Prince William Living June 2018

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MANASSAS ROCKS

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OUTDOOR FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

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JUST DESSERTS

prince william living June 2018

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Extraordinary Teens

princewilliamliving.com

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Give Back Prince William: The Name Says It All! PAGE 14

4-H—Helping Heads, Hearts, Hands and Health PAGE 21


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table of contents June 2018 | Vol. 8 | No. 6

FEATURE STORY Extraordinary Teens

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DEPARTMENTS FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF

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ON A HIGH NOTE Female Sleuths: Meet Three Local Mystery Writers

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DESTINATIONS Manassas Rocks: Art That Touches the Heart

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GIVING BACK Give Back Prince William: The Name Says It All!

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LIFELONG LEARNING 4-H – Helping Heads, Hearts, Hands and Health

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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS When Adversity Meets Grit, Sometimes a Business Is Born

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FAMILY FUN Details Make Outdoor Family Movie Nights Memorable

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LOCAL FLAVOR In Western PWC, Just Desserts CALENDAR

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COLUMNS THE FASHION FOLDER HEALTH & WELLNESS

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HOME & HEARTH YOUR FINANCES

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prince william living Rebecca Barnes

PRINCE WILLIAM LIVING PUBLISHER rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Amanda Causey Baity

Kim Howard, CAE EDITOR IN CHIEF khoward@princewilliamliving.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Vanessa Vega Braun, vbraun@princewilliamliving.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amanda Causey Baity, Carla Christiano, Kim Howard, CAE, Helena Tavares Kennedy, Peter Lineberry, Olivia Overman, Marianne Weaver, Bennett Whitlock

ONLINE SUBMISSION MANAGER Carole Keily

COPY EDITORS Apryl Motley, CAE and Peter Lineberry

GIVE BACK PRINCE WILLIAM INITIATIVE Caitlin Stephens, caitlin@givebackpw.org Melissa Payne, melissa@givebackpw.org Johnnie Barnes, johnnie@givebackpw.org CLIENT CARE SPECIALIST Diane Puigdomenech, dpuigdomenech@ princewilliamliving.com

PHOTO EDITOR Amanda Causey Baity PHOTOGRAPHER Amanda Causey Baity GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio

Prince William Living, the premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas, is published monthly by Prince William Living, Inc. The opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Prince William Living. Š Copyright 2018 by Prince William Living, Inc. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without written permission. Visit the Prince William Living website at www.princewilliamliving.com for reprint permission.

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June 2018 prince william living


from the Editor in Chief Go Discover the World

J

une is a fun month, and it officially launches summer on its 21st day. Pools are open, and the water is almost warm enough to swim in without getting hypothermia. We celebrate dads with Father’s Day. And high school seniors graduate and celebrate with family and friends. In our area, thousands of young people will graduate from high school and contemplate their next life choices. Some will attend college. Some will join the military. Others will work full-time, and some may take a gap year. Whatever their decisions are, if our future is in the hands of graduates like this year’s extraordinary teens, then we are in good hands. In our cover story, “Extraordinary Teens” by Marianne Weaver, you will meet 10 young people who will inspire you with their academic and community success. See page 4 for details on who made this year’s list. Anyone who grew up in the country knows what 4-H is. But, what have you learned about the organization recently and how it is helping minors to develop life skills? In our Lifelong Learning section, writer Helena Tavares Kennedy immerses you in 4-H beyond farming and animal science. Read “4-H – Helping Heads, Hearts, Hands and Health” on page 21 to see how this organization is changing the lives of children.

My mother baked and decorated cakes professionally, so my relationship with sugar started early. Dessert is still my favorite part of the meal. So, imagine my delight when we decided to profile places where you can satisfy your sweet tooth. This month’s Local Flavor writer Peter Lineberry profiles four local dessert places in “In Western PWC, Just Desserts” on page 30. This month’s Giving Back by Olivia Overman showcases a cause near and dear to our hearts at Prince William Living magazine. “Giving Back Prince William: The Name Says It All” expands on our publisher’s desire to give back to the community where she grew up. Learn more about Rebecca Barnes, her nonprofit and what it does in the community on page 18. As my daughter and thousands of other seniors graduate this month, know that the world is your oyster. Go discover it and leave it better than you found it. You are our future. We’re counting on you. And, while you’re out changing the world, have fun, too. It’s one of the last phases in life where you are allowed some leeway to act “young, dumb and broke” as Khalid sings it. Just be smart about that, too. Kim Howard, CAE Editor in Chief

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Extraordinary Teens extraordinary teens By Marianne Weaver

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rince William Living recognizes greatness within our community: organizations giving back and individuals making a difference. In this issue we introduce you to 10 graduating high school seniors, who are well on their way to becoming extraordinary adults.

Matthew Cinnamon Matthew Cinnamon is a senior at Forest Park High School in the Information Technology Program, specializing in computer science, and leads four teams competing in FIRST Robotics, VEX Robotics, SeaPerch Underwater Robotics and ZERO Robotics. He is also the top-ranked programmer on the computer science team and competes in the American Computer Science League.

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“Matthew has motivation and passion to succeed, but he desires to help those around him become better and attain success as well,” said his mother, Karen Cinnamon. “Not only has he led his VEX robotics teams to the world championships four years running, he has spent an inordinate amount of time, both after school and in the summer, mentoring and leading younger kids, so they can reach that same passion and success.” For this volunteer work, he was recognized with the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress bestows upon a youth civilian. He was also recognized as a 2018 Coca-Cola Scholar, an honor awarded to 150 students who not only excel academically, but are also actively involved in their schools and communities. And he’s an Eagle Scout from Troop 43, based in Manassas. For his Eagle Scout project, “Matthew organized and led the largest storm drain labeling project held to date in Prince William County,” said his mother. “He led a team of 43 volunteers that labeled 350 storm drains and distributed information to 800


households to raise awareness of urban runoff and household pollutants and their link to water pollution in our watersheds.”

Camryn Claude Camryn Claude is a senior at C. D. Hylton Senior High School, where she is the senior representative on the student committee in the Center for International Studies and Languages (CISL).

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“Camryn is very passionate about art and studying French,” said her • mother, Alenda Claude. “She is ' the president of French National Honor Society and a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Debate Club and Drama Club, all while maintaining a 4.525 GPA.”

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Claude participated in the Prince William All-County Arts Festival throughout high school, winning the Award of Excellence ribbon in 2015 and 2017. This year, she won the Award of Excellence for her piece entitled “Lovers’ Bridge,” a depiction of The College of William and Mary’s Crim Dell Bridge. In 2017, Claude participated in the Creative Arts Showcase at Chinn Park Regional Library and was the high school first-place winner in the category of pen, pencil, pastels, charcoal and markers for her piece “A Portrait in Black and Blue.” Since 2013, she has volunteered at the Independent Hill Neighborhood Library. “Camryn is a very energetic and civicminded individual, who has provided a high level of service and enthusiasm in her work at our library,” said her supervisor, Melanie Erhart. “She interacts well with patrons of all ages and brings a great sense of service to her community in her work.” She has been a Girl Scout since elementary school and has worked on numerous community service projects. In 2017, she participated in an exchange trip to Dijon, France, and plans to study international relations and linguistics in college.

Amy Freeze Amy Freeze is a senior at Potomac Senior High School. “I have had the pleasure of knowing Amy Freeze throughout her high school career,” said nominator Julie Ericson, Potomac girls’ varsity lacrosse head coach. “She has shown how dedicated she is to her studies by achieving A’s in advanced courses, becoming a role model on her sports team, and spending countless hours serving the Prince William County community.”

Ericson noted that Freeze is especially dedicated to making sure kids know how to swim and stay safe in the water. In addition to swim coaching, Freeze has worked many years feeding the homeless at the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center. In 2017 she raised more than $3,000 for the American Cancer Society. “It is comforting to know there are still high school students who want to make a difference for the younger generation,” said Ericson. “It is inspiring to know that she cares about the community and all who live in it. She brings joy to me and others around her.”

Amber Ignatowski Amber Ignatowski is a senior at Potomac Senior High School in the Cambridge Programme, an international pre-university curriculum and examination system that can be tailored to students’ interests and abilities. She is a member of the National Art Honor Society, Relay for Life Team, DECA and Girl Scouts. She was recently awarded the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists Award of Excellence, which recognizes outstanding grades, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of science and technology. “Amber Ignatowski knows how to give back to her community,” said Karen Hammack, who has been her Girl Scout leader for 13 years. “Amber has been participating in service to Greater Prince William since kindergarten.” Along with her troop, Hammack said Ignatowski has sorted food for a local food bank, prepared and served meals at a local homeless shelter and participated in a weekly reading and homework helper program for the children living there. She also planted trees in new subdivisions to control probable erosion. Ignatowski received the Girl Scout Silver Award for a project which focused on rubbish and trash problems along Panther Pride Drive and the three schools located on that road, all of (continues on page 6)

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(continued from page 5) which she attended. Hammack noted that the project allowed her to “see [an issue], create a solution, and solve a problem for places that made an impact in her life.” During the last five summers, Ignatowski also volunteered at Locust Shade Park for Ports of Prince William Day Camp, which serves between 150 and 200 campers annually.

Addison Keele Addison Keele is a senior at Forest Park High School, where she is a PWCS Gifted Education Scholar. In her Gifted Education Multidisciplinary Seminar (GEMS) class this year, she conducted an independent research project on the multiverse, parallel universes, and interdimensional travel. She is a member of the Molly Gill Chapter of the National Honor Society, the Literati Chapter of the National English Honor Society, and the Forest Park Chapter of the National Spanish Honor Society. She also holds the position of secretary for the Spanish Honor Society and is an active participant in Key Club and the Black Student Union. “Addison divides her time between focusing on school work and giving back to her community,” said her mother, Veronica Keele. “Addison inspires others by sharing her experiences and the influences in her life.” Outside of school, she contributes to the community by tutoring weekly with the homework club at Henderson Elementary School. Through the honor societies, she is a co-curricular peer tutor for English and all levels of Spanish. Each summer she volunteers as a Big Sister Helper for the younger dancers at her dance studio. In the winter, she volunteered for Breakfast with Santa, a day filled with games, activities, free pancakes, and gifts for those who cannot afford to have a great Christmas. She has also participated in several drives for the ACTS Community Shelter. In addition to donating books, canned goods, and pet food, Addison helped package and transport the goods to various shelters.

Irma Gonzalez Medrano Irma Gonzalez Medrano is a senior at C. D. Hylton High School, where she participates in the Center for International Studies and Languages program.

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“Irma is the definition of a quiet leader and has made an impact through her volunteer work,” said Michaella Beatty, school counselor at Hylton. “Irma has reaffirmed for me why I chose the profession of school counseling.” Gonzalez has served as an assistant teacher for children, newborn to age 5. According to Beatty, she has played a vital role in expanding the creative learning experience of the kids with whom she works, from putting on plays to taking them apple picking, while leading them with patience and kindness. “As an ESOL student, Irma is an example of a hard-working teen,” noted Beatty. “She is brilliant and works extremely diligently in her classwork. She will be the first in her family to go to college and has already been accepted to a university. Through Irma’s volunteer efforts with young children, she is giving them a wonderful example of how hard work pays off.”

Madison Rudd Madison Rudd is a senior at Potomac Senior High School, where she is enrolled in the Cambridge Programme. She is a member of the National Honor Society, part of a Relay for Life team, and a Panther Pack mentor who helps freshmen students get acclimated to high school. She also works at Locust Shade Park. For the last two years, Rudd has been a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, volunteering at least 20 hours a month to show kids at local elementary and middle schools how to play their instruments properly and read music. “It is no secret that the music and arts programs have suffered in school districts due to budget constraints,” said nominator and coach Ericson. “Madison has helped show these kids that music builds their imagination and intellectual curiosity. She engages them, so they enjoy playing their instruments. Madison has helped them understand that having some form of music in their lives will only help their overall academic performance.”


In 2017, she raised money to take a mission trip, spending a month in Indonesia teaching kids ages 6-10 how to read and write in English. “Her positive impact on her classmates and teammates is extraordinary,” said Ericson. “Her endless dedication to kids in this community while maintaining academic excellence provides a role model for kids and adults.”

Rida Subzwari Rida Subzwari is a senior at GarField Senior High School, where she is president of the Key Club International, Student Activities Council, Model United Nations and the Women’s Leadership Club. She works with the “Rise to Run” campaign, which is designed to empower women and girls to run for political office. “Rida is a ‘take-action’ girl! She is a problem solver,” said Hammack. “She is involved in a program called Champion’s Closet, which helps families of Gar-Field High School that are below the poverty level have access to food, clothing and school supplies.” Hammack, who has been her Girl Scout leader for a decade, said Subzwari has volunteered at the local ACTS shelter, reading to young children and helping them with homework, as well as preparing and serving meals there. She also has volunteered for several years at Prince William Forest Park, assisting with the Heritage Days Program and cleaning trails during National Trails Day. Last summer she attended the Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School for the Humanities, and this summer she plans to help develop a school for impoverished children in inner city Lahore, Pakistan. “Rida has a social conscience,” said Hammack. “Each of these contributions has helped make some area of Prince William County a little bit better.”

Emily Renner Emily Renner is a senior at Osbourn High School, where she is president of the Interact Club, secretary of the National English Honor Society and a member of the Key Club, Rho Kappa, Community Connection Network, Outreach for GayStraight Alliance, National Honor Society, student government, and Youth Salute.

“Emily Renner truly has the heart for helping people,” said nominator Liz Witt-Lee. “Passionate about her school community, she is involved in not one, not two, but nine organizations at Osbourn High School, and has taken on a leadership role in many of them. An avid volunteer, she is also a go-getter and relishes being in a leadership role.” After school, she works at the Morganna Animal Clinic and Boarding Kennel in Manassas. “It’s rare that someone Emily’s age really ‘gets it,’ and she truly does,” said Witt-Lee. “She understands the value of hard work, family, and caring for those who may not be as privileged. I especially love that she is so wellrounded, participating in and experiencing so many different activities. This gives her a better understanding of the world around her, and it shows in her work where her personality shines through in whatever she does.”

Makenzie Wolf Makenzie Wolf is a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and an avid participant in and leader of activities in her school, church and Girl Scouts. At school she has appeared on stage and worked behind the scenes for numerous theater productions. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Sign Language Club. As a Girl Scout, Wolf has served as a program aide for the past five summers at Ports of Prince William Day Camp. She has also prepared several meals for the homeless in Prince William, as well as contributed to “family” meals for a “sister” Girl Scout whose mother had cancer and needed additional support inside the home during extensive chemotherapy treatments. Hammack described Wolf as “self-driven and highly motivated,” adding that she is also a very active member of her church, where she participates in the church youth group and teaches Sunday school classes. “I met Makenzie when she was in the third grade and a student at Mary Williams Elementary School,” said Hammack. “I have watched Makenzie grow and develop into a beautiful, confident young lady. It has been a joy and a pleasure to work with her in the scouting program. I know she will do many great things with future opportunities.” Marianne E. Weaver (mweaver@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance editor and writer. She earned a BA from the University of Pittsburgh and an MJ from Temple University.

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on a high note

Female Sleuths

Meet Three Local Mystery Writers By Kim Howard, CAE

H

ave you wondered how a person decides to write a book? Do avid readers make the best writers? What about someone whose parents ran a small-town newspaper? Meet mystery writers Linda Ensign and Genilee Swope Parente, respectively. “I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. When I graduated from the children’s library to the adult library, it was one of the highlights of my childhood,” Linda Ensign said. Ensign is the author of the short story “The Storm in the Teacup,” which appeared in the award-winning “Chesapeake Crimes: Storm Warning.” “Mom and my dad ran a small-town newspaper for many years. Mom [F. Sharon Swope, her co-author] wrote a column for the paper. She always wanted to write novels, but she put her dreams on hold to raise four children,” said Genilee Swope Parente. “One of those children (my younger sibling Allyn M. Stotz) became a successful children’s book author late in life. Mom, at age 82, decided that ‘if [she] was ever going to write that novel in [her] head’ she had better get started. She’d had an idea for a hero in her mind for about 70 years, and inspired by Allyn’s success in getting published, finally got that hero down on paper in “Twist of Fate,” the first mystery in The Fate Series. Meanwhile, I always wrote creatively, but never pursued getting published. I am a long-time freelance writer and magazine editor.”

The Cast of Characters Book characters. We’ve loved them. We’ve hated them. We’ve related to them. We’ve not understood them. Characters are key to a good storyline. However, creating characters is not the

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easiest part of the job for Ensign. “For me the hardest part about creating characters is trying to limit how many I put into a story. I like complex characters. The hardest part of developing the story line is also trying to keep it simple enough to get it finished because I also like complex story lines,” she said. Parente echoes Ensign’s sentiments. “The hardest part about creating characters, especially when you have multiple characters in an ongoing series, is making sure each book contains fresh faces. However, when you write a series, you fall in love with some of your characters, and you let them move along into other plots. That’s why in The Fate Series, Detective Sam Osborne, the central character, appears more and more as the stories progress. Mom [Sharon] and I fell in love with his soft-spoken manner, sharp mind, average looks, kindness, and ability to make friends easily while sniffing out what’s really going on. Mom [Sharon] calls him a Columbo-type hero without the sloppiness. We’ve also let some of the other characters that we liked move from book to book. For example, the heroine of the first book eventually ends up working for the detective, and she and her husband become a part of later plots in the series,” Parente said. Ensign and Parente agree that the easiest part of their work is plot development. For Ensign the easiest part about creating characters is “deciding what their motivations are—the why of the character. The easiest part of the story line is the big picture view—how it starts, ends, and how it affects the characters.” Parente and her mom also find this to be an easier part of the book writing effort. “The easiest part about creating characters and plots is that once you sit down at a computer at regular


intervals and just make yourself write (whether you end up using what you’ve done that day or not), the creating just happens. It’s a natural phenomenon,” Parente said. “You also find that the more you practice this sitting-down-and-doing-it process, the easier the words come.”

The Introduction So how did these local writers get started? Parente’s mom wrote her first book based on an idea that she had been kicking around for decades. Once the draft was complete, she handed it to her daughter, who is an editor, and suggested that they work together. The two collaborated on that first book, and based on the success of the partnership, they went on to write the other four books in the Fate Series plus a book of short stories. They chose mysteries with some romance because that’s the genre they prefer to read. They also began speaking all over Prince William County and Northern Virginia at senior centers and communities to inspire others to pursue their goals. Because of Parente’s mom’s age, “she is a popular and inspiring speaker. As the series grew, we began talking to other types of groups, such as book clubs and churches, having book signings, and selling our books at arts and crafts fairs in the area. We have also worked on networking with other authors in the area by joining several writer’s groups,” Parente said. “I write mysteries because they are one of my favorite genres of books to read,” Ensign said. “I started writing mysteries in the late ’90s, but my writing output is not as much as I want it to be for a number of reasons. Writing is not my full-time job, and I have multiple stories all in various stages of progression.” As if writing mysteries wasn’t enough work, Ensign is also working on her Ph.D. in educational psychology and research methods at George Mason University. She is a “self-confessed technophile and proficient in over 10 programming languages.” So, there’s no old-school typewriter keys clacking when she writes her books. In addition to writing mystery fiction, Ensign also writes in other genres, including long and short fiction, fantasy, science fiction and thrillers. She is president of the Northern Virginia Writers Club and a member of the Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime.

The Creative Process Do writers suffer from writer’s block? Are they agonizing over their prose or drinking themselves into a stupor when the creativity just isn’t there? If you think that all writers are tortured like Sylvia Plath, Ernest Hemingway or F. Scott Fitzgerald, these writers are not. Ensign said that how long it takes her to write a book depends upon how often she writes. “I’ve completed NaNoWriMo (an annual, Internet-based creative writing project that takes place during the month of November) four times—producing over 50,000 words in 30 days—all of which were complete first drafts of manuscripts. If I’m not writing to an external deadline, a first draft can take between three to six months,” Ensign said. “The revising and editing is also very dependent on what else I’m doing and the level of revisions or

editing needed. Revising for continuity can take three to six months, and line editing can take a week or two.” Parente and her mother have a different approach to writing their books. “It takes far less time for Mom to draft the initial story than it takes for me to edit and flush out the details. Mom’s first book took only a few months to write. The others took anywhere from two to four months. It takes me up to a year to fill in the details and do the additional research required when you put together a mystery novel,” Parente said. “However, Mom is retired while I work full-time, which affects how much gets done and when.” The way they work together is that mom (Sharon) submits the plots and characters and daughter (Genilee) fills in details. “Mom’s ability to spin a yarn and create interesting characters is strong, but she doesn’t much care for the description. I am a wordsmith by trade, so I love everything about the craft of writing,” Parente said.

Their Favorite Mystery Writers Parente and her mother Swope like a variety of writers. “Since there are two of us, it differs. One writer we both agree that we adore is Mary Higgins Clark, though we don’t like all her books or characters. However, we both think she has a wonderful ability to weave a believable tale and to keep you guessing and wanting to read more. The same could be said of Sandra Brown, but only in her most recent books. She went from writing mushy romance to writing some pretty great mysteries, and we love her later work. Those two authors do what we want to do, keep readers turning pages, anxious for the next tidbit,” Parente said. Ensign also has a few favorites. “Tana French is my current favorite because her stories features complex, flawed heroines or heroes. Other favorites include Minette Walters, Elizabeth George, and Carlos Ruiz Zafón,” she added.

The Market for Books Parente and Swope are quick to note that aside from being the creative brains behind a book, authors also have to market their products. “The hardest part about being an author, for almost any writer, is getting the word out about your novels. Because of the way books are sold today, you won’t see many of the thousands of published authors in a bookstore,” Parente said. “Most sales occur online or in person. But it takes grit and determination to get out there and sell those books. The reason authors develop networks with other authors is that it’s easy to get discouraged—a very, very small percentage of novelists make any money doing it. All writers of books need a support system encouraging them to continue to do what they love.”

Kim Howard, CAE (khoward@princewilliamliving.com) is the editor in chief of Prince William Living.

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the fashion folder Summer in Blue and White By Roxy Rowton

A

s welcoming as a gentle summer breeze, the harmonious color combination of blue and white is a perfect sartorial gesture to a season of recreation and relaxation. If fashion has a favorite color palette for the sun-drenched days and balmy nights of summer, it’s got to unabashedly be blue and white! This enduring color combination has been the inspiration of sartorial interpretations throughout the chapters of fashion. Originally, this color scheme was made popular by the timeless decor staple of blue and white chinaware. The production of blue and white textiles in the 18th century paved the way for the duo to become a celebrated color combination in clothing. The iconic color duo has inspired fashion legends, such as Christian Dior and Valentino, as well as presentday designers Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren, to curate collections of special patterns and motifs. The staying power of this classic color duo is indisputable. In the warm-weather closet, blue and white lend a refreshing take on classic silhouettes and everyday staples. Layer the closet with timeless silhouettes in refined fabrics of blue and white to assemble a simple, pared-down wardrobe of pieces that style for day, night, and everything in between. Tone down the bold contrast of deeper blues and cooler whites with softer hues of cream and pastel blues. Tissue-weight fabrics, cloud-soft textures, and relaxed cuts make this duo a breeze to wear when the temperatures begin to sizzle. Like so many of our fashion favorites, style hinges on utilitarian practicality and sophisticated sensibility. The pieces we love and wear from season in to season out are a sartorial nod to comfort and simplicity. For an easy approach to warm-weather dressing, a collection of blue and white pieces delivers every time in terms of style and functionality. Whether basking in peaceful places or soaking up sunny spaces, take cues from sky and sea for an organic palette of sun-washed chambrays, cool navies, deep indigos, dark denims, maritime stripes, and aquatic blues to crisp whites, creamy alabasters, cloudy linens, and sea-foam knits. Wardrobe and style consultant Roxy L. Rowton (rlrowton@ everydayrefinement.com) spends much of her workweek in the closet or the fitting room helping women look and feel their very best. She has two-plus decades in the fashion, apparel and beauty industries.

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Ten Ways to Summer in Blue & White 1. An elongated knee-grazing denim duster, a navy and white horizontal stripe tee, crisp white chinos, and indigo espadrilles 2. A lightweight seersucker jacket and trouser in blue and white, white silk tank, and denim sneakers 3. A graphic navy and white motif skirt, a soft blue buttonfront oxford (cuffs rolled and collar popped) and blockheel navy suede pump 4. An airy off-the-shoulder white broderie anglaise cotton top, a blue and white pastel gingham pant that falls to an ankle-grazing hem, and embroidered slipper mules 5. A midi-length navy and cream pinstripe wrap dress, navy tote, and white Panama hat 6. An aqua maillot swimsuit paired with a two-tone linen voile midi wrap skirt, jeweled Greek sandals, and white straw sun hat 7. A classic bandana-inspired print shirt of soft cotton, cropped navy wide-leg chinos, and white leather penny loafers 8. Pleated tissue-weight midi skirt with a playful vertical stripe mixed with a bold horizontal nautical striped or a tonal floral top 9. A breezy sundress cut from multiple tiers of variegated blue and white stripes that is ideal from beach to bistro or pool to patio 10. Tonal blue tropical jumpsuit with generous blooms and belted at the waist with a white corded rope


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Music on Mill Free summer

Concert Series 2018

First Fridays & Third Saturdays at River Mill Park 6:00-8:00 p.m. (Movies begin at sundown) 458 Mill Street, Occoquan

Blankets and lawn chairs welcome. No tents or pop-ups. Free public parking available on street and in town lots.

Fri., May 4: Maggie Shot Burns (90s Covers) Sat., May 19: The Sidleys (Rock/Soul) Sat., June 16: Cheley Tackett (Country) Fri., July 6: Movie in the Park (Starts at sundown) Sat., July 21: Sub-Radio (Indie/Pop/Rock) Fri., Aug. 3: FeelFree (Reggae/Rock) Sat., Aug. 18: Rocknoceros (Children's Rock/Pop) Fri., Sept. 7: Movie in the Park (Starts at sundown) Sat., Sept. 15: James Drakes & the Chris Taylor Trio (Acoustic Rock) www.occoquanva.gov Facebook.com/OccoquanCraftShow

FarmBrewLIVE.com prince william living June 2018

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destinations

MANASSAS ROCKS Art That Touches the Heart By Carla Christiano

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hey are turning up all over— outside of hospitals, close to train stations, near restaurants and beside shops. You may have walked by dozens of small painted rocks with messages of love, encouragement or joy. They are the handiwork of Manassas Rocks’ members, designed to brighten the day of those who find them. They are easy to overlook, but hard to forget once you find them. Matthew McCourt, who started Manassas Rocks with the help of family and friends, got the idea for the rock painting group when his grandmother passed away a year ago in West Virginia. He wanted to help his family cope with their grief, and remembered hearing about the Kindness Rocks Project. According to the organization’s website, its purpose is to “cultivate connections within communities and lift others up through simple acts of kindness.” Inspired by this approach, McCourt asked his family to paint some rocks in honor of his grandmother. “[The gathering] turned from weeping to everyone sitting around telling stories,” he said. “I saw our household change.” That got him thinking about what he could do on a larger scale, and Manassas Rocks was born.

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“I saw it as a way to unite [people]. It doesn’t matter if you are old or young. Art brings everyone together. It touches your heart,” McCourt said. “For me, it’s a platform to put positive energy out there. If I can put something on the ground—a flash of color—it creates positive energy.” McCourt is also teaching his seven-year-old son, Colin, about compassion. It must be working because it was Colin’s idea to paint rocks for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital patients at an assisted living center in Manassas. On a cold February afternoon, some members of Manassas Rocks, their children and a few of the residents worked side by side painting rocks at paper-covered tables in the assisted living center’s community room. They laughed and chatted as they worked to turn ordinary rocks into pictures of turtles, flags, chickens and whatever else inspired them. As McCourt surveyed the scene, he said, “I get a kick out of seeing people do this.”

Simple Creative Process Brings Joy to Others The “rock stars,” as group members are known, use a simple process. They wash the rocks they acquire and paint and seal them. “My wife told me that I can’t put rocks in the dishwasher anymore,” McCourt said. Then they leave the rocks for someone to find. The person who finds the painted rock takes a picture of it, posts it to the Manassas Rocks Facebook page, and places the rock somewhere else. “If someone finds a rock that has meaning,


Photos provided by Manassas Rocks

The Manassas Rocks group has more than 4,000 Facebook members and has painted and hidden more than 4,000 rocks, which have turned up locally and all over the world.

they can keep it. If you take one, leave one in its place,” said Heather Lane, a Manassas Rocks moderator. “That’s what we encourage people to do, but we don’t dwell on it. There are no rock rules other than it should be appropriate for kids to find.”

Resident Joan I. Fines, who was seated at the same table, had painted a rock with flowers. Her granddaughter and three-yearold great-granddaughter had also painted rocks, and she wanted to keep her creation to show them.

Inspiration for Lane’s own rock art comes from pictures she finds on the internet, of which she does her own interpretation. Although Lane has had people offer her money for her rocks, she would never consider selling them. “I’d rather do it out of love and passion,” she said while painting a Harley Quinn bombshell (character) on a flat rock. She once painted a rock for a woman who was suffering from cancer for the sole reason that it would bring her happiness.

Rock star Janet Montilla’s daughter, Carla Cevallos, got her interested in Manassas Rocks. Cevallos discovered her first rock while playing Pokémon Go. Once she learned about the group, she decided to paint rocks herself and got her mom involved too. Although Montilla admitted her rock painting and finding skills may not be the best, she really enjoys the group. “It has gotten me into walking and spending more time with her,” she said, pointing to her daughter. Cevallos added, “Everyone we have met [in the group] has been nice.”

4,000 Rocks and Counting

“Kindness breeds kindness. This group has proven that to me,” McCourt said. “There is a lot of light and kindness in people, but they just need a place to express it.” With Manassas Rocks, they can.

McCourt estimates the group, which now has 4,000-plus Facebook members, has painted more than 4,000 rocks in about a year. These rocks have turned up all over the world, including in Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Germany and Spain and are usually identified by the @manassasrocks or the #manassasrocks hashtag on social media platforms. “I call them smile seeds,” he said. “A woman whose husband is going through cancer treatments found a Mr. Peanut. That rock is now going with them to treatment. Something as simple as a rock can be inspiring.” At a nearby table, assisted living resident Elestea Leonard was painting a white rock that read “In God We Trust.” She was going to put it in her room so that everyone could see it.

Members of Manassas Rocks will be participating in the Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show on June 2-3. The group doesn’t charge for its events, but does accept donations. For more information, visit the Manassas Rocks Facebook page: facebook. com/groups/207749766403375. Carla Christiano (cchristiano@princewilliamliving.com) is a native of Prince William County, an admitted history geek and a technical writer for Unisys. prince william living June 2018

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Purchase tickets at LeadershipPrinceWilliam.org

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prince william living June 2018

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giving back

Give Back Prince William: The Name Says It All! By Olivia Overman

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ou may have seen the magazines Prince William Living and Brides & Weddings in your local area, but have you heard of Give Back Prince William? Rebecca Barnes, owner and publisher of these magazines, has gone one step further in her community endeavors and created Give Back Prince William (Give Back PW), the nonprofit arm of Prince William Living magazine. Created just over two years ago, Give Back PW is just one more way Barnes is giving back to the community in which she spent her childhood.

A Voice for Not-For-Profits “With so many great not-for-profits in the community, it’s hard to decide who or how to help,“ Barnes said. Though just starting out, Give Back PW has been doing its part to assist not-forprofits in Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park during the past two years. Through Prince William Living magazine, Barnes is able to provide a public relations outlet for not-forprofits by featuring them in the Giving Back column of the magazine each month. Articles written about local nonprofits, like Project Mend-A-House and HOLA, help give a voice to these organizations and focus people’s attention on the positive contributions they make to the community. Stemming from the magazine’s mission statement, the goal is not only to inform but also to actively engage readers and hopefully increase volunteerism and donations to organizations.

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Asked to describe how the success of Give Back PW is measured, Barnes said it is through feedback. “Recently a woman shared her story with me. She and her children had left an abusive marriage because of connections and information that we provided through Prince William Living. We receive emails and phone calls, I’ve even been stopped in public, and the feedback about what we do is what keeps me going,” Barnes said. Currently run by volunteers and Prince William Living staff, Give Back PW is also supported by a board of advisors made up of local business and community leaders. One member of the board, Kevin Williams, co-founder and chief executive officer of TekConnX, said of Give Back PW, “There are many entities in Prince William that need help, but this particular one helps multiple organizations all at the same time.” “There is so much work to do and not enough workers to get it done. The more hands on the plow makes lighter work, and the more people who are actively engaged in making the communities where we live, work and play better increases the possibilities for the organization’s success,” he continued.

Sponsorship, Marketing, etc…. Offering marketing advice to business owners and nonprofits, and working with small nonprofits to create marketing campaigns and visibility opportunities, are just part of what


Barnes and Give Back PW are able to offer. “We [also] host networking and educational events that are designed to help facilitate growth in the business and nonprofit sectors,” she said. “I see it becoming one of the ‘go to’ organizations that provide support to help other nonprofits in the community accomplish their mission and goals,” Williams said. The magazine sponsors several annual awards competitions for its readers to nominate and honor these efforts, such as the Giving Back Award for outstanding not-for-profit groups in Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park. The 2017 award went to Carried To Full Term, a nonprofit organization based in Haymarket that provides long-term residential support to expectant mothers in crisis. Barnes is particularly proud of the extraordinary teens scholarship opportunity offered. “This year will be the first year we can do that, and I am grateful,” said Barnes. “We raised more than one thousand dollars with my online birthday party [Facebook fundraiser], and our last fundraiser was the Influential Women Award celebration. One hundred percent of the profits went to the scholarship.” This fundraiser honored the many women in Greater Prince William, who strengthen our community through giving, leaving their marks on the business world and serving as an inspiration to others.

A Shining Future Barnes has set the bar high for her not-for-profit endeavor in the community. With numerous successful businesses under her belt, she knows how, and more importantly, why she wants to see this organization grow. She is able to leverage her experience in Prince William and knows that what you put into the community, you will get back. Currently, Give Back PW works with small nonprofits, like Semper K9, to create marketing and visibility campaigns, but plans for the future are big. Future plans include hosting podcasts and online group hangouts where ideas and information can be shared. “We are [also] launching video this year with the intention of helping nonprofits get the message out about the work that they do. Between print, online, social media, networking and video, we believe we can inform and inspire our community to take ownership of its future,” Barnes said.

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“We will offer branding services for small nonprofits, media and marketing packages for larger nonprofits, and partnership opportunities for all nonprofits,” she continued. “Give Back PW can be the marketing, visibility and public education arm of any nonprofit in Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park.” Learn more about Give Back Prince William through its website givebackpw.org and on Facebook at GiveBackPW. And, of course, look out for articles each month about local not-forprofits in the Giving Back column of Prince William Living. A graduate of American University’s School of Communication, Olivia Overman (ooverman@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer for both online and print publications.

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health & wellness Busy Dad Turns to the Center of Excellence at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center for Hernia Repair

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Expires June 30, 2018 Youth & Adult Hockey Figure Skating Lessons for All Ages Public Skating Parties/Meetings

J

oshua Goad and his wife are always on the go. “We are very active. We enjoy going to the gym and working out. It keeps us young,” says the 56-year-old. It was during one of Goad’s regular workouts when something unusual happened. “I was at the gym and overexerted myself lifting,” he recalled. “At first, I didn’t think anything of it, but then, I started to notice a bulge near my groin.” Like a lot of people, Joshua thought the problem would heal itself, but it didn’t. It was about this time that he started to realize he might have a hernia. “A hernia is when an intraabdominal organ, or fatty tissue, protrudes through a muscle defect,” explains board-certified, Sentara Medical Group surgeon, Dr. Steven Nakao.

Fundraisers Scout Badges Broomball Curling Pro Shop & Cafe

www.pwice.com (703) 730-8423 The Tacket t ’s Mill Center and the Clearbrook Center of the Ar ts present:

Goad turned to Dr. Nakao and Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center for help, as it’s recognized for its experience and success with robotics surgery. Dr. Nakao quickly diagnosed Goad with an inguinal hernia. While asymptomatic hernias can be observed for some time, Joshua and Dr. Nakao discussed the options and decided surgery would be best. Goad had surgery at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, a designated Center for Excellence in Robotic Surgery, and it wasn’t long until he was back to exercising. “The weekend after my surgery, my wife and I went to the gym, and I was pretty much able to do a limited workout,” said Goad. Now, he’s doing better than ever before: “I should never have let it go for so long. I guarantee that it (your hernia) will not get any better. What are you waiting for?” You shouldn’t live in pain. To see what Sentara’s surgery specialists may be able to do for you, call 703-523-9750.

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Saturday, June 16th 1- 4pm LIVE MUSIC , KIDS' ACTIVITIES, FOOD VE NDORS, POETS & MORE !

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lifelong learning 4-H – Helping Heads, Hearts, Hands and Health By Helena Tavares Kennedy

Y

ou may have heard of 4-H, perhaps in the context of the Prince William County Fair and 4-H’s participation in numerous activities and demonstrations like cattle, goat, rabbit and other farm animal competitions. But 4-H is much more than farming and animal sciences. In fact, many of their hands-on learning experiences include areas our youth need today, like communications and expressive arts; environmental education and natural resources; jobs, careers and economics; plant and soil sciences; citizenship; family and consumer sciences; health, nutrition and wellness; leadership and personal development; and science and technology. Programs sponsored by the Prince William County 4-H offer youth ages 5-18 opportunities to gain knowledge, leadership skills and community service using experiential learning opportunities to teach the latest research-based, subject matter knowledge and to foster skill development in effective citizenship, leadership and other life skills.

Nokesville 4-H Equestrian Club takes third place in Horse Judging at a Virginia Tech Block and Bridle competition.

Something for Everyone With more 400 youth involved in PWC 4-H community clubs and project clubs each year, you can bet it is a diverse group of youth and leaders, which means the programs are just as diverse. 4-H programs can include horseback riding, shooting sports, teen financial literacy, sewing, building websites, photography, woodworking, gardening, robotics, and more. Danielle Manko, a parent at the Buckhall Community 4-H Club, said, “4-H is a great resource to develop leadership skills, confidence and integration. My girls love the opportunity to learn about animals and help with handling of animals at the PWC Fair, and I love the opportunity we are getting by learning ASL (American Sign Language).”

4-H provides youth with opportunities to gain knowledge, leadership skills and community service.

“The ambassador program has given me training in goal setting, resume writing, leadership and presentation skills,” said Chloe Zarling, age 14 and a member of Bulls Eye 4-H Club and a Virginia 4-H Teen Shooting Sports Ambassador. “Recently, I was able to represent 4-H at a major fundraising event and explain how 4-H programs benefit youth and our community.” MaryBeth Lerch, a 4-H Youth Educator, said, “All of these programs together are what makes us so strong. There are so many different programs to reach so many different kids—the most important program we have is the one that piques the interest of that child.” For kids who move a lot, 4-H could provide continuity since there are 4-H clubs all around the country they can join. The programs help kids make new friends, get adjusted and learn more

Prince William County 4-H with Brentsville District Supervisor Jeanine Lawson.

about their new community while developing new skills along the way. Julia Lee, an 11-year-old member of the Kettle Run 4-H Club, said, “4-H means I can get together with friends, help our (continues on page 29) prince william living June 2018

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taking care of business When Adversity Meets Grit, Sometimes a Business Is Born By All Things Writing, LLC

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ichael D. Howard, president of TelNet, says, “My wife jokes often that starting TelNet was my mid-life crisis. But, honestly, it was a way for us to survive financially after I lost my job.” He’s not joking. Howard began his career in the telecommunications Photo provided by TelNet industry during his service with the U.S. Air Force. He was accepted into college to become an architect. “But at the crisp age of seventeen, I knew everything and thought going into the Air Force would fast-track my life,” he said. After four years, he left the Air Force and was recruited by a government contractor working at the National Security Agency (NSA). There, Howard obtained a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance and worked for eight years. He then left the government and started working in the private business sector. Then disaster struck: the dot-com industry imploded. Howard said, “I was released from my duties on a Saturday in March 2001. I was going into the office with my then three-year-old son, like I did many Saturdays, to catch up on some paperwork.” “During this same period of time, my wife had left her job after the birth of our second child, and this left us with no income. I decided that weekend that I was starting my business because I was fed up with other people controlling and determining my destiny.”

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So, by the Monday evening after, Howard had his business name created, license paperwork filed and business phone number picked–the number ending with the year his wife and he got married, “as a reminder of what is important,” he said. “My wife thought I was crazy,” he recalled, “which was absolutely correct, by the way.”

A Leap of Faith That Creates Results But Howard had always wanted to start a business. And while this was not the ideal way to begin, he felt a door was opening up for him. Howard took a leap of faith and launched TelNet of Virginia, Inc., which provides technology solutions to businesses, government contractors, medical offices, educational institutions and state and county governments. Things went well, as the company and Howard’s family grew. Howard learned many lessons, but a truly important one was that “even with no money, no plan and no contacts, success still can be achieved with the desire and grit to grasp it, regardless of shortcomings.” But when the economy tanked in 2008, Howard was once again thrown into a tailspin. “We had a tough time,” he said. “We had high overhead, and many businesses were tightening the strings on unnecessary purchases and upgrades to technology, which is our life-blood. “When the economy crashed, we had just moved to a much larger office. At that time, I was at a peak for the number of employees I had ever employed at one time. I was losing about $100,000 a month, and I was so insistent that it was just going to be temporary and we would pull out of it. I never wanted to lay off anyone like I was laid off from my previous employer, so I waited, and waited…nine months.” It was a long time—maybe too long. Ultimately, Howard spoke to many business owners and followed what they were doing— making cuts where needed, penny pinching while still serving


clients. But even so, his sales team was the first to get cut. “Not because they were bad people,” he said. “By no means—they were awesome. It was simply mathematical. It was because they were not producing, not achieving their quota, which was quite modest.”

The Statement That Changed His Business Approach During that time, Howard hired a consultant to help guide him. “In the six months he worked with us, my consultant shared the one nugget that changed everything for me. He said, ‘Mike, it’s clear you have a solid company, good skills, and a value proposition, but you lack the ability to focus the majority of your time speaking only to those who already want to hire you.’ [It cost me] thousands of dollars to get that one statement.” But that statement changed how Howard approached acquiring new business. Previously, he had done what many salespeople do, including, as he describes it, “going to countless networking events with the same people always attending, calling blindly to every business that had a phone number, asking for referrals, etc. But when I started learning how to generate leads from the internet and also utilizing video, I was able to bring all the business I wanted right to my front door on demand.” That’s when TelNet turned the corner financially. Fast forward to today: TelNet is still serving businesses in the region and growing again. Though it’s a small business, Howard’s company has hired more than 100 employees and successfully served about 2,000 businesses. The company has won state, school district, local government and Fortune® 500 contracts, as it continues to serve smaller businesses, too.

Employing People + Delivering Value = What Matters Howard’s current challenges? “Finding qualified employees,” he said. “I am fortunate to have a very strong and knowledgeable team now, but this is an area that must always be monitored and evaluated.” Howard also has the same challenges other businesses have: managing processes well, dealing with D.C. traffic, maintaining cash flow, growing the business, keeping abreast of technology and meeting and exceeding customer expectations. Howard is proud that in spite of all the challenges, TelNet was named to the INC 5000. “Who would have thought that was possible?” he asked. “We continue to beat out much larger, well-known companies on a regular basis, and it isn’t because we are the most incredible company around. It is simply because of trust. People see that we have continued to deliver for some of the most demanding of clients.” Without great employees and the community offering opportunities and a willingness to trust, Howard said, the story would have had a very different ending: “I was statistically (continues on page 25) prince william living June 2018

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family fun

Details Make Outdoor Family Movie Nights Memorable Story and Photos By Amanda Causey Baity

W

hen the weather starts to warm up, I always think of movie nights, which my family loves. Movie nights are even more fun when you bring them outdoors. My family only does this a few times a year since it takes a little extra effort, but the results and memories are worth it. On the day of movie night, we prepare the yard and start setting up. First, you need a projector. Prices for new top-of-the-line projectors can start well into the thousands of dollars. However, along with newer models, many electronics stores carry a range of cheaper, refurbished projectors, and you can find used models starting at around $200. There are also several websites that will rent projectors to you for less than $100, or you may be able to borrow one from a friend. Next, you will need a DVD player. Laptops or popular game consoles, such as Xbox or Wii, can serve this purpose, too. You will need A/V cables to hook your player to the projector just like you would with your television. Follow your projector’s instruction manual if you have any difficulties. You will also need sound since the projector will not provide that. If you don’t have stereo speakers, you may find them at yard sales or thrift stores.

Then, of course, the atmosphere is vital. There are so many ways to create the perfect movie theater feel. I hang string lights for a soft glow. Candles and lanterns will do this as well. For seating, my family uses beanbag and lounge chairs, blankets and even tents. If you are feeling ambitious, you can pull the couch or a futon outside like my dad used to do.

Now on to the screen. You can show your movies on anything from a purchased or rented screen to a smooth outdoor wall. I use my photography backdrop stand with a thick white sheet. You could also secure the sheet along a fence or clotheslines.

Another critical component is food. No movie night is complete without snacks. Popcorn, candy and soda are requirements. I also like to get creative. “Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes” is one of our favorite outdoor movie treats. (continues on page 26)

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TELNET (continued from page 23)

TelNet works for many local school systems including Manassas City Public Schools.

very lucky to have had the opportunity to serve so many businesses and provide employment to so many people over what has now been seventeen years.” For businesses just starting out, Howard offers some advice: “My wife and I moved from Annapolis and were only here in Manassas for nine months before I started my business. So I hardly had relationships, contacts or familiarity with anyone. But what I found and continue to witness today is that if you are authentic and truly have a desire to deliver value to others, they will notice and embrace your business. I don’t mean make a sale. I mean help the business solve its problem.” Howard believes that being a business owner is not a sprint—it’s a marathon, and with it come many challenges and barriers. But being able to serve others in the way that only a business can is the most fulfilling and rewarding endeavor anyone can experience, according to him: “I would never trade it in…other than to start more businesses.”

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MOVIE NIGHT (continued from page 24) Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes

I have created a special #pwliving version of the recipe. INGREDIENTS About 8 egg yolks or 6 ounces (room temperature) 8 1⁄2 ounces milk 1/8 ounce vanilla extract 10 1⁄2 ounces all-purpose flour (approximately 1 1/3 cups) 10 1⁄2 ounces granulated sugar (approximately 1 1/3 cups) 19.5 grams baking powder (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon) Pinch of salt 6 ounces unsalted butter (room temperature) DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place liners in cupcake pan. 2. Combine the yolks, vanilla and two ounces of milk in a bowl and whisk lightly. 3. Place all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and combine on low speed. 4. Add the butter and remaining milk. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are moistened. 5. Increase to medium speed and beat for one to two minutes. Scrape down the sides. 6. Gradually add the egg mixture in three batches, mixing for about 20 seconds and scraping between each addition. 7. Fill cupcake liners halfway and bake for about 25 to 35 minutes until finished. Let cool before decorating.

Simple Buttercream Icing

This easy-to-make, egg-free frosting recipe has been in my family for generations. It’s not only great on cupcakes, but also for decorating cookies for holidays, birthdays and parties. To add coloring to the icing, use color paste. INGREDIENTS 1⁄2 cup shortening 1⁄2 cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons milk DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening and vanilla. 2. Blend in the sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. 3. Beat in the milk, and continue mixing until light and fluffy. 4. Keep icing covered until ready to decorate.

Marshmallow “Popcorn”

For cupcake topping, you can get creative with marshmallow “popcorn.” You will need regular-

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size marshmallows, yellow food coloring and a little powdered sugar. First, color half of your batch of marshmallows yellow and let them dry. Next, make a small cut in the middle of each marshmallow and then make three small cuts in their tops. Twist the marshmallows lightly at the middle. Then press the three “petal” shapes made from the three cuts lightly until they begin to fan out. Voila! Your marshmallows look like popcorn. The more shapes you make, the better the “popcorn” will look. If the marshmallows get sticky while you are manipulating them, dust them lightly with powdered sugar. Be aware that the sugar will dull the yellow color of the marshmallows. So, use it sparingly. Visit our website and download these custom Popcorn Cupcake Wrappers that I created exclusively for Prince William Living. Download, print on cardstock, cut along the lines and tape them together. Drop your cupcakes in after you have decorated them.

Wait!

I forgot about the movie! Picking the perfect movie is key. Keep your audience in mind. Depending on the quality of the equipment you have, selecting a family favorite may be better than choosing a new release as it could be hard to hear and the projector quality may not be up to movie theater standards. The Prince William Public Library System has a large selection of DVDs you can check out for free. Visit pwcgov.org/library. Another option is Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center’s Movies Under the Stars, a free summer movie series on Saturday nights. Visit stonebridgeptc.com for the schedule. Historic Manassas also hosts free summer movies on Saturday nights. Check visitmanassas.org/events/ for details. Amanda Causey Baity (abaity@princewilliamliving.com) is Prince William Living’s director of operations and photo editor.


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INVEST IN YOUR LOCAL HISTORY Support the Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation and the Brentsville Jail Room Sponsorship Project

Donate in the name of a loved one or business. Your tax deductable donation will help provide new exhibits and educational programs about our local history. Learn more at preservepw.org or call 703.792.4754.

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home & hearth Simple Ways to Spruce Up the Look of Your Home’s Exterior By Dave Funk

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f you’re anything like me, you enjoy finding small ways of doing things that achieve big results. When it comes to the outside of your home, subtle differences can go a long way. Let me share with you a few simple ideas that we have used to help people spruce up the look of their homes: 1. Paint the shutters. For the cost of a gallon of paint and a little of your time, you can give your home a refreshed look by doing this simple task. We get calls all the time for just this reason, and the end result is always worth the effort put forth. Consider painting them in a semi-gloss finish for a little more “pop,” and don’t forget to use only a high-quality exterior paint for longevity. 2. Change the color of the front door. The front door of your home can make a powerful statement in both color and decor. This subtle change can help you greet your guests in a way that is reflective of your personality. Blue, for example, is recognized as a peaceful color, while red is a symbol of strength and power. For a more elegant look, consider using a high-gloss finish in black. This is one of my personal favorites, and my customers are never disappointed with this choice. 3. Paint your gutters. A lot of folks don’t realize how dirty their gutters really are. It’s almost “out of sight, out of mind.” When you go too long without power washing gutters regularly, the dirt and grime can virtually stain the metal. This leaves your gutters looking dingy and unkempt. Applying a fresh coat of paint to your gutters can give your home a much cleaner look, and it won’t break the bank. I always enjoy seeing homes get these kinds of facelifts, and it makes our customers really happy too. If you want to try one of these tasks, but aren’t sure where to start, send me an email, and I’ll be happy to help give you some direction to help make your project a success. Dave Funk (dave@davidfunkpainting.com) is the owner of David Funk Painting.

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LIFELONG LEARNING (continued from page 21)

community, and have fun!”

Get Involved

Ashleigh Wright, a 4-H Youth Educator, helps run the Safe at Home, Safe Alone Program that all 4th grade students in Prince William County go through to prepare them for staying home alone for short periods of time. “I love seeing the kids get the confidence they need from the program,” Wright said.

New members can join 4-H anytime throughout the year. Some clubs meet year-round while others don’t meet until after the school year ends. You can also sign up for certain projects and overnight and day camps without being a 4-H member.

One youth, Richie Clark, joined the 4-H Bulls Eye Shooting Sports Club a few years ago, which led him to several leadership positions within the 4-H community. “What started out as a fun extracurricular activity later became my number-one vessel for leadership positions, such as serving as the president of my club as well as a Virginia Teen Shooting Sports Ambassador,” said Clark. “As a result, I have gained valuable skills in public speaking, leadership and teamwork. Because of travelling with the ambassador program, I have made friends all over Virginia.” A children’s yoga course is an example of a new 4-H program coming to the region. The healthy living Yoga for Kids program was developed in Arkansas and is designed to increase fitness, decrease stress and improve mental focus within youth in a noncompetitive manner. Wright said, “That’s one of the great things about being part of a national organization. There is a lot of collaboration that goes on and getting ideas from other 4-H programs around the country.”

Parents should keep in mind that 4-H clubs are not drop-off clubs; parents or guardians are expected to play a role as well. “The entire family gets involved, and we encourage parent participation. This is something we can all do together,” Lerch said. Prince William County 4-H is a nonprofit organization sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Cooperative Extension and local government. With one full-time and three part-time employees, they always welcome volunteers to help in the office, lead workshops and activities, mentor the youth, share their skills, assist with fundraising and financial support, help with grant writing, and more. For more information, contact PWC 4-H by phone at 703792-6286 or email at 4hpwc@pwcgov.org. Helena Tavares Kennedy (hkennedy@princewilliamliving.com), a longtime Prince William County resident, is a freelance writer and communications consultant at htkmarketingservices.com and livinggreendaybyday.com.

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local flavor

In Western PWC,

Just Desserts By Peter Lineberry

W

hether it’s for a special occasion or immediate gratification, sometimes your sweet tooth just has to be satisfied. Well, Prince William Living has found a number of tasty options for you, all located in the county’s western half (three in Manassas, one in Gainesville). While there is diversity in the goodies that they make and sell, this quartet of confectionaries has much in common: They started from humble beginnings, they’re equally adept at serving individuals and large groups, and they’re all locally-owned small businesses that would love for you to stop in and delight your senses.

varieties of cookies can be carefully packaged and shipped anywhere in the U.S. The bakery’s taste testers, most of whom don’t have allergies, affirm that its goods have the same homemade taste and texture as traditional bakery offerings. “What’s nice about being here in Historic Manassas is that we are getting a lot of local people just coming in for a cupcake or cookie,” Stroh said. Though a sign in the storefront window displays the dietary restrictions, and ingredients are always listed, some customers just enjoy Lemonade’s products without knowing about their uniqueness until afterwards. According to Stroh, “That’s exactly what we were hoping for.”

The Lemonade Bakery Food allergies endanger the health of millions of Americans, and one of Kelly Stroh’s sons is among them. From his infancy, she learned how to bake cakes, cookies and other treats for him without including eggs, peanuts or tree nuts. This potential lifesaving knowledge grew into a home-based business in 2006 and then her own shop and kitchen in Historic Manassas, which opened last July 4. Using her upbeat motto, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” the bakery’s name seemed readymade. As owner and head baker of the store at 9410 Main Street, Stroh and her small staff make “allergy-friendly” cupcakes, cookies, scones and breads, and custom cakes that are always peanut, tree nut and egg free. Dairy and soy allergies—although not wheat—can also be accommodated upon request. This makes the bakery’s items popular for local school parties and other gatherings, where Stroh said people are “excited to be able to have a normal celebration but keep everyone safe.” Lemonade Bakery offers delivery throughout the D.C. region with sufficient advance notice. And as word gets out, its many

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Popcorn Monkey Right across the street, on the corner of Center and Main, the Curious George-ish logo of Popcorn Monkey beckons you to step inside. Deltone Moore and his wife Mickey launched the original Popcorn Monkey in Middleburg in 2012 and still run it, but at the Manassas location that opened last summer, their daughter Jewell is usually in charge. Mr. Moore’s vision stemmed from enjoying popcorn at baseball games with his uncle, and later the family experimented with flavors and varieties during movie nights at home. The business expanded following the popularity of kiosks at Manassas Mall and Tysons Corner, as well as at Redskins games. Its gourmet kernels are popped in coconut oil and lightly glazed at the Middleburg location and transported regularly to Manassas. Flavors fall into the categories of “sweet” (fruity flavors, caramel, dark chocolate) or “savory” (cheeses, buffalo wing, dill, and many others) and are available in bags of various


sizes or in 3.5 gallon tins emblazoned with holiday themes or the logos of college and pro sports teams. The small shop’s wares can be striking to passersby in Historic Manassas. People “look through the window and see the retro stuff, it catches their eye, and they want to come in and check it out,” said Jewell Moore. Shelves are full of popcorn supplies and novelty candies, many that conjure up earlier eras, that are hard to find elsewhere. But to wash it all down, they’ve also got quite a collection of humorously labeled and flavored soda bottles from outside companies. Peanut butter and jelly soda? Monster mucus or bug barf? Radioactive soda? Don’t say you weren’t warned. Pair the rainbow-colored “Cornfetti” popcorn with a “Dog Drool” soda, as I did, and expect gasps from your online friends. In other words, visit Popcorn Monkey when you want to feel like a kid again.

Cakes by Happy Eatery Over on bustling Liberia Avenue—9685 Liberia to be exact— is Cakes by Happy Eatery, another family business spanning generations. This full-service bakery’s bread and butter is, instead, cakes, especially custom-designed ones for special life events. Birthdays, weddings, weekends...you know the ones. “We love challenges. That’s how we grow, and that’s how we’ve evolved,” said Victoria Wu, who runs the bakery with sisters Emily and Charlotte and a staff of about 10. But the impetus for opening it came in the 1980s at their parents’ Chinese restaurant in Alexandria (Happy Eatery, naturally). Fortune cookies and oranges were deemed insufficient for dessert, so the restaurant hired a pastry chef, and soon customers were asking for not just slices of cake but the whole thing. The Wu sisters watched and learned, grew inspired, and relocated to Manassas in 2010. A stroll through Cakes by Happy Eatery’s website will uncover hundreds of cake ideas, flavors and designs on a vast array of subjects. Should you not see the cake you’re looking for, store staff members know just how to personalize one that matches your occasion and party size. Wu describes the custom design of a cake as a mix of one’s imagination, the prep time needed for baking and decorating, and the customer’s budget. If you need something small, the store always has fresh assortments of pastries, cupcakes, cookies and pies. Or when the situation arises, they’re unafraid to think big. In 2014, they created an elaborate 8-foot-long cake to celebrate 30 years of the family business. And if that wasn’t enough, the bakery also serves a cafe menu featuring numerous sandwiches, salads and beverages, including (this writer’s first) bubble tea.

thelemonadebakery.com popcornmonkeyllc.com cakesbyhappyeatery.com simplydessertsonline.com winning wedding and other custom cakes, Kimberly McDonald has found the recipe for success. “People come to us with special requests, and we pretty much try and do whatever they ask for,” McDonald said. “I knew this was going to be a challenge, so it was like, ‘Okay, let’s go for it!’” Simply Desserts is located at 14035 Promenade Commons Street, Gainesville, part of the Virginia Gateway shopping district. It opened in April 2016 with ample assistance from the Air Force vet’s sons Matthew, who scouted out the ideal site, and Alex, who mans the front counter and supplies many of the artistic touches. (Alex and his artwork were profiled in our December 2017 issue.) One element that sets Simply Desserts apart is its adjacent events room, where cookie and cake decorating classes regularly take place. For example, June and July will feature summer vacation cookie and heart-shaped animal cookie classes, and even a three-day “cake camp.” All ages (10 and up) and abilities are welcomed, and class sizes are limited to 12 participants. The room is also used for cake tastings and meetings with wedding clients as well as monthly afternoon teas. And when visiting, note the tip jar on the counter. Ten percent of tips is donated regularly to Semper K9, an up-and-coming county nonprofit that trains service dogs for veterans in need; with the remainder, McDonald treats her staff to dinner.

“When you’re running a small business,” Wu said, “it’s more than your dedicated number of hours; you really have to want to do it. Then you’ll find the energy.”

Though McDonald lives in Fairfax, she’s never had any doubt about setting up shop in Prince William. “I do love being in the county. Everybody here is just wonderful,” she said. “It’s all coming together, and every day is a great day.”

Simply Desserts

Through dogged investigative journalism, Peter Lineberry (plineberry@princewilliamliving.com) has discovered how to have his cake (and popcorn) and eat it too.

From a licensed home business making cakes and mini desserts for eight years, to her own store where she fashions award-

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your finances Financial Planning for Adult Children with Special Needs By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor

I

f you’re a parent of a child with special needs, you’ve likely dedicated much of your life to researching, providing and advocating for the best care for your child. So naturally, you may worry about what will happen when you are no longer able to supervise your child’s care due to declining health or death. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help ensure your child has sufficient financial resources along with a dedicated support system. Here are six areas to plan for to help protect your child’s future. 1. Include your child in the process. To the extent you’re able, talk with your child about his or her future. If employed, is her job sustainable for the future? Does he feel comfortable managing everyday finances? Where does she naturally turn to for support? Understanding your child’s wishes and being realistic about his or her abilities will help you craft a longterm support strategy. 2. Provide guardianship and decision-making support. If your child needs support making financial, legal or medical decisions, it’s important to obtain guardianship and/or conservatorship from the courts. With this authority granted, you can designate who should have this responsibility when, and if, you are no longer able to fulfill the role. Communicate early and often with the family members or delegate who will oversee and provide support for your child’s care so that they know what to expect. It’s important for your delegate to know what decisions your child can make independently and where he or she may need some assistance. 3. Create an estate plan. Establishing an estate plan is key to ensuring your wishes are followed and may help your heirs avoid probate court. Ask your financial advisor and estate planner to help you include protections for your child within your estate plan. Provide care instructions in the event of your death or if an accident leaves you unable to manage your child’s care. 4. Save strategically. A tax-advantaged ABLE account, created by the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act in 2014, is one way to create a financial cushion. Earnings grow tax deferred, and funds can be withdrawn tax-free if they’re used to meet qualified expenses for your child. The law defines “qualified expenses” broadly, allowing funds to cover the costs of health care, assistive technology, housing, education, legal fees or personal support services. Anyone can contribute to the account. Your financial advisor can help you determine if your child meets eligibility requirements and review annual contribution limits to help you maximize this resource. 5. Set up your inheritance. If you’d like to leave money to provide for your child, consider if establishing a special needs trust makes sense for your situation. Simply naming your child

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as a beneficiary in your estate could compromise his or her eligibility for government benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. There are several types of trust accounts that allow your child to maintain government support, often by providing funds directly to a care service or through a trustee. There are advantages and considerations for each option, so consult your attorney for guidance. 6. Research living arrangements. If your child is still living at home, explore housing options that will provide a safe environment tailored to his or her abilities. Researching your options is crucial, even if you intend for your child to reside with a sibling or another family member. Circumstances, such as divorce, job loss or illness, could prevent the family member from providing the level of care your child needs and deserves. By addressing the areas above, you can feel more confident that your adult child will be well cared for no matter what happens in the future. Bennett Whitlock, CRPC ®, is a private wealth advisor and managing director with Whitlock Wealth Management, a franchise of Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. Learn more at WhitlockWealth.com or call 703-492-7732.

Take charge of your financial future. Since 1894 Ameriprise Financial has helped millions of Americans feel more confident about their financial future. As an Ameriprise financial advisor, I remain true to our vision of always putting clients first. Discover the one-to-one attention you deserve, call me today at 877-WHITLOCK. Bennett C Whitlock III, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor Whitlock Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 12848 Harbor Dr, Ste 101, Lake Ridge, VA 22192 9073 Center St, Manassas, VA 20110 877-WHITLOCK bennett.c.whitlock@ampf.com • whitlockwealth.com CA Insurance #0F32105

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calendar Walking Tours of Historic Towns: Haymarket

Fri. June 1 | 7 p.m. Haymarket Town Hall 15000 Washington Street, Haymarket One of the first towns in Western Prince William, Haymarket emerged from Civil War destruction to become a vibrant community. The tour will start at Town Hall.

Historic Manassas Farmers Market

Thursdays & Saturdays 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Farmers Market can be found on Thursdays in the Harris Pavilion in Historic Downtown Manassas and Saturdays in the new location – PRINCE WILLIAM LOT, across from the new Baldwin Elementary (1978 Eagle Way). The summer Tuesday evening market will run from June through August in the Harris Pavilion from 5-8 p.m.

Manassas Chorale: “The Awesome Eighties” Spring Concert

june

Fri. June 1 | 7:30 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas The Manassas Chorale presents “The Awesome Eighties” Spring Concert. From Broadway to the airwaves, flash back with us to the 1980s as the Manassas Chorale and the Greater Manassas Children’s Choir present all your favorite hits! Tickets: hyltoncenter.org.

Occoquan Spring Arts & Crafts Festival

Sat. June 2 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun. June 3 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Historic Occoquan Now in its 49th year, this famous festival in the streets of Occoquan features nearly 300 vendors with arts and crafts, live entertainment, and plenty of delicious food and fun for the whole family.

Kids Fishing Tournament

Sat. June 2 | 9 – 11 a.m. Leesylvania State Park 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge At Marina Lot #1. Join our kids fishing tournament and see what you can catch. Ages 2-15 are welcome. Visit dcr.virginia. gov/state-parks/leesylvania for more information.

24th Annual Heritage Railway Festival

Sat. June 2 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Historic Downtown Manassas This family celebration of railroad history features train memorabilia, specialty vendors, and live performances. Country and bluegrass music will transport you, as you watch miniature trains come to life. Located under the Harris Pavilion, these displays are a must see. Take your love of trains to a new level by boarding one of four train excursions to Clifton and back. Tickets for the train rides are available through the Train Depot until they sell out.

Prince William Living Presents Breakfast with an Expert Thurs. June 7 | 8 a.m. PWAR 4545 Daisy Reid Ave., Suite 150, Woodbridge Join us for a cup of coffee, continental breakfast and information from an expert, who will give you actionable advice you can put to work immediately in your business. RSVP princewilliamliving.com/ breakfastwithanexpert.

R.C. Haydon Elementary School PTA Spring Carnival

Fri. June 8 | 6 – 8 p.m. R.C. Haydon Elementary School 9075 Park Avenue, Manassas An annual Manassas tradition featuring inflatables, games, crafts, face painting, food and ice cream sales, and large raffles with amazing prizes. Visit haydonpta.org for more information.

Scottish Teas at the Weems-Botts Museum

Sun. June 10 | 11 a.m. Weems-Botts Museum 3944 Cameron St., Dumfries Start with a seated tea service in the Museum’s Annex Building and savor Harney & Sons Scottish tea and gourmet Scottish scones and shortbread while learning about Dumfries’ Scottish heritage. The program concludes with a tour of the Weems-Botts Museum. The guided tour includes period rooms decorated in 18th, 19th, and 20th century styles. Register at historicdumfriesva.org.

Westminster Health Roundtable

Thurs. June 14 | 4 p.m. Westminster at Lake Ridge 12191 Clipper Drive, Lake Ridge We all have health questions. Yet we often forget those questions when we’re at a doctor’s appointment, and sorting through information online can be confusing and unmanageable. Sentara physicians and specialists are here to help. Free.

Ice Cream Social

Fri. June 15 | 7 – 8:30 p.m. Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams St., Manassas Park Celebrate the start of summer with ice cream! Join us for a sundae bar with all the toppings, games, and crafts. $12/family.

14th Annual Manassas Jazz Festival

Sat. June 16 | 12 – 7 p.m. Manassas Museum 9101 Prince William St., Manassas The Manassas Jazz Festival features live jazz music and wine, beer, and spirits from around the area—something for everyone to enjoy. We will be featuring Virginia farm wineries, Virginia craft breweries, and local Virginia distilleries at this year’s event. An afternoon of live jazz music will make this the perfect day.

Summerfest

Sat. June 16 | 1 – 4 p.m. Tacketts Mill Shopping Center 2241 Old Bridge Road, Lake Ridge At Tacketts Mill Lakeside, a free festival

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

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featuring live music from a variety of local talent, plus refreshments, characters, activities, face painting, prizes, poetry, and more!

Music on Mill: Cheley Tackett

Sat. June 16 | 6 – 8 p.m. River Mill Park 407 Mill Street, Occoquan Country music performer Cheley Tackett presents a concert at River Mill Park. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, but no tents. Free public parking in streets and town lots.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Tues. June 19 | 1:30 – 6:30 p.m. Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center 2300 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross. Please call 1-800-REDCROSS or go to redcrossblood.org to schedule your life-saving donation.

Prince William Living’s Lunch with the Publisher

Wed. June 20 | 11:30 a.m. Prince William Chamber of Commerce 9720 Capital Ct., #203, Manassas Are you an advertiser with Prince William Living or interested in becoming one? Meet the people behind greater Prince William’s premiere lifestyle magazine, as you learn about: Getting your press releases published, tying into the power of our social media presence, creating visibility packages that increase your reach to targeted consumers, and focusing on your message. Lunch provided by Okra’s. RSVP at princewilliamliving. com/lunchwiththepublisher.

Marine Corps Marathon— Run Amuck

Sat. June 23 | 5:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Quantico Marine Corps Base 3250 Catlin Ave., Quantico Run Amuck, the MCM’s messiest mud and obstacle event, offers runners arduous obstacles and plenty of mud along a fourmile course. Run Amuck and the scaled down two-mile version of the course,

Mini Run Amuck, offer wild fun for rowdy runners (ages 8 and up), outrageous athletes and fun-loving families.

Babies on the Run 5K & 1-mile Stroller Derby/ Fun Run

Sat. June 23 | 7 – 11 a.m. Holy Trinity Catholic Church 8213 Linton Hall Road, Gainesville Carried to Full Term will hold its inaugural Babies on the Run 5K and 1-Mile Stroller Derby (Fun Run). These races are timed and perfect for everyone from the avid runner to the beginner — the whole family. Participants help defray the costs associated with providing residential services to mothers in crisis as a result of pregnancy. 571-261-2838.

Taste of Woodbridge at Stonebridge Town Center

Sat. June 23 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge The annual Taste of Woodbridge, at the beautiful Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, has become a well-known event in the community as we celebrate spring with some great food, entertainment, vendors, music and more!

Safety Awareness Community Day

Sat. June 30 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Freedom High School 15201 Neabsco Mills Road, Woodbridge The Sheriff’s Department will give out free child safety IDs. Stomp out the Silence will provide safety information related to abuse prevention. There will be free food, DJ, live music by Capital Blend, vendors, raffles, moon bounce and more.

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A Midsummer Soirée

Sat. June 30 | 3 – 6 p.m. Winery at La Grange 4970 Antioch Road, Haymarket Join us for our first Midsummer Soirée, where we will be releasing our brand new Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Noir.

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Pick up a free copy of Prince William Living at one of the following fine locations: Chairman At-Large Appliance Connection Corey A. Stewart 13851 Telegraph Road, Suite 101, Woodbridge

Name on Card: ____________________________________ Number: _________________________________________ Expiration Date: ___________________________________ Signature: _________________________________________ *When paying by credit card, please fax your order to (703) 563-9185.

prince william living June 2018

Prince William Parks and Recreation

Prince William Public Library System

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Experience Assisted Living Like You’ve Never Seen Before!

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Care is at the Core of Tribute communities. Imagine the peace of mind you’ll feel knowing your senior family member is receiving professional care in a community of such unbelievable beauty, luxury, and comfort. Tribute residents live Connected, Active, and Purposeful lives. Throughout

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ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS 4151 Old Bridge Rd., Woodbridge, VA 22192 (571) 402-1870 TributeAtTheGlen.com Hello@TributeAtTheGlen.com


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