David Lezcano, admin@princewilliamliving.com
Carole Keily
Johnnie Barnes, johnnie@givebackpw.org
Diane Puigdomenech, dpuigdomenech@princewilliamliving.com
VISIBILITY PACKAGES sales@princewilliamliving.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS
info@princewilliamliving.com
Erin PittmanEDITOR IN CHIEF epittman@princewilliamliving.com
Jennifer Halter, Colleen Kilday, Dawn Klavon, Wendy Migdal, Bennett Whitlock
Mark Gilvey, Rob Jinks
Katherine Gotthardt
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 2022 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
Editorial offices: (703) 232-1758, ext. 2
Advertising offices: (703) 232-1758, ext. 3 Efax: (703) 563-9185
Social Media
Prince William Living can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram.
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.
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 article reprints or request reprint permission, please 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.
It’s hard to believe it’s almost time to gather together around a feasting table again and give thanks for all the good people and things in our lives. But I know it truly is, because here at Prince WIlliam Living we always kick off the season of giving with our Giving Back Award. This annual award recognizes an extraordinary Prince William nonprofit making a difference in our community. Check out our feature to learn about our 2022 winner, The Prince William Community Foundation, and our two runners up.
If after reading our feature you’re feeling inspired to give back to our community like these incredible nonprofits — and we hope you are — don’t stop reading there. Our Family Fun section contains a plentiful list of ways you and your family can give back together.
You can also hold tight to that wonderful feeling of community by attending an upcoming small-town, give-me-all-the-goodfeelings parade. Historic Manassas will be holding their annual Veterans Day and Christmas parades. Need a new lunch or
dinner spot to satisfy that post-parade appetite? Try a (huge!) slice of pizza at Benny Copalago’s in Manassas.
Add a dose of whimsy to your October by experiencing the work of local artist John Hartt. From building and playground murals to more traditional canvases, his creativity can be found throughout the area. For those of us without artistic murals on the sides of our homes, our Home and Hearth article offers more traditional ways to spruce up your home that provide excellent returns on your investments.
And there’s no better investment than your own health. Read up on tips for meeting your health goals in this month’s Health and Wellness section. For those experiencing divorce later in life, we’ve also got tips for achieving your retirement goals despite changes in your financial situation. Check out Your Finances for six suggestions to get you on the best path to success.
All the best, Rebecca Barnes Publisher
According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations are registered in the United States.
Prince William has a multitude of not-for-profit groups that reach out to every segment of the population, extending support, education, and life-giving resources. Prince William Living recognizes the extraordinary efforts of these unsung heroes of our community. Their commitment to service and desire to support our neighbors make us all stronger and thrive as a whole.
Kudos to this year’s winner and two runners-up; it’s just the tip of the iceberg of passionate, talented people and organizations who make Prince William great.
The Giving Back Award for 2022 goes to the Prince William County Community Foundation.
The Prince William County Community Foundation, Inc. is committed to building philanthropic resources to sustain healthy and vital Prince William County communities now and into the future. By helping to improve the community residents' quality of life, the organization promotes community solutions through research and actions that will advance the common good.
“Exciting things are happening at the Prince William County
Community Foundation,” said Vanessa Gattis, the organization’s president. “We have had our most successful year-to-date by bringing our total impact level to more than 650,000 meals served to area individuals in need of food resources through our Combating Hunger on Wheels Wagon Initiative.”
This past year also marked the launch of many new partnerships for the Woodbridge-based PWCCF, such as new opportunities with the Potomac Health Foundation, allowing PWCCF to conduct targeted outreach to active-duty military and veterans. The 4-year-old non-profit also launched a new program; the Backpack Buddy Box distributes directly to children on-site at Prince William County Public Schools. Their operations expanded to tackle health and wellness – another basic skills gap adversely impacting the service population.
The PWCCF has a broad reach, with a mission to equip students with education. In 2022, the group distributed $10,000 to high school seniors through a scholarship initiative to promote pathways to college for students as another means to secure positive post-secondary pathways.
“We have also provided aid to the community as they continue to combat the ongoing pandemic through the distribution of personal protection equipment and care packages to residents continuing to battle against COVID-19,” Gattis said. “Over
the past few years, the Prince William County Community Foundation has solidified its role as a regional leader in recognizing the need for and providing resources to eradicate food insecurity.”
PWCCF also uses its platform through monthly Community Conversations to introduce nonprofits and small businesses to the community by engaging in thought-provoking conversations. Through its annual PWC Gives! virtual fundraising event in 2021, the foundation helped 20 nonprofit organizations raise over $40,000 and gain new donors to help fulfill their mission within our community.
Back to school is a busy (and expensive) time for many families, and the PWCCF aims to ease the financial burden. The foundation held its annual Back-to-School Community Event in August, where over 1,000 backpacks were distributed to students going back to school. The event, which had over 40 sponsors, had free food, and distributed food boxes, games, and resources that drew over 2,500 people.
“Behind our success are our supporters: the generous local businesses, individuals, and corporations who recognize that addressing food insecurity and health and wellness, especially among youth audiences and in low-income communities, benefits us all,” Gattis said.
Ensuring that all individuals have their basic skills met contributes to a more resilient economy and an improved quality of life for individuals and families throughout Prince William County. In fact, the foundation has garnered attention for its outstanding service, winning several awards in 2021, including Nonprofit of the Year from the Town of Dumfries and a service award from the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
With the goal of helping improve the quality of life for our residents, the PWCCF continues to be a staple in Prince William County and to its residents. Gattis said community support has made the difference.
“Without their dedicated volunteers, PWC residents, and supporters, there would be no Prince William County Community Foundation,” she said.
(continues on page 6)
Agape Love in Action’s mission is simple: it’s to help those in need. Motivated by deep faith, its members serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love.
The nonprofit’s founder, Corliss Udoema, is a true hero in the City of Manassas. As president and founder of Contract Solutions Inc., she started ALIA to positively impact the community.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Udoema and her non-profit rose to meet the needs of community challenges by supporting COVID-19 frontline health workers,” said Kisha Wilson-Sogunro, from the City of Manassas. “Udoema and her organization donated over 12,600 Hero Bags to area hospitals and medical facilities.”
As a successful business owner, Udoema understands the importance of maintaining morale that ensures employees feel valued and remain committed to excellence. Each Hero Bag delivered included drawings and personal notes of appreciation to the healthcare workers. Over a seven-month period, ALIA donated Hero Bags to Prince William healthcare facilities including Novant Health, Sentara, and Kaiser Permanente.
It didn’t stop there. Udoema rolled out the red carpet for frontline heroes by purchasing thousands of popular snacks from big box retailers. To calm anxiety, she made sure to bundle and seal the snacks in individual packages for sanitization purposes.
“She made sure the bags held a personal thought by placing a business card-size note with an inspiring message in each bag to let front line workers know that someone cares and that they are not expendable,” Wilson-Sogunro said. “Additionally, she acknowledges their work on her social media platform to sing their praises.”
Udoema aligns her business gains with the biblical scripture (Luke 12:48) of “To whom much is given, much is required.” Grateful for the sacrifices of front-line workers, she provides necessary resources through her nonprofit and business to help front-line workers and the greater community. Udoema’s ultimate intention is to help those whose lives have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“She keeps her finger on the pulse by corresponding with City of Manassas staff as well as leadership for updates on community needs,” Wilson-Sogunro said. “This allows staff to collaborate with her by providing resources.”
As a result, the city employees have assembled over 3,600 bags on their lunch breaks to give back to the community. The Manassas Boys and Girls Club is ALIA’s satellite location for storing the largest inventory of snacks, which allows for quick disbursement of snacks while keeping volunteers safe for social distancing. ALIA is able to share this partnership immediately as a way of resolving hunger needs with club members.
ALIA’s founder thinks outside the box. The organization partnered with Retro Fitness in Manassas for logistical support to receive and deliver during the peak of the shutdown. When employees reported to work at an empty gym, the manager had the staff stuff and deliver bags.
ALIA, led by the unflappable Udoema, has earned great respect and credibility in Prince William and has honorably served the community in countless ways.
The mission of Dumfries-based Future Kings is to use education, mentoring, training, practical experiences, and mastery of 21st-century technology to create a pipeline of young men from underserved communities to excel in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) related careers and positively influence their communities.
Dr. Arik King, the organization’s leader, is committed to helping secondary school students master math and science in an applied learning environment. His doctoral research involved using computer games to improve math achievement in seventh-grade students.
King founded Future Kings in 2010 when he introduced students to lucrative STEM professions to break the cycle of poverty in African American and Hispanic communities. Since its inception, Future Kings has served more than 1,000 students and delivered STEM majors to universities including Yale, Johns Hopkins, George Mason, University of West Virginia, University of Virginia, Norfolk State, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia State, Old Dominion, and Morehouse College.
Through grants and/or contributions and numerous volunteers serving as mentors and instructors, Future Kings has built a firm foundation.
Future Kings is making a true difference in Prince William communities. For the second year in a row, King reached out to the leadership of the Georgetown South community in Manassas — an underserved community — to extend the offer of scholarships to STEM camps this past summer, a DRONE Engineering camp, and a Biomedical Research camp. Sixteen youth attended these camps free of charge while the camps normally cost $300 per participant.
“These camps were similar in that they allowed the kids to experience math and science outside of a classroom setting,” King said. “They put the fun into math and science and allowed our kids to experience biomedical research and drone engineering.”
Future Kings endeavors to expose underserved youth to STEM programs and educate them on potential careers in science, technology, and engineering. The nonprofit organization hopes to “Engineer Great Futures” by teaching advanced engineering concepts to young men to develop a cadre of culturally responsible professionals and entrepreneurs who positively influence their community through academic success, economic achievement, and job creation.
By offering valuable programs in cybersecurity, biomedical sciences, custom engineering, computer game design, and 21stcentury skills, Future Kings is equipping the next generation for successful careers in STEM fields.
The Future Kings cybersecurity program, a collaborative effort with Northern Virginia Community College, is designed for middle and high school students interested in protecting and defending against cybercrime. The program instills responsibility, ethical decision-making, confidence, emotional intelligence, and practical knowledge.
The biomedical science track is designed to help students acquire an understanding of life science concepts and develop skills in planning and executing scientific experiments. In the custom engineering program, students get hands-on experience with computer-aided design software and devices used in computeraided manufacturing.
The Future Kings computer game design concentration helps students learn many of the core concepts and principles for creating computer games. Students learn to create working game characters that can move and interact.
Together, Future Kings uses these programs to offer excellent educational opportunities for Prince William’s underserved youth.
Dawn Klavon is a regular contributing writer for Prince William Living and can be reached at dklavon@princewilliamliving.com
Photo courtesy Future Kings
Ending a marriage can be emotional and full of challenges at any age, even if both parties agree it’s the right decision. When couples over age 50 divorce, they often face the additional task of supporting two separate retirement plans using the assets intended for their combined nest egg. If you find yourself in this position, the following steps can help you boost your savings so you have enough money to last what could be decades in retirement:
1. Take advantage of catch-up contribution rules. If you are employed and age 50 or older, current tax laws allow you to save additional money in your workplace retirement plan or IRA. Check IRS.gov or contact your financial advisor to learn the annual contribution limits for each account you own.
2. Work an extra year or two before retiring. Every additional year you spend in the workforce means you have one more year to save for the retirement you want to have. Many Americans are spending 20 to even 40 years in retirement, so the extra money you save can make a big difference on the amount you have to live on.
3. Delay claiming Social Security. Claiming Social Security benefits after divorce can be tricky. Bottom line: It’s worth exploring your options and choosing the best claiming strategy based on your full financial situation. If your former spouse earned a higher income, you may be eligible to receive benefits based on his or her employment record starting at age 62. In most cases, you may qualify if you were married for at least 10 years and you are still single. If you remarried, check the Social Security website to see if you are eligible (SocialSecurity.gov). If you decide to claim benefits on your ex-spouse’s record, keep the following in mind:
• You may claim benefits even if your former spouse is still working. To do so, you must be divorced for at least two years.
• The benefits you receive will not impact the amount your former spouse (and current spouse, if he or she remarried) will receive.
• If your ex-spouse passed away following your divorce, you may still be eligible for widow’s benefits. Check the Social Security website for eligibility requirements.
4. Save your alimony dollars. Spousal support is more likely to be awarded when long-term marriages end. If you are awarded alimony as part of your divorce, consider using it to boost your retirement fund. Alimony is often granted with
conditions, including the possibility that the payments will stop if you remarry, so keep those in mind as you plan for your future.
5. Keep your retirement dollars invested. Amid a complex situation, it may be tempting to use your retirement savings to meet immediate financial needs. However, doing so could jeopardize retiring when and how you want to. Premature withdrawals from retirement accounts are an expensive short-term solution that triggers tax penalties and fees while reducing future retirement income.
6. Seek advice. Assemble a team of professionals who can provide guidance on how to best divide assets and plan for your future. If you have friends or family who have gone through a divorce, consider asking for a referral. Enlist an attorney or mediator who can help you navigate the legal system (keeping in mind laws vary by state), advocate for your interests, and update your estate plan. Also, consult a financial advisor and tax advisor for advice on crafting your retirement strategy.
Emotional turmoil brought on by divorce can make it hard to prioritize your finances, but even amid that it’s important to make sound decisions. Even if you’re eager to move forward with your life, take the time to evaluate your retirement plans thoroughly. When you have significant assets or a complex estate to divvy up, there’s too much at stake to rush the process.
Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC®, is a Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Director with Whitlock Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. He offers fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 22 years. To contact him call 703.492.7732 or visit his website at whitlockwealth.com. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.
© 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
By Colleen Kilday / Photos by Rob Jinks
In 1873, the settlement surrounding a railroad junction was officially chartered as the city of Manassas. The closeknit community that emerged since has been sustained for nearly 150 years and shows no signs of slowing down. This is undoubtedly due in part to the strong sense of community pride interwoven throughout residents’ daily life — from landmarks with accompanying plaques scattered throughout the city to annual events like seasonal festivals and holiday parades.
As the holiday season rapidly approaches, count on Manassasbased parades to unite appreciation of the community’s roots with its current-day spirit. This year’s holiday season parades in historical Old Town Manassas are the perfect opportunity for residents to showcase their community pride, whether it takes the form of attending, participating, or even volunteering.
The minutiae of daily life can sometimes blind us to whom we owe our freedom. This November, celebrate your patriotism by honoring the sacrifices made by members of the armed services at the Manassas Veteran’s Day Parade held Nov. 5, 2022, at 11 a.m. The parade will begin at the Harris Pavilion and move down Prescott Avenue and through Center Street.
The parade includes military bands sure to evoke American pride with traditional military music, accompanying members of all
the armed forces. In the past, the event has showcased multiple generations of military excellence — from the Junior ROTC to veterans of wars past.
“Every year our parade honors veterans in the community,” said Mark Meier, Board Chairman of VetPar Inc., who organizes the parade. “Our Grand Marshals are selected from the community. We seek support to sponsor the parade from the community. We encourage families and friends to join us in honoring veterans.”
This year, the parade has selected two Grand Marshals, U.S. Army Veteran Colonel Ulysses Xerxes “Xerk” White and Mrs. Elizabeth Lewis, a WWII nurse. Colonel White served in the Army for 30 years, after which he went on to become the first African American elected to the Manassas City Council in 1990. Mrs. Lewis was a surgical nurse for the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, commissioned in 1943, who primarily served aboard a hospital ship named the Emily Weder. This ship served both the Atlantic and Pacific during the invasion in southern France.
The event serves as an opportunity for the community to honor members of all armed services who similarly served integral roles in our nation’s history. This year’s theme, however, specifically highlights the sacrifices made by soldiers and families of the U.S. Army. The organization itself is inclusive of all walks of life and depends on the support of all persons, both civilian and military.
“We are a volunteer organization, and we seek people from the community to help us plan and execute this annual parade,” said Meier. “You do not need to be a veteran. Rather, you wish to support an organization and event that honors those who have worn the uniform. We need parade marshals, parade committee planners, and other folks who wish to assist with fundraising efforts.”
Residents wishing to support the parade efforts are encouraged to submit a volunteer application, make a contribution or become a sponsor at vetpar2.org.
What better way to kick off the holiday season than attending one of the largest parades in Northern Virginia? On Dec. 3 at 10 a.m., the 76th annual Greater Manassas Day Parade will showcase more than 100 exhibits in a two-hour march starting at Mathis Ave and continuing through Old Town Manassas. Marching bands and dance troops will set the ambiance for this year’s theme, Hometown Christmas, while a variety of floats and balloons are sure to keep all the senses engaged. Don’t forget to bring the little ones, too, as Kris Kringle himself is rumored to make an appearance!
Attendees are encouraged to make the most of the traditional event by bringing fold-out chairs, snacks, hot cocoa, blankets, and anything else that will make viewing extra comfortable. Parking is available in the Historic Downtown parking lot or
on the side streets of the parade route, which can be viewed at gmchristmasparade.org. This event is heavily attended, so be sure to secure the best seats in the house by arriving early.
Those yearning to get a little closer to the action can apply to volunteer by emailing gmchristmasparade@gmail.com. Each year, more than 300 community members join together to spread holiday cheer and make the parade a success. A volunteer meeting will be held at the Salisbury Center on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. to discuss roles, responsibilities, and scheduling. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, visit gmchristmasparade.org.
Colleen Kilday is a regular contributing writer for Prince William Living.
Fall is a great time to look at how you’re fueling your body and the best ways to establish or achieve long-term nutrition goals. Here are the top five questions patients ask about nutrition and answers you might find helpful.
There’s no one diet that’s best for everyone.
“The key is finding what works for you,” said Kristina Metzler, a registered dietitian at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. “You want to find a plan that is realistic, sustainable and can fit into your lifestyle.”
Restrictive diets that eliminate whole food groups may be effective in the short term but are not sustainable or beneficial for long-term health. A healthy diet incorporates a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins, said Metzler.
Carbohydrates are present in a wide range of foods — some healthy and others not so healthy. Carbs include grains like bread, pasta, and rice; starchy vegetables like potatoes, peas, and corn; and fruits, dairy, and beans.
“Our bodies prefer to use carbs as fuel, so it is recommended that you consume carbohydrates, but the source of carbohydrate can make a difference,” said Metzler.
Processed or simple carbs are foods where all the good nutrition has been removed and you are just left with the sugar, like white bread, sweets, cereals, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Good or complex carb choices are those in which the natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals are left in the food, like fruits, whole grains, beans, and dairy.
“When incorporating carbohydrates into your diet, choose complex carbohydrates the majority of the time,” said Metzler. “Remember to be mindful of the portion or serving size of the carbohydrates you consume to maintain a healthy weight.”
3. Should I take a daily vitamin?
It’s best to get all the vitamins and minerals you need from food.
“You can do this by eating a varied diet including lots of fruits and vegetables,” said Metzler. “Each color of fruit and vegetable contains different nutrients, so it’s important to eat a rainbow.”
If you’re not able to eat a varied diet, it may be good to take a daily multi-vitamin. Vitamin D is often supplemented. It is best obtained from sun exposure and many of us are not able to get the appropriate exposure needed for adequate levels. You can ask your doctor to test your vitamin D level so you know if you should start a supplement, suggests Metzler.
4. Which foods raise my cholesterol?
There are different types of cholesterol: LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol).
“The goal is to raise your HDL and lower your LDL,” said Metzler.
Foods that raise your bad cholesterol are those with saturated fat, such as butter, high-fat meats like steak, and full-fat dairy. Foods that raise your good cholesterol are healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts. Foods packed with fiber, like beans and whole grains, also help lower your bad cholesterol.
“Contrary to popular belief, foods that contain cholesterol like eggs and shrimp don’t actually raise your cholesterol,” said Metzler.
5. How many calories should I eat to lose weight?
“This will vary from person to person,” said Metzler. “Calories are calculated based on your height, weight, age, and activity level.”
To lose one pound per week, you want to burn 500 more calories than you eat per day. That means you either want to consume 500 calories less than your body needs, burn 500 extra calories through exercise, or a combination of the two, according to Metzler.
“It’s important to remember that not all calories are created equally,” said Metzler. “You should focus more on the quality of your diet and make sure you’re eating from a variety of food groups and minimizing processed foods.”
If you’d like to discuss your personal nutritional goals or concerns with one of our registered dietitians, contact Sentara Diabetes and Nutrition Management at 703-523-0590 or through sentara.com/nutrition.
As we kick off the holiday season this month with Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect time to teach children about the importance of gratitude and giving back through acts of kindness. Here are ideas for service projects you can do with your family this month and beyond.
Many churches and organizations host food drives throughout the year to serve the community through food distribution events or to stock year-round food pantries. Select an organization to donate to before you start your drive, and find out if they have any special requests. Next, set a dates and share with family and friends. Children can draw their own fliers to share. If you have a tech-savvy kiddo, allow them to get creative and design graphics to share on your social media pages and distribute via email. A fun way to encourage donations is to set a goal to collect a certain number of items or, in this case, you can decide on a certain number of pounds of food. Once your drive is over, coordinate a drop off date with your organization of choice. Don’t forget to share successes with those who participated and helped your family make a difference.
Since Veteran’s Day is recognized this month, it’s a great time to teach children about the importance of supporting those who have served our country. Children can create cards or make crafts to send to those in VA hospitals. If you know a veteran in your neighborhood,
offer to do simple tasks such as raking leaves in their yard, walking their dog, or washing their vehicle.
With colder months upon us, our vulnerable homeless population needs more assistance right now. Check with local organizations who help in the community, such as those who provide meals and clothing distribution. You can also work as a family to make Blessings Bags to hand out to those who may need a little extra assistance. To make a Blessings Bag, use any size plastic zipper bag (this will help keep the contents dry in inclement weather). Fill the bag with helpful daily essentials like toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, or deodorant. Non-perishable, portable snacks such as nuts, crackers, or jerky are great food options. You could even include a pair of socks or gloves and handwarmers for the colder days and nights.
Keep some Blessings Bags in your vehicle to give to those you may encounter. Explain to your child that not everyone may be willing to accept your gift and not to be upset if that happens.
Although the Prince William County Animal Shelter requires volunteers to be at least 18 years of age, there are other ways you can support them any time during the year. They have a list of items on their website (pwcva. gov/department/animal-control/donate) that you and your family can donate. Some items on the list include canned cat and dog food, kitty litter, liquid laundry detergent, and gift cards.
It may not always be easy to part with items they no longer use, but getting your kids excited about giving can make the process a little bit easier. Make purging and donating a game by setting a timer and seeing how many toys, games and books your child can purge in 10 minutes, for example. You can also give them fun challenges, such as, “find three blue items” or “find one toy with wheels” to donate.
For books and games, you can always check with local daycare centers, preschool and churches (for their nurseries) to see if they are able to use your donations. And you can search for a nearby Little Free Library (littlefreelibrary.org) to leave a few books.
It’s also a great time to purge clothing and shoes your child may no longer be able to wear. Have a try-on fashion show to see what can be kept and what can be donated to local shelters, churches, and other organizations serving families. Gently used coats, gloves, and boots are in particularly high demand at this time of year.
If you need more inspiration and ideas about how you can help in the community, check out sites such as Volunteer Prince William (volunteerprincewilliam.org) and Just Serve (justserve.org) for local opportunities.
Jennifer Halter (jenniferh@macaronikid.com) is a contributing writer and the founder of Macaroni Kid in Woodbridge and Gainesville.
Just around the corner from the Harris Pavilion resides one of Manassas’s most recent denizens, Benny Capolago’s. If you haven’t seen people walking around with pizza boxes the size of Montana, then be forewarned: The pieces are huge. A full pie measures 28” and may be difficult to get in some cars. A single slice requires two paper plates to hold and two hands to eat. And all of this for a reasonable price.
Benny’s claims to be the home of the Virginia slice. In case you were unfamiliar with your commonwealth’s style of pizza, it is similar to New York style. The crust is thin and crispy, and the traditional way to eat it is to fold it in half. Manager Julio Lara Bernal explains they make the entire pizza on site, from the dough to the sauce. They also have a proprietary five-cheese blend. Do you know which cheeses? “It’s a secret,” he says. Also secret is the identity of the original Benny. There are 26 Benny’s locations, most of which are in Virginia, and each one has a different “last name.” There’s Benny Deluca’s in Charlottesville, Benny Ventano’s in Richmond, and so on. (There’s one as far afield as Wyoming.)
The company chooses a name that ties in with the area somehow. The name Capolago pays homage to a railroad that runs from Italy to Switzerland, just as the Manassas Junction railroad once traveled between Alexandria and Orange. The original founder is named Benny, but according to the website, he keeps his identity a secret. He had to leave New York for
unknown reasons after many years working for Italian chefs, so the story goes, and decamped to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where he began turning out his soon-to-be-famous pizzas. Is Benny real, or a marketing scheme? “I don’t know anything about him,” insists Lara Bernal. Hmm.
Benny Capolago’s
Benny Capolago’s opened in June and has been doing quite well. “Business is awesome. Especially on the weekends, we get a lot of families coming through here,” says Lara Bernal.
It’s also filled a niche that was shaped exactly like a pizza in Manassas. “There was no pizza place like this before, in Old Town Manassas.” says Lara Bernal. “We’re right next to the Harris Pavilion, and on First Friday, people can come here and get something to eat without spending a whole lot of money, so it’s perfect for that. And we have a great beer selection.”
Lara Bernal has been with Benny’s for nine years, and came from the Fredericksburg location, Benny Vitali’s. Fredericksburg is the most popular of all the Benny’s, and Lara Bernal and several other experienced crew members from there brought their experience with them to open the new store, which made for an easy transition.
There are currently 13 employees who labor nearly full time to whip up these amazing creations. Lara Bernal says it doesn’t take long to become competent, but witness one of these leviathans being made, and you’ll see evidence of skill perfected with much practice. Staff members sling pizzas in and out of four
Team members use giant paddles to move pizzas in and out of ovens.
huge ovens with paddles that would suffice for Paul Bunyan’s crew. They whip them out partway through cooking, pierce the air bubbles, and slide them back in. Finished pizzas are then quickly cut into perfectly equal pieces and plated, and then slid to the person on counter, who sings out the name of the lucky customer. It’s like watching a latter-day blacksmith or glassblower.
On any day, you can choose from cheese, pepperoni, or sausage. But there’s always a special for the more adventurous, and they change monthly. Veggie specials could be roasted red pepper with pesto, garlic/mushroom, or pineapple, while meat specials might be pulled pork, bacon cheeseburger, or chorizo queso. Each location chooses its own specials. In addition to soda, the drinks cooler contains ciders, local craft beers, and domestic beers.
If you want to come when it’s quiet, Lara Bernal advises coming during the week. But, although you may have to wait in line on a weekend, the food comes out pretty quickly. The dining area is relatively spacious, with booths, a bar, and a back area. There’s sort of a midcentury automobile vibe going on, with vintage license plates, hubcaps, and steering wheels on the seafoam green walls.
Lara Bernal says there were regulars in Fredericksburg who would come in, and the staff knew what they wanted “to the dot.” If you give Benny’s a try, there’s a good chance you’ll become one of those people.
Wendy Migdal is a freelance writer who has lived in the Northern/ Central Virginia area since 2000. She has written extensively for The Free Lance-Star and also works for online educational companies. Wendy enjoys traveling around the area to learn about parks,
If you haven’t yet experienced the zany art of John Hartt, it’s likely you soon will. It’s a style that could be described as surrealism, but happier. Hartt has been gracing the art spaces of the Prince William area professionally with his unique, offbeat style for several years now. But in the past two years, he’s begun taking it to the streets, fairly literally.
Playground art and murals now comprise the bulk of this talented artist’s commissions. Hartt says he’s completed about half a dozen works for playgrounds and has also done a few murals in Washington, D.C. Art for playgrounds might involve a stylized hopscotch board made to look like the planets in the solar system or a segmented alphabet worm. There could be a color wheel with funny faces or a huge number board with a chutes-and-ladders look to it. And there are some things that are just pure whimsy.
The playground art, located at various schools in the area including Yorkshire, Bristow Run, and Mullen Elementary Schools, is often completed per specific requests from staff. In addition to covering some reading, math, and science skills, Hartt sometimes receives special requests from other teachers. He’s done an obstacle course with elements to help students learn their right from their left for the physical education teacher, and a “How Do You Feel Today?” wheel with wacky balloon faces at the request of a guidance counselor.
Completing a playground piece takes about a week. Hartt often calls upon his extensive network of friends for help. “I’m pretty active in the Prince William art scene,” he says. “I’m in the Prince William Arts Council — I pretty much stick my nose into everything.” Hartt assigns parts of the project to people to complete based on their particular skills. “And before I’m even done — I might be halfway through a project — I come back the next day, and there’s chalk all over the part that’s completed.
The kids are already interacting with the art.”
One mural he’s particularly proud of was on the side of a house in DC. The homeowner commissioned a cherry blossom scene for the side of his house. “The side of the house faced this ugly alley, and now there’s this beautiful piece of art there,” he says.
Hartt has been supporting himself full-time as an artist for about three years. Formerly a graphic designer, he had begun painting professionally on the side. Then his aerospace company was bought out by a larger one, and several people were let go, including Hartt. He decided at that point to make the leap and
rely on doing what he loves for his bread and butter. “I thought to myself, ‘I don’t want to be on my deathbed and regret not doing this,’” he says. “It’s been wonderful and difficult. But mostly wonderful.”
Hartt’s family, including two grown children, has been very supportive. Which is good, because he’s currently painting in his basement. An upcoming project might require finding a larger space to rent though, because he’ll be working on a set of 8’ by 4’ plywood cutouts of his own unique creatures, inspired by a Bigfoot cutout he did as a commission. It may be displayed on the side of a road or at an events center.
Hartt says he’ll paint anything people want him to, but he particularly loves doing his own crazy, whimsical creatures. He was that student sitting next you in high school who was always drawing in the margins of his notebooks. “I was really into underground comics, horror, anything that wasn’t real.” These days though, he tries not to get to close to the creepy, which he admits is easy to do. “I want my art to make people happy. I want them to smile when they see it,” he says.
Right now, the large-scale art is paying the bills. But getting up on a ladder, being outside all day, and completing such large pieces is hard work. He has other projects going on, such as a recent show in Lorton with a batik artist, called “Batik Meets the Bizarre.” And yes, you can buy prints, T-shirts, and stickers.
Hartt is already taking commissions for next summer’s playgrounds and plans to keep doing it as long as he can. But he also loves sitting down in front of canvas, and the long-range plan is to be able to command prices for his smaller works that
will sustain him when the playground period ends. A particularly unique category are his portraits, described on his website (jortt. com) as “strange and wonderful.” They’re certainly nothing like the traditional family portrait.
Regardless of what the piece is, Hartt says he loves being able to create something original and put it out there for people to see. “I love it so much. I’m living my best life now.”
Wendy Migdal is a freelance writer who has lived in the Northern/ Central Virginia area since 2000. She has written extensively for The Free Lance-Star and also works for online educational companies. Wendy enjoys traveling around the area to learn about parks, restaurants, attractions, and especially history.
Tell us about local female leaders who inspire you through their professional achievements, charitable works,
ability to improve every life they touch. We want to hear about women living in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park who have accomplished specific “quality of life” goals to improve our community.
Deadline is January 4, 2023. princewilliamliving.com/influential-women/
Your home’s exterior can say a lot about you and your family while also making a first impression on guests (and potential buyers). Because of the impact curb appeal has on the amount prospective buyers are willing to spend on a home, it’s important for homeowners to look beyond simply choosing the right siding color.
In fact, exterior remodeling projects typically top the list of projects that add the most resale value to homes. According to Remodeling’s 2022 Cost vs. Value Report, nine of the top 10 projects delivering the best return on cost were exterior renovations.
If you’re looking to sell or just want to increase the overall value of your home, consider these high-ROI exterior upgrades.
If replacing the front door isn’t necessary, adding a fresh coat of paint is a simple way to refresh your home’s exterior. You can take your dated door and make it modern again with a bold, on-trend color. Take it one step further by adding artistic house numbers, a new light fixture, or a door knocker in an unexpected shape for inexpensive pops of style.
Updating your home’s exterior with vinyl siding yields a 67.2% return upon sale, according to the report. When considering new siding, look for high-quality, low-maintenance materials. Depending on where you live, insulated vinyl siding can add additional protection against the elements, as well as increased energy efficiency. While function is important, don’t be afraid to make bold choices with color, texture, different profiles, and contrasting trim to make a true statement with your home’s exterior.
For example, Westlake Royal Building Products offers a wide range of vinyl siding options in the latest shades, including adding five on-trend colors to its Royal Siding and Exterior Portfolio lines. Inspired by colors found in nature, the gray, blue-gray, brown, and green tones reflect the latest trends in modern exterior home design. Both lines feature patented color protection technology to resist fading, which is especially important for darker shades.
Adding or replacing shutters is another easy way to add a bit of flair and can be a key finishing touch in creating the perfect exterior. With the potential to play beautifully alongside windows and siding as well architectural style and surrounding landscaping, it’s important to make thoughtful choices and install them properly to ensure they look and function as designed.
Another exterior remodeling project with a high ROI (62.1%), according to the report, is replacing your home’s existing wood deck with composite decking. An option like Zuri Premium Decking combines the natural beauty and warmth of exotic hardwood with the durability and low-maintenance requirements of PVC (cellular polyvinyl chloride), which resists stains, scratches, fading, and moisture. This offers homeowners a deck that will last for years with minimal upkeep.
Give your front porch an instant facelift by wrapping your existing columns with PVC wraps. This is an easy way to achieve a cleaner, updated look. Resistant to moisture, PVC column wraps prevent issues found in traditional wood columns, such as warping, rotting, and insect damage. Available in a variety of ready-to-install styles, they can also be painted to complement your home’s exterior color palette.
Find more ideas to increase your home’s beauty and resale values at westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com.
Become a
Show
Produced by Hispanic Outreach and Cultural Diversity Education, Inc.
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Are you an advertiser with Prince William Living or interested in becoming one?
Now online, our publisher Rebecca Barnes will help you discover how to “Make the Most of Prince William Living.” Meet the people behind greater Prince William’s premier lifestyle magazine. Visit princewilliamliving.com/ lunchwiththepublisher.
Tuesdays | 7 to 9 p.m.
Brew Republic Bierwerks 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge
Are you a wealth of random information? Do you enjoy drinking beer and competing against others to win fabulous prizes? Brew Republic Bierworks and Trivia Kings put your knowledge to the test. Teams are welcome and encouraged (but certainly not required). Format includes music, picture, and weekly theme rounds with interactive participation.
Thursdays | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Harris Pavilion
9201 Center St., Manassas Saturdays | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Commuter Car Park 9024 Prince William St., Manassas
The City of Manassas Farmers Market will be held Thursdays at the Harris Pavilion and on Saturdays at the Commuter Car Park.
Prince William Farmers Market
Thursdays | 3 to 7 p.m. Stadium
7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge
The Prince William Farmers Market started up on April 7.
Potomac Mills Fun Markets
Saturdays | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Potomac Mills Mall – Commuter Lot 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge Fun Markets’ novel approach and modern-spin on the old 386-year-old farmers' market model makes it unique. Their Multi-Niche Market™ takes the best of your favorite open-air markets and combines them all. A fusion of the traditional Farmers Markets with an Arts and Photography Show, Craft Fair, Food Truck Park, Bake Sale, Community Fundraiser, Local Service Expo, Start-up Accelerator, and Kid-Entrepreneur Showcases in one venue. There’s also free live entertainment, magic shows, Latinballroom dance classes, aerobic dance classes, and more.
Dale City Farmers Market
Sundays | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dale City Commuter Lot 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City
The Dale City Farmers Market, run by the Prince William County Department of Parks & Recreation, has operated since 1987.
Tues. Nov. 1 | 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sweeney Barn 9310 Discovery Blvd., Manassas
Once a year, we invite our readers to nominate outstanding nonprofit organizations in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park for our “Giving Back Awards.” We use a combination of public nominations and evaluation by PWL judges to determine the winners. Join us as we celebrate our 2022 winners and nominees
Fri. Nov. 4 | 6 to 9 p.m. Historic Downtown Manassas
Visit the art galleries in Historic Downtown Manassas on the First Friday Fall Gallery Walk.
Fri. Nov. 4 | 6 to 9 p.m. McCall Studio Gallery 9409 Battle Street, Manassas
McCall Studio hosts an event every first Friday of the month. Come for music, art, and refreshments!
Sat. Nov. 5 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow
For Native American Heritage Month in November, “Into The Woods” explores the mystical power the woods held over both the Europeans and Eastern Woodland indigenous peoples of the American continent in the 17th and 18th centuries. Learn how mutual fear and respect for the endless forests dictated complicated rituals and delicate treaties that were mediated by a wide range of characters, the go-betweens and negotiators that thrived in this dark, formidable wilderness.
Sat. Nov. 5 | 11 a.m. to noon Historic Downtown Manassas
The 13th annual Northern Virginia Veterans Parade will honor local residents U.S. Army Retired Colonel Ulysses Xerxes "Xerk" White and World War II Nurse Elizabeth Lewis as the grand marshals. The parade is dedicated to all service members past, present, and future. The route will follow Center Street and pass the reviewing stand at the Harris Pavilion.
Sat. Nov. 5 | 6 to 8 p.m. Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street, Manassas Park
Bring your family for a night of games, s’mores, hayrides, and more! Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited, pre-registration is required: 703-335-8872.
Thurs. Nov. 10 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Heritage Hunt Clubhouse 6901 Arthur Hills Drive, Gainesville
A holiday arts & crafts fair featuring original one-of-a-kind creations such as jewelry, sun catchers, baby items, wearable art, pottery, holiday decorations, wood, and paintings.
Sat. Nov. 12 | 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Clearbrook Center of the Arts 2230 Tacketts Mill Drive #B, Lake Ridge
Write by the Rails annual in-person Fall Workshop — you won’t want to miss it! A packed schedule of speakers and panels, with time to network, write, and read. More information: wbtr.org.
Sat. Nov. 12 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. National Museum of the Marine Corps 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle
The National Museum of the Marine Corps will have special activities and programs in honor of Veterans Day. Participants will enjoy patriotic-themed crafts, “Crack the Code” activities, and information on how to create your very own care package!
Sat. Nov. 19 daily through Sun. Dec. 11
Historic Occoquan
With the town entirely decorated, the holidays are a special time in Occoquan and HolidayFest is fun for the whole family! Annual events include the tree lighting, shopping, giveaways, a holiday artisan market, and a gingerbread house contest.
Sat. Nov. 19 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge
Come play both period and holiday games in the last of Rippon Lodge's Game Day series. Charades and a scavenger hunt with a pre-holiday twist are scheduled for
enjoyment. Groups of four or more are encouraged join in the family fun. Space is limited. Activities may not be suitable for children under 5.
Potomac People: Indigenous Tribes of Eastern Prince William Sat. Nov. 19 | 9 to 10:30 a.m. Neabsco Creek Boardwalk 15125 Blackburn Drive, Woodbridge Before Europeans came to the area now known as Prince William County, the Doegs inhabited the local region. For Native American Heritage Month, rediscover the Algonquian Nation during this special Boardwalk tour. Learn how they lived and thrived along the coastal plains of the Potomac and what happened to them after European Settlement. The group will meet at the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk Parking Lot on Blackburn Road under the picnic shelter. Leashed pets are welcome to join; not all parts of the hike are accessible for wheelchairs. Space is limited. Guests should wear sunscreen and bug spray, plus bring bottled water.
Cooking a 19th-Century Thanksgiving Meal Sat. Nov. 19 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to help prepare a holiday meal using techniques and equipment commonly
used in the 19th century. From roasting meat and dressing using a reflector oven, to baking bread and desserts, boiling vegetables in cast iron pots, learn how food was prepared using authentic Victorian recipes. Come dressed appropriately for the weather. Advance registration required: 703-367-7872.
Sat. Nov. 19 | 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building 15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Woodbridge Sponsored by Powermax Company, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, building stronger communities, while providing tools, resources, and events that help educate and foster unity for our families. Guest speakers, free food, fun, vendors, and more!
Fri. Nov. 25 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge
It’s the Annual Tree Lighting. FREE family friendly activities with a donation of canned good for ACTS. Activities include live entertainment, selfies with Santa, games, prizes, giveaways, and more! Holiday Tree near Not Your Average Joe’s.
