Prince William Living November 2019

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SOUP KITCHENS

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CURVES HAIR STUDIO

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GOURMET GUYS

prince william living November 2019

The premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

The Giving Back Awards PAGE 4 National Family Literacy Month PAGE 21

Spread Kindness Like Confetti!

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princewilliamliving.com

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table of contents November 2019 | Vol. 9 | No. 11

FEATURE STORY And the Winners Are...

The Giving Back Awards

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DEPARTMENTS FROM THE PUBLISHER November is for Giving Back

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ON A HIGH NOTE Create Some “Pinterest Wins” With Arts and Crafts Classes

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DESTINATIONS Area Soup Kitchens Feed the Hungry

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LIFELONG LEARNING National Family Literacy Month: Learning and Growing Together 21 TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS For Curves Hair Studio, It’s All About the Mission

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FAMILY FUN Spread Kindness Like Confetti!

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LOCAL FLAVOR Gourmet Guys Cook up Community Service

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CALENDAR

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COLUMNS

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CHANGE MAKERS HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME & HEARTH YOUR FINANCES

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prince william living Rebecca Barnes

PRINCE WILLIAM LIVING PUBLISHER rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Amanda Causey Baity ONLINE SUBMISSION MANAGER Carole Keily

Katherine Gotthardt EDITOR IN CHIEF kgotthardt@princewilliamliving.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Halter, Olivia Overman, Amy Taylor, Erin Pittman, Marianne Weaver, David Gignilliat, Bennett Whitlock

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

COPY EDITOR Erin Pittman PHOTO EDITOR Amanda Causey Baity GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio PHOTOGRAPHERS Amanda Baity

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 2019 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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November 2019 prince william living

from the Publisher

November is for Giving Back

N

ovember. We think of Thanksgiving and gratitude, along with the official launch of the holiday season. But at Prince William Living, we also think of our winners of The Giving Back Awards, the recognition we give local non-profits making a big difference right here in our area. So this month, our feature takes a look at the winners. Read about them, give them a pat on the back and see how you can support them.

In Destinations, we continue with that theme by looking at soup kitchens that serve, along with volunteer options you might not have considered. These kitchens are worth your time and support as they serve our communities, helping those that need a hand up and a warm meal.

Then, in Local Flavor, get ready for the Gourmet Guys who give back. These are local chefs on a mission to bring great food and a fun, family event to raise funds for educational programs such as those provided through Leadership Prince William. Read about the food, the contestants, the mission—and bacon.

November’s Family Fun is all about spreading kindness. How can you do that with the whole family? Find out in this month’s article.

Our High Note this month takes a look at crafting classes you might consider. Many of these are run through non-profits that donate their crafts to worthy causes. Check out the art being made and the meaning behind it, and get involved.

Not sure how to take care of those delicious Thanksgiving leftovers or the food you’re donating? Spend some time reading Home and Hearth for safety tips. Are you saving food safely?

Finally, we have this month’s Change Maker, as well as finance and health advice, plus much more as we celebrate the month of giving back. As always, if you want a simple way to give back to the community that benefits from our work, consider a subscription. For $20 you can get Prince William Living delivered right to your business or home door.

Thank you all for being valued members of our community. We at the magazine wish you a happy Thanksgiving and a joyful season of giving back.

All the best,

Rebecca Barnes Publisher

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And the Winners Are...

The Giving Back Awards

By Marianne Weaver

P

art of the Prince William Living mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community and inspire our readers to do the same. In every issue, we feature organizations that give back through their mission and good works.

Once a year, we invite our readers to nominate outstanding not-for-profit groups in Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park for our “Giving Back Award.” This year, just as in the previous years, the nominations poured in. A combination of public nominations and evaluation by PWL judges is used to determine the winners. By including a public vote, we hope to build awareness of the many nonprofit organizations working to enhance Prince William while we also discover new opportunities to give back.

This year, we chose Payton’s Project, with honorable mentions to the Soroptimist International of Manassas and StreetLight Community Outreach.

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Payton's Project Payton Rose Freeze ended her life Feb. 10, 2016, at the age of 17.

Family, friends and classmates agreed: She was a smart, funny, beautiful girl, whose life was cut short by the effects of bullying, exacerbated by traumatic brain injury. Within a month after her death, Payton's Project was founded.

“Payton’s Project is to inspire change in the world by focusing on the brilliance in each person, shedding light on the long-term effects of concussions, enhancing the awareness of the effects of bullying, and embracing that your words and actions can make a difference! Because that is what Payton would do!” said Kim Freeze, Payton’s mother and treasurer of Payton’s Project.

They found an ally in Sen. Jeremy McPike (D-Dale City).

“I lost my own brother to suicide when he was a junior in high school,” said McPike. “This is an issue that hits close to home, and we must do better equipping students and staff with the knowledge that can help prevent the loss of another student.

Where there is knowledge there is hope.”

Soroptimist International of Manassas The name, Soroptimist, means "best for women," and that's what the organization strives to achieve.

Payton's Project found an ally in Sen. Jeremy McPike (D-Dale City).

During the past three years, the organization has awarded more than $40,000 in scholarships to kids who have persevered over being bullied.

“Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women to be their best,” said Diane Bennett, SI Manassas past president and public relations committee chairperson. “Our mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.”

The first Soroptimist Club was founded in Oakland California in 1921 with more than 80 business and professional women.

The Payton Peers program gives free peer-to-peer group counseling sessions to any child in need of them.

“Business and professional women in Manassas saw a need for an organization to serve the needs of women and girls. Our local club was founded in 1956,” said Bennett. “One of the founders was Elizabeth Davies, the first woman Postmaster of Manassas.”

“This program is small-group therapy — six to eight kids per group — for kids who are suffering from either being Payton’s Project aims to inspire bullied, ostracized or not change in the world. fitting in socially,” said Cathy Strittmater, vice president of the board of directors.

SI Manassas awards education grants to women who are financially supporting their families while working toward an undergraduate degree or skilled jobs training. Last year, they awarded $9,000 in scholarships and educational grants to women who were going to school while supporting their families. Plus, a $1,000 scholarship was awarded to a financially needy student enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College.

The 12-week program can be conducted in school or private settings. She said the program gives the kids a space to talk freely, while also learning resiliency techniques. “We learn how to keep our bodies strong. We don’t learn techniques to keep our brains strong.”

“We recognize that the more education a woman receives, the better off her family and children are,” said Bennett.

Payton’s Project has garnered enough money to run this program for free.

In addition to the counseling programs, Brent Freeze, Payton Project president and Payton’s father, lobbied the Virginia state legislature to pass State Bill 1117, which requires all school counselors to earn three hours of continuing education credits in mental health.

Soroptimist’s “Dream It, Be It” program introduces girls to career opportunities, setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles to success and how to move forward after setbacks or failures.

Members of SI Manassas taught “Dream It, Be It” to girls at the Prince William County Juvenile Detention Center.

The club also has an ongoing project to support the ACTS (continues on page 6)

“We found that many counselors in schools do not know how to recognize depression, the effects of bullying and the effects of depression due to concussion,” said Strittmater. (continues on page 6) prince william living November 2019

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(continued from page 5)

(continued from page 5)

“StreetLight was one of the first organizations in Prince William County to reach out to the unsheltered homeless population,” said Rose Powers, executive director and co-founder. “We are also one of the few agencies in Prince William County that still provides emergency assistance for needs such as rent evictions and emergency hotel rooms for families waiting to get into local shelters. Due to our primary funding source from private donations, we are able to intervene quickly when a household is in crisis or literally homeless and to stabilize them in safe housing — sometimes within a week or even days.”

StreetLight began as an outreach ministry of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in the mid ‘90s. At that time, the church was located in one of the poorest sections of Woodbridge, and homeless people were camped out behind the church.

Soroptimist International Manassas awards education grants to women who are financially supporting their families while working toward an undergraduate degree or skilled jobs training.

Westside Safe House and provides full-size toiletries and personal hygiene products in a welcome kit to new residents. SI Manassas provides two complete meals per month, holiday meals, birthday presents for the children and Christmas presents to entire families.

“We serve to empower women and girls through our emphasis on education and providing support for those in need,” said Bennett.

StreetLight Community Outreach StreetLight Community Outreach Ministries is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the quality of life for impoverished men, women and children, including the chronically homeless. Their services include a food pantry, weekly outreach dinner for the homeless, financial assistance for crisis needs, permanent supportive housing and a low-barrier shelter for homeless adults.

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“We were inundated with impoverished families requesting help with food and financial assistance for rent evictions and utility cut-offs,” said Powers. “To meet the need, we opened a food pantry in 1996 and initiated a homeless prevention program.”

StreetLight incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2004 so they could raise money to house homeless adults.

Today, they own three houses and lease six apartments to provide permanent supportive housing and supportive services. They also operate a year-round overnight shelter for homeless adults.

“Most people are too busy running on the hamster wheel of modern life (myself included) to do much meaningful work for those of us who are less fortunate,” said Margaret Bartha, who submitted the nomination. “It is beautiful to watch how this organization puts people out there to help in concrete and measurable ways, not just making their lives more comfortable but actually getting them off the street. They work miracles and really define the spirit of community work.”

Congratulations to all these winners who make our communities richer.

Marianne Weaver (mweaver@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance editor and writer. She earned a BA from the University of Pittsburgh and an MJ from Temple University.

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Friday, November 29th | 6 pm–8 pm

holiday Tree Lighting

November 23 Those Funny Little People, family photos, face painters,and more family fun!

Each year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports hundreds of Survivor Day events around the world, in which suicide loss survivors come together to find connection, understanding and hope through their shared experience.

FREE carriage rides when you donate a canned good.

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ď‚š

This year, the AFSP National Capital Area Chapter (afsp.org/NCAC) will be hosting Survivor Day events in Prince William, Loudoun, Fairfax and Washington, D.C. Find an event near you at afsp.org/SurvivorDay.

EXPLORE P your local Prince William Public Library

• Books, Magazines • Programs for all ages • Free access to computers, Wi-Fi, mobile printing • Audiobooks, eBooks, and Premium Sites

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Find us on Social Media Facebook: PrinceWilliamPublicLibraries Twitter: @PrinceWMlibrary Pinterest: pinterest.com/pwpls Instagram: instagram.com/pwpls

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prince william living November 2019

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on a high note

Create Some “Pinterest Wins” With Arts and Crafts Classes

By Amy Taylor

I

f you’re into arts and crafts, chances are you have a Pinterest board (or 20) filled with project ideas. How many times have you gone to create those masterpieces and the tutorial was less than helpful? Luckily there are many studios in our area that want to help give you some hands-on guidance to create your masterpieces so that you can show them off. Here are a few studios helping you create those “Pinterest win” projects.

Manassas Clay Manassas Clay, co-owned by Jane Cullum and Fran Newquist, has been teaching area pottery enthusiasts for the past 23 years.

“Our classes are all pretty popular. We have classes on throwing on a potter's wheel, hand building, coils slabs and pinch pots to construct pots,” Cullum said. “It's all a process; it’s a skill like riding a bike or learning a musical instrument. We have eightweek classes that are 3 hours once a week.”

Manassas Clay has about 70 students per week taking classes in their studios, which requires four kilns to fire clay. Firing clay is the process of heating clay to create ceramics that can then be decorated and used.

They hold five eight-week sessions per year. Cullum and Newquist have both been making pots for about 40 years each.

“You can come in and start out with a lump of clay and in three to four weeks come out with a lovely piece that's unique to you,” Cullum said.

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Manassas Clay offers classes and sells supplies like clay, glazes and other materials, as well as equipment you may need to create your own pottery.

“It's a lot of fun. You get dirty. It's a good chance to meet people. We've been here for a long time, been a part of this community and enjoy it a great deal,” Cullum said.

For more information about classes, visit manassasclay.com.

Yarn Cloud Robyn Becker, owner of Yarn Cloud in the historic Town of Occoquan, opened her shop after what she calls, “the shortest retirement in history.”

“I retired on May 31, 2011, at 3:30 p.m. and on June 1 at 10 a.m., I opened the doors to my new yarn business,” she said.

“Where nature meets imagination is the Yarn Cloud way,” she said.

Becker brought her family heritage to her business after she retired from doing high-level government work for 33 years.

For more information, call 571-408-4336 or email wecare@ yarncloud.com.

She said, “My grandmother taught me all the crafting skills, one by one, as I was growing up. My grandfather was one of the original thread manufacturers for the garment district in New York. I worked there part time over several summers and had a chance to observe how thread is manufactured and how a successful business should be run.”

Becker is proud to bring her family heritage of working with fibers to the historic Town of Occoquan, where the shop is housed in the original general store, a 120-year-old building.

“I smile each morning, bringing my history and the town's history with me as I open the shop doors. A sense of continuity between the past and present always creates a sense of awe as I start my day. And just like in times past, our little shop is a community meeting place where we listen and share and are there for one another,” Becker said.

Stone House Quilters Guild Stone House Quilters Guild is a non-profit that shares its love and talent for quilting in the community.

Current president of the guild Cyndi Cooke said, “We provide a monthly meeting for members to get together in a social context.

We have monthly programs from other quilters, teachers and vendors. We provide a space for members to share the projects they have completed. We help to produce an annual quilt show at the Prince William County Fair Grounds. We provide community service, donating quilts to other organizations, (i.e., hospitals NICU’s, veterans groups, nursing and rehab hospitals and others).”

Stone House Quilters runs various workshops throughout the year.

“This is a wayfarer stopping point in the world. You can watch folks as they come into the shop with the world on their shoulders. They take out their project to work on, and over the course of an hour or two, the serene nature of the crafting takes over. They let the world go and once again become whole. It's an amazing transition to watch,” Becker said of her customers.

“Our workshop schedule changes often. We recently had one learning more about foundation paper piecing. We are sponsoring a beginner’s class at the Bull Run Library. We hope to offer it again at the beginning of the year. We also have four to five retreats a year where we all get together and sew for a weekend,” Cooke said.

Yarn Cloud supports local artisans by bringing in yarns that are grown, raised or dyed locally.

The guild’s meetings are open to everyone.

“We currently carry five brands of Virginia, Maryland ... East Coast kind of yarns. We’re giving people local stuff because we're in a historic town, and we want to offer them something special they can take home that they won't find probably anywhere else,” Becker said.

“Anyone is invited to our meetings and workshops. We would hope they would then choose to join us. We do have one retreat a year that you must be a member [to attend] — mostly because it is very popular,” Cooke said.

Cooke’s love for quilting was kindled after she inherited an unfinished quilt from her grandmother.

Yarn Cloud offers a full range of group and private classes, as well as workshops in knitting, crochet, weaving and spinning.

Workshops and classes fill up quickly at Yarn Cloud. The best way to find out what classes are currently available is to check the website, yarncloud.com, or the events section on Facebook.

“I completed it years ago. After I retired, I decided to start sewing again. I absolutely love it. It is a hobby that provides social friendships, skill building, creativity and accomplishment,” said Cooke.

Becker said the shop knit-alongs are some of the most popular events at her shop. A knit-along consists of “a shop-sponsored project” where a community of knitters come together on a Saturday morning and create a project with assistance from shop staff.

On Nov. 2, 2019, Stone House Quilters will hold their first Iron Quilter competition. The event takes place at Manassas Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Quilters will group into teams of five to complete a quilt top of at least 48 inches by 60 inches in three hours based on a surprise theme. For more information on this competition, visit bit.ly/IronQuilter2019.

“We encourage participants to bring their stash to the shop, and we fill in from our stock whatever is needed for the project. One of the projects we just finished was a designer who teaches you how to take seven yarns and blend them,” said Becker. “We had everybody bring in all their yarn, and we helped them to put together an artistic blending. The results were amazing and can be seen on our Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages.”

Amy Taylor (Ataylor@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer and editor. She earned her BLS in English from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. prince william living November 2019

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change makers Daniel Rivera As part of Telemundo 44 News, [I] focus on Prince William and report breaking news, make investigative reports and more. [I] joined Telemundo 44 in 2014.

Prior to joining the Telemundo 44 team, [I] worked at the Fairfax Public Access station in Virginia from 2011 to 2014, serving as producer and presenter of the Arriba Juventud program.

“Change Makers” highlights the people of Prince William who are making a difference in our community. This month, we feature Daniel Rivera, reporter and community leader.

How long have you lived in the Prince William area, and what do you most like about living here?

I’ve lived in the Prince William area for about nine years, and what I like most about living here is the sense of community and diversity. It is a good place to spend the day just exploring around.

What are some of your favorite things to do in the area and why?

Some of my favorite things to do in the area are going to the parks where there are a lot of big trees and enjoying nature, especially the rivers because they bring you that feeling of calm and relaxation. It is a good way to escape from the everyday things for a little bit and recharge.

How have you been involved in the community?

I support the Puerto Rican League Against Cancer and the “Caminata Da Vida Caminando Con Raymond Arrieta,” an annual walk to raise donations for the cancer patients of the Oncology Hospital of Puerto Rico.

If you had to give advice to someone new to the area, what would you tell them and why?

My advice is to enjoy the good things that Prince William has to offer. It is a really diverse place and that’s what makes it so welcoming.

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prince william living November 2019

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destinations

Area Soup Kitchens Feed the Hungry

By Marianne Weaver

A

lthough Prince William residents rank among the highest paid employees, living in some of the most expensive neighborhoods within the state’s top school districts, not everyone living in this region is reaping those benefits. The Metropolitan Council of Governments conducts an annual point-in-time count of the region’s homeless population. In 2019, they identified 277 homeless people.

But those are just the ones they could find. Throughout the region, individuals and families have fallen on hard times, unsure where to find their next meal. Local soup kitchens of all kinds help provide meals to those who most need them. Using the COG’s PIT count, along with other state and local data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics, Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, conducted the Map the Meal Gap study to learn more about hunger at the local level. Based on numbers collected in 2016, their 2018 report found a food insecurity rate of 5.8% (26,310 people) — in Prince William; 5% (2,080 people) in Manassas and 4.6% (730 people) in Manassas Park.

Numerous churches and other nonprofit organizations have established food pantries where residents in need can stock up on groceries to prepare meals in their homes. It’s much rarer to find the stereotypical “soup kitchen.” But in Prince William, two organizations have stepped forward — and in some cases joined forces — to feed meals to the hungry.

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Stepping Out in Faith Every Sunday at 12:30 p.m., a group of volunteers convene at the Portsmouth Commuter Lot on Williamson Boulevard and Portsmouth Road in Manassas — rain or shine — to serve the homeless and others who can’t provide their own meals.

“Every Sunday we offer 15 minutes of spiritual food followed by a physical meal and fellowship”, said Richard Godigkeit, founder and president of Manassas Hunger & Homeless Outreach Ministries.

He said he felt a religious calling in 2014. He had separated from the Army after an 11-year career and was working in IT for the federal government when the idea took hold. He began by serving on the board of directors for the Friends of the SERVE Homeless Shelter in Manassas, Virginia under the Northern Virginia Family Services.

“I decided to step out on faith,” he said.

Then, in 2016 he worked on the PIT count.

“I went out and counted the people living in tents, on the street, in doorways,” he said.

And that’s when he formulated his plan. He founded a group to provide meals and share the Gospel message with the local poor,

BBQ chicken, tacos, pasta dishes — whatever the volunteer individual or organization chooses to prepare.

“As a Christian missionary, I consider it an honor and a joy to have the opportunity through our street ministry to share the love of Christ by serving those that society has marginalized and to make a difference in their lives during the period they are experiencing hunger and/or homelessness,” said Godigkeit. “My greatest joy is seeing folks transition to stable employment and housing, many of whom routinely return to update us on how their lives have improved.”

To learn how to volunteer, visit www.mhhoministries.org or the organization’s Facebook page.

Barnabas Breadbasket In Manassas, First Baptist Church (9258 Center Street) serves free lunch every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner the last Thursday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m. This effort is manned by First Baptist Church members and friends, dedicated to sharing the love of Christ with others within the Manassas community.

“Anyone can show up,” said Rev. Darryl R. Burgan, Sr., who is not only a board member and vice president of MH&HO, but also serves as the mission’s pastor of First Baptist Church of Manassas.

Manassas Hunger & Homeless Outreach Ministries provides meals to homeless & others who cannot provide meals for themselves.

hungry and homeless at weekly outreach events. By the end of the year, 925 meals were served at 45 weekly events.

In September 2017, that group was formally incorporated as the Manassas Hunger & Homeless Outreach Ministries, Inc. They have partnered with 25 Prince William churches and ministries and expanded the board of directors who participate in planning the weekly activities and providing support beyond the weekly outreach.

“A goal of ours is forming long-term relationships with those we serve, so we build trust and can better serve them by understanding their unique needs to include employment challenges and or substance abuse or mental health needs,” said Godigkeit.

Although the main mission continues to be serving weekly meals to the poor, they’ve added services. Guests are given personal hygiene items, bug spray, handwarmers, phone and laundry cards, prescription drug assistance, as well as ID card and document recovery. And although they don’t provide clothing, they have partnered with Bombas Socks to provide clean, new socks. They also offer haircuts for the homeless and orchestrate quarterly food drives to support local faith-based food pantries.

Godigkeit said MH&HO relies on the community to provide the food. There is no set menu and recent meals have included

He said the church uses its vans to bring the homeless in for the meals, which range from soups and sandwiches to BBQ. "We also have an emergency assistance coordinator who helps in securing medications, Social Security cards and other forms of assistance, directing the homeless to available medical assistance, and providing other assistance as needed,” he said. “We not only provide those in need a fish for today, but we also try to direct them to the tools to allow them to fish for themselves."

Holiday Specials MH&HO will partner with the River Christian Center (10655 Lomond Drive, Manassas) to host special Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve meals.

“The church parishioners will donate the fixings for the meals and prepare them,” said Burgan. “Serving our unsheltered friends allows us to follow the biblical guidance of Christ, to act as a witness of his love and grace everywhere, from outside our doors to around the world. By showing Christ to others, through our words and deeds, we make an introduction to many that otherwise may not occur.”

He said they tend to see the same people at all the meals. “Our goal is to get them out of the woods and to not be needed,” said Godigkeit.

Marianne Weaver (mweaver@princewilliamliving.com) is a contributing writer. prince william living November 2019

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You belong

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health & wellness Lung Cancer Awareness Month

N

ovember is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Even though we are seeing a decrease in deaths from the disease, it remains the number one cancer killer — more than prostate, breast and colon cancers combined. Part of the reason is that unless it's caught at the early stages, when the tumor is in one area, it spreads and is often deadly.

If it is caught at an early stage, there's good news — removal of the tumor can be done more efficiently than ever. Using robotic surgical tools, surgeons are able to perform a minimally invasive removal of the lung tumor. While not every lung resection (removal of part of the lung) can be done this way, due to the individual's health and complexity of the situation, overall robotic surgery can be beneficial to patients.

In addition to having more efficient surgical options, anyone with a history of smoking should schedule a lung CT scan to catch any tumors at the early stages.

"I wish people knew more about the advantages of lung cancer screenings. There used to be no good way to screen, and now CAT scans with low-dose radiation make it much easier to

have proof every year that the lungs are tumor free," said Dr. Bethany Tan, a general thoracic surgeon.

An annual lung cancer screening is recommended for anyone over 55 who has 30 pack years (having smoked around a pack a day) or has been a smoker within the last 15 years. Of course, people who are currently smoking should be screened, and know that smoking is linked to 80 to 90% of lung cancers.

To make your appointment for a CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring exam at the Sentara Heart & Vascular Center, call 703-523-1980.

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November 2019 prince william living

lifelong learning National Family Literacy Month: Learning and Growing Together

By Erin Pittman

B

arbara Bush may have offered some of the best advice on family literacy when she simply said, “Let your children see you read.”

November is National Family Literacy Month. This observance was created to emphasize the importance of learning as a family and to encourage adults to prioritize their own education, allowing them to more actively engage in the learning of the children in their lives. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, children of parents with low literacy skills have a 72% chance of being at the lowest reading level themselves.

Making Strides Through Family Literacy National Family Literacy Month is sponsored by the National Center for Families Learning. NCFL works to eradicate poverty through education solutions for families. This multi-generational approach to literacy is creating huge successes for families across the country. Of families participating in their family learning program, 90% show an increase in family engagement in education, as well as much higher school attendance for children and regular literacy skills practice among adults.

Literacy and the Library Families do not have to be enrolled in formal programs to improve their family’s literacy. Studies show that reading aloud with parents is the most important activity for childhood literacy. Reading together improves vocabulary, attention, writing skills and memory, and educates children about life experiences and places.

The Prince William Public Library System offers countless activities for families, including their 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program.

“1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is the most meaningful and relevant annual reading program offered to our library patrons,” said Bryanna Altman, Prince William Public Library System Foundation president. “Parents, grandparents and caregivers rave about the program and its effectiveness in introducing reading and books to children from birth to kindergarten.”

Families can sign up for the program at any library branch or visit https://pwcgov.beanstack.org/reader365 to get started.

Regular visits to the library and taking part in library-sponsored

activities are also important ways to bring more literacy and learning opportunities to children.

“Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children,” said Rachel Johnson, Prince William Public Library System’s communication services division chief.

“Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifelong learning.”

Visit www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/library to find your nearest branch and to check out their calendar of events.

Literacy at Home There are a variety of simple ways to encourage more reading and learning activities at home. Try a few of these out during (continues on page 28) prince william living November 2019

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taking care of business

For Curves Hair Studio, It’s All About the Mission

By Amy Taylor

C

ity of Manassas residents have been getting pampered at Curves Hair Studio since the year 2000. Co-owned by Ken Angus and Andrew Elswick-Angus, the studio has a mission to “make every visit a rejuvenating one.” Meeting that mission has contributed to their success.

“We chose City of Manassas because it was small and quaint. We didn't want to be in another strip mall. We were looking for a different and unique location,” Angus said.

The location allows Curves to offer the rejuvenating experience they seek to provide. When you step into Curves Hair Studio in historic Manassas, you’re surrounded by more than your standard salon décor. You’re greeted with royal purple walls, antique furniture and a homey atmosphere to help you leave feeling refreshed.

What Experience Has Taught Angus and Elswick-Angus have almost two decades in the entrepreneurial world, so when they offer words of wisdom to other business owners, people listen. Angus has more than 30 years of experience behind a chair, while Elswick-Angus is known for giving amazing scalp massages and coordinating all the behind-the-scenes shop activities.

“Have a plan and vision. Stay with your plan and vision.

Research. Make sure the market supports your vision.

Understand all hidden costs,” Angus said.

They also advise new business owners to be present in their business to make sure their vision is unfolding during the day-today operations. And don’t rest on laurels.

“If you want to be successful and stay in business, it is a priority to maintain your success,” Angus said.

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November 2019 prince william living

These shop owners practice what they preach. Each day, they can be found in the studio, being hands-on in their business, focusing on services particular to their customers. They know where they excel and what their market needs, and they offer those services. “We offer only hair services and facial waxing.

We specialize in color, highlights, perms, keratin treatments, and men’s, women’s and children’s haircuts. We offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can come and receive your service and feel welcomed,” Angus said.

And they are there, present, to oversee it all.

Hard Work Pays Off Curves can boast nearly two decades of thriving business and many accolades to showcase their talent.

They were voted second place in the Best Hair Salon in Northern Virginia category in Virginia Living Magazine four years in a row, from 2015 to 2018.

Curves Hair Studio was voted Reader’s Choice winner in 2012 on Patch.com. They were awarded the City Beat News 2017 Award for Customer Service Satisfaction.

Their customers rave about them as they have a 5-Star rating on Angie’s List. Reviews across the board online are outstanding, showing their devotion to customer care.

Ryan Doss said in a Facebook review, “Quality service with a gracious, warm, and hospitable atmosphere that most businesses lack. They appreciate your patronage and will not be satisfied unless you are comfortable, accommodated, and leave feeling like a million bucks. All the hairdressers are outstanding in their knowledge, experience, and application of modern techniques.

From your standard tried-and-true styles to the funky and fresh, they've got you covered. They do not disappoint!”

Christine Raymond also reviewed their studio on Facebook. She said, “Curves you are the best!! I wanted to do something fun with my teenagers and so we all decided to dye our hair purple.

Rian was the hostess with the mostest. Jenna, Petra and Mary did a different style for each of us. You ladies are the BEST! (Shall I say it one more time?) Yes! You ladies are the best! Thank you!”

Being in business for 19 years says a lot about the company’s success, but these customer-voted awards and rave reviews speak volumes for what this company means to their community.

For more information, visit their website at curveshair.com.

Amy Taylor (Ataylor@princewilliamliving.com) is a contributing writer and editor. She earned her BLS in English from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. prince william living November 2019

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family fun

SPREAD KINDNESS LIKE CONFETTI! D

By Jennifer Halter

espite the hustle and bustle coming over the next few months, it’s one of my favorite times of year. The upcoming holidays always put a smile on my face because it’s a time where the spirit of giving is in the forefront of the minds of many of us. I’m a firm believer that it’s never too early to show our children ways to give to others. Here’s a list of fun activities you can do with your family this holiday season to spread kindness like confetti!

Donate Unwanted Items

This is the perfect time to clean out closets, garages and those overflowing toyboxes!

Host a Neighborhood Food Drive

Food pantries and groups providing services for the homeless are always in need of nonperishable food items. Connect with neighbors to collect items that can be donated to local organizations.

Organize a Coat Drive

Connect with local schools, businesses and nonprofits to set up a collection for new and gently used coats, hats, gloves and other cold-weather gear for children and adults in need.

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November 2019 prince william living

Visit a Nursing Home

Our friends who live in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities love visitors! Have children create handmade cards or small gifts to give to residents. You may even want to have children bring their favorite book and share a story.

Help a Neighbor

You can offer assistance with carrying bags to their (continues on page 26)

Education Makes a Difference Discover programs that strengthen families & protect our environment.

Environmental Education Financial Education & Housing Counseling SNAP Nutrition Education 4-H Youth Development Parent Education Classes are held at various locations throughout the county.

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KINDNESS (continued from page 24) door, raking leaves or by sharing a batch of homemade cookies. The possibilities are endless with this option!

Start a Pay-It-Forward Chain

This is a sure way to brighten someone’s day! If you are in a drive-thru line, offer to pay for the person’s meal or coffee behind you.

Create a Birthday Kit for a Homeless Shelter

Birthday celebrations may not be a top priority for a family who has fallen on hard times. You can create a birthday kit that includes boxed cake mix, icing, candles, a card and a small gift, if you choose.

Finally, and probably one of the easiest to do, is to hold the door for someone and offer a smile! It’s a simple, but thoughtful act that lets the person know you see them, and for some, that can mean everything!

Jennifer Halter is publisher of Macaroni Kid Woodbridge and Macaroni Kid Gainesville/Manassas.

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Our extensive training and quality care also deliver renewed mobility to get you back to doing what you love, more quickly.

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November 2019 prince william living

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home & hearth

LIFELONG LEARNING

Keep the Family Healthy by Safely Packing Food

National Family Literacy Month and reap the benefits and joy of learning with your children.

(continued from page 21)

n Set aside time to read with your children every day for at least 15 minutes. Try making it a part of your bedtime routine. Use funny voices and point to words as you read them. They’ll be learning and settling down from their day all at once. n Attend a library event together, like story time or a STEAM activity. n Set baskets of books around the house to encourage reading and sharing. Be sure to include a variety of reading materials such as fiction and nonfiction books, magazines and graphic novels.

S

tudents, sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts all have one thing in common: packed food. However, some people still pack perishable food in an old-fashioned brown paper bag instead of an insulated lunch box. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food is unsafe to be eaten if it’s kept in an old-fashioned brown paper bag longer than 2 hours.

Insulated lunch boxes help maintain food at a safe temperature until lunchtime.

Why keep food cold? Foodborne illness can multiply rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. This means that if you are tailgating or leaving in the morning for school or work, you’ll need a plan to keep your food cold. You’ll want to use at least two cold sources in an insulated bag to keep perishable foods in your lunch safe; ice or gel packs in your insulated bag or box work best.

Perishable foods, such as cold cut sandwiches and yogurt, can be left out at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before they become unsafe to eat. With an insulated lunch box and a chilled freezer gel pack, perishable food can stay cold and safe to eat until lunch. You can find reusable cold sources at the store (right next to the lunch boxes) or make your own by filling a water bottle or plastic container with water and freezing it.

Depending on how much food you are packing, you may need several cold sources. Above all, choose a lunch box or tote that is easy to clean.

Packing a hot lunch? Use an insulated container to keep your food hot until lunchtime. Before you warm up your food, fill the container with boiling water and let it stand while you heat your food. Heat your food to at least 165°F, then empty the water out of the insulated container, pack your food and seal it tight. Keep the container closed until lunchtime so the food stays hot. If you are heating a cold entrée in your office kitchen, be sure to heat it until it is 165°F, or hot and steaming.

When packing your insulated lunch bag, remember to add some hand wipes, so you can clean your hands before eating, if there are no facilities nearby. When you return home and empty your bag or box, wipe the inside with hot soapy water and let it air dry so it is ready for your next adventure.

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November 2019 prince william living

n Locate a Little Free Library near you to donate books your family has finished with and pick up some new ones to enjoy together. n Print out NCFL’s 30 Days of Families Learning Together and follow their activities. You can find the calendar at https://www.30days.familieslearning.org/.

Erin Pittman has been a writer for 10 years, but a lover of words her entire life. Her work is published in local magazines and on local and national blogs. Contact Erin at epittman@princewilliamliving.com.

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local flavor

GOURMET GUYS

Cook up Community Service

By David Gignilliat

T

here may be a few new Iron Chefs in Prince William County come December. If you’re a fan of the Food Network, or the near-infinite amount of culinary competitions that abound on television, you will truly enjoy the upcoming Gourmet Guys Give Back, a family-friendly competition and charity event that will be held on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Linton Hall School in Bristow, Virginia. Proceeds benefit the programs and activities of Leadership Prince William and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. These two community organizations nurture local leadership, support the business and non-profit community, provide scholarships for educational activities and more.

“Gourmet Guys Give Back is a family-friendly fun afternoon,” said Debbie Jones, President and CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, the event’s sponsor, and a 2010 LPW graduate. “Bring your whole family and come hungry!”

The event is structured as a live culinary competition, with an all-star lineup of local celebrities preparing dishes in appetizer, soup, chili, entree and dessert categories. A group of decorated local chefs and restaurateurs will judge the entrants and select formal prize winners in each category. Like many of the tv tournaments, the fans will also have a choice, as attendees will have an opportunity to walk around and taste each dish to determine the ‘People’s Choice” winners in each category.

In addition to watching the culinary main event, there will also be live music, kid’s entertainment (Santa, too!), raffles and other interesting food-related diversions. The event is just $25 for

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November 2019 prince william living

adults (14 and older), $10 for young adults (ages 6 to 13), and free to children 5 and under.

Evolution of This Tasty Event Now in its fourth year, the event has quickly evolved into one of the county’s most popular annual events … like a treasured family holiday recipe that only gets served once a year.

That recipe starts with a teaspoon of The Prince William County Chamber of Commerce, the meaty center of the dish, there to nourish the local county business and non-profit communities and sponsor the event. Then, there’s an equal amount of Leadership Prince William, seasoning the event with its aromatic mix of local leaders, charity work, community enrichment and inspirational civic activism. And, lastly, the not-so-secret ingredient and (perhaps) the key to the event, are the county’s finest celebrity amateur chefs themselves, providing their signature dishes, flavor and style to the event.

“We have been very selective about who we pick,” said Andrea Short, the Chamber’s director of marketing and communications. “We wanted to have people with a bit of a local following, a well-known name, someone that people would want to come and see.”

“Like a Marty Nohe,” she added.

Enters Nohe, a participant and winner in all four years of the competition. Nohe is a born-and-raised Woodbridger and the

If you’re a fan of the Food Network, or the near-infinite amount of culinary competitions that abound on television, you will truly enjoy the upcoming Gourmet Guys Give Back.

longtime owner of Appliance Connection, an appliance and electronics store on the Prince William Parkway. He is a multiterm county board supervisor, a civic-minded family man, and he is seen out and about more in Prince William than the Potomac Mills sign.

Mister Nohe, do you have anything else to add?

He’s also a bit of a talker’s talker, a consummate public speaker and raconteur.

“In 2017, I won both the overall judge's first prize, as well as the overall ‘fan favorite’ prize. In the same year,” said Nohe in a moment of restraint. “Wait until you see what I’m doing this year. It's going to be out of this world. All of these other guys need to be scared. Oh yeah ... and it's for charity so they get to feel good about that, at least.”

“Gourmet Guys is probably the most fun community event in Prince William County all year,” said Nohe. “There is lots of great food, some really terrific people, and [it’s] all for a great cause.”

It should be noted that in 2018, the Fan Favorite trophy for the dish that received the most votes overall went to Bill White and his sous chef Rob Sturm for their Chili Willy Brisket & Black Bean Chili. The two managed to unseat reigning champ Nohe.

In the spirit of a good-guy pro wrestler giving a pre-match interview, Nohe laid down some polite smack talk.

Aaron Tolson, the director of development at Action in Community Through Service, or ACTS, will also be one of this year’s returning participants. A 2018 LPW alumni, he has participated in the event the last two years, winning in desserts in 2017, (a double gold winner) and last year in the appetizer category (a gold and silver winner).

“Also, this is the year that everyone will know once and for all that I really am a much better cook than all of the other contestants,” said Nohe, who lists bacon among his favorite foods, and things in general. “They may all bring their best recipes, but they all know who is going home with the trophy.

It's me, in case that wasn't clear.”

“He is … uhhh, known for voicing his opinions,” chuckled Short, who has been with the Chamber now for over 11 years.

“And he always seems to make something with bacon. It helps because people will come [to the event] and they see him and [say to themselves] ‘Huh. I can do better than that Marty Nohe.

Whether they know him on a personal level [or not], they want to compete against him, and it’s all for a good cause.”

“While I plan to participate again this year, I still haven't decided what I'll be bringing, but I'll be working for another gold regardless,” said Tolson, an active member in several county and community events. “There are a lot of really talented cooks/chefs in our community … I enjoy interacting with my peers [in] chef’s aprons instead of business suits. It's just a lot of fun.”

David Gignilliat is a native of Prince William County and a freelance writer who enjoys writing about local food and events. prince william living November 2019

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your finances Five Mistakes to Avoid When Naming Beneficiaries

By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor

I

f you’ve ever spent time working through your estate plan with a professional, you know how important it is to select and update your beneficiaries. Failing to do so can result in costly mistakes — for you and your loved ones. Here are five common mistakes that can easily be avoided:

Mistake #1 – Not naming a beneficiary on all accounts.

Ensure you have beneficiary designations on all your retirement, investment and banking accounts, as well as your insurance policies. If you don’t name a beneficiary on one or more accounts, your estate becomes the beneficiary of that account, and your loved ones will need to go through the probate process (a legal process most families want to avoid for financial and emotional reasons). If this happens, your relative can lose their ability to use “stretch” payouts based on their life expectancy, because the tax-advantaged status for retirement assets is lost.

Mistake #2 – Forgetting to name a contingent beneficiary on all accounts.

have died or your relationship with them has changed. This is particularly applicable if you’ve gone through a divorce or remarried. If your ex-spouse inadvertently remains the designated beneficiary of an account, he or she may have the upper hand if the case winds up in court.

Mistake #5 – Not communicating your preferences with your partner and family.

Communicating your legacy wishes is an important step to helping your loved ones know what to expect upon your death.

While it can be tough to initiate the conversation, doing so can help reassure loved ones that you have a plan. Keep in mind that you don’t need to share the exact amount of money you plan to pass down to respective family members, unless doing so is your preference. Instead, share high-level details that give your family insight.

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. Visit his website at whitlockwealth.com.

Many people list the same loved one — usually a partner or parent — as the primary beneficiary on most or all accounts.

If this is how you’ve handled your assets, it is important for you to also name a contingent beneficiary. This is because if your primary beneficiary passes away first and no contingent beneficiaries are listed, it’s comparable to having no beneficiary designation. If you both die at the same time, funds go into probate.

Naming contingent beneficiaries also gives the primary beneficiary the option to execute a qualified disclaimer so some assets can pass to next-in-line loved ones.

Mistake #3 – Not using specific names.

One mistake many people make is listing a generic term — such as children, parents or aunts — instead of specific names in their beneficiary selections. This can be problematic, especially if you are part of a blended family. Many states won’t include or recognize stepchildren when the word “children” is listed. Another risk of vagueness is that a family member you’ve lost contact with may enter the picture and try to claim a piece of your remaining assets. With this in mind, make sure you use the full names of each person when naming beneficiaries.

Mistake #4 – Failing to review your beneficiary selections regularly.

Beneficiary designations override your will, so it’s crucial to keep them up to date. You may need to update your choices every few years due to life changes, such as if beneficiaries

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November 2019 prince william living

From bankers to barbers, restaurants to retirement planners, Prince William Chamber members are among the most trusted businesses in our community.

Take charge of your financial future.

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As an Ameriprise financial advisor, I remain true to our vision of always putting clients first. Discover the one-to-one attention you deserve, call me today at 877.WHITLOCK. Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor Whitlock Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 877.WHITLOCK 12848 Harbor Dr, Ste 101 Lake Ridge, VA 22192 9073 Center St Manassas, VA 20110 bennett.c.whitlock@ampf.com whitlockwealth.com

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THE RIDE THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU! e

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Omnilink: Personalized bus service designed with your

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Prince William Metro Direct provides easy access to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station. Linton Hall Metro Direct connects Gainesville commuters with the Tysons Corner Metro Station.

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november

calendar Dale City Farmers Market

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

Dale City Commuter Lot 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City Dale City Farmers Market is run by the Prince William County Department of Parks & Recreation. With nearly 50 vendors in the summer and 20+ in the winter, it’s one of the largest open-air markets in the region. It’s a produceronly market, meaning all products must be grown or made by the seller.

Gainesville Farmers Market

Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gainesville United Methodist Church 13710 Milestone Court, Gainesville Weekly farmers market with local produce, meats, eggs, hot foods, baked goods and more. Join them for live music, cooking demonstrations, kids’ events and more!

They accept SNAP and offer matching on all SNAP purchases. Sundays through November.

Fall Gallery Walk

Fri. Nov. 1 | 6 to 9 p.m.

Historic Downtown Manassas Come out and enjoy this free event!

The merchants of Historic Downtown Manassas will be displaying artwork by local, featured artists. Follow the balloons to each destination.

Northern Virginia Veterans Parade

Sat. Nov. 2 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Historic Downtown Manassas The 11th Northern Virginia Veterans Parade will honor World War II Navy Veteran and longtime Woodbridge resident Robert Tyrrell as the Grand Marshal. The route will follow Center Street and pass the reviewing stand at the Harris Pavilion.

Paranormal 101 & Overnight Stay in the Brentsville Jail Sat. Nov 2, 7 p.m. to Sun. Nov. 3, 8 a.m.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow

Brentsville has a diverse history and many local residents claim that the area is haunted by spirits from the past.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre is partnering with East Coast Research and Investigation of the Paranormal to host a paranormal seminar and investigation.

Participants will first learn about various theories and current techniques of investigation. $70. Reservations required; call 703-365-7895.

Prince William Living Presents Breakfast with an Expert Thurs. Nov. 7 | 8 a.m.

Online Only 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.

Hike With a Naturalist Thurs. Nov. 7 | 10 a.m. to noon Bull Run Mountain Conservancy 17405 Beverley Mill Drive, Broad Run On the first Thursday of every month, join a professional naturalist and discover the flora and fauna of the local region. This program is free; all are welcome. Meet at the Mountain House.

Opening Weekend for Festival of Trees

Fri. Nov. 8 | 4 to 9 p.m.

Sat. Nov. 9 | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sun. Nov. 10 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Manassas Mall 8300 Sudley Road, Manassas This November, to support their efforts, Semper K9 will be holding their first Festival of Trees. The festival offers local businesses, organizations and individuals the opportunity to purchase and decorate a tree. Throughout the month of November, the trees will be on display in the Community Room at Manassas Mall and available to the public for viewing. On Nov. 17, Semper K9 will hold their gala, where the trees will be auctioned off to benefit the nonprofit.

Annual Fall Craft & Vendor Fair – held indoors at Brentsville District High School gymnasium. Many crafters and vendors to see!

Milk & Cookies With Santa

Sat. Nov. 9 | 10 a.m. to noon Manassas Mall 8300 Sudley Road, Manassas Come to the Manassas Mall Community Room for a festive morning! Photos with Santa, cookie decorating station, story time with service dogs, crafts and door prizes! Funds raised benefit Semper K9’s mission of providing custom-trained service dogs to wounded veterans at no cost.

Celebrating Veterans and the Arts

Sat. Nov. 9 | 1:30 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Enjoy a celebratory afternoon of interactive arts experiences for veterans, servicemembers, their families, military caregivers and the community. This free, festive event features hands-on visual-arts activities, guitar workshops, a songwriting presentation by military kids and teenagers.

Marine Corps Museum Cake Cutting Ceremony

Sun. Nov. 10 | 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

National Museum of the Marine Corps 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle Celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony.

Cake will be served to everyone. This event is free and open to the public!

Free Admission to Prince William Forest Park

Mon. Nov. 11 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Prince William Forest Park 18100 Park Headquarters Road, Triangle Come out and enjoy the great outdoors at Prince William Forest Park on Veterans Day, and get in for free!

Fall Craft & Vendor Fair Sat. Nov. 9 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Brentsville District High School 12109 Aden Road, Nokesville

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

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November 2019 prince william living

Matinee Idylls: Brass 5

Tues. Nov. 12 | 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Virginia’s own Brass 5 will charm the audience with a lively and fun concert that shines with playful banter and impressive musical range. The virtuosic quintet plays everything from Renaissance, classical, Dixieland, swing and jazz, to rock, country and more.

Tickets: hyltoncenter.org.

Luminary Tours of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park

Fri. Nov. 15 | 5 to 8 p.m.

National Museum of the Marine Corps 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle Take a self-paced tour of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park by luminary light. The story behind each memorial on the tour will be brought to life by museum staff and docents. This is an outdoor event.

Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Stream Cleanup Costco Manassas: Bull Run Watershed

Sat. Nov. 16 | 9 a.m. to noon Parking Lot at 10671 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas Join the Merrimac Farm Master Naturalists, "Friends of the Square," Keep Prince William Beautiful and others to keep the stream corridor near the Bull Run Shopping Center clean under the district’s Adopt-A-Stream program. Volunteers should dress for the weather with shoes (preferably boots) they don’t mind getting dirty. To register and for more information, contact waterquality@pwswcd.org or call 571-379-8213.

Battlefield High School’s Fall-A-Rama

Sat. Nov. 16 | 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Battlefield High School 15000 Graduation Drive, Haymarket Fall-A-Rama will feature more than 100 vendors and crafters selling an array of one-of-a-kind pieces, including fine art, woodwork, clothing, jewelry, accessories, beauty products, household goods and more. A kiddie corner will keep your kids entertained with crafts, games and face

painting. Admission is free! Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be available to purchase.

Youth Orchestras of Prince William: New Beginnings

Sat. Nov. 16 | 2 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Youth Orchestras of Prince William presents its season opener featuring each of its three ensembles: Repertory Orchestra, Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony Orchestra. Tickets: hyltoncenter.org.

Prince William Living Lunch With the Publisher

Wed. Nov. 20 | noon Online Only Are you an advertiser with Prince William Living or interested in becoming one?

Meet the people behind greater Prince William’s premier 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.

Annual Tree Lighting

Fri. Nov. 22 | 4 to 8:05 p.m.

Town of Occoquan 314 Mill Street, Occoquan Occoquan’s Holiday Open House rings in the holiday season as the town is decorated and the businesses stay open late with special activities. At 8:05 p.m., the town holds a ceremony to light the tree on the Town Hall lawn. Following the tree lighting, the Occoquan Business Guild will host an Open House drawing where $1,500 in gift certificates will be given away.

Turkey Trot 10K & Mile

Sat. Nov. 23 | 8:30 a.m. to noon Marine Corps Base Quantico 3250 Catlin Avenue, Quantico Unleash a pre-emptive strike on Thanksgiving calories by participating in the Turkey Trot 10K, hosted by the Marine Corps Marathon. This 6.2mile event is sure to bring smiles to participants ages 8 and over. Register at marinemarathon.com/events/turkey-trot.

Prince William Turkey Trot

Thurs. Nov. 28 | 8:30 a.m.

Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center 9100 Freedom Center Boulevard, Manassas The Prince William Turkey Trot is a family-friendly event that is a fun and festive celebration of Thanksgiving Day! Register online: princewilliamturkeytrot. com/.

The Nutcracker by Virginia National Ballet

Fri. Nov. 29 | 2 and 6:30 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas The first professional Nutcracker Ballet of the season! This production sells out quickly each year. VNB’s production features world-class professional dancers and students of VNB’s school, with gorgeous choreography, dancing, scenery, costumes and special effects. Tickets: hyltoncenter.org.

We Create & Foster Enduring Image!

Spilled Ink

Fri. Nov. 22 | 7 to 10 p.m.

Jirani Coffeehouse 9425 West Street, Manassas Spilled Ink is an open mic night that celebrates the written word. Join local authors, poets and scribblers as they read their work. All are welcome to listen or read! Be brave!

prince william living November 2019

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November 2019 prince william living

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We hope you enjoy Prince William Living as much as we love to deliver the news and insight that enhance how you live, work and play in Prince William.

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prince william living November 2019

Prince William Parks and Recreation

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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