Prince William Living April 2024

The premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Prince William Living is thrilled to announce the Patrick King Art Student Scholarship, a heartfelt tribute to the late Patrick King. A distinguished local businessman and artist, Patrick’s enduring passion for the arts and dedication to community service continue to inspire us.

From sketching his first logo for a family member’s business at the tender age of 8 to founding Imagine- a design and marketing agency in Manassas.

Patrick King’s artistic journey was nothing short of extraordinary.

Patrick’s legacy extends far beyond the world of design. As a 2015 graduate of Leadership Prince William, he was deeply engaged in community leadership, serving as the past president of the American Marketing Association D.C. and contributing his expertise to numerous local boards, including Historic Manassas, Inc., Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the Prince William County Bar Foundation, and the Manassas City Public Schools Education Foundation.

Patrick’s dedication also transcended borders as he generously lent his talents to the international stage, participating in judging panels for the International Association of Visual Arts American Business Awards. His pro-bono work for charitable organizations touched countless lives.

A true servant leader, Patrick King had a special affinity for causes involving children and was widely recognized for his unwavering support of the arts community. In honor of his profound impact, Prince William Living, in partnership with Give Back Prince William, and Imagine is proud to extend the scope of our Extraordinary Teens Awards to introduce the Patrick King Art Scholarship.

We invite individuals and organizations alike to join us in preserving Patrick’s legacy by contributing to the Patrick King Art Scholarship fund. By doing so, you help ensure that his memory continues to inspire and empower emerging artists within our community.

princewilliamliving.com/extraordinaryteens/patrick-king-art-student-scholarship/

prince william l iving

Rebecca Barnes

PRINCE WILLIAM LIVING PUBLISHER rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

David Lezcano, admin@princewilliamliving.com

ONLINE EDITOR

Carole Keily, news@princewilliamliving.com

GIVE BACK PRINCE WILLIAM INITIATIVE info@givebackpw.org

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Diane Puigdomenech, dpuigdomenech@princewilliamliving.com

VISIBILITY PACKAGES sales@princewilliamliving.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS info@princewilliamliving.com

Erin Pittman

EDITOR IN CHIEF epittman@princewilliamliving.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rebecca Barnes, Jennifer Halter, Carole Keily, Wendy Migdal, Carolyn Moore, Bennett Whitlock

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mark Gilvey

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Katherine Gotthardt

GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Alison Dixon/ImagePrep Studio

Prince William Living, the premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas, is published monthly by Prince William Living, Inc. The opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Prince William Living © Copyright 2024 by Prince William Living, Inc.

All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without written permission. Visit the Prince William Living website at www.princewilliamliving.com for reprint permission.

Prince William Living

9994 Sowder Village Square #816 Manassas, Va 20109

Phone: (703) 232-1758

Your $20.00 subscription goes to fund www.givebackpw.org

Social Media

Editorial

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

Advertising

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

Get More Prince William Living

Prince William Living can be found on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram.

Visit pwliving.com for daily updates on events, the arts, nonprofits, dining and entertainment in your neighborhood. Look for Prince William Living contests, get-togethers, deals and more. You can also submit a story or event online. Stay plugged into what is happening and what is important to you. Prince William Living is your community magazine, all month long.

Subscription rate is $20 (Continental U.S.) for one year. Change of address notices should be sent to Prince William Living at info@princewilliamliving.com. Reprints and Back Issues: To order

permission,

visit the website: www.princewilliamliving.com. Order back issues by emailing Prince William Living at info@princewilliamliving.com. For further information about Prince William Living, visit www.princewilliamliving.com, or contact Prince William Living at (703) 232-1758.

from the Publisher

Meet Us in the Garden

April showers and some gardening hours can deliver those beautiful May flowers you crave — oh and a little help from the excellent tips in this month’s issue. Our feature is filled with a triple treat. Learn about the smaller lawns trend, how to plant a pollinator garden, and how to incorporate native plants into your yard. Flip over to Family Fun and see how you can get the whole family involved in this year’s garden. From planting seeds to pulling weeds, our article will help you plan each step. And Home and Hearth offers inspiration for creating unique, sustainable backyards. Make this the year you transform your yard into the relaxing, good-for-the-Earth escape you’ve always wanted.

Find out how to jump on a court in our Destinations article.

There’s even more goodness in Local Flavor. Read on to discover why Bob and Edith’s Diner is a favorite of so many. And Giving Back shares the story of House of Mercy, a local nonprofit providing food and clothes for those in need. Our story has the details on how you can shop, donate, and volunteer to support them.

Do you dream of traveling in retirement? Your Finances has tips to plan for that dream. And Health and Wellness is filled with essential tips for emergency preparedness. Bring peace of mind to your entire family by following these steps to be set for whatever comes your way.

Happy spring!

For more relaxing enjoyment this month, check out the Virginia National Ballet. Read their story and find out how to catch a performance in On a High Note. If you’re looking for something a bit more active, have you tried your hand at pickleball yet? Dill Dinkers is expanding access to pickleball courts in Prince William.

Rebecca Barnes Publisher

Gardening for 2024

Do Yourself and the Environment Some Good

By Wendy Migdal

While New Year’s Day is a time for many of us to resolve to make changes in our lives (how are those resolutions going, by the way?), for nature, spring is really the beginning of the cycle of life and growth. Even people who don’t have gardens are invigorated by seeing those of others beginning to bloom. Recently, Prince William Living spoke to Terri Anderson, a Prince William Master Gardener, to talk about recent trends and how people can have a positive impact on the environment on their own property. She identified three major trends that work well together: smaller lawns, pollinator gardens, and the use of native plants.

As a bit of background, Master Gardeners is a program run by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office, which itself is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Volunteers like Anderson have completed a rigorous training program and given many volunteer hours to earn the certification. All the information and best practices that the Master Gardeners teach is based on research done at Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. And now, the trends.

Smaller Lawns

There are several things that are deeply rooted in the American psyche — things many Americans hold near and near, that have emotional meaning, that they would have difficulty giving up. The automobile. Coca-Cola. And a big, green lawn. But the concept of a big, green lawn as a necessity for every homeowner has been evolving recently. Actually, it always has been evolving. Lawns began as a way to spot invaders approaching the medieval manor house. Then they became associated with health and wellbeing as the Victorians used mechanical lawnmowers to create sporting fields. It wasn’t until a 1940 federal law was passed establishing a 40-hour work week that Americans even had time to worry about a lawn (and now they’ve swapped one Saturday

morning type of labor for another). And so, the “less lawn” movement is just the next step.

All plants perform two important functions that help offset human destruction of the environment: they take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, and they keep water and soil from becoming runoff. Plants use carbon dioxide as part of photosynthesis, and some of it is held in the roots of plants in a process called carbon sequestration. That’s good news for all of us who drive cars and use anything that comes from a factory (i.e., pretty much everyone). Every hard, non-porous surface that humans construct — including parking lots, roofs, and driveways — provides a way for rainwater to run off, collecting soil, chemicals, and oil as it flows, and ultimately end up in the Occoquan River and the Chesapeake Bay. So even your grass is helping to slow that process down. But the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and gas-powered lawn mowers puts harmful substances right back into the air and water, thereby negating the benefits of a grassy lawn and creating more problems.

As part of a growing awareness of this problem, many people are moving toward having a smaller lawn, says Anderson. Less lawn also means less work and less money spent in the long run, so it’s good news for the human too. Anderson emphasizes that gardening has many benefits for the gardener as well. “It gets people outside, doing something active. It’s very rewarding to plant something and watch it grow. Sometimes I lose track of time and realize, ‘Wow, two hours have gone by,’” she says.

For some, the thought of less lawn is accompanied by images of unkempt weeds and angry neighbors. This is far from the case. Grass replacement options include decorative gravels and native plants, such as sedges and others that can clump and mound like groundcovers. Anderson highly recommends the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s BEST (Building Environmentally

(continues on page 6)

(continued from page 5)

Sustainable Turf) lawns program. Homeowners can go to the Extension’s page on the Prince William government website and download an application form. For a $40 fee, a Prince William Master Gardener will come out to your property to collect a soil sample, measure your property, and evaluate for weeds. The soil sample is sent to Virginia Tech for analysis, and the results, along with the gardener’s observations, are written in a personalized report. The report includes recommendations for when and how much fertilizer, lime, and herbicides to apply. Yes, they do allow for the use of chemicals. The idea is that proper timing will address weeds at the best time to kill them and save the homeowner and the environment from unnecessary and excess application of such chemicals.

Anderson also suggests using VCE as a resource for ideas about what to do with problem areas. “If you have an area where the grass just doesn’t do very well because it’s too shady or wet, stop trying to plant grass there and plant something else that will like growing there instead,” she says. Homeowners can call the VCE Help Desk, which is staffed by Master Gardeners, at 703792-7747 at any time of year with a question about lawn or plant care, help identifying a weed or insect, or general advice. They can also email a photo or even visit in person. The Master Gardeners also has a booth at the farmers’ markets in both Dale City and Manassas for the purpose of answering questions that citizens may have.

Pollinator Gardens

Another option for a smaller lawn, and a popular trend, is to devote an area of your property to a pollinator garden. Lawns are a monoculture, whereas a pollinator garden promotes diversity. Diversity in insects promotes diversity in birds, which in turn supports other predators. Pollinators help certain crops to grow, but they also help sustain plants, including trees, that are native to the region.

Though honeybees have been getting a lot of press lately, they are not native to North America (in fact, Indigenous people called them “white man’s flies”). Virginia has native bees that perform

the function of carrying pollen from one plant to another, enabling the plant to reproduce. Other pollinators include ants, beetles, butterflies, hummingbirds, and flies.

Pollinator gardens are also bright and beautiful. To get an idea of what one might look like, drop by the Master Gardener’s Teaching Garden at the Benedictine Sisters’ Monastery at 9535 Linton Hall Road in Bristow. In addition to the pollinator garden, you’ll also find several others, including a deer-resistant garden, shade garden, and vegetable garden. The grounds are open to the public daily. Once a month, the Master Gardeners hold a class there called Saturday in the Garden. Topics range from controlling lawn weeds to growing mushrooms and more.

Anderson points out that anyone can add some plants that pollinators love, and it doesn’t require digging up a large part of your yard. Homeowners are putting plants on patios (provided they aren’t allergic to bees), and people in apartments with balconies are using container gardens to attract pollinators.

Some plants that attract pollinators, though, are actually invasive species. Butterfly bush is a classic example. Though it does the job of attracting butterflies, it grows so well (and has no natural predators) that it now blankets roadways and crowds out native plants. Before buying a plant at the store that says “attracts butterflies,” do your homework and look for a plant that is native to Virginia. The bottom line is, native pollinators and native plants have evolved together over the years, so they like each other, reproduce well together, and keep the ecosystem in balance. And that brings us to our third trend.

Native Plants

In addition to helping maintain ecological balance, the trend toward native plants is a smart one as well, simply because the plants don’t require work once established. They were here before people decided to make lawns and gardens. They’re adapted to the area, and they grow on their own. With proper planning though, native plants can be used intentionally to create a beautiful design in a backyard that is harmonious with the contours of the property.

In addition to the Teaching Garden in Bristow, there are seven other demonstration gardens managed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Make a day of it, and visit several for education and inspiration. Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area is another destination. It includes 300 acres in Nokesville, where visitors can view the much-loved Virginia bluebells, unique hardwood forests, upland meadows, and wetlands, all replete with native plants.

The Master Gardeners of Prince William’s mission is education. To that end, they offer a variety of online classes (not only on native plants, but on many other topics as well, such as vegetable gardening). Some programs are live, while others are recorded and available on YouTube. Their website, mgpw.org, contains a wealth of information and links.

Another valuable resource is the Virginia Native Plant Society, which has produced a book titled Native Plants for Northern Virginia. It includes photos and descriptions of flowers, grasses, ferns shrubs, vines, and trees that were chosen specifically because they are easy to grow. It also includes helpful tips for beginners, special topics such as maintaining year-round interest, keeping deer away, and much more. The book can be viewed for free as a PDF and is also available as a hardcopy for purchase.

Native plants were once hard to come by, but Anderson says they are getting easier to find. You can often find them at plant sales in the beginning of spring, such as the one held by the Master Gardeners at their Teaching Garden off Linton Hall Road or the Virginia Native Plant Society’s sale at Bethel Lutheran Church. Many nurseries carry them, and even big box stores have begun to offer them. Anderson cautions though, that some of these

may be hybrids, so consult a book or an expert if you’re not sure.

Native Plants for Northern Virginia

Beyond these trends, there is much more that gardeners can do to help the environment. Vegetable gardening reduces your carbon footprint, a rainbarrel slows down runoff, and composting returns nutrients to the soil. Try something new this season, and if you do, remember there are plenty of local resources to assist you.

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.

DILL DINKERS Bring More Pickleball to Our Area

By Carole Keily | Photos by Austin Kaseman

With its recent popularity, many of us have heard of pickleball or have played it. For the uninitiated, pickleball is a lot like table tennis and is played both indoors and outdoors on a court. While the two games are similar, pickleball has different rules, and the paddles and courts are a different size.

Pickleball was invented in 1965 as a children's backyard game in Washington state and was named the official state sport there in 2022.

In recent years, pickleball seems to have been picked up in every corner of the United States. According to Wikipedia, in 2021, 2022, and 2023, the sport was named the fastest-growing sport in the United States by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, and by 2023 it was estimated to have over 8.9 million people players.

The touted benefits of playing pickleball include lower blood pressure, increased mental acuity, and improved or sustained fitness levels. Plus, people just find it fun to play!

There are about a dozen or so pickleball courts in the greater Prince William area. Prince William Living interviewed Rick and Andriana Solano, who recently purchased 10 locations for the development of Dill Dinkers throughout Prince William and Manassas, and in Fairfax and Loudoun counties. The Solanos are avid pickleball players themselves and are excited about bringing more pickleball locations to the area where they live.

The Solano family

Dill Dinkers Pickleball

Dill Dinkers Pickleball is a leading provider of dedicated indoor pickleball facilities in the nation. With five locations operating in the Greater Washington Area and more than 154 locations in development, Dill Dinkers is spreading the joy of pickleball nationwide.

The Dill Dinkers brand is known for its fun, friendly, and welcoming environment where players of all ages and skill levels can play, socialize, and improve their skills. Each facility offers dedicated indoor courts with fences and outdoor surfaces, event space, a ball machine, and a state-of-the-art reservation system powered by Court Reserve.

Dill Dinkers offers court reservations for members and visitors. They also offer clinics, private and semi-private lessons, leagues, business advertising, and rental for private events.

Dill Dinkers’ name is a combination of "dill,” which refers to the "pickle" in pickleball and "dinkers," which refers to a popular shot called a "dink.” When you are dinking, you're a dinker, and when there are a lot of players dinking, they're dinkers!

The Solanos’ Development Plans

The Solanos say they chose Northern Virginia (and specifically Prince William/Manassas) “because of the large pickleball community. We also appreciate the welcoming and friendly mall management team at Spinoso Real Estate and the support of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.

“As realtors, we understand the importance of “location, location, location” and … we know that Manassas is a convenient hub for a wide audience of pickleball enthusiasts. We are looking forward to providing players and entrepreneurs

a quality place to play pickleball, improve their skills, and take advantage of early entry into a premier dedicated indoor pickleball concept.”

As regional developers, the Solanos plan to open their first Northern Virginia club in the Manassas Mall and say they’re not stopping there. “We plan to open an additional nine franchised clubs that will serve Prince William, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties. We have been so fortunate to live in this great community, we can't wait to share our passion for pickleball and the Dill Dinkers amazing experience with all of our neighbors!”

The pickleball space at Manassas Mall is scheduled to open this year and will include fenced courts, a pro shop, a ball machine, and space for private events.

Carole Keily is Prince William Living’s Online Editor.

Photos courtesy Dill Dinkers

Dill Dinkers indoor pickleball courts feature fences and a convenient Court Reserve reservation system.

your finances

Is Travel on Your Agenda in Retirement?

By Bennett C. Whitlock III Private Wealth Advisor

One of the great benefits of retirement is having the freedom to pursue new interests and hobbies at your leisure. For many, travel is at the top of their retirement bucket list. The key question is how to make sure your retirement savings can keep up with your travel ambitions. The following considerations can help you determine your answer:

n Make travel a part of your retirement budget. Without the funds to pursue travel, you likely won’t get too far. As you plan for your living expenses, include travel as a line item in your retirement budget. Identify a portion of your monthly income to cover travel expenses before you hit the road.

n Consider travel timing. Most retirees plan their biggest travel excursions in the early years of retirement, when health challenges may be lesser and they have more stamina. Therefore, your travel budget may represent a larger portion of your overall expenses in the first years of retirement. If this aligns with your travel vision, factor it into your retirement budgeting strategy.

n Determine your travel style. To come up with a reasonable cost estimate, identify the types of traveling you plan to do. Are you more interested in short trips to nearby locations, mostly traveling by car? Do you plan to explore the country in an RV? Are you looking to visit foreign destinations on a regular basis? Your travel goals will tell you a lot about how much you are likely to spend, which should be reflected in your retirement plan.

n Find ways to cut costs. It’s easy to face “sticker shock” when you travel. Expenses like food (usually eating out), lodging and transportation can add up quickly. If you plan to stay in one place for an extended period, look into renting a home or apartment rather than “hotel-ing” it. Try to eat like the locals by buying food at grocery stores and markets. Take the time to look for flight deals or make your automobile travel routes as efficient as possible. One of the perks of being retired is that you may have more flexibility than working people to lock in deals by traveling off season or at other unpopular times.

n Don’t overlook insurance needs. Travel insurance may be appropriate if you get sick or lose luggage on a trip. Keep in mind that Medicare is not accepted outside the United States, and even within the country, you want to be sure your health insurance has you covered in states outside your own.

n Look for discounts and rewards. Seniors have a unique advantage in that costs for some activities are reduced. Even though the discounts may be modest, every dollar helps stretch your travel budget. Check to see what

discounted options are available through clubs like AAA or AARP. Also pursue smart credit card strategies that help you earn rewards like free travel or cash back on your purchases.

If travel is in your plans when you leave the workforce, it’s key to go beyond dreaming and do some significant preparation in advance. Use the time you have now to set specific goals and build savings that will help make your dreams a reality.

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.

©

giving back

HOUSE OF MERCY Feeding, Clothing, and Caring for Those in Need

By Carolyn Moore

Father Jack Fullen and Kellie Ross started House of Mercy on in 2006 as a prayer ministry. They began their service work by going to Washington, D.C. and supporting those who were homeless by providing food and clothes and building relationships. It didn’t take long to discover there were many people in the Manassas area who were in need, so they opened a small food pantry. In 2010, they moved into their current location and they continue to grow. This year, they are projecting to serve 75,000.

House of Mercy Projects

House of Mercy welcomes everyone, regardless of their economic standing or location, to register for an appointment. Registered clients can receive food every two weeks and shop in the Thrift Store on a monthly allowance for clothes and shoes. There are also a number of smaller programs to aid those with special needs.

House of Mercy formed a mobile pantry years ago, as well, to reach those in need unable to leave their homes. The mobile pantry delivers food and necessities on a regular schedule, fueled by dedicated volunteers. Recently, the program has undergone enhancements. Mobile pantry clients can now receive fresh food, not just canned, with visits.

Partnerships with Organizations

“The biggest challenge,” says Jessica Root, House of Mercy Executive Director, “is the growing need.”

Since last year, House of Mercy has doubled the number of families receiving assistance, stretching resources. Because of the increased need, the organization is looking for new partners to donate food. Root is appealing to local businesses for assistance due to the growing demand.

House of Mercy is passionate about their partnerships. They have more than 100 partners providing assistance in unique ways. Partners range from restaurant and grocery partners who donate food to business and communicate organizations who hold drives to support the nonprofit. Partner organizations also offer resources to clients that House of Mercy cannot provide.

Engaging with Volunteers

House of Mercy is also heavily reliant on their strong team of willing volunteers, made up of hundreds of community members serving in various ways.

“They are the backbone of the ministry,” says Jessica Root. Volunteers give their time in the Food Pantry, Thrift Store, and Donation Center, sorting and organizing food and donated items, pricing items in the Donation Center and Thrift Store, and performing many other essential duties. Additional volunteers deliver food from the mobile pantry to home-bound clients.

If you would like to become a volunteer, there is a simple online application available, and volunteers are always needed.

Future Plans and Goals

As House of Mercy continues to grow, they constantly assess their client and organizational needs. They intend to stick to the basis of the mission and are working to solidify their current programs of free food and clothing, and grow extra programs like:

n Foundations of Mercy – provides furniture to those in need

n Employment Empowerment – supplies new wardrobes for those looking for a job,

n Back to School – provides free school supplies, backpacks, and shoes for kids

n Christmas with Mercy – distributes free toys to children in need

Getting Involved

House of Mercy receives many things through the general population and businesses, and there are so many ways to join the mission:

n Volunteer

n Donate funds

n Donate-in-kind – food, toiletries, personal items, along with household and baby needs, kitchen, apparel, and furniture

n Shop and donate from their Amazon wishlist (link on their website)

n Host a community action drive

n Spread the word

n Shop in the Thrift Store

The organization depends totally on individual donors, customers, and partners for their funding. Approximately half of the monetary funding is from individual donors and the other half is from sales in the Thrift Store. In-kind donations are given out as assistance to those in need.

For more information, to get involved, or to donate, visit houseofmercyva.org.

To schedule a visit as a new client, visit schedulista.com/ schedule/houseofmercy.

Carolyn has been a successful artist and writer for many years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Media/Computer Education from Appalachian State University. She lives happily with her husband and cat.

Photos courtesy House of Mercy

House of Mercy provides food and household goods to those in need.

Community children in need receive free school supplies and backpacks through a House of Mercy program.

health & wellness

Public Health: How Individuals Can Prepare for Emergencies

By Prince William Living Publisher Rebecca Barnes

Public Health Week is in April, so it's a great time to talk about a crucial aspect of public health that often goes unnoticed until disaster strikes: emergency preparedness. Unforeseen events like power outages, natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes, or even public health crises can occur suddenly, leaving individuals and communities vulnerable. That's why being prepared for emergencies isn't just a good idea; it's crucial.

Understanding Emergency Preparedness

Emergency preparedness is what it sounds like — it involves careful planning, having essential supplies readily available, and knowing how to stay safe during various emergency situations.

How Can Individuals Make a Difference with Emergency Preparedness?

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

One of the fundamental steps in emergency preparedness is assembling an emergency supply kit. This kit should contain essential items to sustain you and your family for at least three days. Here's what your kit should include:

Water: Aim for one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Don't forget to account for pets.

Nonperishable Food: Pack a supply of nonperishable food items such as canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruits. Ensure you have a manual can opener.

First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.

Flashlights and Batteries: Reliable lighting sources such as flashlights and extra batteries are essential, especially during power outages.

Blankets and Warm Clothing: Include blankets, warm clothing, and sturdy shoes in your kit to stay warm in case of cold weather.

Personal Hygiene Items: Basic personal hygiene items like soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, and toilet paper are essential for comfort and sanitation.

Important Documents: Keep copies of important documents in a waterproof container. These may include identification, insurance policies, medical records, and proof of address. Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife: A versatile tool that can come in handy for various tasks during an emergency.

Cash: Keep some cash on hand as ATMs and credit card machines may not be operational.

Cell Phone and Charger: Ensure your cell phone is charged and have a portable charger or extra batteries available.

Local Maps: Maps of your area can help you navigate in case GPS systems are unavailable.

Pets: You will need food, water, a leash, waste disposal, and a crate to transport your animal. Not all shelters will take your pets, so be prepared.

Create an Emergency Plan

Having a well-structured emergency plan is crucial for ensuring the safety of your family. Here's how to create one:

Family Communication: Establish a communication plan. Designate an out-of-town contact that family members can check in with. Make sure everyone knows how to send and receive text messages, as these can often get through when phone lines are congested.

Emergency Contacts: Compile a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, medical facilities, and utility providers.

Evacuation Plan: If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, develop an evacuation plan. Determine escape routes, meeting places, and transportation options.

Special Considerations: Take into account the unique needs of family members, including children, the elderly, and pets. Ensure you have supplies and plans in place to meet these needs.

Stay Informed

Being informed is a crucial part of emergency preparedness. Stay updated on potential threats and developments:

Local Alerts: Sign up for local emergency alerts and notifications. Many communities have text or email alert systems to keep residents informed.

Weather Updates: Monitor weather forecasts and warnings. Weather-related emergencies can often be predicted in advance.

Emergency Apps: Download emergency apps that provide realtime information and alerts.

By following these steps, individuals can significantly enhance their preparedness for emergencies and ensure the safety and well-being of themselves and their loved ones.

Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living magazine and Brides & Weddings magazine. She is a lifelong resident of Prince William and a volunteer with OWL VFD. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, being a Grandma, visiting Walt Disney World, reading, and sleeping.

family fun

Gardening With Kids

By Jennifer Halter

Spring has sprung and with temperatures getting warmer and the days getting longer, many families are looking for more ways to enjoy the outdoors. Even if you’re lacking a green thumb, gardening can be a great activity for all ages and skill levels. From a simple planter to a more elaborate set up, here are ways to introduce gardening to your family.

Plan Your Garden

One of the first questions you will want to answer as a family is, what do we want to grow? Consider where you plan to set up your garden, the amount of time you can devote to care, and your desired outcome.

If you have space to dedicate to an outdoor gardening space, you may want to choose to grow your own vegetables to harvest or flowers to add to your landscaping. If space is limited and you need to keep things on a smaller scale, consider small planters for flowers or herbs.

You’ll also have to plan a budget. Will you start your own seeds or will you purchase plants? How much prep work will need to be done before you start your garden? You

can start a garden on even the smallest budget, so don’t let this part of planning discourage you from diving in.

Consider your gardeners’ ages when getting started. Things that need extra care may not be the best option for very young children. Some beginner-level plants include tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, basil, poppies, and sunflowers.

Let’s Get Growing

Once the planning is done, it’s time to shop! Make sure you pay attention to when the prime planting season is for vegetables or flowers you choose, as some will need to be planted by a certain time to be the most fruitful.

If you are starting your own seeds indoors, be mindful of the amount of watering and a spot with adequate sunlight. If you are growing plants outdoors, be sure they are protected properly from cold temperatures that still may be around over the next month or so.

Once the seeds are started and the plants are planted, it may be hard to fight impatience while waiting for the first sprouts. This is a great time for your child to make

some garden decorations. They can create signs with the name of what is growing or decorate clay pots that will be used to transfer the seedlings into once they reach a certain size.

Set a Care Schedule

Your garden will not be fruitful if it’s not shown a little TLC. Make a schedule for the care and maintenance of your plants. Figure out how often plants will need to be watered and weeded, and assign a family member to take care of these tasks each day. If you are growing vegetables or herbs, make note of when items will need to be picked. This is a great opportunity to teach your youngest family members about chores and responsibilities.

Make Observations

While it’s fun to watch to simply watch your garden grow, you can also make this a wonderful learning opportunity for children of all ages. From the beginning of your journey, have the children make observations about what the seeds look like, how the soil feels, and anything else they see. As plants begin to sprout, record how long it took for them to sprout and how the plant is changing. Continue to make observations throughout the lifespan of your garden. Kids can keep a journal of what they see, feel, smell and taste using words or pictures. Not only will this help keep the memories in one place, but it will also help with planning your garden for future years.

Enjoy Your Garden

Maintaining your garden well throughout the season will help you enjoy it to the fullest, whether you’re growing food or flowers. If you’re planting vegetables or fruit, get the family involved in finding new recipes to feast on your harvest. If you have an overabundance of food and herbs, share with family or neighbors. And if you plant flowers, create small bouquets to decorate your home or gift to someone special. Gardening brings opportunities and joy for all ages.

Halter (jenniferh@macaronikid.com)

flavor

TBob and Edith’s Diner Brings Their Magic to Manassas

By Wendy Migdal | Photos by Mark Gilvey

here’s a new old face in town. It’s new to Manassas, having just opened in January 2024. But to the Northern Virginia area, Bob and Edith’s Diner is an institution. Say hello to your favorite new, old-style diner.

The Family: Four Generations

In 1969, Bob Bolton was married with four children. He had worked as a laborer at many different jobs, including picking tobacco. But Bob had dreams of more. And when he saw “Gary’s Donuts” for sale on Columbia Pike, he turned to his wife and said, “I’m gonna see my name up in lights.” Edith was not a silent partner, so her name went up, too. And so the dynasty began.

Considering Bob’s background included agricultural work, it’s not surprising that all the children worked in the diner from a young age, and had put in several hours before school even started. Greg Bolton is the current owner, and he started washing dishes there at age 9. At that time, the diner was open from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Greg would get up and work from 3:30a.m. to 8:00a.m., then take a cab to school. As he got older, he worked nights and weekends, doing pretty much every job there was. (He’s not in the restaurant quite as much these days, but if you happen to catch him, you’ll get to hear a Virginia accent, which is a treat in itself.)

Bob and Edith passed the diner to their two sons in the early 90s. Greg Bolton, now 61, is the last of the original six family members still alive, but the family business is stronger than ever. Not only do Bolton’s son, daughter, and son-in-law all help out, his grandson became part of the fourth diner generation when he recently started working as a server.

Abraham Karson, General Manager

The Food: Fresh and Fantastic

People come to a diner for good, traditional food, because, as Bolton put it, “You can get trash anywhere.” Of his distributors, he says, “We’ve been getting the same products from the same people for years. We don’t bounce around from company to company, trying to save $10 a box, $20 a box.” Considering the diner is now in its 55th year, those are some impressive relationships.

The diner is open 24 hours, so you can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner — and don’t forget the pie — there. “We use real eggs, none of that liquid stuff. You can watch the food being cooked right in front of you,” says Bolton. And no 1950s diner would be complete without the milkshakes in silver tumblers.

What about hash browns? or home fries? They use real potatoes as well. Bolton describes the process: “We peel ‘em, boil ‘em, chop ‘em, cook ‘em, serve ‘em.” They plan on adding hand-cut French fries to the menu soon. Bolton himself makes a chipped beef of which he unabashedly proclaims, “It’s outta the park. It’s my mother’s recipe and I don’t give it to anyone.”

The Locations: Seven and Growing

In the last eight years, the diner has entered an era of expansion. They’ve opened six stores in that time. The Manassas Corner location is the most recent, but Bolton says there are two more in the works for 2024. The location in Manassas on Sudley Road is “perfect, and we’ve been mobbed ever since we opened.”

Unlike chain stores, the seven locations all look just a bit different from the outside and fit in to their surroundings. On the inside though, customers will get what they’ve come for: a true 1950s, old-style diner look, complete with bar stools. There’s plenty of stainless steel and bright white tile to dazzle the eye, and Bolton says they don’t tolerate dirt.

“People kind of come for a show. They come in and the waitress greets them, they chat a little, they sit at the counter and watch the food being made,” he explains. Some customers in the area have fond memories of their youth, heading over to Bob and Edith’s after the bars closed in Old Town or Arlington, and some of them now bring their children. Other customers who are tourists to the area have heard that the diner is a “must -see” if you get outside the city.

A nod to the present includes TV monitors that display daily and weekly specials, but there’s none of that modern, ordering on a Ziosk jazz. However, you can order online for both pickup and delivery. But we’re going to bet that you’d rather go in person.

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.

One Eye Burger French Toast

on a high note

Virginia National Ballet

World Travelers with a Strong Connection to Home

By Wendy Migdal

For many of us, the word ballet conjures up approximately two images: little girls at recitals and The Nutcracker. Ballet is those things of course, but it’s also much more. And the Virginia National Ballet, comprised of both a school and a professional company, is much more than the average ballet.

To illustrate the point, their performances run the gamut, from Cinderella one month to Led Zeppelin the next. “Our repertoire is rather eclectic, but at the same time we make it accessible,” says Co-founder and General Manager Elysabeth Muscat. “People are drawn in to come see the performance, and then learn something new, and realize that dance can be really enjoyable and accessible for everyone.”

A Success Story

The business has grown tremendously from its rather humble beginnings as the Gainesville Ballet School in 2013. Muscat, who at the time was teaching voice in Baltimore, was on the hunt for her own ballet school. She and Rafik Hegab, Artistic Director and Choreographer of VNB, found an existing onestudio school for sale in a shopping center, bought it, and soon moved into a bigger location nearby.

The next year, they started the professional company. Though it had only a few dancers that first year, they were able to invite professionals from around the country to participate. Their first performance was Carmina Burana at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. “We invited famous guest dancers and some dancers from Europe to come in and really make it a great debut. We got a lot of positive feedback — one woman wrote to me and said she had been going to events at the Hylton for years, and that this was the best thing she’d ever seen there,” says Muscat.

And it grew from there. Each year, they added more dancers and more performances, moving to their current location in Manassas in 2018. In addition to the Hylton, they also perform at Capital One Hall in Tysons Corner. The VNB also participated in several tours with the Virginia Commission for the Arts and collaborates with area orchestras.

The Secret of Their Success

The Virginia National Ballet owes its success to the worldclass team of Muscat and Hegab. Born in Northern Virginia, Muscat took ballet lessons until well into her teens. But it was in college that she discovered her true gift, singing. She became a

professional opera singer and lived and performed in Europe for six years. After returning to the United States, she taught voice at the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins for many years. In fact, for the first two years after she and Hegab took over the Gainesville Ballet, she commuted back to Baltimore one day a week to teach.

In addition to the expertise that Muscat brings to the organization, the Virginia National Ballet has something else that makes it very special, and that is original choreography. Which means that even if you’ve seen Swan Lake or Cinderella many times before, you won’t have seen the dances of Rafik Hegab. “A lot of companies will do these standard ballets, and they’ll use the choreography that’s known. But if we do a standard ballet, we’ll do our own choreography for it,” says Muscat. Other styles include neoclassical, contemporary, rock ballets, Disney, and complete originals.

Born in Egypt and fluent in three languages, Hegab has a long list of accomplishments on his resume, not the least of which includes touring the world with the Cairo Opera Ballet Company as a dancer. He earned his degree in Dance Pedagogy and Choreography from the Academy of Arts in Cairo, and is widely respected as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. In addition to choreographing the professional company, he also teaches at the VNB school. As parent Melissa Leischner says, “I am thankful for the opportunities they present to their ballet students to work alongside and be taught by wonderful professional company dancers. It's a unique experience, and one that really has helped my child grow.”

Hegab also happens to be married to Muscat. When asked whether this results in “talking shop” at home, Muscat laughs. “All the time,” she says, “All the time. We always have to be thinking, ‘What’s next?’ There are multiple projects that we’re working on simultaneously. It’s really never-ending. But we love it, this is our passion.”

Though Muscat’s primary role is administration, she teaches voice and piano one day a week. She also consults with Hegab

on the repertoire and has suggested a number of shows for VNB, such as the rock ballets Life in the Fast Lane (the music of The Eagles), Led Zeppelin, Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen) and The Beatles. Hegab also inserted a scene from the opera Carmen into VNB’s performance of the ballet Carmen so that she could sing. The two started an international classical music competition called Music International Grand Prix. Singers, pianists, instrumentalists, ensembles, composers, from all over the world compete, and the winner’s concert is held in New York City.

Students

Perhaps the atmosphere created by a wife-and-husband team spills over to students; perhaps it evolved on its own. Either way, Muscat says that students and parents at the school have formed strong bonds with one another. As parent Youngmi Organ says, “My daughter Audrey has been dancing at VNB for almost 11 years. She loves all the people there because they are so supportive and kind, and there is a lot of positive energy. They are like her second family.”

Muscat says that VNB has many students who have been with them from their beginning in Gainesville, and has several students who come from rather far away when there are ballet schools closer to them. The fact that people are willing to put up with extra hours on the road in this area is high praise indeed.

“We have such a great group of families, and so many of them have been with us from the beginning. I think it’s really special, the bonds that students have with each other and the commitment that parents have to the studio. “ Parent Debra DeMichele agrees. Her daughter Peyton, a 12-year VNB student, summed up her experience: “It is a wonderful atmosphere with great teachers and classmates that have become friends.”

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.

Photos courtesy Elysabeth Muscat at the Virginia National Ballet

Sydney, one of the instructors, with students

A group class at Virginia National Ballet

Nominations Are Now Open!

It's that time of year again. The Prince William Living Extraordinary Teens Awards 2024 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 12th.

princewilliamliving.com/extraordinaryteens/

home & hearth

Sustainability: Transforming Your Backyard with Nature's Inspiration

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher of Prince William Living

With spring in full swing, our backyards are coming alive, offering us more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. As environmental challenges loom large, the importance of sustainability has never been clearer. The challenge now is to find innovative ways to design outdoor spaces that meet our needs while also respecting and preserving nature. One exciting approach is to draw inspiration from the natural world, creating backyard havens that not only enhance our lives but also contribute to the health of the environment.

Native Plants and Biodiversity

A cornerstone of nature-inspired backyard design is the use of native plants. These plants are perfectly adapted to our local climate, requiring less water and maintenance while providing essential support for local wildlife. By embracing native species, we can reduce our reliance on irrigation and harmful chemicals, all while promoting biodiversity and resilience in our backyard ecosystems.

n Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) - This deciduous shrub features fragrant white flowers in late spring to early summer and stunning red foliage in the fall. It adapts well to various soil types and light conditions, making it a versatile choice for landscaping.

n Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata) - As a low-growing perennial, dwarf crested iris is perfect for ground cover in shaded areas. It produces delicate blue-to-purple flowers in early spring and thrives in moist, well-drained soils.

n Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) - Ideal for covering fences, trellises, or walls, Virginia creeper is a fast-growing vine with vibrant green foliage that turns red in the fall. It tolerates a wide range of soil types and light conditions.

n Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) - A native evergreen tree, the Eastern red cedar provides year-round interest with its dense foliage and attractive blue berries. It is drought-tolerant and adapts well to various soil types.

n Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) - This twining vine features clusters of tubular, coral-colored flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It blooms from spring to fall and prefers well-drained soils and full to partial sun.

n Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) - Wild ginger is a lowgrowing perennial with heart-shaped leaves and unique, purplish-brown flowers that hide beneath the foliage. It thrives in shaded, woodland areas with rich, moist soil.

n Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) - Switchgrass is a tall, native grass prized for its ornamental value and wildlife habitat benefits. It offers airy plumes of flowers in late

summer and turns golden bronze in the fall. It is droughttolerant and adaptable to various soil types.

Water-wise Landscaping

Water conservation is essential in backyard design. Techniques like xeriscaping and rain gardens prioritize drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems, helping us make the most of this precious resource. Rain gardens not only capture and filter rainwater but also create habitats for a variety of plant and animal species, enriching our backyard ecosystems.

Eco-friendly Materials

Choosing eco-friendly materials for our backyard projects can significantly reduce our environmental impact. Recycled wood, reclaimed stone, and sustainable composite decking offer beautiful and durable options that support sustainable living. By opting for these materials, we can create backyard spaces that are as eco-conscious as they are stylish.

Promoting Active and Passive Recreation

Our backyard spaces can cater to a wide range of activities, from active play to quiet relaxation. Whether it's a cozy reading nook or a nature-inspired play area for the kids, our outdoor spaces offer endless opportunities for connection and enjoyment.

Tranquil Retreats

Lush greenery, comfortable seating, and meandering pathways transform our backyard spaces into tranquil retreats. These peaceful oases provide the perfect setting for unwinding, meditating, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

Wildlife-Friendly Design

Designing our backyard spaces with wildlife in mind creates havens for birds, bees, and other creatures. Birdhouses, beefriendly plants, and water features attract a diverse array of wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity of our backyard ecosystems.

Transforming our backyards into sustainable havens is not just good for the environment; it's also a source of hope and inspiration.

Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living magazine and Brides & Weddings magazine. She is a lifelong resident of Prince William and a volunteer with OWL VFD. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, being a Grandma, visiting Walt Disney World, reading, and sleeping.

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.

Farmers Markets (all open on or after April 10)

Manassas Park: Wednesdays 3 to 7 p.m. | 100 Central Park Plaza

Manassas: Thursdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center Street

Woodbridge: Thursdays 3 to 7 p.m. | 7 County Complex Court

Manassas: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 9024 Prince William Street

Manassas Park: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | 9300 Manassas Drive (VRE lot)

Dale City: Sundays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 14090 Gemini Way

Cirque de Paris

Mon. April 1 through Fri. April 5 | 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Sat. April 6 | 2 to 3:30 p.m.; 4:30 to 6 p.m.; 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Sun. April 7 | 2 to 3:30 p.m.; 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Mon. April 8 | 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Potomac Mills

2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge

Join Europe’s most famous circus family for an immersive circus experience Cirque de Paris presented by Anouchka Bouglione. Hailing from the circusrich traditions of France, this one-ring family spectacle full of thrills, humor and elegance makes its debut in the U.S. Tickets: CirqueDeParis.com/city/ woodbridge-va/

First Friday

Fri. April 5 | 6 to 9 p.m.

Historic Downtown Manassas

On the first Friday of the month, Historic Downtown Manassas transforms into a giant party! Streets are closed to traffic and opened to pedestrians so visitors can casually stroll through downtown. Restaurants offer specialty foods and drinks, and shops stay open later than normal.

Town of Dumfries Cleanup

Sat. April 6 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Town of Dumfries

17757 Main Street, Dumfries

Calling all Dumfries residents! Help your neighbors in removing litter from around the Town. Volunteers will also be able to label storm drains in the area. Supplies are provided. All ages are welcome; register as a volunteer at 703-221-3400 x 119 or mickerson@dumfriesva.gov.

Sip & Learn: Beginner Calligraphy Class

Sat. April 6 | 2 to 5 p.m.

Hitchcock Paper Co.

305 Mill Street, Occoquan

Learn the basics of pointed pen calligraphy in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. This class will focus on the lowercase alphabet. Students will be provided with supplies to continue studies at home. Wine, tea, and snacks are offered. Register: hitchcockpaper. com. An intermediate class will be held at this location on Saturday, April 20.

American Festival Pops

Orchestra: American Icons

Sat. April 6 | 8 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center

10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas

Presenting the soundtrack of the nation, the American Festival Pops Orchestra performs a star-spangled concert of iconic works by some of America’s greatest composers including Leroy Anderson, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, John Philip Sousa, William Grant Still, Joan Tower, and John Williams. Tickets: hyltoncenter.org.

Mutts Gone Nuts

Sun. April 7 | 1 and 4 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center

10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas

Prepare to be bow-wowed! Canines and comedy collide in Mutts Gone Nuts when husband and wife duo Scott and Joan Houghton return to the Hylton Center and unleash their troupe of four-legged friends for a dog-thrilling extravaganza like no other. Tickets: hyltoncenter.org.

Veterans Lunch Bunch at Potomac Place

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

Potomac Place

2133 Montgomery Avenue, Woodbridge

All local veterans are invited to the veterans’ lunch bunch on the second Tuesday of each month. RSVP: Virginia Hendrix, 703-494-3817.

Women’s Wedding Network

Wed. April 10 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Zoom Meeting

Samantha Marshall of Studio 151 Photography will talk about her experience as a facial expression coach. Register: bridesandweddings.com/womenswedding-network

Chamberfest: 5K & Networking Expo

Sat. April 13 | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Freedom Aquatics & Fitness Center

10900 University Blvd., Manassas

Start your day with a 5k, then showcase your business in the Chamberfest Expo, featuring businesses from across the Prince William Region, Manassas and Manassas Park. The public is encouraged to attend. Register: pwchamber.org.

Tiger Touch-a-Truck

Sat. April 13 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Brentsville District High School

12109 Aden Road, Nokesville

Touch-A-Truck gives kids the opportunity to have an up-close view of their favorite big vehicles. With SemiTrucks, Dump Truck, Tow Truck, Fire Truck, Police cars, Dozers, and a lot more. Tickets: studentquickpay.com/ pwcs/

GFWC Dominion Woman’s

Club Spring Garden Tea Party

Sun. April 14 | 2 to 4 p.m.

Stonewall Golf Club

15601 Turtle Point Drive, Gainesville

A fun afternoon of tea, food, music, and games. All proceeds go to benefit charitable outreach projects. Tickets: dominionwomansclub.org.

Woodbridge Parkinson’s Friends Group

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

Potomac Place

2133 Montgomery Avenue, Woodbridge

This group is for individuals and families living with Parkinson’s to connect with others on the same journey. It is a safe place to share experiences and ask questions. RSVP: Sonia.gow@inova.org.

Spring Vendor Pop-Up Event

Sat. April 20 | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

EpiQ Food Hall

14067 Noblewood Plaza, Dale City Step into the vibrant world of spring with vendors, artisans, unique creations, and EpiQ Food Hall delights at this vendor event.

Behind the Scenes Tour of Rippon Lodge

Sat. April 20 | 11 a.m.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site

15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge

This historical hardhat tour takes visitors into spaces not available during the standard tour of Rippon Lodge Historic Site. Learn a little more history from behind the scenes. Space limited; no one under 18. Advance ticket purchase required: parksandrec.pwcgov.org.

5K Beer Run x Sinistral Brewing | 2024 VA Brewery Runnin`Series

Sat. April 20 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Sinistral Brewing Company

9419 Main Street, Manassas

Lace up your running shoes and meet at Sinistral Brewing Company for this 5K, untimed fun run that starts and ends at Sinistral. Complete the course and get a local craft brew at the finish line. Registered underage participants will receive a token for a free non-alcoholic beverage. Dogs and strollers are welcome on the course with care and caution. The event is held rain or shine.

2nd Annual Anything’s

Pawsible Festival & 5K Fun Run

Sat. April 20 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Manassas Museum Lawn

9101 Prince William Street, Manassas Spend a Saturday afternoon centered around inclusion, wellness, and community fun! This festival helps raise funding for children with disabilities to gain access to service dogs. Please refer to the schedule for sign-in times and group stretch at anythingspawsibleva.com.

Science in the Park Presents Earth Day at the Boardwalk

Sun. April 21 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

15125 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge

Enjoy a stroll down the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk with hands-on "Discovery Stations" set up along the way. Learn about the wetlands' most beautiful animals and the habitat they call home. Park Naturalists will discuss the mammals, birds, pollinators and plants that make the Boardwalk such an unforgettable experience and a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day!

Prince William Historic Preservation Lecture Series: Virginia POW Camps in World War II

Thurs. April 25 | 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Old Manassas Courthouse

9250 Lee Avenue, Manassas

During World War II, Virginians watched as German and Italian prisoners invaded the Old Dominion. At least 17,000 Germans and countless Italians lived in over twenty camps across the state and worked on five military installations. Historian Kathryn Coker tells a different story of the Old Dominion at war.

GFWC Woman's Club of Manassas Yard & Bake Sale

Sat. April 27 | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

10214 South Grant Avenue, Manassas

The GFWC Woman's Club of Manassas is holding a Yard and Bake Sale. No early birds, please. Proceeds from the sale support local charities within Manassas and Prince William County. A wide variety of items available, including housewares, clothing, books and pictures.

10th Annual Kite Festival

Sat. April 27 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Signal Hill Park

9300 Signal View Drive, Manassas Park “Let’s go fly a kite, up to the highest height!” April is National Kite Month, so unwind your string and fly high. Feel free to bring your own kite or purchase a $5 diamond kite, while supplies last.

All events listed on Prince William Living’s online and print calendars are subject to change. Check with the venue to verify dates, times and locations.

Already get it? Make sure you continue to get it by subscribing. Show your support and help us continue the work we do.

Name