MARCH 2021
The Maroon Legacy: Humility
Humanity Honesty Hardwork and Humor
THIS ISSUE INCLUDES: Curated Home Design from 3 Creative Moms- p. 8 Manassas Community Shows Up- p. 12 Johnny Appleseed: Same name, different century and man- p. 15
Cover photo by The Little Photo Shop An exclusive magazine serving the neighborhoods of Old Town and surrounding areas
EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS BECOME AN EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Michael and Debbie Wykowski at dwykowski@bestversionmedia.com or 703-203-9130. CHIROPRACTIC CARE American Wellness and Chiropractic Dr. Kyle Bloch 703-368-8800 americanwellnessandchiropractic.com/ Dr. Kyle Bloch, a NOVA transplant from Minnesota, began his career in chiropractic following his graduation from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport Iowa. He specializes in myofascial and muscle release techniques along with traditional chiropractic treatments. His strong scientific background in biochemistry and biotechnology blends western and holistic medicine, highlighting the benefits of both and treating the root of a condition instead of just masking the symptoms.
HOLISTIC SKINCARE AND NAILCARE Skintuition Holistic Skincare Tracy Childs, Master Esthetician and Nail Technician 703-653-0567 radiantskinfromwithin.com Tracy started her business in Manassas in 2015 and is conveniently located on Mosby Street in historic old town. She has been a master esthetician for 16 years and recently became a nail technician to offer healthy nail services to clients seeking a safe, private experience. Additionally, she earned advanced nail technician certification specializing in nail care for those with compromised health. Her extensive background working in medical esthetics for over 10 years gives her the opportunity to educate clients and compare options available to embrace healthy aging and self care.
SENIOR LIVING Paramount Senior Living at Manassas Kathleen Gallagher 703-392-0102 kgallagher@paramountsl.net Kathleen is a native of Centreville and has lived in Northern Virginia her whole life. For the past seven years, she has worked in the Senior Living industry, specializing in both Home Care and Assisted Living. She works together with community partners to help community residents better understand the Continuum of Care and better navigate the Senior Healthcare System. Away from work, Kathleen enjoys spending time with her family: her husband and two sons.
REAL ESTATE Lopez Realtors Jenny Lopez, Principal Broker work: 703-335-7468 cell: 571-221-5351 homeswithlopez.com Jenny was born in our nation’s capital, and raised in and around Manassas. In 2005, she began her career in Real Estate and now she is a Real Estate Broker and manages many agents. She has seen the housing market at its best and its worst. She enjoys helping her clients: viewing and staging homes, reading over home inspections, and negotiating contracts. Jenny says “It’s all worth it when a SOLD sign goes up on a lawn, or when I can pass keys over to ecstatic new homeowners.” She then returns home to her supportive and loving husband and her two shining stars, her kids Carlitos and Christian, and her various fur/ feather babies.
FINANCIAL ADVISOR Whitlock Weath Management Bennett C. Whitlock, CRPC 703-492-7732 bennett.c.whitlock@ampf.com whitlockwealth.com Bennett is currently the CEO & Managing Principal of Whitlock Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial, located in Prince William County VA with offices in Lake Ridge, Leesburg, and Historic Downtown Manassas. Whitlock Wealth recently celebrated its 25th year in business. Bennett is a graduate of Elon University and a native Northern Virginian. Outside of the office, Bennett enjoys running, boating, and has completed eight Marine Corp Marathons.
HEATING, COOLING AND PLUMBING Appleton Campbell Featured Employee: Sunny Singanong 540-347-0765 appletoncampbell.com I’ve been in the HVAC industry for 12 years and the last 2 with Appleton Campbell have been the best by far. I’ve seen my career excel and I look forward to many more years working here.” – Sunny Singanong, HVAC Service Technician. Appleton Campbell is Class A Contractor with masters in Plumbing, Gas Fitter, HVAC and Electrical. To learn more please visit appletoncampbell.com
TAX SERVICES Lopez & Company Tax Services Robert Lopez 703-783-6162 lopezandcompany.com
Tracy Childs 2
Licensed Master Esthetician & Nail Technician
MARCH 2021 NEIGHBORS OF HISTORIC MANASSAS
Robert is an accountant with over 20 years of experience advising small to medium size businesses and familyowned enterprises; he leads Lopez & Company, a boutique tax and accounting practice and payroll service bureau headquartered in Northern Virginia with clients in the D.C. metro area and across the United States. He is a tax speaker and presenter, and is a frequent guest at Univision to discuss topics related to business and taxation.
LETTER TO THE RESIDENTS Dear Residents, PUBLICATION TEAM Publisher: Michael & Debbie Wykowski Content Coordinator: Christine Craddock Graphic Designer: Terri Shelow Contributing Photographer: Melinda Ratcliff, The Little Photo Shop
The month of March always makes me yearn for Spring and the end of the cold weather. Charles Dickens wrote this of March: “It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold. When it is summer in the light and winter in the shade.” Warmer days are coming; I can just feel it. I truly enjoyed writing about our feature family this month, the Maroons. Emily and Lou made a lifetime of memories with family and friends during a 31-year marriage that began in a coffee shop in Maine. I hope you enjoy reading about all the ways they made a lasting impact on our community.
Debbie and Michael Christine Craddock, Wykowski, Publishers Content Coordinator ADVERTISING Contact: Michael and Debbie Wykowski Email: mwykowski@bestversionmedia.com or dwykowski@bestversionmedia.com Phone: 703-203-9130 FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS: Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of the month PRIOR TO the next issue. Email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: ccraddock@bestversionmedia.com. Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2021 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Our charity piece for March is JASA. This organization is dedicated to making change in people’s lives by helping veterans and families not only with immediate needs but also equipping them with education to break the chains of poverty. Alabaster & Elm, a curated home decor business, came about in 4 short months through weekly margarita meetings between 3 creative minds. Learn how you can visit their online marketplace or partner with them to celebrate beautiful causes. The Summer Grace Foundation thanks the community for their tremendous support during their Christmas toy drive, The Summer Express. Be sure to read about new programs for the non profit beginning this year. Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Happy Easter!
Debbie & Michael Wykowski Publishers
Christine Craddock Content Coordinator
PLEASE HELP US FEED THE HUNGRY IN NOVA! We need: Fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy, and meat (if delivered directly to HoM). To help keep our Food Pantry stocked all year, please donate: Cans of Chicken/Tuna Macaroni and cheese; Cans of Tomatoes Olive/Vegetable Oil; Pasta and Sauce Cans of vegetables; Cans of soup; Cans of Beans; Cans of fruit Cans of Corn; Cereal Check out the link to our website for an Amazon Wish List as well: www.houseofmercyva.org Food Pantry / Donation Center / Thrift Store 8170 Flannery Ct. Manassas, VA 20109 Monday - Saturday, 10:00am - 5:00pm info@houseofmercyva.org | (703) 659-1636
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RESIDENT FEATURE
The Maroon Legacy: HUMILITY, HUMANITY, HONESTY, HARDWORK, AND HUMOR By Christine Craddock Photos by The Little Photo Shop
We would like to thank Novant Health UVA Health System for sponsoring this month’s feature story. The love story between Emily and Louis Maroon began in 1960 at a quaint coffee shop in their hometown. Their opposite personalities - Emily being very shy and Louis the outgoing one - complemented each other from the beginning. Louis asked Emily out on the spot, and although she was nervous and meant to reject his offer, she surprised herself by saying yes. It was only 7 months later that they were married. In 1974, Emily and Louis arrived in Manassas when a job change brought the family to the area. The couple had met in their hometown of Waterville, Maine but despite being New Englanders, they knew immediately this was where they would stay and build their family. They bought a home on Park Street in the Robnel neighborhood. Once settled in, they delved headfirst into the community, becoming active members of All Saints Catholic Church and many clubs and organizations in addition to opening 3 locations of General Office Supply. Lou was a member of the City of Manassas School Board, Manassas Rotary Club, Industrial Development Authority, and served as a City of Manassas Councilman. Emily joined the Board of the Red Cross, Manassas Garden Club, Manassas Beautification Committee, and was a 30+ year member of the Manassas Woman’s Club. “To my surprise, I was named their Woman of the Year in 2019,” she says. They strived to instill in their children a desire to not just live in a community, but be a part of it and always give back. Lou and Emily grew their family 4 times through the years. “The children’s friends would oftentimes call us the Brady Bunch because of how close the family is and was,” says Emily. Before living in Manassas, the family moved around frequently because of Lou’s job in upper management with the Montgomery Ward Company. The two oldest children, Sam and Shelley, were born in the couple’s hometown, but Laura was born in Rutland, Vermont, and Lou Ann in Suffolk, Virginia. All 4 graduated from Osbourn High School and now most of them live in the area, with the farthest one an hour away. The couple made 31 years of memories during their marriage, until Lou’s untimely death in 1992. Daughter
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Shelley says: “Dad always told us to live by the 5 H’s “Humility, Humanity, Honesty, Hardwork, and Humor.” And son Sam was so greatly inspired by his father’s words that he published a book entitled “Fireside family quotes...words from my father” which holds pages and pages of his personal quotes and some all time favorites. Each summer, the Maroons would venture back to Maine to visit family for their summer vacations. Fond memories include trips to Emily’s parents’ home on China Lake - a place the children simply adored. Each year the kids were asked where they wanted to go that summer and they always resoundingly answered Maine. “But then who wouldn’t want to when the kids had 17 cousins on my side of the family and 20 on Lou’s to play with?”, says Emily. The friendships they made and the warm and inviting community was what they held to be most special about Manassas. During the summers they and the Womack family would host Park Street picnics and include everyone and anyone in the area. Around 1984, Emily and Lou began a longtime neighborhood tradition on Christmas Eve. They would invite their neighbors for a festive evening of food, drink, Santa, and Christmas carols. Around 60 to 70 friends would gather around the piano, with Lou at the helm playing, and everyone singing.
“Because we were not originally from Manassas and because we live in such a transient area, it was always important to have friends over for the holidays who didn’t have family in the area. We never wanted anyone to spend the holidays alone,” explains Emily. After Lou’s death, Emily wasn’t sure she could handle hosting the party that Lou was so much a part of, but she knew Lou would want her to continue it. She took piano lessons so she could play in his place. Lou was also the creator of an annual event many viewed as the mark of the beginning of the holiday season for the community. In the 80s, inspired by the knowledge that many business owners were often too busy to enjoy the holidays, he started a small Christmas breakfast for his friends in the business community. But by the 90s, this gathering grew into 175 of his “closest” friends hosted at a local Manassas restaurant with entertainment from the Osbourn High School orchestra and a visit from Santa himself. Lou’s impact on the community was recognized by many. The Osbourn High gymnasium was dedicated in his honor and the Manassas Rotary Club started the “Friends of Lou” golf tournament that was held for 26 years. This event raised money for scholarships for area high schools including Osbourn, Osbourn Park, Stonewall and Manassas Park as well as non-profits such as S.E.R.V.E. and Habitat for Humanity.
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Although Emily remarried in 1995 to a family friend, the honorable Arthur Sinclair, and moved with him to Haymarket, she kept her home on Park Street because she knew she would one day return. She now resides in the home she and Lou bought together. Their 4 children who are now grown and have families of their own have remained close to the family home. There is Sam and his wife Amanda, Shelley and her husband John, Laura and her husband Chuck, and Lou Ann and her husband Peter. Sam works for the Federal Government; Shelley is the Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Vienna; Laura is a Realtor; and Lou Ann is a teacher with Prince William County Schools. Emily has also been blessed with the births of 6 grandchildren: Caitlin (her husband Bruce), Chaz, Courtney, Halle, Ryan, and Madeline and two great grandchildren, Brinley and Brighton. An artist of various mediums including oils, pastels, watercolors, and photography, Emily has been painting since childhood. While raising her children, she stepped back from her career but reopened a studio in the back of one of the General Office Supply companies in Old Town Manassas when her youngest was in high school. She has a studio in her home to this day and still paints and photographs families. In addition to her work being featured in Parent Magazine, she has documented the family memories and so many of those in the community. Her paintings and photographs adorn the walls of her children’s homes. Emily relays that although neighbors have sadly come and gone, she still feels that strong sense of community. “Manassas has been good to our family,” she says. “Manassas will always be our home.”
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MAYOR’S CORNER
The City of Manassas’ Historic Downtown is always lit up around the holidays like Christmas town, but this year, in honor of all of our heroes, we are keeping these beautiful lights on for several extra months – Lights on for Heroes.
books such as graphic novels, nonfiction, picture and chapter books from the school library. She continually participates in her English and Spanish classes and shows excellent knowledge and confidence in both languages. Melea is a proud Haydon Hawk!
So many of you have done so much during this pandemic and we want to thank each of you in our own City of Manassas way. Thank you to all of our hero nurses, doctors, firefighters, EMS, police, City staff, volunteers, vaccinators and the list could go on.
Raphael Ouao is a 2nd grade student at Weems Elementary. Before COVID-19, Raphael would walk into Weems and greet all adults with a smile and Good Morning. He is intelligent, hardworking, responsible, and a wonderful student. His teacher stated that he logs into Zoom sessions on time, participates in class discussions, volunteers to answer questions, shares his ideas, and completes his assignments. Raphael is a student that you will continually hear about as he moves through the Manassas City School system.
While speaking of lights, this month, I want to highlight two of our brightest. Two of our outstanding Manassas City Public School students, Malea Amoako-Boateng and Raphael Quao. I hope you will read about these two shining stars. Melea Amoako-Boateng is in fourth grade and has been a student at Haydon Elementary School since Kindergarten. She has been in our dual language immersion program since its inception. Melea is an avid reader. She reads various
With March being Women’s History month, I have to express my gratitude for all women who have sacrificed and stood the test of time to make a difference in this country. Without you, I and many others could not be where we are today. I am looking forward to helping many more women make history in the future. Your Mayor, Michelle Davis-Younger
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COMMUNITY CONTENT ALABASTER & ELM CELEBRATES EVERY SPACE'S BEAUTIFUL BONES
I
By Karly Reyle Photos by Mark Kalajainen Photography
t was a cold rainy day in April of this past year. Our little ones were running around the home, throwing toys like they were confetti. They were having one too many blowouts and our coffee in hand kept getting too cold. It was safe to say we were all struggling to stay sane. Somedays you just don’t know if you are going to survive motherhood; this was one of those days. What kept us going from hour to hour was a text thread between all of us mamas. One of us jokingly said, “If we were to start up a home decor business, what would we call it?” This felt quite comical in the moment as all of our homes were currently overrun by armies of little humans in diapers. Yet we were desperate to be able to dream about something other than the quiet after bedtime. We started sending funny names back and forth. What was just a fun text thread quickly turned into much more. Alabaster & Elm was birthed smack dab in the middle of the pandemic. Like many of us, we were desperate to feel an ounce of hope and stability once again. We each have always possessed a creative
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lens, but lacked the opportunity to explore it further than our own four walls. We longed to have an outlet that rejuvenated us outside of the gift of being full-time mamas. We started meeting weekly to keep dreaming up how we could bring this to life. Every Monday we would gather in a backyard, drink margaritas, and begin to process and plan out the next steps for starting this small business. These meetings easily became the highlight of each week. None of us had ever started a business, so there has been a whole lot of learning, failing, and then trying again. We called business owners and discussed with friends and mentors who are older and wiser
than us. We researched a lot and made a strategic plan for launching Alabaster & Elm. We accomplished all of this in four short months. We are so thankful we put in the hard work so that we could launch right before the holidays. Alabaster & Elm is a curated home decor business. We offer an online marketplace where you can find beautiful pieces that we release in seasonal collections. We partner with amazing small businesses that celebrate beautiful causes and aim to be ethical. We also believe in supporting local businesses and farms to bring our customers the best products for your home. You will even find many items that we have created with our own hands. Alabaster & Elm also offers decor consulting for homes, businesses, and events. Finally, we have a blog filled with tips for decorating as well as authentic and inspiring stories that capture the heart of home. We believe that no matter what your limitations may be, you are worthy of a safe and inviting place to call home. Your home should be the place you run to for respite, instead of running from. We believe every space has beautiful bones and a story waiting to be unfolded in all its glory, just like every person does. We have a deep desire to celebrate who you are. Our aim is for your home to reflect you, not us. We have officially been launched since October. We have poured so much into this business and we are so proud to stand behind it. We are eager to connect with our city. Perhaps you’re a shop owner that would like to collaborate with our online marketplace. Maybe you could use help decorating for an event or you would like to freshen up a room in your home. Whatever your decor needs are, please reach out to us! We hope as you head on over to our website, that you feel right at home. We’re honored to call you our neighbors.
Love Dearly, Alabaster & Elm alabasterandelm.com hello@alabasterandelm.com
BUSINESS TAXES PERSONAL TAXES COMPLEX TAXES
ACCOUNTING BOOKKEEPING PART-TIME CFO STARTUPS
PAYROLL BUSINESS ADVISORY CONSULTING
UNDERSTANDING THE BUSINESS OF OUR CLIENTS. 703.335.1659 | WWW.LOPEZ.TAX | 8628 CENTREVILLE ROAD, SUITE 102, MANASSAS, VA 20110 NEIGHBORS OF HISTORIC MANASSAS
MARCH 2021
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Virtual Learning Support for Public School Students
THE MERIT SCHOOL OF OLD TOWN MANASSAS
8757 SIGNAL HILL ROAD, MANASSAS, VA 20110
703-361-5113
oldtown@meritschools.com THE MERIT SCHOOL OF MANASSAS
8485 PLANTATION LANE, MANASSAS, VA 20110
703-369-7942
manassas@meritschools.com THE MERIT SCHOOL OF MANASSAS PARK
9481 MANASAS DRIVE, MANASSAS PARK, VA 20110
703-396-7100
manassaspark@meritschools.com
Now Enrolling
Infants-Preschool-Kindergarten www.meritschools.com
Novant Health UVA Health System, Prince William County Public Schools, Manassas City Public Schools and Manassas Park City Schools joined forces to vaccinate employees of the three area public school districts. Starting in February, Novant Health UVA Health System received a weekly allotment of 2,925 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech-COVID-19 vaccine from the Prince William Health District. The weekly allotment supplied vaccination clinics for the public school employees who were not vaccinated at earlier clinics. Novant Health UVA Health System previously vaccinated approximately 760 high-risk employees of PWCPS with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine through clinics that took place at Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 23 and 24. An additional 2,400 PWCPS employees were vaccinated with the health system’s existing Moderna COVID-19 vaccine supply during clinics Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30 and 31, at Unity Reed High School. Employees of Manassas City Public Schools and Manassas Park City Schools were invited to attend a vaccine clinic at Unity Reed High School Sunday, Feb. 7, to receive their first dose of the Pfizer BioNTech-COVID-19 vaccine. Novant Health UVA Health System had the supply and capacity to inoculate 1,837 employees of the two school districts. Due to the large population size, PWCPS has led efforts to prioritize its employees based on highest risk. The organizations estimate it will take a minimum of four to five weeks to inoculate all 11,700 PWCPS employees with their first dose. Weekly numbers and timelines could change, as future vaccination clinics are entirely dependent on the allocation of vaccines from the Virginia Department of Health and Prince William Health District to Novant Health UVA Health System. The vaccination program is also reliant on the availability of school nurses and non-clinical staff to support the clinics alongside Novant Health UVA Health System staff.
Paramount Senior Living
The time of your life Begins Here
Paramount strives to provide service excellence in health care to the community.
Call Kathleen for a Personal Tour!
703-392-0102
For more info, visit our website
www.paramountseniorliving.com 10
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Our Services Assisted Living Independent Memory Care Respite Care
REAL ESTATE UPDATE SOLD DATE
ADDRESS
PRICE
BEDS
BATHS
LOCATION
SQUARE FEET
LOT SIZE SQ FT
DECEMBER 2, 2020 9266 MATTHEW DRIVE
$505,000
4
3.5
BLOOMS CROSSING
3,024
15,246
DECEMBER 10, 2020 8161 DICKINSON COURT
$555,000
4
4
ARROWOOD
3,907
12,219
JANUARY 4, 2021
9205 WILLIAM STREET
$510,000
4
3.5
BLOOMS CROSSING
3,085
10,890
JANUARY 4, 2021
9405 KATELYN COURT
$470,000
4
2.5
BLOOMS CROSSING
2,042
6,316
JANUARY 5, 2021
9207 STEPHANIE STREET
$500,000
4
3.5
BLOOMS CROSSING
2,048
7,666
JANUARY 7, 2021
9329 CROSSED SABRES CRT $540,000
4
3.5
ROSEBERRY
2,338
13,460
JANUARY 11, 2021 9346 S WHITT DRIVE
$601,000
5
3.5
BLOOMS CROSSING
4,482
12,632
JANUARY 19, 2021 8945 QUARRY ROAD
$419,000
3
2.5
OLDE TOWNE SQUARE
1,710
1,428
JANUARY 22, 2021 9304 PAUL DRIVE
$520,000
4
3.5
BURNS PROPERTY
3,102
13,504
JANUARY 25, 2021 9302 STEVE STREET
$500,000
4
3.5
BLOOMS CROSSING
2,509
11,020
JANUARY 26, 2021 8567 RICHMOND AVENUE $548,800
5
3.5
SHERMAN MEADOWS
3,008
12,991
JANUARY 28, 2021 9538 OAKENSHAW DRIVE
4
3.5
OAKENSHAW
3,465
10,549
$566,000
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represent the activity of the entire real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
“Your Neighborhood Specialist” AN UNMATCHED HOLISTIC APPROACH TO BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME Services Include: •Market Analysis •Expert Staging •Home Improvement Consultant
•House Cleaning Service Prior to Listing •Professional Pictures
•Custom Brochures and Internet Advertising FEATURED LISTING
The Market is HOT Call Me Today!
9226 Matthew Drive 5 Beds, 3 Baths 2,742 sq ft $535,000
TRACEY HICKEY Licensed Realtor
(703) 850-5996 tmchickey@gmail.com
FOR SA LE!
Enjoy the completed renovated Kitchen!
Historic District, 9208 Lee Ave, Manassas, VA 20110 NEIGHBORS OF HISTORIC MANASSAS
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COMMUNITY CONTENT MANASSAS SHOWS UP TO SUPPORT CANCER FIGHTERS By Jessica Cernoch, Summer Grace Foundation 2020 presented a plethora of change and uncertainty, but in spite of these difficult times, our community still showed up for the Summer Grace Foundation in a big way! Monetary donations were made and over 100 toys were donated to local kids battling cancer, through our toy drive and delivery project, The Summer Express. One family in particular dropped off several bags full of toys, and they mentioned that they read the article about Summer’s story. Her story resonated with them, as they, too, are the parents of a childhood cancer survivor. Thanks to strong community support, we were able to take care of Christmas for 7 childhood cancer families! We want our community to know that we are humbled and thankful for the support that we’ve been shown, and we hope that next year, we will be able to support even more families during the holidays! Although it may seem like nearly everything in the world changed in 2020, one thing is certain - childhood cancer remains. Children are still being diagnosed with cancer, children are still fighting for their lives, and parents are still hearing the words, “There’s nothing more we can do.” Please continue to help us follow through with our mission of raising awareness, raising funds for research, and supporting the childhood cancer community.
ability to earn a new instrument from Matt’s Guitars, through dedication, hard work, and teacher recommendation.
We have a new program that we will be starting in March, and we would really appreciate your help! The Summer Grace Foundation will be teaming
Please get involved! You can help by donating to this cause through
up with Matt’s Guitars & Jessica’s Music Studio in Manassas, VA, to provide
our website www.SummerGraceFoundation.org, hosting a Facebook
a music lesson scholarship program for childhood cancer fighters and
fundraiser for the Summer Grace Foundation, or by donating used,
survivors. Scholarship recipients will be afforded the opportunity to receive
unwanted guitars, keyboards, drum sets and violins in good, working
heavily discounted private lessons for piano, guitar, voice, drums, or violin.
condition. Please email info@SummerGraceFoundation.org for more
Though students will begin with used instruments, they will have the
information.
JENNY CRISTELA LOPEZ Realtor
Principal Broker and Public Notary (703) 335-7468 (571) 221-5351 homeswithlopez@hotmail.com homeswithlopez.com
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Thank you to all my clients and colleagues for making my dreams come true. I’m just a small town girl working hard to make your real estate experience memorable.
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
Add a To-Do to Your Spring-Cleaning List: Your Finances By Bennett Whitlock and Submitted by Gayle G. Whitlock, Practice Manager, Whitlock Wealth Management
W
hen the warm weather finally hits, most of us get bit by the spring-cleaning bug. Our to-do lists often include cleaning out our garages, basements, and closets. But this year, it might be time to add another section to the list: finances. Whether you just need to reorganize or do a thorough cleansing, this to-do list will help you tidy up your financial house. De-clutter your credit cards — and your wallet: If your — wallet is bulging with plastic, look at all your credit cards and trim down to the ones you really need on a regular basis. Evaluate your cards based on benefits such as cash back or airline miles and prioritize the ones with the greatest offerings. Store unneeded cards in a safe place or cancel the ones you don’t use. But, of course, take into consideration whether canceling a card will negatively affect your credit rating before doing so.
—Update your beneficiary designations: Your beneficiary designations override your will. So if you’ve experienced a marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or death, make sure your beneficiary designations reflect your wishes. —Simplify your investments: If tracking various investments stresses you out, consider asset allocation or managed accounts. Attempting to manage and track too many investment accounts can require a great deal of time and, if you’re not on top of the details, can prevent you making the best investment choices for your portfolio. Consider working with a financial professional to help you organize your finances and help you determine what kinds of investments might work best for you. Consult a financial advisor for more ideas and strategies on ways to get your finances in order.
—Cancel unused memberships: If a new at-home exercise routine has replaced your trips to the health club or gym, or if you’re rarely playing golf at a course you belong to, consider canceling your membership. Even if you have to pay a fee, you may quickly recoup your financial losses. —Negotiate better deals with your service providers: Whether it’s your cable, internet, or waste removal company, chances are you can negotiate a better rate. Simply take time to get quotes from competitors. If they are offering lower rates for the same services, go back to your service provider to see if they will price match to keep your business. If not, switch to someone new. —Consolidate accounts: Review all checking, savings, investment, retirement, and credit card accounts and consider consolidating. Maintaining numerous accounts can increase the amount of time you spend opening mail, reconciling statements, keeping records, and paying bills. —Update your financial records: Make a list of your current financial accounts, contacts, and passwords. Keep this information in a safe and secure place.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 2021 March 13
2021 Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade (pending)
Parade organizers are hopeful but at the time of this publication, plans are not concrete for this annual parade. Check back at https://www.stpatparade.net to see the status. Time: TBD Cost: Free Location: Historic Downtown Manassas
Community Events
March 13
Ornery Beer Taproom’s St. Patrick’s Day Party
The celebration includes Oasis Cigars on site, Island Soul food truck, Bad Ass Pickles, Boyle School of Irish Dance performance, and prizes for the best attire. Time: 12 pm Cost: Free except the cost of food and drink Location: 8088 Flannery Court, Manassas
Peter and the Wolf and More
March 20 through April 12
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Although details are still being developed, the festival will bloom this Spring in a unique format that honors the tradition of the festival while helping to assure safety of visitors. Check back in at nationalcherryblossomfestival.org for event updates. Time: Event schedule TBD Cost: Free Location: The Tidal Basin in Washington, DC March 28 through April 3
Hop Around Downtown
Stay tuned for a list of merchants for this special event. For each purchase from participating merchants, customers select an egg and win a prize. Three eggs contain Grand Prizes. Time: 10 am Cost: Purchases Location: Historic Downtown Manassas
InsideNova & The Rappaport Companies present Manassas Ballet Theatre’s production of “Peter and the Wolf & More!” Act I will set the stage with original choreography by MBT Company Dancers Kaitlin Frankenfield & Ahmed Nabil. Their work will leave everyone with something to love. Act II will feature Peter and the Wolf, which was originally composed in 1936 to introduce children to the orchestral instruments. MBT’s version is staged by Ballet Master Vadim Slatvitskiy. Limited seating is available for live performances on March 12 & 13 at 7:30 pm and March 14 at 3:00 pm, with strict COVID-19 safety protocols enforced. Tickets begin at $35 and are only available by contacting Heather Gorrell at (703) 791-0627 or heather@manassasballet. org. The production will also be available to stream beginning March 27 at 7:30 pm and continuing for 30 days. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here: vimeo.com/ondemand/ peterandthewolfmore
Clifton Community Woman’s Club Virtual C.A.R.E.S. Fundraiser Open to All Karen Paris, President 2020-2021 Clifton Community Womans Club
The Clifton Community Woman’s Club, a locally well-known 501(c)3 organization is holding its fundraiser virtually this year to benefit their Charitable Trust. Each year they give approximately $20,000 to scholarships, food banks, veterans, women and children in need, and others.
Service. Participants will enter a photo or three-minute video of their project with an entrance fee of $25. The five categories include:
Submissions are open until March 31 to all age groups, children’s participation is welcome. Winners in each category will be recognized on ZOOM on April 17 th , with first place winners in each category receiving $100 and second place winners receiving $50. Children’s first place winners will receive a certificate of achievement. All will receive certificates of participation in this competition fundraiser.
RECORDING - Video of Music, Dance, Stories, Dramatic Reading, Acting.
C.A.R.E.S. is an acronym for Creative, Arts, Recording, Education, and
For more information watch our video at the competition website http://cliftoncwc.org/cares.
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NEIGHBORS OF HISTORIC MANASSAS
CREATIVE - Crafts, Fiber, Paper, Wood ARTS - Painting, Sculpture, Poetry, Creative Writing, Photography
EDUCATION - Video or PDF of any type of Class, teaching, or instructional SERVICE - Photos of person with materials being created and/or donated as a volunteer.
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT Johnny Appleseed: Same name, different century and man grown to be the go-to Trade School for returning citizens headquartered in Manassas.
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Submitted by Chandra Gore
ohnny Appleseed Association (JASA) was born from the heart of John Chapman. His name is synonymous with making a difference as it is shared with another well known John Chapman - Johnny Appleseed. John Chapman (1774-1845) was known as Johnny Appleseed because he walked across the United States planting his apple seeds and making a difference in people’s lives, ensuring those seeds would grow trees with apples to feed people in the area. Same name, different century and man.
John started JASA with a yearning of “Sowing the Seed to Those In Need”. JASA is a non-profit organization with helping the area’s veterans and needy families and individuals in mind. JASA‘s goal is to encourage their clients to strive to gain independence and self-confidence to sustain themselves financially in the near future. With this knowledge and inspiration, John has assisted families from across the country with financial as well as food and household items. During the current pandemic, John and his team has continued to support the community with COVID-19 friendly food drives that included drive-up services and also partnering with local law enforcement to distribute food to various families and agencies. John let nothing stop his yearly Toys for Tots. The JASA INC team distributed to more than 200 families in need of gift assistance safely and efficiently despite the hindrance of a pandemic.
Founder John Chapman strives to ensure that each student receives the assistance before, during, and after attending classes at JASA INC Trade School. Even during the pandemic, John pivoted to create online learning modules to ensure that the students could continue their education and successfully complete the courses. Doing so meant long hours of planning, recording, editing, and uploading course footage. John and his team wanted to be sure that each class was easy to navigate and the course work was understandable and would be retained. Johnny Appleseed Association continues to grow and support the community in various ways. With continued partnerships and support from the community, JASA INC will continue to be a driving force in educating, empowering, and supporting those in the community that want to break the cycle of poverty and financial insecurity. Manassas, VA will always be the home of Johnny Appleseed Association and JASA INC Trade school and we look forward to serving you more in the future by creating strong foundations for the citizens to thrive. Go go www.jasainctradeschool.com to learn more about this organization.
Drawn to do more, JASA INC Tradeschool was created in 2017. Just supplying families with financial and food assistance was not enough for John; he had to do more to help equip families with education that will allow them to find and secure gainful employment that will break the chains of poverty. The first course introduced was the Electrical Apprenticeship Class that successfully trained 10 students who graduated and went on to be employed by some of the largest electrical companies in the area. Partnering with other agencies and correctional facilities to offer courses to those returning to society has enabled John to sow the seeds of financial security and stability. JASA INC Tradeschool has NEIGHBORS OF HISTORIC MANASSAS
MARCH 2021
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