation Army in Woodbridge, Culpeper or Warrenton. And you may spot some working in Habitat for Humanity ReStores in Manassas and Roanoke.

David Davis sorts out portions of cereal at the House of Mercy food pantry.

Didlake also makes a difference in the lives of Virginia’s senior citizens through volunteer work at the Fauquier Senior Center in Warrenton, Culpeper Health and Rehabilitation Center and at Orange Senior Center. At these centers, volunteers prepare and lead interactive games and crafts, clean up after the activities, and sometimes help set-up and serve lunch.

At another center, Birmingham Green in Manassas, volunteers socialize with residents and staff, roll silverware into napkins for lunch and distribute ice to residents for their water containers.

Supporting Greater Prince William and Its Residents Didlake gives back to Prince William not only through volunteerism and helping individuals with disabilities engage with the community, but also through the business community.

Didlake is very active in the Prince William Chamber of Commerce and provides training and consultations to leadership and management teams in the community on increasing employment of and better supporting individuals with disabilities. In the past 10 years, Didlake has supported 1,148 individuals with disabilities in Greater Prince William through their rehabilitative programs.

“We are working continually to connect businesses with individuals with disabilities, whether that’s through employment or through volunteer opportunities,” said Spalding. “At the end of the day, our focus is on creating opportunities for people with disabilities, and that community inclusion and engagement aspect is incredibly important.”

If you would like more information about Didlake’s Day Support Program, go to didlake.org and click on Our Program and Volunteerism - A Day Support Activity.

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. prince william living May 2021

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health & wellness Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s Total Ankle Program Provided by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

S

This procedure has come a long way; how has it evolved?

What does that mean for the patients?

entara Northern Virginia Medical Center introduces The Total Ankle Program. Robert J. Toomey III, DPM, Vice President of Potomac Podiatry Group and contributing member of the Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Foot & Ankle Center of Excellence tells us more about the program.

What is total ankle replacement, and when is it necessary?

Robert J. Toomey III, DPM

Total ankle replacement is a procedure to replace a damaged ankle joint, particularly those in endstage arthritis to help reduce pain, swelling and help return the patient to a more natural stride.

Is it only for “older” people or those who have been in a serious or traumatic crash?

It is traditionally for end-stage arthritis patients. Previous generations recommended patients older than 65, but as time progresses, more studies are being published showing patients as young as their mid-30s successfully have the procedure performed.

The procedure has evolved immensely over the past 50 years and has made significant strides in reliability and patient satisfaction outcomes over the past 20 years. Foot and ankle specialists have increased their understanding of limb and ankle alignment as well as ankle motion anatomically, contributing to more efficient and anatomical ankle replacements. Almost every implant is now created for each individual after having a CT scan to determine the patient's limb alignment, length and bony deformities.

Can you do this procedure at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center?

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center's team is specially trained to treat and care for patients before, during and after this advanced procedure to address the needs of Total Ankle Replacement patients.

To learn more about the Sentara Total Ankle Program, call 855-704-FOOT (855-704-3668) or visit sentara.com/woodbridgevirginia/medicalservices/services/foot-and-ankle/services. aspx.

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family fun

It’s Time to Celebrate Mom!

By Jennifer Halter

M

other's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year, which will be May 9 this year. It's the day where our favorite mothers, stepmoms, grandmothers, sisters, aunts or any other mom figures in our lives are put into the spotlight and honored for all of the amazing things they do to support our families. Here are some ideas to help you show love for that special woman in your life.

Give Mom a Day Out of the Kitchen

Whether it’s breakfast in bed or a fancy dinner at home, treat Mom to a day off from cooking duties. Kids can prepare a special breakfast of her favorite foods (Be sure there is an adult to supervise if cooking or using knives.) and deliver it to her while she’s still relaxing in bed. For dinner, order takeout or delivery from her favorite local restaurant. Make it fun by decorating the table with candles, cute napkins or anything extra that will make the meal special. Everyone can dress up in their favorite outfits, too! When you’re done, have everyone, except Mom, pitch in to clean up.

Picnic in the Park

There are so many wonderful outdoor spaces in our area. Treat Mom to a day out exploring a new place she hasn’t visited before. If she enjoys hiking, check out a new trail. If relaxing is more her speed, try out one of the beach areas along the Potomac River. Want to keep it simple? Plan a nice picnic lunch at a park where she can

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breathe in fresh air and soak up some sun. Since this is a day to celebrate Mom, make sure she doesn’t have to do any extra prep work, such as packing lunches, snacks or any other essentials you may need. Your checklist may include: sunscreen, blankets, a first aid kit, bug spray or balls/toys/outdoor games for everyone to enjoy.

Show and Tell Mom How Much You Love Her Let the kids (and even significant others) tell Mom how much she is loved by creating a card, writing a story or even making a video. For younger children, prompt

them with questions they can answer on camera or that you write for them, such as “What is your favorite thing to do with Mom?” or “What is your best memory you’ve shared with Mom?” The kids can create pictures of their favorite “Mom & Me” moments. You can even make her the Star of the Show by performing a skit or writing and singing a special song just for her.

Save Your Memories in Photos

Moms are always so busy taking the photos of the family and activities that a lot of times, they are left out of the pictures. Today, let Mom get in front of the camera as you document all the activities of her special day. The kiddos can get in on the action and take pics from their point of view. There are great online photo printing services you can use to create inexpensive albums or scrapbooks, which could make a great gift for next year or the next special occasion.

Show Love From Afar

Can’t get together in person with your favorite mother figure? Plan a virtual visit! If you want to do an activity with your loved one, such as a special craft, for example, send supplies to her in advance so you can do it together … even if you’re physically apart. If you send gifts in advance, use this time to share in the joy of watching her open them and soak in the smiles.

Give the Gift of Self-Care

Moms tend to put the needs of others before their own, so today, encourage her to treat herself to some of her favorite self-care activities. Perhaps she loves to get pampered with a massage or facial at the spa. Maybe she’s overdue for having her hair done by a professional and hasn’t made the time to make an appointment. It could be that she wants to take a drive to her favorite coffee shop for a drink or head to a bakery to treat herself to her favorite dessert. Set a budget, set up child care and let Mom take a day to pour into herself by doing things she loves and enjoys. Giving her time to refill her cup will give her a much needed boost so she can continue to pour into her family.

No matter how you choose to spend the day, take the time to tell Mom how much she means to you and show love to all of the favorite moms in your life. Happy Mother's Day! Jennifer Halter is publisher of Macaroni Kid Woodbridge and Macaroni Kid Gainesville/Manassas.

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destinations

The Benefits of

Therapeutic Massage

By Kate Anderson

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oothing music, aromatherapy, cucumber water and all the trappings a spa day provides might be on your mind when talking about massage. But therapeutic massage is a different entity. Yes, it can relax you and benefit your mind and body at the same time, but it goes beyond the techniques and experiences of a spa massage. Therapeutic massage can dramatically reduce pain, help with proper body movement, reduce inflammation and lead to great healing of the mind, body and spirit.

The Intention of Healing You might be wondering, “What is the big difference between a traditional spa massage and therapeutic massage?” Heidi Smith, PT, a physical therapist who specializes in using therapeutic massage in her practice, points to the depth of pressure in therapeutic massage, the specificity of areas worked on and the intent of healing versus spa massage’s pure relaxation. She says, “The depth of massage might be a difference but the biggest is intention of the massage. Spa massage is more to relax and unwind, which in itself is therapeutic in stress reduction technique. However, therapeutic would be targeting specific areas of the body to stimulate healing or recovery.”

In fact, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the number one rated hospital in the country, incorporates therapeutic massage into its healing and recovery regimen. Their integrative medicine program website states, “Therapeutic massage can be used as a collaborative, supportive addition to conventional medical treatment of illness and injury, alleviating pain and stress, aiding

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soft tissue healing, and revitalizing the body. Also, regular massage can enhance health, providing relaxation, release of muscle tightness, relief from anxiety and tensions, and balancing aspects of body/mind/spirit.”

Focusing on Muscles for Proper Movement and Pain Reduction Incorporating therapeutic massage into a conventional medical regimen with patients often focuses on certain body problem areas, particularly the muscles. Reactionary tightness in muscles leads to increased pain and improper movement that can hinder healing.

As Smith says, “Often times tissues that are recovering from an injury or even from a particularly tough workout will develop trigger points that will affect the ability of that muscle to contract properly, this is a big deal since we are often trying to restore normal movement patterns which require coordination of muscles around a joint. Often times we will use therapeutic massage initially in a treatment session to allow proper muscle firing and then we will train that muscle right away to reinforce the correct firing pattern and movement pattern.”

With ailments such as low back pain, she frequently recommends “to start with therapeutic massage and find a local physical therapist to help restore muscle balance and alignment to prevent the injury from reoccurring.” She additionally suggests that therapeutic massage isn’t always just useful for injury and chronic conditions. “Therapeutic massage is also useful for maintenance when training for an event like a triathlon or marathon in that it helps work out the lactic acid build up after a hard workout and stimulates the body's reabsorption of these and redistribution of fluid and nutrition to the healing muscles,” Smith said.

Inspirational Success and Your Path to Therapeutic Massage A recent fibromyalgia patient with chronic back pain and migraines underwent therapeutic massage as part of a hospital stay and outpatient at a physical therapist’s office. The patient found a reduction in pain from a 10 to a three on a traditional pain scale (1-10), and massage lessened the frequency and

intensity of severe migraines. The patient also experienced a boost in mood and a relaxation of overall body and mind tension due to their struggle with pain.

In order to get treatment like this, you can visit your local primary care doctor or the specialist you are currently seeing and request a referral for physical therapy with therapeutic massage.

They may have knowledge of physical therapists in Prince William who can target your specific needs. Not all physical therapists use therapeutic massage, and not all specialize in certain conditions, so it is important to ask before committing to a certain physical therapy practice. Also, before going, check with your insurance provider to make sure treatment is covered.

Remember too, as Smith says, “Therapeutic massage is just a small part of what we do as physical therapists, but our job would not be as successful without it.”

Expect a range of treatment modalities specific to your ailment when undergoing physical therapy treatment.

Kate Anderson is a writer, communications specialist, social media expert and home baker. She lives in Prince William and loves to explore all that the area offers. She and her dogs especially love the nature areas found nearby. You can contact her at kanderson@ princewilliamliving.com.

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local flavor

The Unexpected Story Behind

Tummy-Yum Yum’s Gourmet Candy Apples

By Mia Brabham

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Photos courtesy Tummy-Yum Yum

harita Rouse was sitting at her desk one day and told her coworker Katie that she needed to find something else to do.

“I heard God speak to me clearly and say ‘Make candy apples,’” she said. Rouse had never made a candy apple before in her life.

“I started laughing because I was like, ‘Okay, this really must be God, because I can’t make candy apples.”

As a person of faith, she felt that if God told her to do something and she did it, she would be successful. That night she went home, talked to her husband about it, and made a Facebook post saying “Coming Fall 2017, Tummy-Yum Yum Gourmet Candy Apples.”

“God gave me the name and everything,” Rouse said.

The next morning, she woke up to eight orders. She went to the grocery store to get the materials and stayed up until 2 a.m. learning how to make these candy apple confections on YouTube.

“I burned bowls, my stove caught on fire,” Rouse laughed. “It was terrible!” She made a few apples every day until she perfected her craft. “That’s how Tummy-Yum Yum was born — in my home with 253 dollars,” Rouse said.

She and her husband turned their kitchen and sunroom into a manufacturing area, and Rouse began making anywhere between 800 to 1,000 apples a month.

“I couldn’t believe my hand crafted those apples,” she said.

How the Business Grew Rouse began getting more and more orders. Her business was

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Sharita Rouse with Aaron Tolsen, CEO at Northern Virginia Food Rescue

only a hobby at this point, but she had a nagging feeling that she needed to leave her full-time oral surgery job after a tragic loss occurred at the company.

“The Lord spoke to me and said ‘The longer you stay here, the worse it’s going to get.’ But I was loyal to my boss,” she said.

Rouse struggled with the decision, and when she finally worked up the courage to turn in a letter of resignation, her boss asked her to stay two weeks longer. Two weeks turned to a month, and she had to make the tough decision to walk out on the job.

“On the way out he said to me, ‘Whenever your business fails, you can always come back.’ I thought about that, but that’s what made me work harder and harder. I never want to go back to anyone who would treat me or talk to me like that,” said Rouse.

Since that moment in 2018, Sharita hasn’t looked back. “God kept providing and providing,” she said.

Tummy-Yum Yum Today Tummy-Yum Yum is now a full-fledged business and storefront that brings the joy of homemade, gourmet candy apples and creative treats to Manassas and beyond. The treats come in more than 50 flavors — from Caramel Delight and M&M Extravaganza to Vegan Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Caramel.

Rouse calls herself a visionary owner. “Everything I do, I have to see it in my mind first. I’m a very visual person. People eat with their eyes before anything,” she shared.

Rouse began selling her apples at the Manassas Farmers Market, and business took off. Before she knew it, she was asked to be a vendor at New York’s 2018 Harlem Fashion Week. “The Snickers Delight is the crowd favorite. It’s a Granny Smith apple with caramel, pecans, milk chocolate and white chocolate. That’s my go-to. Even when I’m travelling, I save one for myself!” she said.

Tummy-Yum Yum offers all types of colors and flavors; Rouse even does edible gold. The business is always growing, evolving and expanding. “Everybody don’t like candy apples, so you have to come up with something else that people will like to stay in business,” she said.

Rouse has since added Turtle Delight Gourmet Pears, Chocolate Covered Strawberries and different flavored hot chocolate Coco Bombs to the menu.

Serving Others While she is constantly adjusting and thinking up new ideas for her business, she’s also very focused on community. One winter night a year after her business started and less than two months after she moved her business to its first brick and mortar storefront, someone knocked on her window while she was working. “He said, ‘Hey, I just got out of jail. I don’t know what kind of shop this is, but do you have anything to eat?’”

Rouse gladly used what she had in the shop and gave him soup, water and coffee. This was after she had only made $11 that day.

“To see the smile on his face, I knew I had to continue to do this,” she said.

This is how Rouse started feeding the community. Every week, Tuesdays through Fridays, Tummy-Yum Yum feeds anyone who asks with a hot meal and cold drink — no questions asked. “I’ve

been feeding people since 2018. I moved to the shop in October, and I started feeding people in December,” she said.

Rouse confesses that some people in the community are angry she does this. To this, she powerfully replies, “I’m not here to be liked, I’m here to serve.”

Tummy-Yum Yum recently received a letter of recognition from Senator Mark Warner for the business’s service to the public amidst the coronavirus pandemic. “That is why God put me here in Manassas. If I don’t make any money in a day, and I serve people, that’s my purpose for being here,” said Rouse.

Rouse has booked a public pavilion on June 19, 2021, to put on a community block party to give back to the community even more — and more specifically — to the children of Manassas.

“We had so many kids come for food last summer, I couldn’t keep up. I want to feed about 500 families,” she said.“I want these kids to know the city of Manassas is here for them. I want the whole community to be involved, because I can’t do it by myself,” said Rouse.

Rouse plans to have businesses outside on the pavilion, like social services, churches and the police departments to share information and resources for those in need of assistance. “We’re trying to do things separately, but that’s not what a community is. I want to see everyone come together,” Rouse said.

Tummy Yum Yum is located at 9119 Church Street in Manassas, and is open for online ordering, shipping and pick up. They also do catering services for weddings, birthdays, bridal parties and every other type of event you can think up. Visit tummy-yumyum.com for more information.

She also welcomes donations for feeding the hungry. If you are interested in volunteering or being an entertainer or vendor for the Kid’s Block Party this June, email tummyyumyumgc@gmail. com or call 571-208-2870.

Mia Brabham is a writer, speaker and digital personality with a love for people and hearty conversation. Her debut book, Note to Self, is a collection of personal lessons and quotes that was recently released as an Amazon top seller and is in the hands of readers all over the world. Reach her at mbrabham@ princewilliamliving.com.

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home & hearth Ease Into Summer With a Home Décor Refresh

By Katherine Gotthardt

W

armer weather brings with it an ambiance — think soft evening breezes, the scent of jasmine or your favorite tree, rocking on a porch while sipping cool lemonade, the calm that summer carries in on sunny wings. If you’re looking to temporarily infuse your home with summer without investing too much time or money, keep reading. There are ways to bring summer into your living space without committing to it all year long.

Focus on Florals – Whether your home is filled with vibrant color or muted tones, you can summer it up by adding some flowery patterns. Think throw pillows, coverlets, a fresh vase of flowers and maybe even a new or gently used piece of wall art. Love bright, vivid images? Great! Select your new décor accordingly. You’ll find plenty of choices. Prefer something softer? Opt for pastels or “dusty” variants of reds, greens and blues. Watercolor abstracts and landscapes often feature these colors, offering an artistic but quieter look. Either way, nix the heavy, dark curtains and opt for airier matching window scarves or sheers.

Water, Water, Everywhere – There’s no denying the relaxing mood water carries with it. Whether you’re a pool, ocean, stream or lake lover, there’s calming décor out there you can bring home. Introduce a small fountain into your favorite spot and see how serene it starts to sound. Choose relaxing seascapes or waterfront art for your living room. Like something a little more subtle? Go for abstracts and textiles in blues and whites. For the more adventurous, experiment with removable ocean blue or teal wall decals. If you love the look, pick pale blue paint for an accent wall and enjoy summertime all year round.

Copper, Bronze and Browns – Sun Goddesses and Gods, unite!

It’s amazing what a copper or bronze lamp with an earthy shade will do to make a room feel warmer. A tan, thin throw blanket or slipcover might be just the thing to match your home to your summer mood, too. Or how about a beige ottoman?

One with storage is always good to have around, no matter what time of the year. (Bonus — you can stash your off-season décor in it.)

Scents of Summer – Add to your summer home experience by appealing to your nose. Smell is one of the strongest senses to evoke memories and emotions. Bring back evenings by the campfire with a woodsy themed candle. (One with a wooden wick adds some great sounds, too.) Or capture the essence of line-dried clothes with clean-linen scents in air fresheners or oils. Other mood-matchers may include ocean breeze, lemon, coconut or sandalwood. Invest in an attractive oil diffuser or wax tart burner for all year round to make the most of your décor investment.

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Now is the perfect time to refresh the look and feel of your home, even if it’s just for a few months. With planning and creativity, you can bring the best the warmer season offers into each room and still have money left over for that great vacation.

Enjoy the summer!

Social Media Director for Prince William Living, Katherine Gotthardt (kgotthardt@princewilliamliving.com) is an awardwinning writer, poet and author, as well as president of Write by the Rails, the Prince William chapter of the Virginia Writers Club. Learn about her work at KatherineGotthardt.com.

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calendar Prince William Living’s calendar is prepared several weeks before the magazine is printed.

A lot can happen between the time the calendar is prepared and the date of an event. Visit our online edition (princewilliamliving.com) for up-to-date information. And check with the venue to confirm any events.

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.

City of Manassas Farmers Market

Saturdays | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Harris Pavilion 9201 Center St., Manassas The City of Manassas Farmers Market will be held on Saturdays at the Harris Pavilion.

Dale City Farmers Market

may

Sundays | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dale City Commuter Lot 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City Since 1987, Dale City Farmers Market, run by the Prince William County Department of Parks & Recreation, has been at the forefront of serving Prince William County residents.

Kidney Foundation Car Show

Sat. May 1 | 9 a.m. to noon Juke Box Diner 8637 Sudley Rd., Manassas A fundraiser benefitting the National Kidney Foundation. Online donations: bit. ly/TheKidneyAvengers.

Spring Beertique

Sun. May 2 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Farm Brewery at Broad Run 16015 John Marshall Hwy., Haymarket Celebrate spring with an outdoor

Beertique! An awesome day to come out and support local vendors while sipping on great brews. There will be local artisan vendors featuring one-of-a-kind gifts for moms, great home decor options, clothing, treats and more!

Intro to Cricket

Tues. May 4, 11, 18, 25 Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams St., Manassas Park In collaboration with members of the Capital Cricket Premier League, the Athletics Division is excited to bring an Intro to Cricket program! This program is for youth ages 8 to 16 years old.

The focus of the program is to develop hand-eye coordination and learn the fundamental aspects of the game while having fun. If you are interested in learning more about this program, please contact Mike Arrington at m.arrington@ manassasparkva.gov.

Hylton Center Celebration of the Arts Alliance

Thurs. May 6 | 7 p.m.

Online—Presented by Hylton Performing Arts Center On May 6, the Hylton Performing Arts Center will host a virtual Celebration of the Arts Alliance. This first-ever event will highlight the outstanding artistic contributions and achievements of the Arts Alliance, celebrate their long history with the Hylton Center and raise funds to support their creative work. The Celebration of the Arts Alliance will feature performances by members of the Arts Alliance, interviews by Arts Alliance and Hylton Center leaders and the opportunity to Raise Your Paddle to support the work of the Arts Alliance at the Hylton Center.

Register: hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/hyltoncenter-celebration-of-the-arts-alliance.

Plant and Take Gardening Class

Fri. May 7 | 1 p.m.

Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center 14300 Minnieville Rd., Woodbridge Come with your child and create a beautiful vegetable garden to take home and enjoy. All gardeners will design and plant their own garden complete with a special snack. Great Mother's Day outing and gift. Your little gardener will love it!

Walking Tour of Historic Prince William Towns: Occoquan

Fri. May 7 | 7 p.m.

Mill House Museum 413 Mill St., Occoquan Join local historians once a month this summer for a special walking tour of historic towns in Prince William County.

For May, visit Historic Occoquan, a major industrial town of Prince William County in 1755 with "certain forges, tolling mills, bake houses, saw mills, store houses and dwellings.” Tour will depart from the Mill House Museum, 413 Mill St., Occoquan.

Call 703-365-7895 for more information.

First Friday Fireside at Ben Lomond

Fri. May 7 | 7:30 p.m.

Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas In a time when the outdoors means more to Americans than ever before, get outside and enjoy the warm summer nights around a campfire while exploring the history of America’s public parks. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, a picnic basket and enjoy beautiful Virginia nights around a campfire with storytelling, history, recreation and preservation. Masks are required when indoors and are recommended when outdoors. 703-367-7872.

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

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Spring Yard Sale

Sat. May 8 | 8 a.m. to noon Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams St., Manassas Park Got some spring cleaning items to let go of? Reserve a spot at the annual spring yard sale! This event attracts hundreds of people from the community. Whether you’re looking to let go of or find gently used clothes, toys, collectibles or furniture, this event is a bargain hunter’s paradise!

Pre-registration is required to sell: 703335-8872. Otherwise, come to shop!

Tours at Bristoe Station Battlefield Park

Sat. & Sun. May 8 & 9 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Park 10708 Bristow Rd., Bristow Bristoe Station Battlefield staff and volunteers will provide guided tours of the hallowed grounds that contain camps, cemeteries and battlefields. Learn about Camp Jones and the battles that took place in 1862 and 1863. Tours begin on the hour and depart from the kiosk in the parking lot on Iron Brigade Unit Avenue. The last tour leaves at 3 p.m.

Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Insect repellant is encouraged. No pets, please.

Pop Up Artisan Market

Sat. May 8 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Historic Occoquan Get ready to pop and shop! One of three open-air weekends of fun and shopping in River Mill Park this spring. Each one is a sleek and distinct arts and crafts market individually curated from the work of juried artisans. Enjoy sunshine, music and sips while you shop, overlooking the Occoquan River.

Acoustic Tuesdays Concerts Tues. May 11, 18, 25 | 7 p.m.

Harris Pavilion 9201 Center St., Manassas Spring is in the air! Can summer concerts be far behind? Here's the first peek at the Pavilion's summer concert lineup. Come see Shane Gamble on May 11, Brian Harris on May 18 and Jason Masi on May 25.

Women’s Wedding Network Wed. May 12 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Online—Presented by Brides & Weddings Magazine The wedding industry is filled with tons of great people who are helping to bring dreams to reality. Have you worked with them? If you would like to meet others

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Register: bridesandweddings.com.

Prince William Living Influential Women Awards

Tues. May 18 | 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Sweeney Barn 9310 Discovery Blvd., Manassas When Prince William Living launched its first Influential Women Awards seven years ago, we quickly realized that this topic resonated with readers. Entries poured in, and the issue announcing the inaugural winners was one of our most-read to date. Choosing just five women from the impressive entries was no easy task for our judges. Today it isn’t any easier, but we are proud to see how the awards have grown and our judges include past winners! 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 2021 winners and nominees. Register here: princewilliamliving.com/influentialwomen-awards-ceremony/

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 May 2021

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Dog Walking

•

Cat Sitting

Dog Sitting

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Pet Taxi

Overnights Fetch Supplies

(703)543-9206

571-364-7250

www.manassasoliveoil.com

fetchpetcare.com/manassas

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

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

www.arcgpw.org 703-670-4800

Vintage Moving & Storage Moving Your Life’s Treasures

Vintage Moving & Storage Pony Rides

We bring the fun to you!

Petting Zoo Moving Your Life’s Treasures

703.392.6260 www.vintagemoving.com

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May 2021 prince william living

Ice Cream Truck

Family owned and operated for 20 years!

571-283-2408 • poniesplus.org

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Still bringing the best of health to you While you might have picked up a new hobby when you were home, we’ve spent the last year building on our promise of caring for you and your family. The providers you know and trust are here for in-person appointments, virtual care and urgent care needs. You’ll see some new faces, too. We’ve added doctors with expertise in neck and back pain, sports medicine, pediatrics, and more. Our offices have expanded hours to schedule your appointment at a time that’s convenient for you. Trust us to maintain and protect your health so you can keep doing the things you love.

Find out more at NovantHealthUVA.org/PrimaryCare

Bull Run Family Medicine — Manassas, Bristow, Haymarket Bristow Run Family Medicine — Gainesville Virginia Internal Medicine and Primary Care Olde Towne Pediatrics — Manassas, Gainesville Lake Manassas OB/GYN — Manassas, Haymarket, Gainesville, Warrenton Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine — Bristow

NUV-77 Primary Care 2021_7.25x9.5.indd 1

4/8/21 1:50 PM