Prince William Living July 2021

PAGE 12

MUSIC TO OUR EARS

PAGE 14

OLD SCHOOL KITCHEN

PAGE 22

DOUG'S DELI

prince william living July 2021

The premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Taking a Road Trip Through Prince William’s History PAGE 4

Ways to Beat the Summer Heat PAGE 18

Stressed?

PAGE 20

princewilliamliving.com

SENTARA WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY CENTER

Watch Your Weight Drop and Your Quality of Life Soar.

Start your 2021 transformation today with the nationally accredited Sentara Weight Loss Surgery Center. Our multi-disciplinary program helps people live healthier lives by relieving or eliminating many obesity-related chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

SIGN UP TODAY FOR A FREE INFORMATION SESSION! Virtual Seminar with Bariatric Program Coordinator 12:15 P.M. – 1:00 P.M • July 19 • September 20 • August 16 • October 18

Krystal W. Stafford, VA

Sentara Weight Loss Surgery Patient

Lost 225 Pounds

703-523-1188

DIANA ROCA, RN, BSN Program Coordinator

For more information, please contact Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program Coordinator, Diana Roca, RN, BSN by calling 703-523-1188, or visit sentara.com/events.

table of contents July 2021 | Vol. 11 | No. 7

FEATURE STORY Taking a Road Trip Through Prince William’s History

4

DEPARTMENTS

12

14

FROM THE PUBLISHER Prince William Connections

3

LIFELONG LEARNING SPARK and BookConnect Enrich Prince William Students

8

ON A HIGH NOTE Music to Our Ears: ARTFactory’s SummerSounds Concert Series Returns to the Harris Pavilion

12

GIVING BACK Old School Kitchen: From Brick and Mortar to an Intermediary for Food Assistance

14

FAMILY FUN Ways to Beat the Summer Heat

18

DESTINATIONS Stressed? Let Loose With These Local Stress-Relieving Activities

20

LOCAL FLAVOR Doug’s Deli: A Newcomer to Historic Downtown Manassas CALENDAR

20

22

22 26

COLUMNS YOUR FINANCES HOME & HEARTH

prince william living July 2021

10 24

|1

prince william living Rebecca Barnes

PRINCE WILLIAM LIVING PUBLISHER rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com

Erin Pittman EDITOR IN CHIEF epittman@princewilliamliving.com

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Amanda Baity ONLINE SUBMISSION MANAGER Carole Keily GIVE BACK PRINCE WILLIAM INITIATIVE Melissa Payne, melissa@givebackpw.org Johnnie Barnes, johnnie@givebackpw.org CLIENT CARE SPECIALIST Diane Puigdomenech, dpuigdomenech@princewilliamliving.com VISIBILITY PACKAGES sales@princewilliamliving.com

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS info@princewilliamliving.com Prince William Living, the premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas, is published monthly by Prince William Living, Inc. The opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Prince William Living. © Copyright 2021 by Prince William Living, Inc. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without written permission.

Visit the Prince William Living website at www.princewilliamliving.com for reprint permission.

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

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

Editorial offices: (703) 232-1758, ext. 2 Advertising offices: (703) 232-1758, ext. 3 Efax: (703) 563-9185

Advertising Prince William Living accepts display advertising.

For complete advertising information, contact our sales staff at (703) 232-1758, ext. 3, or at sales@princewilliamliving.com.

Social Media

Get More Prince William Living

Prince William Living can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram.

Visit pwliving.com for daily updates on events, the arts, nonprofits, dining and entertainment in your neighborhood.

Look for Prince William Living contests, get-togethers, deals and more. You can also submit a story or event online. Stay plugged into what is happening and what is important to you. Prince William Living is your community magazine, all month long.

Subscription rate is $20 (Continental U.S.) for one year. Change of address notices should be sent to Prince William Living at info@princewilliamliving.com.

Reprints and Back Issues: To order article reprints or request reprint permission, please visit the website: www.princewilliamliving.com. Order back issues by emailing Prince William Living at info@princewilliamliving.com.

For further information about Prince William Living, visit www.princewilliamliving.com, or contact Prince William Living at (703) 232-1758.

2 |

July 2021 prince william living

from the Publisher Prince William Connections

O

future generations, check out our Lifelong Learning section to get a glimpse inside BookConnect, a program of Bookworm Central and SPARK, designed to provide students with a literary experience that enhances awareness, understanding and engagement about significant topics.

ne of the things I love most about Prince William is all of the connections. The businesses and nonprofits connecting to benefit the community, the history connecting to make our area what it is today. It’s all about connections.

One of the best stories I’ve recently heard about local connections is the story behind Old School Kitchen. So many wonderful individuals, businesses and community groups pulled together to create this incredible resource to combat food insecurity in our area. Read all about it in this month’s Giving Back.

Want to make connections to our past? Prince William is rich in history and covered in historical sites and markers sharing the stories of what happened right here so many years ago. Join writer Carla Christiano on her local road trip through our area’s historical markers in this month’s feature.

In Home and Hearth this month, learn the dos and don’ts of recycling in Prince William from Keep Prince William Beautiful.

Do your part to ensure that future generations continue to enjoy this beautiful area and all it has to offer. And speaking of

Is that summer heat starting to get to you? Find some great ways to cool off as a family, in our Family Fun section. And Destinations brings you some cool options for relieving stress as well — think ax throwing and smashing things, all in the air conditioning. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Have you been considering doubling down and paying off your mortgage? Find out whether it's the right move for you in this month's Your Finances.

And it wouldn’t be an issue of Prince William Living without our Local Flavor. This month, read up on Doug’s Deli, where they’ve got plenty of summer sandwiches and drinks waiting for you.

We wish you all a happy and safe Independence Day. Enjoy those sweet summer days.

Rebecca Barnes Publisher

For getting to the mall, movies, or hanging out with friends, OmniRide Local buses serve Dale City, Dumfries, Woodbridge/ Lake Ridge, Manassas, and Manassas Park!

Best of all... you won't always have to depend on your parents for a ride!

LOCAL

Your Ride Around Town!

Check out our OmniRide Guide to help you plan your ride!

OmniRide.com · (703) 730-6664 Virginia Relay Center-TDD, call 711

prince william living July 2021

|3

Photo courtesy Carla Christiano

Taking a Road Trip Through Prince William’s History

By Carla Christiano

I

Photo courtesy Carla Christiano

love a road trip. In the last year though, because of COVID19, my road trips haven’t gone much beyond a few local stores.

So, when the chance arose to discover Prince William history through historical markers, I gassed up my old Honda and hit the road. After more than 400 miles, a couple of tanks of gas and a dog-eared Prince William County Historical Marker Guide, I discovered a lot about this place I’ve called home.

Maybe you can too.

About the Markers In Prince William, we are surrounded by the stories that appear in the history books. Yet every year, more and more places at the center of those stories are disappearing. To ensure those stories aren’t lost, the city of Manassas, the town of Occoquan, local organizations, the county and even the state have erected historical markers. These markers also “are intended to promote a greater appreciation for Prince William’s rich heritage,” according to Jim Burgess, the Prince William County Historical Commission member responsible for the marker guide and other Commission publications.

One of the oldest such programs in the country is Virginia’s historical highway marker program, now overseen by the Virginia

4 |

July 2021 prince william living

Bristoe Station Historical Markers along Bristow Road

Department of Historic Resources. Begun in 1927, its goal is to “present history where it actually happened.” Prince William has a number of these silver and black markers lining local roads.

The earliest dates from 1928 and commemorates the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), where Robert E. Lee commanded Confederate troops to victory weeks before the more famous Battle of Antietam. That marker was placed beside Lee Highway (now Route 29) only a few months after it became one of the first to be paved in the area, connecting Arlington to Warrenton,

Photo courtesy Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center (RELIC)

more than a decade before Manassas National Battlefield Park was established to preserve the actual historic battlefields.

Road Tripping Usually, the hardest part of any road trip is deciding where to go. The marker guide, produced by the Prince William County Historical Commission, makes that easy enough by listing 104 markers (though eight more have been added since it was published in 2017) with their text and map coordinates. For this road trip, however, finding those markers even with coordinates was a challenge. (Unfortunately, the online system (gisweb. pwcgov.org/webapps/historicmarkers/) lacks the coordinates and is older than the brochure.) Some markers are hard to spot among other signs along local roads. A few others are simply missing — victims of road construction or just damaged. Add in our area’s notorious traffic and few places to pull over, finding local history where it happened is a lot harder than the early days of motoring.

The marker guide divides Prince William into three areas. Here is some of what you can discover.

Highlights in Map 1 (Northern Prince William) Buckland West of Gainesville and divided by Route 29, the former thriving mill town of Buckland can be easily overlooked. Founded in 1798 and named for architect William Buckland, the town was a stagecoach stop on the Warrenton Turnpike (parts of which are under Route 29). Although pulling onto Buckland Mills Road and blocking out the whizzing nearby traffic is difficult, you can still sense some of what the Marquis de Lafayette saw here in 1824 when he visited. The stone Buckland tavern, now a private residence, the former Buckland post office and the John Trone house are a few of its 19th century structures still standing near the Broad Run. Colonial Roads (Haymarket) North of Buckland where Routes 15 and 55 converge is the town of Haymarket. Founded in 1799, a year after Buckland, Haymarket is located at the junction of two old colonial roads: the Carolina Road (part of 15), which led to Frederick, Maryland and the Carolinas, and the north branch of the Dumfries Road (55), which was a major trade route between the Shenandoah Valley and the Potomac River.

During the Civil War, on Nov. 4, 1862, Union soldiers invaded the town. They stole what they wanted and then set fire to the town. Only four buildings escaped the blaze: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (built around 1803) on Fayette Street and three small houses nearby.

The Haymarket Museum (townofhaymarket.org/museum) located in the 1883 Town Hall has more information about that and another fire that almost devastated Haymarket a second time. The Historic Preservation Division will lead a walking tour of the town on Aug. 20 (pwcgov.org/government/dept/park/hp/ Pages/Historic-Preservation-Events.aspx).

Thoroughfare Gap Photographed in the 1880s.

Thoroughfare and Thoroughfare Gap About 3 miles west of Haymarket on Route 55 is the little village of Thoroughfare. Established in 1828, Thoroughfare was populated mostly by free African Americans who worked at nearby Chapman’s Mill, a gristmill built in 1742.

In the 1850s, the Manassas Gap railroad built their line beyond the village through the narrow gap in the Bull Run Mountains at the border of Prince William and Fauquier counties next to the Broad Run and the John Marshall Highway (now Route 55).

On Aug. 28, 1862, Confederate troops battled Union troops protecting the gap. When the Union withdrew, the Confederates reunited with troops already fighting the Second Battle of Manassas, contributing to the Confederate victory.

Manassas (Bull Run) Battles All county line historical markers mention the First and Second Battles of Manassas (Bull Run) that took place in 1861 and 1862, respectively. The First Battle was the first major conflict of the Civil War, resulting in 900 killed and more than 3,000 wounded in one day. The three-day Second Battle resulted in more than 3,000 killed and around 19,000 wounded. Those two battles and the associated destruction devastated the area.

The 5,000-acre Manassas National Battlefield Park, located about 5 miles from Manassas, tells the stories of the soldiers fighting those battles and the residents who stayed to rebuild.

Some historical markers are located in the parking lot of the Stone House, one of three pre-Civil War buildings in the park and an aid station during both battles.

July 21, 2021, marks the 160th anniversary of the First Battle.

The park will commemorate this anniversary on July 16 and 17 with tours and special programs (nps.gov/mana/planyourvisit/ calendar.htm).

Jennie Dean Jennie Dean was born enslaved in 1852 a little north of what became the Manassas Battlefield. Although she had a limited education herself, she ensured her siblings got an education.

While working as a servant in Washington, D.C., she raised funds for and established several area churches as well as founded the Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth in (continues on page 6) prince william living July 2021

|5

Photo courtesy RELIC

1894 (manassasva.gov/ things_to_do/manassas_ museum/historic_sites/ industrial_school___ jennie_dean_memorial. php). The school survived as a private institution until the 1930s and would evolve into a regional high school for black students until the 1950s. Although she died in 1913, her legacy continued.

Jennie Dean, who founded Manassas School for Colored Youth

Highlights in Map 2 (Middle Prince William) Ben Lomond Farm Approximately 2 miles south of Manassas Battlefield, now in a quiet suburban neighborhood off of Sudley Manor Drive is Ben Lomond farm. Once part of a 1,500-acre plantation, Ben Lomond was built by Benjamin Tasker Chinn in 1832, who had inherited the site just two years before. In 1850, Chinn and his family moved to Hazel Plain, now part of Manassas Battlefield, and Ben Lomond was rented to a Scottish family, the Pringles.

The Pringles remained during the First Battle of Manassas even after Confederate soldiers had taken over the house and used it as a field hospital. After Confederates evacuated the area in 1862, Federal soldiers ransacked the house. It still contains graffiti from that time.

On July 24 and 25, Ben Lomond will mark the 160th anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas through demonstrations and tours (pwcgov.org/government/dept/park/ hp/Pages/Historic-Preservation-Events.aspx).

Battle of Bristoe Station Bristoe Station Battlefield off Bristow Road is a 140-acre historic site in western Prince William, which is bordered by a housing development and railroad tracks similar to what drew Confederate and Union soldiers to clash here before the Battle of Second Manassas on Aug. 27, 1862, and again on Oct. 14, 1863, at the Battle of Bristoe Station.

On Aug. 27, staff will lead a 90-minute walking tour covering the events in real time as they transpired that day 159 years ago. On Aug. 28 and 29, the park will commemorate the Battle of Kettle Run (pwcgov.org/government/dept/park/hp/Pages/ Historic-Preservation-Events.aspx).

Brentsville Just 3 miles down busy Bristow Road from the Bristoe Battlefield is Brentsville, part of an original 30,000-acre land grant awarded by the king and confiscated from Robert Bristow, a Tory (a king supporter), in 1779 during the American Revolution.

Established in 1820, Brentsville was the county seat from 1822

6 |

Photo courtesy Virginia Department of Historic Resources

(continued from page 5)

July 2021 prince william living

Brentsville Courthouse

to 1893, and had taverns, stores, churches, the courthouse, clerk’s office and jail. Although few early buildings remain, the 1820s courthouse and jail have been restored by the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division as part of the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, which also includes an 1880s church and 1920s school. Unfortunately, the county clerk’s office was destroyed during the Civil War, and many important records were looted by soldiers.

On July 24, the Historic Preservation Division will hold tours at the historic centre. Additionally, on Aug. 14, Sept. 11 and Oct. 9, they will also host bluegrass concerts there (pwcgov.org/government/ dept/park/hp/Pages/Historic-Preservation-Events.aspx).

Manassas After much lobbying from Manassas residents, including former Union soldier George C. Round, the county seat moved from Brentsville to Manassas in 1894. Originally known as Tudor Hall and then as Manassas Junction for the two railroads that intersected there in 1851, the City of Manassas has remained the county seat ever since. The Old Courthouse, which was built in 1892, served as the courthouse until 1984 when a new courthouse was built nearby.

In 1911, at the 50-year anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), the Old Courthouse witnessed the first Peace Jubilee in the nation when former Union and Confederate soldiers reunited to mark the anniversary and to celebrate peace.

The grounds contain a small memorial to that observance.

Highlights in Map 3 (Southern Prince William) History of Dumfries Although you would never know to look at it now, Dumfries once rivaled New York and Boston as a thriving port. Chartered on May 11, 1749, Dumfries is older than the city of Alexandria (by hours), making it the oldest continuously chartered town in Virginia. Dumfries once had taverns, theaters, tobacco warehouses and stores. Even George Washington was known to frequent Dumfries.

Photo courtesy Carla Christiano

Rippon Lodge

Despite its inland location on Quantico Creek, the town was a leading commercial center for the sale and shipment of tobacco, reaching its peak in the 1760s. In 1762, the county court moved to Dumfries, where it remained for 60 years. Dumfries’ success was rather short-lived, however. Tobacco, which had helped Dumfries prosper also contributed to its decline, when soil erosion caused by tobacco farming silted the Quantico Creek.

After years of decline, the court relocated to Brentsville in 1822.

The Weems-Botts Museum has more information about Dumfries and its history (historicdumfriesva.org/).

Rippon Lodge North of Dumfries off Blackburn Road is Rippon Lodge, one of the earliest buildings in Prince William. Richard Blackburn built Rippon Lodge as his main estate house around 1747.

Like Dumfries, Rippon Lodge also has a connection to George Washington — one of Blackburn’s granddaughters married Bushrod Washington, George Washington's nephew.

Overlooking the Potomac River and Neabsco Creek, the wooded property was privately owned up until 1999, when the county purchased the house and 43 acres. The house and grounds have been restored and open to the public since 2007.

On July 10 and 11, Rippon Lodge will host a World War II Weekend (cgov.org/government/dept/park/hp/Pages/HistoricPreservation-Events.aspx).

Town of Occoquan Like Dumfries, Occoquan began with a tobacco warehouse (in 1734), but it grew through manufacturing and from its sawmills and gristmills, finally becoming a town in 1804. As a strategic point on the river, Occoquan saw skirmishes during the Civil War, and one Confederate general, Wade Hampton, headquartered there in 1862 at the Hammill Hotel. That building still stands at the corner of Union and Commerce Streets.

Although the mills have been closed since 1924, the Occoquan River is still important to visitors and residents alike for

kayaking, boating and fishing. The Mill House Museum (occoquanhistoricalsociety.org/blank-3) has more information on Occoquan’s history.

Benita Fitzgerald Connecting Dale Boulevard to Cardinal Drive is Benita Fitzgerald Drive in Dale City. This busy thoroughfare is named for 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, a native of Dale City. A graduate of Gar-Field High School and the University of Tennessee, Fitzgerald Mosley’s accomplishments include being inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1998, as well as being named Sportswoman of the Century by The Potomac News.

And just blocks away from Fitzgerald Mosley’s historical marker is Fitzgerald Elementary School, named for her mother, Fannie W. Fitzgerald. A dedicated long-time county elementary school teacher, Fitzgerald was also one of four African-American teachers to integrate the all-white county schools in 1964.

Discover More There is so much history in Prince William and lots more to discover at the next historical marker: Minnieville, Quantico, Leesylvania and Woodbridge Airport to name just a few.

Go explore.

Carla Christiano is a Prince William native, admitted history geek and a technical writer for SAIC. The Prince William County Historic Preservation Division oversees the Civil War Trail markers, which focus on the varied stories of the area’s Civil War history from 1861 – 1865.

An online system (visitpwc.com/history/civil-war-trail/) or the associated brochure can help with planning a road trip for those sights.

prince william living July 2021

|7

lifelong learning SPARK and BookConnect Enrich Prince William Students

by Rena Malai What if there was a way to teach all the important things in life that are sometimes just not part of regular schooling?

Life skills — like self-care, self-regulation, social/emotional intelligence, resilience, understanding diversity and inclusion — are often picked up outside of the classroom, if at all. It’s not always part of a school curriculum like geometry, history and science.

Radhika Bajaj, Founder of Bookworm Central in Manassas, says teachers need innovative programs to support the progress of their students. Bookworm Central’s program — BookConnect — does just that. By using books and including accompanying activities, the BookConnect program brings Prince William students the opportunity for quiet self-reflection and mindful group dialogue, so they can develop deeper connections with themselves, their community and the world around them.

“Books were my first love,” Bajaj says. “I grew up on stories and till this day draw upon them to approach and tackle different situations in life.”

The Supporting Partnerships and Resources for Kids, or SPARK, initiative is part of the Education Foundation for Prince William County Public Schools. SPARK impacts collaborations and brings Bookworm Central’s BookConnect program into Prince William classrooms to enrich the lives of its students.

SPARK Executive Director Dawn S. Davis says the BookConnect program speaks to a need that is critical in these times. The program is designed to be an invaluable tool for teachers and students alike.

“Diversity and inclusion are important topics, especially now,” Davis says. “Whether it’s a school division or a community at large, it’s crucial to engage both students and teachers with resources that enhance their understanding and appreciation for topics like diversity, equity and inclusion.”

All the key topics offered through the BookConnect program foster personal and community well-being, says Bajaj.

“By introducing BookConnect into the classroom, teachers can encourage children to contemplate about significant issues in a nurturing and collaborative environment,” Bajaj says. “The introduction of such a program in a PWCS classroom provides students the resources, space and freedom to explore relevant topics and their feelings about it.”

8 |

July 2021 prince william living

The program is uniquely created to engage students at all grade-levels. Bookworm Central offers the program for children ages 0 to 18. It is broken up into six segments — two levels for the early years and four levels for grades K-12. Depending on the topic of interest, the program and its resources are customized to match the priorities provided by a school.

BookConnect is designed to provide students with a literary experience that enhances awareness, understanding and engagement about significant topics.

“The goal is to apply books and stories in the building of strong, learning and thinking communities,” she says.

To learn more about BookConnect or review all the programs provided, visit bookwormcentral.com. To learn more about SPARK, visit poweredbyspark.org. If you would like more information on how to join BookConnect as a student or how to implement the program within your school through SPARK, email info@bookwormcentral.com.

Rena Malai is a freelance writer. She has covered a variety of topics ranging from national news, to food and technology. She lives in Prince William and is a native Washingtonian.

Digital transformation doesn't have to be complicated or disruptive. We create simple and seamless document scanning and management solutions, by converting paper files to a digital format.

Document Imaging

Microfilm & Microfiche Scanning

Archive Preservation

Photo Scanning

Document Indexing

Digital Mailroom

Document Redaction

Cloud Storage

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE SAMPLE SCAN! DIDLAKEIMAGING.COM  info@didlakeimaging.com

 571-364-7222

prince william living July 2021

|9

your finances Should You Pay Off Your Home Mortgage Early?

By Bennett C. Whitlock III Whitlock Wealth Management

M

any people who carry a home mortgage dream of the day when they will no longer face the burden of a monthly house bill. They want the financial freedom — and the satisfaction — of owning their home outright. Does that mean you should make paying off your mortgage early a priority?

The answer depends on your circumstances and goals. One question you should ask yourself is, “Would the money you spend on your home loan be better spent on or invested in another financial opportunity?”

Getting a Different Perspective on Debt Reducing debt as early as possible could help you avoid costly interest rate charges. You may have experience with this principle if you’ve eliminated credit card debt or a car loan. While your home mortgage is a type of debt, the same concept may not apply. In certain instances, staying true to your repayment terms may be best for your financial situation for these reasons: n The interest rates on mortgages tend to be more reasonable than other types of credit, and the terms often provide more certainty (30-year fixed rate mortgage). n The interest you pay can potentially be deducted from your taxes. This deduction makes a mortgage much more cost-efficient on an after-tax basis than most other forms of debt. If mortgage interest is part of your tax strategy, consider if you’ll be able to itemize deductions once you own your home outright.

On the other hand, the earlier you pay off your loan, the longer you could have the opportunity to invest the money each month. This additional investment could help you achieve a more secure financial future. To see if investing may make sense, compare your interest rate to what you could reasonably expect to earn in market returns.

Factoring in Time As you evaluate your situation, you should consider the time you expect to stay in your home and how close you are to retirement. Those who are approaching retirement or who are already retired may prefer to be done with the monthly expense of a mortgage. Since this is also a stage in life when your investment approach may be more conservative, the tradeoff of reducing your balance rather than investing may not be as significant. If you’re in this position, you may want to consider if accelerating payments today would help reduce housing expenses in retirement.

The same is true for those who plan to stay in their homes for a long time. Reducing your loan may be appealing if it results

10 |

July 2021 prince william living

in years of living without a house bill. Younger homeowners should explore methods of accelerating their mortgage pay down. Among the strategies to consider are contributing more money each month, refinancing your mortgage over a shorter term (i.e., a 15-year mortgage instead of a 30-year one) or occasionally making a larger, lump sum payment to reduce the balance.

Considering the Emotional Side Deciding if you should carry a home mortgage is not only a rational decision, but an emotional one as well. Your home is where you raise your family, create memories and return to each day. How important is it for you to know that you will own your home free and clear?

As you think about your decision, be sure you’re in a position to not jeopardize your financial security today by putting additional funds toward your home. Adjusting your monthly bill will impact your cash flow, and you’ll want to have flexibility in your budget to cover unexpected expenses. Review your financial circumstances carefully before you decide what’s right for you.

Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC®, is a Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Director with Whitlock Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. He offers fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 22 years. To contact him call 703.492.7732 or visit his website at whitlockwealth.com. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

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

You’ve prepared for a rewarding retirement.

We can help you make the most of it.

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

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

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

Call us today and discover the personal service you deserve.

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

Whitlock Wealth Management whitlockwealth.com

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

Consult with a tax advisor or attorney.

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

12701 Marblestone Drive, Suite 350 Woodbridge, VA 22192 (703) 565-5143

www.comptonduling.com

prince william living July 2021

| 11

on a high note

Music to Our Ears

ARTFactory’s SummerSounds Concert Series Returns to the Harris Pavilion

By Emily Carter

M

usic will be ringing out in Manassas again with the help of the ARTFactory’s SummerSounds concert series.

Each year, the ARTFactory sponsors concerts in the late summer showcasing different artists and genres at the Harris Pavilion.

The Musicians

touring directories and listen to our patrons and constituents.

And then just kind of checking out the local scene in general is what I try to do. In addition to just trying to have a nice mix of genres, we've got folk, we've got funk, we've got Americana, a little bit of country. But that's the goal, to try to have diverse music coming out of the pavilion.”

The SummerSounds series will feature four artists starting with Shenandoah Run on July 24. The band consists of nine members from Washington, D.C. who play folk and Americana music.

2021 Concerts

The second act, “Lil’ Maceo” Kareem Walkes, will take the stage Aug. 7. Lil Maceo is a saxophone player making waves in the jazz world mixing in contemporary music with the occasional cover of today’s popular songs.

“Unfortunately, we had to reach out and cancel because of COVID. I know that the city I think did a few virtual concerts…We did not end up going that route. But we were very fortunate to reschedule the bands from last summer, for this year,” Exum said. “Fortunately, all of them were very gung-ho and very interested in participating. COVID has kept a lot of people at home. And it's been very difficult for musicians and artists and everyone related really in the art field. So they were all very excited to be rescheduled for this summer and they're very excited just to get back.”

On Aug. 14, The Splinters will be performing a mix of Americana, roots, rock and country songs with local musicians.

Their debut album Old Songs was released in 2016.

The final act in the series, Wicked Olde, performs Sept. 4.

The quartet plays primarily Celtic music mixed with bluegrass accompanied by the occasional jig. Wicked Olde has performed at the Harris Pavilion before and was a favorite of past audiences.

Choosing the Artists ARTFactory Executive Director Jordan Exum said she looks to the public and the Virginia Center of the Arts Performing Arts Tour Directory to help her decide what acts will be performing in the summer.

“My main thing every year is trying to find a nice variety of musical styles that people will enjoy because you always have kind of a mixed audience,” Exum said. “(I look at the) VCA

12 |

July 2021 prince william living

In 2020, ARTFactory had to cancel their acts for the SummerSounds series due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The SummersSounds concert series will be in person this year.

The city of Manassas and the ARTFactory have plans to keep the artists and members of the community safe while enjoying music.

“The concerts this summer will look more like normal. We haven't quite finalized all the COVID guidelines that will be in place, but we will have plenty of social distancing or spacing as needed, and the (artists will) be a nice distance away from the audience. There's a couple different things we're working out.

And we made some adjustments to our contract to accommodate that as well. I'm excited just to have performances again, in person,” Exum said.

Photos provided by ARTFactory

Shenandoah Run will perform July 24.

Lil Maceo will be bringing his musical talents on Aug. 7.

The Splinters will be taking the stage Aug. 14.

Wicked Olde performs Sept. 4.

Exum encourages members of the community to look up the artists who are performing and get excited to attend the concerts.

Exum hopes people attending the SummerSounds series feel that life is getting back to normal after the crazy year everyone has had.

The Harris Pavilion also puts on concerts during the summer with series such as Acoustic Tuesday concerts, Sunday Funday concerts and Saturday nights concerts. Manassas Recreation Supervisor Alex Hamilton hopes regular concert goers or members of the community just passing by the pavilion any night of the week, take advantage of the amenities their communities offer.

“I hope that it's a nice moment of relief for them. It's been a hard year for everybody, and nothing has been normal. I just hope that maybe them going out to the performance during that hour and a half, they kind of feel like a little flash back in time and feel a sense of normalcy. I hope it helps people feel like things are progressing. I know it's strange times we're living in right now. But mainly, I guess I just hope that people enjoy it.

I hope they come out to it. And it's a fun experience for them,” Exum said.

“Whether you're here for a specific purpose or you’re (one of those) people who are just getting off the train and just enjoy having something to do while they wait. Sometimes there's people passing through visiting or sometimes, it's our residents of the community that follow the series and come repeatedly,” Hamilton said. “I of course hope that everyone gets a sense of enjoyment out from it. But the biggest goal is to bring people into town and really just promote our outdoor open spaces in our parks. There are a lot of hidden resources I think that a lot of people might not be aware that their community offers.”

The ARTFactory puts on their SummerSounds concert series by partnering with Micron Technology located in Manassas.

The Summer Sounds concert series begins July 24 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit manassascity.org/harrispavilion or virginiaartfactory.org/from-the-artfactory-to-you/.

Emily Carter is a PWL contributing writer. She can be reached at ecarter@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living July 2021

| 13

giving back

OLD SCHOOL KITCHEN From Brick and Mortar to an Intermediary for Food Assistance

By Dominique McIndoe

A

rising tide floats all boats. That is, to say, that the efforts of a few to help those in need can have a positive impact on a community as a whole.

This is a mantra that Old School Kitchen lives by. As a collaborative project that’s been in the making for a year, Old School Kitchen is as its name suggests: a labor of love, food, hospitality and giving. Their goal is to combat food insecurity in Prince William and the greater Northern Virginia area. The commissary kitchen in Haymarket was officially founded by Zandra’s Taqueria, Georgetown Caterers and QBE Foundation.

Making a Way out of No Way It’s no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic played a part in spearheading the creation of Old School Kitchen. In early March of 2020, the big catering kitchen located behind Zandra’s Haymarket location — in what used to be the Pace West School building — became available and was subsequently incorporated into their expansion. Miguel Pires, owner of Zandra’s and cofounder of the Old School Kitchen, says they were initially going to use the space as a centralized location to distribute food to all of Zandra’s locations — Manassas and Fairfax, along with Haymarket. Then the pandemic hit American shores and production came to a screeching halt.

“The idea came about one afternoon in late March, early April, as a business grappling with what to do and how to adjust to the whole pandemic,” says Pires. “We were sitting with our landlord, QBE Foundation, and we’re saying, ‘We have to come up with a way to help out.’ And we started seeing a need for local organizations and food.” Thus, the Old School Kitchen was born.

14 |

July 2021 prince william living

Westfield High School's Interact Club volunteering with Old School Kitchen

Sharita Rouse, owner of Tummy-Yum Yum Gourmet Candy Apples, was also an early inspiration for the Old School Kitchen initiative, because in the earlier days of the pandemic, she’d been feeding hot meals to those in need from her home’s doorstep. So, Old School Kitchen offered to help prepare these meals. That was the first collaboration and partnership that really got the Old School Kitchen project going.

A Threefold Mission The Old School Kitchen’s overarching mission is threefold. One objective was to put restaurant workers who were let go during the early days of the COVID-19 crisis back to work.

“Our objectives were to help out our team,” says Pires. They were able to bring staff back on from Zandra’s who’d been laid

The Village Eighty percent of Old School Kitchen’s operations benefit Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park. Centreville, Chantilly and Fairfax County, among other northern Virginia jurisdictions, also benefit from their services. Congdon and Pires attest to the fact that, without the help and collaboration of their community partners, they would not have been able to accomplish this feat.

“It takes a village,” Congdon says. “There’s a lot of moving parts, a lot of cogs in the wheel that work together to generate everything that needs to get done in order to get those meals to the folks out there… It’s really a broad umbrella of all the different pegs in the board, if you will, that really help to create the organization that we’re a part of… It’s very well-orchestrated and [we] all work together.”

Delicious food being prepared by the skilled hands at Old School Kitchen

off. The Paycheck Protection Program, an SBA-backed loan that helped businesses keep their workforce during the crisis, helped them achieve this goal.

The second part of Old School Kitchen’s mission is to utilize and repurpose high-quality food that would have been otherwise wasted. That’s how one of Old School Kitchen’s biggest collaborators, Prince William Food Rescue, connected with them. PWFR specializes in partnering with food retailers and nonprofit organizations to bring healthy food directly to those experiencing food insecurity, and they also strive to break the link between poverty and poor health by bringing healthy options to the table of families in need.

“The Prince William Food Rescue was one of the initial donors of the food, and they would bring us palettes and palettes of food that we would transform into meals and distribute to families [with the help of volunteers] to the food pantries and church groups, and the community leaders,” says Clarke Congdon, Executive Chef at Zandra's Taqueria and partner in Georgetown Caterers and Old School Kitchen.

In addition to dropping off food ingredients, like fresh fruits and vegetables, PWFR also helps with the distribution of the hot meals once they are prepared.

Old School Kitchen’s third objective is to produce mass quantities of prepared to-go meals to target those in need.

Since starting the project in April 2020, they have made and distributed over 45,000 meals — and counting — to those considered food insecure and people affected by the pandemic in particular. The highest demand occurred in the summer of 2020, when approximately 1,600 meals were distributed every week.

Recently, the focus has shifted to helping the Haymarket and Bethany Food Pantries.

While the food and labor procurement is primarily carried out by Zandra’s and Georgetown Caterers, QBE Foundation acts as the nonprofit arm of Old School Kitchen. They handle logistics, accounting and administrative support. Much of their food resources come from Aaron Tolson and the Prince William Food Rescue team. House of Mercy, Ovoka Farm, Park Valley Church, Going Gainesville, Haymarket Food Pantry, Sharita Rouse of Tummy-Yum Yum and volunteer teams from Wakefield High School are the pieces to Old School Kitchen’s puzzle, as well. Through the kindness and generosity of these groups in the donation of food, time and assistance, they, along with sponsors and donors, all qualify as resident food heroes.

“I always think we’re better together,” Pires says. “The community is definitely the bedrock. I love working and seeing all of these different groups come together to help those in need.”

Moving forward, Old School Kitchen hopes to continue to find ways to sustain, broaden their reach and collaborate with seasoned leaders who have been assisting the community for years.

“Food insecurity is always there, and it’s not just in a pandemic,” Pires says. “We’re still a part of that larger network that’s out there assisting people every day. So, I think we’re going to continue to contribute as much as we can and as long as our businesses are around.”

To donate or learn more about Old School Kitchen, visit oldschoolkitchen.org. Prospective volunteers can contact Clarke Congdon directly at superchef5000@gmail.com. One hundred percent of donations go toward food containers for distribution and ensuring a safe environment in which to produce healthy meals.

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

prince william living July 2021

| 15

MARTHA SULLIVAN Pneumonia recovery

From Pneumonia to

POWER WALKING!

LifeWorks Rehab is more dedicated than ever to the care and safety of our patients like Martha Sullivan, who got back in stride again after a case of pneumonia.

We provide patients with exceptional recovery experiences you will not find at home or anywhere else.

14935 Holly Knoll Ln | Gainesville, VA 20155

(703) 468-0766 www.LakeManassasHealthRehab.com

✔ Customized treatment, therapies, & recovery tools ✔ State-of-the-art gyms & equipment ✔ 24-hour care from a professional team ✔ 7-day-a-week therapy & more time in supervised therapy*

Scan this barcode or visit MyLifeWorksRehab.com/resources for more.

✔ Comprehensive disinfecting with world-class technology

*compared to at-home recovery

16 |

July 2021 prince william living

(continues on page 20)

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Fridays @ 8 pm

July 9th

Delta Spur

July 23rd

The Jarreau Williams Experience

August 13th

Jimi Smooth

August 27th

Cazhmiere

September 10th

The Reflex

sweeneybarn.com (703) 282-3033

Amanda Wose Photography

A modern venue where rustic charm meets elegant sophistication in historic Manassas, Virginia.

September 24th Junk Food

stonebridgeptc.com

Enjoy Your Summer Prince William Commons

At HarborChase

Call to schedule your tour today and enjoy a complimentary fine dining experience for two in our Grille Room!* 14080 Central Loop | Woodbridge, VA 22193

(703) 429-0290 | www.HarborChase.com *For a limited time. Some restrictions may apply.

prince william living July 2021

| 17

family fun

Ways to Beat the Summer Heat

By Jennifer Halter

W

e’re in the midst of the dog days of summer, and many of us are looking for creative ways to keep the kids cool and entertained. Here are our best tips for beating the summer heat while sharing in some family fun!

adventure any time! Set up a tent, grab the sleeping bags and snacks, and settle in for a night of outdoor fun. No tent? No problem! You can still do nighttime camping activities outside and head indoors when it’s time to hit the hay.

Water Play

Ice Rescue

Not everyone has easy access to a pool, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t create some water fun in your own backyard. You can set up kiddie pools (or even the larger inflatable pools with enough room for grown-ups, too!). Try a sprinkler for the kids to run through (and give your grass a drink). Grab buckets or plastic storage totes, fill with water and allow kids to splash and play with plastic toys, funnels and measuring cups. Don’t forget the water balloons; they are always a hit!

Go Early or Late

Temperatures are cooler in the morning and evening, so plan your outdoor adventures during those times. Save the air conditioning for that strong midday heat. Start your day with a visit to the playground or free play in the backyard. In the evening, try a dinner picnic at the park or take a stroll around your neighborhood.

This is a fun activity for all ages, because it puts those creative thinking skills to work. First you will need a plastic container(s) with a lid. The size is up to you, but the larger the better. Fill with water leaving about ½ inch at the top of the container to allow for expansion when freezing. Place various items in the water. Include small, plastic figures such as army men or mini animals, plastic blocks, bouncy balls — anything that won’t get damaged by water that will be fun for the kiddos to “rescue.” Put the lid on your container and place in the freezer. Make sure the container is on a level surface so everything freezes evenly. For best results, let freeze overnight. Remove the frozen ice block from the container and allow the kids to use various tools (utensils, small hand tools, such as a mini hammer or screwdriver, water) to release the frozen items.

Shopping Scavenger Hunt Backyard Camping

Going away on a camping trip is awesome, but there’s no need to wait when you can go on your own backyard

18 |

July 2021 prince william living

When the days are really scorching hot, you may be looking for a way to have fun indoors, but somewhere other than your home. Head to a local mall or grocery

The Great Outdoors Enjoyed at Potomac Place Since 1987

Find your peaceful, outdoor sanctuary at Potomac Place— where fresh air and sunshine are just steps away!

store and have a scavenger hunt while you shop. At the mall, look for items by color, such as a blue shirt or a red pair of sneakers (which also helps our littlest ones with color recognition). At the grocery store, have the kids help with your shopping list. For either option, sit down as a family and create your lists ahead of time. To alleviate the risk of arguments, form teams that will work together instead of competing to find items first.

Visit the Library

Did you know that many of our apartments feature private balconies and patios? Call today to schedule your tour of our beautiful campus!

703-494-3817 PotomacPlace.com

Coordinated Services Management, Inc. Professional Management of Retirement Communities since 1981

There’s always something good happening at the library!

While some events remain virtual, you can still go browse and check out books, movies and even grab craft kits to go. While you’re there, check in with the information desk to inquire about summer reading programs and rewards.

There may also be special events taking place that you can join on-site or from home.

Sweet Treats Play Date

Cool off with friends and family by hosting a sweet treats play date. Guests can bring their favorite popsicles, pudding, gelatin or any other chilled or frozen snack to share. You can even set up a an ice cream sundae bar and have each guest bring a different topping to share. This is a perfect activity for outdoors, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up any messes and spills that can happen.

Remember, safety first for whichever activities you choose. Be sure to wear sunscreen, bug repellant and provide adult supervision with any of the water activities. Stay cool!

Jennifer Halter is the Publisher of Macaroni Kid Woodbridge and Macaroni Kid Gainesville/Manassas, free online calendars and resources to help you find your family fun all year round. prince william living July 2021

| 19

destinations

Stressed?

Let Loose With These Local Stress-Relieving Activities

By Mia Brabham

T

his year, stress has been inevitable and self-care has taken on a whole new meaning. Physical, mental and emotional burnout seems to be running rampant in every arena of life, from work to home. It’s no secret that most of us just need a break. But let’s face it, sometimes, it feels like a walk or hike just won’t cut it. What better way to take a pause or hit the reset button than with an entirely new adventure — one where the entire point is to release the built up tension in your body?

Whether it’s a trip to the local rage room where you can safely release stress by smashing a few things or finding your Zen among adorable baby goats, Prince William and our surrounding areas are full of fun, short-term ways to clear your inner turmoil, be playful and have a good time. Are you ready to let loose?

Trampoline Park When you're stressed, it's good to get out of your head and into your body. At DEFY Woodbridge, you'll have your head in the clouds in no time. You don't need to hop on a plane to take off; the time-allotted "flight tickets" allow you to go soaring for as long as you choose. There are tons of different attractions within the trampoline park that will keep you busy and entertained all day, from aerial trapeze over a colorful bed of foam blocks to trampoline basketball and battle beams. There's even a ninja obstacle course, a zip line and a parkour area! What better way to destress and disconnect from your screens than by getting out and up into the air?

Name: DEFY (Woodbridge) Address: 14555 Potomac Mills Road Woodbridge, Virginia 22192 Phone: 703-995-1899

20 |

July 2021 prince william living

Lose It Rage Room

Rage Room At Lose It Rage Room in Springfield, anything goes. And by anything, we mean there is an actual Smash Menu of items that are put into a room for you to smash for your enjoyment! This edgy, good-time of a facility provides a private, fun and safe space for solo-venturers or groups to come and absolutely lose it.

Everyone is provided with a protective mask, gloves, full bodysuit and choice of either a bat or a sledgehammer before stepping into a secluded area filled with smashable, donated material goods of your choosing. You can opt for small items

(bottles, records, vases, dishes), medium items (laptops, monitors, VCRs, CPUs), and large and extra-large items (printers, speakers, etc.). You can even play your own music from the building’s speakers.

Not only is it the perfect opportunity for you to let out your anger and frustrations in a protected environment, but it’s quite the memorable experience. Hey, you never forget the first time you smash a speaker. The best part? Clean up is taken care of for you!

Name: Lose It Rage Room Address: 7701 Southern Drive, Suite D7 Springfield, Virginia 22150 Phone: 571-206-4888

Axe Throwing Axe throwing at Bad Axe Throwing means — you guessed it — a chance to hurl axes at a target and have fun playing games in the process. If you like a little bit of competition and want to enjoy a few drinks while taking control of your focus, this is the place to do it. Hugh Jackman and Charles Barkley have even been axe throwing here!

The Fairfax facility is one of many Bad Axe locations, which is considered one of the world's biggest urban axe throwing clubs.

You can get a large 12x20 foot private lane all to yourself with as little as six people. Call ahead, or do a walk-in solo or with a few other people.

Bad Axe’s mission is to bring the electrifying excitement of the traditional Canadian backyard pastime to urban communities.

During your time, you’ll be guided by talented (and super cool) axe throwing coaches and even participate in fun-spirited competitions with your fellow group. It may seem nervewracking at first, but they promise, you’ll get the swing of it!

Bullseye or not, it’s a great stress-relieving time.

Name: Bad Axe Throwing Address: 2985 District Avenue, Suite 195 Fairfax, Virginia 22031 Phone: 844-818-0999

Goat Yoga If smashing dishes or throwing axes isn’t your style, maybe you’d prefer to get cozy among cute farm animals instead. The Little Goat Farm at the Lake is a lovely, private farm that also serves as a nonprofit home to precious rescue animals. You’ll find all types of friendly and happy animals on the farm, including chickens, alpacas, llamas, donkeys, and Pygmy and Nigerian dwarf goats.

There are public goat yoga events throughout the year on the farm and at partner sites, as well as private goat yoga sessions.

Sessions are led by certified yoga instructors and include mats and adorable baby goats roaming around. In the private sessions, you get to choose between the woodfloored studio, outdoors by the beautiful lake, on the terrace or any other location on the farm. You can even mix up your yoga session with a baby alpaca or cute, soft bunnies.

If you want to take a little piece AND peace of the farm home with you, they also sell organic goat milk products. To continue your relaxation and self-care at home, treat yourself to The Little Goat Farm at the Lake's soaps, lotions, bath bombs, bubble baths, sugar scrubs and shower steamers. Every product is made right at the farm.

Name: Little Goat Farm at the Lake Address: 8954 Burwell Road Nokesville, Virginia 20181 Phone: 703-929-7228

Rock Climbing Whether you're climbing high or squatting low, Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness is sure to get your blood pumping and your stress levels sinking. Whether it's a one-time adventure or you decide to make the gym part of your routine, it's fun for all ages.

Visitors have the ability to "learn the ropes" through classes built for individuals and for families. If you really want to get your adrenaline pumping, you can hit the boulder wall's "sharp-end" which requires even more sweat and strength. You can choose to fly solo or join a meet-up group where you can mingle with new people, whether you're an experienced climber or a total newbie.

They also have seasonal camps, which are perfect for the little ones.

Name: Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness Address: 10225 Nokesville Road Manassas, Virginia 20110 Phone: 855-822-5462 Mia Brabham is an author, writer, foodie, and media host. Her debut book, Note to Self, is a short collection of life lessons that is the hands of readers all over the world. Mia is also the host of Two In The Morning, a podcast that explores and unpacks the cultural questions that keep us up at night. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter, or at bymiabrabham.com.

prince william living July 2021

| 21

local flavor

Doug’s Deli

A Newcomer to Historic Downtown Manassas

By Amy Falkofske

H

aven’t ventured into Downtown Manassas lately? Then you might not yet have experienced its newest restaurant, Doug’s Deli, an independent, quick-service deli right on Main Street. The restaurant opened officially on April 8 of this year with a ribbon-cutting and the mayor in attendance.

How It Started Doug’s Deli was started by Owner/Operator John Windley.

Windley has worked in the restaurant industry for 10 years and had been thinking about owning his own business. The pandemic gave him the opportunity to make his dream a reality.

“When the pandemic shut down most restaurant operations, it seemed like an opportunity for me to spend that time building a place I could open when the pandemic was over. But I really didn’t expect it to take this long!” he said.

Windley previously managed Brixx in Woodbridge and Ornery Beer Company in Fairfax. He also worked at Zandra’s Historic Downtown Manassas location before it closed for renovations after the pandemic hit.

Coming Home For Windley, Historic Downtown Manassas was the obvious choice for Doug’s Deli. Manassas is where he grew up.

“When thinking of starting my own small business, I knew the community support that existed here in Manassas would be a key element to my success. There was never any other location to consider; I wanted to be part of this community,” he said.

Fresh-Made Menu Items One of the most popular menu items is the Reuben specialty sandwich, a 1/2 lb. of corned beef piled high with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and house-made Russian dressing served on grilled marbled rye.

Left to right, Ellen Windley, John Windley, Amanda Windley, Christina Windley, John Windley, Senior.

22 |

July 2021 prince william living

Another popular item is the chicken salad sandwich. The Doug’s Deli version is savory instead of sweet, with roasted chicken,

Serving Beer, Cider and Wine From Local Breweries Windley strives to “be part of the dine and drink local movement” in Virginia.

“While we cater to the quick dining service for lunch, we knew that pairing our craft sandwiches with craft beer would be of interest to the dinner and weekend dining crowds. Craft beer provides an interesting way to bring people together. Virginia has some of the best breweries, and we are able to partner with them to host events like the Downtown Manassas First Fridays,” he said.

On May 7, Doug’s Deli hosted a tap takeover event with Lickinghole Creek Brewery, a farm brewery in Goochland, Virginia, and looks forward to having other Virginia breweries throughout the summer.

A Family Business Doug’s Deli’s popular chicken salad sandwich is made savory instead of sweet.

Even though Windley is the owner of the business, his venture with Doug’s Deli has really been a family undertaking.

Doug’s Deli also offers a variety of sides, fruits and veggies, drinks, desserts and local beer, cider and wine.

“I could not have done this without the tremendous support from my family and friends; I am extremely grateful! My father, John, helped me with all the construction. My mom Ellen helped with all the business regulation and compliance needs, and my two sisters Christina and Amanda have helped with all the customer service efforts,” he said.

Not Just Any Deli

Windley also has a close circle of friends who have pitched in to get Doug’s Deli underway.

onion, red peppers, slivered almonds in a light dressing with lettuce and tomato on toasted white bread. Other menu options include six specialty sandwiches and seven sub choices.

“We start with fresh produce, pair it with the highest quality meats and cheese, and top with our flavorful house-made sauces to create delicious ‘craft sandwiches’,” said Windley.

One of the reasons the Reuben sandwich is so popular is because of the house-made Russian dressing. Windley makes the dressing himself. It’s so popular that customers have requested the deli bottle it for sale.

“My great circle of lifelong friends helped make the website, create the logo, and gifted me the awesome Doug’s Deli sign that hangs in the loft dining area. A special shout-out goes to Ricky and Justin. Last, but certainly not least, is Samantha, that special person who I want to go home and tell about my day at the Deli.

I am fortunate to have such a great circle of family and friends supporting me on this journey,” he said.

The restaurant’s horseradish sauce, balsamic vinaigrette, Chile lime aioli and basil pesto are also house-made.

Dine-In, Carry-Out, Delivery or Catering

Where Customers are Friends Windley runs the restaurant with his family, and they think of their customers as friends.

“We are truly part of the local community here. We have customers who recognize and appreciate the hard work we are putting into this business and care about our success. They are not just our customers; they are our friends and family,” he said.

Realizing that different customers have different comfort levels with the pandemic almost in the rearview mirror, Doug’s Deli offers its food in whatever way you’d like to get it. If you feel comfortable dining in, you have that option. You can also order online for carry-out or delivery. Finally, catering is available for your event or family gathering.

Doug’s Deli is located at 9366 Main Street in Manassas. It’s open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Doug’s Deli also aims to fit into the busy lives of its customers.

“Recognizing the busy, fast-paced culture we live in, we focus on preparing exceptional food delivered as a quick-service dining option. We focus on building long-term relationships and strive to become like family to our customers by combining traditional values with modern service delivery. That’s why we say ‘Doug’s Deli, where everything is good to go!’” said Windley.

Amy Falkofske is a freelance writer and photographer. She has a Master’s degree in Film-TV with a concentration in screenwriting.

She lives in Bristow with her husband, two boys and two Beagle dogs.

prince william living July 2021

| 23

home & hearth Your Prince William County Recycling Questions Answered

By Aleta Daniels, Executive Director, Keep Prince William Beautiful

W

hen it comes up in conversation that the non-profit organization I work for has an Education and Outreach program that includes recycling information in Prince William County, I am immediately peppered with questions about what or how to recycle, whether items put in the recycling bin actually get recycled or just thrown in the landfill, and just what the heck is going on with glass recycling here and elsewhere in the country. If you have questions that fall into any of these categories, take some comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

Recycling can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be!

Recycling is a great way to prevent items we no longer have a use for from going to the landfill by extending their useful lifespan. This breaks the “use it and trash it” cycle of some of our most commonly used and discarded items (such as plastic soda and water bottles). The recycling process uses significantly less energy and resources than using virgin materials, resulting in a reduced ecological footprint.

considered hazardous. Hazardous liquids can combust when heated.

While most people have a general understanding of what recycling is and why it’s important, that understanding gets a little fuzzy when trying to determine what actually is recyclable.

Adding to the confusion, what is accepted at the recycling facility, or materials recovery facility, can vary from state to state and even county to county. Some items require special, expensive machinery to help with the recycling process, which not all municipalities are able to afford.

MIXED MEDIA n DO recycle newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, office paper and paperboard boxes, such as cracker and tissue boxes.

Here are some helpful guidelines for Prince William residents.

If you would like more info on the items mentioned in the list below, visit kpwb.org/recycling-in-prince-william-county/.

With all recyclable materials, please do not bag your items; place them loose in the bin.

CARDBOARD n DO recycle clean cardboard. Please flatten your cardboard boxes. A little leftover tape stuck to the boxes is ok, but please remove any large globs of tape.

Recycling Dos and Don’ts PLASTICS n DO recycle clean #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jugs. n

n

DON’T recycle #3-7 plastics or items that previously contained hazardous materials (such as oil, flammable materials, chemicals, etc.).

DON’T recycle packaging material. Bubble wrap, air pillows and plastic wrap all need to go to the trash rather than the recycling bin

ALUMINUM, STEEL, AND AEROSOL CANS n DO recycle empty and clean aluminum, steel and aerosol cans. Please pre-crush your cans to help save space in the recycling truck! n

DON’T recycle full aerosol cans. Full aerosol cans are

24 |

July 2021 prince william living

n

n

DON’T recycle frozen meal boxes. These often contain a plastic lining that clogs up the recycling machinery in facilities that are not equipped to handle these items

DON’T recycle dirty or greasy cardboard (such as pizza boxes).

GLASS, MIRRORS AND CERAMICS n DO recycle clear and colored glass bottles and jars. Glass items are not accepted in your curbside bins. Please take your clean glass directly to the recycling facility. n

DON’T recycle mirrors, ceramics or lightbulbs.

Keep Prince William Beautiful, Inc. is a non-profit environmental organization that serves Prince William County through partnering with residents, businesses and government to educate and inspire people to be environmental stewards and keep Prince William beautiful. Programs include community litter cleanups, outreach and education programs, sustainable activities for home or the classroom, and much more. You can find more information about their programs at kpwb.org.

No Trips to the Grocery Store. No Dishes.

No Cooking. No Clean Up. Individually packaged meals that come to you in microwave safe containers. Pop one in the microwave 2-3 minutes, enjoy a chef quality meal, wash your fork & get on with life.

Choose from 9 meals each week.

Order Online: www.okras.com

FILL EACH DAY WITH ENDLESS

Possibilities

Every day is a new adventure at Westminster at Lake Ridge. Start your morning by swimming laps in our renovated saltwater pool, or build strength in our state-of-the-art fitness center. For lunch, catch up with friends while eating al fresco at the expanded Bistro. Spend aftenoon in historic Occoquan, and at the end of the day, unwind with a good book in our new library. What will tomorrow bring?

LIVING AT ITS BEST—MODERN. INSPIRED. ALWAYS ENGAGING.

INDEPENDENT LIVING // ASSISTED LIVING // MEMORY CARE // SKILLED NURSING SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION // HOME CARE

703-783-4355 www.wlrva.org

ATTENTION WEDDING PROFESSIONALS:

Women’s Wedding Network is the premier network for wedding industry business owners and professionals in the D.C. metro area, where you’ll leave well-fed, well-connected and wellenergized!

Join us on the second Wednesday of every month. Visit womensweddingnetwork.com for complete details.

prince william living July 2021

| 25

calendar Making the Most of Prince William Living

Online – On Demand Are you an advertiser with Prince William Living or interested in becoming one?

Now online, our publisher Rebecca Barnes will help you discover how to “Make the Most of Prince William Living.” Meet the people behind greater Prince William’s premier lifestyle magazine. Visit princewilliamliving.com/ lunchwiththepublisher.

City of Manassas Farmers Market

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

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

Dale City Farmers Market

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

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

Haymarket Farmers Market

July

Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Haymarket Town Hall 15000 Washington Way, Haymarket Haymarket has added a farmers’ market on Sundays at Town Hall.

First Friday Night Fires

Fri. July 2 | 7:30 p.m.

Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas Get outside and enjoy the warm summer nights around a campfire as we explore the history of America’s public parks.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket, a picnic basket and enjoy beautiful Virginia nights around a campfire with storytelling, history, recreation and preservation.

Masks are required when indoors and are recommended when outdoors.

Movies at the Pfitz

Sat. July 3 | 7 p.m.

Sat. July 31 | 7 p.m.

Pfitzner Stadium Complex 7 County Complex, Woodbridge See “National Treasure” on July 3 and “Footloose” on July 31. Gates open at 7 p.m.; movie starts at approximately 9 p.m.

Occoquan Penguin Paddling Tour

Sat. July 3 | 8 to 10 a.m.

Thurs. July 25 | 6 to 8 p.m.

Penguin Paddling 201 Mill St., Occoquan This guided trip is approximately two hours in duration and launches from behind Madigan’s Waterfront Restaurant in Old Town Occoquan. This paddle trip will leave the start point and take you past the old Occoquan Mill Ruins, Occoquan Regional Park, and along a beautiful river scene packed with waterfowl, fish and other critters. Tour intended for participants age 14+. Penguin Paddling terms/policies apply.

Celebrate America

Sun. July 4 | 3 to 10 p.m.

Historic Downtown Manassas Celebrate America this Independence Day with one of the largest fireworks displays in Northern Virginia! Food concessions and novelty vendors will begin at 4 p.m. in the streets and parking lots surrounding the Manassas Visitors Center and the Harris Pavilion. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and come early to get the best seats on the Manassas Museum Lawn for the fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.

Summer Camps

Starts Mon. July 5, through midAugust | 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams St., Manassas Park Summer day camps will be modified for size, social distancing and other safe practices. Participants can still expect to learn new skills, make new friends and play fun games. A variety of summer camps for

ages 3-5, 6-11 and teens. If you have any questions, call 703-335-8872.

Play Ball! Historic Baseball Camp

Tues. July 6 to Fri. July 9 | 9 a.m. to noon Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas Children ages 8 to 14 can experience baseball’s history in this camp, where participants will play different versions of old-time baseball. During the camp, campers will also make their own 19th century baseball to take home with them.

Campers will learn and experience the roots of America's pastime! Registration for this camp can be completed online at pwcparks.org or call 703-367-7872.

Advance registration required.

Wednesday Walk at Bristoe Station

Wed. July 7 | 6 p.m.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park 10708 Bristow Rd., Bristow Join the staff and volunteers of Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park for monthly hikes to stretch your legs and exercise your minds. Topics, routes and distances vary by month and will cover a wide variety of the history of Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. Stay tuned to our website for more information.

The parking lot is located off Iron Brigade Unit Avenue, Bristow.

Summer of Sunflowers

Starts Sat. July 10 through Labor Day Burnside Farm 10800 Kettle Run Rd., Nokesville One of Burnside Farm’s pick-your-ownflowers events. The Summer of Sunflowers runs about six weeks, from mid-July to Labor Day. 703-930-3052.

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

26 |

July 2021 prince william living

Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling Drop-off Day Sat. July 10 | 8 a.m. to noon Manassas Transfer Station 8305 Quarry Rd., Manassas The City of Manassas offers residents an opportunity to take their household hazardous waste and electronic waste to the Manassas Transfer Station on the special event date. This is a free service provided for City of Manassas residents in partnership with Waste Management (no commercial waste will be accepted).

World War II Weekend

Sat. July 10; Sun. July 11 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rippon Lodge 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge Learn about daily life of soldiers in the European and Pacific Theatres from living historians portraying both Axis and Allied soldiers. Tour the house to hear about Admiral Richard Black, the last owner of Rippon Lodge, who was a WWII veteran and survivor of Pearl Harbor.

Enjoy historic house tours, crafts, weapon and tactical demonstrations and more.

Campfire held on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Occoquan Artisan Market

Sat. July 10, Sun. July 11 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

River Mill Park 458 Mill St., Occoquan The 2021 Occoquan Artisan Market replaces the traditional Spring Arts and Crafts Show this year. It features many favorite craft show artisans and welcomes new ones. The Artisan Market will be held rain or shine.

On These Walls: Graffiti at Ben Lomond

Sat. July 10 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas Take special tours focusing on the visible and invisible graffiti that still marks the walls of Ben Lomond. Who were the people that signed their names here, and why and when did they do it? Learn about the Civil War history of Ben Lomond after it was a hospital to find out! Masks are required when indoors and are recommended when outdoors.

Museum Kids Monday!

Mon. July 12 & July 19 | 10 to 11 a.m.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow Bring your child to Brentsville Courthouse this summer to explore history through sight, sound, smell and touch with

We Create & Foster Enduring Image!

703-670-7884 “Leak Detection Specialist”

Roofing • Repairs • Vinyl Siding Seamless Gutter Systems • Gutter Guards Replacement Windows • Skylight • Attic Fan

Guaranteed Quality Work Since 1985 3 Top Rated by Washington Consumers’ Checkbook Licensed – Bonded – Insured E-mail: sales@FurrRoofing.com

hands-on activities and crafts! Topics will vary each month and include subjects such as farming, archaeology or 19th century toys. Adult must be able to participate with children.

Women’s Wedding Network Wed. July 14 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Online Presented by Brides & Weddings Magazine The wedding industry is filled with tons of great people who are helping to bring dreams to reality. Have you worked with them? If you would like to meet others in the wedding industry, then join us at the next Women’s Wedding Network.

Register: bridesandweddings.com.

Walking Tour of Historic Prince William Towns

Fri. July 16 | 7 p.m.

Renaissance Montessori School 12625 Fitzwater Dr., Nokesville Join local historians once a month this summer for a special walking tour of historic towns in Prince William County.

This month, visit Nokesville, a small agricultural town with a rich history.

Tour will depart from the Renaissance Montessori School. For more information, please call 703-365-7895.

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

pwcgov.org/digitallibrary

Have an event? Visit princewilliamliving.com/events to submit details to our online calendar. prince william living July 2021

| 27

Dog Walking

•

Cat Sitting

Dog Sitting

•

Pet Taxi

Overnights Fetch Supplies

(703)543-9206

571-364-7250

www.manassasoliveoil.com

fetchpetcare.com/manassas

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

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

www.arcgpw.org 703-670-4800

Vintage Moving & Storage Moving Your Life’s Treasures

Vintage Moving & Storage Moving Your Life’s Treasures

703.392.6260 www.vintagemoving.com

28 |

July 2021 prince william living

S E N TA R A M E D I C A L G RO U P

MEET YOUR NE W PROVIDER PRIMARY CARE

Andrita Shah, D.O. Family Medicine

12825 Minnieville Rd. Suite 202 Lake Ridge, VA 22192 703-523-9840

Nana Owusu-Nyamekye, M.D. Internal Medicine

Benedict Sales, M.D. Family Medicine

Manisha Kunwar, NP Family Medicine

Havya Dave, M.D. Family Medicine

Raenell Williams, M.D. Family Medicine

Karen Holdsworth, MSN, FNP-C Family Medicine

2280 Opitz Blvd.

Suite 250 Woodbridge, VA 22191 703-523-1720

3600 Pointe Center Ct. Suite 110 Dumfries, VA 22026 703-523-1750

Milan Patel, D.O. Family Medicine

Gurwinder Singh, M.D. Internal Medicine

Paroni Gupta, NP-C Family Medicine

Cindy Hennigh, CFNP Family Medicine

Shannon Murley, FNP-C Family Medicine

Stephanie Schutter, CFNP Family Medicine

4500 Pond Way Suite 170 Woodbridge, VA 22192 571-542-4950

NEUROLOGY

Brenda Crum, NP

2280 Opitz Blvd.

Suite 110 Woodbridge, VA 22191 703-523-8880

WOUND CARE

Carol Shapiro, M.D.

Cherelle McKinney, FNP-C

2296 Opitz Blvd.

Suite 130 Woodbridge, VA 22191 703-523-0660

SURGERY

Jacqueline Moore, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Steven Nakao, M.D., F.A.C.S.

2280 Opitz Blvd.

Suite 320 Woodbridge, VA 22191 703-523-9750

Jeffrey Sinclair, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Arthur Vayer, Jr., M.D. F.A.C.S.

95 Dunn Drive Suite 123 Stafford, VA 22556 703-523-9550 List of providers as of January 2021.

Find your new provider today!

Sentara.com

prince william living July 2021

| 29

UVA Children’s was just ranked by U.S. News & World Report as Virginia’s #1 Children’s Hospital. Because at UVA Children’s keeping your kids healthy is our mission. With our expert pediatricians, nurses and care teams, we’re home to an elite team of pediatric specialists. Our Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Orthopedics, Urology and Neonatology Departments are all ranked among the best in the nation. All to ensure that every family in Virginia has access to world-class pediatric care. Visit childrens.uvahealth.com.