Prince William Living March 2023

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PASSING DOWN FINANCIAL VALUES

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HOW TO RAISE GOOD LEADERS

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GHANA JOLLOF

prince william living March 2023

The premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Meet Our Five Influential Women!

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A Very Garden Appeal PAGE 12

Beekeeping: A Buzzworthy Topic

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princewilliamliving.com

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table of contents March 2023 | Vol. 13 | No. 3

FEATURE STORY 2023 Influential Women Awards

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DEPARTMENTS

12

16

FROM THE PUBLISHER Influential Women Shine This Month

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DESTINATIONS Classic Memoirs Offer Armchair Escapes and Therapeutic Trip Planning Tools

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GIVING BACK A Very Garden Appeal

12

FAMILY FUN How to Raise Good Leaders

16

LOCAL FLAVOR Ghana Jollof: Serving Ghanian Dishes Prepared With Love

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LIFELONG LEARNING Beekeeping: A Buzzworthy Topic

20

CALENDAR

26

COLUMNS YOUR FINANCES HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME & HEARTH

18

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prince william living Rebecca Barnes

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

Erin Pittman EDITOR IN CHIEF epittman@princewilliamliving.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Linda Kennedy, Dawn Klavon, Dominique McIndoe, Rebecca Barnes, Rena Malai, Wendy Migdal, 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

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS info@princewilliamliving.com

Prince William Living, the premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas, is published monthly by Prince William Living, Inc. The opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Prince William Living. © 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 | March 2023 prince william living

from the Publisher Influential Women Shine This Month

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arch is always an inspiring month at Prince William Living with our Influential Women Awards. Check out our feature and be wowed like I was at all these influential women are contributing to our community. After reading about their accomplishments, check out Family Fun for our best tips on raising leaders of your own.

Giving Back brings you the story of an influential family whose women have been dedicated to the Manassas Garden Club for decades. Read their story and learn how you can become a part of a wonderful group and contribute to our community at the same time. And if you love flowers, you likely have an appreciation for the bees who pollinate them! Our March Lifetime Learning article can get you started on your own beekeeping journey, from helping you locate supplies to finding courses to teach you everything you need to know.

Two articles this month will show you how to enjoy the cultures of other countries right here at home. Ghana Jollof restaurant is serving up the finest authentic food from Ghana. Get all the details to plan your visit and experience delicious African food in our Local Flavor column. And if you’ve got traveling on the brain but the only place you’ll be traveling to is your armchair, then this month’s Destinations is for you! Discover travel books that have inspired our writers and find out where to locate your own copies.

As spring inches closer, it’s time for that annual spring cleaning!

Our Home and Hearth article will help you accomplish all you need to without the overwhelm.

You’ll find all of this and more in this month’s magazine. Be sure to keep the fun coming by subscribing to Prince William Living.

Your $20 donation to Give Back Prince William gets you 12 issues directly to your mailbox. Visit princewilliamliving.com/allaccess-membership to subscribe.

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

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prince william living March 2023 | 3

2023 Influential Women Awards Making a Difference — Improving Prince William

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By Dawn Klavon | Photography by Rob Jinks

ach of the women honored for this year’s Influential Women Awards has had her fair share of hot water in her career and her lifetime. But as Mrs. Roosevelt so aptly said it, hot water can bring out the strength she never knew she had — strength to distribute food to hungry children, foster equity and inclusion, assist the immigrant community, mentor marginalized women in the workplace, and support local nonprofits, businesses, and residents.

Each of the following women leads courageously and selflessly by serving others, which, as it turns out, is the true test of greatness.

Prince William Living Magazine is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Influential Women Awards.

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Congratulations to these Influential Women!

Kristina Keech Spitler Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian attorney Kristina Keech Spitler is a visionary leader with a passion to see her community thrive.

After years of investigating various leadership programs and considering different models best for Prince William, Spitler helped create Leadership Prince William, Inc. Originating from a joint task force of the Prince William CountyGreater Manassas Chamber of Commerce and the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce, Spitler pulled the right people together to ensure the program’s success. She left no stone unturned, drafting articles and bylaws that brought two competing chambers together, recruiting board members and the executive director, and developing the organizations' vision, mission, and operational plans.

“Leadership Prince William unites a dedicated and diverse group of leaders committed to growing and strengthening our community,” said Yolanda Burnett, Spitler’s nominator. “For the first time in our area, it brings together business, government, and nonprofit/civic organizations to focus on our community.”

As Leadership Prince William graduates, leaders are more knowledgeable about the area and committed to bringing diverse skills, talents, and leadership to the community. A member of the first class, Spitler continues to serve on the Board of Regents.

On top of that, Spitler formed the local Prince William chapter for the Society for Human Resource Management. The PWSHRM recently completed the 11th Annual Employment Law Summit, where Spitler updated local business owners and human resource individuals on new government and local law updates.

Amazingly, Spitler devotes substantial time and energy mentoring not just the young associates in her office but other young women in the community. She intentionally highlights accomplishments of young women who work with and for her,

while encouraging them to be better leaders. Spitler created the founding chapter of the Prince William Virginia Womens’ Attorney Association and works with organizations such as Justice Like Me to ensure her efforts extend to young women of marginalized backgrounds.

“She is devoted to improving her profession and the young women within it,” Burnett said.

Evelyn BruMar

Evelyn BruMar wants to make a true difference in the world. To that end, she founded and serves as Executive Director for the Casa BruMar Foundation, a non-profit group bridging the gap for the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to equality in education, social services, and human dignity in the Commonwealth of Virginia and in Prince William.

Her aim is acceptance, assistance, and advocacy. In 2022, the Gainesville resident provided LGBTQIA+ competency and inclusivity training for three local law enforcement agencies as a part of their Crisis Intervention Training. In addition, BruMar provided the same robust training to Prince William County Public Libraries staff.

“Over the past year, Evelyn has directly helped two clients within the Greater Prince William area in need of housing as they escaped from homes where they are no longer welcome, due to just being who they are,” said wife Heidi BruMar, nominator, and secretary/board member for Casa BruMar Foundation. “The clients receive short-term financial assistance, help connecting with resources, and personal support.”

Working completely pro bono, BruMar is passionate about the Casa BruMar Foundation mission to support the LGBTQIA+ community across the Commonwealth. She works diligently to (continues on page 6)

prince william living March 2023 | 5

(continued from page 5) connect clients to resources and support organizations, and to help them when they run into obstacles.

Her influence is evident by the advisory boards on which she proudly serves. BruMar is the Vice Chair of the Prince William Human Rights Commission, hearing cases about possible discrimination within Prince William. She is also a member of the LGBTQ Advisory Board to the Governor of Virginia, and as such has been networking with other advisors across the Commonwealth. As if that were not enough, BruMar chairs the Health Committee on the board and provides input to the Governor on a number of issues affecting the Virginia LGBTQIA+ community. She has been tirelessly devoted to her cause, colleagues say.

“Evelyn's passion and caring nature has led her to form a foundation that can help our community,” Heidi said.

Vanessa Gattis

Dr. Vanessa Gattis has spent a lifetime leading.

Now a retired colonel, the Woodbridge resident served in the U.S. Army for more than 30 years before moving to the private sector. In 2018, Gattis endeavored to combat food insecurity by establishing a nonprofit organization called Prince William County Community Foundation.

“She learned that over 14,000 students are left hungry over the summer months when school is not in session,” said Monae Nickerson, her nominator.

“She instituted a program called the Combating Hunger on Wheels, or C.H.O.W., Wagon Initiative to distribute food to children and residents across PWC.” Since 2019, Gattis’ organization has distributed almost 650,000 meals for food insecure children and residents in the county.

But Gattis expanded the foundation to do even more. Through her efforts, in 2022, six high school seniors were awarded $16,000 in scholarships, and she helped 14 non-profits raise over $90,000 to continue to operate and fulfill their mission.

Her leadership skills were front and center during the summer of

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2022, when she led the PWCCF’s successful community Backto-School event, drawing more than 2,500 community residents and 40 sponsors.

“During the event, over 1,000 backpacks were distributed so that the students in Prince William County would return to school fully equipped with school supplies to have a successful start of the year,” Nickerson said. “She believes together, WE can make a difference!”

Known throughout our community for her exemplary work ethic, integrity, and fortitude, Gattis’ goal is to see Prince William thrive, offering community members a better quality of life.

“She not only talks the talk, but she walks the walk,” Nickerson said. “She is a very humble leader who wants to bring out the best in others — I am honored to call her a friend and sister.”

Donna Flory

Donna Flory always goes the extra mile. Though she has served as the Community Service Chair of the local Rotary and class speaker for the Leadership Prince William Class of 2022, she continues to look for more opportunities to positively impact lives in her community.

“Mrs. Donna has a heart of gold and is always seeking ways to help others,” said Dr. Sabrina Ricks, her nominator. “She dresses us for every holiday and goes out to mingle with the kids and the elderly… over the Christmas holiday she went out into the community dressed as an elf singing Christmas carols.”

It turns out Flory is quite a talented musician, excelling at playing the trumpet and performing for well-attended community events including the "Hanging of the Wreaths" ceremony at the Arlington Cemetery. She sets an example of love, hard work, and helping others, all while having fun.

“Mrs. Donna is fun, upbeat, and always smiling,” Ricks said.

“She is the life of the party — what an inspiration and example for women all around!”

issues through consultations and presentations,” said Catherine von Zakrzewski, Shea’s nominator.

Flory’s zealous commitment to the community knows no boundaries. She serves as a Community Volunteer Leader and Leadership Council member of the American Red Cross in Prince William, member of the Fauquier Bank Board of Directors, and an active alumn of Leadership Prince William.

Due to her unique and advanced skill set, she is a primary educator on immigration consequences of crimes and helps ensure criminal lawyers and judges are apprised of the law on these issues.

“Honestly, it's hard to think of organizations that Donna isn't involved in,” said Patrick King, who nominated Flory. “I really can't say enough about Donna and her impact.”

Flory has made substantial contributions to Prince William’s business community for many years, consistently supporting local nonprofits, businesses, and residents. Nominators emphasize that she’s been an inspiration for so many in the area, whether their focus is business, volunteerism, or sponsoring local causes.

“She's one of those members of the region that you can always count on to lead the charge for making Prince William County a better place,” King said.

Lisa Shea

Lisa Shea is a nationally recognized immigration lawyer, working tirelessly to support immigration and human rights. Shea founded Immigrants First, PLLC in 2007, an immigration and human rights law firm, employing 10 women. More than a year ago, she merged with Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C. to head up the firm's immigration law practice.

Her valuable contributions are getting noticed. Shea was awarded the 2021 Prince William County Universal Human Rights Award for her outstanding work assisting the immigrant community in the county and for her relentless efforts pursuing justice and due process.

“Ms. Shea routinely offers pro bono assistance to community leaders, judges, lawyers, pastors, and teachers on immigration

Women’s human rights is yet another specialty for Shea. She’s won many cases involving severe gender-based persecution and torture of women, served on the board of ACTS/Turning Points, and skillfully trained their staff on women's human rights and immigration issues.

As president of the Prince William Virginia Women Attorneys Association Chapter, Shea created unique and robust networking opportunities for women. Her incredible work has been recognized, as she won the Justitia Award in service of the advancement of women in Prince William County in 2015. She worked as an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center on women's human rights issues for five years and twice volunteered at the border to help women and children who were fleeing gang violence and human trafficking.

“She is an amazing lawyer and human being — she helps clients heal their traumas,” said von Zakrzewski. “Her first question as a lawyer and community service provider is always ‘How can I help?’”

Dawn Klavon is a contributing writer for Prince William Living.

Reach her at dklavon@princewilliamliving.com.

Congratulations to all our 2023 Influential Women Nominees!: Traci Ali

Sultana Karim

Evelyn BruMar

Tara Melvin

Januari Coates

Guinevere (Gwen) Rowell

Madlin Edmonds

Olivia Savage

Donna Flory

Lisa Shea

Maritza Gabriel

Nijiama Smalls

Vanessa Gattis

Nydia Soto

Cristina Gilliam

Kris Spitler

Amy Poole

Joy Teller

Tiffany Izenour

Michelle Viggiano

Jessica Jemmott

Wendy Weldon

prince william living March 2023 | 7

destinations Classic Memoirs Offer Armchair Escapes and Therapeutic Trip Planning Tools Use our writers’ favorite books to inspire your next getaway

By Linda T. Kennedy

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Anna Bedell, a writer at Prince William Living, decided if author Elizabeth Gilbert could spend a year traveling and writing the New York Times Best Seller Eat, Pray, Love, she could do something similar with two weeks in Paris.

"I also booked a flight to Paris, and I'm going August 14 for 2 weeks on a solo trip," Bedell said in a text message to her friend with news about a difficult life change.

Bedell's message about going to Paris had a sober tone rather than one of excitement; the trip would be for recovery.

"I'm going to find myself in Paris," Bedell said, planning to model her agenda after something similar to the activities in Gilbert's book.

In Eat, Pray, Love, Gilbert chronicles how she chose Italy, India, and Indonesia as her destinations to recover from a divorce. She gained self-awareness through experiencing the food, romance, and dedicated meditation and prayer in those countries.

"Anna in Paris, Vignettes Du Jour"

Like Gilbert, Bedell recorded her trip and compiled a memoir, "Anna in Paris, Vignettes Du Jour," photos and brief stories that illustrate the personal illuminations she experienced. While she hasn't published her memoir yet, Bedell says it's an invaluable record of a time she overcame a difficult period.

"Somewhere along the line I realized I had put everyone else

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in my life first, and going to Paris was a start towards putting myself first," she said.

Bedell credits Gilbert's book with providing her with the best travel guide she needed to plan her recovery journey.

"Each day there, I did something to focus on one of my senses just like Gilbert did in her book," said Bedell. "I ate in little bakeries and small cafes to taste life again; I lingered, and searched my soul in beautiful museums, and I fell in love with the streets of Paris."

Eat, Pray, Love is available at booksellers and Amazon.

They Rose Above It by Bob Considine

The best way to travel and work simultaneously is to become a reporter — at least that's what Prince William Living Writer Linda Kennedy thought when she chose journalism as a career.

Yet while she has yet to make it outside the United States — she has historical journalist Bob Considine's book They Rose Above It to take her around the world.

Like a hidden cafe off the beaten path of a famous tourist destination, known more by word of mouth than on the map, Considine's journalist's memoir is a rare book and an armchair travel gem back into some of the world's most historical moments.

The book, published when Considine died in 1975, starts by taking readers to the Space Center in Houston.

"Did you ever fall into an elevator shaft on the U.S.S. Hornet

in full view of the President of the United States on the day astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins returned from man's first voyage to the moon? No? I did," said Considine, followed by an account of how he survived the embarrassment in front of President Richard Nixon.

Considine also takes readers to East Grinstead, England during World War II, Saigon during the Vietnam War, Seoul, Korea, and numerous places throughout the Unite States.

"Last year [1948] I spent time in Palm Springs, Paris, and Mexico City. I covered the Kentucky Derby and talked to the Pope. I even saw the World Series," Considine told Time magazine in a 1949 profile. "It's a pretty good job."

Finding the Game Changers

In the book, readers discover many of the locations Considine traveled to as a journalist and the behind-the-scenes moments with the world's newsmakers during his 45-year career. But his focus is on the game changers he discovered along the way, not the name makers. They inspired Considine with their ability to survive extraordinary circumstances, things he witnessed "off the record."

"You may find a knight or two in shining armor in this book, but please tolerate them. They slipped in through a side door.

Perhaps the publisher failed to notify them that this book is devoted largely to the heroism and stoicism of persons who were not born with silver swards in their mouths, not lumpy with great muscles — just people who discovered in themselves a measure of majesty they may not have known they possessed when the chips were stacked against them. People like you, let's say," Considine said.

And that would be Considine too; his prolific work and career weren’t things he planned or aspired to do. According to the Time profile, Considine worked as a government messenger, typist, and clerk in Washington, and played tennis as a sport.

The Washington Herald hired him as a tennis reporter when Considine complained to the editors about misspelling his name in an amateur tournament report.

Eventually, Considine became a mid-20th-century media star in his own right; he wrote for The Washington Post and papers owned by media magnate William Randolph Hearst. He also had a radio show and made television appearances later in his career. Considine's work is most recognized with the 1944 film adaptation of Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, a book he wrote with Ted Lawson.

The most remarkable thing about They Rose Above It is the book's compact size — so much is packed into 111 pages and broken down into easy-to-read small chapters. Copies are scarce but can be found on Amazon and in collector's bookstores.

Linda T. Kennedy is a contributing writer for Prince William Living.

Your Next Armchair Trip is Just a Short Drive Away: Barnes and Noble has copies of Eat, Pray, Love available, as well as other great armchair travel books.

Barnes and Noble Address: Westgate Plaza 8117, Sudley Rd, Manassas Phone: 703-393-0910 To locate They Rose Above It and other travel-themed collector books, tour these bookstores: 2nd & Charles Address: 2904 Prince William Pkwy, Woodbridge Phone: 703-680-3175 McKay Used Books Address: 8345 Sudley Rd, Manassas Phone: 703-361-9042 Bookworm Central Book Fairs Address: 12193 Livingston Rd, Manassas Phone: 703-367-0045 Order: bookwormcentral.com

2023 scholarship Application Closes April 14, 2023 About Scholarship The Prince William County Community Foundation supports promising high school graduates from Prince William County annually through our scholarship program to ensure access to positive post-secondary pathways.

Eligibility Must be a graduating senior at a Prince William County, VA Public High School Plan to attend an accredited two-year or fouryear college or university Involved in both extra curricular and community service activities Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA

How to Apply Submit a complete electronic application (including transcript, FAFSA report, and essay response) by April 14, 2023.

Application Site https://bit.ly/pwccfscholarship2023

www.pwccfoundation.org

Visit our website for additional guidance and FAQs For additional questions or info, please email us at info@pwccfoundation.org

prince william living March 2023 | 9

your finances Passing Down Financial Values

By Bennett C. Whitlock III Whitlock Wealth Management

A

ccording to a recent study from Ameriprise Financial, eight in 10 people say passing on their financial values to the next generation of their family is important to them.* That’s with good reason. Financial wisdom is a gift that can have lifelong rewards and last longer than a monetary gift. If you’re looking to impart financial values to your children, here are nine ways to get started.

1. Teach financial awareness. Expose your kids to real-life money management scenarios early on. Let them know that bills must be paid each month. Explain why you save for unexpected expenses as well as larger purchases. It may surprise them to learn that it costs money to borrow money.

Remove the mystery of how money changes hands and why it’s important to be careful with it. Instill confidence that they can be good earners and use their earnings in productive ways.

2. Provide guardrails. Give your child the opportunity to learn limits, even if your own resources are plentiful. Help them identify the difference between what they want and what they need.

of financial discipline and generosity. Adult children can benefit from knowing about the strategies you use to preserve and grow generational wealth. They may need guidance on what happens when money is passed on, including how to set up an inherited account and how to manage and grow a financial windfall.

3. Help them save. Encourage your kids to save at least a portion of what they earn through allowance, chores, or a part-time job. Show them how small steps can take them far. Like any habit, saving takes practice before it becomes second nature.

8. Keep the conversation going. Money talks don’t need to be one-sided lectures. Let your kids ask questions. Ask them about their own financial goals and dreams. Be a resource as they grow.

4. Show as much as you tell. Your children are watching where you invest your time and money. See that your actions align to the messages you want your kids to receive.

5. Involve kids in charitable causes. Children learn valuable lessons by helping others who are less fortunate. Allow them to choose a charity to support. Volunteer and fundraise together. Encourage them to set aside a portion of their own money that they can donate to causes they care about.

6. Promote balance. Help kids see that money is a means to an end, rather than an end itself. Impart the necessity of making money, but not at the expense of everything else that is important.

7. Prepare them for inheritance. According to the Ameriprise survey, only 19% of parents who intend to leave an inheritance are willing to share financial details with their heirs.* Yet keeping heirs in the dark may create confusion and misunderstandings. An estate plan is a great example

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9. Refer them to the experts. Expose them to books, podcasts, and people who can teach them how to be financially savvy. When they become adults, introduce them to your financial advisor. With insight into financial planning in action, they’ll be more apt to apply these principles to manage their own finances.

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. *Ameriprise Money & Family study (2022) © 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

You’ve worked hard to achieve success. You deserve financial advisors who work as hard for you.

As an Ameriprise private wealth advisory practice, we have the qualifications and experience to help navigate your complex financial needs. Whether it’s investment management, tax strategies or legacy planning, we can work with you to grow and preserve what you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Call us today and discover the personal service you deserve.

Whitlock Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

12848 Harbor Drive #101 Lake Ridge, VA 22192 877.WHITLOCK whitlockwealth@ampf.com whitlockwealth.com

Not Federally Insured | No Financial Institution Guarantee | May Lose Value The Compass is a trademark of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice.

Consult with a tax advisor or attorney.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

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prince william living March 2023 | 11

giving back

A VERY GARDEN APPEAL

By Rena Malai

O

ne of the earliest memories for Cecelia Rhoads is watching both of her grandmothers garden. Although they had equally impressive green thumbs, she remembers her maternal grandmother, Becky, in particular constantly digging.

“She grew up on a farm in southern Virginia, and she had a remarkable eye for floral design,” Cecelia Rhoads said. “She always had her hands in the soil.”

It runs in the family. Cecelia is current President of the Manassas Garden Club, following in the footsteps of her Grandmother Becky and her mother Leigh Ann, who also held the presidency in the past.

“We have been a part of the club’s lineage for 60 years,” says Leigh Ann Rhoads, who serves as current Vice President.

Together with a team of about 25 members, the mother-daughter duo works to aesthetically enhance the community year round, through planting, design, and annual projects.

Rooted in Community

The Manassas Garden Club is a volunteer organization, founded in 1923, and it is the oldest running garden club in Prince William. The goal of the club is to beautify the city and county.

Residents may have passed an outdoor potted plant at a shopping center or walked by a landscape around town put in place by the club’s hard working members.

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“We are celebrating 90 years in 2023,” says Leigh Ann. With two main fundraising projects a year — a spring plant sale and a poinsettia sale in the fall — the club uses the funds for its community beautification projects. Most recently, this included designing and maintaining a garden on the grounds of the Manassas Museum and planting trees throughout Manassas and the county.

These kinds of community beautification efforts can take other forms besides gardening, like improving accessibility. The club worked on this within Nelson Park and installed a handicap accessible walkway for park goers to use.

“This was a great project that we worked very closely with the City of Manassas on,” Cecelia said.

Another interesting aspect of the Manassas Garden Club is its devotion to floral design throughout the entirety of the club’s 90 year existence. It involves an emphasis on members learning the ins and outs of arranging flowers as well as participating in flower shows to showcase creative floral designs for both judging and general admiring.

Although floral design is something some folks may be apprehensive to try, Leigh Ann says it’s something most embrace wholeheartedly after learning a few basics.

“Many members, including myself, may not join knowing much about it so there’s some trepidation,” she said. “But everyone brings such tremendous creativity to the table.”

Photos courtesy of Manassas Garden Club

Leigh Ann and Cecilia Rhoads work with a team of about 25 members to support the community, provide educational opportunities, and create fellowship within the club.

The Manassas Garden Club leads community beautification projects throughout the area.

According to Cecelia, many people feel concerned about handling flowers and worry they may damage them and ruin the design. But they’re not as fragile as they seem.

Membership is open to anyone, and no previous gardening experience is necessary, although an interest certainly helps.

Requirements include a $25 membership fee, attendance in at least two meetings a year, and participation in one community project.

“Flowers are not as delicate as you think,” she says. “You can shove them in there, move them around, and it can unleash so many creative aspects.”

She loves seeing members complete a floral design, since it’s almost always apparent which person did each arrangement, and they can be quite unique.

“Some people have a cleaner aesthetic, and go for simplicity and using just one kind of flower, others enjoy lots of color and variety in their design, others will be very symmetrical,” Cecelia says. “It’s always interesting to see what people come up with.”

Starting out with floral design for the first time doesn’t have to be tricky. She advises using whatever is local and available at the moment.

“I like to get outside, and use something that’s seasonal,” she says.

“It doesn’t have to be floral. Something like a clipped, curly willow branch in the winter can make a great centerpiece design.”

Growing and Joining

The one thing that keeps the Manassas Garden Club going is its members, and the Rhoads are excited to extend an invitation to anyone interested in joining.

“We have a wonderful diverse membership, with various skills and talents, and we’re looking to expand,” Cecelia said. “Our club does wonderful, impactful work within the community.”

Potential members can email Leigh Ann at leigharhoads@gmail. com for more information on how to sign up and with general questions.

Even though the club is fast approaching a century in the making, the Rhoads are interested in new, innovative ways to keep things moving, and they welcome fresh perspectives.

“Joining us will give you a wonderful learning experience, and a wonderful way to give back,” says Leigh Ann. “We are looking forward to welcoming new members and all the new ways of improving our community.”

Follow the Manassas Garden Club on Instagram @manassas.garden.club Rena Malai is a freelance writer in Prince William and a regular contributor to Prince William Living.

prince william living March 2023 | 13

health & wellness New Spinal Navigation Technology Allows Advanced Procedures, Expert Care Sponsored by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

T

he Neurosurgery team at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is using the latest treatments and technologies to provide a high level of care close to home.

Curve™ Image-Guided Surgery is being used for advanced neurosurgery procedures. Curve™, by BrainLab, provides surgeons with better guidance and control during surgery to enable less invasive, more precise, and safer procedures, giving patients better outcomes and a faster recovery.

“Spinal navigation is primarily offered at large hospitals, which limits patient access,” says Dr. John P. Lynes. “Having this technology locally allows us to provide our patients with a higher level of care closer to home. With better visualization of the surgical site, incisions can be minimized, critical structures, such as blood vessels and nerves, are better protected, and overall outcomes improve.”

Curve™ Image-Guided Surgery displays 3D images of the patient’s anatomy based on CT, MRI, and other types of scans.

Utilizing touch-screen monitors and two infrared cameras, surgeons are able to track the patient’s exact position on the operating table relative to the surgeon’s instruments.

“Like a GPS for the spine, this technology lets us [surgeons] know exactly where we are at all times. It's an incredibly powerful ‘surgical sixth sense,’ allowing us to reliably place and double check screws during procedures, such as lumbar fusions. This precise tracking helps us keep the patient safer and makes surgery more efficient,” says Dr. David A. Weiner.

Curve™ helps surgeons identify the surgical entry point and entry angle. Then, the 3D images instantaneously update to provide guidance during surgery. These high-quality images show crystal clear tissue differentiation that, along with the rapid refresh rate, allow surgeons to easily navigate and protect delicate structures in the body.

At Sentara, Drs. Lynes and Weiner have used the technology for fusion and stabilization procedures. Whether such procedures are necessary as a result of trauma, tumors, or degenerative spine disease, the technology allows for smaller incisions and more precise screw placement. Yet, the technology can be used for virtually any brain or spine procedure.

In addition, Curve™ is a total information gateway, allowing physicians to view, share, and connect easily to tools both outside and in the operating room. Neurosurgeons can plan surgery and share treatment plans with other doctors on the

14 | March 2023 prince william living

L to R: David Weiner, MD and John Lynes, MD performed the first Curve™ by BrainLab procedure at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in the fall of 2022.

patient’s care team, providing greater coordination of care.

“There are many ways we work to improve the health of our community,” says Julie Billingsley, Director, Patient Care Services, Orthopedics and Neurosciences at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. “That’s why we continue to add new, advanced technologies that help our surgeons offer less invasive, better coordinated, and safer care.”

To learn more call 703-523-9875 or go to sentara.com/neuro

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family fun

How to Raise GOOD LEADERS

By Rebecca Barnes

L

eadership is a skill that can be learned. It takes time, effort, and patience to raise good leaders, but it's worth the effort. You might not see the results right away, but as your child grows up and gains experience in life, you'll see that your efforts have paid off.

that some children don't know what it means, and as a result, they may not understand how to apply their skills as leaders in their school, community, and personal lives.

Listen.

n A leader does not demand respect; he or she earns it. A boss tells people what to do; a good leader inspires them to follow by setting an example himself or herself.

Listening is an important skill for leaders. Listening helps you understand others, learn from them, and build relationships. As a result, listening helps you make better decisions and get more done with less effort.

Teach kids not to interrupt by talking about how they feel when someone doesn’t let them have a turn. Show them to listen by listening to them when they want to express their feelings or ideas. Repeat back to them to show you understand.

Talk to your child about what a leader is.

One of the most important things you can do to help your child become a good leader is to teach what leadership is. The term “leader” is used so casually

16 | March 2023 prince william living

Here are some ways to explain the concept of leadership:

n A good leader needs followers just as much as followers need a good leader. The best leaders surround themselves with people who are smarter than they are, because they know that adding smart people to their team will make them stronger too! n Good leaders use words carefully because their words have power — a lot more power than most people realize! An effective speaker doesn't just talk louder than everyone else at the table (even though some might think this works); instead, they find ways to communicate effectively by speaking softly

while maintaining eye contact so that everyone can hear clearly what they are saying at all times without having anyone feel overwhelmed by noise levels.

Use exemplary leaders as role models.

Instead of trying to mold your child into a leader, give him opportunities to discover what interests him and who he wants to be. Let him try new things until he finds his passion — and then support his efforts as he learns what works best for him!

Read books to your kids or encourage them to read biographies of leaders you wish your kids to model.

You can also use movies or documentaries to introduce these leaders to your kids. Talk about people they know who are leaders and what about them makes them a good leader.

If your child isn't interested in being a leader right now but still has some leadership characteristics that need refining (like assertiveness), help her learn how best she can express herself without being hurtful or offensive by giving her some space and flexibility when speaking up on behalf of others.

Encourage your child to try new things and learn from mistakes.

Make sure your kids understand the importance of good followership.

When your child makes a mistake, don't criticize him or her. Instead, ask questions to help them understand why it happened so they can avoid making similar mistakes in the future. You should also encourage your child to try new things and learn from their experiences. For example, if your child wants to play an instrument or learn how to dance, but you think their talents might lie elsewhere, let them try it anyway. Your child may surprise you by being better at something than you thought!

Nurture their passions and interests, even when they're different from yours.

If you have a child who's passionate about something, encourage them to pursue it. If your daughter loves ballet, for example, make sure she gets lessons and that you support her in that endeavor.

If you don't agree with what your child is passionate about, try to understand why they feel the need to explore those interests instead of trying to change their minds — you might be surprised by what you learn!

As they grow up, it's important to make sure your kids understand the importance of good followership. Good leaders have been great followers at some point in their lives. The best way to learn how to be a good leader is by following someone you respect and admire, who has qualities that you admire yourself. Your child may have trouble understanding this concept at first because they haven't had much experience as a follower yet; but if they can see what makes their role models so special, they'll be more likely to emulate them later on. In addition to being humble enough not to take credit for other people's ideas or accomplishments, true leaders also recognize when someone else has done something amazing — and acknowledge their contribution accordingly!

Children who learn leadership skills will have an advantage later in life.

There is a lot of room for leadership skills to be learned.

Good leaders are often good followers, so it’s important for children to learn the value of following others and following instructions.

Of course, there are some things that are off-limits: no matter how much you love video games or music videos (or whatever), if your teen wants to spend all day in their room playing Fortnite or watching YouTube videos instead of doing homework or participating in extracurriculars at school then that's where we need to draw a line. We don't want our kids' future employers thinking they'll show up late because they spent all night playing games online!

Leadership skills can also be learned from your peers, teachers, parents, and other family members.

Make sure your expectations are realistic.

Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living, and founding task force member of Leadership Prince William, www.leadershipprincewilliam.org. Reach her at rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com.

Your children are not mini-you. They don’t have the same skills or desires, and they won’t reach the same milestones at the same time. If you push your kids to do something they don’t want to do, it will backfire — and it might even push them away from leadership altogether.

Raising good leaders isn't easy, but it's certainly not impossible. It takes a lot of work from both parents and children, but the payoff is worth it. By teaching your kids to lead others well now, you'll be helping them become great leaders for years to come.

prince william living March 2023 | 17

local flavor

GHANA JOLLOF Serving Ghanian Dishes Prepared With Love

By Dominique McIndoe / Photos by Mark Gilvey

The Beginning

In 2020, the majority of the world was experiencing loss, uncertainty, and displacement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, many also found hope in new beginnings, gratitude for life, and caring for others. Afua and Kofi Mintah created the Ghana Jollof restaurant under these circumstances three years ago, and have managed to successfully build community spirit through the rich food and culture they share.

“Ghana Jollof began in the middle of the Covid pandemic,” Afua said of the Woodbridge-based restaurant in Potomac Mills Mall.

They also have a location in Fredericksburg’s Spotsylvania Town Centre and plan to expand to the Mall at Prince George’s in Hyattsville, Maryland. They briefly operated as a food truck in 2021. “We started with one employee and currently have nine.

We’re proud of our ability to have expanded quickly to other locations since our inception.”

The Cuisine

Jollof, which is one of their most popular dishes and is the restaurant’s namesake, is a colorful West African rice dish served with meat (like fish or chicken, among others), vegetables or salads, spices and seasonings, tomatoes, onions, and peppers.

This dish, packed with loads of flavor, is a staple in celebratory social gatherings in Ghana, Nigeria, and all across West Africa.

“Food has always been an effective trigger of the sweet and wonderful memories of my childhood years in my mother’s kitchen,” Afua recalls. “The inspiration behind Ghana Jollof was, and remains to be, recreating this experience, and sharing

18 | March 2023 prince william living

Afua Mintah, Co-owner of Ghana Jollof.

the delightful tastes with our customers.” It was important for Afua and Kofi to reconstruct these same great experiences and memories by cooking up authentic tastes that people from every background imaginable could enjoy.

Spring Rolls with vegetables (top left), Jollof with jerk chicken (top right), and yam with croaker (bottom right).

In addition to Jollof rice, the restaurant’s diverse menu includes plantains, curry, oxtails, jerk chicken, fufu with peanut butter soup, and waakye, a Ghanaian dish of cooked rice and beans.

They not only serve West African dishes, but they also showcase common Caribbean cuisine, which gives Ghana Jollof’s menu representation of food from all over the African diaspora.

“The food was really great and seasoned perfectly,” said LaShawn, a Ghana Jollof customer from Woodbridge. “Had a little kick of spice and the price was just right! I will definitely be back to try more.”

Latisha Brown, another patron, shares similar sentiments.

“The taste of their jollof rice and chicken was simply delicious,” she said. “I ordered some more for my family and friends. I'm officially a Ghana Jollof customer for life.”

Starting an ambitious restaurant venture in the midst of a pandemic has reaped great rewards but has also presented challenges for Afua and Kofi Mintah.

“The pandemic did throw a wrench in the industry across the board, and the challenge has been to remain competitive in the midst of rising cost of goods,” says Afua. “Getting funding has been a challenge for the business.”

Since Afua and Kofi seek to fulfill the need for African cuisine in various locations in the DMV area, they’ve aimed to be their customers’ “first choice for delectable and robust flavors in a range of homemade food through great service and at a competitive cost,” Afua said.

The pandemic also motivated Afua and Kofi to think strategically as a business and emphasize customer safety as one of their top priorities. As a result, Ghana Jollof encourages maskwearing and social distancing in all of their public spaces per official guidelines in an effort to limit any potential spread of COVID-19. They also encourage ordering meals online for no contact delivery if you feel like your health is at risk.

Community

During 2023 and beyond, their goal is to continue to provide great food and take their flavors to new locations.

In addition to providing great food at their restaurant locations, Ghana Jollof also caters several events throughout the year and partners with organizations working on initiatives that enhance community cohesion.

“We support various local food and clothing drives,” says Afua.

They have previously served teachers in the Prince William County Public Schools and Prince William soccer teams. March 6 also marks the day of Ghana’s independence, which will be a celebratory day for Ghana Jollof locations.

To order, hire for catering events, or to work with Ghana Jollof, visit www.myghanajollof.com, call 703-910-4365, or email them at info@ghanajollof.com.

Dominique McIndoe (mcindoe@princewilliamliving.com) is an associate editor at Rowman & Littlefield and a longtime writer. prince william living March 2023 | 19

lifelong learning Beekeeping: A Buzzworthy Topic

By Wendy Migdal

S

ay the word “beekeeper" and the image that comes to mind is probably that of a brave and possibly eccentric soul in what looks like other-worldly garb, or perhaps a hazmat suit.

Prior to about 2007, beekeeping may have seemed like a very niche hobby. That year, a phenomenon called Colony Collapse Disorder became widely known. Commercial honeybees were disappearing. And since they are a keystone species (one on which many other species in an ecosystem depend), people became concerned, and rightly so, about the future of bees.

John Klapperich of The Bee Store in Lake Ridge explains that people are drawn to apiculture for several reasons. Some want to do their part to help the declining population, which, he points out, is not endangered due to the short life span of honeybees and the speed that the colonies can be rebuilt. However, this does result in an increase of prices at the grocery store.

Other potential beekeepers use the bees to pollinate their own gardens in an effort to be self-sustaining. Some are healthconscious. “You started seeing programs about how honey is adulterated. It really brought some awareness to what you’re eating.” Still others want to start a business, making and selling honey and other beeswax products.

Honeybees play a critical role in agriculture, and many of the foods we enjoy today — melons, peppers, blueberries — would not be possible without the pollination of honeybees.

Interestingly, there were no honeybees in North America prior to 1622, when they were brought to the Jamestown colony.

(There were, of course, plenty of other species of bees, who do their share of pollinating.)

John Klapperich of The Bee Store in Lake Ridge.

Nevertheless, he encourages people to learn as much as they can, and to go to reliable sources. There are many beekeeping clubs and associations in the area, including Prince William Regional Beekeepers Association. Some have monthly, and others, bimonthly meetings. Most offer Bee School (a severalweek course in introductory beekeeping), which are usually held during the winter months. He offers classes in his store on a variety of topics and keeps a hive in the store that he uses for illustration purposes. There are also online courses through universities.

Klapperich says CCD was responsible for most of the surge in interest in beekeeping, although COVID has played a role too, as it has with almost everything. “We saw an influx of new interest because people were stuck at home. They were looking for hobbies to do at home because you couldn’t go anywhere,” he says. He himself became interested when he retired from the military and wanted something new to do.

“You can expect to spend about $1200 to $1500 dollars to get started,” says Klapperich. “Some people have a little bit of sticker shock at that.” After that, though, he says it’s not too bad. New beekeepers purchase a small nucleus colony (called a nuc), transport them home in their cars, and install them in their waiting beehives. “The bees are free-range,” he chuckles. (In fact, bees can travel 5 miles from their hive in a day and return home for dinner at night.)

Getting Started

Benefits

If this puts a bee in your bonnet, there’s still time to get in on the bee action this year. May is when new beekeepers get started. And don’t think that it’s beyond your reach. “I tell people that beekeeping is about 90% easier than raising a puppy,” Klapperich says. “You install bees in your beehives and you check on them once a week. You feed them when there is no food and inspect them for pests and diseases, but beyond that, there’s not much to it.”

20 | March 2023 prince william living

Beekeeping as a hobby has a number of things going for it.

Many people derive satisfaction out of knowing they’re doing something to help the environment. Klapperich says they can see the benefits of increased pollination not only in their own backyards, but in the whole neighborhood, though he cautions that the changes may not be immediately apparent. And like a rain barrel or rain garden, it’s a way to turn your own property from being part of the problem to part of the solution.

Beekeepers check on their hives about once a week, feed them when food is not available, and inspect them for disease.

Klapperich keeps a hive in his store for educational purposes.

Beekeeping also gets you outside, and many people find that it’s beneficial to their mental health. Not only that, like many other hobbies, there’s a whole new community to become a part of.

which is very transient, it’s easy to offload the hives if you have to move,” he says. “Someone will come to pick them up from you.”

Common Concerns

But what about bee stings? Won’t you be stung all the time?

Klapperich says no. “Honeybees are not aggressive. People mostly get stung when they step on them, or when they fly into ladies’ hair.” He even knows people who are allergic and still keep bees, with full protective gear on. “But that’s a conversation between you and your doctor.”

In Prince William, a person is allowed by law to keep four hives on a 10,000-square-foot property. “But for people in this area,

If all this sounds like the bee’s knees, we suggest you contact the Prince William Regional Beekeepers Association at pwrbeekeepers.com to learn more.

Wendy Migdal is a freelance writer who has lived in the Northern/Central Virginia area since 2000. She has written extensively for The Free Lance-Star and also works for online educational companies. Wendy enjoys traveling around the area to learn about parks, restaurants, attractions, and especially history.

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Omni@OmniRide.com • 703.730.6664 prince william living March 2023 | 21

in Historic Old Town Manassas Souper Bowl – Feb 3rd Mad Hatter Madness – Mar 3rd Hop Around Downtown – Apr 7th

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Summer CAMPS

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Plan Ahead for

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Bands After the Boom – July 7th Dog Days of Summer – Aug 4th Festival de otoño – Sept 1st

Summer Camp registration at MPCC opens st

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Southern Nights – Oct 6th

Be the first to know when registration opens!

Sign up at: mpdpr.com/stayconnected

Fall Gallery Walk – Nov 3rd Santa Lights Manassas – Dec 1st KH

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Nominations Are Now Open!

It's that time of year again. The Prince William Living Extraordinary Teens Awards 2023 is now open for nominations! If you know an amazing high school senior, consider nominating them for our award by filling out our form at the link below. Winners will be featured in our June issue of Prince William Living.

Entries are due by April 14th.

princewilliamliving.com/extraordinaryteens/ prince william living March 2023 | 23

home & hearth Spring Cleaning: A Comprehensive Guide for a Deep Clean

By Rebecca Barnes

S

pring is the perfect time to give your home a deep cleaning.

After a long winter, it's essential to freshen up your living space and eliminate the dust and grime. A deep clean can seem overwhelming, but with some planning and preparation, you can have a clean and refreshed home in no time.

Here's a comprehensive guide to help you tackle the task of deep cleaning your home this spring: 1. Clean your mattresses and vacuum the box springs. Dust mites and other allergens can accumulate in your bed, leading to allergies and other health problems. Vacuum your mattresses and box springs to remove dust mites and other allergens. Turn your mattresses every three to six months to ensure even wear.

2. Wash or air pillows. Pillows can collect dust mites and other allergens over time. Wash your pillows or air them outside on a sunny day to remove any allergens and freshen them up.

3. Wash baseboards, door ceilings, window sills, doors, and walls. Start by removing any cobwebs and dust from the ceilings, walls, and baseboards. Use a damp cloth and a gentle cleaning solution to clean these areas. Pay attention to any marks or scuffs on the walls, and use a magic eraser to remove them if necessary.

4. Clean under, behind, and inside refrigerator and stove. Dirt and grime can build up in the crevices of your refrigerator and stove, making them look dirty and dingy. Clean these areas thoroughly to remove any dirt and grime and refresh the look of your appliances.

5. Clean lampshades, globes, and dust lightbulbs. Dust can accumulate on your lampshades and globes, making them look dull and dingy. Dust these areas thoroughly to remove

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any dirt and refresh the look of your lighting. Remember to dust your lightbulbs too!

6. Wash windows, storm windows, and screens. Clean windows can make a big difference in the appearance of your home. Clean the inside and outside of your windows using a squeegee for best results. Don't forget to clean your storm windows and screens too.

7. Dust blinds and wash window treatments. Dust and dirt can build up on your window treatments, making them look dull and dingy. Dust your blinds and wash your window treatments, such as drapes and curtains, to refresh the look of your windows.

8. Swap out clothes for the season. Spring is the perfect time to switch out your winter clothes for your spring and summer clothes. Put away any winter clothes you won't use, and pull out your spring and summer clothes to make room in your closet.

9. Change batteries. Spring is a great time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and other devices. This will ensure that your devices are ready to go if you need them.

10. Deep clean your carpets and floors. Start by vacuuming all carpets and floors. Remove any rugs and take them outside to beat off the dust, then vacuum. Spot clean any stains on rugs and carpets. Deep shampoo all carpets. Sweep your floors, then mop per instructions appropriate for the surface (tile, hardwood, vinyl).

Deep cleaning your home this spring is a great way to refresh your living space and eliminate any accumulated dirt and grime.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can tackle the task efficiently and have a clean and refreshed home in no time.

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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?

Now online, our publisher Rebecca Barnes will help you discover how to “Make the Most of Prince William Living.” Meet the people behind greater Prince William’s premier lifestyle magazine. Visit princewilliamliving.com/ lunchwiththepublisher.

Family Movie Night

Thursdays 6:30 to 10 p.m. epiQ Food Hall 14067 Noblewood Plaza, Woodbridge Complimentary popcorn, lounge seating, and delicious cuisine for every taste.

Free kids’ meals from Little Miner Taco and half price kids’ meals from Stacks Signature Sandwiches.

Manassas Farmers Market

Saturdays | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Prince William Street Commuter Lot 9024 Prince William St., Manassas With 100+ vendors, shoppers can choose fresh produce, flowers, foods, and a variety of local goodies. Weather permitting, live bands play keeping everyone entertained.

No pets allowed at the market.

Dale City Winter Farmers Market

Sundays | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dale City Commuter Lot 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City Since 1987, Dale City Farmers Market has been at the forefront of serving Prince William County residents. With 20+ vendors in the winter, it’s one of the largest open-air markets in the region.

Read Across America Day

Thurs. Mar. 2 | 10:30 a.m.Hylton Chinn Park Library 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge Celebrate Read Across America Day at Chinn Park with a scavenger hunt and a special guest reader at story time.

McCall Studio Gallery 35th Anniversary Show Spring Event

Fri. Mar. 3 | 6 to 9 p.m.

McCall Studio Gallery 9409 Battle Street, Manassas McCall Studio Gallery is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a spring event. RSVP at facebook.com/ McCallStudioGalleryDMVISUALLLC.

redcross.org or contact 1-800-REDCROSS to schedule your life-saving donation. Use sponsor code Montclair Community Library. Some walk-ins will be accepted as schedule allows.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

Sat. Mar. 4 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas Children's and maternity consignment sale — everything your kids need and want at 50-90% off retail! The event will feature clothing for boys and girls, shoes, baby equipment and gear, maternity items, feeding and bathing gear, bedding, room decor, outdoor and indoor toys, sports equipment, electronics, books, games, musical instruments and toys, strollers, and so much more!

Fri. Mar. 10 & 17 | 8 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 11 & 18 | 2 and 8 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 12 & 19 | 2 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Prince William Little Theatre presents the story of a local spelling bee gone rogue.

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of "words" as they hope not to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell, signaling a spelling mistake.

Come along for the ride as the contestants navigate the stress of the moment and compete for the title of winner. Tickets: hyltoncenter.org.

Artist Talk: Lori Ivey Alexander

Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Just Between Friends MEGA Kids’ Consignment Sale

Sat. Mar. 4 | 2 to 4 p.m.

ARTfactory 9419 Battle Street, Manassas Meet Lori Ivey Alexander at her solo art exhibit “Stories that End in Freedom.”

Through the works in this exhibition, the artist explores themes of Black and Indigenous American perseverance, resilience, and healing. The abstract paintings and figurative collages were inspired in part by the fluidity and power of water and its ability to transport people across the world and across sensory experiences.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Tues. Mar. 7 | 12 to 5 p.m.

Montclair Library 5049 Waterway Drive, Dumfries Give the gift of life by donating blood at your library. Please register online at

Sat. Mar. 11 | 11 a.m.

Historic Downtown Manassas The 2023 Manassas St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held on March 11, 2023.

Monthly Veterans Luncheon

Tue. Mar. 14 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Potomac Place 2133 Montgomery Avenue, Woodbridge All veterans are invited to this monthly luncheon; two fellow veterans may accompany them for this complimentary meal.

MEGA Networking Event – Spring

Wed. Mar. 15 | 8 to 10 a.m.

Out of the Blue Restaurant 5005 Wellington Road, Gainesville Level up your business with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.

Showcase your business in the Chamber's

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

26 | March 2023 prince william living

Expo, featuring businesses from across the Prince William Region, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

Cooking a Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Meal

Sat. Mar. 18 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.

Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas Many 19th century Prince William County citizens traced their roots to Ireland.

The meals they prepared reflected their Irish ancestry. Participants will be able to prepare and taste traditional Irish dishes in the historic slave quarter at Ben Lomond.

Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather. Advance registration is required: 703-367-7872.

Manassas Chorale: With One Voice

Sat. Mar. 18 | 7:30 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas The Chorale joins forces with the Voices United Workshop Choir, a guest clinician, and a lively orchestra to “raise the roof” in this annual concert of sacred music that includes toe-tapping spirituals, beautiful melodies, and stunning arrangements.

Don’t miss the final piece that combines performers for a feature boasting 150 musicians! Tickets: hyltoncenter.org.

2023 Spring Conference – Prince William County Green Business Council Tue. Mar. 21 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Battlefield Hilton Garden Inn 7001 Infantry Ridge Road, Manassas A full day conference with speakers from PWC government, environmental sessions, local exhibitors and a networking lunch. Topics for breakout sessions include business recycling, managing waste and liability, financial advantages of environmental sustainability, environmental investing, environmental philanthropy, and more! Register at pwcgbc.org/2023springconference.

Manassas City Library 10104 Dumfries Road, Manassas Few Americans have sufficient savings for retirement. In this segment, Financial Glee’s Gary Garrison will identify external obstacles to true wealth creation, then share income strategies that you cannot outlive!

Learn about boosting retirement savings to maximize tax-free retirement income and how to safely transfer wealth to heirs.

“Historic Community of Change.”

Topics covered in lectures will include Parson Weems, George Carr Round, and railroads of Prince William County, among others. The fifth issue of the “Journal of Prince William History” will be released at the symposium and will be on sale for the special one-day price of $5.

Space is limited and advance registration is required at pwcparks.org/historicprograms.

Rise of a Region: A Developmental History of Northern Virginia

Rippon Lodge Garden Day Prep

Thurs. Mar. 23 | 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Avenue, Manassas Learn how the built environment of Northern Virginia developed into the places we live, work, and entertain in today. Andrew Painter has researched and written articles examining the region’s land development history. Part of the Prince William Historic Preservation Lecture Series.

“Historic Communities of Change”

Sat. Mar. 25 | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Avenue. Manassas Prince William County has many different layers to its history, and many individuals have shaped its complex past. Come learn about some of the early pioneers in county history at the Eighth Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium:

We Create & Foster Enduring Image!

Sat. Mar. 25 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Old Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge What does it take to plant a historic garden? Come gain some hands-on experience as staff and volunteers work on preparing the vegetable garden for 2023.

Tools provided, however, bringing your own gloves and hand tools is encouraged.

Advance registration at pwcparks.org/ historicprograms.

Scrambled Egg Hunts at Brentsville Courthouse

Sat. Mar. 25 | Hourly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow Enjoy a unique spin on an egg hunt!

Peter Rabbit has created trouble again at Brentsville by taking all the candy and toys in our eggs and replacing them with tasks and riddles. Advance registration at pwcparks.org/historicprograms.

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

Financial Glee: Wealth Building – the Safe Way Wed. Mar. 22 | 6 to 7 p.m.

Wed. Mar. 29 | 6 to 7 p.m.

pwcgov.org/digitallibrary

Have an event? Visit princewilliamliving.com/events to submit details for our online calendar. prince william living March 2023 | 27

CARRIED TO FULL TERM PRESENTS

BREAKING CYCLES WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

Featuring speakers, breakout sessions, networking, lunch, and more!

Breaking Cycles

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

LESLIE MORGAN STEINER

9117 Church Street • Manassas, VA

New York Times Bestselling Author, Consultant, Thought Leader on Women's Leadership

Give the Gif of CAMP!

703.495.3052

ChristaHealingandWellnessCenter.org

MARCH 25, 2023 | CARRIEDTOFULLTERM.ORG

t

UnderTheStarsInc.org camp@underthestarsinc.org

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

Donations support camp program and financial assistance.

Volunteers Needed!

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

703-330-8145 www.casacis.org Want to see

YOUR COMPANY HERE?

571-402-4713

TSmith-Photography.com

Tavan@Tsmith-photography.com

28 | March 2023 prince william living

www.actspwc.org 703-441-8606

Contact us at sales@princewilliamliving.com

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prince william living March 2023 | 29

The 66 Express Lanes between I-495 and Gainesville are now open.

Spend less time in traffic and more time doing the things that matter the most with faster and more reliable travel.

Plan your trip, see current rates, and more at ride66express.com.