While strokes most often occur in adults 65 and older, they can happen at any age. Recognizing the sudden signs of a stroke and getting medical help quickly are essential for saving a life. When it comes to a stroke, every moment matters.
Rebecca Barnes
PRINCE WILLIAM LIVING PUBLISHER
rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com
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David Lezcano, admin@princewilliamliving.com
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GIVE BACK PRINCE WILLIAM INITIATIVE
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Rebecca Barnes, Jennifer Halter, Dawn Klavon, Dominique McIndoe, Wendy Migdal, Bennett Whitlock
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Prince William Living, the premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas, is published monthly by Prince William Living, Inc. The opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Prince William Living
© Copyright 2023 by Prince William Living, Inc.
All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without written permission. Visit the Prince William Living website at www.princewilliamliving.com for reprint permission.
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We’re on a mission this month to make your May the best it can be with our top tips for multiple areas of your life. Starting with our feature, dig in and learn to travel like a pro. From smart packing to handling your most important documents as stealthily as an FBI agent, we’ve got you covered. And if any of that travel includes flying the skies with children, our Family Fun section includes tips from take off to landing to make your trip a breeze.
May is the perfect time to enjoy some at-home entertaining and backyard grilling. Wondering which grill would best set your soul afire? Check out Home and Hearth for all the details and tips to help you choose. Or maybe you’re in need of a night off from cooking. Local Flavor covers the eclectic and delicious Bistro L’Hermitage, serving up French cuisine.
Giving Back shares the story of the Human Services Alliance of Prince William. Read about the variety of services they offer and
the tremendous difference they are making in our community. Know someone in need? One of our best tips is telling you to check them out.
Speaking of things to check out, the Marine Corps Museum has expanded and offers a tremendous amount of education and history for all ages. Our Destinations article shares information on current exhibits and future plans for expansion. On a High Note this month features the story of Valiant Vault and Glenn Hastings, a Green Beret turned entrepreneur. And in Your Finances, you’ll find tips for estate planning and to help you sort through the tough questions for planning for the future.
Wishing you a wonderful and successful May.
Rebecca Barnes Publisher
The world is open for travel, and Prince William residents are preparing for a jet-set summer. Whether you’re planning to fly to Denver to visit Uncle Charlie’s cabin or London for King Charles’ coronation, there are plenty of travel tricks to make the trip easier. We recommend basics like packing light and traveling slowly to savor your adventures. But beyond the basics, Prince William Living offers these helpful hints to make your next journey that much more memorable and manageable.
1. Consider using a travel agent.
In the age of the internet, it seems easy to put on your travel agent hat and get the best prices and itineraries yourself. But consider a travel agent, who can often get better prices and has insider knowledge of tours, events, and destinations.
“Travel agents know where to find travel deals in spaces clients won’t find on the retail market or the internet,” says Daniel
Traveling with someone else and planning on checking bags? Pack half your clothes in each others’ suitcases, so if one of your pieces of luggage doesn’t make it to your destination, you both have half of your clothes.
“The first time we went to Australia,” says northern Virginia resident Jill Miller, who has traveled with her husband, Carl, to over 100 countries. “Carl’s suitcase went to South America!”
No one likes to think their luggage will get lost, but according to ClaimCompass, more than 5 million bags are damaged during transportation and another 1.4 million are lost each year. Get smart and give yourself better odds of arriving with your luggage — cross pack.
Crooks are getting smarter, and one strategy they use to steal your credit card information is scanning embedded radio frequency chips (with RFID technology) on each card. These RFID chips transmit identifying information and credit card details. The scariest part is thieves can scan and steal this information from across a room, in an airport, or at a bus stop without your knowledge. The good news: RFID blocking wallets are available and feature built-in anti-scanning technology to protect your information. The wallet looks like any other wallet, but blocks the scan. As a cheaper alternative, you can wrap your credit cards in aluminum foil, according to IRDA. Many people carry around credit cards wrapped in foil, though the foil is not as durable and can tear or crease easily. Travelers might consider wallets, purses, and card protectors designed to prevent credit cards from being read illegally from a stealth scanner.
Yes, it is possible to pack light and have clean clothes. Miller
swears by this trick: bring two pairs of wash and wear underwear and wash one pair nightly.
“The other pair is a backup,” she says, adding that she can travel for a whole month with just two pairs of underwear.
Using hotel laundry services or finding a laundromat in foreign countries can be expensive and challenging, but hand washing your clothes in a hotel sink or tub and hanging them up to dry is simple. You’ll save money, you won’t lose any items in the hotel laundry, and you’ll save time. Wash your clothes at night and hang them up — you’re good to go in the morning.
The first time you get queasy after downing Bangkok street food, or your heels are bloody with blisters from a jaunt across London, you’ll wish you’d packed a handy kit with medications and bandages. Pack meds for headaches, motion sickness, stomach issues, cough drops, Benadryl, bandages and activated charcoal pills for diarrhea. We like moleskin bandages for blisters — a lifesaver. Look for small first aid kits at most pharmacies or grocery stores or make your own.
“I was at Disney World for four days with friends and my heels were torn apart with blisters,” says Olivia Foreman. “I learned the hard way to bring bandages next time, since I had to hobble into CVS to buy some!”
Most people are not aware that many banks charge you a fee for making purchases in a foreign currency or using an international ATM. Some cards charge up to 3% every time you swipe your card abroad, according to Nerdwallet. That adds up. We recommend carrying several different debit and credit cards that offer zero international transaction fees to keep unnecessary expenses down. It’s a simple way to trim your travel expenditures.
It’s smart practice to always have photocopies of your passport and other important documents. You never know when you might need it. Keep the photocopies in your backpack or carry on, so you can easily produce it and not have to pull out your
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actual passport or other important documents. We also suggest you take photos of all important documents and save them everywhere — email them to yourself, upload them to Google Drive or Dropbox, and keep them in an easy-to-find folder on your phone. So if you happen to lose your passport, have a credit card stolen, or you are unable to get WIFI access to your flight information, you are covered. We also suggest you give a second copy of all your important documents to someone trustworthy at home, too. That way, you have someone waiting in the wings to rescue you with a helpful email.
The last thing you want is for your phone to be dead just as you land after your 12-hour flight. Or your air pods to conk out. Or your laptop to be drained right when you need it. It’s frustrating and can really be inconvenient. We recommend being intentional about charging your electronics — in the airport, on the plane, in your hotel, and on and on.
Also, consider bringing a power strip with you to plug in multiple technologies at once. You’ll be the hero amongst friends when you pull this out at the airport coffee shop! USB battery packs are also helpful and can charge your smaller devices on the go without an electrical outlet. Power banks can be invaluable when your batteries die; don’t leave home without one!
“I was on vacation, but had a very important client and I needed to return their call — my phone was about to die,” says catering account executive Tracy Toth. “Fortunately, I carry a power bank so I was able to quickly recharge my phone, make the call and make the sale.”
Often underutilized resources for exploration are local tourism offices, which can be wealths of information. These are the local experts, and can offer helpful advice on tours, free activities, dining, and special events during your visit.
“Most of the time when we use tourism offices is when we go to national parks,” says northern Virginia resident and world traveler Rohini Ganjoo. “I tell them how long we want to stay there, what we want to do, and they’ll tell me exactly what time to go, how crowded it will be and things like that.”
Let’s face it — any shortcuts you can create at the airport will ease your stress and make your trip go more smoothly. Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that gives low-risk, pre-approved travelers faster clearance through security and customs checkpoints. We love skipping lines, and think you probably do too. After a long plane trip traveling from
a faraway locale, simplify your re-entry to America. For Global Entry, you must first apply by filling out an online form consent to a background check, and pay a $100 non-refundable fee with each completed application. Next you’ll need to schedule an appointment for a quick interview where you provide your fingerprints and show a valid passport. Once approved, your Global Entry card lasts a full five years from your most recent birthday.
Another easy way to expedite your time in airport lines is by downloading the app for the Mobile Passport Control (MPC). It allows eligible travelers to submit their passport and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device. The use of MPC streamlines the traveler’s entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time. Use of MPC is free, does not require pre-approval, and travelers who successfully use the MPC app will no longer have to complete a paper form or use an APC kiosk. As a result, weary travelers may experience shorter wait times, less congestion, and efficient processing. It has shaved a substantial portion of time off our customs line time!
CBP’s MPC app is a free application that can be downloaded from the Apple app store and Google Play and is currently available for eligible travelers to use upon arrival at MPC approved sites, which include Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). The MPC mobile app is available to U.S. citizens and Canadian B1/B2 citizens visitors.
For primarily domestic travel, consider TSA Precheck instead, a similar program that trims your security line time and is widely available in the U.S.
Dawn Klavon is a contributing writer for Prince William Living. Reach her at dklavon@princewilliamliving.com.
Prince William County is proud to be the home of the United States Marine Corps, and just as proud to be home to the world-class museum that honors the Corps’ efforts and sacrifices. If you haven’t paid a visit to the museum lately, read on and get up to speed.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the museum has greatly increased in size. Construction has concluded on a new wing, part of the Final Phase of the museum’s long-term plan to cover its entire history. This third major addition will be home to galleries chronicling the Marine Corps from 1976 to the present, including such operations as Beirut, Somalia, humanitarian efforts, 9/11, Iraq and Afghanistan, and more. Planning has been underway for this addition ever since the second phase, which told the story of the birth of the Marine Corps in 1776 up to
World War II, was completed in 2010. (The museum originally opened with just the World War II, Korea, and Vietnam exhibits.)
Though galleries for Final Phase aren’t open yet, visitors can peek in and see exhibits in progress. There are currently four active-duty Marines assigned to the museum, and they sometimes work on this project as well as interact with visitors. Occasionally federal funding gets diverted to other areas that have an immediate need, which explains the long time span from initiation to completion. However, “We drew a line in the sand and said 2025 would be the opening date, because it’s the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps,” said Gwenn Adams, Public Affairs Chief, who is herself a retired Marine.
In the meantime, visitors who want to see something new can view a temporary exhibit on Marines in space. The first
American astronauts were recruited from the military, and Marine Lieutenant Colonel John Glenn was among the Mercury Seven. The exhibit features Glenn’s uniform, artifacts such as the hook used to pull the Apollo 11 capsule out of the ocean, photos, and personal stories. You can see “Spaceflight: The Marine Astronauts” through January 2024.
A gallery you may have overlooked on the second deck is the one devoted to combat art. It’s been open since 2017, but a current special exhibit was created to honor the 80th anniversary of combat art. It began during World War II and includes everything from formal portraits to candid sketches from the field. “Art can convey so much more than a photograph,” says Adams. “An artist can put emotion into the stroke of a pen.” (Look for more on this topic in a future issue of Prince William Living.)
A relatively recent update to an older gallery is the exhibit on the Code Talkers in World War II. This group of Navajo Marines was recruited to create a code using their native language, a code that the Japanese were never able to crack. “When we find that there’s a story that hasn’t been told in an existing gallery and it needs to be told, we will add that,” says Adams.
Broadening the stories has become a major focus for the new galleries in Final Phase. “When the museum first opened, most of our advisors were senior officers and historians. We had great historical information but sometimes we had missed the opportunity to tell everyone’s story. So for Final Phase, we’ve had input from junior and senior enlisted, junior and senior officers, women, minorities, families,” says Adams. All these people, including civilians, help to make the Marine Corps what it is.
Another aspect of the museum that not everyone may be aware of is its educational outreach. Distance learning programs are live and held on a Zoom-like platform, where participants can submit questions in the chat. A distance-learning program might
include a museum guide giving a focused walk-and-talk in one of the galleries. For example, one program covered the Montford Point Marines, the first African-American troops in the Marine Corps. Past programs have been geared for different age groups and tailored to many topics, because anyone can put in a request for a distance-learning program.
The museum also offers Family Days every second Saturday, with hands-on activities for kids and STEM programs for homeschoolers. Summer camps are already full for this summer (in fact, they were filled by February), so if you know a student in grades 4–9 who would be interested in Marine tactics and history, keep it in mind for next year.
As a federal property, admission is always free, and so is parking. The museum is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. As Adams says, “We have something for every age, young or old. We’re here for everyone.”
Akey financial question for retirees is what to do with their hard-earned retirement savings. For example, some may find it more fulfilling to provide a college fund for grandchildren rather than purchase a second home for themselves. The opposite can also be true, and that’s okay.
In my experience working with retirees, I’ve found it’s critically important to identify what each person’s goals are for their nest egg. Do they want to spend down their assets pursuing activities that bring them joy — or would it be more fulfilling to leave an inheritance to loved ones? If you find yourself wrestling with the same question, read on for some considerations that can help determine the right approach for you.
On one hand, you may enter retirement with the primary goal of living the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to earn. Pursuing a hobby, traveling, purchasing a vacation home or fulfilling another retirement dream may be exactly what you envisioned for your later years.
If you fall into this category, keep in mind that these plans likely come at a price. Given the realities of longer life expectancies, it’s crucial for retirees to be prepared for a retirement that could last for several decades. This means your savings will need to cover routine expenses, which are likely to rise due to inflation, as well as the potential for health and long-term care services. Ensure you allocate enough dollars for these purposes before deciding whether or how much money to spend down or leave behind.
On the other hand, if your primary retirement goal is to leave a legacy to your loved ones, it’s important to start nailing down the details of inheritance plans early. As you do, keep in mind that your legacy includes what you plan to give as an inheritance upon your death, in addition to what you give and value today.
Perhaps you are eager to give your children and grandchildren a helping hand. Your generosity could make a significant difference in helping them reach key financial milestones, such as achieving a college degree, purchasing a home or paying off a mortgage.
Or, maybe you prefer to contribute funds to a charity, foundation, or alma mater that aligns with your values. Think about donating to causes that are most important to you or have made a significant impact on your life.
Whether you give to your loved ones, philanthropic causes or both, create or update an estate plan to document your wishes. Your plan should include written instructions (e.g., a will or trust) and up-to-date beneficiary designations on all your accounts.
Spending your assets or leaving an inheritance are both great options. Yet many of my clients hope to accomplish both. If this applies to you, too, know it’s possible to find a middle ground. After all, each person’s retirement dream is unique, so your financial plan to accomplish it should be, too.
As you weigh your options on how to allocate your savings, it may be important to you to talk with your spouse or partner about what brings each of you the most joy. Once you’re aligned, communicate your intentions with family. Estate planning can be a tough topic to raise with loved ones, no matter how much or little money you plan to pass down. But having the conversation can alleviate tension down the road while giving your children confidence about what to expect.
If you’d like a second opinion on how to achieve your retirement dream, consult a financial advisor and estate attorney. These professionals can offer advice and encouragement, helping you to find your own happy medium between spending and providing an inheritance with your assets.
Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC®, is a Private Wealth Advisor and CEO with Whitlock Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 28 years. To contact him visit whitlockwealth.com, call 877-WHITLOCK or email whitlockwealthmanagement@ampf.com. Offices are located at 12848 Harbor Dr, Ste 101, Lake Ridge, VA 22192 and in Downtown Historic Manassas at 9073 Center Street, Manassas VA 20110.
© 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
By Dominique McIndoe
With recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic still underway, a volatile economy, and a nationwide recession looming on the horizon, the Human Services Alliance of Greater Prince William stands as a refreshing slice of stability for Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park. They exist purely to assist people and enhance their quality of life.
Though the Alliance began in 2019 as a nonprofit association comprised of traditional and nontraditional human services providers, the organization is actually an extension of the legacy of the Prince William Coalition for Human Services, which operated successfully for more than 30 years prior to the Alliance’s inception. The Alliance acts as a catalyst for greater partnerships and collaboration among its network of human service organizations, the faith community, other community organizations, and interested citizens to enhance the lives of the people they support. Their role is to be the glue that holds all of these organizations together and meet the diverse needs of the Greater Prince William citizens.
“The mission of the Alliance is essentially to equip and empower traditional and nontraditional service providers to work most effectively and to collaborate with one another better,” said Chelsi Conaway, the previous executive director at the Alliance.
Among its founding board members were Abi Foerster from St. Thomas United Methodist Church, Karen Smith from The Arc of Greater Prince William, and Steve Pierce, Open Arms & Outreach Pastor from Park Valley Church. They, along with several other prominent leaders and board members in the community, wanted to create an entity that would provide various forms of support like its predecessor organization.
When the organization officially formed in 2019, passion and enthusiasm propelled the Alliance and created a sturdy foundation for all of the work that was to come. The COVID-19 pandemic and its shutdowns began just one week after the Alliance had its kickoff meeting in March 2020. The Alliance had to pivot to set up communication platforms so that service providers could communicate their quickly changing program offerings. The
Alliance spent the first month of the pandemic developing and setting up the Prince William Area Disaster Fund in partnership with the City of Manassas, the City of Manassas Park, and Prince William County Government so that private citizens and businesses could pool financial resources that were then granted out to organizations providing COVID-19 relief in the earliest days of the pandemic when state and federal resources had not yet been set up.
To clarify a common misconception, the Alliance does not, in and of itself, provide human services to the Greater Prince William community.
“Our tagline is ‘We serve those who serve our community,’” explains Peggy Kimmey, the interim Executive Director for the Alliance. “Our platform of service provides educational offerings from subject matter experts, organizes networking events to develop partnerships, communicates important information like grant opportunities, and provides other resources to support the community.”
The Alliance’s main funder since its inception has been the Prince William County Government. That relationship evolved into a partnership for the administration of funds providing assistance to underserved households impacted by COVID-19 in Prince William. The first grant was for $3 million dollars in mid-2020, with the CARES Act Community grant, awarded to 26 nonprofit partners who provided rent and utility assistance, employment services, medication payments, childcare, and more.
The second administrative partnership began in January 2022, with $10 million dollars from the Americans Rescue Plan Act grant. Thirty-three non-profit organizations were selected to provide employment support, childcare, utility assistance, hunger relief, emergency shelter, mental and behavioral health support, and navigation and application assistance for public benefits. In January of 2023 rent/eviction assistance was added to the services available.
“With so many different services offered, it is hard to quantify the impact these organizations have made with their awarded funds. I am in awe as I share with you that between April and December of 2022, the ARPA partners provided 15,732 boxes/bags of food, 2,715,295 meals, 383,561 pounds of food, and served 16,788 families/households and 119,081 individuals,” explains Kimmey.
The numbers are impressive, but it’s really the stories, one household at a time, that truly reflect the difference the funding has made.
One such household was the Huntingtons who received financial assistance from the CARES Act Community grant, as they were facing hardships. The Kuma Foundation — who’d been funded by the Alliance — assisted them after their child was diagnosed with Mucopolysaccharidosis 1, also known as MPS 1 or Hurler syndrome.
“I went to an orthopedic surgeon appointment with Wesley to have his hands looked at and that appointment changed our lives forever,” says Whitney Huntington. “Within about a month of that appointment, we had a diagnosis that he had a rare — very rare — 1 in 100,000 genetic disease… On March 17 [2020] I was furloughed from my job. Alex [my husband] was furloughed from his job. The medical bills were hefty. And that’s where the Kuma Foundation and the Alliance came in. They sort of rescued Christmas [2020] for us. They really made the end of the year [2020] manageable through a very generous financial gift. And they were able to pay our entire December [2020] mortgage and a vast majority of all of our utilities.”
The partners receiving funding through the ARPA grant began changing people’s lives in April of 2022, exemplified by this story shared by Jinnae Monroe, Managing Principal of HireGround.
“Leaving a domestic violence marriage and secretly locating to Prince William County was the hardest thing I ever did,” says M. Brown, a recipient of HireGround’s generosity. “I needed my husband’s income. While working two part-time jobs, I prayed
that somehow, I could get qualified in a way that would allow me to earn a decent salary while working one full-time job. Someone told me about a free certification from the local nonprofit and I reached out to HireGround.”
HireGround helped her pay her electric bill and cover car repairs while she finished Certified Nursing School and got back on her feet.
The rent assistance program has only been in place since January, but it has made a tremendous impact on our community.
Madlin Edmonds, Senior Pastor for New Creatures in Christ Community Church shared one such story about a community member named Sara (name changed to protect privacy). Sara went to the hospital with COVID-19-like symptoms, and while she tested positive, she also found she had stage four cancer. Her sister contacted the church for help with paying her rent, as she was worried about having a home to return to after cancer treatment.
“With the Alliance’s rent assistance funding, we were able to pay Sara’s rent arrears down to a zero balance. Sara left the hospital to go to hospice in her own home. The same home that she would have been evicted from had it not been for this funding. Sara transitioned from this life in her own home. She will never have to worry about being evicted again,” she said.
The Alliance is constantly seeking more ways to recruit additional human service providers to join them. To support these connections, the Alliance hosts in-person and virtual events to engage, empower, and educate area service providers.
“It is rewarding for the Alliance to connect organizations who can provide different services to the same clients,” says Kimmey, “but it’s even more satisfying to see the collaborations between community organizations emerging naturally when they meet at events. This includes the speakers who provide the training at our events. We are always looking for organizations and individuals to offer their expertise and resources to help our community thrive.”
The most challenging part of working at the Alliance, for Kimmey, is identifying the organizations that are not already connected with them.
“I don’t know who I don’t know,” Kimmey says. “I welcome introductions so I can learn what the organizations do and better understand how the Alliance can help them.”
For those interested in working with the Alliance or making a donation, they can contact Kimmey at executivedirector@ alliancegpw.org. For more information about the Alliance, visit alliancegpw.org.
TIAs, once referred to as “mini strokes,” can be an indicator of major health concerns.
Andrea Helmbach, MSN, RN, SCRN, was relieved when she recently read about updated stroke treatment guidelines. As stroke program manager at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, she knew her accredited stroke facility already implemented the protocols years ago. She was also comforted that others would soon do the same.
Top among the recommendations (published in January 2023 in Stroke at American Heart Association Journals): Drop the term “mini stroke.” Many people use the misnomer to describe a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), stroke symptoms (see box) that last from one to 24 hours and may stop without intervention.
“A TIA is really a warning stroke,” Helmbach says, “and a blessing stroke.”
Patients experiencing stroke symptoms — regardless of the severity — should be helped the same way, Helmbach explains.
With the newest protocols, medical providers are asked to:
• Conduct a CT (computed tomography) scan of the patient’s head to rule out an earlier stroke and look for bleeding
• Recommend a CT angiogram, which involves injecting a dye into the patient and evaluating blood vessels from the top of the aorta (the main artery which starts in the heart) to the cerebral vasculature (veins and arteries in the brain) for a blockage
• Consult with a neurologist for an immediate exam and review of the CT and the CT angiogram
• Consider and possibly give a clot-busting drug
• Offer an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to check finer details inside the body
• Prescribe medications which may include aspirin and statins to decrease LDL, the “bad cholesterol”
• Schedule a follow-up appointment with a neurologist
• Track compliance (how well patients follow medical advice, including implementing healthy lifestyle practices and taking medications)
But why do all this, especially if a patient’s stroke symptoms have stopped quickly?
“Sometimes a TIA can resolve, and then recur very soon,” Helmbach says, “and sometimes there’s what's called ‘crescendo TIAs,’ where you get multiple, little bouts of TIAs, and then all of a sudden there's a full-blown stroke.”
The American Stroke Association suggests the following acronym to identify and start treatment for a stroke:
B for balance. Is the person dizzy or off balance?
E for eyes. Is his or her vision blurry?
F for face drooping or numbness. Is the person’s smile uneven?
A for arm weakness or numbness. When the person raises his or her arm, does one drift down?
S for speech difficulties. Is his or her speech slowed or slurred?
T for time to call 9-1-1.
Even if you live near a hospital, resist the temptation to drive there. You’ll receive the needed care faster by calling 9-1-1, Andrea Helmbach, MSN, RN, SCRN, Sentara stroke program manager, says. She works closely with local EMS crews and has observed that their specialists can immediately assist stroke patients — whether their symptoms are mild or major. They quickly transport patients to an emergency department for additional care.
Patients with a warning stroke face concerning odds:
• About one in five will have a stroke within three months
• About one in 10 will experience a stroke within a few days
Helmbach has read estimates that 240,000 Americans a year experience TIAs. She believes the number is much higher.
“So many people, when they do come in with a stroke, say ‘Well, yeah, I kind of had these symptoms a couple of weeks ago, but I laid down and took a nap and woke up, and they were gone. So I didn't think much of it’,” she says. “That was their warning stroke. If you ignore it, then we don't get the opportunity to intervene. It's extremely important that they come in.”
Her advice: Call 9-1-1 at the first sign of symptoms. The stroke program manager wants patients to have hope.
“If we get people on the right regime, and they do some lifestyle modifications as well,” Helmbach says, “it's thought that we can prevent about 80% of the strokes that occur.”
Kristen De Deyn Kirk is a Virginia freelance writer specializing in healthcare and technology.
By Jennifer Halter
With summer just around the corner, many families are making plans for vacations. For some, this may be a quick getaway to a destination that can easily be reached by car. But for others, this may be the time to pack your bags and hop on an airplane, some, for the first time. Here are some of our best tips to prepare kids for this new adventure!
Preparation is key with anything, whether it’s something new or if you’re a seasoned pro. One of the most stressful parts of flying for many is navigating the airport. Explain to your children what will be happening when you arrive at the airport. Talk about the importance of staying together, even if they are tempted to go explore a fun, new environment. Let them know that getting through security may take a long time if there are a lot of people checking in at the same time and how important it is for them to be patient. This is a great time to break out a small toy or two, or even a tablet or cellphone for your child to have something to keep them occupied if the wait time is long.
Once through security and depending on how long you have to wait until you board your flight, take advantage of this time to explore! Check out shops, grab a snack or head to the window to watch the planes. The key is to let your child get all of their wiggles out before boarding (as much as possible with all of the excitement they will have!). Just prior to boarding, make sure you head to the restroom for that last potty break or diaper change, and if you have little ones who may need a bottle, have it ready to go so you don’t have to worry about doing it once you are seated on the plane.
Once you’ve made it safely to your seat and the children have had a moment to take in their surroundings, ask if they have any questions. If this is a new experience for them, they may be wondering what the flight attendants do or what certain noises are. Remember, for some children, this is all very exciting. But, for others, it may be a little scary. Be sure to pack a comfort item for them, such as a small blanket or stuffed animal so they have something familiar from home. Reassure them often that they are safe.
Before takeoff, let your child know it can be a little bumpy while you are in the air and they may even feel popping in their ears. If they are old enough, pack some gum to chew to help alleviate the ear popping. Also remind them about good flying etiquette, such as remaining in their seat and staying buckled, using their inside voices, and not kicking the seat in front of them.
While you’re in the air, make sure you have easy access to any items you have packed to keep the kids entertained. Some easy-to-pack items include books, tablets with headphones, a deck of cards or small travelsized games. Look for games with magnetic pieces to help avoid losing any while in flight. You can also bring some activity books, such as coloring books or word search books, to provide another quiet option to keep children busy. Also, take advantage of the in-flight movies that are offered or download movies on your tablet or smartphone in advance. Depending on the length of your flight, one movie might fill your child’s time and keep them entertained until you reach your destination. Don’t forget to pack chargers for your devices and make sure they are easily accessible. Bring some of your child’s favorite snacks just in case they
don’t like any of the in-flight options.
Once you land at your destination, remind your children they must remain seated until instructed to exit the plane. Make sure they pack all of their belongings and stay with your group. If you are concerned about everyone trying to exit at once, have your family hang back until the plane is mostly cleared of other passengers. Once you have exited the plane and before heading to grab any luggage or to your ground transportation, make sure you head to the restroom one more time as you may be in for another long wait.
Air travel for families can be stressful, but also very enjoyable if you plan well. As long as you go into this experience knowing there may be hiccups and it’s not meant to be perfect, you’ll land with your sanity in tact and some good memories to treasure.
Jennifer Halter (jenniferh@macaronikid.com) is a contributing writer and the founder of Macaroni Kid in Woodbridge.
By Dawn Klavon / Photos by Mark Gilvey
Bistro L’Hermitage is a charming spot in the heart of Prince William, offering an elegant but comfortable meal for family and friends. Embrace the excellent, award-winning French cuisine, including masterpieces like decadent lobster bisque, indulgent, distinctive escargots with puff pastry, and skillfully prepared filet mignon.
You arrive at the restaurant, not far from downtown Occoquan, and are instantly transported to a different time and place. A hodge-podge of decor greets you, along with fresh-cut flowers on each table and a gracious wait staff warmly welcoming you. Mismatched knickknacks fill the walls and linen-topped tabletops, creating a cozy European antique shop feel. The staff, ambiance, and in particular, the food will deliver outstanding results.
“We made the list of the 100 Best Restaurants in the Country in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018,” says Youssef Eagle Essakl. “When people walk in, they leave with a smile — they leave happy.”
Diners’ remarkable experiences unfold after being seated; a magical basket of warm, crunchy French bread is delivered tableside, with an alluring tureen of soft butter. As you peruse the menu, rely on the friendly and knowledgeable wait staff, who will enthusiastically explain the restaurant’s enticing offerings and share its hidden gems. For both those fans of French cuisine and those new to it, the bistro serves compelling offerings. Classics like onion soup, Caesar salad, and creme brulee are consistently excellent. French onion soup possesses just the right amount of cheese and croutonto-broth-and-onion ratio. The Caesar salad will pass muster with even the most rigorous aficionado. For safe bets that are right every time, order the seared New York steak or beef Bourguignon.
But this is the place to brave the uncharted waters of new items and be delighted at what you discover: Poached shrimp with watermelon cocktail sauce, roasted chicken with Meaux mustard sauce, and grilled lamb sausages offer compelling food for thought.
Our team enjoyed excellent options like lobster bisque as an appetizer, Poulet Rôti for an entrée, and Mousse au Chocolat aux Perles Croquantes for dessert, marvelously curated to bring culinary satisfaction.
If you happen to find yourself at the restaurant for their renowned brunch, you will be faced with a multitude of dilemmas. How can diners be expected to order just one meal, when the menu as a whole calls out to them? Be prepared to make sacrifices as you narrow your choices of delectable options. Whether you go with the Onglet de Boeuf et Oeuf (steak and eggs) or Oeuf Benedict a la Norvégienne (Eggs Benedict with sauteed spinach and smoked salmon), there truly is no wrong answer. Our party’s shrimp cake on onion brioche was rich, meaty and perfectly seasoned and cooked. Brunch is a wonderful setting to bring large groups, so consider recruiting family and friends to bask in a decadent weekend afternoon meal.
“My brunch at Bistro Hermitage reminded me of visiting an eccentric, yet favorite aunt and feeling immediately at home,” says Tracy Toth, of Arlington, who dined at the restaurant recently. “The eclectic assortment of knick-knacks, antique china and a variety of lighting features and sconces somehow worked together. The friendly seasoned waiter greeted me with enthusiasm and hospitable humor. Everything and everyone seem welcome and fits comfortably in this old-world gem.”
Owner Youssef Eagle Essakl spent nearly 25 years honing his skills in some of Washington’s top restaurants, including the renowned Marcel’s by Robert Wiedmaier, before creating Bistro L'Hermitage. He bought the restaurant in 2003 and spent almost five years meticulously renovating what was once a Chinese restaurant built in 1954. Essakl lovingly restored the property to exude French countryside warmth and charm eager guests. At the end of 2007, Bistro L’Hermitage opened for business, and, as they say, the rest is history.
Essakl says the restaurant has evolved over the past 16 years, from a simple bistro to a white-linen-clad dining destination.
“From the point I opened to where it’s at now, I never knew I was gonna get to this point,” he says. “But I’m capable of taking it to any level — I’m well-trained — I have more things to offer.”
Bistro L’Hermitage is a bustling spot no matter when you visit, but it is a perfect special occasion spot to delight in monumental moments. And for owner Essakl and his faithful staff, that means bringing gracious hospitality and superb cuisine to those who venture to their celebrated bistro.
“A thing like this would not happen anywhere else,” says Essakl. “Only in America.”
Bistro L'Hermitage 12724 Occoquan Rd. Woodbridge VA 22192 703.499.9550 — 703.499.9557
Dawn Klavon is a regular contributing writer for Prince William Living.
much more time to his young family. He no longer has to worry about having to miss anniversaries and birthdays because he was suddenly sent overseas. “I want my sons to see me as I saw my dad, working with his hands and seeing how things can be done… and trying to mold them to become better men,” he explains.
His other mission is simply to help others enjoy life, as he is doing now. “It takes an hour to an hour and half to smoke a cigar. It really forces you to sit back, relax, and be present.” He has many outdoorsy friends who take the C-ration holder as they hike in the mountains in Colorado, and gets satisfaction out of knowing he’s
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created something that people can use and that brings them joy. “When people send me photos of themselves enjoying a cigar on a mountain, it’s like ‘You’re a part of my story, and I’m a part of yours. This world is so small, and I want to be a part of your life and you to be a part of mine.’”
OmniRide Express is a stress-free and convenient bus service from Eastern Prince William County, the Manassas area, Gainesville, Haymarket, and Stafford to destinations in Northern Virginia (including the Pentagon) and Washington, D.C.
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Saturday Train Times 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.
15 Admission Passport – $95.00
Save $5, purchase before May 15th
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leisurely ride
Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street Manassas Park, VA 20111 703.335.8872
manassasparkcommunitycenter.com
Our largest event of the year, the Evening of Excellence brings together alumni, local leaders and aspiring leaders to celebrate the legacy of leadership in our community.
Tickets are $100 and include two drink tickets, heavy hors d'oeuvres and starter gaming money. Sponsorships are also available.
For more information, scan this code or visit leadershipprincewilliam.org.
Whenit comes to outdoor cooking, there are several options available to choose from. In addition to gas and charcoal grills, smokers and electric grills are great to consider. Here's a breakdown of each type of grill to help you make an informed decision.
Gas grills are known for their convenience and ease of use. They offer quick heating and temperature control, making them ideal for cooking a variety of foods. Some models come with additional features, such as side burners and rotisserie kits.
Smokers are perfect for those who love the rich, smoky flavor in their food. They come in different shapes and sizes and use wood pellets, chips, or chunks to produce smoke. Smokers are great for cooking large cuts of meat such as brisket or pork shoulder and can also be used for fish and vegetables.
Electric grills are ideal for those living in apartments or with limited outdoor space. They are compact and easy to use, with adjustable temperature control. They are also easy to clean and require less maintenance than gas or charcoal grills. However, electric grills do not produce the same level of flavor as gas or charcoal grills.
Charcoal grills are known for their rich, smoky flavor and are perfect for slow-cooking meats such as ribs or brisket. They require more preparation time than gas grills but are worth the effort for the flavor they produce. Charcoal grills come in different shapes and sizes and need charcoal briquettes or natural lump charcoal as fuel.
Choosing the right grill depends on your personal preferences and cooking needs. If convenience and ease of use are a priority, a gas grill or electric grill may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you love the smoky flavor in your food, a charcoal grill or smoker may be more suitable. It's essential to consider your budget, outdoor space, and the type of food you want to cook before deciding.
There are many options available when it comes to outdoor cooking. Whether you choose a gas grill, smoker, electric grill, or charcoal grill, the most important thing is to enjoy the outdoor cooking experience and create delicious, memorable meals with friends and family.
Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living magazine and Brides & Weddings magazine. She is a lifelong resident of Prince William County and a volunteer with OWL VFD. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, being a Grandma, visiting Walt Disney World, blogging at Sightseeing Sidekick, reading, and sleeping.
Museum Kid MondayBrentsville Historic Centre
Mon. May 1 | 10 to 11 a.m.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre
12229 Bristow Road, Bristow
Bring your toddler to explore history through sight, sound, smell, and touch. Programs include outdoor and indoor activities. Adults must be able to participate with children.
Wednesday Walks at Bristoe Station Battlefield
Wed. May 3 | 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park
10708 Bristow Road, Bristow
Join the staff and volunteers of Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park for a monthly hike to stretch your legs and explore the park. Topics, routes, and distances vary by month and will cover a wide variety of the history of Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. For more information: pwcva.gov/ department/historic-preservation
First Friday: Tequila & Tacos
Fri. May 5 | 6 to 9 p.m.
Historic Downtown Manassas
On the first Friday of the month, Historic Downtown Manassas transforms into a giant party! The 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.
Fridays at 5 Summer Concert Series
Fri. May 5 & 19 | 5 to 9 p.m.
Sean T. Connaughton Plaza
1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge
Food, beer and wine and live music!
May 5: Trio Caliente; May 19: Special Occasions Band.
Suicide Awareness Walk
Sat. May 6 | 8:30 to 11 a.m.
Forest Park High School
15721 Forest Park Drive, Woodbridge
Every 11 minutes, a life is lost to suicide. To help bring awareness to mental health and suicide in our community, students at Forest Park High School are walking 3.2 miles to strive for change. Special guests include Senator McPike, Congressman Connolly, PWCS Superintendent McDade, and PWCS board members.
Walk MS: Manassas 2023
Sat. May 6 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Harris Pavilion
9201 Center Street, Manassas
Walk MS® (Multiple Sclerosis) brings together people for a powerful purpose: to end MS. Feel the support that can only come from a community whose steps fuel breakthroughs, solutions, and a cure. Site opens 9 a.m. and walk begins at 10 a.m. for 1-mile and 3-mile routes.
Sat. May 6 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre
12229 Bristow Road, Bristow
As the seat of Prince William County from 1822-1893, Brentsville was a bustling community full of business, agriculture, trades, and more. Come to a modern Court Day with a historic feel where you can experience what Brentsville was like during its heyday. Activities will include mock trials, historic tradespeople, a militia muster, markets, music, food, demonstrations and more.
Sat. May 6 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Manassas Regional Airport
10600 Harry J. Parrish Blvd., Manassas
The community is welcome to this free open house showcasing the airport's facilities, various aircraft, aviation vendors, and classic cars. The event will also focus on promoting aviation and honoring the City of Manassas as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.
ROCK: Rainbow’s Outdoor Camp for Kids
Sat. May 6 & 27 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center at Silver Lake Regional Park
16198 Silver Lake Road, Haymarket
Located at the entrance of Silver Lake Park, kids will have a chance to learn outdoor skills like archery and fishing and get to enjoy the local wildlife on hikes around the park. Open to ages 10-14. Call 703-7945308 to reserve a spot.
Veterans Lunch Bunch at Potomac Place
Tue. May 9 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Potomac Place
2133 Montgomery Avenue, Woodbridge
Join the staff at Bristoe Station Battlefield Veterans are invited to a monthly lunch in their honor. Two fellow veterans may accompany you for this complimentary meal. Every second Tuesday of the month 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Spring Yard Sale
Sat. May 13 | 8 a.m. to 12 noon
Manassas Park Community Center
99 Adams Street, Manassas Park
Sellers: What’s the best way to celebrate all that Spring cleaning? A yard sale, of course! Clean out your attics, basements, garages and sell, sell, sell at this popular event. $10 per vendor slot. For more information, email k.collier@ manassasparkva.gov. Buyers: This is your time to treasure hunt and give items a new life! Come on down and look for deals because it’s a FREE event for buyers.
Sat. May 13 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Manassas Museum Lawn
9101 Prince William Street, Manassas
Celebrate all things Viking! This free, family-friendly event offers entertainment and education about Vikings who were explorers, raiders, pirates, and colonizers during the 9th to 11th centuries Event takes place rain or shine. Some activities at Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center Street, Manassas.
Museum Kid Monday –
Ben Lomond
Mon. May 15 | 10 to 11 a.m.
Ben Lomond Historic Site
10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas
Bring your toddler to explore history through sight, sound, smell, and touch. Programs include outdoor and indoor activities. Adults must be able to participate with children.
Aging Gracefully Expo
Thu. May 18 | 8 to 11 a.m.
Potomac Mills Mall
2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge
The Aging Gracefully Expo is an event designed to provide resources for older Americans, their families, and their caregivers. This event provides an opportunity for vendors to showcase products, resources, and services to assist in planning for the future. Free and open to the public to attend.
Historic Town Tours-Buckhall
Fri. May 19 | 7 to 8 p.m.
Buckhall United Methodist Church
10251 Moore Drive, Manassas
Join local historians once a month this summer for a special walking tour of historic towns in Prince William County. For May, visit Buckhall, a small community where visitors can still view a cemetery, as well as the exteriors of a oneroom schoolhouse and the building that once held the “Buckhall Mall.” Tour will depart from the parking lot at Buckhall United Methodist Church. Call 703-7924754 for more information.
Chalk Festival
Sat. May 20 | 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Blooms Park
9701 Manassas Drive, Manassas Park
Kids to The Park Day at this free event at Blooms Park! Let the blank pavement be your canvas and create works of art using only chalk. The park will transform into a community art gallery as families design memorable pieces while enjoying the fresh air. Family games and craft sessions will also be available.
Festival & 5K Fun Run
Sat. May 20 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Prince William Street Commuter Lot
9024 Prince William Street, Manassas
Join others to make a difference for children with disabilities by assisting them in gaining access to service dogs. The non-profit Anything's PAWSible supports families by helping defray the cost of service dogs and provides education and advocacy efforts. Strollers, dogs, and any mobility devices are warmly welcomed!
Starts at Prince William Street Commuter Lot, with registration beginning at 11 a.m.; the 5K finishes at Manassas Museum Lawn, 9101 Prince William Street.
Ben Lomond Rose
Garden Tea
Sat. May 20 | 1 to 3 p.m.
Ben Lomond Historic Site
10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas
Celebrate the arrival of spring by spending a wonderful afternoon in the antique rose garden at Ben Lomond enjoying historic tea and garden themed treats. Price of admission includes tea, light refreshments, and a special talk about roses and spring flowers in one of the largest antique rose gardens in the Washington D.C. metro area. Advance registration required: 703-367-7872.
Taste of Jamaica
Sat. May 20 | 1 to 9 p.m.
Prince William County Fairgrounds
10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas
For the first time, Taste of Jamaica will be coming to Prince William County Fairgrounds to showcase the best in Jamaican cuisine: jerk chicken, jerk pork, curried goat, curry chicken, escovitch fish, jerk ribs, jerk steak, brown stew chicken and jerk hot dogs, all served with rice and peas and salad.
Equality Prince William
Pride Event
Sun. May 21 | 12 to 4 p.m.
Harris Pavilion
9201 Center Street, Manassas
Celebrate pride and diversity in the Greater Prince William area to include the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. Friends, families, and neighbors are invited to come out, enjoy music (DJ and live), vendors, and kids’ activities.
Museum Kid Monday –
Rippon Lodge
Mon. May 22 | 10 to 11 a.m.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site
15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge
Bring your toddler to explore history through sight, sound, smell, and touch. Programs include outdoor and indoor activities. Adults must be able to participate with children.
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