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KEEPING KIDS SAFE
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WINERIES AND TASTING ROOMS
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UNEXPECTED TREASURES
prince william living May 2022
The premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas
Backyard Entertaining PAGE 4
Increasing Your Happiness and Well-being PAGE 8
Simple Ideas to Up Your Outdoor Grilling Game PAGE 22
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table of contents May 2022 | Vol. 12 | No. 5
FEATURE STORY Up Your Game with Backyard Entertaining
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DEPARTMENTS
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18
FROM THE PUBLISHER Be the Backyard Hosts with the Most — and Share With Those You Love
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LIFELONG LEARNING Increasing Your Happiness and Well-being
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GIVING BACK Keeping Kids Safe, One Properly Installed Car Seat at a Time 12 FAMILY FUN Take Family Fun Night Outdoors
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DESTINATIONS A Month-Long Tour of Area Wineries and Tasting Rooms
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ON A HIGH NOTE Unexpected Treasures
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LOCAL FLAVOR Simple Ideas to up Your Outdoor Grilling Game
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CALENDAR
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COLUMNS YOUR FINANCES
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HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME & HEARTH
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prince william living Rebecca Barnes
PRINCE WILLIAM LIVING PUBLISHER rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Amanda Baity ONLINE SUBMISSION MANAGER Carole Keily GIVE BACK PRINCE WILLIAM INITIATIVE Johnnie Barnes, johnnie@givebackpw.org
Erin Pittman EDITOR IN CHIEF epittman@princewilliamliving.com ADMIN ASSISTANT David Lezcano, admin@princewilliamliving.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amy Falkofske, Jennifer Halter, Dawn Klavon, Wendy Migdal, Erin Pittman Bennett Whitlock
CLIENT CARE SPECIALIST Diane Puigdomenech, dpuigdomenech@princewilliamliving.com VISIBILITY PACKAGES sales@princewilliamliving.com SUBSCRIPTIONS info@princewilliamliving.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS Mark Gilvey SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Katherine Gotthardt GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Alison Dixon/ImagePrep Studio
Prince William Living, the premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas, is published monthly by Prince William Living, Inc. The opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Prince William Living. © Copyright 2022 by Prince William Living, Inc. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without written permission. Visit the Prince William Living website at www.princewilliamliving.com for reprint permission.
Prince William Living 9994 Sowder Village Square #816 Manassas, Va 20109 Phone: (703) 232-1758
Editorial Have a story you’d like our staff to cover? Contact Prince William Living editorial staff at (703) 232-1758, ext. 2, or at editor@princewilliamliving.com.
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May 2022 prince william living
from the Publisher Be the Backyard Hosts With the Most — and Share With Those You Love
W
ho else is ready for these warm days perfect for backyard barbecues and quality time with family and friends? Our feature story has you covered with ideas for food, fun, and features to make your yard the talk of the town. Find out where to get the supplies you need to throw a party to remember. Read on to Local Flavor for recipe ideas and the best spots around town to pick up spices, olive oils, and other ingredients to help you serve up the dishes your guests will also be talking about all season. Our Family Fun section is filled with ideas for kid-sized backyard fun on a budget to soak in even more time in your personal oasis. Get ready for movie nights, star gazing, and more. When you’re ready to venture away from home and enjoy some vino and views, try a local winery. Destinations lists Prince William wineries and tasting rooms to add to your “must-visit” list this spring and summer.
Robin Croft. His medium? Driftwood! Check out his creations, passion, and inspiration in On a High Note. The nonprofit organization Saving Prince William’s Littles is reaching out to parents to help ensure the safety of their “littles.” One car seat safety event at a time, they’re teaching parents to properly install seats and keeping children safe on the road. Giving Back tells their story. Have the past couple of years been tough on you mentally? Join the club! But let’s start a new club where we work on positively impacting our well-being. Learn how in our Lifelong Learning section. This month’s Health and Wellness is focused on women’s health topics, while Your Finances offers tips for managing your first year in retirement. Wishing you a month of sunshine and happiness as we inch closer to summer. As always, thank you for your readership. All the best,
Rebecca Barnes
This month we’re also bringing you the unique story of artist
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annual derby day party may 7th 2022 12-7 PM 10381 Central Park Drive Manassas, VA 20110
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prince william living May 2022
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Up Your Game with Backyard Entertaining By Dawn Klavon
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S
pring has sprung in Prince William, which means it’s time to transform your backyard from ho-hum to happening. You can make 2022 your return to social gatherings with a fabulous yard, gorgeous features, and an unforgettable party, thanks to a few suggestions from Prince William Living.
Spruce It Up Consider a focal point in your yard, whether it be a fountain, statue, or koi pond. Bristow resident Audrey Mascarenhas created a breathtaking Zen garden in her yard, complete with five koi in a lovely pond. An avid gardener, Mascarenhas has even traveled to Kyoto, Japan, to study classic Zen gardens in order to refine her own creation. “For me, it’s almost like a living art piece,” she said. Mascarenhas noted that, along with her husband Ajay and two children, she enjoys entertaining friends in their visually stunning yard. Another stand-out element in her backyard is a deck with no railing around it. “I wanted the uninterrupted kind of visual flow from my family room into the yard without railings,” she said, noting she and her husband came up with a creative solution that was approved by the county. No matter if your yard is a dirt lot or plush with mature shrubs and perennials, statues, ponds, and fountains can add intrigue and become a conversation starter. Why not check out Merrifield Garden Center in Gainesville? (6895 Wellington Road, Gainesville) They offer a wide variety of garden statues, fountains, and other intriguing features to add style and interest to any backyard.
Planning Considerations “I think the biggest thing people are wanting to do,” said Shane Heath, owner of Battlefield Custom Decks and Patios (battlefielddecks.com, 571-207-6846) in Gainesville, “is to be able to go outside, enjoy the fresh air and to have it be just as warm and inviting outside as the inside of their house.” Heath’s company creates picturesque yards with comfortable patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, and more. He advises clients in two important areas when they begin their backyard planning. “I talk about, ‘What does your dream outdoors look like?’ and then I talk about understanding the budget,” Heath said, adding that often homeowners have a vision of an elaborate deck, patio, outdoor kitchen, firepit, and more but don’t realize the price tag. Also, plan well in advance, Heath noted, since supply chain issues can extend the length of time needed for creating your perfect space.
Host Outdoor Events & Be the Envy of the Neighborhood Your yard doesn’t need to look like the gardens of Versailles to draw a crowd. Consider thinking outside the box, beyond the typical BBQ or dinner party. Tracy Toth with Main Event Caterers (maineventcaterers.com, 703-820-2028) serving Northern Virginia, Metro D.C., and Maryland, suggests hosting an outdoor movie night, trivia night, or tea party. “Plan your own English garden party, with long linen table runners, tiny vases of fresh flowers dotting the center of the table, and an enticing array of finger sandwiches,” Toth said. “It will be absolutely beautiful.” Pay attention to planning details, she noted, like adding tiki torches for evening parties, not only to illuminate the event but to deal with bugs. “Also, repurpose Christmas lights and string them from a tree to a fence in your backyard,” Toth said. “It will create a celestial look and add some soft lighting.”
Nothing Brings People Together Like Good Food The centerpieces of any gathering are the foods and beverages. Add pizazz and fun by creating memorable menu options, wining and dining your guests in style. Why not invite local food trucks to provide food for your next occasion? That way, you can focus on the decor and activities and leave the cooking to someone else.
Merrifield Garden Center in Gainesville offers garden statues, fountains and other yard decor.
“Guests are always very excited when a food truck is there,” said Rob Pendleton, owner of Stay Cheesy food truck, from Dale City. “A lot of times the people who are throwing the parties tell us that they told their guests there was going to be a food truck so people are really excited when we show up.” (continues on page 6) prince william living May 2022
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(continued from page 5)
Create Fresh and Easy Recipes If you’re up for cooking yourself, consider some compelling cuisine. Try a fast and simple recipe to add color, flavor, and nutrition to your party menu. Thinking about a party with a south-of-the-border theme? Manassas Olive Oil Company (9406 Grant Avenue, Manassas, 703-543-9206) suggests this quick, flavorful recipe that lends itself to multiple uses and variations. With Southwestern inspiration, you can use it as a base for your creativity. Add jalapeno peppers for heat, use it as a thick chunky salsa, or substitute a hot olive oil (baklouti, chipotle, or harissa) to really spice it up. • • • • • • • • • • •
1 can black beans, drained & rinsed 1 cup cooked kernel corn 1 small onion, diced 1 bell pepper, seeds removed, diced 1 cup tomatoes, diced 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 4 tablespoons Cilantro & Roasted Onion Olive Oil 2 tablespoons Red Apple Dark Balsamic 1 teaspoon ground cumin Sea salt Freshly ground pepper
DIRECTIONS: Combine beans, corn, onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, and garlic in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic, and season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. Allow to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes or refrigerate several hours before serving.
Rubs and Marinades Add Zip to Your Meats & Salads To continue the southwestern theme, try a blackening seasoning to spice up chicken or beef, advises Emily Thomson, manager
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of Manassas Olive Oil Company. The products can be tossed with the aforementioned salad as well for bold flavor. Thomson also recommends their Dizzy Dust BBQ blend to bring recipes alive. “It’s a traditional barbeque (spice) that is really good for meats,” Thomson said. “It would be great for that barbeque summer flavor.”
Cheers! Now to the beverage portion of the menu. On the non-alcoholic side, the sky's the limit with flavorful options, chock full of fresh fruit, to bring your mocktails to life. Bev Rage (301-233-3161, bevrage.com) is a DMV company that offers dynamic drinks for home events, catered affairs, or hotel functions. Guests can enjoy inviting options like milkshake bars, frothy cappuccinos, and dessert drinks. “People really like drinks with a theme, whether flavor, topping, garnish, or even a color,” Bev Rage owner Seranush Ozkan said. “We did a breakfast festival and had a French toast latte theme everyone was crazy about, made with some maple syrup.” And speaking of warm beverages, Ozkan added that guests enjoy hot drinks merging flavors — like s’mores flavored toasted marshmallow or lavender honey oat milk lattes. Entertainers don’t have to look far for refreshing drink ideas to add some zip to their non-alcoholic offerings. Whether it’s a colorful smoothie station, fully stocked hot chocolate bar, or herb garnished fruit juices, the liquid portion of the menu may be your guests’ flavor-ite part.
Did Someone Say Alcohol? Prince William has no shortage of wineries, craft breweries, and
distilleries to visit and enjoy. Any entertainer knows nearly every menu includes some variant of vines, steins, or moonshine to round out an unforgettable event. Supplying parties with boring reds, dull whites, and uninspired beer is often the norm, so, why not have a few tricks up your sleeve? Offering beverages from local producers is a great way to support local businesses while letting guests sample their unique offerings. In the Washington, D.C./Maryland/Northern Virginia market alone, a full-blown brewing renaissance is taking place. Hundreds of new beers are being crafted by breweries from NOVA to Silver Spring to D.C. proper. Add to that the burgeoning wine industry of Prince William, and top it off by noting the dozens of distilleries within two hours of the Capital. “Recently I created a local liquor package for a client’s party,” said Main Event Caterers’ Toth. “Our selection of locally crafted spirits and brews were wildly popular! The bartender could hardly keep up!” Check out the distinct wines from The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm in Gainesville (15850 Sunshine Ridge Lane, Gainesville). The winery just celebrated their first year in business. The family-owned company offers dynamic options for your next party or event. Winery staff supplied plenty of helpful beverage suggestions for your next gathering. “If it’s a nice day out, I would say our Pinot Gris is one of the nicer ones we have,” said Cody Inbs, manager of the Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm. “It’s a nice crisp and dry wine for a hot day.” As far as reds, Inbs recommends his label’s Meritage, an artfully crafted Bordeaux style blend. Whether you’re hosting a small get together for a few friends or a massive backyard bash, consider local craft beers, wines, and spirits for your bar. Today’s
discerning event goers welcome compelling menu items, whether for eating or drinking, that are grown/brewed/distilled locally. Partygoers want to indulge in local beverages — it’s far more appealing than average grocery store/liquor store fare.
Fun and Games So, what do you have planned for activities for your backyard event? Dick’s Sporting Goods in Manassas (Bull Run Plaza, 10800 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas) offers a wide variety of corn hole, badminton, frisbee, and backyard soft dart sets. Think about the age range, mobility, and number of your guests when considering fun options. Guests will enjoy a spirited corn hole tournament for sure!
The Bottom Line Whether you’re new to backyard entertaining or have been doing it for years, consider changing up your plans this spring to include a few surprises for guests to enjoy, from visually appealing yard features to exciting locally produced food and beverages. Think about the style of gathering guests would enjoy and pay attention to the small details. Shopping local to provide dynamic menus with compelling produce and meats, seasonings and curated cocktails and mocktails may help take your party from good to great, keeping guests talking about it for years to come. Dawn Klavon is a journalist, author, media director and recent transplant to NOVA. She thrives on juggling multiple projects, discovering local hot spots, consuming blue crab and conquering sudoku puzzles. Dawn can be reached at dklavon@ princewilliamliving.com.
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lifelong learning Increasing Your Happiness and Well-being By Erin Pittman
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iven what we’ve all been through the past couple of years, we could all stand to have a little more happiness in our lives. But is it possible to intentionally increase our happiness? A number of experts believe it is, including professors at Yale University. Want to tap into that well? Read on for a few options to improve your own life satisfaction and well-being.
Learn “The Science of Well-being”
You too can learn like a Yale University student and take their most popular course — online and for FREE. Professor Laurie Santos only taught the course “The Science of Well-being” once in person in 2018. It filled up remarkably fast and was a hit — so much so that it’s now available online for everyone to access. Since then, it’s been taken by hundreds of thousands of online learners, and you could be the next. The self-paced course is available on Coursera.com and takes approximately 10 weeks to complete. You’ll take baseline assessments to gauge your current level of happiness and retake the surveys at the end to compare your results. Throughout the course you’ll watch video lectures, read informative articles, track your sleep patterns, perform random acts of kindness, keep a gratitude journal (either on paper or in their companion app), and, in general, note how over time these behaviors affect your overall mood. Is it in fact possible to intentionally improve your happiness and well-being? According to two recent studies, the answer is yes. In a study published in PLOS ONE journal, researchers at Johns Hopkins and Yale universities found that students who took “The Science of Well-being” course did indeed report a higher sense of well-being than those enrolled in another class at Yale, “Introduction to Psychology.” Authors of the study noted the key difference with this course being the actual life work done during the class. Learn more or start your own journey to increased well-being by visiting Santos’ website at drlauriesantos.com/sciencewell-being.
the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle and Generally Have More Fun – Gretchen Rubin Rubin spent a year diving deep into what actually adds happiness to life. Chapters are separated by months and each month has a topic with goals. Her style is relatable and filled with humor as she makes her way through the year. The Art of Happiness – Dalai Lama This book is based on psychiatrist Cutter’s interviews with the Dalai Lama. Quotations are filled with suggestions of reducing our hold on material goods, embracing empathy, and achieving happiness through the “systematical training of our hearts and minds.” Soak in the wisdom of the Dalai Lama and put it into practice in your own life. You, Happier: The 7 Neuroscience Secrets of Feeling Good Based on Your Brain Type – Daniel G. Amen This book boasts seven neuroscience secrets to boost your happiness by 30% in 30 days. “After studying more than 200,000 brain scans of people from 155 countries, Dr. Amen has discovered five primary brain types and seven neuroscience secrets that influence happiness.” In this book, he describes them and offers strategies for implementing them.
Focus on Your Mindset
Those with a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset tend to report greater happiness. What’s the difference? A growth mindset means you believe your intelligence and abilities can develop and increase over time. A fixed mindset says you get what you get and you cannot change it, so if you’re currently not good at something, that’s the way it’s going to be. Get happier by changing your mindset to a growth outlook. Try a course from LinkedIn Learning like “Cultivating a Growth Mindset” or “Leading with a Growth Mindset.” Udemy.com also offers courses on the topic such as “Growth Mindset: The Key to Confidence, Impact and Fulfillment” and “Growth Mindset: The Complete Guide.” For a full education on the topic, pick up expert author Carol Dweck’s book Mindset.
Read Your Way to Improved Happiness
However you choose to learn and grow, may your well-being and happiness continue to blossom.
The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in
Erin Pittman is Editor in Chief of Prince William Living. She’s a lover of books, dogs, sunshine, and lifelong learning. Reach her at epittman@princewilliamliving.com
Is reading your favorite pastime? How about a book intended to improve your happiness and satisfaction with life? Here are a few recommendations to power your positive thoughts:
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your finances Navigating Your First Year in Retirement By Bennett C. Whitlock III Whitlock Wealth Management
L
ike most Americans, you’ve probably spent years working to achieve the retirement of your dreams. Then there comes a point when this career milestone changes from a distant goal to an imminent reality. You can make your first year away from work more rewarding and less stressful when you take the time to anticipate potential challenges and prepare for how you will handle this important life change.
Your State of Mind
In your first weeks as a new retiree, it’s normal to feel both excitement and trepidation. You’re eager for more time to connect with friends and family and to do the activities you love. Stepping away from your career can also reduce your stress level and free you from the burden of having competing priorities. However, saying goodbye to your workplace, business associates, day-to-day responsibilities, and regular paycheck may trigger anxiety and sadness. This is especially true for those who’ve enjoyed their professional status and fulfilling career. If your spouse or significant other is already at home, either as a homemaker or first retiree, recognize that your new lifestyle may cause similar emotions for this person. Imagine your reaction if he or she were retiring to your “office.” The change would mean a departure from your schedule and habits, even if it means more time together. For those experiencing mixed feelings, it’s helpful to acknowledge them, both to yourself and a partner or trusted friend. Remind yourself why you chose to retire and remember all that you accomplished to reach this point.
Your Purpose
With your calendar clear of work obligations, it’s important to identify a few ways to fill your time. To start, keep the promises you’ve made to yourself, your spouse, or others about what your retirement will include. For example, if you’ve promised distant relatives that you’ll reconnect, then organize a reunion. Set a date to fulfill your dream of visiting France’s wine country or find an instructor who can teach you to play the piano. Alternatively, you may decide to pursue an encore career, part-time job, or an opportunity to open your own business. With all your new possibilities, it’s important to avoid overcommitting yourself. Give yourself some breathing room in each day and ease into volunteer organizations or activities. Now that you have the freedom to do so, be sure you’re choosing to spend your time in ways that are most gratifying to you.
Your Finances
Adjusting your mindset from building your nest egg to spending it can be challenging. To make your initiation to retiree life easier, create a plan for how you will pay yourself in retirement. Start by tallying your income sources before determining which ones you’ll tap into first. Next, estimate your cash flow for year one. Planning this in advance can help ease worries and reduce your risk of overspending. As a benchmark, have enough cash to cover three years of potential unexpected expenses. Once you’re in retirement, monitor your cash reserves regularly to gauge your spending and adjust as needed. If you’re uneasy or need reassurance that your income and cash flow plans are sufficient, meet with a financial advisor. Together you can look at the impact of taxes, evaluate your portfolio diversification, and prepare for the legacy you’d like to leave your community and family. Becoming a retiree means enduring a lot of change. Although you can’t prepare for every challenge and opportunity you might face in your first year, planning for what you can control allows you to move into this new life stage with confidence. Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC®, is a Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Director with Whitlock Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. He offers fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 22 years. To contact him call 703.492.7732 or visit his website at whitlockwealth.com. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
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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)
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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CLASS OF 2022 INVITES YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN A DAY OF SERVICE
Sign up at: https://leadershipprincewilliam.org/
Join Us on Saturday, May 14 to Volunteer to Help with Indoor & Outdoor Improvements. • • •
12-17 year old children may volunteer with a guardian. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. If you have questions, please contact Andrea Money at andrea@leadershipprincewilliam.org. Providing comprehensive long-term residential support for women who are pregnant and homeless. We invest in and empower vulnerable women and her family for lives of dignity, hope, independence and self-sufficiency.
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giving back
—KEEPING KIDS SAFE— One Properly Installed Car Seat at a Time By Dawn Klavon
O
n Feb. 22, 2022, a 10-month-old infant boy was killed in a fatal head-on collision between a semi-truck and a pickup truck near Lenwood, California. According to the California Highway Patrol, the infant was “improperly restrained.” Earlier in February, a rear-end crash in Victorville, California claimed the life of a 4-month-old boy. A preliminary accident report indicated the infant was also not properly restrained, according to the Victorville Daily Press.
Saving Prince William’s Littles Locally, Prince William organizations like Saving Prince William’s Littles exist to hold community child safety seat inspections and encourage everyone to have their child safety seats inspected throughout the year. Child restraint devices must be properly used and meet standards adopted by the United States Department of Transportation, but their research shows that about 75% of car seats are installed improperly. “At any moment anything can happen, on any type of road,” said Woodbridge parent Erica McPherson. “We honestly have to understand the importance of having proper safety measures in place.” Saving Prince William’s Littles holds regular free events across the county for car seat inspections. At the car seat inspection events, the experts look to see if the car seat is in the front or the back seat, if it’s near an air bag, and the direction of the car seat. Sometimes the child safety seat should face the rear of the car. At other times, it’s appropriate for the child seat to face forward, typically depending on the child’s age. Saving Prince William’s Littles officials recommend parents read up on car seat installation, but if that’s not enough, they can turn to the experts.
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Saving Prince William's Littles hosts free community car seat safety events throughout the year. Visit savingprincewilliamslittles.com for more information.
“There are so many intricacies and how certain car seats fit certain children in certain vehicles,” said Claire Szanyi, President of Saving Prince William’s Littles non-profit organization. “There’s definitely a degree of help when you are there and can be hands-on, in-person with a caregiver.” Szanyi said installation has become more confusing over the past few years, as technology improves, both in vehicles and car seats. Somehow, it has left caregivers ignorant about the safest installation methods for car seats. Car seat experts look for selection, direction, location, and installation of the seats. Parents can learn more about each facet of the installation at the Saving Prince William’s Littles car seat events. “We also want to walk parents through how to put the baby or child in the car seat itself and what to look for in terms of what is good,” Szanyi said.
They Filled a Need There is a great need for the organization’s services. Saving Prince William’s Littles (One Car Seat at a Time) was founded in September of 2017 by Szanyi in an effort to bring additional car seat safety awareness to their community. It was the offspring of a group in Loudon County doing the same community service. Their certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians teach caregivers how to correctly install children’s car seats and make sure their children are riding as safely as possible. “Our main thing is to ensure that the caregiver is the last one touching that seat and they are fully empowered to be able to install their car seat themselves,” Szanyi said. “It doesn’t matter if I can install their car seat once they leave; if something occurs, they have to take the car seat out, they have to be able to put it back in themselves — the main thing truly is education.” The non-profit organization provides these free car seat check events at least once a month throughout Prince William, attends community events to provide car seat education, and coordinates events to train new Child Passenger Safety Technicians.
Mark Your Calendar The following Car Seat Check events are planned in the next few months.
May 1: UVA Haymarket Medical Center – 12 noon May 15: Joyce Koons Honda GMC Manassas, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. June 11: Target Dumfries, 9 a.m. - 12 noon July 23: UVA Haymarket Medical Center, 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. Learning how to properly install your child’s car seat is an essential part of parenting, McPherson said, adding “It teaches the essence and the importance of how to keep a child safe.” For more information or to register for events or updates from Saving Prince William’s Littles, please check out their website or Facebook page: Website - savingprincewilliamslittles.com/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/savingprincewiliamsllittles Dawn Klavon is a journalist, author, media director and recent transplant to NOVA. She thrives on juggling multiple projects, discovering local hot spots, consuming blue crab and conquering sudoku puzzles. Dawn can be reached at dklavon@ princewilliamliving.com.
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health & wellness Celebrate Women’s Health Month by Putting Your Health First Provided by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center
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• What concerns should be addressed when women go to the OB/GYN?
•
“In terms of what questions to ask: women should pay attention to their bodies and feel comfortable asking their gynecologist if something doesn't feel right. OB/GYN appointments are the perfect opportunity to cover the basics: periods, sexual health, contraception, menopause symptoms, and a healthy lifestyle.
ay is here and spring has sprung! It’s also Women’s Health Month, fitting a time where we celebrate moms.
We talk with Dr. William Hall, an obstetrician/gynecologist at the Women’s Health Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, who answers a couple of questions all women should know. Women tend to put everyone before themselves. When it comes to their own health, what do you wish they would do differently?
“Women absolutely put the whole family before themselves, but gynecological health is vital and typically won't require more than one to two appointments a year. The most important, like in all medicine, is staying up-to-date on preventative health: regular clinical breast exams and mammograms, screening pap smears, routine blood work, etc. I'm a huge proponent of trying to stop problems before they start. 99.7% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Gardasil, a HPV vaccine, is now approved for women up to age 45.”
Periods are a natural part of women's lives, but there are plenty of options to keep them from being debilitating, heavy and painful, or annoyingly irregular. It's estimated that almost half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned. Being prepared and optimizing your health prior to conception is the best way to set yourself up for a healthy pregnancy and avoiding complications. Pre-conception visits to your OB are a great idea.” To learn more about the Women’s Health Services offered at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, visit sentara.com/ womens.
For appointments, shopping or essential travel— OmniRide will get you there. Safe, dependable and affordable, OmniRide Local buses serve routes in Dale City, Dumfries, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Manassas and Manassas Park. And with an advance call, buses operating in Eastern Prince William County can leave the standard routes to serve locations up to 3/4 mile off the route.
Bonus!
Fares on all local bus routes are currently FREE! It’s a great time to get out and ride.
OmniRide Local Gets You There! ü
Stringent twice-daily cleaning of buses
OmniRide Express • OmniRide Local • OmniRide East-West Express OmniRide Metro Express • OmniRide Ridesharing are services of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission.
(703) 730-6664 • OmniRide.com Virginia Relay Center-TDD, call 711
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SmarTrip® accepted on all OmniRide buses.
Remember to bring your mask
MOBILE WI-FI HOTSPOTS Get internet access in your home!
Three-week loan period Call the library or search “hotspot” in the online catalog to reserve a hotspot. Hotspots may only be checked out by patrons 18 years of age or older.
pwcva.gov/library
sweeneybarn.com (703) 282-3033
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A modern venue where rustic charm meets elegant sophistication in historic Manassas, Virginia.
Happy Mother’sDay!
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family fun
Take Family Fun Night Outdoors By Jennifer Halter
W
arm weather is upon us and for many families, that means finding more ways to enjoy time outdoors. Here are some ways to take your next family fun night outside under the stars — and do it on a budget!
Backyard Camping Adventure
Camping is a favorite activity for many families, but it can take a lot of time to pack, prepare, and travel, especially if it’s a last-minute decision. But you can have your own backyard camping night at home whenever the urge strikes. If you have a tent, set it up, or, if not, you can do all the other camping activities and just plan to sleep inside. This is a great option for those who are new to camping and may not quite be ready to brave the outdoors for a full night. If you can safely start a campfire (fire pits would be a great option for this), use it for cooking and added light and warmth. Grab your sticks or skewers to roast hot dogs or marshmallows for s’mores. Not able to cook outside? No problem! You can always prepare your food inside and take it out for a dinnertime picnic. For entertainment, sing your favorite songs, tell stories, or play yard games. You can easily make this a night to be screen-free and unplugged, which we all need from time to time.
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Glow Party
Glow sticks are inexpensive and can provide hours of fun on warm spring and summer nights. Check your local dollar store for sticks, bracelets, necklaces, wands, and headbands. Dress in dark-colored clothing to maximize the awesome glowing effect from the items your family chooses to wear, carry, or even attach to their outfits. Bring out the music for a fun glow dance party, or play a game of tag or hide and seek. You can also have a glow stick hunt (similar to an Easter egg hunt). Want to take it up a notch? Try your hand at your own glow bubbles! You will need standard size bottles of bubbles, glowsticks (approximately five to six per bottle of bubbles), scissors and protective gloves. To begin, open your bottle of bubbles. Select five to six glowsticks of the same color. If you want a brighter, more vibrant color, use more glow sticks. While wearing protective gloves, snip the end of each stick and squeeze the liquid into the bottle of bubbles. (Please note that since the glowsticks do contain chemicals, only adults should be handling them once they have been snipped open.) Replace the lid on the bubble bottle and shake gently to combine the liquids. Blow bubbles just as you normally would and watch them glow! The bubbles will glow for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, so you may want to have several extra
glowsticks on hand to extend the fun. You can also add a small amount of glow-in-the-dark paint to the bubbles for an added effect.
Starry Night
Sometimes, the simplest activity can bring hours of enjoyment for your family. Star gazing is an activity that involves no money and minimal planning. On a clear night, head outdoors to your favorite spot and just look up. Make your experience more comfortable by bringing out blankets to lay on or use lounge chairs or a hammock if available. Another idea you can try is to use an inflatable kiddie pool and fill it with your favorite pillows and stuffed animals to create a cozy spot for your little ones. See who can find the brightest stars or even constellations. For older kids, try a stargazing app like SkySafari or SkyView. Depending on the time of the month, you may be able to catch the full moon. Use this time to talk, tell stories, or just relax as you get ready for bedtime.
Outdoor Movie Night
Everyone loves family movie night and taking it outdoors can make it even more memorable! Setting up your space can be simple, or you can make it more elaborate depending on your budget. Use outdoor chairs or bring out the sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets. You can string lights or set out candles (keeping safety in mind around younger children) to give your space more of a movie theater feel. When choosing how to watch your movie(s), try a projector if you have one or keep it simple by using a laptop or portable DVD player.
Summer Camp Registration is
OPEN!
mpdpr.com/22summer The Manassas Park Community Center offers summer camps for ages 3 – 17! After camp care is available for children in Playschool Summer Camps and School Age Summer Camps.
Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street Manassas Park, VA 20111 703.335.8872
Prior to your movie night, decide what you want to watch. You can use your movie to create a themed snack menu or even dress in costume like the characters to make things more fun. Please your whole crowd with a bar where each person can create their own special bowl of popcorn by adding their preferred toppings. Some ideas for add-ins include chocolate candy pieces, sprinkles, ranch seasoning, or flavored butter. The possibilities are endless!
Jennifer Halter is the Publisher of Macaroni Kid Woodbridge and Macaroni Kid Gainesville/Manassas, free online calendars and resources to help you find your family fun all year round.
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destinations A Month-Long Tour of
Area Wineries and Tasting Rooms By Amy Falkofske
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n March, Prince William Living took you on a tour of area breweries and distilleries. This month, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the area’s wineries and wine tasting rooms.
The History of Wine in Virginia According to virginiawine.org, the first attempts at winemaking go back to the first settlers and a few founding fathers. However, winemaking didn’t become an industry in Virginia until the late 1970s. At first, the wine world dismissed Virginia viticulture (the cultivation of grapevines), but European immigrants and dairy farm matriarchs persisted and overcame the obstacles. What resulted was a sharp increase in wine quantity and quality in Virginia. In the 1990s, there were only about 50 wineries in Virginia. Today, there are nearly 300.
The Wineries
The Winery at La Grange “In addition to our fine selection of wines, The Winery at La Grange strives to make each guest feel welcome in our historic 18th-century manor house,” said Director of Marketing & Web Designer, Kevin Chevallier. “The La Grange estate is steeped in history and legends. We love to share the stories with our guests as they enjoy a glass or bottle of wine.” You’ll find a lot more than wine at The Winery at La Grange.
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“Throughout the year, we offer a variety of events, including wine dinners featuring local chefs, wine and chocolate pairings, K9s in the Vines tasting weekends, outdoor movie nights, and local vendor markets,” he said. The Winery at La Grange is located at 4970 Antioch Road in Haymarket.
The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm counts itself as both a brewery and a winery. Sunshine Ridge is locally owned and operated, with over 20 acres of land, a rustic wine tasting room, and an old pub-style brewery with large fireplaces. “What sets us apart is that we are situated on Lake Manassas, so unlike other local venues, we have amazing water views. Prior to our opening, these water views could only be enjoyed if you lived in the neighborhoods surrounding the lake or belonged to one of the country clubs on the lake. Now anyone can come and enjoy the lake with a cold brew or a glass of wine,” said Maria Rafferty, Co-owner. The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm is located at 15850 Sunshine Ridge Lane in Gainesville.
The Wine Tasting Rooms Aroma Wine Tasting
According to General Manager, Alexandria Scadden, what
Aroma Wine Tasting Room has locations in Manassas and Haymarket.
Visit The Spot on Mill Street at 406 Mill Street in Historic Occoquan for free wine tastings on the weekends.
distinguishes Aroma Wine Tasting from other wineries is its deluxe pairing plates, wine slushies, and "Cheers" atmosphere. Each month you can get a “Passport” to Food Pairings featuring different countries. You can also enjoy trivia every third Sunday and coming soon, Sip & Paint.
The Spot on Mill Street is the only place on the east coast to carry the only two white merlots currently being produced worldwide. It’s located at 406 Mill Street in Historic Occoquan.
Aroma Wine Tasting has two locations at 9249 Center Street in Manassas and 14871 Washington Street in Haymarket.
WineStyles Montclair is “a great place to eat, drink and mingle with the locals that's not a sports bar,” according to Co-owner, Arthur Lampros, who also owns Giorgio’s Family Restaurant right next door.
Bottle Stop Wine Bar “Bottle Stop Wine Bar has brought international acclaim & recognition to the area through being awarded Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for four years and counting. The Wine Bar also offers a more urban-style option for wine, cocktails and dining to the area,” said Co-owner, Kim Wigode.
WineStyles Montclair
“It's fun to give people a different outlet. We carry wines from all over the world, not just Virginia. So, we expose them to something off the beaten path,” said Lampros.
Bottle Stop has a Sommelier (wine steward) curated, awardwinning wine program that includes more than 25 wines by the glass and 300 bottles.
WineStyles Montclair does wine tastings on Friday and Saturday nights from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s located at 4394 Kevin Walker Drive in Montclair.
Bottle Stop Wine Bar is located at 311 Mill Street in Historic Occoquan.
Amy Falkofske is a freelance writer and screenwriter. She has a Master’s degree in Film-TV with a concentration in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University. She lives in Bristow with her husband, two boys and two Beagle dogs.
The Spot on Mill Street The Spot on Mill Street is actually a bistro that serves wine. They offer free wine tastings on the weekends. You can also participate in wine tastings on the first and third Wednesday of every month or daily bourbon, whiskey, scotch, and gin flights. “Being a small, female and veteran owned business, we love to partner with female and veteran based wineries from Virginia and around the world. Our wine reps work hard at finding unique wines for us and love that we explore different varietals and unique wines,” said Co-owner, Denise Ormsby.
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on a high note
UNEXPECTED TREASURES By Dawn Klavon
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acations can be life-changing — just ask Manassas-based artist Robin Croft. As a child back in the 1960s, he and his family visited the Outer Banks, off the coast of North Carolina, almost every summer. The area is known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” earning the nickname for the numerous shipwrecks there, caused by the coast's shifting sands and inlets. “They always fascinated me,” Croft said, adding that he actually saw shipwrecks on the beaches, “so that was an image that stuck in my mind.” In the many ephemeral outdoor sculptures he has made for 21 years, Croft said the image he has created the most is shipwrecks. On four consecutive annual visits to the Oregon Inlet area, Croft and artist collaborator, Mike Anthony, spent several days collecting driftwood, driftwood lumber, and manmade debris collected from a quarter mile stretch of beach. Two of these visits resulted in shipwreck images. “We would stack the lumber as if it was an old ship uncovered from the sand dune,” he said of the 30- to 40-foot-long art. His creations, though, were temporary. “They literally probably washed away within days of being completed — I have to expect that.”
hired. His commissioned art can be found at places like the 18acre Robinson Nature Center in Columbia, Maryland. Some of his art, he admitted, deteriorates with erosion, weather, and time, but Croft continues to imagine beauty that has never existed before. “I’m an artist; I love to draw, and it’s an outdoor drawing — very large scale,” he said. “I can never do anything that large in my studio…but this is just a way to express a bunch of different images that mean something to me.” The construction of the massive displays has become more complex over the years. “It’s really not anything that has a big secret to it,” Croft said of his building methods, which include weaving branches and forest brush into intricate patterns. “The hardest thing about it is that it’s physical labor.” The sculptures designed to look like shipwrecks are compelling. For example, “Shipwreck '08” was created on the beach just south of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge at Oregon Inlet, North Carolina. Croft’s shipwreck was made entirely of carefully stacked driftwood lumber using only a few reused nails for stability. “Most of my work is done for myself with collaborator artist friends,” he said.
Croft’s Creations Consider just a few of the pieces he has masterminded (available to view on his Instagram account, @shipwreckartist). He collects old driftwood, brush, and discarded items to create breathtaking art — on beaches, near dams, in forests, and wherever he is
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Closer to Home More recently, apart from the shipwreck theme, Croft created “Snare” just 5 miles from his home. It’s an experimental, partially functional sculpture intended to trap driftwood when
"Portal"
"River Pool"
the river rises. He told his social media followers in a post it is another attempt to test the erosion control potential of wattle construction. The art is located in Manassas at the Lake Jackson dam, off Route 234, and features 8-foot-tall walls that spread more than 50 feet long. The entire sculpture is built from gathered driftwood, and the cleared interior is roughly 600-square-feet of space. Croft has created many sculptures, imagined in his mind, with the outdoors as his canvas.
that was not just drawing, attempting a jarring appearance to approximate the experience of these encounters, or at least a metaphorical attempt to represent the tragic loss of brain function.”
“The public — they always seem to be very happy to see them and discover them,” Croft said. “It’s kind of a fun little thing to discover this big object that wasn’t there before.”
Croft’s eclectic studio art collection includes pieces that are an homage to friends from the senior center and represent a thoughtful commentary on each subject. His art is sometimes provocative, often complicated, but always compelling. There is an air of authenticity that captivates his audience, coming from one man’s honest attempt to process the realities of dementia and aging.
Studio Art
Looking Forward
Croft also creates art in a studio, in addition to his outdoor works — on top of holding a day job. He worked in assisted living facilities as a building maintenance supervisor, and some of his studio art was impacted by his daily experiences. Croft is transparent about his encounters, saying exposure to the havoc of aging, dementia, and corporate senior care was reflected in much of his work
Today, Croft works full-time in building maintenance in Fairfax County but continues to dream of new artistic endeavors, utilizing his many talents. He searches for more opportunities for commissioned pieces and envisions large-scale creations to express his unique artistic voice. This shipwreck artist’s inspiration, awakened decades ago on a sunny North Carolina beach, continues to drive him today to bring to life beauty, on scales large and small.
“I was just really, really drained every day,” he said. “I was seeing some awful, really depressing stories, but on the other hand, encouraging things when I got to meet some of the people that were my residents.” Croft’s Instagram page displays his studio art pieces, some of which detail his encounters with seniors struggling with memory loss. He wrestled with expressing himself, he wrote, “in a way
Dawn Klavon is a journalist, author, media director and recent transplant to NOVA. She thrives on juggling multiple projects, discovering local hot spots, consuming blue crab and conquering sudoku puzzles. Dawn can be reached at dklavon@ princewilliamliving.com. prince william living May 2022
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local flavor
Simple Ideas to Up Your Outdoor Grilling Game by Wendy Migdal
T
here’s nothing quite like the smell of food cooking on an outdoor grill, especially when it’s coming from your neighbor’s backyard. Steak, hamburgers, and hotdogs are the mouthwatering staples of summer. But you can kick it up a notch without being a foodie. Here are a few ways to do it.
Inject Some International Inspiration Sure, you could spend hours in the kitchen measuring long lists of ingredients for international cuisine, but if you’d rather spend the time enjoying good conversation in your backyard oasis, opt for a store-bought sauce instead. Many are great on their own, and some you may want to personalize. Tandoori chicken is a traditional Indian dish grilled in a cylindrical clay oven called a tandoor. However, your outdoor grill can do the job fairly well. Combine tandoori spice paste with yogurt in a large bowl. Marinate the chicken for about half a day, or even overnight. The key is to cut deep diagonal slashes in the chicken about a ½ inch apart so the marinade can fully penetrate. Covering the grill helps to mimic the effect of the tandoori oven, which is to smoke the meat in the fat that has dripped onto the charcoal below.
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An easy side to add to your Indian dish is grilled store-bought naan. Melt some butter and brush one side of the naan. Place buttered side down on the grill. When the bottom has browned slightly, brush the top with butter and flip. Of course, there are many other international sauces and marinades available in the store that make it easy to be a little more adventuresome in your grilling. Try peri peri sauce (a South African spicy sauce), or a Mexican carne asada or pollo asada marinade. Speaking of Mexican, if you’ve never treated yourself to Mexican street corn, now is the time. The sauce is tangy and the result is unlike any other summer corn recipe. The key Mexican ingredients (crema, which is thinner than sour cream, and cotija cheese) are widely available in grocery stores. Grill the husked corn until it’s charred all around. Mix up the sauce with equal parts (1/2 cup) Mexican crema, mayonnaise, and chopped cilantro. Add 1 minced garlic clove, 2 teaspoons lime zest, two tablespoons lime juice, and ¼ teaspoon chipotle pepper. Mix well and brush onto corn, then roll in crumbled cotija cheese. Have plenty of paper towels nearby, because this one’s not neat!
and allow to cool. Add 1 cup orange juice and 2 cups pineapple juice, mix well and pour into ice cube trays. Add two or three cubes to each glass of iced tea. For tea with a tingle, go for a similar idea, but with gin. Find your party pitcher and add 3 cups of tea, 1 1/4 cups pineapple juice, one thinly sliced orange, a teaspoon of angostura bitters, and 2 ounces of gin. Mix well and chill before serving over ice. As a variation, use ¼ teaspoon rum extract. Chances are, you’ll find all kinds of ways to modify these ideas and branch out further, which is the great thing about cooking — there’s no end to where a new idea may take you. Use your grill to get your creative juices, along with your salivary glands, going.
Make a Meal out of Appetizers Sometimes you just want to order off the appetizer menu at a restaurant. (Well, that and the dessert menu.) Here are some tasty appetizers that have been called trios, because most of them only require three ingredients.
Wendy is a freelance writer who has lived in the Northern/Central Virginia area since 2000. She has written extensively for various publications and enjoys traveling around the area to learn about parks, restaurants, attractions, and especially history.
Bacon-wrapped shrimp. After wrapping bacon around shrimp, secure with a toothpick, then thread three bundles onto a skewer. Baste with a spicy barbecue sauce. Grill for about 4 minutes. You can also experiment with mixing more ingredients with the sauce, such as horseradish, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard, etc. Bacon-wrapped dates. Stuff dates with goat cheese, then wrap with bacon. Secure, skewer, and grill as above. Or, try baconwrapped apricots stuffed with goat cheese or Havarti cheese. How about bacon-wrapped jalapenos with cream cheese? For a vegetarian option, grill thin slices of zucchini, then spread with a filler such as cream cheese, feta, and minced olives, and roll up. The possibilities are endless . . . Eggplant stacks. Cut an eggplant into 3/4-inch slices. Brush with oil, then grill on one side. Flip, then add a slice of mozzarella cheese. After the eggplant is done and the cheese is melted, add a slice of tomato and some fresh pepper and basil on top. For extra flavor, add a little pesto. Loaded potato rounds. These are similar in concept to the eggplant stacks. Cut potatoes into 1-inch-thick slices. Brush with olive oil, add salt and pepper, and grill on both sides. Top with as many toppings as you like: sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, and chives.
Add a New Tea Summer is synonymous with iced tea, and a glass of tea is a great thing to have in hand while grilling up your favorite dishes. One delicious porch-sipper involves adding flavored ice cubes. They’ll sink to the bottom and your drink will gradually get sweeter and almost turn into a slushie by the end. For pineapple-orange ice cubes, boil ¾ cup sugar and 1 cup water prince william living May 2022
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home & hearth Installing Bathroom Tile Like a Pro Article courtesy of Family Features. Photo courtesy of Unsplash.
U
pdating bathroom flooring can help infuse new life into tired, outdated bathrooms. For an upscale, polished look that doesn’t have to break the bank, consider installing tile.
Flooring Decisions
Before you get started, you’ll want to make some decisions about the look and feel of your flooring: Ceramic or stone? Weigh factors such as porosity, how slippery the surface may be when wet and how well it retains heat or cold. Ultimately, your decision hinges on the needs and uses of your family. Complement or contrast? Define the overall style you want, as well as the colors and tones that will help best achieve your vision. Big or small? Generally, the larger the tile, the fewer grout lines, and too many grout lines in a smaller space can create the illusion of clutter. However, smaller tiles can eliminate the need to make multiple awkward cuts, and small tiles are perfect for creating accent patterns or introducing a splash of color.
Laying Your Flooring
When you’ve got your overall look and materials selected, keep these steps in mind as you begin laying the flooring: 1. Prepare your subfloor. Use a level to check for uneven spots; you need an even surface to prevent cracks in the tile or grout as well as rough spots that could pose tripping hazards. Use patching and leveling material to create a consistent surface. Apply a thin layer of mortar then attach your cement backer board with screws. Cover joints with cement board tape, apply another thin layer of mortar, smooth and allow to dry. 2. To ensure square placement, draw reference lines on the subfloor using a level and carpenter square. Tile should start in the middle of the room and move out toward the walls, so make your initial reference lines as close to the center as possible. Mark additional reference lines as space allows, such as 2-foot-by-2-foot squares. 3. Do a test run with your chosen tile by laying it out on the floor. There are color variations in most tile patterns, so you’ll want to verify each tile blends well with the next. 4. Mix tile mortar and use the thin side of a trowel to apply mortar at a 45-degree angle. Use the combed side to spread evenly and return excess mortar to the bucket. Remember to apply mortar in small areas, working as you go, so it doesn’t dry before you’re ready to lay the tile.
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5. When laying tile, use your reference lines as guides. Press and wiggle tile slightly for the best adherence. 6. Use spacers to create even lines between one tile and the next, removing excess mortar with a damp sponge or rag. 7. As you complete a section of tile, use a level and mallet to ensure the tiles are sitting evenly. 8. Let mortar dry 24 hours before grouting. 9. Remove spacers then apply grout to joints, removing excess as you go. 10. Allow grout to dry per the manufacturer’s instructions then go back over tile with a damp sponge to set grout lines and clean grout residue. 11. Once grout has cured — usually at least a couple weeks — apply sealer to protect it. Find more ideas and tips for updating your bathroom at eLivingtoday.com.
The lifestyle you want. The support you need. Potomac Place is nestled in a quiet, wooded neighborhood, just minutes from all that Prince William County has to offer. Plus, vibrant activities, licensed nurses, and delicious dining are only steps away from your spacious apartment! Spend time doing the things you love. We’ll take care of the rest. Call 703-494-3817 today to schedule your tour.
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calendar Making the Most of Prince William Living
Online – On Demand Are you an advertiser with Prince William Living or interested in becoming one? Now online, our publisher Rebecca Barnes will help you discover how to “Make the Most of Prince William Living.” Meet the people behind greater Prince William’s premier lifestyle magazine. Visit princewilliamliving.com/ lunchwiththepublisher.
City of Manassas Farmers Market
Thursdays | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Harris Pavilion 9201 Center St., Manassas Saturdays | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Commuter Car Park 9024 Prince William St., Manassas The City of Manassas Farmers Market will be held Thursdays at the Harris Pavilion and on Saturdays at the Commuter Car Park.
We the People: Portraits of Veterans in America
may
Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. National Museum of the Marine Corps 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Triangle In 2010, internationally renowned artist Mary Whyte set out on an inspirational seven-year mission to paint 50 largescale watercolor portraits of current-day American veterans. WE THE PEOPLE: Portraits of Veterans in America is Whyte's remarkable series depicting military veterans of all ages and in all walks of life. Images including a Missouri dairy farmer, Rhode Island lobsterman, Pennsylvania science teacher, South Carolina single mother, and 46 other moving portraits will be showcased together, culminating in a timeless portrait.
Dale City Farmers Market
Sundays | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dale City Commuter Lot 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City The Dale City Farmers Market, run by the Prince William County Department
of Parks & Recreation, has operated since 1987.
Trivia Night in the Republic
Tuesdays | 7 to 9 p.m. Brew Republic Bierwerks 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge Are you a wealth of random information? Do you enjoy drinking beer and competing against others to win fabulous prizes? Brew Republic Bierworks and Trivia Kings put your knowledge to the test. Teams are welcome and encouraged (but certainly not required). Format includes music, picture, and weekly theme rounds with interactive participation.
Prince William Farmers Market
Thursdays | 3 to 7 p.m. Stadium 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge The Prince William Farmers Market will start up on April 7.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Tues. May 3 | All day Montclair Community Library 5049 Waterway Drive, Dumfries Give the gift of life by donating blood at your library. Please register online at redcross.org or contact 1-800-REDCROSS to schedule your life-saving donation. Use sponsor code: Montclair Community Library. Some walk-ins will be accepted as schedule allows. In accordance with CDC guidelines, Prince William County recommends all visitors wear a mask or face covering while inside county facilities.
Leadercast 2022: The One Thing
Wed. May 4 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. George Mason University, Beacon Hall 10945 George Mason Circle, Manassas Ten influential and acclaimed leaders (including LaVar Burton and Andy Stanley) will share the stage for one day
to answer the same question: What is the one thing that makes a leader worth following? Attend, experience, and find your One Thing. Presented by Prince William Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Prince William. Call 703368-6600 to register.
Spring Yard Sale
Sat. May 7 | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street, Manassas Park This annual spring yard sale 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! Face masks are encouraged for this event.
Prince William Compost Awareness Day
Sat. May 7 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Balls Ford Road Compost Facility 13000 Balls Ford Road, Manassas Event attendees can get tips and techniques on composting and gardening from the local Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteers. Keep Prince William Beautiful will be there with volunteer opportunities to share. Compost operation contractor Freestate Farms will provide free compost samples and offer a discount on compost. Bring a bucket for the free sample. Residents may also purchase an affordable backyard compost bin kit.
Kickstart Your Job Search Webinar Series
Mon. May 9 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Online – Presented by Prince William Public Libraries Learn practical job search resources, tips, and advice from a staffing and recruiting industry expert. Geared toward professionals who have taken an extended career break or are in career transition, this series focuses on practical job search resources, tips, and advice from a staffing and recruiting industry expert. Learn about part-time, flexible job opportunities in the DMV area. Registration required:
Have an event? Visit princewilliamliving.com/events to submit details to our online calendar.
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pwcgov,libnet.info/event/6185716.
Diabetes Support Group
Wed. May 11 | 10 to 11 a.m. Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Hylton Education Center, Rooms BF 2300 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge The Diabetes Support Group offers the perfect opportunity for those with diabetes to share information and achievements, hear guest speakers, and discuss their concerns. Registration is not required, and sessions are open to the public. For questions or details on upcoming topics, please call 703-523-0590.
Viking Festival
Sat. May 14 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Manassas Museum Lawn 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas Dress up as a Viking, step back in time, and learn about Scandinavian history and the Vikings. Multiple Viking reenactment groups will set up a Viking village on the Manassas Museum lawn and demonstrate daily life during the Viking era including battles and more. The Viking ship will be back. Attend educational program with hawks and owls, and enjoy lots of Viking era related vendors.
Latin American Artisans & Entrepreneurs Expo
Sun. May 15 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Harris Pavilion 9201 Center Street, Manassas LAREXPO is a multicultural event created with the purpose of disseminating Latin American culture through art, gastronomy, folkloric dances, live music, and craftsmanship that show the culture of each participating country.
Find Funding, Resources, and Support for Individual Artists
Tues. May 17 | 12 to 1:30 p.m. Chinn Park Regional Library, MAGIC Room 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge This event is for individual artists looking for funding to support their creative endeavors. It will look at the financial impacts that individual artists have experienced this year. Register at pwcgov. libnet.event/6163373.
Sweet Surprises in the Garden
Sat. May 21 | All day Montclair Community Library 5049 Waterway Drive, Dumfries The Trowel Garden Club of Prince William County presents a Small Standard Flower Show: “Sweet Surprises in the Garden." The show will feature horticulture, “Watch a Miracle Grow,” showcasing displays of horticulture grown in the gardens of the club members. Also featured: design “Around Every Corner,” showcasing floral designs created by garden club members using fresh flowers and greenery.
Nam Knights Memorial Poker Run
Sat. May 21 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bull Run Warrior Retreat 16013 Waterfall Road, Haymarket Hosted by Nam Knights, Sons of Titans Motorcycle Club. Riders take a predetermined route with several stops ending at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. Riders and guests are treated to a free lunch and tours of the Retreat. For additional information, email events@ willingwarriors.org.
Chalk Festival
Sat. May 21 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Blooms Park 9701 Manassas Drive, Manassas Park During this event, the first annual Chalk Festival, the blank pavement and paths
We Create & Foster Enduring Image!
throughout Blooms Park will transform into a community art gallery — filled by YOU! Canvas and chalk supplied; you’ll supply the inspiration.
KidsFest Spring Fair
Sun. May 22 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Manassas Museum Lawn 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas Bring all the kids to enjoy a full day of fun and flying kites just in time to celebrate International Kids Day! All activities are weather dependent and may change based on CDC and local regulations. Lots of arts & crafts vendors, food, and live entertainment for parents!
Breast Cancer Support Group
Wed. May 25 | 6:15 to 8:25 p.m. Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Hylton Education Center, Rooms CG 2300 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge The Breast Cancer Support Group offers valuable information and emotional support to breast cancer patients. The group offers a safe place where you can connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges, exchange ideas, and use your knowledge to help others. All breast cancer patients are encouraged to attend, whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, or are starting into the survivorship phase.
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 2022
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(703)543-9206
www.actspwc.org 703-441-8606
www.manassasoliveoil.com
Volunteers Needed!
Contact us to see how you can make a difference in our community!
703-330-8145 www.casacis.org
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
703-597-1984
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