American Military Family - February 2023

American MILITARY FAMILY

Fort Lee, Virginia

The Purple Star –A Beacon in Education

BY CRAIG RICHARDS | LNNUSA.com

The average military family moves every 1-3 years. That results in the average schoolaged military-connected child experiencing between six and nine different schools throughout their K-12 education experience, according to the Department of Defense. These mobile military students face a plethora of challenges including varying curriculum gaps, graduation requirements, variations in courses, and especially changes in their social groups.

Facing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) order, families face a great deal of disruption in their daily life– possibly none as difficult as the children’s educational environments. But one program has proven to be a key asset in reducing the burden and stress in these changing times in Virginia– Purple Star Schools.

American MILITARY FAMILY

American Military Family magazine is an independent publication with no association or affiliation with any military branch, Fort Lee, or the Department of Defense. AMF is published by LNN USA LLC, 12 times a year for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Free copies are available at local VFW Posts, American Legion Posts, and participating locations in the Fort Lee service area. Additional locations may be provided by request. Requests can be made

For those at Fort Lee, several schools in Prince George County hold the Virginia Department of Education’s Purple Star Designation for Excellence. All five of the Prince George County district’s elementary schools are designated Purple Star Schools by the VDOE and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

The Virginia Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Schools that earn the award receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite.

For a school to receive the Purple Star Award, they must staff a Point of Contact (POC) for military families and students

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by emailing contact information to CEO@ LNNUSA.com.

The content, information, and advertising in this publication do not constitute endorsement by any branch of the military or the Department of Defense. No part of this publication may be copied without expressed written permission of the publisher. LNN USA LLC, the publisher, and agents of the publisher make no endorsement of any advertised services or products.

The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the various contributors of this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and/or viewpoints of

LNN USA, LLC, its employees, or agents of LNN USA LLC. American Military Family magazine is a division of LNN USA, LLC.

LNN USA, LLC 210 Low Street Petersburg, VA 23803 www.LNNUSA.com

STAFF:

CEO and Publisher: Craig Richards

Managing Editor: Carolyn Day Pruett

Contributor: Chai Gallahun

DESIGN: Wolfrey Creative Services

Printed in the United States.

who serves as the primary link between the military families and the school. This POC must also complete specific training provided by the VDOE that teaches best methods for supporting military-connected children in the school setting.

In addition to having a trained POC, a school must meet a certain set of requirements to be honored with the Purple Star Award. First, the school’s POC must create and conduct a professional development program for staff that informs them of the unique needs of military-connected students and of support systems available to these students.

The school district’s website must also contain

or link to a page dedicated to military student and family support. Through this web page, the district should provide information on preparing for arrival to or departure from the district, academic planning, special education, parental rights, and any other key information that families may need.

In addition to these requirements, the school district must have a central office contact for families and each school’s POC, and maintain a student-led transition program that provides peer support for newly enrolled and withdrawing students.

For more detail on the Virginia Purple Star program, requirements for awards, and a list of designated schools, visit the VDOE website at www.doe.virginia.gov and search Purple Star.

Host a Hall of Fame Homegate

From kickoff to the final whistle, taking your game day party to the next level starts with serving an all-star lineup of menu items. From starting-caliber appetizers to MVPlevel main courses and a supporting cast of side dishes, dips like salsa and hummus can play the role of superstar when it comes to serving up game day grub.

One of the benefits of cheering on your favorite teams from the couch and bringing the tailgate to your literal home field is the availability of appliances you may not otherwise have access to at the stadium like the oven or air fryer. However, that doesn’t mean missing out on the action and being sidelined in the kitchen all game or that these recipes won’t travel to a tailgate.

With a flavor-packed, vibrant recipe, the lineup of Fresh Cravings Salsa offers a homemade-tasting alternative to softer, duller blends of jarred salsa. Made with high-quality ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers and spices,

the salsas make a perfect addition to these recipes from celebrity chef and entertainer George Duran, author of “Take This Dish and Twist It” and host of Food Network’s “Ham on the Street” and TLC’s “Ultimate Cake Off.”

Kickoff your menu with an app like these Jalapeno Bacon and Salsa

Biscuit Bites that meld together traditional tailgate tastes. Then put a Tex-Mex twist on a traditional favorite with this Enchilada Lasagna, perfect for feeding a crowd of hungry fans.

To round out the playbook, this Layered Mediterranean Hummus Salad can make for an accompaniment to a variety of main courses. The cucumbers, olives, cherry tomatoes and other veggies are balanced by the savory taste of Fresh Cravings Hummus. Made with a short list of high-quality ingredients like chickpeas, tahini and Chilean extra-virgin olive oil, it has a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

Find more game-winning recipes made for homegating and tailgating at FreshCravings. com.

Layered Mediterranean

Hummus Salad

Recipe courtesy of chef George Duran

Servings: 4-6

• 2 containers (10 ounces each) Fresh Cravings

Hummus, any flavor

• 1 cup sliced cucumbers

• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, seeded and roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

• 1/2 lemon, juice only • extra-virgin olive oil

• zaatar, for sprinkling (optional)

• pita bread or tortilla chips

1. On bottom of large, flat serving dish

Enchilada Lasagna

Recipe courtesy of chef George Duran

Servings: 4-6

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)

• 1 deli roasted chicken, skin and bones removed, shredded

• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

• 1 cup chicken stock or broth

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

• 2 cups shredded Tex-Mex cheese blend

• 16ounces Fresh Cravings Chunky Salsa, plus additional for serving

• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• nonstick cooking spray

or platter, use spoon to evenly spread hummus.

2. Layer cucumbers, olives, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion and parsley throughout hummus. Squeeze lemon juice over top.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Zaatar, if desired. Serve immediately with pita bread or tortilla chips.

• 6 flour tortillas (9 inches each)

• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. In large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent, 4-5 minutes.

3. Add shredded chicken and stir in taco seasoning. Add chicken broth and bring to simmer, about 5 minutes.

4. Add cream cheese, Tex-Mex cheese, salsa and cilantro. Stir until cream cheese is melted and simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Spray square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place two tortillas in bottom

Jalapeno Bacon and Salsa Biscuit Bites

Recipe courtesy of chef

George Duran

Yield: 16 biscuit bites

• 1 tube biscuit dough (8 biscuits total)

• 7 ounces grated

mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup jarred jalapenos, chopped

• 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped

• 1 cup Fresh Cravings

Restaurant Style Salsa

• nonstick cooking spray

1. Preheat air fryer to 350-360 F.

2. Divide each biscuit in half by pulling apart in centers. Use hands to flatten each biscuit into circles. Set aside.

3. In bowl, mix mozzarella cheese with chopped jalapenos, bacon and salsa.

4. Add heaping spoonful into each flattened biscuit and pinch each together

tightly to form balls. Top each with small amount of salsa mixture.

5. Spray nonstick cooking spray in air fryer and, working in batches, cook biscuit bites 6-9 minutes until golden brown.

6. Serve warm.

7. Note: If air fryer access is unavailable, biscuit bites can be baked 8-10 minutes at 400 F in oven, or until golden brown.

of pan, folding over or trimming sides of tortillas to fit.

6. Spoon half chicken mixture over tortillas. Repeat then place remaining tortillas over top. Mix crushed tortilla chips with cheddar cheese and sprinkle over top. Bake 30 minutes, or until lasagna is bubbling and lightly browned.

7. Let stand 10 minutes then top with additional salsa before serving.

Ready to take on a dragon?

Oh yes, they do exist! And they are ready devour our world, unless you can stop them.

BY CRAIG RICHARDS | LNNUSA.com

But that adventure is just one of many available when you enter the Glitch VRCade. The portal to this exciting virtual reality world has opened up on base. To enter, venture to the back parking lot of the Mini-PXtra at 1431 Mahone Avenue on Fort Lee. Once inside, you can go head-to-head with your friends or family members in multiplayer competition games or

team up to tackle the challenges virtual reality escape rooms. Once your VR headset there’s no turning the adventure and excitement inside the Glitch VRCade! To to new realms, simply visit the virtual universe at www.glitchvrcade.com phone ahead at 804-805-8849.

dragon?

ready to them.

challenges in one of six Once you put on turning back from excitement waiting for you To book your escape the gates of the www.glitchvrcade.com or 804-805-8849.

Looking for an adventure off-base? Then visit Escape Old Towne. This escape room is an interactive family-friendly game where you must figure out all the clues and codes to puzzle your way out of the room within a 60-minute timeframe. The clock is your only enemy. Start this adventure at 104 N. Sycamore Street in Petersburg or go to www.escapeoldtowne.com or call 804-203-5434 to book your escape room and get more information.

These dual adventure destinations are operated by a retired military family and dedicated to serving the public and military families. More than a game, each encounter was designed to be a bonding experience between the players as well as teach communication and teamwork.

Whether you choose virtual or reality, an adventure awaits you!

A Soldier’s Play

Swift Creek Mill Theatre presents the 1982 Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama. In a segregated Louisiana army camp in 1944, the murder of a rancorous Black sergeant stirs deepseated animosity and corruption among the soldiers under his command. When a clean-cut Northern captain arrives to investigate, truths are confessed and a shocking secret is revealed. Show times throughout February

Swift Creek Mill Theatre | www.swiftcreekmill.com/mainstage-performances

17401 Route 1, Chesterfield, VA

A Raisin in the Sun

Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 classic, “A Raisin in the Sun”, follows the Youngers, a Black family living on the Southside of Chicago, as they try to improve their financial circumstances after an insurance payout following the death of the family’s patriarch. The Youngers deal with the issues of racism, identity, class, and the changing dynamics of the family structure in a post-war America.

Show times February 3rd through February 19th

Lee Playhouse | leeplayhouse.com | Building 4300, 1100 Mahone Ave, Fort Lee, VA

Galentine’s Day

The Perkinson Center and Pearl St Comedy are proud to present

“Galentine’s Day”, a Ladies Night comedy special! Join us at 8:30pm for comedians Apple Brown Betty, Patrice DeVeaux, Kim Villamera, Leila Youmans, Heather Joyce and Liz Barlow! It will be a night full of feminine fun!

Friday, February 3rd - 8:30 PM

Perkinson Center for the Arts | info@perkinsoncenter.org

11810 Centre Street Chester, VA 23831

Music brings you soulful Texas roots, percussive rhythm guitar, and superior vocals. Saturday, February 4th - 6:00 PM Cul’s Courthouse Grille culscourthousegrille.com

10801 Courthouse Rd, Charles City, VA

PM

FORT LEE VIRGINIA

Patrick Olivier Duo Patrick Olivier

Classic Hollywood Love Songs

February is the month for romance. Bring that special someone and hear four decades of classic cinematic love songs from Gone With the Wind, Ben-Hur, West Side Story, Dr. Zhivago, Love Story, The Way We Were, Titanic, and many more. | Saturday, February 4th - 8:00 PM Dominion Energy Center 600 E Grace St, Richmond, VA

Music at Hardywood 3

The Richmond Symphony returns to Hardywood for chamber classics, craft beer, pizza, and fun.

Thur, February 9th & Fri, February 10th - 6:30 PM Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Richmond

2408-2410 Ownby Lane, Richmond, VA

Richmond Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival

Enjoy Chocolate in a multitude of decadent presentations – from sweet hand-rolled truffles to an amazing selection of bean-to-bar artisan chocolates! Quench your thirst with Champagne, Prosecco, and premium wines and a sip of fine whiskies! Plus savory items like popcorn, pretzels, artisan cheeses, and charcuterie! More than just a Chocolate Festival, included in your ticket price is a tasting glass to enjoy unlimited wine and whiskey– with a nice selection of craft beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages as well.

Saturday, February 11th - 9:30 AM Main Street Station

1500 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA

Prince George County School Board Meeting

Regular monthly meeting of the Prince George County school board. | Monday, February 6th6:30 PM County Administration Building, 3rd Floor | pgs.k12.va.us/

6602 Courts Dr, Prince George, VA

Chili Cook-Off

Knock the dust off those crockpots and join us for a good ol’ fashioned chili cook-off! FREE chili tasting starting @12PM! The first 15 chili entries will be accepted! To pre-register, please submit an entry form or email marketing@colonialhd.com! | Saturday, February 11th - 12:00 PM | Colonial Harley Davidson colonialhd.com/chili-cook-off/ | 1701 Temple Parkway, Prince George, VA

Fusing all types of oriental cuisine to give you a unique taste that will keep you coming back for more!

16 West Old Street, Petersburg, VA 23803

Mon. - Thur.12p - 8p |

- Sat. 12p - 9p | Sunday Closed

(804) 722-3342

Presented by Marianne Kelley’s School of Dance. | Saturday, February 11th - 1pm, 4pm, & 6pm | Perkinson Center for the Arts info@perkinsoncenter.org 11810 Centre Street Chester, VA 23831

Scott Wichmann: My Funny Valentine

Blending the best of the Rat Pack, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme and more, Scott Wichmann is Mister Showtime , bringing back the style and flair of a bygone era with his signature charisma. Backed by a tight trio led by Musical Director Ryan Corbitt, My Funny Valentine is a great holiday date night event for lovers of all ages! | Tuesday, February 14th - 8:00 PM | The Tin Pan | www.tinpanrva.com/ 8982 Quioccasin Rd, Richmond, VA

Bustin’ Loose

Bring your valentine and boogie down with Bustin Loose!

Sunday, February 12th - 5:00 PM

Holy Mackerel

http://www.holymackerelbeers.com/ 700 Jordan Point Rd, Prince George, VA

Flogging Molly

Starting out as the house band for Molly Malone’s in Los Angeles and building a loyal following through endless touring, Flogging Molly has become a staple in the punk scene over the past 20 years, kicking off with its raucous debut showcase, Swagger, and continuing through its five additional studio albums. | Wednesday, February 15th - 7:30 PM The National | thenationalva.com | 708 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA

“Count Me In - A Night of Hope”

A night of music and inspiration featuring American Idol Golden Ticket Winner and Chesterfield-native Carrie Brockwell, as well as fellow Season 20 Golden Ticket winner Hazi! Hear music off of Carrie’s soon-to-be-released second album as well as other hits. All ticket proceeds will benefit the missions of Runway 2 Life and the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education.

Friday, February 17th - 7:30 PM | Perkinson Center for the Arts info@perkinsoncenter.org | 11810 Centre Street Chester, VA 23831

“Makin’ Cake”

“Makin’ Cake” is a spoken word performance that slices into American history exploring race, culture and class. Refreshing and fun, “Makin’ Cake” leaves room for dessert and dialogue with a cake reception immediately following the performance. Featuring Dasha Kelly Hamilton.

Sunday, February 19th - 7:00 PM | Perkinson Center for the Arts info@perkinsoncenter.org 11810 Centre Street Chester, VA 23831

The Wonder Years

The Hum Goes On Forever Tour

Friday, February 17th - 8:00 PM The National thenationalva.com 708

The LACs “Hellraisers in Heaven Tour 2023” with special guests Murphy Elmore and Dustin Spears. Friday, February 24th - 6:30 PM The Beacon Theatre

Kadencia - Pay What You Can!

Kadencia is a 13-piece orchestra dedicated to conserving and promoting AfroPuerto Rican music.

Founded in Puerto Rico by singer-songwriter Maurice Sanabria-Ortiz and percussionist Roberto Candelario, Kadencia was reborn in late 2018, with the help of percussionists Maurice “Tito” Sanabria and Santos Ramirez, and now calls Richmond, Virginia its home base.

Saturday, February 25th - 7:30 PM

Perkinson Center for the Arts | info@perkinsoncenter.org

11810 Centre Street Chester, VA 23831

Brahms Third Symphony

When she took the gold at the 2021 Menuhin competition, the audience stood and roared. María Dueñas is already acclaimed as one of the leading virtuosos of her generation. See her play Lalo’s mesmerizing Symphonie espagnole. Also, Valentina Peleggi conducts a new work by young Mexican sound-shaper Juan Pablo Contreras, and Brahms’ haunting Third Symphony. Sat, February 25th - 8 PM & Sun, February 26th - 3 PM Dominion Energy Center | 600 E Grace St, Richmond, VA

Chip Hale

Chip Hale is a singersongwriter, producer & multi-instrumentalist based in Richmond, VA. As a bassist, he has shared stages throughout Richmond with multiple bands & songwriters, as well as played to audiences across the country and around the world, recently capping off a month-long tour of Europe. As a solo artist, Chip’s music is best described as a blend of folk, country & Americana, with an emphasis on dark melodies and intricate fingerstyle guitar.

Sunday, February 26th - 6:00 PM Cul’s Courthouse Grille culscourthousegrille.com

10801 Courthouse Rd, Charles City, VA

A local family proudly serving our military families at Fort Lee and across the region! Thacker

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Thank you to our service members and family!

15% off Benjamin Moore Paint • Now through February 28th Bring in coupon or use promo code “Ace Paint Discount”