Prince WIlliam Living December 2018

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ICE SCULPTURES

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HEALING HeARTS

PAGE 30

MISSION BBQ

prince william living December 2018

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

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Christmas Music in Prince William PAGE 14

Is this Goodbye?

PAGE 37

princewilliamliving.com

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table of contents December 2018 | Vol. 8 | No. 12

FEATURE STORY Holiday Shopping

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DEPARTMENTS FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF Making the Holidays Easier for You

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ON A HIGH NOTE Frozen Creativity: Commercial Ice Sculptures for Order

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DESTINATIONS ‘Tis the Season: Christmas Music in Prince William

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GIVING BACK Healing HeARTS on the Road

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LIFELONG LEARNING Guaranteed Transfer

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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS Building Business and Community from the Booth: Lillian Rachel, Voiceover Artist 22 FAMILY FUN Home for the Holidays: Ways to Keep Your Kids Busy During Winter Break LOCAL FLAVOR Mission BBQ: Classic Barbecue Made the American Way CALENDAR

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COLUMNS

22

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THE FASHION FOLDER 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

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

VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT MARKETING Katherine Gotthardt, kgotthardt@princewilliamliving.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amy Falkofske, Marcia Goodman, Katherine Gotthardt, Jennifer Halter, Roxy Rowton, Ashley Claire Simpson, Amy Taylor, Marianne Weaver, Bennett Whitlock

ONLINE SUBMISSION MANAGER Carole Keily

COPY EDITORS Apryl Motley, CAE and Peter Lineberry

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

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

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Vanessa Vega Braun, vbraun@princewilliamliving.com

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

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

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

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December 2018 prince william living

from the Editor in Chief Making the Holidays Easier for You

I

t’s all fun and games until you have to buy a gift for someone.

Sure, we’re confident in many areas of our lives, but gift giving stumps us. We have solved your holiday gift-giving dilemma.

Whether it’s a gift for a co-worker, boss or a hard-to-please family member, our feature story by Marianne Weaver offers you different shopping options. “Holiday Shopping” on page 4 profiles local businesses who carry specialty gift items for the people in your life who are also on this year’s holiday gift list.

Holiday Music. It’s a divisive topic on social media: When is it OK to start playing it in brick-and-mortar stores? Do we share our affinity for holiday music starting in early November with our friends? If you seek local places to listen to live holiday music, then this month’s Destinations article is for you. Amy Falkofske profiles several sites that offer live music to fill your ears and soul in “‘Tis the Season: Christmas Music in Prince William” on page 14.

When the weather turns colder, many minds think of snow and ice. If you are fascinated with ice, indulge yourself in this

month’s On a High Note by Amy Taylor. “Frozen Creativity: Commercial Ice Sculptures for Order” on page 10 profiles ice sculptors and the skill set they have to deliver their art.

Many college graduates got their start at community college.

Our area is home to Northern Virginia Community College— the second largest public educational institution in Virginia and the second-largest community college in the United States.

This month’s Lifelong Learning writer Ashley Claire Simpson reports on how NOVA has expanded its reach to four-year colleges and universities. Read more about “Guaranteed Transfer” on page 21.

From all of us at Prince William Living, we wish you and yours a fantastic, safe holiday season and a Happy New Year.

Kim Howard, CAE Editor in Chief

prince william living December 2018

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By Marianne E. Weaver

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here’s no shortage of shopping malls in Northern Virginia, and just about every town in this region is home to at least one big-box store. But those mass marketers aren’t selling one-of-a-kind items.

In 2010, American Express launched Small Business Saturday, a full-press media campaign to encourage holiday shoppers to shop local the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Eight years later, “shop small Saturday” has caught on, and shoppers in Prince William have myriad choices. From the antique and consignment shops in the western part of the county to the unique shops in Tacketts Mill and the artisans in Historic Manassas and Occoquan, pick a destination and begin your search for the perfect presents.

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Haymarket/Gainesville/Bristow A consignment shop might not seem like the ideal place to find the ideal gift. But think again. A couple of consignment shops— The Copper Cricket and Stuff! Consignments—are a far cry from the stereotypical second-hand store.

“In today’s world of instant shopping on the internet, we hope to provide the customer with an experience of loving the ‘hunt’ for just the perfect thing and an atmosphere that feels like a comfortable boutique where the employees can [explain] the history of an item or a unique way to use it,” said Pam Swinford, owner of The Copper Cricket, 15026 Washington Street, Haymarket. “Our shop is unique because we never know what

great treasures will come in each day. Our consignors come from many states and have travelled the world.”

Another Gainesville consignment shop, Stuff! Consignments, 7482 Limestone Drive, has carved out its spot among go-to shops through partnerships. Not only does the shop accept items from local residents, who consign everything from high-end purses to kitchen gadgets and everything in between—women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, shoes, home goods, artwork, furniture, and more—but the consignment show also goes on the road and into the community.

“A really big day for us is Small Business Saturday. Historically this is a wonderful day when the community supports us and other local businesses. We offer a special sale for this day,” said owner Meighan O’Toole. “Also, I have partnered with a local venue, Eclipse Restaurant Sports Bar and Billiards. Every Wednesday I host an event called Extra Stuff! For the holidays I will have a fashion show and a holiday bazaar. Each of these events will feature local vendors as well. I strongly believe in supporting other businesses; their success is my success.

Gainesville has a strong business community.”

jewelers, home décor crafters … The first week of December, their storefronts are decorated, and shelves are loaded with potential holiday gifts. The official holiday season will be kicked off with the 73rd annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, which will step off Saturday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. Joanne Wunderly, owner of The Things I Love, has watched 41 of those parades.

“I really believe we have something special here that other town centers don’t,” she said. “We have an authentic downtown with charming shops in buildings dating back to the late 1800s, not a recently built town center imitating a small town. We have the real thing.”

Wunderly opened her home décor and gift shop in a small space on Battle Street in 1997. As her inventory grew—composed of merchandise carefully selected at markets she visits yearly and many locally made items—she moved into the space now occupied by Jirani Coffeehouse, before finding her home in the 3,000-square foot shop at 9084 Center Street. The store’s hours are extended throughout December, starting with a Holiday Open House Sunday, Dec. 2, featuring food and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Inventory and events updates are posted on the shop’s Facebook page.

Across the street, Pete Evick set up a brick-and-mortar storefront to augment his online business, Shining Sol Candle Company.

Historic Manassas

“We had been an online store for several years, but we were fascinated with the resurgence of Main Street America and felt like our brand fits perfectly in that environment,” he said. “We

In recent years, many artisans have set up shop in Historic Manassas: Woodworkers, candle makers, potters, soap makers,

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(continued from page 5) love the sense of community that comes with being a part of Historic Manassas. We have a very unique thing happening.

We have that Main Street America feel but with a touch of a boardwalk beach town thing. I believe our shop and our employees provide a fun experience for shoppers. You can spend a couple hours just smelling all of our products.”

Shining Sol is a hand-poured, wooden-wick, all-natural soy wax scented candle company that works to keep a traditional candle company feel while pushing the boundaries and being innovative and modern. The shop will host an afternoon with Santa, where visitors chat with Santa, sample some cookies and make their own candles. Check the company’s Facebook page for details: facebook.com/ShiningSolCandleCompany/.

Like Evick, Kristi A. Murphy had cultivated a customer base online and at local farmers markets. But she wanted more. As a resident of Prince William, she knew Historic Manassas was the place for her to set up shop. Her store, Calico Jack’s, 9115 Center Street, features an eclectic collection of local art, home accessories, jewelry and food, and classic shaving accessories.

“The store is a hodgepodge of everything local,” she said.

“We have coffee, tea, peanuts, T-shirts, candles, soaps … anything that is cool.” Details about the store can be found at calicojacksnaturals.com.

A block away, at 9126 Center Street, the mother-daughter team of Faye Brooks and Melissa Harris opened Totally Vintage Design in 2014.

“We started out selling furniture paint and furniture and a few antiques and vintage items, which is where our name came from,” said Harris. “My business partner—my mom, Faye— kept telling me for years to come check out Historic Manassas.

Growing up here, I remembered what it used to be. It took me going to lunch with a friend to open my eyes. Needless to say, my partner was thrilled.”

After two years in Haymarket, the duo made the move to Manassas: They opened their doors four years ago and have grown the vintage shop to offer far more than furniture.

“Since opening we have evolved and added more home décor and women’s clothing and accessories,” said Harris. “Most recently we have added Mud Pie, Vera Bradley and Simply Southern, just to name a few. We also offer customized signs, and we can add a vinyl monogram to almost anything!”

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They’ve also increased their social media presence on Facebook and Instagram as well as the store’s website, TotallyVintageDesign.com.

Tacketts Mill Tacketts Mill Center, 2228 Tacketts Mill Drive, Woodbridge, starts the season on Saturday, Dec. 8, with Santa’s Lake Ridge Parade from 11 a.m. to noon followed by the annual Tacketts Mill Winter Wonderland until 2 p.m., which includes strolling characters, free hot chocolate, live music, kids’ activities and games. Details about the center and stores can be found at tackettsmill.com.

Although the shopping center is anchored by a grocery store and several restaurants, there are a few shops that offer unique gifts. Lake Ridge Florist features flowers for all occasions. Jenn Elisabeth set up a photography studio at 2241-H Tacketts Mill Drive, where she specializes in contemporary family and newborn portraiture. Clearbrook Center of the Arts, located at 2230-B Tacketts Mill Drive, is a 501(c)(3) organization where artists and community groups come together.

Ruth Johnsen, owner/founder of Edgemoor Art Studio Inc., 2221 Old Bridge Road, opened her kids’ fine arts studio as a place where children can express themselves “I saw the need for a place where children and teens could freely express themselves, while being challenged to think, excel, discover their personal creative process and make a positive impact on their community,” she said. “We are committed to excellence in all that we do, no “cookie-cutter” art experiences, and we embrace each child’s sense of wonderment with a fun and joyful type of nurturing.”

Often grandparents purchase gift certificates for the kids’ classes or open studio sessions.

Occoquan Founded as a trading post in 1734, Occoquan has evolved into a thriving shopping district, featuring more than 100 specialty shops and restaurants stretching over four tree-lined blocks.

Accessible by car, boat, bike and foot, stores offer shoppers home décor, antiques, folk art, jewelry, clothing, pottery, candles and more.

“As a small business owner for over 20 years, I try to shop small,” said Cathy Campbell, owner of Details of Occoquan and Occoquan Merchants’ Guild president. “Small businesses offer

personal, one-on-one service. We, as small business owners, teach our people in our stores to ask questions.”

Her shop, located at 206 Mill Street, offers unique clothing and accessories.

Occoquan merchants offer myriad gift options: n Puzzle Palooza, 305 Milltown Square, showcases unique jigsaw and other puzzles. n Reclaimed Treasures, 408 Mill Street, sells one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture, lamps and custom signs. n Mandrill Toys, 125 Mill Street #3, stocks beloved forgotten favorites. n So Olive, 125 Mill Street #10, offers a variety of olive oils and recipe ideas. n Sincerely Yours Stained Glass Studio, 214 Commerce Street, features stained glass lamps, wall hangings, ornaments and more. n Personally Yours, 402 Mill Street, sells collectible handpainted, hand-carved Santas, wreaths, candles, furniture and wall hangings. n Yarn Cloud, 204 Washington Street, is a knitter’s paradise. n Jerry’s Jewelers, at 306 Mill Street, and Touch of Gold, 202 Washington Street #A, each create custom jewelry. n Spiral Creations, 304 Mill Street, offers unique jewelry, art, collectible glassware and china. n So Bohemian, 310 Mill Street, features an eclectic mix of international and designer fashions, accessories and handcrafted jewelry.

“Each one of our makers has a very interesting story to share about his or her creations,” she said. “The craft items featured at Gift and Gather are made by hand with pride and attention to detail. Furthermore, the town receives tax revenue from us and other shops in town, which will help to keep Historic Occoquan thriving for years to come for the enjoyment of locals and visitors.”

“These are pieces that just can’t be found at Nordstrom, Amazon or Walmart,” she said. “In most cases you will be speaking to the artist, who will give you insight into the how and why of the creation you may be considering.”

Niki VanEch, interior designer/owner, opened VanEch Studio Home & Garden at 125 Mill Street #5 in 2010.

“I envisioned a brick and mortar studio in a quaint town setting with storefront space to showcase my interior design services and curate my merchandise,” she said, adding that her studio specializes in one-of-a-kind bespoke vintage furniture, home décor and interior design services as well as Pure & Original Natural Lime and Clay Paint and Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint. “Shoppers and visitors will experience creative inspiration with engagement from a staff that genuinely cares for the customer relationship. It truly is about the experience, the engagement with people, the touch, the smells, the shopping bag with your purchases carefully wrapped. The owners of local small businesses are our neighbors. Their sales taxes go directly to the improvement of our local communities and jurisdictions. We should all make an effort to support local small businesses.”

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.

Lakeridge resident Usa Leckenby, owner/creator of Gift & Gather, set up shop at 307 Mill Street in November 2017.

“I love living in this area. I have always enjoyed shopping with small businesses and at craft fairs, and I want to encourage others to enjoy a similar experience right here in Occoquan,” she said.

“I have seen many creative handcrafted products in the DC, Maryland and Richmond areas, and I want to showcase these locally made products for the benefit of the residents and visitors to Woodbridge, Occoquan and surrounding towns.”

Her shop offers a wide array of products, ranging from her own Pure Palette fragrance lines to BBQ sauce, cocktail mixes/ accessories, pottery, jewelry, clothing and bath and body products.

prince william living December 2018

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on a high note

FROZEN CREATIVITY Commercial Ice Sculptures for Order

By Amy Taylor

Photos provided by USAICE

U

SAICE, formerly of Manassas, Virginia, is now located in Baltimore, Maryland, but proudly serves its former hometown. Sculptor Chris Wyer has been sculpting ice since 1992. He runs the business with three other ice sculptors.

Wyer was first introduced to ice sculpture through his training at the Westin hotel chain. He was a chef by trade, and part of the hotel’s apprenticeship included ice sculpting.

However, he learned most of his ice sculpting through a correspondence course.

Wyer said, “Back in those days, you just had to send away for different tools, and you would watch VHS tapes through mail order. Then you got together with other guys, and there was an established trade show network. You would get together and exchange ideas.”

His favorite sculptures to create are more challenging pieces like human figures. Clients send in pictures, and he and his partners replicate them in ice. He also enjoys working on food buffets with lighting layers and shelves and ice bars.

When he creates an ice sculpture, Wyer starts with a reference image. Clients will choose one of the reference images off USAICE’s website or send in pictures of their own. Sometimes they will send several pictures, and Wyer will create a new design based on components of those pictures. He then lays out the designs using AutoCAD software and figures out how many blocks of ice he needs. He also factors in the length of the event when building his design. If it’s a longer event, he factors

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Sculptor Chris Wyer learned his ice sculpting skills through the Westin Hotel’s apprenticeship program, where he started out as a chef.

more melting into his sculpture design, making portions of the sculpture thicker.

His personal favorite piece that he created was for an event at the Library of Congress: “We did a Kremlin-like building with onion domes that was about 16 by 16 feet for the Russian Embassy.”

Clients can pick from images on the company’s website or send in photos to give the ice sculptor ideas.

Ice can also be sculpted so that it serves more than one role. In this case, the ice plates help keep the food cold while it’s being served.

His formerly small business was purchased by Rosedale Ice, which has a fleet of refrigerated trucks that allow Wyer to service a larger customer base. Customers who want to order custom sculptures can email their reference pictures and budget to info@usaice.com.

competitions sprang up from this practice as families competed to see who would create the best carvings.

Ice Sculptures on Display If you’re looking for an amazing family-friendly event, view the artistry of two million pounds of ice sculptures and displays at National Harbor. Just a short trip up the Route 95 corridor from Prince William County, you’ll find ICE!® featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

This is a walk-through holiday attraction. Wear your cold weather gear because the temperature inside is kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit according to the Gaylord Convention Center’s website.

This is an annual show with a different theme each year. The ice sculptures this year will depict the classic cartoon story, A Charlie Brown Christmas. There will be a full nativity scene made of crystal clear ice.

The displays are all hand-carved by 40 artisans from the city of Harbin in Northeast China. The temperatures in this city are below freezing for about half of the year. This region of China has a long-standing tradition of ice sculpture that dates to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties of Imperial China. To navigate during long winter nights, hunters learned to freeze ice lanterns to guide them.

This tradition of ice lanterns evolved into an Ice Lantern Festival held annually in the winter. Harbin citizens would cut ice blocks from the Songhua River and carve intricate ice lanterns. Informal

The artisans use three different types of ice to create the sculptures displayed at ICE. Clear “Crystal” ice is the most difficult for them to create using highly filtered deionized water.

They freeze 45 gallons of water slowly, over three days, into a 400-pound ice block. The molecules line up similarly to a crystal or diamond due to the slow freezing process, which gives the ice its crystal clear look.

White ice is easier for the workers to create as it doesn’t have to be frozen slowly. Freezing quickly gives the ice a cloudy look, like compacted snow.

Finally, colored ice is used to accent and highlight many of the sculptures. They create this ice by adding food coloring during the freezing process and stirring constantly to ensure the color is consistent throughout the final product.

In addition to the stunning works of art, the event will feature a gingerbread decorating corner, nightly indoor snowfall, photos with Santa, a Christmas village, ice skating, Breakfast with Charlie Brown and friends, Potomac Express miniature train ride, a nightly atrium tree lighting and many more fun holiday activities, according to a video on the Gaylord National YouTube channel.

The event runs from Nov. 16, 2018 to Jan. 1, 2019. To purchase tickets, visit tickets.gaylordnational.com/ice.

Amy Taylor is a contributing writer for Prince William Living magazine.

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the fashion folder Party Ready

By Roxy Rowton

M

any of us don’t give much attention to special-occasion dressing in our wardrobes because our day-to-day style rotates around work wear, off-duty clothes and the sometimes dressy dinner attire. We don’t think we need special-occasion clothing, so we don’t stock our wardrobes with it. When a special-occasion arises out of nowhere and we need partyready attire, it isn’t hanging in the closet. Perhaps, to tackle the special-occasion quandary, we need a new approach. If we yearn to mitigate the panic and conundrum of needing a partyready garment on short notice, maybe we should consider tackling the unexpected before it arises.

Finding a solution to the special-occasion quandary requires allotting a section of your wardrobe to party-ready attire. An evening gown probably isn’t necessary for the majority of us, but assembling a few dressy essentials that can be worn for multiple occasions and accessorized in a variety of ways will make it a little more trouble-free to reply yes to those holiday RSVPs. Here are some tips to get you started.

Don’t depart from personal sartorial tastes. Dressing for party-ready or special-occasion shouldn’t lead to a departure from our personal style and sartorial preferences. Party and special-occasion clothing should reflect the same day-to-day styles we enjoy the rest of the time. Only these garments let us dress in a more ornate and embellished version of ourselves.

If your sartorial preferences lend to soft, fluid fabrics and feminine dresses and skirts, then that’s where you should begin. If your sartorial preferences are ease of movement, simple and uncontrived tones and trousers with flats, start there. We have to amplify our sartorial and style preferences into a dressed-up version of us to be holiday party-ready.

Consider the cost of special-occasion garments as a form of amortization. Special-occasion and formal wear are an investment in you and your wardrobe. Yes, party-ready garments can have substantial price tags and cost more than much of our day-to-day wear. However, an essential dress-up purchase of quality, workmanship, and fit is a form of amortization. These essential dress-up garments can stand out from party to party and dazzle for every holiday festivity. We’ll discover our special-occasion garments are worth the price tag in time, sensibility and finances, and the actual cost per wear decreases season after season.

Assemble a small capsule of special-occasion garments.

Don’t purchase for a specific holiday event. Frequently, we get caught up in a mindset of making a party-ready purchase when there is a specific event. We overlook assembling a small assortment of special-occasion garments while we’re shopping for our seasonal day-to-day wear. This kind

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of mindset leaves our wardrobe bankrupt of party-ready garments for the times we need to dress up. More than likely, we will not need a lot of formal garments, but rather a few dressy pieces stored in the closet to help us be party-ready at a moment’s notice. Whenever it is possible, don’t leave special-occasion shopping until you need it. Instead assemble a small capsule of your ideal special-occasion and party-ready garments prior to specific events.

This time of the year practically demands that we dress up. It is not unlikely this holiday season that we’ll receive at least one invitation to a special event that will call for a fancy dress or fabulous something. The easiest way to circumvent the plight of “whatever shall I wear” is to be prepped and ready to go.

Don’t be intimidated trying to find the ideal special-occasion garment; no need for waffling guesses or a spiral of indecision.

Let’s accept that our wardrobe needs some special-occasion items and keep an eye out to assemble our party-ready garments before that holiday festivity comes calling.

Wardrobe and style consultant Roxy L. Rowton (rlrowton@ everydayrefinement.com) spends much of her workweek in the closet or the fitting room helping women look and feel their best. She has two-plus decades in the fashion, apparel and beauty industries.

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destinations

‘Tis the Season

Christmas Music in Prince William

By Amy Falkofske

W

hether it’s a Christmas Eve candlelight carol service at your church or caroling in your neighborhood, music is undeniably a large part of the Christmas season.

Many people look forward to this time of year when it’s finally deemed okay to bring out the Bing Crosby and get into the Christmas spirit. And some radio stations have already started playing Christmas music around the clock.

The Christmas carol was born in 1223 when St. Francis of Assisi introduced carols as a part of the Christmas mass and nativity play. The invention of the radio in the 1900s made it possible for secular Christmas music to rise in popularity, according to lovetoknow.com. Today, if you attend a holiday music event, you will probably hear a mixture of both the sacred and the secular.

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy a concert of Christmas music with your friends or family, there are plenty of opportunities in our area.

The Woodbridge Community Choir (WCC) will present “Hope of Christmas—Celebrating the Child” on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. at the Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building Auditorium. Admission is free, but donations will be taken at the end of the concert.

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“We have a selection of both sacred and secular music,” said Lee Irwin Culbreth, resident musical director. “Most of [the concert] is very contemporary arrangements even though it incorporates a lot of traditional hymns.”

A few of the songs WCC will be singing are “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Jingle Bells” and “Celebrate the Child.”

The Prince William Community Band (PWCB) performs two Christmas concerts every year, usually on the first weekend in December. This year PWCB will perform at Osbourn Park High School in Manassas on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. and at Westminster at Lake Ridge on Monday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Check the website for more information: pwcb.org.

“The Christmas concerts are ones that we always look forward to. Usually people will bake cookies to give to the audience.

We usually have a free raffle for poinsettias,” according to Jack Tilbury, tuba player, associate conductor and announcer for the band.

The band will perform a mixture of some recognizable Christmas songs and some you might not recognize. “We try to do a mixture of the classics and standards plus modern arrangements or contemporary arrangements of either newer treatments of

old songs or just newer pieces in general,” said Bob Thurston, percussionist and conductor of the band since 2016.

The concerts are free. “Everything we do is free, but we love to take donations,” Thurston said.

The Manassas Chorale will perform its silver anniversary Christmas concert, Silver Noel, on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hylton Center. Tickets are $18 and $20 depending on where you want to sit in the auditorium. Students get in free with a paying adult.

Messiah, and then we’ll also sprinkle in a holiday work or two because we’ve found that the crowd really loves to hear them.

They like to hear “Sleigh Ride” and collaborations of different Christmas music,” said Sheyna Burt, concertmistress and president of the board of directors.

The sing-along portion of OBCO’s Christmas concerts will be accompanied by a “ringer” chorus composed of different choral ensembles in the area. There will also be professional singers from the United States Army band performing the solo arias and recitatives of the Messiah.

“The theme is Silver Noel because it’s our silver season, noel is obviously a word we associate with Christmas, and we’re doing some special things for the concerts held during our 25th year.

For example, we are having handbells play with us,” said Becky Verner, artistic director of the group.

“It’s a good time and a very family-friendly event, probably best for kids who can sit still for a good hour,” said Burt. “Last year Santa Claus stopped by, and I’m told that he might stop by again this year.”

There will about 60 handbell ringers from all over the area playing on several of the 16 varied musical selections. The choir will sing sacred songs like “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” “In the Bleak Midwinter,” “The First Noel” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem” as well as secular songs like “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.”

Finally, if you want to go to a Christmas concert and also support a good cause, then you’ll want to attend the Woodbridge Flute Choir’s (WFC) performance on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. at Greenwich Presbyterian Church. Admission is free, but donations will be taken to benefit Farthest Corners, the church’s missionary project in Burma headed by long-time church member Austin House.

The 100-voice Manassas Chorale is also invited to perform in Williamsburg every year, so if you can’t make the concert on Dec. 1, you can catch it on Thursday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg. That concert is free with a freewill offering collected.

If you love the sound of string instruments along with wind, brass and percussion instruments, you’ll want to make plans to attend one of the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra’s (OBCO) 7th annual Messiah sing-alongs. One concert will take place on Friday, Dec. 21 at First Baptist Church in Woodbridge. The other one is on Saturday, Dec. 22 at Manassas Baptist Church.

Admission is free.

“We always do what’s considered the Christmas portion of the

The WFC has been holding this benefit concert since 2007. The funds raised at this year’s concert will go towards building an education facility in Burma, according to artistic director Debbie Gilbert. And your donations are tax deductible as the WFC is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the Christmas season this year, you’re bound to find a musical event you’ll like right here in Prince William.

Amy Falkofske (afalkofske@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer and photographer who lives in Bristow with her husband, two sons and two Beagle dogs. She has a Master of Arts degree in Film-TV from Regent University. prince william living December 2018

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giving back

Healing HeARTS on the Road

By Marianne Weaver

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Photos by Healing HeARTS

iana Cercy, co-founder of Healing HeARTS Mobile Art Studio, drew upon lessons learned within her own family to create a nonprofit organization to serve teens throughout the region.

“I raised three daughters, and in their teens, I saw a lot of things: anxiety, depression and bullying,” she said. “I saw how art helped to heal and ground them. Creativity is a tool to help with anxiety.”

Cercy is an expressive artist who has worked with youth and adults for more than a decade as an inspirational art professional and educator. Her passion is to share what she has learned, which led her to lead activities for adults, teens and children in military, scholastic, disadvantaged and natural disaster settings.

It all started a few years ago when she re-connected with a high school classmate, Tracy Hines, who lives in Colorado.

“We weren’t close in high school,” said Cercy. “But when we reconnected through Facebook and then at our reunion, we realized we had some things in common. We started talking about starting a nonprofit.”

Hines has worked in nonprofit business operations for more than 20 years and at one time owned a small do-it-yourself art studio in Colorado. Her biggest joy came from sponsoring groups of developmentally disabled adults into the store after hours and providing them with a fun, safe place to paint at no cost.

They tagged another classmate, John Rathnam, president of Rathnam Capital, to join the organizations board “I was a little surprised when they asked me,” he said. “I understand the benefit of what they are doing and realize there needs to be more of this. As a society, I don’t think we spend a lot of time helping folks with mental or psychological issues.

And this is a great way to do it. It introduces them to art, it’s not expensive, and it has a wonderful benefit.”

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December 2018 prince william living

Diana Cercy

The Healing HeARTS Mobile Art Studio was launched June 16, 2016. Cercy said Hines handles the business part of the organization—administrative work and securing grants—while she gets out into the Prince William community to work hands-on with clients, mostly teen girls.

“Our tagline is ‘Create art, create hope,’” Cercy said.

Setting Up Shop Today the “mobile” part of the organization is Cercy’s Acura.

But she hopes to move into a camper that contains everything she needs to run a workshop.

Healing HeARTS mobile art studio provides all supplies needed for introspective art workshops to enhance self-awareness and

Healing HeARTS brings all of the supplies needed for art workshops.

The Healing HeARTS Self Care Tool Box Program started in 2017 by providing boxes to teenagers graduating from Youth for Tomorrow.

self-esteem, and provide coping skills and support for those dealing with grief and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as seniors dealing with dementia. To date, Cercy has conducted vision board workshops for more than 100 teen girls in foster care and group homes, an art journaling workshop for girls in a juvenile detention center, and an art4healing workshop for wounded warriors suffering from PTSD.

always active and engaged and happy. She taught the girls to do some of the most awesome projects,” said Vernell Wilks, Youth for Tomorrow mentor/volunteer coordinator. “The students were always glad to see her. They happily engaged in all of the projects that she presented.”

Although Cercy has worked with adults, she said her target population is teens ages 12 to 18 who are at risk in Prince William County.

“There are a lot of art studios that offer painting and art camps, but what we do is very different,” said Cercy. “What we do is not about the final product or the piece of art—although that does have its own benefit—but is more about the journey that individuals go through while creating and expressing themselves through the art, which reduces stress, boosts self-esteem and helps you express [feelings] when you can’t find the words.”

Art journaling workshops are a hit among teens, she said. At these workshops, she demonstrates a variety of mixed-media techniques and provides a variety of art journaling prompts from which the participants choose to explore thoughts and feelings in a creative way. The benefits of these workshops include facilitating emotional healing, giving the participants a voice and increasing self-awareness. Recently, she worked with a group of girls at Youth for Tomorrow, a Bristow-based organization that provides a full continuum of residential, educational and outpatient services to children, adolescents and their families.

“Ms. Diana always arrived with her bundle of goodies, and she would spread them all out on the tables. Her students were

Hope in a Tool Box In addition to the in-person workshops, the organization has developed the Healing HeARTS Self Care Tool Box Program.

The program began in 2017 with boxes being provided to teens graduating from Youth for Tomorrow. Teens leaving the program take with them Healing HeARTS Tool Boxes that they can turn into self-care boxes with items that will help them choose positive ways to deal with the struggles, anxiety and pain as they transition to a new, healthy way of life.

The personalized boxes include all of the materials needed to work on their art journals. Last Christmas, Cercy said her organization donated 10 personalized boxes to Prince William County Social Services for distribution to foster youth. This year the agency has requested 22 boxes.

Although the boxes are currently donated, Cercy envisions selling the boxes as a way to raise funds for the nonprofit.

For more information about Healing HeARTS, visit healingheartsmobileartstudio.org.

Marianne E. Weaver (mweaver@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance editor and writer. She earned a BA from the University of Pittsburgh and an MJ from Temple University. prince william living December 2018

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health & wellness Healthy Choices from a Doctor Who Practices What He Preaches

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ealthy eating is tough, especially around the holidays. That’s why Prince William Living asked Dr. Adam Brown, chief of emergency medicine at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and Sentara Lake Ridge, for some tips to help you take control of your health during the holidays and all year long. Not only is Dr. Brown a medical professional, but during the last year, he has lost 65 pounds through diet and exercise. Here’s his account of how he achieved better health.

First, I would first say, “You can do it!” As long as you can move and have the ability to make decisions about what and how you eat, you can do it. You can get healthier and feel better. Over the past year, I have lost about 65 pounds, going from a size 40 waist to a size 32. Change, however, takes planning, preparation, dedication and most importantly, support. Avoid gimmicks. They simply don’t work, especially in the long run. You may have temporary wins, but your resolution for the New Year should be for a healthier life and not just for a season.

I have made significant changes to my entire life, and the results, physically and mentally, have been dramatic.

Physically, I have altered my food choices, and I exercise daily. I have limited red meats, simple sugars, carbohydrates and fried foods. At the same time, I have increased healthy fruits and vegetables. I educated myself on just how many calories were in the foods I ate, and I made substitutions. You would be surprised how many calories are in “healthy” foods like sushi or pasta.

From an exercise perspective, I have replaced sitting on the couch with movement like walking in the evenings, going to an exercise class or doing the elliptical at the gym. I have also turned to weight lifting 3–4 times a week. In effect, I break a sweat exercising 25–30 minutes every day. So what’s the result? I feel great! I can run 1–3 miles now without taking a break. Before, I got winded walking up my front steps.

I want people to know that they can control many of their health conditions. So many of these conditions can be reversed through healthy living. When I turned 40, I had borderline high blood pressure and cholesterol and weighed 256 pounds. Now, all of that has changed, and it can change for you too!

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lifelong learning Guaranteed Transfer

By Ashley Claire Simpson

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“We are intentional about carving a path for students to transfer,” said Jennifer Nelson, NOVA’s coordinator of university transfer and initiatives. “We want to provide a method for students to be able to transfer to their chosen universities, but we also want to establish ways for students once they have gained acceptance. We do this through different types of agreements, but mainly through Guaranteed Admissions Agreements (GAAs), Articulation Agreements, and finally, our new Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships.”

With upwards of 100 agreements with colleges and universities, NOVA’s transfer programs collectively benefit tens of thousands of students. “We frequently see students coming to community college to continue their education to ultimately earn a Bachelor’s degree,” Nelson said. “National statistics show that 80 percent have the intent of actually transferring, and our ballpark number of NOVA students is 70,000. So, these programs impact a lot of people.”

Step 1: Getting In GAAs officially establish the conditions a student must meet to be guaranteed acceptance to a university. Conditions often include applicants’ overall grade point averages (GPAs), the courses they must complete, and even the letter grades they must earn for those courses. The contents of each GAA can vary as widely as the colleges and universities that hold them.

Some institutions have GAAs with all 23 colleges in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), including NOVA. However, NOVA also has its own GAAs with certain four-year universities and colleges.

Between the NOVA-specific GAAs and those that apply to VCCS students in their entirety, “NOVA students can take advantage of GAAs with more than 40 Bachelor’s degree– granting institutions,” Nelson said. “We have partnerships with a mixture of public and private schools. Every one of them is different, so it’s important for NOVA students to monitor those specific requirements from the beginning.”

Photo provided by NOVA

here there’s a will, there’s a way, and now more than ever before, it takes a strong will to excel in higher education.

Fortunately for thousands of area high school graduates, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) has paved the way for students to attend and thrive at four-year universities.

Through a variety of partnerships and agreements, NOVA provides tried-and-true routes for its students to turn their Associate’s degrees into Bachelor’s degrees.

NOVA and the University of Mary Washington recently partnered with each other so that NOVA students pursuing a four-year degree can consider the University of Mary Washington as one of their options.

Step 2: Then What?

While GAAs are undoubtedly advantageous, they only apply to admission standards. These contracts do not address how the transfer will work. “While GAAs may promise a student acceptance to a four-year institution, they do not necessarily guarantee entry into a specific program or major,” said Dr. Sharon Robertson, NOVA’s vice president of academic affairs.

“That’s where articulation agreements come into play.”

More than 20 years ago, there were so many four-year universities interested in getting NOVA students on their campuses that the academic affairs department had to do something to simplify the transfer process. Thus began the development of the many articulation agreements that are in place today. “Articulation agreements are program-to-program specific agreements that outline the most appropriate courses for students to take at NOVA that will then transfer to the four-year institution,” Nelson said.

Enter: A New Type of Partnership Last year, NOVA established guaranteed transfer partnerships— setups to further ease the transition to certain universities.

“The guaranteed transfer partnerships are essentially marriages between guaranteed admissions agreements and articulation agreements,” Nelson explained. “Not only do the guaranteed transfer partnerships highlight what a student needs to do to be promised acceptance, like the existing GAA, but they also detail the courses students should take to maximize transferability.

The goal when it comes to transferring credits is to ensure that students do not simply transfer a bunch of electives, but that they take courses to satisfy general education and entry-level major-specific requirements. We’re able to do this by developing (continues on page 25) prince william living December 2018

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taking care of business Building Business and Community from the Booth

Lillian Rachel, Voiceover Artist

By Katherine Gotthardt

It wasn’t all easy, especially at first. Warkentin says one of her biggest challenges was learning the technology—audio recording, editing and post production. “Powerful software is easily available to help, but my learning curve was practically vertical,” she said.

However, with practice and patience, she was able to indulge her perfectionism and become proficient.

This industry and community have fed her appreciation even more. “I get to be my own boss, set my own schedule and work with people from around the world,” she said. “When I step into my recording booth, I immerse myself in projects as widely diverse as voicing zany characters, narrating fiction and nonfiction audiobooks, acting in radio dramas, producing introductory videos for global businesses, and recording online training modules or the welcome on your company’s telephone system.”

Equally important, she said, was knowing where her strengths lie, “and being willing to outsource to other experts in their field when it’s required for a job.”

On Building a Voiceover Business

A Worldwide Voiceover Community Comes to the Rescue Warkentin was fortunate. Though she had a lot to learn about her new career path, she said, “There is a wealth of information and assistance available, and working with skilled and experienced coaches, instructors, producers and fellow artists makes a huge difference. I found help and encouragement within the voiceover community.”

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December 2018 prince william living

Warkentin said of business building, “An entrepreneur has to love the quest for knowledge to stay abreast with this fast-changing world, be discerning and diligent, and take each challenge as an exciting opportunity to learn something new.”

When it comes to work-life balance, she said this is a work in progress: “I have to set my business hours and manage my workload to ensure I meet my clients’ timelines while making sure I take time, physically and mentally, away from my recording booth to be fully engaged with my family.” This is no easy task, considering jobs come in from different time zones around the

Photos by Natalie Fox

W

hen Lillian Rachel Warkentin, a voiceover artist in Dumfries, first voiced radio commercials after moving to the United States from the United Kingdom, she didn’t think it would end up being a career. It wasn’t until her oldest daughter’s first novel became an audio book that she truly developed an interest in the voiceover profession.

But when the artist, who says she loves “communication and the spoken word,” realized she could exercise her voice and love for storytelling while working from home, things changed dramatically. A passion was fed, and a business was born.

world. She is grateful for her family’s understanding and support.

“Sharing my day with them, the highs and lows, means they can understand my passions and struggles,” she said.

“We all realize that our work and studies are part of our lives, not something we leave behind and then go and live life separately. It comes down to priorities in the moment.”

Outside the Voiceover Booth Warkentin said she spends “many hours each day in a ‘padded booth’” talking to herself, so getting out and meeting people in person is important to her sanity. She is a volunteer for Semper K9 Assistance Dogs and a Bible study teacher for Pillar Church in Dumfries. She also promotes the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to inspiring youth through entertainment and education.

The Ryan Seacrest Foundation operates broadcast studios in pediatric centers across the United States, including in Washington, D.C. “I have been able to highlight the organization’s work and help raise funds through exciting audio projects with other amazing voiceover talents,” she said. “I told you this job was fun.”

More fun is always welcome, too.

Warkentin’s dream gig? “I’ve always enjoyed exploring new places and have spent time visiting wonderful cities and countrysides across Europe, Africa and America, so I would love to voice a travel or nature documentary,” she said.

“Perhaps with National Geographic, BBC or Discovery? Yeah, that would be sweet.”

For more information, visit lillianrachel.com.

Katherine Gotthardt (kgotthardt@ princewilliamliving.com) is an awardwinning poetry and prose writer residing in western Prince William County where she serves as VP of Content Marketing for Prince William Living and VP of Write by the Rails, the Prince William Chapter of the Virginia Writers Club. Learn more about her at KatherineGotthardt.com.

prince william living December 2018

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family fun

Home for the Holidays

Ways to Keep Your Kids Busy During Winter Break

By Jennifer Halter

T

he holiday season is a joyous time of celebrating with family and friends. It’s also a time when kids will be out of school on an extended break, which can sometimes be stressful for parents as they try to keep up with the hustle and bustle while also keeping the kids entertained. Here are a few ideas to help!

Cook Together

Whether it’s baking your favorite cookies and desserts or preparing a dish for the neighborhood potluck, kids will have a blast being able to help in the kitchen while also learning valuable skills. Allow them to help with planning what to prepare by doing research online or by reading through cookbooks. Together, create a shopping list and budget. While prepping and cooking, let the children help with measuring, chopping and mixing, etc.

If baking cookies, allow them to channel their artistic side while creating their edible masterpieces.

Watch a Movie

Pick your favorite holiday movie (or two) and have a movie night at home. There are always great movies running on certain television networks, or you can select one from your personal collection. Prepare all of your favorite theater snacks like popcorn and nachos. You can even go to the dollar store and purchase movietheater-style boxed candy for a special treat. The best part of movie night at home? Everyone can wear their comfy pajamas.

Give Back

It’s always important to teach your children about giving to others. Some great ways to help others during the holidays include: n Volunteering at a local food pantry by sorting/ shelving donations or serving a meal. (continues on page 26)

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LEARNING (continued from page 21) pathways for a select group of majors— traditionally the most popular programs of study sought after by our students.”

In August 2017, Radford University signed on as the first guaranteed transfer partner, and since then, a few other schools (and counting) have followed suit. NOVA’s Guaranteed Transfer Partnership Program ecosystem currently includes George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, and College of Professional Studies; Marymount University, Old Dominion University, Radford University, and the University of Mary Washington.

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Home Care Service With A

Reaping the Benefits of an Associate’s Degree en Route to a Bachelor’s As NOVA students diligently meet all the criteria of their target Guaranteed Transfer Partnership, or even GAA, they can work hard knowing that their efforts will pay off in a world of different ways. “There are a mix of kids who just aren’t academically ready to go to a four-year university, so community college allows them the chance to mature as they tackle certain required classes,” Robertson said. “Then, since grades at NOVA don’t count toward their university grade point average, they get to start over with a clean slate.”

The bottom line is: there is certainly a brilliance to the NOVA “way,” and the dedicated academic affairs team will continue to develop these programs for their melting pot of a student body. “Our faculty and staff go above and beyond, but we don’t think of it as doing anything more than we should be doing,” Robertson said. “By virtue of our size and location, we tend to run into hot issues before other areas. Whether a student hopes to one day graduate with a Bachelor’s degree or not, we work tirelessly and are always exploring solutions so that we can serve everyone who comes through NOVA.” Ashley Claire Simpson (asimpson@ princewilliamliving.com) is a corporate communications professional by day, but her real passion is learning more about this community and the world by writing.

Ingleside at Home is dedicated to providing high-quality personal and customized services in the comfort of your home. Whether you need a helping hand with homemaking, someone to assist you with everyday activities or a friendly caregiver to support your rehabilitation or recovery, we work with you to tailor a service plan that perfectly fits your needs.

Our extensive screening process and client-caregiver matching system ensure that your care provider not only has the skills to serve your needs but also will be a trustworthy and compassionate companion. Monthly follow-up surveys assure that both you and your caregiver are happy with the relationship and that rigorous quality standards are being followed.

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WINTER BREAK (continued from page 24) n Visiting a nursing home and spending time with the residents. n Assembling bags with toiletries and snacks to give to homeless shelters or local outreach groups. n Donating old toys, books and clothing to charitable organizations.

No matter how you decide to spend your time during the winter break, make it one full of happiness, joy and great memories that you will look back on for years to come.

Jennifer Halter (jenniferh@macaronikid.com) is the founder of Macaroni Kid in Woodbridge and Gainesville.

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December 2018 prince william living

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home & hearth Top 6 Reasons to Use a Realtor in the Internet Age

By Marcia Goodman

T

he internet is a wonderful tool that seemingly puts everything you need to know at your fingertips. There’s so much information readily available that when it comes to buying or selling a home, you may think you can do it yourself. But there’s much more to it than that.

That knowledge you’re gaining online definitely makes you a better informed buyer, seller or investor, which will improve the outcome of your transaction. However, when actually carrying out this complicated legal process, your best bet is to have a pro on your side.

Don’t just take my word for it. It was Henry Ford who once said that when you hire people who are smarter than you are, it proves you are smarter than they are.

We can’t all be experts at everything. That goes for manufacturing cars or performing surgery. And it goes for buying or selling real estate, too. Let me explain why.

1. Expertise. Real estate professionals have invested in education and gained experience in their profession. A good agent relies on knowledge and experience to help develop the strategy you need for setting the correct price if you’re selling or making the right offer if you’re buying. This requires an understanding of how the process works, but also knowledge of local market conditions, specific neighborhood profiles and familiarity with both existing homes and new construction.

2. Ethical Standards. Not every real estate agent is a Realtor, which is a licensed real estate salesperson who belongs to the National Association of Realtors. These professionals are held to higher ethical standards than other licensed agents.

3. Searching Capabilities. Remember that ad that used to run on television where the couple who’d just moved into their new home realized there was something better they could’ve had?

I didn’t even know those homes were there, they lamented. A good agent would know those homes were there, and would show them to you.

Realtors have searching superpowers that aid them in knowing what’s on the market now and what will be on the market in the future. Not only can they provide Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data, they can pull individual profiles that reflect sales history, property data, demographics and neighborhood services.

4. A Network of Connections. Yes, it really is all about location, location, location. But just as important are an agent’s connections, connections, connections. That could be the key to finding that dream house that’s not actually listed yet, but your Realtor knew was coming on the market. You can—and should—use online tools to find homes if you’re buying or to check prices if you’re selling. Still, there are other ways to find listings and compare prices, and a good agent knows them.

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Your agent also knows all the key players when it comes to home buying and selling: mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, home stagers, interior designers and more. They’re all part of your Realtor’s network. He or she is like a director with the overarching vision to make all the actors in a movie come together.

5. Negotiating Skills. When it’s time to cut a deal, good agents will represent your best interests. They’re not simply messengers to deliver offers. They’re professionals who are trained to present their client’s case in the best light and agree to hold client information confidential from competing interests.

6. Attention to Details. There are myriad details involved with buying or selling a home. A professional will be there to help you along the way, including: n Handling the volumes of paperwork that must be completed, n Answering your questions even after the closing has taken place, and n Developing and maintaining a relationship you rely on in the future.

If you’re considering a real estate transaction, start by contacting a professional. Finding the right person to guide you along the path—whether you’re buying, selling or investing— can make all the difference, not only in the final sales price, but in remaining focused and calm, so you don’t get lost along the way.

Marcia Goodman, a realtor with Samson Properties, Gainesville, is a highly credentialed, experienced staging realtor specializing in residential real estate. To learn more about how she can help you prepare for your next move, or to receive her free staging eBook, contact her at 703-819-4776.

Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 8th 8:30am-10:30am Join Santa for pancakes, photos, and holiday fun! Children under the age of two are included in parent’s registration.

Visit mpdpr.com/santa18 to register.

Light Parade Saturday, December 8th beginning at 5:45pm Our annual display of lights begins at General’s Ridge Golf Course and ends at the Manassas Park Community Center. Vehicles needed!

Contact Kaitlyn at K.Collier@manassasparkva.gov.

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street Manassas Park, VA 20111 703.335.8872 ManassasParkCommunityCenter.com

prince william living December 2018

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local flavor

MISSION BBQ

Classic Barbecue Made the American Way

By Amy Taylor

M

Photos provided by Mission BBQ

ission BBQ in Woodbridge specializes in barbecue, honoring American heroes and giving back to the community.

The restaurant’s food is always freshly prepared. The recipes are homemade and handcrafted. There are no freezers or microwaves, and the meats are oak-smoked and dry-rubbed.

“We do it the American Way—freedom of choice! We dry rub our meats and offer an array of sauces to choose from to represent the cities we visited that were our inspiration—from Texas to Kansas City, the Carolinas to St. Louis,” founder Bill Kraus said.

“It’s oak for smoke. This works well when you have a 12- to 14hour smoke time on brisket or pork. We smoke with real oak hardwood all day, every day,” founder Steve Newton added.

When you visit Mission BBQ, the founders’ absolute must-try recommendations are the North Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich, the Texas-Inspired Beef Brisket, Bay-B-Back Ribs and Maggie’s Mac and Cheese.

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December 2018 prince william living

Mission BBQ Honors American Heroes and Gives Back Part of Mission BBQ’s culture is giving back to the communities in which the restaurants are located. The company strives to be a first responder to first responders.

Whether you like your pulled meat BBQ sandwich with coleslaw or not, Mission BBQ has options for you.

In addition to offering a variety of BBQ meat options, Mission BBQ strives to hire military veterans, former police officers, firefighters and other heroes.

“We believe there is nothing more American than BBQ and nobody more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve our communities and our country. We do what we do for the love of our firefighters, police officers, first responders and our soldiers—all our loved ones in service,” Kraus said.

9/11 Hometown Heroes cups event. Through the support of their customers, $2 from every plastic cup purchased was donated to local fire and police charities. The Woodbridge location raised a total of $4,108 in contributions.

Kraus’ sons both proudly serve in the U.S. military. His eldest son, Warrant Officer Andrew Kraus, serves with U.S. Army Aviation, and his other son, Lieutenant Alex Kraus, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, currently serves with U.S. Marine Corps Aviation.

Mission BBQ’s Woodbridge location supports the local fire charity, the Johnny Thomas Foundation and Law Enforcement United. On a national level, the Woodbridge location contributes to the United Service Organizations (USO) and Wreaths Across America.

“We want to give our time, talent, treasure and touch to make our community a better place,” Kraus and Newton jointly said.

One of the restaurant chain’s recent charitable efforts was the

In addition to charitable donations, Mission BBQ strives to hire military veterans, former police officers, firefighters and other heroes.

“It’s an honor to have any American hero join our team, and we welcome the opportunity to have them with us,” Kraus said.

Mission BBQ currently has 71 locations in 15 states, and it’s still growing. The founders target growth to 80 restaurants by the end of the year.

“We just want to be in great neighborhoods with great people,” Newton said. “We’ll go wherever there are people who love barbecue, love America and her heroes. The Woodbridge community represents that.”

Amy Taylor is a contributing writer for Prince William Living magazine. prince william living December 2018

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your finances Five Questions to Answer Before Buying a Second Home

By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor

M

any people dream of having a place to call home in their favorite ski, beach or tropical destination. While owning a second home may make sense for a variety of reasons, purchasing one is a major decision that can impact one’s financial situation for years to come. If you’re contemplating a second home at your favorite vacation spot, here are some factors to consider.

1. What is your primary purpose for the home?

If you envision the home as a second family space, make sure it’s truly a good fit for your lifestyle. If you are still working and can only use it for a couple of weeks per year, the expense and upkeep may be hard to justify—unless it provides the vacation escape of your dreams. If you are retired or planning to retire, the purchase may be more worthwhile. Alternatively, if you are imagining it as a rental property for a long-term resident or short-term renters, there are other considerations.

Is it reasonable to assume that the potential income generated makes it a good investment, especially when considering other costs (see below)? Or are you looking at this as a property that needs improvement but that you can eventually sell for a profit after you put some work into it?

with managing and renting the property. Additionally, you might want to meet with a tax advisor who can help you assess the possible tax implication of a second mortgage or rental income.

5. How does the purchase fit within your overall financial plan?

Perhaps the most critical question is what your purchase means from a comprehensive financial planning perspective.

Does purchasing a second home fit your overall strategy and help you achieve your primary goals—or at least not detract from achieving them? Talk with your financial advisor and evaluate the financial wisdom of this move before you make a final decision.

Bennett Whitlock, CRPC ®, is a private wealth advisor and managing director with Whitlock Wealth Management, a franchise of Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. Learn more at WhitlockWealth.com or call 703-492-7732.

2. What is your financial ability to carry a second mortgage?

If you need to take out a second mortgage to make the purchase, will it create any risks for your monthly cash flow, either now or in the future? This question is particularly relevant if you already have a mortgage on your primary residence or are close to or in retirement. Taking on debt will carry a degree of risk regardless of your financial position, so you need to feel confident that it will not be a stretch for you.

If you can afford to pay cash for the property, the question is whether that is the most effective use of your available funds compared to investing it in other ways.

3. Is the home located where you want to be?

Take charge of your financial future.

Since 1894 Ameriprise Financial has helped millions of Americans feel more confident about their financial future. As an Ameriprise financial advisor, I remain true to our vision of always putting clients first. Discover the one-to-one attention you deserve, call me today at 877-WHITLOCK.

If you plan to use the property for your own purposes, be certain the location is appealing to you. For example, if you are looking for a warm weather getaway during the winter months, will the home meet your needs? If you are considering renting out the property, is the location one that can attract renters at a price that makes it a worthwhile investment?

Bennett C Whitlock III, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor Whitlock Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 12848 Harbor Dr, Ste 101, Lake Ridge, VA 22192 9073 Center St, Manassas, VA 20110 877-WHITLOCK bennett.c.whitlock@ampf.com • whitlockwealth.com CA Insurance #0F32105

4. Are you prepared for the extra expenses?

Beyond the initial purchase and mortgage, prepare to duplicate other expenses you already have with your current home, such as utilities, furnishings, maintenance and improvements. If the second home is far away from your current one, consider the cost of hiring professionals to help

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December 2018 prince william living

Whitlock Wealth Management whitlockwealth.com

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. The Compass is a trademark of Ameriprise Financial. © 2017 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (8/17)

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And with an advance call, buses can leave the standard routes to serve locations up to 3/4 mile off the route.

Discounted fares for seniors 60 years and older or persons with a disability are $0.75 per ride or get unlimited rides all day with a local bus day pass for $1.80 or weekly pass for just $7.15.

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prince william living December 2018

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calendar

december

Merry Old Town Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

Sat. Dec. 1 | 10 a.m. – Noon Historic Manassas One of the largest holiday parades in Northern Virginia with over 100 units including marching bands, floats, highflying balloons, and more. Approximately 2,000 participants and over 300 volunteers will parade through Historic Manassas.

2018 Star Wars Days Comic Con and Family Festival

Sat. Dec. 1 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sun. Dec. 2 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Freedom High School 15201 Neabsco Mills Road, Woodbridge Our fourth annual Star Wars Days event: artists, toys, collectibles, anime, sci-fi, fantasy, children’s activities, cub scout activities, Boy Scout Merit Badges, costume contests, photo ops and more.

Proceeds go to support local Boy Scouts.

Annual Tree Lighting

Sat. Dec. 1 | 6 – 8 p.m.

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street, Manassas Park Free refreshments, activities, and entertainment. To conclude the event, the Community Center tree will be lit!

Kickstart your holiday season with your loved ones.

Manassas Chorale “Silver Noel” Holiday Concert

Sat. Dec. 1 | 7:30 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Get in the spirit of the season with the Chorale, orchestra, and four handbell choirs as we showcase your favorite Christmas tunes. Concert with a Cause: Please help support SERVE by bringing a non-perishable food item to the concert.

Tickets: hyltoncenter.org

Dare2Tri 5K

Sun. Dec. 2 | 8:30 – 10 a.m.

2 Silos Brewing Co. 9901 Discovery Boulevard, Manassas Looking for an easy, scenic race in December that benefits a great cause?

The race is an out-and-back around 2 Silos Brewery. Then you can enjoy some yummy beer. Dare2Tri serves all ability levels of youth, adults and injured service members who have a physical disability, such as amputation, spinal cord injury, stroke, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and those with visual impairments and blindness in the sport of Paratriathlon.

Registration: bishopseventregistrations. com/event/2018-Dare2Tri-at-2-Silos

Annual Messiah Sing-A-Long Tues. Dec. 4 | 7 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Students from Osbourn Park, Patriot, and Brentsville District High Schools join forces under the direction of OP’s Choir Director, Dominick Izzo, for their annual Messiah Sing-A-Long. Featuring an allstudent choir, orchestra, and professional soloists, Handel’s timeless work rings through the hall in an evening of joyous music. Tickets: hyltoncenter.org

Prince William Living Presents Breakfast with an Expert Thurs. Dec. 6 | 8 a.m.

PWAR 4545 Daisy Reid Ave., Suite 150, Woodbridge Join us for a cup of coffee, a bagel and information from an expert who will give you actionable advice you can put to work immediately in your business.

RSVP princewilliamliving.com/ breakfastwithanexpert.

Breakfast with Santa/ Santa Paws

Sat. Dec. 8 | 8:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street, Manassas Park Join Santa for pancakes, photos and holiday fun! Children of all ages are welcome to come have breakfast with Santa, play games, crafts, and more.

Children under the age of 12 are included in the parent’s registration. Then, at

10:45 a.m., bring your pups over to have their pictures taken with Santa. Register at manassasparkcommunitycenter.com.

City of Manassas Holiday Market

Sat. Dec. 8 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Manassas Museum Lawn 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas Get your holiday shopping done with unique gifts brought straight to you all in one place. Enjoy holiday decorations, hot beverages and music by an orchestra and choir and get in the holiday spirit.

Dumfries Christmas Parade

Sat. Dec. 8 | Noon – 3:30 p.m.

Town of Dumfries 17739 Main Street, Dumfries Dumfries Christmas Parade will step off from Main Street and end at Dumfries Shopping Center. There will be food, music and fun for everyone at the shopping center during and after the parade. This year’s theme is a “Nutcracker Christmas.” The Christmas tree lighting begins at 5 p.m. in front of the Town Hall.

Santa Comes to Rippon Lodge

Sat. Dec. 8 | 1 – 3 p.m.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge Santa Claus is visiting Rippon Lodge for one afternoon only. Be on your best behavior and keep your name on the “Nice” list. Parents will be given special “Things Santa Should Know” cards upon arrival. Bring your camera for pictures and dress appropriately for weather, as some activities are outside.

Mistletoe Magic Holiday Festival

Sat. Dec. 8 | 2 – 5 p.m.

Parkridge Center 11096 Bulloch Drive, Manassas This free one-day event will feature seasonal treats, games for all ages, arts & crafts, festive train rides, stationary hot air balloon rides, and a meet and greet with Mr. Claus. The event will be held outdoors, in the parking lot of Parkridge Center. To register: goo.gl/eAjWnw

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

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December 2018 prince william living

Light Parade

Sat. Dec. 8 | 5:45 – 7:30 p.m.

General’s Ridge Golf Course 9701 Manassas Drive, Manassas Park This amazing display of lights on wheels is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Our annual Light Parade is a highlight and a resident favorite. The parade begins at General’s Ridge Golf Course and ends at the Manassas Park Community Center.

Historic Yuletide Dinner

Sat. Dec. 8 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Historic Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Street, Manassas Experience the holidays of years past with a historic Yuletide Dinner, where you can smell the evergreen decorations, taste some of the unique food and beverages of the time and partake in some of the delightful traditions from the 18th and 19th centuries in Virginia. Cost: $75 per person. Reservations are required; call 703-792-4754.

GFWC Woman’s Club Manassas Holiday House Tour

Sun. Dec. 9 | 1 – 4 p.m.

Liberia House 8601 Portner Avenue, Manassas Visit homes beautifully decorated for the holidays, including the historic 1825 Liberia House, where visitors may enjoy refreshments, a harpist, and rooms decorated by Historic Manassas merchants. The cost is $20 per person, and tickets can be purchased at the Manassas Museum, at the Historic Manassas Visitor Center at the Train Station, at the Things I Love, and at Flower Gallery. The ticket includes all houses on the tour and takes place rain or shine. All proceeds from the Holiday House Tour fund scholarships for local high school students.

Winter Wonderland Model Train Show

Wed. Dec. 12 | 5 – 8 p.m.

Thurs. Dec. 13 | 5 – 8 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 14 | 5 – 8 p.m.

Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory 9419 Battle Street, Manassas Relive the wonder of childhood holidays at the Winter Wonderland Model Train Show on the third floor of the Center for

the Arts at the Historic Candy Factory.

The National Capital Trackers set up their O gauge trains amid an elaborate winter fantasy background for the annual display.

Manassas Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker

Thu. Dec. 13 | 7:30 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 14 | 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 15 | 3 and 7:30 p.m.

Tue. Dec. 18 | 7:30 p.m.

Wed. Dec. 19 | 7:30 p.m.

Thu. Dec. 20 | 7:30 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 21 | 3 and 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 22 | 3 and 7:30 p.m.

Sun. Dec. 23 | 3 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Anchored by the dancers of Manassas Ballet Theatre, Northern Virginia’s largest professional ballet company, the story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince comes alive with the help of an ensemble cast and the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra. Tickets: hyltoncenter.org.

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Nothin’ Fancy Bluegrass

Fri. Dec. 14 | Doors 6 p.m., Showtime 7:30 p.m.

Bull Run Unitarian Universalists 9350 Main Street, Manassas With undeniable camaraderie between its members, Nothin’ Fancy was formed in 1994 to compete in a bluegrass competition. Tickets are $20, general admission, all ages. The building is a non-smoking venue. Call 703-732-1000 for more information.

Prince William Living’s Lunch with the Publisher

DANCE ART MUSIC

Ages 3 ½ to Adult

Ann Boyle Artistic Director

(703) 878-1000 www.danceetc.com

Wed. Dec. 19 | 11:30 a.m.

Prince William Chamber of Commerce 9720 Capital Ct., #203, Manassas Are you an advertiser with Prince William Living or interested in becoming one?

Meet the people behind greater Prince William’s premiere lifestyle magazine, as you learn about: Getting your press releases published, tying into the power of our social media presence, creating visibility packages that increase your reach to targeted consumers, and focusing on your message. Lunch provided by Okra’s. RSVP at princewilliamliving.com/ lunchwiththepublisher.

prince william living December 2018

| 35

COMMUNITY DAY PROGRAM FOR SPECIAL NEEDS YOUTH Day Program - After School Program Summer Camp - Winter Camp

703-330-5836 | brightcarecenter.org

Nar Shalome To Come

703-330-8145 www.casacis.org

www.actspwc.org 703-441-8606

Volunteers Needed!

Contact us to see how you can make a difference in our community!

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December 2018 prince william living

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.

To continue to receive these issues monthly, please consider a subscription of $20 a year. That small investment will ensure that you will stay up-to-date with all of the articles, events and tips that make living in Prince William great.

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prince william living December 2018

Prince William Parks and Recreation

Prince William Public Library System

| 37

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