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ORDWAY CONSERVATORY
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BOXES OF BASICS
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L&B'S PIZZERIA
prince william living September 2020
The premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas
ROCK YOUR RIGHT TO
VOTE PAGE 4
The Little Goat Farm at the Lake PAGE 14
Xiao-Yin Byrom’s Journey to Tang’s PAGE 22
princewilliamliving.com
A NEW PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER IS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
INTRODUCING: KAREN HOLDSWORTH, NP The team at Sentara Internal Medicine Physicians in
Woodbridge is excited to welcome Karen Holdsworth to their care team. As a group, they offer personalized virtual and in-office appointments for a variety of healthcare needs, including same-day sick visits and the management of chronic diseases. They are available 24/7, so always ask them first when you need care.
Now accepting new patients.
Havya Dave, M.D.
Amandeep Kaur, M.D. Karen Holdsworth, NP
SENTARA IS TAKING EVERY SAFETY PRECAUTION BY: • Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to caregivers & patients • Screening of providers & office staff • Ongoing cleaning & sanitizing of all areas • Pre-screening patients before arrival • Screening patients for fever & symptoms at the front door
To schedule an appointment, call 844 -693-0274 or visit Sentara.com/Holdsworth. Sentara Internal Medicine Physicians 2280 Opitz Blvd, #250, Woodbridge, VA 22191
table of contents September 2020 | Vol. 10 | No. 9
FEATURE STORY Rock Your Right to Vote: Get Prepared for Election Day 2020
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DEPARTMENTS FROM THE PUBLISHER Fall Is on Its Way
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ON A HIGH NOTE Ordway Conservatory’s Director Instills Confidence, Leadership in Students
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DESTINATIONS The Little Goat Farm at the Lake
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GIVING BACK Boxes of Basics Makes an Impact on Youth in the Prince William Area
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LIFELONG LEARNING Westminster at Lake Ridge Keeps Residents Sharp Through Engaged Living
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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS Xiao-Yin Byrom’s Journey to Tang’s
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FAMILY FUN Fun With a Fall Favorite: Apples!
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LOCAL FLAVOR L&B’s Pizzeria and Sports Bar: New Life for a Longtime Favorite 30 CALENDAR
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COLUMNS CHANGE MAKERS HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME & HEARTH YOUR FINANCES prince william living September 2020
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prince william living Rebecca Barnes
PRINCE WILLIAM LIVING PUBLISHER rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Amanda Causey Baity ONLINE SUBMISSION MANAGER Carole Keily
Erin Pittman EDITOR IN CHIEF epittman@princewilliamliving.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amy Falkofske, Katherine Gotthardt, Jennifer Halter, Gianna Jirak, Erin Pittman, Marianne Weaver, Bennett Whitlock, Katrina Wilson
GIVE BACK PRINCE WILLIAM INITIATIVE Melissa Payne, melissa@givebackpw.org Johnnie Barnes, johnnie@givebackpw.org
PHOTO EDITOR Amanda Causey Baity
CLIENT CARE SPECIALIST Diane Puigdomenech, dpuigdomenech@princewilliamliving.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio PHOTOGRAPHER Amanda Baity
VISIBILITY PACKAGES sales@princewilliamliving.com 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. Š Copyright 2020 by Prince William Living, Inc. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without written permission. Visit the Prince William Living website at www.princewilliamliving.com for reprint permission.
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Editorial Have a story you’d like our staff to cover? Contact Prince William Living editorial staff at (703) 232-1758, ext. 2, or at editor@princewilliamliving.com.
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September 2020 prince william living
Fall Is on Its Way
from the Publisher
H
ow is it September already? Those first weeks of the pandemic certainly crawled for my household, but it seems now that days are whizzing by. I’m always a little sad to see summer end, but I’ll take the cooler days. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, and, in the age of COVID, I’m all for time in the open air.
One of my favorite things about Prince William is the wide variety of small businesses we have and the passionate people behind them. This month, in Taking Care of Business, learn about Tang’s Alterations. On a High Note features Ordway Conservatory of Classical Ballet, and L&B’s delicious dishes are highlighted in Local Flavor. Last but not least, check out Boxes of Basics in our Giving Back section to see how they are bringing smiles to local children.
In this issue, we are sharing about The Little Goat Farm at the Lake, where you can snuggle goats, get your yoga on with them and spend a relaxing day on a farm. Heaven — and outdoors! And be sure to hit up your local orchard (or favorite grocer) to stock up on apples. Our Family Fun section is full of ideas for fun and delicious activities with this favorite fruit.
Our feature this month provides you with all the info you need to ensure your vote is counted. Get information on key registration deadlines, learn how to request an absentee ballot and find out how to locate your polling place. We’ve also included some websites where you can read up on candidates and their stances on issues to help you cast the vote that’s right for you.
Our Health & Wellness section shares what you need to know about children’s immunizations during the pandemic, while Your Finances brings you the facts you need to decide whether or not it's a good time for you to refinance.
Thank you for your continued readership. Wishing each of you health and safety this fall and beyond.
Home & Hearth can help you tackle the often-daunting project of downsizing, and take a peek into the Westminster at Lakeridge senior community in our Lifelong Learning section to see how these residents truly embrace lifelong learning.
Rebecca Barnes Publisher
prince william living September 2020
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ROCK YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE Get Prepared for Election Day 2020 By Erin Pittman
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n just two short months, the 2020 election will be upon us. Americans will be choosing a new president, new senators, governors and more. Are you prepared to cast your vote?
Voting: A History When you look back on the history of voting rights, it’s hard not to feel inspired to proudly cast your vote. So many of our ancestors fought diligently to provide us with this right. In the 1700s, white males were all who were allowed to cast votes in elections. While they may have been forming a democratic country through the drafting of the Constitution, our founding fathers left it up to the states to determine who had the right to cast votes. And the states largely limited those people to white males who owned land. Fast forward to the 1800s, when the 15th amendment was added to the Constitution. This amendment was ratified by the states in 1870 and stated that people could not be denied the right to vote based upon race. Despite this change, many southern states found ways to create barriers to voting, including taxes and literacy requirements. One hundred years ago this year, the 19th amendment granted women the right to vote. The first woman to register to vote in Prince William County was 64-year-old Nokesville resident Lucy Wooden. Wooden was among 633 white women and 33 Black women in the county who registered to vote in 1920. Protests and calls for equal voting arose in the 1960s. After much activism and many organized protests, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act in 1965. This act barred the negative policies and practices used to limit voting among African Americans,
as well as other targeted groups. States were required to submit their changes to election laws to the Justice Department for approval. Following this movement in the 1960s, the 26th amendment to the Constitution lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. At a time when many 18-year-olds were enlisting or being drafted for the Vietnam War, this change ensured that everyone fighting for our country had a voice in the government. In 1975, the Voting Rights Act was expanded to ensure that communities with large groups of non-English-speaking citizens provide voters with materials in their language, as well as multilingual support at the polls. Seven years later, Congress voted to extend the act for another 25 years and expanded coverage to require accessibility at the polls for people with disabilities. The extremely close 2000 presidential election required a recount and highlighted major equipment malfunctions, poor ballot design, and inconsistent policies and procedures throughout the country. The Help America Vote Act of 2002, a result of the concerning 2000 election, streamlined voting practices around our nation. 2013 brought a ruling from the Supreme Court on the Voting Rights Act, declaring part of it unconstitutional and removing a section that protected voters in areas where race had previously created restrictions. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg did not agree (continues on page 6)
(continues on page 6) National Women's Party demonstration in front of the White House in 1918. The banner protests Wilson's failure to support women's suffrage. prince william living September 2020
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Washington, D.C., Aug. 1, 2020 Volunteers register Demand D.C. protesters to vote in D.C., Virginia and Maryland in a tent at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
with the decision and was quoted as famously saying, “Throwing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.” Recent years have brought concerns of voting fraud, equipment malfunction and, this year, the challenges of voting in a pandemic. Democracy depends upon the votes of its citizens in order to be truly representative of its people. Are you prepared to vote?
Getting Registered and Voting in Virginia To register to vote in the state of Virginia, you must be a permanent resident of the state and a U.S. citizen. Individuals must be 18 years of age on the date of the election, not registered or planning to vote in another state, and not currently declared mentally incompetent in a court of law. For those previously convicted of a felony, voting rights must be officially restored before voting is allowed. In Virginia, you must register to vote by Oct. 12. Not sure if you are registered? Visit vote.org to check and access a variety of tools for voters. You can register in minutes online at vote.elections. virginia.gov/Registration. If you prefer to have a hard-copy application, you can pick them up at voter registration offices, armed forces recruitment offices, public libraries and many state/ local government agencies. File the completed application with a local registration office by mailing it to the address on the form. It must be postmarked by Oct. 12. If you prefer to vote via absentee ballot, you must request your ballot no later than Oct. 27. Request an absentee ballot at vote.
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elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/absentee. Return your ballot to your local registrar by 7 p.m. on Election Day. If you are mailing your ballot, it must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your registrar by noon on the third day after the election. If you’ll be voting in person, it’s essential to head to the proper polling place. If you have your voter registration card, your polling place is listed right on it. For those who have misplaced their card, visit vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/ Lookup/polling to locate your polling place. Simply enter your name, locality and the last four digits of your Social Security number, and voila. You’ll know where to go.
Locating Candidate Information These days, it often feels like it takes serious combing to find unbiased, factual information. But there are a variety of websites and organizations whose sole reason for existence is to provide straight-forward information on candidates and their stances. iVoterGuide.com is one such site, which allows you to not only search the names of local candidates, but also to search by the issues that are most important to you. Once you search for an issue, you’ll be provided with information on candidates’ stances, allowing you to make informed decisions about who gets your vote. Other sites that offer candidate information include Ballotpedia.org, VoteSmart.org and Voterly.com, where you can easily view politicians’ track records. Interested in viewing a sample ballot? Local site pwcvotes.org has one for you. From the home page, click on “Know before you go … what will be on my ballot” to view it. This local resource
In Virginia, you must register to vote by Oct. 12.
also provides reminders of important dates as we get closer to the election. Don’t let registration or voting slip your mind. Text PWCVOTES to 94253 to receive important reminders via text.
Why Voting Is Important Voting is a Constitutional right provided to every U.S. citizen — it’s also a privilege and responsibility. This is your say in our country’s government. Voting is a simple way to use your voice to influence real decisions and affect issues far into the future. We have had presidential elections where the margin was less than 600 hundred votes. Considering the millions of Americans able to vote, that’s a notably small margin. When your vote joins enough other votes, you directly impact the election of our country’s officials. Many people around the world do not have this freedom, and many of our ancestors did not either. No matter which candidates and issues you support, it’s important to exercise this freedom.
Voting Amid a Pandemic In light of the global pandemic, this year, absentee voting without a qualifying reason, or “excuse,” is permitted in Virginia, in order to reduce the potential spread of the virus at polling places. If you prefer not to vote in person on Election Day, remember to request your absentee ballot by Oct. 27 and return it by Nov. 3. At the polls on Nov. 3, voters may encounter longer lines and short staffing, or reduced polling places, due to COVID-19. Because we are in a presidential election year, turnout is expected
to be high. To avoid crowds, consider going during nonpeak hours, like midmorning or midafternoon. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued COVID-19 safety recommendations for voters. Most of these suggestions won’t be unfamiliar to voters: n Wear a mask. n Maintain 6 feet of social distance from others. n Use hand sanitizer after touching shared surfaces, like doorknobs and voting machines. n Do not touch your face. n Bring your own black pen, if your precinct uses them. n Review a sample ballot in advance to make your decisions, so you can get in and out of your polling place quickly. n Have your identification in hand when you are next in line to speed the process. n Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when you are finished. We’re all in this pandemic together, and it’s up to each of us to do our part to reduce the spread, especially on this important day in our country. The time is now to get your Election Day ducks in a row. Make sure you’re registered, request an absentee ballot if you prefer and identify your correct polling place ahead of time to make your voting experience a smooth one. Do your homework in advance, so you’re ready to confidently cast your vote on Nov. 3 and ensure your voice is heard. prince william living September 2020
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prince william living September 2020
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on a high note
Ordway Conservatory’s Director Instills Confidence, Leadership in Students By Katrina Wilson
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Photos provided by Ordway Conservatory
ara Ordway, artistic director and owner of Ordway Conservatory in Manassas, ensures her students obtain more than a world-class ballet education at her institution; they also gain health, confidence and leadership skills. “For ballet students, excellent training is paramount,” Ordway said. “Without proper technique, a dancer can’t stay injury free or reach the professional level. It’s always been important to me to instill confidence in my students.” She said very few ballet students end up in a professional company, but every child who comes into her class has a tremendous amount to gain from ballet. “Ballet is unique in that it’s very physically demanding, it requires acting skills and it is an art form,” she said. “You get to be an athlete, an actor and an artist all in one.”
Classes at Ordway Conservatory The classes at Ordway Conservatory allow individuals from young to older to experience the uniqueness of ballet and other dance styles and techniques. “Ordway Conservatory is designed as a mock-company. We have three levels within our ‘company’ that our dancers rise through. They take class together and they are cast in two full-length
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Ordway Conservatory offers classes for youth, ages 3 and up, as well as adults.
productions throughout the year. Our cast is 100% students,” Ordway said. The conservatory has a creative movement class for dancers age 3 who are potty trained. Their classes explore movement through imagination and teach the names of basic steps and positions.
The institution also has elementary, intermediate and advanced ballet. Elementary classes are for ages 6 to 9, and intermediate classes are for ages 9 and up. “They make up the corps de ballet (backdrop of principal dancers) and they dance the principal roles,” she said. “It’s a way for all of them to get to experience what a professional company is like — even if they don’t plan on pursuing dance as a career.” A principal dancer is the highest rank in a ballet company. Principal dancers dance the leading roles in ballets, like Odette/ Odile in Swan Lake. There is an advanced ballet class, which is a pre-professional division course that is a training program for those who plan to be professional dancers — dancers who are paid to dance for professional companies. “Our pre-professional program goes through our dancers’ senior year of high school,” Ordway said. “If they are planning on becoming professional dancers, they will audition for companies during their senior year.” “My advanced dancers take class with me an average of four hours a night and up to seven hours on Saturdays,” Ordway said. “Most of them are also honor students taking AP courses at school. Ballet training helps you learn to manage time well and prioritize.” Male dancers are encouraged to join classes at Ordway Conservatory. “We have male dancers,” Ordway said. “Which is wonderful because it allows us to work on pas de deuxs (a dance duet commonly done between a male and female dancer), and it helps us spread the message that boys dance too!” Ordway Conservatory has classes for adult dancers, too. “We offer an adult ballet fitness class for our adult students,” she said. “The class is full of mothers whose students dance at the conservatory and community members who have fond memories of dancing when they were young.” Ordway Conservatory offers a variety of classes in addition to ballet. These classes help dancers become more well-rounded. “A well-rounded dancer can handle a greater variety of roles,” Ordway said. “There are so many different career paths that a dancer can take. The more types of dance you’re familiar with, the more options you have. From dancing in a ballet company to dancing in music videos to choreographing for television. The possibilities are vast.” Those possibilities have led her students to be successful after they graduate high school. “Almost all of my students have continued to dance in some way or another after graduating,” she said. “Some of my former
Principal dancers dance the leading roles in productions.
students now teach for me, which makes me so happy. Some have gone on to dance professionally, and a couple are now fashion models.”
Adjusting to the Pandemic While there are many great successes with the arts, the arts community (like many other communities) has been affected by COVID-19. “We were ordered to close our location in March, and as of right now, we aren’t sure when we’ll be able to reopen,” Ordway said. “The arts were one of the first industries shut down and will be one of the last to reopen. As soon as we found out we would need to close, we began virtual lessons without missing a day of classes.” She added that she and her students are still making the most of the pandemic. “I am blessed to have very dedicated students who have been working extremely hard at home. The progress I’ve seen over the last couple months is inspiring and makes the extra work of virtual lessons all worth it. Our virtual lessons are very advantageous for our dancers, and we’ve even had several new students join us in the past few weeks.” Dancers and teachers alike have found ways to have fun virtually. “I wanted to keep things as normal and fun as possible for our (continues on page 29) prince william living September 2020
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change makers Kristina Nohe “Changemakers” highlights the people of Prince William who are making a difference in our community. This month, we feature Kristina Nohe. An accomplished leader, writer and advocate, Kristina Nohe’s influence knows no bounds. Her commitment to Prince William is shown in her contributions to the arts, education and more through organizations such as the Hylton Performing Arts Center and the Woodbridge Homeschool Co-op, among many others. And when she’s not working or volunteering, you can find her joining the community in any of the various events or attractions the area has to offer. How long have you lived in the Prince William area, and what do you most like about living here? I lived in Prince William as a child when my father was stationed at the Washington Navy Yard, but, as it goes with the military, we were only here for a few years. I returned in 2001 and cannot imagine living anywhere else. The diversity of this area exists on many levels from the landscapes to the people to the culture and the economic opportunities. Prince William is the place people land, bringing a little bit of everywhere else they’ve lived with them. What are some of your favorite things to do in the area and why? I enjoy doing just about anything that gathers people together, be that a performance at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, dinner out with friends or a community event like the Dale City Independence Day Parade or the annual Manassas African-American Heritage Festival. Prince William is a vibrant community, and it’s a joy to get out and be a part of it. How have you been involved in the community? I serve on the Executive Board of the Hylton Performing Arts Center as well as serve on their Education and Governance committees. I have served on two Strategic Planning Committees for Prince William and am a former member of the Prince William County Arts Council. Additionally, I am a member of the Gainesville chapter of Be the Bridge, a group dedicated to empowering people to move toward racial healing, equity and reconciliation. I am on the Board of the Woodbridge Homeschool Co-op as well, where I also teach. My guiding philosophy when teaching is that it is more important for my students to know how to think than knowing what to think. I am about to enter my 14th year being involved in the Prince William homeschool community, and it is amazing how much we have grown and
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thrived due to our area’s support. Along with these activities, I also write for Bearing Drift, a conservative political blog, and Be the Grey Squirrel, my personal blog. In addition to my personal community involvement, my husband Marty and I have been involved with the Food Rescue program at ACTS since its inception, and we are both members of the Prince William NAACP. We have also been involved in a number of child welfare advocacy and adoption campaigns throughout the years. If you had to give advice to someone new to the area, what would you tell them and why? This area is vibrant and welcoming. There is a place for everyone, so go out and find yours. How would you describe yourself in a few sentences? Kristina Nohe is a homeschooling mom, writer, political activist and adoption advocate who is proud to be from Prince William but does not suffer fools lightly or quietly. She has lived in Prince William for over 20 years collectively, but she doubts she will ever learn to love the winters here. Her greatest achievement is raising her four children, but a close second is her amazing lasagna.
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Get HELP with your Medicare costs. You may qualify for assistance in paying your Part D premium or Part B premium with Virginia’s Extra Help Program and Medicare Savings Program. To find out how we may be able to help, call the Prince William Area Agency on Aging at 703-792-4156.
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destinations
The
Little Goat Farm at the Lake Story and photos by Amy Falkofske
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The Beginning of the Little Goat Farm at the Lake
When you arrive at the farm, you’ll be led to a large fenced-in area where you’ll be given your very own friendly goat to interact with. That little goat will follow you around and seem to instinctively know that they belong with you. You’ll also be greeted by Marshmallow the funny alpaca who will stare — and maybe even spit at you. You might be approached by the very laid-back little Sicilian donkey meandering around the property. After you’ve spent some time with your goat, including feeding it a bottle, your group will get its very own bunny to snuggle.
“It was like going into the settlers on a prairie, but I’m from Minnesota, and like anywhere you go in the world, it’s a walk in the park weather-wise,” she said.
his year hasn’t been easy for anyone, but you know what makes any day a little better? The company of a little goat. You can find some goat company at the Little Goat Farm at the Lake.
Reservations Required
Like most businesses, the Little Goat Farm has had to make some changes due to COVID-19. You now need to make reservations. Also, each family gets their own dedicated goat, and the goats are sanitized between families. Co-owner, Susane Marsh, says the changes have actually been positive for family and group connections. “It restricts us, but we’ve also found from the pandemic some positive things. We’re going to continue pairing groups and families with their own goat for more enriching time together. This is one way we can safely provide really great entertainment for families and groups and continue with much of our practice that we’ve learned as a result of this COVID,” said Marsh.
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The Little Goat Farm sits on 25 acres right on Lake Manassas. Marsh bought the property with her husband, Dr. Bob Marsh, while it was in foreclosure. She said the area was really overgrown with spikes, ticks and predators when they first took ownership of it, but that didn’t deter the native Minnesotan.
The Marshes’ decision to have goats was born out of wanting products that were pure for skin, without chemicals. They found that the pH of the goat is very similar to human beings in that it’s absorbed into the skin and filled with naturally high amounts of vitamins and minerals. They now offer a variety of soaps and lotions, including products for facial care.
Goat Yoga and Gardening Classes
Marsh, a PhD, is also a yoga instructor and a Master Gardner. The Little Goat Farm was the first in Virginia to offer goat yoga. It’s now in its fifth year. Yoga classes are currently limited in size and scope due to COVID-19. Marsh pointed out that goat yoga is very different than your usual more serious yoga. “Goat yoga is joyful,” she said.
Patches the goat takes a rest in the sun.
Anna from the Little Goat Farm holds up one of the resident chickens who she says has eighties hair!
Marsh also said that “goats are all about the party” and that they love to be touched and snuggled.
depression turns into a little laugh and then a giggle and full joy. It’s truly wonderful for my husband and me,” she said.
“They’re very therapeutic. Animals have been used for many years for therapy, and when you combine that, which is a snuggle, holding an animal versus the full experience of a goat jumping on you, laughing, cuddling a goat, it’s all about you. This time is meant to be your time,” she said.
Marsh teaches Hatha yoga, and she spoke about how that approach takes into account what’s psychologically beneficial to the participants.
The Little Goat Farm has been partnering with parks & recreations and George Mason University’s Environment Science and is in its sixth year of offering farm-to-table classes, such as cooking with herbs, how to grow tomatoes and strawberries, and cheese making.
“We really wanted more of the eight yoga limbs of animal therapy to help create harmony within. With goats, you’re laughing at something so crazy and funny that a baby goat did next to you, or to your partner that came with you, and that laughter along with stretching, breathing and mindfulness is a big part of reducing stress and anxiety, helping your heart and internal organs and helping you live longer,” she said.
Camping, Fishing and Private Parties
Unique to Prince William
If you’re the outdoors type, the Little Goat Farm is definitely a place that you want to check out. You can camp and fish on the land by reservation. There’s also a big access area for retreats. Companies like Amazon and Prince William County government have held picnics and baseball games at the farm. If you’re looking for a wedding venue, the Little Goat Farm is available for that, too, with indoor space also available to rent. “We’re always open to private parties,” said Marsh.
Psychological Benefits
The Marshes started the Little Goat Farm to give back to the community. “We hope to put a smile, just a smile, on a stressedout community. Goats don’t know if you’re a Democrat, Republican or an Independent. They just love you,” said Marsh. One of the things that the Marshes do regularly is host Marines from Quantico suffering from PTSD and boys and girls from Youth for Tomorrow. Marsh said it seems to have a genuinely positive effect on them.
The Little Goat Farm is really a unique experience in Prince William. Where else can you find goats, yoga, organic goat’s milk products, cooking classes, camping and fishing all in one place and also feel like you’re no longer in the city? “We’re told we’re the closest farm to the D.C. area, but still very pristine. You look out across the lake and you see two bald eagle nests, to the right a blue crane and her nest. Your view doesn’t include a single house or car. That direct contact with nature along with animal therapy and Hatha yoga, provides stress reduction, a sense of belonging and a broader sense of community,” said Marsh. If you’d like to make a reservation to visit the Little Goat Farm at the Lake, visit littlegoatfarmatthelake.com. 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.
“It’s fun for us to see that snuggling that these groups get when they come over and that rage, anger in many cases and plain prince william living September 2020
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Operational and administrative opportunities are available for volunteers of all backgrounds and skill sets.
JOIN TODAY! 703-675-9933 www.OWLVFD.com
Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department www.OWLVFD.com 16 |
September 2020 prince william living
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SEPTEMBER 9TH - 11TH, 2020 The increase of abuse and neglect of children during quarantine devastates us all. This year, more than ever, CASA needs your support so we can ensure that there is a highly-trained community volunteer available to advocate for each abused or neglected child in our community. Please join us each evening for evenings of reflection, entertainment, and support for children in need.
To learn more and register, visit www.casacis.org Sponsorship opportunities are available! To learn more, please email pmoody@casacis.org.
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Let’s work together now so we can help our neighbors when they need it most.
giving back
BOXES P A C KOF A TBASICS HOME
Makes Tan Impact OOLKIT on Youth in the Prince William B O X E S O FArea BASICS.ORG By Katrina Wilson
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oxes of Basics is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing boxes of basics throughout the community — boxes full of quality new and gently used clothing for local children. The organization collects clothing through drives all around Prince William County. Children who receive Boxes of Basics are referred by other nonprofits, community organizations and school social workers.
What’s Inside a Box? Each unique Box of Basics includes an entire seasonal wardrobe — five school outfits, three play outfits, three sets of pajamas, one Sunday-best outfit, new socks, new underwear, shoes, a winter jacket and an age-appropriate book. Each outfit is hand selected, wrapped and labeled. “When a child receives a Box of Basics, we want them to feel like they are opening a gift,” said Sarah Tyndall, founder and executive director of Boxes of Basics. The organization includes a survey and self-addressed stamped envelope in each Box of Basics, and an online survey is also sent to each referring partner. The impact of each box is best told through the words of the recipients. “I have to share that the box you dropped off yesterday had a child jumping for joy and happiness. The shoes fit perfectly, and you
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could see the relief and happiness on his face as he ran around in them!!! Made my day!! The clothing was perfect too and he brought it home with a giant smile.” – Local school social worker The nonprofit caters to children who wear sizes newborn through 12 youth. It has been serving Prince William County youth since September 2018.
Sarah Tyndall, founder and executive director of Boxes of Basics
Boxes of Basics’ Beginning Boxes of Basics’ headquarters started in Tyndall’s basement — and with a Facebook request. “A few years ago, a friend on Facebook posted about a mother in need of clothing for her children,” Tyndall said. “This mother left a bad situation with four kids and had nothing. I reached out to friends and neighbors, and before I knew it, I had enough clothing to fill my SUV twice,” Tyndall said. “I realized quickly that there
when they need it HOME DIFFERENCE ORE TIME AT at time to Spending clean out more the time at home is a great time to clean out the Hportance O Mclosest, also teach our kids the importance of giving back ofE givingbut back when they need it most.
PACK AT PACK AT HOME TOOL TOOLKIT of Basics, we want to make the most of time spent the most At of Boxes time spent were more people who could benefit from quality children’s clothing. At the same time, there are so many people who wanted to help. I loved helping this mom, but I wanted to find a better way to deliver the clothing. The idea for Boxes of Basics was born from there.”
all in-person volunteer opportunities. The majority of our work is done during the school year: September to May. We typically slow down during the summer months. We do plan to offer some in-person volunteer opportunities later this summer to help with organizing our new Manassas location.”
That idea has grown into a system that has received overwhelming community support. When she started Boxes of Basics, Tyndall never imagined it would take off and grow as quickly as it has.
Boxes of Basics News
to the community.
Basics is in the process of moving to a new location in andtobeclean prepared to helpBoxes ourof community when it’s community whentime it’s home is atogether great out the Old Town Manassas at 9323 West Street. “We have received overwhelming support from safe tous doinso.community We know many those on in e who lean on our kids the importance of giving are grateful Episcopal has helped us by offering B O X neighborhoods, businesses and churches hostingBclothing drives Oback X E StoOofF“We BA S Iwho Cthat STrinity .lean OR G us use ofhelp one of their facilities in Old Town and Manassas, and we will volunteers from all of over Prince William County spending hours more times need, will need even with closures elp with closures and continue to work with a variety of organizations and churches to sorting clothing and packing boxes,” Tyndall said. “Individuals support the mission of Boxes of Basics,” Tyndall said. donate slower money to helpbusiness. fund our expenses, and local media covers our story. The support has been amazing and continues to grow.” She is also excited to offer their new online toolkit to the want to make the most of time spent community. The online resource provides families with another Fueled by Volunteers great way help to give during the pandemic. Let’s work together now so we can our neighbors help our neighbors ed to help our community when it’s “Boxes of Basics can only work with the help of the community,” “Since the quarantine, it most. she said. “Clothing donated from members ofus the community. w many ofwhen thoseisthey whoneed lean on in MAKE A DI FFERENCE many people have been All items are sorted, and boxes are packed by volunteers from the WITH MOR E TIME AT cleaning out their closets,” d evencommunity.” more help with closures and HOME Next, the boxes are picked up and delivered by more community volunteers. “Boxes of Basics offers an impactful way for people to make a difference in the lives of local children,” Tyndall said.
ow so we can help our neighbors st. The individuals who make an impact aren’t just those who donate,
she said. “We wanted to offer a way people can support Boxes of Basics and teach their children about giving while at home. Our online toolkit walks you through how to create a Box of Basics at home. It is an easy fun project to do with your kids.”
PACK AT HOME TOOLKIT
but the volunteers putting in the work.
“Boxes of Basics is a 100% volunteer organization,” she said. “Volunteers help with everything and we are always looking for new helpers.” Tyndall noted that both adults and youth can volunteer.
“I also encourage groups and young people (with adult supervision) to volunteer,” she said. “We have hosted church youth groups, Girl Scout Troops, mommy groups, a Pilates class and more. Volunteering with friends is always fun!”
H. OOR GM E IT
At Boxes of Bas ics, we want to make the most together and be of time spent prepared to help our community safe to do so. when it’s We know many of those who lean times of need, on us in will need even more help with slower business closures and . Let’s work toge ther now so we can help our neig when they nee hbors d it most.
PACK AT H OME TOOLKIT BOXESOFB
ASICS.ORG
“Clothing is such a basic thing, but it can make a huge impact in the life of a child. At Boxes of Basics, it’s quite simple, we provide the gift of clothing to the children who need it the most!”
BOXESOFBASICS.ORG
Volunteering with Boxes of Basics offers children an opportunity to learn valuable life lessons. “I love watching children helping other children, it teaches them great life lessons,” she said. “Since COVID, we have cancelled
OFBASICS.ORG
Visit boxesofbasics.org/ at-home to access the toolkit.
Spending more time at home is a great time to closest, but also clean out the teach our kids the importance to the commun of giving back ity.
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, email info@ boxesofbasics.org. Katrina Wilson (kwilson@princewilliamliving.com) calls herself a Carolina girl, because she was born and raised in South Carolina and is still learning Northern Virginia. Writing is her outlet; she has two published books. prince william living September 2020
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health & wellness Parents: Let's Talk Immunizations During COVID-19 Provided by Novant Health UVA Health System
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f you have children going back to school, make sure they are up to date on immunizations their school requires. Otherwise, they can’t enroll. Parents shouldn't have COVID-19 safety concerns during a visit to their pediatrician. Novant Health UVA Health System providers are using creative ways to continue in-person visits. In some cases, a vaccine can be administered in the parking lot while the child is in their car seat. As an added precaution, clinics have designated certain entrances and office hours for well and sick visits. Cleaning and disinfecting are top priorities at every Novant Health UVA Health System location, too. Vaccines are given to children to help prevent diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, chickenpox, polio and measles, but also pneumonia and rotavirus diarrhea — two of the biggest killers in children younger than 5. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe vaccines as containing “the same germs that cause the disease, but the germs have been either killed or weakened to the point that they don’t make you sick.” Vaccines help the immune system build up resistance to dangerous diseases.
Required Immunizations for Virginia Schools
Students in Virginia must have the following immunizations, according to the Virginia Department of Health: n Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis – four doses n Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib) – two to three doses, depending on the manufacturer n Hepatitis B – three doses n Human papillomavirus vaccine – three doses n Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) – two measles, two mumps and one rubella n Pneumococcal (PCV) – one to four doses, depending on age at first dose n Polio – four doses n Varicella (chickenpox) – two doses Dr. James Min of Novant Health UVA Health System Bull Run Family Medicine in Haymarket recommended the following immunizations for students (in addition to the required ones): n Middle school – Human papillomavirus vaccine and meningitis vaccine n High school – meningitis vaccine booster for students ages 16 to 18
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n College – meningitis vaccine is required, if not already received
‘Herd Immunity’ Helps All
Vaccines are effective 90% to 100% of the time. However, some children are not able to get vaccines for certain medical reasons, or because they are too young to be vaccinated. This leaves children without protection, therefore having to rely on “herd immunity.” The CDC describes herd immunity as when “a sufficient proportion of a population is immune to an infectious disease (through vaccination and/or prior illness) to make its spread from person to person unlikely. Even individuals not vaccinated (newborns and those with chronic illnesses) are offered some protection because the disease has little opportunity to spread.” According to Min, vaccines are one of the most proven things we have in medicine in terms of safety and efficacy. “I have no concerns with vaccines,” Min said. “Unfortunately, people, especially in the United States, are afraid of vaccines because of what they’ve read on the internet.” For more information about vaccines for children, check out the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guide for parents and caregivers at fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/consumersbiologics/vaccines-children-guide-parents-and-caregivers. For more information about the extra steps Novant Health UVA Health System is taking to ensure your safety, visit NovantHealthUVA.org/WelcomeBack.
lifelong learning Westminster at Lake Ridge Keeps Residents Sharp Through Engaged Living By Gianna Jirak
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he residents of Westminster at Lake Ridge may not have been in a classroom for a few decades, but that does not mean they have stopped learning. Westminster at Lake Ridge is a CARF-accredited, SAGECare platinum LGBT cultural competency credentialed non-profit senior living community located near the historic Occoquan with over 300 residents. They offer different levels of care, such as independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, respite services and rehabilitation services. No matter the level of care, the community supports engaged living — being active both mentally and physically — through their motto “Love where you live, love the way that you live,” and by focusing on the Dimensions of Wellness model. “This model considers all the elements that contribute to a healthy individual and is comprised of social, emotional, intellectual, physical, spiritual, occupational and environmental wellness,” said Life Enrichment Events and Volunteer Coordinator Bing Gonzalez. Through this model and coordinators like Gonzalez, residents of Westminster at Lake Ridge participate in an array of fun and engaging activities. “Each day we offer a wide variety of life enrichment programs for all levels of care. This includes fitness classes, art groups and classes, book clubs and writing groups, knitting groups, cooking, trivia nights, singing and music groups, acting groups, cards and board games, spiritual and religious groups, and more. We also have a greenhouse, community garden, woodworking shop, stocked fishing ponds and a pickleball court,” said Gonzalez. “We’ve had art teachers come in for painting classes and various speakers that come in to teach residents about gardening, beekeeping, writing and more.” To specifically support mental sharpness and stimulation, the independent living community offers lectures, a music and memory program, Bible study groups and Italian lessons. Residents are also given opportunities to volunteer by serving on committees and working in the library, gift shop and more. Seniors who are socially engaged, through activities such as volunteering, benefit from a greater sense of belonging and enhanced self-esteem. Aside from aforementioned activities, residents are also given the opportunity to learn how to use new technology and improve their already acquired technological skills. “We have a resident-run IT Committee called CLIC which stands
for Computer Learning and Information Center. We have a lounge dedicated to this group where they can come in and ask questions, use computers and be taught by fellow residents to improve their technological skills,” said Gonzalez. Even during trying times, such as the current coronavirus pandemic, residents are still managing to safely stay engaged and mentally stimulated through activities offered by the independent living community. They participate in events in a socially distanced manner, following guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We have an in-house channel for our community, which we have used for resident engagement during this pandemic. We show movies, fitness videos appropriate for all levels of care, live-streamed meetings with residents and staff, and prayer and hymn videos with our chaplain. Our fitness and wellness coordinator has also been able to hold small group exercises outdoors,” said Gonzalez. Continuing to learn through the ages offers a variety of benefits for seniors. Lifelong learning opportunities provide the chance for increased social interaction, improved cognitive functioning and increased quality of life by filling time with meaningful and structured activities. Mental engagement, learning and stimulation directly contribute to the happiness and satisfaction of residents and are paramount during a time when many individuals are spending more time independently. Westminster at Lake Ridge continues to offer opportunities for growth and socialization, as well as connection with others, during the pandemic. “We are a family and it is so important that our residents are happy and engaged every day,” said Gonzalez. Gianna Jirak is an intern at Prince William Living with aspirations of being an international and political reporter. She is a junior at C.D. Hylton Senior High School, the Editor in Chief of her school newspaper, and a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News. prince william living September 2020
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taking care of business
Xiao-Yin Byrom’s Journey to Tang’s Story and photos by Amy Falkofske
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iao-Yin Byrom, or Tang as she’s affectionately known, was born into the business of tailoring. Now she is the successful owner of Tang’s Alterations – Bridal/Bespoke in Manassas, the area’s go-to shop for alterations and bridal gowns.
College Dreams When Byrom first set out on her own, she didn’t have dreams of being a tailor. She wanted a college degree, even though women in her family were not encouraged to go to college. In fact, after one year of community college in California, her mother wanted her to quit college and move to Montgomery, Alabama, to help her run her tailoring business. Her mother even told her she wasn’t college material. But Byrom fought that notion. “My dream is to finish college. I want to get a college degree,” she told her mother Byrom’s goal was to prove that women could go to college too and she wanted to be the first one in her family. “I didn’t care what degree it was in, I just wanted that piece of paper,” she said. Eventually, her brother, Tang, who was also going to college at the time, stepped in and volunteered to come home and help with the family business. Byrom remembers exactly what he said. “You know what? Stop this! I’m not college material. I’m coming home. I don’t want to go to school anymore. Just go ahead and let sister go to school. I will just come home, and I will take care of the family business,” he said. Byrom ended up getting a degree in art and went on to be an art teacher, but she was shocked many years later after her brother had passed away, to find out from one of his friends what he had sacrificed for her to go to college. He was studying architecture and was one of the top students when he suddenly decided one night to pack up and leave school.
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Xiao-Yin Byrom (Tang), Owner of Tang’s Alterations-Bridal/Bespoke
Byrom says she and her brother worked very well together, that he was the quality control in the back and she was the face of the business. His quality of work inspired her work and what she expected of her employees after he passed away. “I wanted to not only be the face, but I wanted to make sure the quality was just like the way he left it for me. I hire very good people. I’m very particular about who works here,” she said. Byrom feels good about where she is today. “I worked really, really hard to get to this point, but it’s all rewarding. Now I’m able to help more people by making more jobs,” she said.
A Ray of Hope During a Pandemic Tang’s made headlines at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic by donating thousands of masks to medical workers and first responders in our area. Byrom said it started with a nurse who came into the shop in tears because the one mask that she was allotted for the week was broken. Byrom felt that she needed to do something. “We did a little research about that, and then I walked to the back and I told the girls and Kenny, who is the vice president in our shop, we need to make masks. We need to do this,” she said. Masks for sale in Tang’s Manassas shop
“I learned that he gave up school so I could get my degree,” said Tang. Byrom is still in awe of her brother’s sacrifice. “How can somebody sacrifice something that they’re building towards for somebody else and without telling anybody? I will never forget that,” she said.
A Business Born out of Necessity Byrom eventually realized that teaching art just wasn’t her cup of tea. After teaching in Belgium, she moved to Manassas. She needed an income to provide for her three children, so she decided to do what she knew best and open a tailoring business. That business was initially supposed to be for Tang. The plan was that Byrom would start the business and then eventually retire to raise her kids and let Tang run the business. Byrom’s kids were young at the time, and two of them had peanut allergies, so she had very specific requirements for where she wanted to start her business. It needed to be close to both a hospital and a daycare. In 1999, she found just what she needed at her current location in Manassas. “This shopping center happened to have a daycare next door and a hospital across the street, and there was an empty space,” she said. Plans changed when four years after starting the business, Byrom found out that Tang was sick with lung cancer. Sadly, he passed away in 2004. Byrom ended up running the business and now employees 13 people.
After making 20 different prototypes of masks and getting one approved by her cousin who is a doctor, Byrom and her staff got to work. To date, they have made 11,500 masks that have been sent not only locally, but to seven states, even Germany and France. The first ones went to medical staff and first responders, but they are now for sale in the store. Byrom said that she considers making the masks an honor.
Loved by Prince William Tang’s is well-loved by the Prince William community. If you go onto the Western Prince William Chatter Facebook page and ask for recommendations for someone who does alterations, almost every response will be Tang’s. Nancy writes, “They are the best and are so nice … They do amazing work.” Dawn writes, “Tangs definitely! Great work and an awesome local business that loves and cares for their local community too!” Those are just two of the many compliments that Tang’s has received on Facebook. “If you do the right work, people are going to talk about you, and then they’re going to spread your word, and the best way to really promote yourself is to do the best work you can and everything will take care of itself,” said Byrom. Tang’s is located at 8675 Sudley Road in Manassas. You can call them at 703-393-8458. 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 September 2020
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family fun
Fun With a Fall Favorite
APPLES! By Jennifer Halter
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ummer is coming to an end this month, and that can be bittersweet. But with cooler temperatures comes the time to harvest one of our family's favorite seasonal fruits ... apples! From recipes to crafts, there are so many opportunities for your family to have fun enjoying this fall treat. Here are some of our favorites.
Homemade Applesauce
This is a favorite recipe because it's so easy. It makes the entire house smell amazing because it's slow cooked in the crockpot! You will need: • 12 apples of your choice (We use Golden Delicious.) • ½ cup of sugar • ½ cup of water • ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (You can add a bit more, if you prefer.) • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice Wash, peel and core your apples. Once peeled, cut the apples into quarters. Place them in your crockpot and add the sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Stir to coat the apples with these ingredients. Once coated well, spread the apples into an even layer before pouring in the water.
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Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until the apples are completely softened. For a chunkier style sauce, use a potato masher or spoon to mix the sauce to the desired consistency. For a smoother style, you can use a food processor, or even your blender. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Tip: Add in other fruits to your applesauce for fun flavor combinations. Try pureed pumpkin, strawberries or blueberries!
Apple Exploration
What better way to learn all about apples than to actually explore them? This is a fun activity for all ages. First, get a variety of apples with varying colors and flavors. Wash your apples and make sure that everyone washes their hands, as touching the apples will be a part of your exploration. Have children describe each apple and talk about the different colors, sizes and shapes. Have them hold the apples to determine which is the heaviest and which is the lightest. You can even put the apples in order by color/shade. Next, cut each apple in half. Have children identify the parts of the apple, such as the seeds inside, the stem and the skin. Let them smell the apples and make a (continues on page 26)
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APPLES (continued from page 24) prediction about which ones will be sweet and which ones may be tart. You can remove the seeds and let them feel them, describe the texture and see how small they are. Then, talk about how an apple tree grows. Slice your apples and give each person a piece of each one. Time to taste them and see if your earlier predictions are correct! Have each child talk about which is their favorite, least favorite and why. Finally, enjoy your snack that you just explored. Consider providing items to dip the apples in, such as yogurt, peanut butter and caramel.
Apple Volcano
This is a great STEM activity using this versatile fruit. You will need: • 1 apple (any variety) • Baking soda • ½ cup of white vinegar • Bowl or a deep dish to conduct the experiment in (and reduce mess!)
First, use a knife or coring tool to remove the core of the apple. You want to leave the bottom of the apple intact, as you will be filling the inside with the ingredients. Place your apple in your bowl or deep dish. Fill the inside of the apple with baking soda. Now your apple volcano is ready to erupt. Pour the white vinegar into the apple and watch as it bubbles and explodes like a volcano! You can reuse your apple to perform this experiment again and again. Tip: Add a few drops of food coloring to the baking soda before you add the vinegar to make your eruption a little more colorful. Apples offer endless opportunities for exploration, from apple print art to slicing them up for fraction practice. As the days get cooler and the season changes, savor the moments in addition to this versatile, seasonal fruit. Jennifer Halter is publisher of Macaroni Kid Woodbridge and Macaroni Kid Gainesville/Manassas.
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home & hearth Overcoming the Overwhelm of Downsizing By Katherine Gotthardt
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f you have ever looked around your house and wondered how you have managed to collect so much stuff, you are not alone. Especially if you have lived in your home for a while, you might have noticed your belongings have started to stockpile. Multiply that by the number of people who live with you and you can easily see how furniture, small appliances, gadgets, knick-knacks, tools and trinkets managed to take over your living space. While you may have adapted (filling your garage, attic or basement in the process), when it comes time to downsize, you might not know where to start or how to get the job done. No matter what your reason for downsizing, you need a method that matches your goals, one that doesn’t leave you with a sense of loss. Taking the following steps can help you downsize, whether you are moving or simply trying to clean up.
Commit and Plan
For this initial action — making the commitment — you might want to include your family or other people who live in your home. Make a formal, written promise to yourself that you will dedicate the time and energy needed to complete this process according to a schedule and that you will not bring new items (other than necessities) into your home as you’re downsizing. This is difficult for some people, so you may need to do something like create a contract with yourself or put the promise where you can see it every day so you remember what you are trying to accomplish and why. Next, it’s time to set the deadline. Many people put off downsizing until just before they decide to transition to a new home. This is a common mistake that not only adds to the stress of selling and buying, it results in poor decision making. In a panic, some discard too much. Sentimental pieces get tossed in the trash, and necessities land in the donation bin. Opposite of that, some people box everything and put it into costly storage so they can decide later what to do with belongings that don’t fit. Still others bring the extras with them when they move, cluttering up the new place. Planning ahead can help prevent these scenarios. How far ahead? Depending on the size of your home, your life circumstances, your goal and how much you have accumulated, your deadline could be up to a year out (rarely more than that, or you could fall into procrastinating). Set a start date months ahead of your deadline and stick to it.
Take Inventory and Make Decisions
Now that you have made the time to downsize, you can create a list of your belongings. Take a room-by-room, objective
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inventory. Be as detailed as possible. What do you actually have? Three spatulas? Sixty-three unread books? Write that down. As you inventory, try not to attach emotions to the items. Simply write down what you have. Then step away from the process for two to three days. When you come back to the project, it’s decision-making time. First set a deadline a few days to a few weeks out, based on the size of your list. Then, examine each item you have inventoried. Do not look at the items themselves because it is too distracting and too easy to make emotional decisions when the item is in front of you. Using only the list, ask yourself what you will keep, what you will throw away and what you can donate. Spend a few days considering your decision before throwing away that crockpot. Give it a bit before deciding whether to donate it to charity. You don’t want to end up having to buy a new one because you gave the old one away too hastily. If you are having difficulty making objective decisions, ask a friend to help. Come up with ideas for distributing your excess belongings so you can feel good about the choices you have made. Next to each item on the list, note your decision, marking it with a D (donate), T (trash) or K (keep).
Donate and Trash
List in hand, go through each item and take the action you decided on. Give yourself permission to do this rapidly so you don’t overthink this part of the process. Pack up your donations and deliver them or schedule a pickup right away. Bag trash and recycling and get it out as soon as possible. If you discover you still have too much remaining in the house, it could be you missed items when you conducted your inventory. Revise the list. Add items you overlooked the first time and repeat the decision-making process using only the revised list. If you still have too much, revisit the remaining items to see if there are things you can part with in creative, satisfying ways. Downsizing is not an easy task, as most people will tell you. But by being methodical, you can get it done in a way that doesn’t leave you feeling exhausted, stressed or deprived. Give yourself time, make the plan and then work the plan. You will be happier with the results and better prepared to make your next transition. Director of Content Marketing for Prince William Living, Katherine Gotthardt (kgotthardt@princewilliamliving.com) is an award-winning writer, poet and author, as well as president of Write by the Rails, the Prince William chapter of the Virginia Writers Club. Learn about her work at KatherineGotthardt.com.
ORDWAY (continued from page 11) families and our community during this unprecedented time,” she said. “Ordway Conservatory has been hosting live craft and trivia nights, as well as my personal favorite, Teach Your Family To Dance Night, where my husband lets me teach him a ballet lesson on Facebook Live. We’ve also had lots of fun activities for our enrolled students like a virtual talent show, fashion show and a prom.” Those are not the only things Ordway Conservatory has done virtually. Ordway is finding ways to spotlight seniors who are a part of the graduation class of 2020. “Since our class of 2020 won’t be able to perform with us one last time, I wanted to do everything I could to make this time special for them. In addition to sharing photos and anecdotes from their time with me, we also made a video of our students giving our seniors a final standing ovation from their homes,” she said. “We will also be having a drive-up certificate ceremony on the day our recital would have been. Our seniors will be spaced out in our courtyard as their classmates drive up to receive their end of the year certificates and to say goodbye to our class of 2020.” While the summer brought a time to say farewell to some, it also brought time for her students to continue to work on their techniques.
“We offered intensive classes for all ages throughout the summer,” Ordway said. “We also held extremely fun camps for the younger students. We will keep a virtual option for all our classes throughout the summer even if the restrictions are lifted from our business. Ballet requires year-round training, and I have proven to my students that nothing, especially quarantine, will keep me from giving them their world class education.” It's easy to tell that teaching is Ordway’s passion. “Teaching is the most fulfilling experience I’ve ever had,” she said. “There came a time during my career where I noticed that watching my students perform became more enjoyable than performing myself,” she said. “Watching them grow, talking them through their problems, and watching them make good choices is endlessly rewarding. I love ballet so much. To think that the steps I danced were danced for generations before me and will continue to be danced for generations to come thrills me. Passing on that vast history and sharing my love for this art form is what I’m meant to do.” For more information on the conservatory, view their website: www.ordwayballet.com. Katrina Wilson is a Carolina girl still adjusting to Northern Virginia. Writing is her outlet and you can contact her at kwilson@ princewilliamliving.com.
Welcome Back! Our lives have changed over the past several months. As we all try to figure out our new normal, know that OmniRide’s family of services are ready to meet your mobility needs. We saved a seat for you!
OmniRide.com • 703-730-6664
Remember to bring your mask
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local flavor
L&B’s Pizzeria and Sports Bar New Life for a Longtime Favorite By Marianne Weaver
M
eredith Harris worked at L&B’s Pizzeria and Sports Bar carry-out counter when she was 16 years old. She served tables and as an adult, stepped up as a part-time bartender. When the original owners decided to sell the business that has drawn locals to Mapledale Plaza since April 1991, she took on a new title: co-owner. “It was going to be turned into a night club and I didn’t want to see the local neighborhood pizzeria ruined,” she said. “My best friend and I didn’t want to see anything change. There is a great clientele base. I checked the numbers. We had the funds, so we made the sale happen.” And the locals couldn’t be happier. “I grew up a few blocks away from L&B’s and I watched them build the place from a single parcel storefront to what it is today,” said Michael Pigg. “I have had almost everything on the menu. They have amazing pizza — New York style; big slices with right amount of soft, crisp, flop and juices. Spaghetti is wonderful (my daughter won't eat her mother’s anymore). I often get angry pasta ‘extra angry,’ and boy is it. Cheese steak and chicken cheese steak are probably among my favorites. Wings are really good. Darts, billiards and spin machines. The place is great.”
Keeping Tradition The restaurant was originally owned by brothers from Sicily. They named it Little Brothers Pizzeria, hence L&B’s. They earned loyalty from the neighborhood by serving traditional Sicilian dishes. Under Harris, not much has changed.
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“If something is not broken, we’re not going to fix it,” she said. But, she noted, she has tweaked some recipes. “I’m 25% Sicilian and 50% Northern Italian. The basis of our menu is Sicilian — I didn’t want to change any of the recipes too much, because it changes the taste — but I have made some small changes over the years.” One thing that hasn’t changed is the quality of the food. “Everything is fresh and homemade,” she said. “We make all of our sauces and all of our dough is made daily. We grate our cheese. We have hand-tossed New York style pizza.” Cindy Wynn was introduced to L&B’s in 1998, when she settled on her house. “The agent took my boyfriend and I there for lunch and we had cheese pizza;” she said.
A New York native, she said her slice was the closest to New York style pizza she'd had since leaving the Big Apple. “We live close by and go there or have delivery at least once a week. Their steak and cheese is amazing. Their pizza is outstanding.”
Live Music — Big Changes L&B’s has established itself as one of a handful of venues that offers live music regularly. “We have a diverse clientele,” said Harris. Some nights, she said the band might draw in the 40- to 50-year-old crowd. But the next night, a band might pull in a much younger crowd. The juke box bounces from Wayland Jennings to Top 20 then back to Alabama. “It is crazy what plays. There is such diversity and everybody has fun together.” Although recipes have mostly remained the same, customers can expect one big change: the bar is now nonsmoking. Harris said L&B’s was one of the last bars to make the transition. But during the COVID-19 shutdown, she undertook the big renovation project. “We took down the paneling, put in new drywall and did a lot of disinfecting,” she said. “We don’t allow any smoking.”
Community Connections The new no-smoking policy has allowed Harris to schedule more family-friendly events. Prior to the COVID-19 shutdown, Harris hosted monthly paint and sips — one in the afternoon for kids and one in the evening for adults. “People loved that,” she said. Although they haven’t restarted the classes yet, she has partnered with another local vendor, Treatsandsweets4u, to provide a to-go project: cookie kits.
Themed kits vary week to week; check L&B’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. Soon, Harris said, she hopes to introduce a pizza set. Harris said it’s also important for her to give back to those in need. “Sometimes someone loses a family member, gets diagnosed with cancer or they are just in need and they ask us to help raise money,” she said. She uses her contacts to line up bands, who donate their time, then passes the funds along to families in need. “I do some vetting and I make sure the money is going where it needs to go.” She said she is hoping the support she’s always given the community will be repaid. “COVID-19 has been a nightmare,” she said. “I would love any support the local community can give us.” Harris said that, other than a one-month layoff, she kept all employees on the payroll. “I tried to take care of everyone,” she said. And now she is hoping loyal customers will do the same. Takeout, she said, is about as brisk as this time last year. Dine-in is not keeping pace. And the bar isn’t pulling in the profits as in years past. She said she is holding out hope for a return to business as usual, with the return of long-time patrons as well as new customers. Marianne E. Weaver (mweaver@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance editor and writer. She earned a BA from the University of Pittsburgh and an MJ from Temple University. prince william living September 2020
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your finances Is Now A Good Time to Refinance? By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor
I
nterest rates recently hit all-time lows as the Federal Reserve made cuts to mitigate the financial impacts of COVID-19. If you’re a homeowner with a monthly mortgage payment, you might be wondering if now is a good time to refinance. While a lower interest rate may yield a more affordable monthly payment, there are other factors to consider. Here are seven questions to ask yourself before making the decision to refinance: 1. Will you qualify for a better rate? The best interest rates are reserved for borrowers with optimal credit. If you are one of the millions of Americans who has filed for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 outbreak, your employment status is not included in your credit report. However, your credit score can be affected by many factors such as if you suddenly carry more credit card debt, have missed or made late payments, or have applied for new credit during this challenging time. 2. What will your new loan cost? A lower interest rate and lower monthly payment do not always add up to savings in the long run. Your loan will have closing costs and fees. Factor in prepayment penalties, if applicable. Costs often vary by lender, so it may be a good idea to shop around for the best rate. Talk to your financial advisor or reference one of the many online refinance calculators to help you determine the breakeven period, or how long it will take before you realize savings with a new loan. 3. Do you plan to move in the next five years? The value of refinancing can be diminished when you exit a new loan before you’ve had the chance to recoup closing costs and fees. 4. Will your new loan eliminate lender insurance? If your home’s market value has increased enough to grow your equity, refinancing with a conventional mortgage can potentially remove private mortgage insurance, or PMI, sooner. Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, loans require mortgage insurance regardless of equity. 5. Are you trying to get out of an adjustable-rate mortgage? Switching from an ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage can mean more predictable monthly payments. 6. Are you seeking a new term length? A shorter-term loan may offer better rates, but it can mean a higher monthly payment. If your income is threatened by the current situation, this may not be a good time to increase your monthly obligations. On the flip side, you may want lower monthly payments that come with a longer-term loan. Although it’s important to note you will have to make those payments for many more years, incurring greater expense and reducing your ability to save.
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7. Can you afford your current home? If you’re having trouble making your loan payments, refinancing is not the only way to find relief. As an alternative to refinancing a house you’re struggling to afford, you might explore downsizing to a property with a mortgage your budget can handle. These uncertain times reinforce the importance of financial planning. Talk to your financial advisor for guidance on how to build equity in your financial future. Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC®, is a Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Director with Whitlock Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Contact him at 703-492-7732 or visit whitlockwealth.com.
Retire on your terms. Since 1894, Ameriprise Financial has worked for our clients’ futures, helping to redefine what retirement can be. At Ameriprise, we’re dedicated to an enduring, one-on-one approach that enables clients to achieve their true potential. When you take the right approach, life can be brilliant. Bennett C. Whitlock, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor and Chief Executive Officer Whitlock Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 703.492.7732 12848 Harbor Drive, Suite 101 Lake Ridge, VA 22192 bennett.c.whitlock@ampf.com whitlockwealth.com CA Insurance #0F32105 AR license #2898097
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (01/20)
BE UNIQUE From bankers to barbers, restaurants to retirement planners, Prince William Chamber members are among the most trusted businesses in our community.
Westminster at Lake Ridge offers unique possibilites, with more than 62 acres nestled in a gorgeous, wooded setting. Our classic apartments and spacious cottages are perfect for an active and engaging lifestyle. The Center for Healthy Living, opening this summer, will offer even more amenities to this already exceptional community. SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR TODAY! WESTMINSTER AT LAKE RIDGE www.wlrva.org // 703-822-4781
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Westminster at Lake Ridge is a not-for-profit, CARFaccredited, SAGECare-certified, life plan community.
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september
calendar Prince William Living’s calendar is prepared several weeks before the magazine is printed. Businesses are re-opening and we’re still encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. A lot can happen between the time the calendar is prepared and the date of the event. We’ve included a phone number for live events so you can check to be sure the event is still occurring before heading out. While the weather is still warm, hiking and cycling is available in Prince William-area parks. Yoga studios and gyms are offering both live and virtual classes. Libraries, churches and businesses are offering online events, along with some in-person events. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce (pwchamber.org) has been offering webinars. We encourage you to continue ordering takeout and delivery from local restaurants. Visit our online edition (princewilliamliving.com) for the most up-to-date information.
Dale City Farmers Market
Sundays | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prince William County Pfitzner Stadium Complex 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge A producer-only market. Traffic signs will be in place to move you quickly through the market, while maintaining important social distancing regulations.
Manassas Farmers Market Thursdays | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Harris Pavilion 9201 Center Street, Manassas
Saturdays | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prince William Commuter Lot Across From Baldwin Elementary School 1978 Eagle Way, Manassas The Farmers Market will offer pre-orders for food and produce vendors for pickup at the respective market locations.
Acoustic Tuesdays
Tues. Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 7 p.m. Online or Harris Pavilion 9201 Center Street, Manassas Weekly concerts featuring Shane Gamble, Jason Masi, Jason Teach, James Shaffer and Joe Downer. Concerts will be held either virtually or live. Check for updates at facebook.com/harrispavilion.
Prince William Living Presents Breakfast with an Expert Thurs. Sept. 3 | 8 a.m. Online
Join us for information from an expert, who will give you actionable advice you can put to work immediately in your business. RSVP princewilliamliving.com/ breakfastwithanexpert.
Historic Downtown Manassas Walking Tour
Thurs. Sept. 3 | 5:30 p.m. Manassas Museum 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas Reservations required, tour size limited to seven and social distancing guidelines followed; reserve at manassasechoes.com or call 703-257-8453.
#SEPTARTSHOW
Fri. Sept. 4 | 6 to 9 p.m. McCall Studio Gallery 9409 Battle Street, Manassas The #SEPTARTSHOW is the opening reception for “Children’s Illustrations & the Fine Art of Ethereal Paintings.” Artist Geraldine Settles has been creating art most of her life. Meet the painter, hear her speak and ask about her beautiful art! RSVP at facebook.com/ McCallStudioGalleryDMVISUALLLC/. 571-379-7598.
Virtual Studio 8601 Tours
Sat. Sept. 5 | All day Sat. Sept. 19 | All day Online Take a virtual tour of Central Community Library’s new Studio 8601. They’ll have 3D printing, laser cutters, podcasting,
smart cutting machines, virtual reality and more. https://pwcgov.libnet.info/ event/4455495
Women’s Wedding Network
Wed. Sept. 9 | 11:30 a.m. Online Most of the wedding industry is closed to the public. Learn how the wedding industry can adapt and survive during this time. For more information: bridesandweddings.com/womens-weddingnetwork/.
Write by the Rails Monthly Writers’ Enrichment
Sat. Sept. 12 | 10 to 11:30 a.m. Online Each month, Write by the Rails, the Prince William Chapter of the Virginia Writers Club, offers activities and events designed just for writers ages 18 and older. Get support and encouragement from other writers through #WbtR. Email writebytherails@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
Bands, Brews and Barbecue Festival
Sat. Sept. 12 | 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Manassas Museum 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas Whether you call it “cue” or “que” if you are enthusiastic about this culinary style, you won’t want to miss this event! It will feature live music, award-winning craft beers and distilled spirits for sampling, and
Have an event? Visit princewilliamliving.com/events to submit details to our online calendar.
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some of the region’s best barbecue! 703-361-6599.
Front Porch Talk @ Liberia House
Sat. Sept. 12 | 2 to 3 p.m. Liberia House 8601 Portner Avenue, Manassas Hear a conversation with Linneall Naylor, descendant of an enslaved family at Liberia House, and Colleen Blessing, descendant of Robert King Carter. 703-368-1873.
Prince William Living Lunch With the Publisher
Wed. Sept. 16 | noon Online Are you an advertiser with Prince William Living or interested in becoming one? Meet the people behind greater Prince William’s premiere lifestyle magazine, as you learn about getting your press releases published, tying into the power of our social media presence, visibility packages that increase
your reach to targeted consumers and tips on how to focus on your message. RSVP at princewilliamliving.com/ lunchwiththepublisher.
MEGA Networking Virtual Event
Fri. Sept. 18 | 9 a.m. to noon Online As an exhibitor, you get your own branded room, with an option for live stream (must have Zoom pro or another live-stream service) and/or a display with a recorded message and resources for a prospect to review. You may include your business, just like an event table! Email nandres@pwchamber.org to reserve your table or become an event sponsor. Register at events.pwchamber.org/sbaweb/ events/. This Prince William Chamber of Commerce event is free and open to the public.
Friends of Montclair Community Library Book Sale
Sat. Sept. 26 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun. Sept. 27 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Montclair Community Library 5049 Waterway Drive, Montclair Come get great deals on books for the entire family while supporting the Friends and their fundraising efforts for the library. 703-792-8740.
Monthly Bird Walk
Sun. Sept. 27 | 8 a.m. to noon Merrimac Farm 15014 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville Everyone is welcome to attend Prince William Conservation Alliance’s monthly bird walk at Merrimac Farm. The group will travel through the uplands to the edge of the floodplain, covering a variety of habitats, including open fields and woodland edges. RSVP to PWCA at 703-499-4954.
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Dog Walking Pet Sitting Pet Taxi Overnights Fetch Supplies a safe and happy world where pets get their way
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Pony Rides Petting Zoo Ice Cream Truck Family owned and operated for 20 years!
571-283-2408 • poniesplus.org
Vintage Moving & Storage Moving Your Life’s Treasures
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703-330-8145 www.casacis.org
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703.392.6260 www.vintagemoving.com
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For an annual $20 donation to Give Back Prince William (a 501c(3) non-profit organization), you can get YOUR community magazine delivered to your door! Already get it? Make sure you continue to get it by subscribing. Show your support and help us continue the work we do. Name ______________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________ City ________________________________________________ State _________________________
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There’s a very good chance she could leave it all to the dog. We’ll give you a leg up.
At Thrive Senior Living, we’re a lot like any family. Which makes us a whole lot less like other senior living communities. We treat your parents like they’re our parents. We get to know them, not as
patients or as residents. But as
people. We do more than care for them. We care about them. That’s what makes us Thrive. That’s what makes them thrive.
Tribute at The Glen 4151 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192 571.402.1870 | ThriveSL.com/TheGlen A Thrive Senior Living Community
COME TO LIVE HERE.
TM
