Prince William Living November 2021 by Prince William Living

PAGE 12

ART FROM THE HEART

PAGE 16

GIVING THANKS

PAGE 22

ZANDRA'S GETS TACOS

prince william living November 2021

The premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

The Giving Back Awards PAGE 4

Antiquing: Discovering Treasures of the Past PAGE 18

Hylton Performing Arts Center PAGE 20

princewilliamliving.com

DON’T LET HEARTBURN RUIN YOUR HOLIDAYS. Dr. Jacqueline Moore is the only surgeon in Prince William County trained to perform the revolutionary LINX® Reflux Management System. This minimally invasive procedure involves wrapping a small magnetic band of beads around the lower part of the esophagus, stopping GERD in ways medications cannot.

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 your LINX® heartburn consultation or to learn more about Sentara Surgery Specialists, call 703-523-9750. Woodbridge-Century Building 2280 Opitz Blvd., Ste. 320, Woodbridge, VA 22191 Stafford 95 Dunn Drive, Ste. 123, Staf ford, VA 22556

table of contents November 2021 | Vol. 11 | No. 11

FEATURE STORY And the Winners Are... The Giving Back Awards

DEPARTMENTS FROM THE PUBLISHER Giving Back, Giving Tips and Giving Thanks

LIFELONG LEARNING Art From the Heart…and Home 12

FAMILY FUN Giving Thanks

DESTINATIONS Antiquing: Discovering Treasures of the Past

ON A HIGH NOTE Hylton Performing Arts Center: Back for the 2021-22 Season with World-Class Performances

LOCAL FLAVOR Zandra’s Gets Tacos

CALENDAR

COLUMNS YOUR FINANCES HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME & HEARTH

10 14 24

22 prince william living November 2021

prince william living Rebecca Barnes

PRINCE WILLIAM LIVING PUBLISHER rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com

Erin Pittman EDITOR IN CHIEF epittman@princewilliamliving.com

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Amanda Baity ONLINE SUBMISSION MANAGER Carole Keily GIVE BACK PRINCE WILLIAM INITIATIVE Johnnie Barnes, johnnie@givebackpw.org

PHOTO EDITOR Amanda Baity CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amy Falkofske, Katherine Gotthardt, Jennifer Halter, David Lezcano, Rena Malai, Jorge de Villasante, Bennett Whitlock

CLIENT CARE SPECIALIST Diane Puigdomenech, dpuigdomenech@princewilliamliving.com VISIBILITY PACKAGES sales@princewilliamliving.com SUBSCRIPTIONS info@princewilliamliving.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Mark Gilvey SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Katherine Gotthardt GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Alison Dixon/ImagePrep Studio

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

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

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

Editorial offices: (703) 232-1758, ext. 2

Advertising Prince William Living accepts display advertising. For complete advertising information, contact our sales staff at (703) 232-1758, ext. 3, or at sales@princewilliamliving.com.

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

Social Media CORRECTION: In the October issue of Prince William Living, Prince William Living can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram.

we incorrectly attributed the UVA Health article to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

Subscription rate is $20 (Continental U.S.) for one year. Change of address notices should be sent to Prince William Living at info@princewilliamliving.com. Reprints and Back Issues: To order article reprints or request reprint permission, please visit the website: www.princewilliamliving.com. Order back issues by emailing Prince William Living at info@princewilliamliving.com. For further information about Prince William Living, visit www.princewilliamliving.com, or contact Prince William Living at (703) 232-1758.

2 |

November 2021 prince william living

from the Publisher Giving Back, Giving Tips and Giving Thanks

ovember is naturally a month filled with gratitude, and we love to kick it off with our Giving Back Awards. Don’t miss this month’s feature filled with three incredible nonprofits doing stellar work right here in Prince William. We can’t wait to celebrate our winner, Volunteer Prince William, at our awards celebration on Nov. 3. We have other fun stuff for you this month including a dive into the Hylton Performing Arts Center’s upcoming performances in our On a High Note section. These performers are so glad to be back doing what they love, and we are so fortunate to have a hub for such talent right here in Prince William! In Destinations this month, discover local antique shops where you just may find your next favorite treasure, and Lifelong Learning brings you the stories of local art teachers and the classes they teach. As we launch into the holiday season, get your home ready with tips in Home and Hearth. Gather the family around to give thanks for your many blessings and discover ways to bless those

around you with ideas from our Family Fun section. With all the holiday gatherings coming up, be sure to take a night off from cooking and experience the delicious tastes of Zandra’s in Manassas. Read their story and discover their unique tacos in Local Flavor. Our Health and Wellness section features an uplifting birth story from the Women’s Health Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. And if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, Your Finances shares tips for financial planning when faced with this challenging news. We wish you a wonderful November filled with family, pumpkin pie and all the goodness that Thanksgiving brings. All the best,

Rebecca Barnes Publisher

prince william living November 2021

And the Winner Is...

The Giving Back Awards By Amy Falkofske and Jorge de Villasante

art of the Prince William Living mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community and to inspire our readers to do the same. We highlight organizations that are giving back in every print issue, creating greater awareness and support of their efforts. Annually, we invite our readers to nominate outstanding not-for-profit organizations in Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park through our Giving Back Award. This year, out of the amazing nonprofits that were nominated, the judges chose Volunteer Prince William as our winner, with honorable mentions to Matthew's Center and Saving Prince William's Littles.

4 |

November 2021 prince william living

Volunteer Prince William Volunteer Prince William, an affiliate member of Points of Light Institute and Hands On Network is located in Manassas and concentrates on motivating people to take action to change the world one person at a time, little by little. Volunteer Prince William offers many volunteer opportunities in the Prince William region where they work together with community groups. Volunteers can help a child learn to read, gather food for local food banks, improve the environment or spend time with a senior citizen. Volunteer Prince William partners with community agencies to mobilize volunteers and resources to provide solutions for critical issues in our community.

The organization supports the community in a variety of other ways, as well.

Photo courtesy Volunteer Prince William

"When trouble strikes our region, our Disaster Services Program is ready. Volunteer Prince William collaborates with government and non-profit partners to match resources to unmet needs to assist residents in achieving post-disaster stability," said Kiser "Additionally, we help those who have given us so much — our veterans. Our Drive-A-Vet-Program helps veterans get to critical medical appointments," Kiser said. VPW also "stays in motion" with their Meals-on-Wheels program, which delivers food to the elderly throughout Prince William. Additionally, Volunteer Prince William is the coordinating agency for all court-related alternative community service work for adults and juveniles in Prince William County. Volunteer Prince William supports youth and seniors with the Un-Trim-A-Tree program. IKEA has been donating toys and gift baskets for seniors at Christmas for over 10 years.

“This organization supports as many people as they can through the services they provide. If they cannot help you, they will point you in the right direction,” said nominator Wendy Rogers. “For the past 30 years, Volunteer Prince William has been building a stronger community by connecting volunteers with opportunities,” said Uriah Kiser, a member of Volunteer Prince William's Board of Directors. Kiser pointed out the many ways in which Volunteer Prince William has engaged with the Prince William community. “Volunteer Prince William is best known for its annual UntrimA-Tree program where, each year at Christmastime, we help provide toys for children in need. A year-long effort, we work to collect and supply up to two toys per child for girls and boys throughout Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. Each year, we help more than 5,000 children in our area,” he said. Another critical program Volunteer Prince William offers, is the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, connecting people 55 and older with meaningful service opportunities. Ready and willing to help, these dedicated volunteers have matched older adult volunteers eager to help with local organizations on the front lines of meeting community needs.

"We routinely process referrals from the 31st General District Court and Prince William County probation offices," said Kiser. "It's an honor to continue to serve Greater Manassas and Prince William County, which continues to be such a diverse and growing region. We've strived to be a helpful community partner in a greater collaborative mission to serve," he said. Over the past year, Volunteer Prince William stepped into overdrive, working to help community food banks to feed families during the pandemic. As the world returns to normal, Volunteer Prince William has returned to educate the community on the importance of volunteering and where residents can give their time. "Our Untrim-A-Tree continues to grow, and our dedicated staff and members of our working Board of Directors are stepping up to meet the growing need for this service to help make this year's holiday season better for so many families," said Kiser. For further information, call 703-369-5292 or visit volunteerprincewilliam.org

Matthew's Center Focusing on communication skills and social instruction, Matthew’s Center is a private day school with publicly placed (continues on page 6)

prince william living November 2021

(continued from page 5)

Photos courtesy Saving Prince William's Littles

students. Matthew’s Center specializes in developing and improving life skills such as daily living skills, as well as play and social skills. The center’s focus is decreasing interfering behaviors that limit access to communication and instruction. “We provide educational services to students with autism and related disabilities. We also partner with those families to find wrap-around community service as needed,” said Executive Director Brandy Moss. “Our school staffs two Board Certified Behavior Analysts to help address the severe behaviors our students present. Students require one-to-one staffing based on their intensive behavior, communication and instructional needs,” said Moss. Matthew's Center’s mission is “enhancing lives through the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.” Over the last year, “Matthew’s Center has been able [to] successfully transition back into full school days despite the pandemic. Our students are those that were most affected by the school shut down due [to] the severity of their disabilities, they could not effectively access virtual learning. While we struggle with staff shortages and the threat of COVID our students and staff have risen to the occasion and continue to experience everyday successes in instruction, communication and behaviors,” said Moss. “The Giving Back award recognizes the dedication and commitment Matthew’s Center has had to those families affected by autism since our beginning some 20 years ago. We have been able to grow from just 3 students and their family to 32. Matthew’s Center also partners with not only the Prince William School district but also Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudon, and Warren County public schools as well as Manassas City Public School,” she said. More information is available at matthewscenter.org.

6 |

November 2021 prince william living

Prince William's Littles hosts car seat check events.

Saving Prince William’s Littles Saving Prince William’s Littles, located in Haymarket, specializes in child safety education in the community, specifically in raising awareness and training people about car seat safety.

“Our mission is to bring down the car seat misuse rate in the county (typically at least 75%) by teaching caregivers how to correctly install their children’s car seats and make sure their children are riding as safely as possible,” said President Claire Szanyi. Not only does Saving Prince William’s Littles instruct people in the community about protecting children in vehicles, they also provide free car seat safety check events. “Saving Prince William's Littles hosts a free car seat check event at least once a month in Prince William County. We are comprised of an amazing group of Child Passenger Safety Technicians that volunteer their time to educate the community on car seat safety. We are currently one of two organizations in the county (that I'm aware of ) that have certified CPSTs available to check car seats,” said Szanyi The organization has been very successful in their mission over the last year. “We are very thankful to have had almost every single appointment slot taken for each of the car seat check events we've held this year. We are definitely seeing a baby boom in Prince William County! In the same vein, knowing that people are sharing our contact information and events has been wonderful — many people still assume that you can go to a fire station for a car seat check, so having advocates in our community is invaluable,” said Szanyi. Szanyi also said she feels that being nominated for the Giving Back award is proof of Saving Prince William’s Little’s success. “It means a lot to be nominated since we really seek to serve our community, so the recognition makes us feel like we're succeeding in our mission to help caregivers,” she said. Saving Prince William’s Littles is active on Facebook (facebook. com/SavingPrinceWilliamsLittles) and can be reached through their website, savingprincewilliamslittles.com.

Nominees ImagiNation

imaginationlearning.net ImagiNation Learning Center is an establishment in Chantilly and Gainesville that provides a space for children to embrace and love learning. ImagiNation offers early childhood education, as well as developmental programs, and focuses on helping children develop selfesteem while respecting their individuality. In addition, children are prepared to cope in life, socially and at school. Parents, teachers, early childhood agencies and vendors, as well as local business leaders, share a common goal at ImagiNation Learning Center: working together to provide a positive early childhood experience.

The Oasis Alliance

theoasisalliance.org Most people believe interior design is a luxury. But interior design is an underutilized tool to empower, encourage and resurrect people at their lowest point, according to the Oasis Alliance in Woodbridge. This organization helps survivors of trauma by creating lovely personalized interior spaces with donated furniture, décor and other fundamental household items. These beautiful areas inspire recovery, well-being and progress. Volunteer artists, designers, therapists, movers, installers and clients create harmonic spaces, thus fulfilling the mission of The Oasis Alliance.

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. Jorge de Villasante is a multilingual writer and translator who enjoys traveling as much as he enjoys his home and caring for his two cats.

prince william living November 2021

Welcome Back,

Welcome Home Laughter, Friendship, Comfort

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

call today: 703-494-3817

PotomacPlace.com | 2133 Montgomery Ave | Woodbridge Coordinated Services Management, Inc. Professional Management of Retirement Communities since 1981

% 25OFF

CUSTOM GREETING CARDS

Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers. Restrictions apply. Valid and redeemable only when presented at a participating location. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. © 2020 The UPS Store, Inc.

% 25OFF Offer expires 12/31/2021.

CUSTOM CALENDARS

Offer expires 12/31/2021.

5LBS FREE

SHREDDING* SERVICES *Visit theupsstore.com/shredding for full details.

8 |

November 2021 prince william living

No Trips to the Grocery Store. No Dishes. No Cooking. No Clean Up. Individually packaged meals that come to you in microwave safe containers. Pop one in the microwave 2-3 minutes, enjoy a chef quality meal, wash your fork & get on with life. Choose from 9 meals each week.

Order Online: www.okras.com

FILL EACH DAY WITH ENDLESS

Possibilities

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

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

703-783-4355 www.wlrva.org

When you work with us, it's personal!

ATTENTION WEDDING PROFESSIONALS:

Women’s Wedding Network is the premier network for wedding industry business owners and professionals in the D.C. metro area, where you’ll leave well-fed, well-connected and wellenergized! Join us on the second Wednesday of every month. Visit womensweddingnetwork.com for complete details.

prince william living November 2021

your finances 4 Financial Steps to Take Today When Dealing with Alzheimer’s By Bennett C. Whitlock III Whitlock Wealth Management

f a person close to you has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it may be time to address some serious financial questions. Due to the debilitating nature of Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia on your loved one’s ability to make sound financial decisions, the sooner you can get financial matters in order the better. Here are four important steps to take: #1 – Look for signs of unusual financial activity. Discrepancies involving money can often be among the early signs of cognitive challenges for an individual. Red flags may include difficulty paying a proper amount for an item, leaving bills unpaid or making out-of-the-ordinary purchases. If you observe signs of a loss in judgment related to financial matters, additional action may be required. #2 – Identify and designate a power of attorney. Many people are reluctant to hand over control of their personal finances. It’s important to have an honest discussion with your loved one and help them appreciate the importance of having somebody in a position to look out for their interests. Most important is to identify somebody who can be considered a trusted surrogate to help manage day-to-day money matters when that becomes necessary. An individual should be designated as financial power-of-attorney, authorized to sign checks, pay bills and help keep an eye on the affected person’s finances. The person designated with power-ofattorney can ease into the role, only assuming full control when it becomes necessary. #3 – Make sure proper documentation is in place. An individual needs to be considered competent to complete or update legal paperwork such as wills, trusts and other estate planning documents. This should include an advanced health care directive that will indicate the levels of care that should be followed if health deteriorates. Also check beneficiary designations on any retirement and financial accounts as well as life insurance policies. With all relevant documentation, be sure the information and named beneficiaries are up-to-date and that proper processes are followed. Check with an estate planning attorney for help. #4 – Assess costs of care and how it will be covered. A top priority is to determine a strategy for how your loved one will be cared for, particularly when cognitive abilities are likely to deteriorate over time. Will specialized care be required, either in the home or in a nursing or assisted living facility? If so, are there resources or long-term care insurance policies in place to help deal with those costs? This will greatly affect

10 |

November 2021 prince william living

any decisions on a care strategy. Talk to an elder law attorney about trusts that can be established to provide care for the disabled individual while still protecting the family’s assets. Be proactive in your approach. Waiting too long to address financial considerations after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can compound an already stressful and emotional time. Take steps to get on top of the situation as soon as you are aware that it could be a problem. Even establishing a plan for addressing these issues before a form of dementia is firmly diagnosed makes sense. Consult with your financial advisor for guidance on how to manage these challenging times. Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC®, is a Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Director with Whitlock Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. He offers fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 22 years. To contact him call 703.492.7732 or visit his website at whitlockwealth.com. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

You’ve prepared for a rewarding retirement. We can help you make the most of it. Your vision of retirement is unique, and your financial plan should be too. As an Ameriprise private wealth advisory practice, we have the qualifications and knowledge to help you grow and preserve your wealth. Whether it’s investment management, tax strategies or legacy planning, we’ll work with you to find the right financial solutions for your individual needs. And we’re backed by the strength and stability of one of America’s leading retirement planning companies.

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

Call us today and discover the personal service you deserve. Whitlock Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC 703.492.7732

Whitlock Wealth Management whitlockwealth.com

The Compass is a trademark of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with a tax advisor or attorney. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2021 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (03/21)

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

www.comptonduling.com

prince william living November 2021

| 11

lifelong learning Art From the Heart…and Home By Katherine Gotthardt

rt is alive and artists thrive in the Prince William area. But some of these talented folks are more visible than others. While many create and teach in brick-and-mortar buildings, others enjoy home-based studios. These four artists are among them, and all four offer classes and encouragement while doing the art they love.

Pencils and Paints LLC

Donna Merchant owns Pencils and Paints LLC. She enjoys painting acrylic landscape and still life, as well as creating graphite pencil portraits. With close to 30 years’ teaching experience, Merchant started her business in February 2017. She says her lessons incorporate art history/ appreciation and she believes in putting “fun in fine art.” She currently teaches private in-home lessons to students at eight locations, offers weekly classes to children at the Potomac Shores community clubhouse and instructs homeschoolers ”Ben and Cheyanne” graphite pencil at St. Nicholas Cottage portrait of Merchant’s son with the School in Manassas. family dog who passed away in 2013 Merchant also offers mobile paint parties for private homes, churches and corporate events. “This is a fun way for me to paint with people of all ages in a party setting, and still be able to utilize my art education skills by offering various painting techniques — even tossing out random art history trivia,” she says. What’s her approach? “When adults book me for private lessons, I cater to their interests including acrylic painting, drawing, mixed media, etc. For children’s lessons and classes, I incorporate art history, terms and techniques through the use of posters, books and games. We paint, draw, collage, build sculptures and more.” Find her at facebook.com/pencilsandpaintsllc, instagram.com/ pencilsandpaintsllc, pencilsandpaints.com or by emailing donnamerchant.dm@gmail.com.

12 |

November 2021 prince william living

“City by the Bay” acrylic on mixed media canvas by artist and teacher Wendy Klinke

Blue Cat Studio Art

Wendy Klinke calls herself Chief Creator at Blue Cat Studio Art where she takes the guesswork out of making art. “We create fun, whimsical art tutorials and painting kits for crafty moms who need a little break from their everyday crazy,” she says. Klinke has been drawn to art all her life, but for many years allowed fear to hold her back from pursuing art as anything more than a side hobby. COVID-19 changed that. “Many people were stuck at home and desperate for something to do,” she says. “I wasn't one of those folks looking for something to do. I was teleworking full time, a single mom and getting my master’s in business. I felt like my peers — especially women — needed a creative outlet to help themselves stay sane through all the uncertainty.” So Klinke launched Blue Cat Studio Art. Her business is multifaceted. Klinke offers mobile, private paint parties where she teaches live (online via Zoom or in person). For those who prefer a self-paced approach or don't want to host a get-together, she has created "take and make" art kits. Klinke also recently launched an online art membership — the Blue Cat Inner Circle — designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the artist's experience. For anyone trying to create, Klinke says, “I think the most important piece of advice I can give my students is to trust the process and be kind to themselves. Most art, especially acrylics, starts off kind of ugly and messy and students sometimes get discouraged in the middle because they expect it to be beautiful from the beginning and it isn't.…Art is 97%

practice/technique and maybe 3% talent. So, show up, don't be afraid to make bad art, and chances are you will surprise yourself with what you're capable of.” Contact Kilnke via instagram.com/bluecatstudioart, facebook.com/bluecatstudioart or by emailing bluecatstudioart@gmail.com.

Yellow Brick Road Studio

Kerry Molina is the owner of Yellow Brick Road Studio, the name of which refers to The Wizard of Oz. Molina says, “To me, it symbolizes a path to personal discovery. The characters all believed they lacked the traits they needed to be their best selves. But that wasn’t true. All along, they had contentment, wisdom, compassion and courage. This is also true regarding creativity. I believe that everyone was born with creativity. They just need opportunities to keep it alive.” Molina creates mixed-media pieces and handmade books, often known as art journals. Her work has been published in several national magazines. She began her teaching by working with fifth graders, which she ended up doing for nine years. She says at the interview for her first teaching job at a small private school in Fairfax, “The head of school mentioned that there was no art encore class there. I was shocked. I offered to do an after-school art class there. Well, it was a hit. I taught 20 students after school four days a week, for a total of 80 kids. I decided I better start an LLC.” She’s been teaching enrichment programs ever since. Her home-based studio seats eight, and there she teaches homeschool art and writing, afterschool art, summer camps for children and an annual Adult Art Camp, workshops for adults and more. Molina is also the kindergarten art teacher at Haymarket Baptist Church Preschool and Kindergarten and conducts Art Nights at The Winery at Sunshine Ridge. “Dump the Doubt” by mixed media artist Kerry Molina will teach Molina, who teaches from her home-based as requested Yellow Brick Road Studio at homes, clubhouses, wineries, schools and other locations in the Prince William area. Molina can be reached through her website, kerrymolina.com.

“Every Woman” acrylic on canvas by Kelly Haneklau Founder/CEO Minor Miracles

Minor Miracles Kelly Haneklau is a freelance visual artist and Founder/CEO of Minor Miracles studio. “Art chose me,” says Haneklau. “It is a wonderful freedom of expression and creativity that opens the heart and mind to unteachable things. When I am creating, time does not exist, and I am in another world. I love creating art and so my career is not a job to me. It is just a huge part of who I am.” Haneklau offers classes in-person in her studio and virtually for “ages 6 to 106.” She began by teaching young children, which is how the studio was named (“minor” referring to her students’ ages). But her current class selections cater to all ages, and she especially enjoys teaching painting and sculpting. “I love seeing growth and accomplishment when students learn new brushstrokes, color mixing theories, perspective techniques, highlighting and shading methods, form building and more,” she says. “They see something rise out of nothing and know that they applied real art skills to attain that final product. It is something they can be proud of and continue to learn from as their art journey continues.” Passionate about the community and equality, Haneklau also calls herself an “anti-racist artist.” She says, “Art is a great platform to share information across all barriers. It is amazing to me that something I love to do can also be an invaluable asset for public awareness. Although I love creating all kinds of art in many subject matters, my more recent focus has been in support of anti-racism. Kindness to everyone is paramount to me and everyone should be treated with respect, equality and justice.” Contact Haneklau via kellyhaneklau.com, instagram.com/ kellyhaneklau or facebook.com/artbykellyhaneklau. Social Media Director for Prince William Living, Katherine Gotthardt (kgotthardt@princewilliamliving.com) is an awardwinning 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. prince william living November 2021

| 13

health & wellness COVID Didn’t Stop the Women’s Health Center from Delivering the Perfect Experience Provided by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

hen Mindy Wowak delivered her little boy, Troy, at the Women’s Health Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in the summer of 2017, it was a family affair. In addition to she and her husband, it was a packed house, “I gave birth to our first child and the first grandkid on both sides of the family. Every grandparent and sibling was present,” she says smiling. It was a different story earlier this year as Mindy and her husband readied for their second little boy, Micah. The country was working its way out of COVID, and restrictions were in place throughout the community. “Only my husband and I were allowed in the hospital,” remembers Wowak. While extended family wasn’t allowed in, the team rose to the occasion, “Staff was more accessible this round to help with tasks when family wasn’t around,” said Wowak. As someone in the healthcare field, Mindy and her husband were confident in Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s precautions during her stay and subsequent recovery. “The team was great to help and make us feel welcome both times. All staff were required to wear masks. I felt safe with all COVID protocols.” Mindy’s previous experiences with fibroids and their removal meant that she would be having a caesarian section. She said, “I noticed all the nursing staff were very educated and experienced, but also had high emotional intelligence. My c-section team was very confident and worked well as a team. My delivery nurse talked me through the entire experience and came to my room later that day to check on me and Micah. I had a reaction to the gauze and taping following the c-section. My daytime nurse knew exactly what to do to manage the wound care. My evening nurse saw how exhausted I was when my husband left to care for our older child at home. She took Micah to the nursery, and I was able to get a 2-hour nap.” Mindy also had an opportunity to work with the Women’s Health Center’s award-winning lactation team when Micah wasn’t latching like he should, “The lactation nurse was amazing — great patient education, and hands on learning. She gave me a variety of support options when I was having difficulty with the latch.” Patient Care Services Director Beverly Wainman isn’t surprised. She says her team strives to provide this kind of service to the community and improve health every day.

14 |

November 2021 prince william living

“Through our comprehensive services, the Women’s Health Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center strives to provide exceptional care and support to our mothers, babies and families,” explains Wainman. “Even though COVID was an unexpected event, our team worked around the clock to make sure every family could still have memorable memories of the birth story they envisioned.” That was the case for Mindy and Micah. While the extended family wasn’t able to visit, Micah was welcomed home by his big brother, Troy. To learn more about the services at the Women’s Health Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, visit sentara.com/maternity or call 703-523-0582.

Prince William Commons

Happiness

sweeneybarn.com (703) 282-3033

Never Tasted So Good

Amanda Wose Photography

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

Schedule your personalized experience today! 14080 Central Loop | Woodbridge, VA 22193

(703) 429-0290 HarborChase.com

Ignite your growth today.

www.rampantsocial.com prince william living November 2021

| 15

family fun

Giving Thanks By Jennifer Halter

ovember is known for being the month of giving thanks, and as we begin the holiday season this month, many of us are looking for ways to give back to show gratitude for all that we have within our communities. Here are a few things you can do with your family this month and beyond.

At Home

At mealtime throughout the month, go around the table and ask each person to share one thing that they are thankful for that happened that day. This could be something that happened at school, on the job or at home. To make this more fun, you can put each family member’s name in a jar. Each person will pick one name and share something they are thankful for related to the one they chose. Examples could include, “I’m thankful for Mom/Dad for cooking dinner” or “I’m thankful for Brother/Sister for helping me clean up our toys.” Another fun activity for those of all ages would be to start a gratitude journal. Each day, take a few moments to write out all the things you are grateful for. For younger children, you may want to keep it simple by having them finish the sentence, “Today, I am thankful for…” Review the journal any time you are having a challenging day to remind yourself of the good around you. This activity will be a hit, but it’s recommended that you don’t do it on a school night due to the sugar rush that may follow! Grab a bag of colored, candycoated chocolates and pour into a bowl. Each color will

16 |

November 2021 prince william living

represent what you are thankful for. Here’s a sample guide of how you can assign your candies: Red: a person Orange: a place Green: a memory or experience Blue: a skill or something about yourself Yellow: a thing Brown: something that starts with the first letter of your name Each family member will select a candy, (You can do this with eyes closed to add to the fun.) and share what they are thankful for based on the color they choose.

At Daycare or School

Our teachers and caregivers have special days throughout the year when they are celebrated, but you don’t need a special occasion to show them how much they are appreciated. Have children make special cards (There are lots of cute ideas on Pinterest!). Don’t forget about support staff, such as those in the office, cafeteria and bus drivers. You can always send in a gift card for coffee (They will surely be thankful for the energy boost!) or for a local restaurant so they can take a night off from cooking. You may also want to inquire to see if they have a wish list of things for the classroom you can purchase from and donate.

ng!

big hits and are always much appreciated. Call ahead to your local station to be sure there are no restrictions on this and to arrange the best time to drop items by. For those serving in the military, you and your family can send care packages to troops who are currently deployed. You can even send photos and letters expressing your gratitude for their service to our country with your package. For more information, go to supportourtroops.org/care-packages. Our healthcare workers have really been stretched thin for quite some time. To give thanks, offer to drop by a meal or a gift card for dinner, ask if you can pick up anything from the store for them while you’re out, or even surprise them by raking their leaves or placing a festive flower arrangement or wreath at their door.

If you have spare time and the school allows it, offer to volunteer to help teachers by making copies or preparing other items they will use in class.

In the Community

Our first responders, such as police officers and firefighters, work hard to protect and serve our communities. Some even volunteer their time to do this. A fun way to give thanks as a family or even with other people in your neighborhood, is to deliver goodies to the stations. Baked goods, donuts or even pizzas are

Holiday Tree Lighting!

These are just a few ideas to make showing gratitude fun, but always know that simply saying “thank you” is enough, especially for those who may not hear those words often. Sometimes the smallest acts of gratitude can have the biggest impact on a person’s day. Jennifer Halter is the Publisher of Macaroni Kid Woodbridge and Macaroni Kid Gainesville/Manassas, free online calendars and resources to help you find your family fun all year round.

November Membership Special!

Friday, November 26th 6 pm–8 pm

mpdpr.com/ibelonghere

Carriage Rides | Facepainting | Ice Skating

stonebridgeptc.com



Keep the whole family active with fitness classes and recreation programs all year long! For the whole month of November, new or renewing memberships, will get 10% off by bringing in 10 cans of non-perishable food.

10% Off New or Renewing Memberships for Residents and Nonresidents! Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street Manassas Park, VA 20111 703.335.8872

prince william living November 2021 Prince William Living - Print November 2021.indd 1

| 17

10/14/21 2:55 PM

destinations

ANTIQUING

Discovering Treasures of the Past By David Lezcano

f you were to take a trip to your grandparents’ house, chances are you might find some interesting looking furniture in the living room or trinkets on the mantle. These old relics provide a small window into the style, art and atmosphere of its decade and probably carry memorable moments for their owners. At the time of purchase, they may have been considered new and modern, but for us in 2021, they are classified as antiques, and for some, searching for them is a passion.

What is Antiquing? Have you ever come across a store with a different look to it than those around it? Did you wander inside and come across a world filled with items that you’ve never seen anywhere else? Browsing the shelves and the store, you may have even bought a unique piece of furniture, an interesting looking bauble or a vintage article of clothing. This search for timeless treasures to add to your collection is the art of antiquing.

of Totally Vintage Designs. If you are looking for a special gift, antiques are a great option.

As time passes, objects become older, worn and harder to find in general. These kinds of characteristics can often add to its value and beauty. Sometimes, these treasures end up being sold. Auctions, estate sales and garage sales are just a few places they can be found. They may also make their way to antique shops, sitting patiently on a shelf until one day, someone comes along, realizes the item’s value and takes it home. And that is the beauty of Antiquing.

“Our most popular items are coin collections, vinyl records, and retro clothing,” said Darinka Charette, Manager of Iron Horse Antiques.

Keep Your Eyes Open for History

Local Shops to Check Out

There are many people who find the search for antiques thrilling and exciting. Some even take it to the level of a hobby and collect these vintage objects. “We sell old furniture and new gift items, so we have something for everyone,” said Melissa Harris

18 |

November 2021 prince william living

Next time you want to purchase a truly unique item to add some flair to your home or maybe even share as a gift, take a trip around town and visit antique shops that you come across. You never know what you may find!

Prince William is a historically rich area with many treasure troves to explore if you are on the hunt for antiques. Antique shops have become quite popular as of late, but here are a few to get you started.

Iron Horse Antiques is located at 9200 Prescott Avenue in Manassas.

Iron Horse Antiques Iron Horse Antiques, located at 9200 Prescott Avenue in Manassas, has been around for 25 years. “Iron Horse Antiques has been open since 1996 and was founded by Gary Hale,” says Charette. “After he got the building, he needed to find stock for the antique shop, so one time per week Gary would get up very early in the mornings and head north to auctions. He would bring back the items, clean them up, and put them in the shop.” After a while, however, stock would become harder to find. That’s when they changed gears a bit. After Jimmy Rice of J.E. Rice Company sold some of their antiques off to Iron Horse, Gary hired some employees to help renovate and restock the store. “With Glennie Smith’s help, Gary was able to renovate the upstairs of the building and started getting pickers and dealers to purchase the inventory, set it up, and then the store would do the selling,” says Charette. “The shop has continued operating the same way over the years. Iron Horse Antiques is a figurehead for antiques and a large draw to Manassas, Virginia, while sitting on the outskirts of Old Town Manassas leading into the historic district. Iron Horse stays well stocked so that whatever customer walks into our store, they will be able to find a treasure of their liking.” Totally Vintage Designs Harris from Totally Vintage Designs, located on Center Street in Manassas, recounts their origins as well. “We have been in business since 2012. We started in a small building in Haymarket next to Details for the Home and then after two years, we moved to Old Town Manassas, which was an incredible business decision. This allowed us to grow. We started

in a small store on Battle Street, at about 1,000 square feet and now we are on Center Street with a 2,500 square foot store,” she said. You never know what you may find when you enter an antique shop. “We had a piece of farm equipment that you would put on an ox or mule to carry wood, it was definitely the most unique,” said Harris. When asked what some of their other unique items in the shop were, she said “My favorite item is an old cabinet that we use as a display. It is actually our front counter. It has all of the original shelving and glass. It came out of an old country store.”

More to Explore If you are in Bristow, be sure to check out The White Elephant Antiques at 10726 Bristow Rd. They sell a variety of antique furniture, including grandfather clocks, cabinets, tables, chairs and more. At the time of writing this article, they are open Saturdays and Sundays only. Glory Be, found at 305 Mill Street in Occoquan, sells vintage furniture, home decor, Polish pottery, handmade crafts and more. The Copper Cricket, in Haymarket, is a small consignment shop but sells a variety of antique furniture. Visit them at 15026 Washington Street. These are just a few of the places around Prince William that sell antiques. Go on an adventure and visit others you come across. You may find some special treasures waiting inside. David Lezcano is a contributing writer for Prince William Living. He can be reached at admin@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living November 2021

| 19

on a high note

HYLTON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Back for the 2021-22 Season with World-Class Performances By Amy Falkofske

Photos courtesy of Hylton Performing Arts Center

fter losing an entire season of in-person programming to the COVID pandemic, Hylton Performing Arts Center’s staff and performers are both “grateful” and “excited” to be back for the 2021-22 season, according to Hylton’s Executive Director, Rick Davis. Although Hylton has continued offering digital content for its patrons throughout the pandemic, Davis spoke to what it’s like to get back to a regular season again.

“When you work in the performing arts, either as an artist or as a staff member on the venue side, you come to depend on the audience interaction for your energy, for your sense of purpose, but to get back into a season that has the structure and the level of incredible artistry that we're used to, people are just grateful for that opportunity,” he said.

Plans for COVID Mitigation As a part of George Mason University, Hylton Center is serious about safety. George Mason is home to some of the leading scientists of the pandemic who have been featured on NPR and in the New York Times.

A Swingin’ Little Christmas features Jane Lynch from Glee and Kate Flannery from The Office.

have one of the lowest rates of infection of any major university. And we're very proud of that, because we took really serious action early and rigorously,” he said.

“We have access to good information and good guidance. And I think people can feel comfortable that we have their safety number one in mind. We're not going to do anything that we think is dangerous or uncertain. I would say you're in good hands with George Mason,” said Davis.

“To be very specific, we are requiring masks for all indoor activities, all patrons and staff. The artists on stage will, at this point, not be required to wear masks because there's distance around them, and there's airflow that protects everybody from that. We are planning to be at full capacity in terms of audience,” continued Davis.

Davis also pointed out that Hylton Center will be following George Mason’s protocols for COVID safety, which are topnotch.

Social distancing of 3 feet will be set up between families for the performances that are part of the family series due to children under a certain age not being able to get vaccinated yet.

“George Mason's protocols are widely regarded as some of the most successful in the country in higher education. We had and

In all of the George Mason classrooms and Hylton Center theaters, airflow testing has been done to make sure there’s

20 |

November 2021 prince william living

Chanticleer performance usually kicks off the holiday season at Hylton. Jane Lynch’s A Swinging’ Little Christmas takes place on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. You might know Jane Lynch from the show Glee, among others. The performance also features Kate Flannery, who played Meredith on The Office. And the American Festival Pops Orchestra performs Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season on Friday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. After a break for the holidays, The Polish Wieniawski Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the Lech Walesa Freedom Tour on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 8 p.m., followed by Ballet Hispanico who will perform Noche de Oro: A Celebration of 50 Years on Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. Ballet Hispanico is a renowned Latinx dance group. Velocity Irish Dance, a “well-regarded company in the Irish dance field with championship dancers,” will perform on Sunday, March 6 at 4 p.m. And on Sunday, March 27 at 2 p.m., Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel is back with Storytelling in Tones. Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations® is a favorite of Hylton Center patrons.

enough air exchange to continually exhaust old air and bring in fresh air. “[The airflow testing] has proven to be one of the most important things for safety and comfort, and I think it's great if people can understand that we've applied the best practices in the safety industry to keep people safe,” said Davis.

Hylton on the Hill Hylton Center opened the 2021-22 season in September and October with its Hylton on the Hill outdoor concerts. This series featured performances by groups such as The U.S. Army Band Downrange, The Grascals, a bluegrass and country music group, Bumper Jackson, a country/Americana band and Carly Harvey’s Kiss & Ride featuring blues music from award-winning artist Carly Harvey.

Hylton Presents The Hylton Presents series started in October with the very popular Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel and the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra. This month The War and Treaty will perform A Concert Celebrating Veterans and the Arts on Sunday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.

The dance and acrobatics group Acrobuffos will perform Air Play on Sunday, April 24 at 4 p.m. Davis said of the performance, “It’s just absolutely beautiful and very family friendly.” Finally, the American Festival Pops Orchestra returns with Broadway’s Best on Saturday, May 14 at 8 p.m.

Hylton Center EXTRA! On Saturday, April 30 at 8 p.m, there will be a very special performance by Leslie Odom, Jr., who played Aaron Burr in the musical Hamilton. Odom is the featured artist for the 12th Anniversary Hylton Center Gala. “We’re just unbelievably excited about that,” said Davis.

“Thrilled to be Back in Business” Davis reiterated how thrilled the Hylton Center is to be back in business. “It was a hard year. A lot of artists' careers were disrupted, and we have tried to be a good partner with all of our folks, our staff, and our resident arts partners, and with our professional relationships. Anytime we had to cancel somebody, we offered them a new gig, and I think it's really important that people know how deeply committed to keeping the arts going we all are,” he said.

“They're just amazing. They are veterans, and the concert is going to have a really beautiful meaning, I think for our veteran population, but also for the general audience who just likes good music,” said Davis.

Hylton’s 2021-22 season also includes the Hylton Family Series and Matinee Idyllis. For information on those performances and tickets to any others, including performances by additional groups in partnership with Hylton Center, visit their website at hyltoncenter.org or call 703-993-7759. You can also visit the ticket office at 10960 George Mason Circle in Manassas.

Next up is Chanticleer, a favorite of the Hylton Center, with A Chanticleer Christmas on Sunday, Nov. 28 at 4 p.m. Chanticleer is a multiple Grammy-winning acapella male singing group. The

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 November 2021

| 21

local flavor

Zandra’s Gets Tacos By Rena Malai | Photos by Mark Gilvey

n the heart of Old Town Manassas is Zandra’s, a specialty taco hub that puts a spin on a well-loved classic. Except Zandra’s tacos aren’t the kind that get grabbed and smothered in hot sauce, snarfed and quickly forgotten. It’s an elevated kind of taco dining experience that borrows a little from haute cuisine elements, combined with the vibe of authentic taquerias that are commonplace in the west. It was a missing link that owner Miguel Pires and his wife felt would be the perfect addition to the local dining scene. “When my wife and I opened our first location a few years ago, we wanted something based on all the great tacos we enjoyed during our travels,” Pires said. “You see the a la carte taco concept in a lot of places like LA, New York and Charleston, but it’s something that wasn’t really in this area.”

Think Tacos Pires is of Portuguese heritage, which he says isn’t necessarily a culture steeped in tacos. But he and his wife love them, and he grew up in the restaurant business. So, when the idea came to the couple to build a restaurant around a shared passion for tacos, it made sense. “We got inspired by the places we traveled to, and all the different types of tacos we experienced,” Pires, a Prince William native, said. The inspiration for the tacos at Zandra’s comes from a variety of sources — from the executive chef’s ideas, to favorite sandwiches,

22 |

November 2021 prince william living

Zandra's offers a variety of unique tacos, like the Rock and Roll Shrimp Taco (left) and Puff Americano (right).

Zandra's Elote - Mexican street corn on the cob, cotija, mayo, sour cream and cilantro.

Zandra's vegetarian tacos: (front) Falafel featuring falafel, pico, queso fresco, lettuce and tzatziki and (back) Brussels Sprout featuring flashfried Brussels sprouts, elote corn, pickled onions and chimichurri.

to combinations that Pires and Zandra’s staff may think of on the fly. He says nothing is off limits when it comes to creativity in their kitchen.

Where to Taco

“We have a test kitchen where all the ideas for our tacos start,” Pires said. “It’s where we really think about the ingredients, what works and what doesn’t.”

Taco Creative Zandra’s specializes in a variety of tacos that aren’t quite the same as the typical, familiar Mexican cuisine many people may be used to, according to Pires. “We have a great atmosphere and team, with very creative and different cuisine,” Pires says. Diners can experience Zandra’s unique Cuban tacos, with pork, mustard sauce and house-made pickles, or falafel tacos with lettuce and cotija cheese. It’s these types of signature creations — particularly the Drunken Thai Shrimp tacos with a soy ginger glaze — that Pires believes makes folks want to come back. “We’re constantly working on new and creative ideas, and we try to refresh our menu every three to four months,” he says. But diners shouldn’t worry too much if they don’t see one of their favorite tacos on the menu; Pires says they still might be able to make it. “If we have the ingredients, we will do our best to accommodate a customer’s request when we can,” he said.

Prince William residents have a few options for visiting Zandra’s, including their recently renovated space — complete with rooftop seating — in Old Town Manassas, as well as their Haymarket location which opened in July 2021. Although their third location in Fairfax temporarily shut during the pandemic, it’ll hopefully be up and running again soon, says Pires. “We adapted pretty quickly during COVID-19, shifting to carry out and taking all the precautions,” Pires said. The Manassas restaurant is located on 9114 Center Street and is open Monday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Haymarket location is at 14600 Washington St #146 and is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Zandra’s also participates in a quick service concept at Teddys Taco Shack, located in Woodbridge within the epiQ Food Hall located at 14067 Noble Wood Plaza. There, folks can purchase Zandra’s tacos to go. To check out Zandra’s menu, visit zandrastacos.com.

Rena Malai is a journalist and freelance writer. She has covered a variety of topics from technology and policy to food and lifestyle. She lives in Prince William and is a native Washingtonian. prince william living November 2021

| 23

home & hearth Holiday Décor to Match Your Style By Jorge de Villasante

ould your living room or kitchen use a little cozying up for the holidays? Small, simple changes could brighten your rooms and bring warmth, inspiration, and comfort. Whether it's winter, spring, summer or fall, creating a cohesive space and matching holiday accessories to your indoor space is essential.

the winter and candles in seasonal colors. Remember that when decorating in the traditional style, symmetry is key. For example, if you have three candles on one side of a coffee table, buffet or mantle, make sure you have another three on the opposite side for balance.

There are lots of styles to choose from when decorating for the holidays — think urban, country, rustic and, of course, traditional décor.

The traditional décor colors reflect each season, so for autumn, the classic colors include reds, oranges, golden shades, and browns. These colors mirror the colors displayed in nature during the autumn. For winter, think of snow and Christmas. Reds, whites, and greens are the most typical winter and yuletide shades. Keeping the holiday colors in mind, display a decorative bowl of seasonal fruits to add color to the room. Pomegranates have traditionally been a symbol of prosperity. Along with pinecones, pheasant feathers, and magnolia leaves, they make a wonderful, natural garland to display on your mantle.

Urban Metals

Urban décor can include incorporating a modern cornucopia made of an aluminum window screen instead of the customary straw decoration. Try simple, silver candlesticks rather than ornate ones, as they would match metals such as silver, brushed nickel, iron, and stainless steel. The silver candlesticks would also complement trendy, pale grays. And remember, urban décor calls for minimalism, so don't overdo it.

Country Charm

Since country-style decoration refers to a rural, simple design, think about decorations that would suit a farmhouse or even a log cabin during the holidays. If you prefer a country holiday look, there are several colors and decorations that would harmonize your space. Try green and/or red plaids, as well as decorations such as magnolia wreaths, wicker, and sponged clay pottery. In addition, pumpkins, bowls of gourds, and a corn husk hanging on a door enhance the country look. Finally, incorporate pinecones from the yard in your holiday decorations and spice them up with a few drops of cinnamon oil.

Rustic Warmth

For a fashionable yet casual rustic look, include earth tones, rich woods, and splashes of brick red. Enhance the ambiance with ornaments made of natural materials or raffia garland. To create a warm glow, string your tree with white and gold lights. Remember, the rustic look calls for a glowing atmosphere rather than a shiny one. Hanging cable-knit socks on the mantle will create cozy luxury. In addition, wrap gifts in brown paper, and add splashes of color with ribbons that match your space. Lastly, visit a local artisan shop that sells handmade decorations like pottery, vintage hardcover books, woven blankets and more.

Traditional Flavors

Finally, don't forget traditional decorations. Decorating traditionally includes items such as evergreen wreaths during

24 |

November 2021 prince william living

Whichever style you choose, decorating your space for the holidays is sure to brighten and make your home feel warm and inviting. Jorge de Villasante is a multilingual writer and translator who enjoys traveling as much as he enjoys his home and caring for his two cats.

COME IN WE'RE OPEN 12 libraries in Prince William County and the City of Manassas pwcva.gov/library

Books Computers Wi-Fi Programs and More

We’re Ready When You Are! Daily rigorous cleaning, required face coverings, and practicing social distancing goes a long way to making it safe and comfortable to ride with us.

C’mon, hop on-board… we’ve got a seat for you! Remember to bring your mask

OmniRide.com • 703-730-6664

There’s a reason why Imagine is among the most awarded marketing agencies in Virginia. And we invite you to find out why for yourself. From branding to social media, we care about one thing above all else: the success of your organization. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.

prince william living November 2021

| 25

calendar Making the Most of Prince William Living

november

Online – On Demand Are you an advertiser with Prince William Living or interested in becoming one? Now online, our publisher Rebecca Barnes will help you discover how to “Make the Most of Prince William Living.” Meet the people behind greater Prince William’s premier lifestyle magazine. Visit princewilliamliving.com/ lunchwiththepublisher.

City of Manassas Farmers Market

Thursdays | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Harris Pavilion 9201 Center St., Manassas Saturdays | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Commuter Car Park 9024 Prince William St. The City of Manassas Farmers Market will be held Thursdays at the Harris Pavilion and on Saturdays at the Commuter Car Park.

Dale City Farmers Market

Sundays | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dale City Commuter Lot 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City Since 1987, Dale City Farmers Market, run by the Prince William County Department of Parks & Recreation, has been at the forefront of serving Prince William County residents.

Haymarket Farmers Market Sundays through Nov. 21 | 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Haymarket Town Hall 15000 Washington Way, Haymarket Haymarket has added a farmers’ market on Sundays at Town Hall.

Kind Kids Yoga

Fri. Nov. 5 | 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Chinn Park Regional Library 13065 Chinn Park Dr., Woodbridge Breathing exercises, poses, music and story time will be used to guide you through a fun time together. Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel. Age 1 to 3 years with adult.

Fall Gallery Walk

Fri. Nov. 5 | 6 to 9 p.m. Historic Downtown Manassas The merchants of Historic Downtown Manassas will be displaying artwork by local, featured artists. Follow the balloons to each destination. The streets will be closed for this event, and the Sip and Shop ABC permit will be in effect throughout the evening.

BS After Dark

Fridays and Saturdays, 9 to 11 p.m. Bottle Stop Wine Bar 311 Mill St., Occoquan BS After Dark offers specialty craft cocktails from the prohibition era, a magnum pour of Powel & Sons Shiraz (95 Points!) and late night fun in Occoquan. No advance reservations accepted, but you can make a reservation for 8 or 8:30 p.m., eat dinner, then stick around for cocktails!

Fall Recycle Fest

Sat. Nov. 6 | 8 a.m. to noon Manassas Transfer Station 8305 Quarry Rd., Manassas The City of Manassas offers residents an opportunity to take their household hazardous waste, electronic waste and shredding to the Manassas Transfer Station on the special event date. This is a free service provided for City of Manassas residents in partnership with Waste Management. (No commercial waste will be accepted.)

Early Days of Prince William County

Sat. Nov. 6 | 11 a.m. Rippon Lodge 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge Rippon Lodge, one of the area’s oldest homes, welcomes you to Early Days of Prince William County. Experience living history demonstrations and reenactors, from colonial life and military encampments from various conflicts. Tour the lodge, crafts, games and more. Tours limited to 15 people at a time.

Books on Tap @ Ornery Beer Co.

Sun. Nov. 7 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. Ornery Beer Co. 8088 Flannery Ct., Manassas Like books? Like beer? Books and beer pair perfectly in this beer book club hosted by Ornery Beer Company and Prince William Library. If you like to read and discuss books, especially over a cold pint of beer with friends, this is the club for you. The group meets on the first Sunday of the month in the taproom to discuss a monthly book selection. For more information, contact jraghunathan@ pwcgov.org.

Fee-Free Entrance Days for National Parks

Thurs. Nov. 11 | All day Prince William Forest Park 18170 Park Entrance Rd., Triangle Fee-free days are part of the National Park Service's commitment to increase access, promote recreational opportunities, improve visitor facilities, and conserve natural and historical treasures in national parks for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people.

Trivia Night

Fri. Nov. 12 | 6 p.m. River Mill Park 458 Mill St., Occoquan Bring your “quaranteam” of up to six people and rent your space in a socially distanced picnic circle in the park. Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta will MC. Bring your camp chairs or a blanket. One circle can accommodate up to six team members; one circle/registration per team.

Nights of Lights on the Fairground

Fri. Nov. 12 through Sun. Jan. 9 Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas A drive-through lights fest combined with a walk. There will be a synchronized Christmas around the world light show experience as well as the latest technology in projection mapping. Visit

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

26 |

November 2021 prince william living

NightsofLightsVA.com for tickets and showtimes.

From Visual to Literary Art

Sat. Nov. 13 | 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Clearbrook Center for the Arts 2230 Tacketts Mill Dr. #B, Lake Ridge Write by the Rails presents a three-hour live workshop featuring local artist and writer Kerry Molina! Kerry will lead writing exercises based on visual art and share perspectives on creativity. The workshop will be followed by a critique session and a reading during which participants will be able to share their workshop or other writing. Don’t miss this chance to learn, write and connect with other writers! Tickets and more information: wbtr.org.

The War and Treaty

Sun. Nov. 14 | 7 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas A concert celebrating veterans and the arts. Drawing on traditional folk, country, R&B and spirituals, The War and Treaty have earned praise for their dynamic and passionate performances. Named Americana Music Awards 2019 Emerging Act of the year, the husbandand-wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount will dazzle in their debut at Merchant Hall. Tickets: hyltoncenter.org.

Me Gusta Spanish

Wed. Nov. 17 | 4:40 to 5:30 p.m. Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams St., Manassas Park (Ages 7-12) This class goes deeper into understanding the language through writing and speaking. Through games and other activities, students will also learn about different Spanish cultures. 703-335-8872.

Zumba Dancy Party

Sat. Nov. 20 | 11 a.m. to noon Virtual – presented by Prince William Public Libraries Get ready for a library dance party unlike any other! Zumba has something for everyone, it is a great way to relieve stress, and make exercise fun! Register at pwcgov. libnet.info/event/5401262.

Shop Late in Occoquan!

Sat. Nov. 20 | Until 8 p.m. or later Historic Occoquan Participating businesses will be open until 8 p.m. or later, allowing shoppers extended time to get a head start on (or finish up) their holiday shopping. It is a great opportunity to grab a drink or dinner and do a little evening shopping at your favorite boutiques and galleries. This month’s event is the kickoff for the Occoquan HolidayFest.

We Create & Foster Enduring Image!

703-670-7884 “Leak Detection Specialist”

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

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

HolidayFest

Sat. Nov. 20 through Sat. Dec. 12 Historic Occoquan With the town entirely decorated, the holidays are a special time in Occoquan, and HolidayFest is fun for the whole family! Visitors will enjoy heart-warming fire pits with marshmallow roasting, listen to the talented singers and musicians all with a holiday spirit, sample hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts plus delight in a special visit from Santa Claus! Visit occoquanva.gov for schedule.

Virginia National Ballet: The Nutcracker

Fri. Nov. 26 | 2 and 6:30 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas Usher in the holidays with Virginia National Ballet’s popular annual production of The Nutcracker! This professional, full-length version features outstanding international soloists and professional students from VNB’s school, beautiful choreography, and magical sets and costumes. VNB’s enchanting production is perfect for ballet lovers and families. Tickets: hyltoncenter.org. All events listed on Prince William Living’s online and print calendars are subject to change. Check with the venue to verify dates, times and locations.

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

pwcgov.org/digitallibrary

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

| 27

Dog Walking

•

Cat Sitting

Dog Sitting

•

Pet Taxi

Overnights Fetch Supplies

(703)543-9206

571-364-7250

www.manassasoliveoil.com

fetchpetcare.com/manassas

Volunteers Needed!

703-330-8145 www.casacis.org

Vintage Moving & Storage Moving Your Life’s Treasures

703.392.6260 www.vintagemoving.com

28 |

November 2021 prince william living

Never miss an issue. Stay current on the people, places and events that make Prince William a wonderful place to live, work, and play. A subscription to Prince William Living keeps you up-to-date with everything our region has to offer.

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 _________________________

Zip ________________

Phone ______________________________________________ Email _______________________________________________ Subscription rate is $20 per year (12 issues), continental U.S. only. First issue arrives in 3-6 weeks. All subscriptions must be prepaid.

What type of subscription is this? New Renewal Gift I’ve been getting it free and wish to pay for it.

Pay by check or online. Visit www.pwliving.com/subscription to pay by Visa, Mastercard or American Express, or please include a check or money order made out to “Give Back Prince William” for the total amount to: Prince William Living ATTN: Circulation Department 9994 Sowder Village Square #816 Manassas, Virginia 20109

prince william living November 2021

| 29

For minimally invasive surgery close to home, put your spine in our hands.

You wouldn’t trust your spine health to just anyone. For relief from chronic back pain, you should have highly skilled spine specialists and full-service care. And you have it all only minutes away, at UVA Culpeper Medical Center or UVA Haymarket Medical Center. Our minimally invasive, robotic-assisted spine surgery, should you need it, means less postop pain and faster recovery times. We’re here to diagnose the cause of your pain, from herniated discs and fractures to spinal stenosis and arthritis, and create a personalized treatment plan. Don’t let pain keep you from daily activities or the people you love. To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit UVAHealth.com/NoVa-Spine.

NUV-83 Spine_Clinical-7.25x9.5.indd 1

10/15/21 9:29 AM