Prince William Living January 2024

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MANASSAS MUSEUM

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GIVE BLOOD SAVE A LIFE

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THE BONE

prince william living January 2024

The premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

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HEALTH SCREENINGS for the New Year

Start the New Year Off Right

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Manassas Chorale Celebrates 30 Years PAGE 20

princewilliamliving.com

Optima Health is becoming Sentara Health Plans.

New name.

Same trusted health plan.

Optima Health is changing our name to Sentara Health Plans to better reflect our enhanced focus on promoting the overall health and well-being of our consumers.

You already know Sentara as a trusted provider with more than 300 sites of care in neighborhoods across Virginia and North Carolina.1 We are rooted together in the same mission—to improve health every day.

While the health plans have been a part of Sentara for over 35 years, under this new name—Sentara Health Plans— we will be able to further integrate them under a single, unified brand.2 And, by providing healthcare that is simple, personal, and more affordable, we are practicing the future of healthcare today.

To learn more, visit sentarahealthplans.com.

1 2

Sentara Health. About Us. https://www.sentaraproviderresources.com/about-us Sentara Health Plans is a trade name of Sentara Health Plans, Sentara Health Insurance Company, Sentara Health Administration, Inc., and Sentara Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Sentara Health Plans, previously Optima Health Plan, has been issuing HMO plans under that license since 1984. Sentara Health Insurance Company, previously Optima Health Insurance Company, has issued PPO Accident and Sickness plans since 1991.

© Sentara Health Plans 2023

table of contents January 2024 | Vol. 14 | No. 1

FEATURE STORY Make Health Screenings Your New Year’s Resolution

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DEPARTMENTS

8

12

FROM THE PUBLISHER Ring in 2024 with Health

3

DESTINATIONS Time Travel at the Manassas Museum

8

GIVING BACK Give Blood; Save A Life

12

FAMILY FUN Start the New Year Off Right

16

LOCAL FLAVOR Make No Bones About It

18

ON A HIGH NOTE Manassas Chorale Celebrates 30 Years with Upcoming Anniversary Season

20

CALENDAR

26

COLUMNS YOUR FINANCES HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME & HEARTH

18

10 14 24

20 prince william living January 2024 | 1

prince william living Rebecca Barnes

PRINCE WILLIAM LIVING PUBLISHER rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com ADMIN ASSISTANT David Lezcano, admin@princewilliamliving.com ONLINE EDITOR Carole Keily, news@princewilliamliving.com

Erin Pittman EDITOR IN CHIEF epittman@princewilliamliving.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Halter, Linda Kennedy, Dawn Klavon, Wendy Migdal, Erin Pittman, Jessica Schmitt, Bennett Whitlock

GIVE BACK PRINCE WILLIAM INITIATIVE Johnnie Barnes, johnnie@givebackpw.org CLIENT CARE SPECIALIST Diane Puigdomenech, dpuigdomenech@princewilliamliving.com VISIBILITY PACKAGES sales@princewilliamliving.com

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

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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 2023 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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2 | January 2024 prince william living

from the Publisher Ring in 2024 with Health

Y

ou may not think that celebrating the start of a new year with a colonoscopy sounds like a ton of fun, but if you’re 45 or over, it’s one of a number of smart ways to do it.

This month’s feature has the scoop on all the health screenings to check off your list depending on your age. Dive in and see just what you should get checked in 2024.

And if health is your focus, why not involve the whole family?

Our Family Fun section has tips for eating healthy and making 2024 less sedentary for you and your family. Continue your reading journey into Health and Wellness and check out the five most common questions dieticians receive and get the scoop on their answers. Your body will thank you!

Perhaps this year, your goal is to give the gift of health to others.

Giving blood is a monthly way to share the gift of life. Check out Giving Back for more information on giving — for both humans and pets — in PWC.

After all that smart self-care, reward yourself with some fun activities around town. Last fall, the newly renovated Manassas Museum reopened its doors. Plan your visit and read about the new design and exhibits in Destinations. If music is more up your alley, On a High Note has the details on the Manassas Chorale.

Learn about how this talented group gives back to the community, and make plans to attend an upcoming concert.

Planning a family dinner or date night? The Bone BBQ has residents raving about their tasty dishes. Check out the owners’ story and tempt your taste buds with a teasing of some of their favorite dishes in Local Flavor.

Home and Hearth features indoor home projects to keep you busy during these chilly winter months, and Your Finances will help you focus on that ever-important emergency fund.

Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year!

Rebecca Barnes Publisher

B R I D E S & W E D D I N G S O F N O R T H E R N V I R G I N I A V O L U M E 2 0, N O. 1

bridesandweddings.com

prince william living January 2024 | 3

Make

HEALTH SCREENINGS

Your New Year’s Resolution

By Wendy Migdal

C

an you complete the phrase, “An ounce of prevention is worth . . . “ You probably can, and you probably also know who said it. Considering that Benjamin Franklin lived to age 84 when life expectancy at that time was about 20 years less, we would do well to heed his advice.

It may seem strange to start the new year by considering the leading causes of death, but in the interest of prolonging life, it’s prudent to do so. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the top five causes of death in the United States for 2021 were, in order: heart disease, cancer, COVID-19, unintentional injuries, and stroke. COVID-19 was also likely responsible for shortening life expectancy by .6 year from 2020 to 2021. Within the second leading cause of death, cancer, the top five causes of death are, in order: lung, breast, prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancer.

4 | January 2024 prince william living

Of course, listing causes in order is only part of the data story.

How much of a gap separates the leading cause from the second leading cause? What are the rates when broken down by race or sex? And how many new cases are diagnosed each year compared to the number of deaths each year? The CDC has easy-tounderstand data to answer all these questions, and we’ve included a few of their graphs here. Go to cdc.gov and click on Data and Statistics for more information.

Primary Preventive Care

But let’s talk in general terms about what you can and should do right now for your ounce of prevention. Many people only go to their primary care doctor when they become ill with an upper respiratory infection. But for heart disease and stroke, an annual

Leading Causes of Death – U. S. 2021 Ranking

visit to your primary care doctor is your best screening tool. Your primary care doctor checks blood pressure, listens to your heart, feels for swelling around the ankles and glands, and knows your health history. This is also where you go for a cholesterol check, which is recommended every five years for everyone over the age of 20. He or she can order an EKG or ultrasound of the arteries if it seems necessary. Your primary care doctor may also order occasional blood tests to monitor liver and kidney functioning if you are taking prescription medications, since these two organs are responsible for processing and excretion of drugs. A visit every year allows your doctor to monitor changes over time and discover anything out of the ordinary, or out of the ordinary for you.

Your doctor will also advise you about cancer screenings you should get based on your age and health history. Screening refers to checking your body in some manner for a disease before you begin to exhibit symptoms. The idea is to catch the problem early, when treatment is the most effective. This doesn’t mean that you should be screened for every type of cancer, however. Many studies have been conducted for each type of cancer to assess whether early detection results in lower death rates. The data shows that for some cancers it does, and for others, it doesn’t. In those cases, it may not be worth the trouble. The four cancers in which early detection has been shown to have the greatest impact are lung, breast, colon, and cervical cancers.

Cause of Death

Number of Deaths

Total deaths

3,458,697

1

Heart disease

693,021

2

Cancer

604,553

3

COVID-19

415,399

4

Unintentional injuries

219,487

5

Stroke

162,590

6

Chronic lower respiratory diseases

142,047

7

Alzheimer disease

119,314

8

Diabetes

103,004

9

Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis

56,408

10

Kidney disease

54,236

A colon cancer screening is probably the one most avoided by patients, according to a local doctor. People tend to be put off, and reasonably so, by the prep that is involved with a colonoscopy.

The patient also has to have someone drive them to and from the procedure, which can limit some people from having the test.

According to the National Cancer Institute, slightly fewer than 72% of people aged 50-75 years were in compliance with current guidelines. However, other types of screening are available.

Colorectal screenings fall into two major categories: stool-based and optical. There are three types of stool-based screenings, which are all self-collected in the privacy of your own bathroom. The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) checks to see if any blood is present in the stool, as bleeding is a common sign of colon cancer. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is essentially another way to look for blood, but instead of finding actual blood, it tests for the presence of an antibody to a protein that is found in the blood.

Finally, the fecal DNA test looks for abnormal DNA from cells

Colorectal Cancer Screenings

By now many people have heard that in 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended age for colorectal cancer screening to begin, from 50 to 45 years old. The change was made because data showed trends towards younger people developing colon cancer and, at the same time, supported the findings that earlier screenings led to increased life spans. According to the Colon Cancer Foundation, most people with early-age-onset colon cancer do not have a family history of the disease. Colon cancer usually develops from abnormal growths in the colon called polyps. If these polyps are found early, they can be removed before becoming cancerous.

(continues on page 6) prince william living January 2024 | 5

(continued from page 5) inside the colon or rectum. The first two tests can be requested by anyone, but a doctor’s prescription is required for the third.

In addition, the FOBT and FIT tests should be done every year, while the fecal DNA test is recommended every three years. It’s important to realize that none of these at-home options are used to diagnose cancer, but instead to point to potential problems.

There are also three optical screenings. A colonoscopy, as most people know, involves the insertion of a camera into the entire length of the large intestine. A sigmoidoscopy is a similar procedure, but the camera does not go in nearly as far, the prep is much less involved, and it doesn’t usually require sedation. Doctors may sometimes recommend this procedure for people who are not at high risk for colon cancer and who also do an at hometest every year. And finally, with CT colonography, the optical scanner is external. It does involve the insertion of a short probe and the same prep as with a colonoscopy. On the other hand, the procedure is shorter, doesn’t require sedation, and can reveal other issues in the abdomen if there are any. (A type of CT scan is also used to test for lung cancer in people who are current heavy smokers or who quit within the last 15 years).

Women’s Health Screenings

The statistics on breast cancer are sobering. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. The good news is that deaths from breast cancer have been decreasing steadily for the past 30 years, and much of this is attributed to early detection and increased awareness of the disease.

Since most health insurance plans now provide mammograms every one to two years at no cost, there is little reason not to get one. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently recommends that women aged 50-74 years who are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years, though many people begin earlier than that. With many mammograms, there can be a false positive test, or something that looks like cancer but isn’t. This can sometimes cause a great deal of anxiety; however, once an individual has past radiographs on file, the radiologist has

6 | January 2024 prince william living

a reference point to compare from one year to the next to look for changes.

There are many additional options for breast cancer screening, such as the 3D mammogram, ultrasound, and breast MRI. In some cases, these are recommended for women with dense breast tissue, and in other cases, they are used as follow-ups for suspicious findings on a regular mammogram. Cedars-Sinai Hospital recommends that every woman get a risk evaluation at age 30 in order to come up with a screening plan that makes sense for them.

Many factors are used to determine an individual’s risk, so it’s best to talk to a doctor rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Both the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have reduced their recommendations for the frequency of Pap tests and HPV tests. In the past, a Pap test was recommended every year for women aged 21-65. Now that’s been reduced to every three years, if the last test was normal. The change is due to the recognition that cervical cancers take a long time to develop.

Osteoporosis, while not a form of cancer, can have serious effects in older adults. A thinning of the bones, osteoporosis affects women more than men due to the dropoff in estrogen levels after menopause. Estrogen is important for healthy bones. The recommended age for a woman at low risk to get a bone density test is 65 years old. But women with a risk factor such as having a parent who broke a hip, for example, may begin testing at age 50.

If you’re a procrastinator, like many of us are, you probably have several reasons why you’re not up-to-date on your screenings. We’re busy, or we really want to do it but just haven’t gotten around to it.

If your reason, though, is because you’d rather not hear bad news, remember that most problems are much easier to treat the earlier they’re caught. So schedule a health day: plan ahead, stack a few appointments in one day, and give yourself a little pat on the back for a job well done.

Wendy Migdal is a freelance writer who has lived in the Northern/ Central Virginia area since 2000. She enjoys history, reading, and all things dog.

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prince william living January 2024 | 7

destinations

Time Travel at the Manassas Museum

Newly Renovated Museum Ties Manassas's Past to Its Present f time travel were possible in Northern Virginia, one of the best places to come close to it would be visiting the Manassas Museum, which reopened its doors last fall after an extensive renovation. While you'll step into a building that, from the exterior, has a mid-century modern vibe, inside, you'll find a wide range of artifacts that will take you back to the city’s origins. From prehistoric stone tools and points used by Native peoples to signs carried during a social justice protest during a recent rally last year, you'll experience Manassas's place in Virginia's, and the country's, history.

"Our collection spans all of our history," says Mary Dellinger, curator, Museum and Historic Sites, City of Manassas. "We have Civil War collections, textiles, farming equipment, old business machines, toys, memorabilia, books, photos, and all manner of archival materials."

However, the exhibits you enjoyed at the prior museum now exist only in the collective memories of those who visited before the renovation. Dellinger says there is no trace of the old exhibits — most of the spaces in the museum were completely renovated.

"We have a long-term exhibition gallery and temporary exhibition gallery, a new collection spotlight area, and a new exhibit that is a timeline look at the Manassas area history," explains Dellinger, who has a vast understanding of the entire Manassas area. She cares for the museum’s collections and serves as the curator of seven historic properties owned and operated by the City of Manassas.

"The beautiful new Mae Merchant Hall features floor-to-ceiling glass windows that look out on the museum lawn and outdoor

8 | January 2024 prince william living

Photo by WB Marketing

I

By Linda T. Kennedy

One of the exhibits at the Manassas Museum

courtyard space," she says. "This hall can be used for exhibits, programs, meetings, and special events."

You'll also find the new JoAnne Bagnerise classroom space that holds the museum's new genealogy center and can function as a meeting room. The building also includes administrative and public spaces, staff offices, online collections storage facilities, a family restroom, and a nursing room for mothers. But also, some of the interior extends outward — a new-tiered courtyard space functions as an indoor/outdoor space as it opens into the museum's new Merchant Hall.

An Exhibit Like None Other

In the new exhibits, you'll still find some traces of artifacts held in the old museum, including one of the first pieces donated to the Manassas Museum when it was founded in 1974: a Native American stone tool.

"We are very excited about the Native Legacy exhibition, created

Photos by WB Marketing

A display at the Manassas Museum

Baseball uniforms on display

in partnership with the Patawomeck Tribe of Stafford County," says Dellinger. "This display is an expansion of an exhibit we did years ago on the Native peoples that lived in this area before European contact."

The guest curator picked one thing from the list, did the research, and wrote the label for the item. Visitors will find the names of the guest curators listed next to the objects for each year.

The Native Legacy exhibition was partly supported by funding from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s Commonwealth History Fund, supported by Dominion Energy.

Dellinger says the exhibit includes a reproduction longhouse where visitors can enter and touch reproduction objects, animal hides, and other pieces related to native culture while being guided to their significance with text and graphic panels.

Also, Dellinger says visitors will find a good collection of artifacts representing the history of the Manassas African-American community. Then, visitors can continue their journey into Manassas's Black history just a half mile from the museum by visiting the historic First Baptist Church, built by Manassas African Americans in the years immediately following the Civil War.

The Don't-Miss Exhibit This Winter

If you only have an hour to spend in the new museum, Dellinger says you should still be able to visit and see both new gallery spaces, provided you spend your time wisely.

"However, if you had to pick one thing right now, I would recommend the new, temporary exhibition 50 Years in 50 Objects," said Dellinger. "The community created this exhibit to celebrate the museum’s 50th anniversary."

In the exhibit, you'll find a list of five objects for each year the museum has been collecting (1974-2023).

"With these lists in hand, we turned to the community, asking people to become guest curators," said Dellinger. "Anyone who wanted to participate picked one year to be responsible for, and I sent them their list of five things for that year."

"All the years were taken very quickly, and all the guest curators seemed to enjoy themselves," said Dellinger. "Kids and adults participated, and the results are amazing!"

Your Design

Beyond guest curators, many members of the Manassas community participated in developing what the new Manassas Museum is today, down to residents being provided the opportunity to vote on the building design.

GWWO Architects incorporated the community's feedback to create "a community center, providing space for education, conversation, and connection that instills regional pride," according to the GWWO website.

Ultimately, GWWO designed the expansion "to attract new visitors to learn the story of Manassas and provide opportunities to educate, unite, and grow the community.” Now, says Dellinger, those goals are being accomplished with the finished museum.

"We held many community conversations about the building design — what did the community want to see and how did they want the building to work," said Dellinger.

Dellinger says the museum staff will be developing activities and programs for patrons throughout the year. When you visit this winter, you may see school groups strolling by; most of the winter programming focuses heavily on education enrichment programs. However, more programs and activities for the public will begin mid-spring. Watch the Manassas website manassasva. gov/things_to_do/manassas_Museum/ for announcements of upcoming programs in 2024.

Linda T. Kennedy is a contributing writer for Prince William Living. prince william living January 2024 | 9

your finances Emergency Fund: What Is It and Why It Matters

By Bennett C. Whitlock III Private Wealth Advisor

M

ajor car repairs, surprise medical bills, and loss of income are events we don’t tend to give much consideration to until they happen to us. While it may not be as fun as saving for vacation or a home remodel, having an emergency fund in place can make the difference between managing a short-term setback and experiencing long-term financial repercussions.

What constitutes an emergency fund and why is it so important to have one, particularly in times like this? Here’s a primer.

Financial solvency matters. Financial experts generally encourage you to set aside three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an emergency fund. Without it, you are at risk of losing what you’ve worked hard to achieve if life throws a curve ball. A stash of funds can help you meet your monthly obligations, keep your credit report clean and preserve your way of life.

Put your priorities in order. An emergency fund deserves to be at the top of your list of financial priorities. Emergency reserves are designed to provide a safety net to prevent financial disaster. Saving for your retirement comes next, to help protect your financial future. It’s even better if you can save for both priorities at the same time. If you're currently saving for your future, consider allocating a portion of monthly contributions to go toward an emergency fund. Once your emergency account is funded at a satisfactory level and you regularly contribute to a retirement account, you can start setting money aside for discretionary items such as new furniture, a vacation or a vehicle upgrade.

Set a goal. Determine how much you would need to stay afloat for an extended period of income disruption. At a minimum, how much would you need on hand to pay your bills and buy groceries each month if your paychecks stopped coming?

Then multiply this amount by six.

Start where you can. If you don’t have a large chunk of money available to establish your emergency fund right now, don’t let it prevent you from starting an account and working toward your target. Any amount is a step in the right direction — even if that’s $50 or $500. Your next tax refund, bonus, or raise are other potential sources of cash to grow an emergency fund. Revisit your current budget to see where you can trim expenses and put more into savings.

Create and stick to your guidelines. Your emergency fund should be reserved for times of financial crisis. It’s not an account to pay for life’s extras, however tempting that may be. With guidelines in place, you can avoid dipping into these funds unless necessary.

10 | January 2024 prince william living

Keep emergency funds within safe reach. When uncertainty strikes, you may need money in a hurry. For this reason, emergency savings should be held in cash or easy-to-access investments like a money market fund. You also may want to open a dedicated interest-bearing savings account, potentially in a bank separate from your other accounts, to keep your emergency funds at a safe distance if you’re one who may be tempted to spend it.

Working with a knowledgeable financial advisor who understands your savings goals can help you prepare for unforeseen circumstances that can change your life and your family’s life in an instant.

Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC®, is a Private Wealth Advisor and CEO with Whitlock Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 28 years.

To contact him visit whitlockwealth.com, call 877-WHITLOCK or email whitlockwealthmanagement@ampf.com. Offices are located at 12848 Harbor Dr, Ste 101, Lake Ridge, VA 22192 and in Downtown Historic Manassas at 9073 Center Street, Manassas VA 20110. © 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

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prince william living January 2024 | 11

giving back

GIVE BLOOD; SAVE A LIFE

People — and pets — need blood

By Dawn Klavon

B

lood banks are the unsung heroes of health care, serving as the lifeline for countless patients in need. Each plays an indispensable role in securing a steady supply of blood and blood products, which are vital for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatments, and more.

In Prince William, mobile blood drives from the American Red Cross provide frequent opportunities for generous donors to give blood in a convenient way. Local medical facilities rely on the Red Cross for blood supply.

“We do have regularly scheduled blood drives here at SNVMC [Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, in Woodbridge] in our Hylton Education Center, but those drives are done in collaboration with the American Red Cross,” said Jon Radulovic, SNVMC Communications Advisor. “The Red Cross staff come in and set up and conduct the actual blood drive. Here at the hospital, we basically provide the space. In fact, the American Red Cross handles all blood procurement for us.”

29,000 units of red blood cells, nearly 5,000 units of platelets, and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the United States.

The good news? Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people across the country donate blood, according to the American Red Cross. Whole blood donations can be made by donors every 56 days, up to six times a year. Donors need to be at least 16 years of age in most states, over 110 pounds, in good health, and feeling well.

Blood Bank for Pets?

Believe it or not, sometimes animals need blood transfusions too. The North American Veterinary Blood Bank in Manassas provides blood products to veterinarians across the country.

The NAVBB has both dog donors and cat donors and can make

Donors: The Heart of the System

Blood banks rely on the generosity of donors to maintain an adequate supply of blood. The American Red Cross in the Virginia Region serves 118 independent cities and counties with a population of 5.8 million. In PWC, the community’s spirit shines brightly when individuals regularly donate blood to those in need. Local businesses, schools, churches, and other organizations frequently host blood drives, further bolstering the blood supply. To find a blood drive near you, log on to redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.

The need is definitely there. Cancer patients, burn patients, sickle cell patients, trauma patients, and patients with chronic diseases depend on donations. According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood — whole blood, red cells, platelets, or plasma. Approximately

12 | January 2024 prince william living

Veterinary employees caring for a dog

appointments at their Manassas location (9431 Main Street) Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Health care advancements over the past 30 years have changed how pets are cared for. Many health care options available to humans are now also available to pets.

Cancer was once a death sentence; today, the veterinary field offers a variety of chemotherapy options that extend lives, improve symptoms, and even provide cures, according to Samantha Dascomb, NAVBB Marketing Coordinator. As a result of these advances, blood donation and banking are as important in the veterinary field as they are for the human world.

There are currently only 11 veterinary blood banks registered with the Association of Veterinary Hematology and Transfusion Medicine. Combined the veterinary blood banks can only meet about 30 to 40% of the yearly demand for blood products.

“Pet parents need to know that, just like us, pets are susceptible to illnesses that lead to the need for receiving blood transfusions,” said Dr. Melanie Galanis, DVM, Medical Director. “By becoming a regular blood donor, they are giving their pet additional healthcare to help catch changes in their pet’s health early while giving a sick or injured pet the gift of life.”

Blood donations from canine and feline donors are distributed across the country to emergency hospitals, surgery centers, and dialysis centers with each donor saving up to four canines each donation.

“In addition, our donors can opt-in to contribute to longevity studies and research through universities and government studies to cure diseases and create new treatments and technologies for canines,” Dascomb said.

The organization is founded by emergency veterinarians whose goal is to ensure longevity and limit any discomfort for the donors throughout their donation experience, according to Dascomb. If at any time the donor shows signs of discomfort, staff end the session immediately.

Just like people, dogs have different blood types and need specific blood products. The organization asks for a one to two year commitment, and dogs are asked to donate regularly on a monthly basis. Dogs’ lifestyles don’t change, experts say, but they do receive added benefits of annual blood and infectious disease screening.

“We are actively working to improve our ability to meet the everincreasing demand for veterinary blood and blood products,” said Casey Mills, NAVBB Director. “Through our ongoing community efforts and monthly donation opportunities, we are looking to raise awareness and pet donation contributions to ensure that no pet dies due to a lack of blood availability.”

If you’d like more information about how your pet can become a donor, log onto navbb.com.

Dawn Klavon is a contributing writer for Prince William Living.

prince william living January 2024 | 13

health & wellness The Top Five Questions Dieticians are Asked Sponsored by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

A

t the start of every new year, one of the most common habits among Americans looking to improve their health is to set New Year’s Resolutions about dieting. Another common habit for Americans is to break those resolutions early in the year and feel guilty.

As well intended as resolutions might be, they are often unrealistic, making success unlikely — particularly where diets are concerned.

Registered dieticians at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center have found that it can be most helpful for people to understand some basics about food and healthy eating. To help people avoid the guilt that comes from broken resolutions, they share the top five questions they are most frequently asked by the clients they serve.

"What is the best diet?"

This is perhaps the number one question asked, and the answer is, there is no one diet that is best for everyone. The key is finding what works for you. You want to find a plan that is realistic, sustainable, and can fit into your lifestyle. Restrictive diets that eliminate whole food groups may be effective in the short term but are not sustainable or beneficial for longterm health. A healthy diet incorporates a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

"Are carbs bad for me?"

Carbohydrates are present in a wide range of foods, some healthy and others not so healthy. Carbs include grains like bread, pasta and rice, starchy vegetables like potatoes, peas and corn, fruits, dairy, and beans. Our bodies prefer to use carbs as fuel, so it is recommended that you consume carbohydrates, but the source of carbohydrates can make a difference.

Processed or simple carbs are foods where all of the good nutrition has been removed and you are just left with the sugar.

These are things like white bread, sweets, cereals, and sugarsweetened beverages. Good or complex carb choices are those in which the natural fiber, vitamins and minerals are left in the food. These include things like fruits, whole grains, beans, and dairy. When incorporating carbohydrates into your diet, choose complex carbohydrates the majority of the time.

"Should I take a daily vitamin?"

It is best to get all the vitamins and minerals you need from food. You can do this by eating a varied diet including lots of fruits and vegetables. Each color of fruit and vegetable contains different nutrients, so it's important to eat a rainbow. If you are not able to eat a varied diet, then it may be good to take a daily

14 | January 2024 prince william living

multi-vitamin. Vitamin D is often supplemented because it is best obtained from sun exposure, and many of us are not able to get the amount of sunlight needed for adequate levels. Ask your doctor to test your vitamin D level so you know if you should start a supplement.

"Which foods raise my cholesterol?"

There are different types of cholesterol. There is your total cholesterol, LDL, or bad cholesterol, and HDL, or good cholesterol. The goal is to raise your HDL and lower your LDL. Foods that raise your bad cholesterol are those with saturated fat. These foods include butter, high fat meats like steak, and full fat dairy products. Foods that raise your good cholesterol are healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts. Foods packed with fiber, like beans and whole grains, also help lower your bad cholesterol. Contrary to popular belief, foods that contain cholesterol like eggs and shrimp don't actually raise your cholesterol.

"How many calories should I eat to lose weight?"

This will vary from person to person. Calories are calculated based on our height, weight, age, and activity level. To lose one pound per week, you want to burn 500 more calories than you eat per day. That means you either want to consume 500 calories less than your body needs, burn 500 extra calories through exercise, or a combination of the two. It's important to remember that not all calories are created equally. You should focus more on the quality of your diet and make sure you're eating from a variety of food groups and minimizing processed foods.

If you would like to focus on a healthier you in 2024, you can meet with a registered dietician at Sentara for guidance. A referral is required from your health care provider, and most insurance companies cover the appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact Sentara Diabetes and Nutrition program at 703-523-0590 or visit sentara.com/nutrition to learn more.

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prince william living January 2024 | 15

family fun

Start the New Year Off Right

By Jennifer Halter

W

ith the start of a new year, many people are motivated to begin new routines or freshen up current ones. After a long winter break, the first month of the year is a great time to create or revamp routines for your children, too. Here are some ideas to kick off 2024.

Tidy Your Space

Being surrounded by clutter can have a negative effect on your mental health. For some, it can bring on feelings of overwhelm, sadness, and even anxiety. Start a new family routine to help keep all of the spaces in your home tidy each day. This doesn’t necessarily mean spotless, because having kids doesn’t always make this a realistic goal. But, each member of the family can be responsible for picking up in their own personal spaces, such as bedrooms and playrooms, and divide chores in shared spaces, such as the kitchen and living room. If this task is overwhelming, it’s okay to start small and do a 10-minute tidy of each space, each day. Set a timer and see how much you can pick up, throw away or declutter in ten minutes and commit to doing this every day. Once you’ve mastered 10 minutes, gradually add on additional minutes each week until you reach the amount of time your family needs to keep your home tidy.

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To add more excitement to this activity, because let’s be honest, you’ll probably have to make this a “challenge” or “beat the clock” game. Instead of seeing how much your children can do in the set time, challenge them to see who can accomplish the most.

Move Your Body

Whether you’ve resolved to lose weight or simply want to be more active this year, commit to doing a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes of intentional, daily movement. By specifying “intentional,” it means that the activity is not part of your normal daily routine (such as walking a lot at work) and is something you set aside time for. For adults, it can be a little easier to find options for movement. You can head to the gym, do workouts at home, or go for a run or walk on your lunch break.

Activities for kids can be a little more limited this time of year due to cold temperatures and everyone’s desire to hibernate indoors. One idea for daily movement is to take a family walk around your neighborhood. After being in school and at work all day, this is a great way to get fresh air and clear your minds. Does your household have some dance moves? Turn on some music and have a freestyle living room dance party. Not only is this a

great cardio workout, but it will surely bring out lots of smiles and laughter.

There are many indoor recreational options for kids, if they fit within your budget. Visit a rec center to see about winter sports, try indoor swimming classes, or even sign up for a dance class. You may be able to find yoga or other fitness classes that allow children to participate.

Create Meal Plans Together

If you’re on a quest to eat healthier and/or save money in 2024, one easy way to accomplish these goals is to create meal plans for your family. Not only can you try new recipes and prepare dishes with better ingredients, but you can save money by only purchasing the groceries you need. With a good plan in place, you’ll also be able to skip the drive-thru that tends to be too tempting when you don’t know what to do for dinner.

Choose a time each week to sit down as a family to create your menu. Invite each family member to brings ideas for new things they would like to try or recipes they may find. You can get creative by having special themed nights or choosing one night during the week to eat foods from a different country.

Make a Schedule

Adults and children alike can thrive on routine, so creating a schedule for your family can have many benefits. Keep an organized and updated calendar that is easily accessible to all family members. You can use paper calendars, dry erase calendars, or even electronic calendars. Each time you make an appointment or other commitment, make it a habit to put it on the calendar as soon as possible. Write in all school activities, sports, and other extracurricular activities and work obligations, such as travel. Review the calendar as a family often, at least once per week. If transportation needs to be arranged for activities, decide who will be driving and be specific with drop-off and pick-up times. Having details like this planned out in advance will help eliminate the stress that can creep in during busy weeks and keep your household running smoothly.

Not sure where to start with creating new habits this year? Choose one that is most important to you and master it before moving on to another. Small steps forward can take you far!

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

After you decide on the menu, have the family help with the grocery list. Check your refrigerator and pantry to see what things you already have on hand and make a list of any additional ingredients you may need.

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prince william living January 2024 | 17

local flavor

MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT The Bone BBQ’s two locations bring authentic smoked barbeque to PWC

By Dawn Klavon | Photos by Mark Gilvey

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t’s becoming rarer every day. In a world where corporate chains are taking over the restaurant landscape, locals Bobby Lytle, Mike Hoover, and Pat Lytle pride themselves on not only living in the community but also serving it. The group of relatives own and operate The Bone BBQ, with locations in Old Town Manassas and Gainesville.

“The Bone BBQ consists of two family-owned and operated locations with scratch-made meats, sides, desserts, and sauces,” says Pat Lytle, the managing partner responsible for all catering services, concession locations, food truck operations, and social media.

“Our family owned a BBQ restaurant in California, which we brought to Virginia,” he says. “Several of the original recipes have stayed the same but we certainly have put our own spin on things over the years.”

Guests flock to the two popular locations for meats that are smoked daily and pulled or cut to order. Pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken wings, St. Louis ribs, pulled pork nachos, and stuffed potatoes draw a loyal fan base. Lytle says the secret to their great BBQ is time and attention to preparation, and that’s why their most popular entree — pulled pork — is worth pigging out on.

And the casual dining spots have received praise for their creations, being awarded Best BBQ of Northern Virginia for more than seven years from Virginia Living Magazine and Best of Prince William from Prince William Living Magazine.

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“The small community of employees and customers that we’re friends with are the best thing about it,” says Lytle, who grew up in Manassas. “Creating good food is our top priority, but we wouldn’t be able to sell any of that if we didn’t have a good community of people that work for us or a community that comes through the door.”

Bringing BBQ to PWC

The restaurant’s first location in Gainesville opened in 2011, offering a patio, large indoor area, craft beers on tap and a tempting menu. Located in the Wegmans Shopping Center on Route 29, the convenient spot drew diners from across the region.

As their BBQ gained fans, the owners decided to expand in 2014 into Old Town Manassas, on Battle Street.

Barbeque fans enjoy The Bone’s classic hickory smoked meats and homemade sides (cole slaw, potato salad, beans, mac and cheese, and more) six days a week at this second location. Burgers, salads, chili, and stuffed potatoes are also available, meeting the needs of every palate.

Lytle says pulled pork is their number one seller, in the nachos in particular, but also in sandwiches and platters. Other favorites include honey bourbon chicken wings, smoked for an hour and fried to order. Chicken, brisket, and cornbread are also frequently ordered dishes.

“The cornbread is more like corn cake,” he says. “It’s kinda sweet — it’s not for everyone, but a lot of people are obsessed with it.”

Some of the entrees available at The Bone

The Bone's entrees are full of flavor.

The restaurants offer catering and a bulk menu as well, to accommodate parties and large gatherings. Family packs and kids’ menu items round out the classic BBQ and offer flexible options for every diner.

Rave Reviews

Humble Beginnings

Diners online offer positive reviews and solid dining advice.

“Come for the cornbread, stay for the brisket chili,” says one happy customer. Diners also enjoyed extras, like four varieties of BBQ sauces, cocktails, and pie.

The Bone was born from an east coast/west coast family who has a deep love of all things barbeque. The story goes that in 2009, the Hoover/Lytle clan, based in Gainesville, took a family vacation to southern California. In sunny San Juan Capistrano, the family owned and operated Bad to the Bone BBQ was a bucket-list destination for the east coast visiting family.

The family of owners of The Bone aren’t sure what’s next for the two locations. For now, they are focusing on raising their young children in the community and serving outstanding BBQ cuisine to diners in Prince William. Their family friendly, communitycentered restaurants do what they can to provide excellent food and customer service.

It was meant to be; Mike Hoover (east coast family member) fell in love with Bad to the Bone’s pulled pork nachos, and the rest is history. Even though Hoover had a thriving career in technology, he wanted to take a leap of faith. Two of his sons, Bobby Lytle and Chase Hoover, had just graduated with degrees in Hospitality Management from Virginia Tech and wanted in on the deal. And so it began: the two newly minted BBQ pros interned at Bad to the Bone in California to learn the ropes and brought east a wealth of meat-smoking know-how. On Halloween evening, 2011, Bad to the Bone Smokehouse opened its doors in Gainesville.

“We’re going to raise our family here — the business is doing well,” Lytle says. “Maybe one day they’ll be a part of the business too.”

Dawn Klavon is a regular contributing writer for Prince William Living.

prince william living January 2024 | 19

on a high note Manassas Chorale Celebrates 30 Years with Upcoming Anniversary Season

By Jessica Schmitt

A

Photo courtesy Savannah Halstead

singer with a dynamic, angelic voice is nothing short of spectacularly impressive. Getting a group of 100 such singers together, ranging from sopranos to basses, is even more so. Establishing a group of talented singers and building an enduring honorable reputation over 30 years is simply extraordinary. Manassas hosts an organization of this caliber: the Manassas Chorale. The group is in the midst of a spectacular 30th anniversary season. From winter performances to collaboration productions, the season is stirring up joy, inspiration, and fun.

Background and Growth

The Manassas Chorale started as a group of about 25 singers in 1994. In 1997, the chorale came under the leadership of Artistic Director Rebecca Verner, who continues to lead 26 years later.

Verner’s strong leadership and steadfast pursuit of excellence has been critical to the organization’s success. Combined with the group’s 14-member board of directors, Ms. Verner’s direction has seen the ensemble quadruple in size. The Manassas Chorale now consists of about 100 audition-approved members. It is one of six Arts Partners at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas and in its 14th year as the official choral group in residence there.

Verner is excited about the 30th anniversary year. She said, “We began our 30th season with a number of new and returning singers… There was a sense of excitement as we welcomed everyone and we anticipate adding new singers with every segment this year.”

30th Anniversary Season

For its 30th anniversary season, the Manassas Chorale will hold four mainstage performances at the Hylton Performing Arts

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Close up of Artistic Director Becky Verner directing.

Center. The fall concert, titled “The Places We’ll Go,” was held on Oct. 14 at a special 4 p.m. matinee time featuring local high school choirs. “Sounds of the Season,” its most popular concert, was held in December.

The Voices United Concert in March will be performed with the Voices United Festival Choir and a guest soloist. Titled “Raise Your Voices High,” the concert will be led by guest choral director Dr. Anton Armstrong of St. Olaf College. At this performance, the chorale will premiere a commissioned sacred piece by composer Joseph Martin.

To finish off the season, the group will perform with the Greater Manassas Children’s Choir for its spring concert, “Musical Pearls from Three Decades.” This show will also include a premiere, a secular piece by composer Mark Hayes. The two commissioned pieces the chorale will premiere this season will be published and available internationally for performance by other choirs.

On the impact Manassas Chorale performances have, Ms. Verner

Photo courtesy Savannah Halstead

Most of the Manassas Chorale, some of the orchestra, with Artistic Director Becky Verner directing.

said, “When we present our concerts at the Hylton Center, everyone wins! Our audience appreciates the variety of music we perform and our singers are a musical family…” In addition to its performances at the Hylton, the group performs an annual Christmas candlelight concert in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Community Engagement

The Manassas Chorale engages with the community throughout the year with pro bono performances, including performances in Old Town Manassas, retirement homes and assisted living facilities, area churches, civic group gatherings, and museums.

Given their popularity, the group is often asked to perform at groundbreakings, dedications, receptions, and sporting events.

In 2023, the Manassas Chorale performed at the National Night Out in Old Town Manassas, the reopening of the Manassas Museum celebrating its renovations, the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Prince William County Arts Council’s annual “Arts Alive!” festival, and the Manassas Latino Festival.

The chorale also engages in supporting the community by donating food and other items to nonprofits. Additionally, the group provides education and performance opportunities to students. The Greater Manassas Children’s Choir, high school, and college students have the opportunity to learn from and perform with the organization. This exposure to professional caliber vocal talent expands their horizons and experiences.

Mission and Future

The Manassas Chorale has a clear mission. Membership in the group offers the opportunity for singers to showcase and grow their musical talents. The chorale provides high-quality

performances for entertainment, enrichment, and enjoyment of classical and modern music, and the group serves as an ambassador of music for Northern Virginia. And to top it all off, members works to meet social, educational, and cultural needs within the local community.

Looking to the future, the Manassas Chorale is focused on short-term goals of two to five years. Still working on returning to its full strength following the hardships of the pandemic, one of their major goals is to increase the diversity of both its membership and its repertoire. The group wants to promote an inclusive place where singers can grow and develop their vocal talents, as well as share those talents with the community.

Additionally, they seek to help relocating and new businesses in the community enhance their location to help promote the economic development of the community as a whole. The chorale also maintains the goal of enriching the social and cultural scenes of Northern Virginia.

How Can You Get Involved?

Tickets to Manassas Chorale shows at the Hylton Performing Arts Center can be purchased in person at the Hylton Center Box Office, online at hyltoncenter.org, or by calling 703-9937759. Individual concert tickets are available throughout the season ahead of time or at the door. Children and students can see any show for free.

Visit manassaschorale.org to make donations or for more information about the organization. The Manassas Chorale can also be reached via email at info@manassaschorale.org.

Jessica Schmitt is a contributing writer for Prince William Living and can be contacted at jschmitt@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living January 2024 | 21

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home & hearth Indoor Projects to Keep You Busy This Winter

By Erin Pittman

W

e’ve reached the point in the cold months where some of us may be dreaming of warmth and outdoor activities.

As you pine for those warmer days, make the most of the time indoors this winter by taking on a project or two. Here are some ideas to help you engage your creativity, access those organizational skills, or tap into your inner interior designer.

Organize, Organize, Organize

Look around your home. Are there any areas that are driving you mad with clutter? Is there a space that could be much more functional? Pick a spot and create some Zen. Does your Tupperware cabinet have four lids for every tub? Match up what you can and toss the rest. How about those bookshelves? Could they use a bit of straightening and purging? Pull books you no longer need and drop them off at a Little Free Library near you.

(Visit littlefreelibrary.org to locate one!) Perhaps you have a bin of photos you’ve been meaning to file in photo boxes since 2012.

Or maybe your photos and files on your computer are a disaster, and what you really need is a digital decluttering. Tackle it!

Repurpose a Space

During the pandemic, many of us became masters at repurposing spaces out of necessity. Take a look at each room of your home, or even each area of each room, and ask yourself if you’re maximizing your space. Is your formal dining room best used as a formal space, or do you and your partner really need a shared office space? Is your fancy living room that’s off limits to the kids best for your family, or would it be better as a second space for homework and reading? Even that corner in your master bedroom with the chair that collects clothes you’ve only worn once and intend to hang up — what would be better there? How about a laundry center or extra storage that wouldn’t allow you to toss things on top? It’s your space — make it what you need.

Add a Coat of Paint

Though not terribly glamorous, using your indoor time to touch up scuffed walls throughout your home can make a big difference. If you’ve got a room or two that leave you feeling blah, add a painted accent wall or a fresh new color. Check out your favorite painter’s websites or stores to find the latest trends in paint colors for 2024. Sherwin Williams’ color of the year is Upward, “a breezy, blissful blue,” and Benjamin Moore named Blue Nova 825 as their hottest pick.

Give a Room a Facelift

You can certainly go all in and do a complete remodel of your kitchen or bath, but if you’re not quite ready to go that big, try a facelift. In the kitchen, install a backsplash to accessorize or emphasize your cabinetry area. Swap out the hardware on your cabinets and install a new, upgraded faucet. In the bathroom,

24 | January 2024 prince william living

you can do much of the same with your cabinetry and faucets, towel racks, and toilet paper holders. You can go a step further and install new mirrors, buy new rugs, and add a new shower curtain. With most bathrooms being smaller spaces, a full makeover often isn’t a huge undertaking.

Enjoy the interior warmth of the cold months and tackle some of those projects that you never seem to make time for when it’s too nice outside to stay in. Before you know it, the grass will be sprouting and you’ll be back outside tackling those gardening and exterior projects.

Erin Pittman (epittman@princewilliamliving.com) is Editor in Chief of Prince William Living. Though she makes it sound easy to pass the winter months indoors, she’s grumpy about the cold and is dressed in layers snuggled up with her dog as you read this. And while her books ARE purged and organized, she and her husband will be painting with you this winter.

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calendar “Making the Most of Prince William Living”

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

Ice Skating

Harris Pavilion 9201 Center Street, Manassas Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center | 14901 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge Weather permitting, the ice rinks at the Harris Pavilion and Stonebridge will be open. Visit .manassasva.gov/parks_culture_ and_recreation/ice_skating.php and stonebridgeptc.com/home/skating for hours of operation.

Mason SBDC: Government Contracting 101

Thurs. Jan. 4 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Zoom webinar presented by Prince William Chamber of Commerce Essential steps for government contracting will be covered in this webinar. Speaker: Timm Johnson, Director, Mason SBDC. Register: clients.virginiasbdc.org/reg. aspx?mode=event&event=110440001

Scam Awareness: Income Tax Fraud

Sat. Jan. 6 | 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Bull Run Library 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas This presentation will teach you how to spot and avoid becoming a victim of income tax fraud. While IRS and tax scams happen year-round, they are particularly common during tax season.

This presentation will explore what these frauds look like and how to spot and avoid becoming a victim of an income tax fraud. Register: pwcgov.libnet.info/ event/9222735.

12th Annual Prince William County Public Schools Student Exhibition

Begins Tues. Jan. 9 at 10 a.m.

Runs through Feb. 17 Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas This student artwork from Prince William County Public Schools features original art and represents the creative talents of students from elementary to high school. PWCS’s visual arts program prepares students to be visually innovative and to develop an awareness and appreciation of visual art.

Veterans Lunch Bunch

Tues. Jan. 9 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Potomac Place 2133 Montgomery Avenue, Woodbridge Potomac Place invites veterans to a monthly lunch in their honor. Two fellow veterans may accompany you for this complimentary meal. Every second Tuesday of the month 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

O.W.L.s: Older Wiser Learners — Themes in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Sermons

Tues. Jan. 9 | 1 to 2 p.m.

Bull Run Library 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas MLK Jr.’s speeches provide most of our knowledge of him. This presentation focuses on themes in eight of his sermons.

Illustration: Ink and Watercolor

Wed. Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

ARTfactory 9419 Battle Street, Manassas Great illustrators masterfully bend realism to suit their visual storytelling and capture the reader’s imagination.

Learn techniques, tips and tricks from published children’s book illustrator Emily Thomson. Materials will be provided via supply fee. For ages 15 & up. Register: 111791.blackbaudhosting.com/111791/ Illustration--Ink--Watercolor-11024

Books on Tap

Wed. Jan. 10 | 7 to 8 p.m.

Cedar Run Brewery 12801 Hazelwood Drive, Nokesville Craft beer and a book discussion in this book club hosted by Cedar Run Brewery and Prince William Public Libraries. You can pick up a copy of Berried Secrets by Peg Cochran at the Nokesville Library or check out the eaudiobook on Hoopla.

Contact Sunny scarito@pwcgov.org for more information.

Evick’s 14th New Years After New Years Party Sat. Jan. 13 | 7 p.m.

The Salisbury Center 8890 Mathis Avenue, Manassas This party has been a hit for years and gets bigger every year. Four of the original members of Some Odd Reason are getting together for the first time in 25 years. Ephitol will bring the noise and the Roadducks will add their professional touch to the night. Tickets: TheSalisburyCenter.com.

Woodbridge Parkinson’s Friends Group

Wed. Jan. 17 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Potomac Place 2133 Montgomery Avenue, Woodbridge This group is designed to connect individuals and families living with Parkinson’s with others on the same journey. It is a safe space for questions.

Facilitated by Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Center. Hosted

by Potomac Place with support from SynergyCare of Lake Ridge. RSVP: sonia. gow@inova.org.

Westminster Concert Bell Choir

Fri. Jan. 19 | 7 p.m.

All Saints Catholic Church 9300 Stonewall Road, Manassas Under the direction of Mrs. Kathy Shaw, the Westminster Bell Choir performs on the largest range of handbells in the world (eight octaves). The choir stops in Manassas on a tour of the East Coast.

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

26 | January 2024 prince william living

Exoticon Manassas

Sat. Jan. 20 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas A wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, mammals, including sugar gliders, ferrets, hamsters, birds, and more.

Perfect outing to come with friends and family to see animals that aren't sold at your typical pet store. This is the perfect time to stock up on feeder rodents and insects that your exotic pets will love.

Pied Piper Theater Presents Guys and Dolls Sat. Jan. 20 | 2 and 7 p.m.

Sun. Jan. 21 | 2 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Guys and Dolls is a classic American musical set in the bustling streets of New York City. It revolves around the lives of gamblers, gangsters, and the women who love them. Tickets: hyltoncenter.org.

Mathnasium Math Night

Mon. Jan. 22 | 6 to 7 p.m.

Potomac Library 2201 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge Practice your math skills with games and activities so fun you won’t even know it’s math. For grades K through 5.

Registration required: pwcgov.libnet.info/ event/9392609.

Your PWPL Digital Library

Mason SBDC: Start a Business (Legal and Administrative Steps)

Thurs. Jan. 25 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Zoom webinar presented by Prince William Chamber of Commerce Get ready for opening day! Join this webinar to learn t startup essentials.

Speaker: Bernard Ferret - Senior Business Counselor, Mason SBDC & Serial Entrepreneur. Register: clients.virginiasbdc.org/reg. aspx?mode=event&event=110440003

Elder Care Workshop: Combatting Elder Financial Abuse with Comfort Keepers

Thurs. Jan. 25 | 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Central Library 8601 Mathis Avenue, Manassas John Schwartz, a retired Special Agent for the FBI and founder of the Center for Combating Elder Financial Abuse, offers a 45-minute presentation on various convicted elder financial abuse criminals and strategies on how to protect the elderly.

Prince William Historic Preservation Lecture Series Washington’s Marines: The Origins of the Corps and the American Revolution, 1775-1777 Thurs. Jan. 25 | 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Avenue, Manassas Maj. Gen. Jason Q. Bohm discusses the Marine Corps’ humble beginnings and what it achieved during the early years of the American Revolution. The men, strategy, performance, and personalities of the Corps’ formative early years are told as a single story.

Wool Drop Spindle Workshop at Haislip-Hall House Sat. Jan. 27 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow Making cloth is a long, painstaking process that starts with spinning fibers into threads and yarn. At this workshop, you will learn the history of textiles and how to use your own drop spindle. With a bit of practice, you will be spinning your own yarn in no time! This is a joint program with Prince William Public Library’s Bull Run Makerspace.

Registration required: parksandrec. pwcgov.org.

We Create & Foster Enduring Image!

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

pwcva.gov/digitallibrary

Have an event? Visit princewilliamliving.com/events to submit details for our online calendar. prince william living January 2024 | 27

James Villani, Music Director

Emil Cheytanov “Seriously Fun” March 2 • 7:30pm Tickets: HyltonCenter.org

571-402-4713

TSmith-Photography.com

www.manassassymphony.org Children/Students Free

Tavan@Tsmith-photography.com

Give the Gif of CAMP! UnderTheStarsInc.org camp@underthestarsinc.org

Under the Stars Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Donations support camp program and financial assistance.

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