Prince William Living January 2020

PAGE 10

POETRY POPS UP

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FAMILY GOAL SETTING

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OUT OF THE BLUE

prince william living January 2020

The premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

New Year’s Resolutions PAGE 4

Strike a Yoga Pose or Take a Stroll PAGE 14

Keeping Prince William Beautiful

PAGE 18

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table of contents January 2020 | Vol. 10 | No. 1

FEATURE STORY New Year’s Resolutions – How to Make Changes That Stick

4

DEPARTMENTS FROM THE PUBLISHER A New Decade of Living in Prince William

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14

3

ON A HIGH NOTE Poetry Pops Up Around Prince William

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DESTINATIONS Strike a Yoga Pose or Take a Stroll

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GIVING BACK Keeping Prince William Beautiful 18 LIFELONG LEARNING Conservation in Prince William

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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS How to Grow Through Self-Leadership

22

FAMILY FUN Celebrate the New Year With Family Goal Setting

24

LOCAL FLAVOR Seafood and Community Service at Out of the Blue 30 CALENDAR

34

COLUMNS

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30

CHANGE MAKERS HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME & HEARTH YOUR FINANCES

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prince william living Rebecca Barnes

PRINCE WILLIAM LIVING PUBLISHER rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Amanda Causey Baity ONLINE SUBMISSION MANAGER Carole Keily

Katherine Gotthardt EDITOR IN CHIEF kgotthardt@princewilliamliving.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Halter, Olivia Overman, Amy Taylor, Erin Pittman, Marianne Weaver, David Gignilliat, Bennett Whitlock

GIVE BACK PRINCE WILLIAM INITIATIVE Melissa Payne, melissa@givebackpw.org Johnnie Barnes, johnnie@givebackpw.org CLIENT CARE SPECIALIST Diane Puigdomenech, dpuigdomenech@princewilliamliving.com VISIBILITY PACKAGES sales@princewilliamliving.com SUBSCRIPTIONS info@princewilliamliving.com

COPY EDITOR Erin Pittman PHOTO EDITOR Amanda Causey Baity GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio PHOTOGRAPHERS Amanda Baity and Dawn Gardner

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. Š Copyright 2020 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.

The cover image for the December Issue was courtesy Manassas Ballet.

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For further information about Prince William Living, visit www.princewilliamliving.com, or contact Prince William Living at (703) 232-1758.

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January 2020 prince william living

from the Publisher

A New Decade of Living in Prince William

N

othing whispers of promise quite like a new year. And now that it’s a new decade, well—it’s more than just a whisper.

We’ve been hearing the clink of champagne glasses, the tune of Auld Lang Syne and even some fireworks as residents and visitors of Prince William ring in 2020. In this spirit, we bring you January’s feature, the first feature of the new decade, an article we hope will get you in the mood not just for making resolutions, but for making positive changes that are meaningful and lasting. Read what local experts say about finance, health, wellness and more as you consider how you want the ensuing days to unfold.

Also, let’s think about how to spend time with the family this year. Especially if you have or work with children, you’ll want to read Family Fun. Learn how to get the whole gang involved in making and reaching goals. While you’re in the family frame of mind, take a peek at Local Flavor where we bring you to a seafood restaurant serving up delicious food while also serving the community. It’s the perfect place to spend some quality time with loved ones. Then in Destinations, enter the relaxation zone by enjoying a walk or a yoga class. We highlight just a few places where you can make that happen indoors and out.

In Lifelong Learning, we talk to the experts who work in conservation, educating the public. In Giving Back, we interview volunteers helping to keep Prince William beautiful. They are all on a mission to maintain our communities’ natural health and beauty.

This month, we’ve also got a health and wellness article on weight-loss surgery. Read how this procedure changed one woman’s life for the better. Then meet this month’s Change Maker, who works hard to make a positive difference in big and small ways, including through writing and reading. And in Taking Care of Business, you’ll discover how to practice selfleadership to better your business and your life. Plus, there’s Home and Hearth and Finance to consider as you’re planning your days, year and decade.

We hope you take some time not only to enjoy the work we put into Prince William Living, but to spend a few moments considering possibilities. We believe that’s what setting goals is all about – dreaming of what can be, turning resolutions into reality. From all of us to all of you, happy 2020.

Rebecca Barnes Publisher

Speaking of the outdoors, don’t miss this month’s focus on

prince william living January 2020

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New Year’s Resolutions

How to Make Changes that Stick

By Amy Taylor

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January 2020 prince william living

Y

ou can always make positive changes in your life. The New Year gives people the feeling of a fresh start and that motivation can translate to making changes. We have our best tips for making resolutions in the new year and ways to keep your momentum going and actually incorporate those changes for life.

Financial Resolutions If you’re looking to improve your financial life in 2020, you need to be honest with yourself about your financial situation. Money is a very emotionally loaded topic, and sometimes coming to terms with your financial picture can be tough. Fiscal Coach, Retirement, Life Insurance and Medicare Specialist Joanne L. Bilotta shares her best tips.

Bilotta advises, “Spending is a habit; it will only change when you decide to change it. In the same manner, your income will only change when you decide to change it.

“Take some time to review how the last few years have gone for you. List what went well and what you would like to see change in the future.

your spending habits. Consider reducing your subscriptions, changing where you buy groceries or cutting back on coffee, tea or sports drinks from convenience stores.

What does this process look like? Bilotta describes the nitty-gritty details of how to manage your finances.

1. List the entire month in a spreadsheet. Enter your net income, or the income that shows up after taxes in your bank account.

2. Subtract the expenses that you need to pay out of that paycheck. Estimate additional expenses like food, entertainment or necessities for your family.

3. After you figure out your excess funds from that paycheck, add those funds to the next paycheck and subtract your expenses. Keep in mind occasional expenses that arise like insurance payments, taxes or annual subscriptions.

4. Move any extra money into savings.

Bilotta shares, “If you put money into a savings account automatically (through your HR department), you will learn to

“Figure out what’s important to you about money. Focus on the lifestyle you desire, the people you could help, the things you could do if money wasn’t in issue.

“Create a vision board or at least a list of what you want money to do for you next year. Make copies and post it somewhere like the bathroom mirror (that’s where I keep mine), your wallet, the visor of your car, your laptop or desktop. Look at it every day — even when you’re feeling like it’s not attainable! You achieve what you see.”

To stick to your financial resolutions, Bilotta suggests you take these steps: n Make a spending plan that includes your monthly expenses and your new goals. You can do this by looking at your last few months of spending habits.

Create a vision board or at least a list of what you want money to do for you next year.

n Pay attention to your income on a monthly basis. n If you continually come up short, see where you can tweak

(continues on page 6)

prince william living January 2020

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“I have a B.A. in Psychology, a Master of Education in Special Education, a certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching, and I’m a certified and licensed Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.

I am currently pursuing a PhD in either Psychology or Special Education with the goal of researching more efficient methods for teaching people with autism and intellectual disabilities,” Lynch said.

As a recent graduate school applicant, she shares some tips for people who want to pursue a new degree in 2020.

“If you’re considering higher education, follow your passion until you can take swift and decisive action. Aim high, apply to schools you aren’t sure will accept you. I did and I got into the number one program in my field. If you don’t get it the first time you apply, start networking. Go to professional conferences, develop relationships with people in academia and start doing your own research. Email the author and start a conversation.

Academics love to hear from people who are reading their papers,” Lynch said.

Health Resolutions (continued from page 5) spend what shows up in your bank account and the savings will grow without any real effort.”

Business Resolutions If you are an entrepreneur, your New Year’s resolution may be tied to expanding your business. Kat Lynch, Owner and Executive Director of New Hope ABA, recently expanded her business to serve residents of Prince William.

She shares some words of wisdom for businesses who want to expand in the new year.

“I encourage anyone considering growing or expanding their business to consider if they have sufficient capital and infrastructure to expand. Doubling your business feels like quadruple the work for the first year, especially if you have clients and employees like I do. The best laid plans and budgets sometimes do not stand up to the realities of expansion, and it may take a lot longer and a lot more work than your last expansion,” Lynch said.

When it comes to keeping any resolution, knowing yourself well is key. What do you need to stay accountable?

Lynch shares, “When it comes to setting goals and sticking to them, I need outside accountability. The junior directors at my company and my network help me stay focused.”

Education Resolutions If you’d like to further your education in the new year, allow yourself to set lofty goals. In addition to owning and operating New Hope ABA, Lynch is using 2020 to further her education and professional goals.

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January 2020 prince william living

One of the top New Year’s resolutions relates to health, wellness or losing weight. Rather than trying out a new fad diet or making drastic exercise goals that are unattainable, set realistic goals.

Consider seeing a dietitian or consulting your regular physician if your goal is to have a healthier diet. There is an overwhelming amount of information floating around about how you should eat, but a trained medical professional can help you figure out what is best for you with a focus on health rather than weight loss.

If you want to exercise more, try out different workouts. You never know what will really spark your interest until you try different types of exercise. Finding something you truly enjoy doing will keep you motivated to make your resolution a permanent part of your routine.

Finding something you truly enjoy doing will keep you motivated ...

How to Make Changes With Staying Power Tim Horn, Founder and Owner of Hypnoconsult, LLC, specializes in helping people reach their goals. He shares how to make New Year’s resolutions that stay well beyond the initial excitement of Jan. 1.

“The first thing that you need to know is that you’ve already succeeded,” Horn said.

Horn advises that you make goals that are concrete, believable and in the present tense. For example, instead of saying, “I will learn to play the piano,” make your goal “I can play the piano.”

“The first thing you have to do is know exactly where you want to end up and then the New Year's resolution has more power.

You have to be able to feel it, sense it, taste it, then you can get there. If you envision within your life what that means to you and how it gets you to greater happiness, you become laser focused,” Horn said.

“If you don’t believe something will happen whole-heartedly, the subconscious mind will self-sabotage no matter how badly you want it,” Horn said.

He also advises writing your goals down and putting them in a place you will look at them every day.

“At the beginning of the New Year, write down 10 things you will definitely accomplish for the year. On Jan. 2, put it in an

... make goals that are concrete, believable and in the present tense.

envelope and address it to yourself. Write a note to open it on Dec. 31, 2020. Keep it somewhere that you look at every day when you get up,” Horn said.

Amy Taylor (Ataylor@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer and editor. She earned her BLS in English from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. prince william living January 2020

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January 2020 prince william living

EXPLORE P your local Prince William Public Library

• Books, Magazines • Programs for all ages • Free access to computers, Wi-Fi, mobile printing • Audiobooks, eBooks, and Premium Sites

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Find us on Social Media Facebook: PrinceWilliamPublicLibraries Twitter: @PrinceWMlibrary Pinterest: pinterest.com/pwpls Instagram: instagram.com/pwpls

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on a high note

Poetry Pops Up Around Prince William

By Erin Pittman

I

Photos provided by Write by the Rails

f you’re a word lover, you likely notice them everywhere.

Perhaps you find alliteration in the latest billboard on 95 — a little mind-occupying fun amidst the traffic. Maybe you create poetic descriptions of the people passing by as you sit in the local coffee shop. Creativity with words can help us escape the daily grind and get into the inventive depths of our mind.

Imagine if you could easily find rhymes to ruminate on while you relish a baker’s latest recipe? Or sonnets to savor as you sip a locally brewed saison? Or even words to wonder over in between wondrous works of gallery art?

In the Prince William area, you don’t have to imagine. Just take a look around local businesses and you’ll find Poems Around Town.

Poems Around Town is a program sponsored by the Prince William Chapter of the Virginia Writers Club, Write by the Rails. The program launched in August and encourages businesses to display local writers’ poems within their shops.

There are currently more than 60 pieces of poetry on display in a variety of businesses throughout Prince William.

Write by the Rails Vice President Jan Rayl came up with the service idea hoping people would stop and read a piece of literary art they otherwise might not — something short that would get them thinking in a different way.

“Poems Around Town was inspired by Seattle, Washington’s Poetry Poles. I had read about them and thought it would be a great idea for our area writers,” said Rayl. “I mentioned the idea

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January 2020 prince william living

Businesses and organizations are supporting Write by the Rails' "Poems Around Town" initiative, bringing the literary arts to public places.

at a Write by the Rails Board meeting. The next thing I knew [President] Katherine Gotthardt had put feet to the idea and was posting our poems around the county.” That effort soon spread to Manassas and Manassas Park, as well.

The goal is to have 50 organizations hosting the poems, and local owners are responding well — even reaching out — since the poems began popping up last summer. There’s no cost to the host organizations and all poems are family friendly.

More than 60 poems have been placed to date, and Write by the Rails is seeking to place even more in the coming year.

“The response … has been wonderful. Dozens of businesses have allowed us to post poems in their establishments. As I have lived in the Greater Manassas area for many years, I have been stopped several times by someone telling me how much they love seeing the poetry around Prince William. As a poet, it is heartwarming to walk into a business and see someone reading a poem you or someone you know wrote with a smile on their face,” said Rayl.

Gotthardt has also been thrilled with the response local businesses have had to the project.

“They like to be part of a community project. They want to participate in the arts in a unique way,” Gotthardt said.

To become a host for the Poems Around Town literary project, send an email of interest to writebytherails@gmail.com. For more information about Write by the Rails, visit wbtr.org.

Erin Pittman has been a writer for 10 years, but a lover of words her entire life. Her work is published in local magazines and on local and national blogs. Contact Erin at epittman@princewilliamliving.com.

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change makers Carylee Carrington

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“Changemakers” highlights the people of Prince William who are making a difference in our community. This month, we feature writer, speaker and children’s show host Carylee Carrington.

Carylee has been writing from a young age, penning poetry, drama shorts and plays. She aims to inspire children to embrace their differences and to respect the differences of others in order to create a kinder future. An arts advocate, Carylee hosts “The Read with Carylee Show,” which features local authors and is filmed in front of a live audience at Jirani Coffeehouse in Manassas.

How long have you lived in the Prince William area, and what do you most like about living here?

I have lived in Prince William for eight years. I love the area’s diversity. It is a great place to raise my children. I also love that there are so many things to do and learn about the history of the community.

What are some of your favorite things to do in the area and why?

I love to visit downtown Manassas and soak up the different cultures and activities represented there.

How have you been involved in the community?

I am a board member on the Prince William Arts Council. I am active with the nonprofit Carried to Full Term in Haymarket, and, as a children’s author, I go to schools speaking to students about the importance of embracing differences and being kind. I am also very active in my local church, Chapel Springs Assembly of God. If you had to give advice to someone new to the area, what would you tell them and why?

Explore! There are so many things to do and ways to get involved in the community. D.C. is very close, but there is no real need for me to have to go all the way there to find great things to do.

How would you describe yourself in three sentences?

Woman on the rise, Carylee Carrington is a mother of two boys and author aimed at making a difference in the lives of children through her books. Stumbling into the world of children’s writing, Carylee’s message of being kind and embracing differences resonates with people of all ages.

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January 2020 prince william living

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destinations

STRIKE A YOGA POSE OR TAKE A STROLL

By Amy Taylor

I

f your New Year’s resolution involves incorporating exercise in your lifestyle, walking and yoga are two great ways to ease into fitness. Both are low impact and easy on joints. Walking can help improve heart health and give you stronger bones and better balance. Yoga can help you increase your flexibility, strength, muscle tone and balance. In Prince William, you have plenty of options to support your health goals with yoga and walking all year long. Check out some local places to get your steps in and practice your favorite flow.

Walking Trails Numerous health studies have shown the incredible health benefits of outdoor activity. A simple walk in the woods can significantly boost your mood and general wellbeing. This is one reason Prince William County Parks, Recreation and Tourism has partnered with Park Rx America, a non-profit that works with health care professionals to prescribe parks to their patients to help increase their health and happiness and manage chronic diseases.

Prince William has over 4,000 acres of park land, including 50+ miles of trails, greenways and water trails. “Trails topped our list as the number one priority by those who participated in our 2018 Citizen Needs Assessment,” said Dianne Cabot-Wahl, spokesperson for the Prince William County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

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January 2020 prince william living

“The paved walk/bike paths along the roadways, the ‘mobility corridors’ if you will, belong to the Virginia Department of Transportation or the county’s Department of Transportation.

However, they are included in the overall plan for the comprehensive trail system,” said Cabot-Wahl. “The ultimate goal is to have the entire county connected, from the eastern side to the western side, through a trail system.”

Neabsco Creek The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk is a new trail asset, located at 15125 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge. It is 3/4 of a mile long across the Neabsco Creek, providing hikers access to the wetlands, which offer a rich habitat for myriad native fowl — great blue herons, wood ducks, mallards and red-wing blackbirds. It is part of the Neabsco Regional Park, which includes Julie J. Metz Wetlands Park, Rippon Lodge Historic Property, Kings Highway, the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Rippon Landing Neighborhood Park.

More Trails in Manassas, Gainesville, Brentsville and Haymarket n Ben Lomond Park – Two miles of natural surface trail along the Bull Run River n Nokesville Park – Two and a half miles of natural surface, equestrian-friendly trails

n James S. Long Regional Park – Four miles of natural surface, equestrian-friendly trails along Catharpin Creek n Valley View Park – Two miles of natural surface, equestrianfriendly trails along the Kettle Run River More Trails in Woodbridge, Independent Hill, Dumfries and Dale City n Andrew Leitch Park – Three and a half miles of natural surface trails along the Neabsco Creek n Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center – One-mile asphalt trail n George Hellwig Memorial Park – One-mile stone dust trail n Locust Shade Park – Four miles of natural surface trails n Lake Ridge Marina and Golf Course – One and a half miles of natural surface trail n Veterans Memorial Park – Less than 1 mile of natural surface trail along the wetlands of the Occoquan Bay

Potomac Mills When the weather is bad, you don’t have to forego your new walking routine. Pop by Potomac Mills Mall, where you can walk indoors.

“Walking is exceptional because it can be done almost anywhere, at any time and by most folks,” said Deana L. Henry, RN-BC, OCN, CHPN and Oncology Patient Navigator at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge. “Stop into Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge any morning of the week, and you’ll find the dedicated rovers walking in a safe, climatecontrolled environment to the rhythm of upbeat music.”

Yoga No matter what level of yoga practice you have, you can find yoga to suit you. There is gentle flow yoga for beginners, which is less intense. Ashtanga yoga helps synchronize breathing through a series of progressively more intense postures. Hatha yoga is also breathing- and pose-focused but less intense. Power yoga is for intermediate-level yogis and is a bit more intense.

Many facilities also offer chair (for those with arthritis/balance issues) and family yoga.

Yoga classes are accessible to all and tailored to each individual.

“What I love about yoga is that it is a practice that is available to every individual. There is a form or style of yoga that suits everyone, based on their individual needs. My personal love that addresses my needs is the practice of turning your focus inward.

The idea of focusing on the sensations and needs of your body in any given moment can be incredibly healing,” Bailey said.

She added, “There are so many benefits to practicing yoga — the physical benefits of strength and flexibility as well as improving balance. The ability to reduce stress and increase the access to our parasympathetic nervous system, allowing us to return to a restful state. The simple idea of turning our gaze inward to work on the difficult internal work to build resources allowing us to engage with a challenging, complex world.”

More Yoga Studios n Discover Health Yoga Studio – Gainesville n Soaring Spirit Yoga – Occoquan n My BodYoga – Woodbridge n Bikram Hot Yoga – Woodbridge n Peace of Mind and Body – Montclair n Center Street Studios Pilates & Yoga – City of Manassas

“The benefits of yoga reach into all areas of wellness,” said Henry. “Though I’m not a regular participant, it is an activity that leaves me feeling relaxed and energized at the same time.”

n Transform Power Yoga, LLC – Haymarket

Bedrock Yoga

n Rising Phoenix Holistic Center – City of Manassas

Located in Historic Manassas, Bedrock Yoga offers classes suited to all levels of fitness. Owner Elizabeth Bailey said, “A friend introduced me to yoga, and I deepened my practice after a back injury. I had been dabbling until the injury. When I was trying to return to class, I was still in pain and limited, but the instructor adapted the class to accommodate me and I walked out pain free for the first time in weeks. The poses she had used helped me to continue to manage that injury.”

n Balans Studio – Gainesville n Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center – Woodbridge n Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center – Dale City Whether it’s through walking or yoga, build your strength, flexibility, balance and confidence through a consistent practice while enjoying the resources our area offers.

Amy Taylor (Ataylor@princewilliamliving.com) is a contributing writer and wellness enthusiast. prince william living January 2020

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giving back

By Olivia Overman

W

hat started in 1982 as Prince William Clean Community Council, an organization helping encourage litter cleanup in the community, has become one of the driving forces behind education and action to keep Prince William clean and beautiful! Thirty years later, this simple clean-up effort has flourished into a nonprofit environmental organization, Keep Prince William Beautiful, an affiliate of the nationally recognized organization Keep America Beautiful.

Pride in Our Community “KPWB was established as an organization that focused heavily on litter eradication and prevention through individual clean-up events. We still carry that torch; however, we now administer many community-wide programs that encourage community litter and recycling efforts as well as beautification efforts throughout Prince William County,” said Aleta Daniels, Executive Director of KPWB.

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January 2020 prince william living

Some of the key programs administered throughout the community include: Adopt-a-Spot – This program allows for people or organizations to adopt almost any place in the community, from school playgrounds to library sites, parks and residential common areas.

Adoptees maintain their chosen spot and keep it free of litter and debris for a period of two years, and, in return, a sign is installed by the spot featuring their name. Cleanup takes approximately two to three hours, with nine cleanups required for the two-year period. KPWB provides all the materials and training necessary to maintain the spot.

Beautification – For this program, KPWB works with the community to identify public areas in the community that have been neglected and need attention. Beautification activities last two to three hours and may include painting, planting, sanding, weeding, mulching and collecting debris.

Photo provided by Keep Prince William Beautiful

Keeping Prince William Beautiful

People are encouraged to join the beautification efforts “by attending outreach events such as Prince William Recycles Day, community festivals and fairs, and partnering with other great environmental nonprofits in the area,” said Daniels.

Community Cleanup – Keeping the community clean and aesthetically pleasing is important for the people who live in the community but is also important to encourage growth in the county. KPWB provides all materials needed to clean up a community including gloves, grabbers, trash bags, level 3 safety vests, first aid kits, volunteer giveaways, water, snacks, landfill vouchers and litter education/safety training. The organization can also provide landfill vouchers to allow the contents of a community dumpster to be disposed of for free at Prince William County’s Sanitary Landfill. Information about the county’s free Dumpster Days is also provided on the KPWB website.

Educational Outreach – In keeping with the organization’s mission to encourage community litter, recycling and beautification efforts, KPWB offers education to groups, schools and organizations in the county. “For kids, depending on the age group, we might talk about different materials and whether or not they’re recyclable. We also discuss water quality, specifically the effects stormwater has on our water quality. For adults, we answer a lot of questions about the recycling process and why communities are making changes to their recycling programs (for example, taking glass out of curbside pickup),” said Daniels.

Why Are These Programs Important?

According to Keep America Beautiful, the presence of litter can decrease property values by 7% and increase crime. Adopt-aSpots help ensure that communities stay clean, remain safe and inspire people to be environmental stewards. KPWB collects data from the clean-ups and beautification programs that occur in the community. They then analyze the data and report it to the county and state. This helps the county develop and enforce policies to ensure areas stay clean.

When asked why this organization and its mission are important overall, Daniels said, “Litter has a larger effect on a community than many people realize. Its presence can decrease the value of homes, decrease revenue for businesses and encourage more littering, because people think that since someone else littered, it’s not a big deal if they litter, too.”

Keep Prince William Beautiful sponsors community-wide litter and recycling efforts as well as beautification projects throughout Prince William County.

The Future Can Be Beautiful Speaking about the organization he is part of, KPWB President Benjamin Hazekamp said, "It has been my pleasure to serve for several years on the board for Keep Prince William Beautiful. During my time, I've witnessed the transformation of communities, not just in terms of a cleaner neighborhoods, but closer neighbors. Our strength comes from our volunteers and community partners joining together to create beautiful communities to do beautiful things, and we are excited to be a part of that."

KPWB is very much a volunteer-driven organization and is always looking for new groups to partner with. They also seek interns and board members to help the organization continue to educate and implement goals to enhance the community.

Find information about volunteering and donating at kpwb.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/keepprincewilliambeautiful.

Olivia Overman (ooverman@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer for both online and print organizations. She earned an M.A. in Journalism and Public Affairs from American University, Washington, D.C.

A clean, litter-free community means that its residents take pride in the place where they live, work and play. The more pride people have, the stronger their efforts in keeping their community clean.

It’s a positive-feedback loop that builds upon itself.

Additionally, KPWB encourages families who don’t already recycle to start. The organization also encourages families and individuals to consider incorporating other environmentally sustainable efforts into their lives, such as conserving water and bringing reusable grocery bags when shopping. prince william living January 2020

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health & wellness Longtime Nurse Changes Her Life and Future With Weight Loss Surgery

By Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

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s a career nurse, Marty Heins was used to working long hours, having plenty of meals on the go and being exposed to copious amounts of calorie-laden goodies in the breakroom.

Pounds would come and go.

“When I was younger I was successful at losing weight,” laughs Marty, “But trying to lose weight after you’re 50 is like watching grass grow. It was very difficult.”

Marty says after her 50th birthday, losing weight was nearly impossible. It was around then that she ran into an old friend who had undergone weight loss surgery and lost more than 100 pounds. In August 2016, Marty signed up for an informational seminar and met with Dr. Halmi. He explained the surgery and recommended the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. That got the ball rolling.

After several months of a multidisciplinary program, which included a battery of tests, a sleep study and meetings with the doctors and dieticians, Marty had her surgery in February 2017.

“It really was a fork in the road for me,” explains Marty. “I was 57 when I had the surgery. I thought to myself, I had two choices: I could go into retirement, getting older, doing less and less and developing all the age and obesity-related health problems, or I could become the active person I wanted to be.”

Initially, Marty woke from surgery uncomfortable and in pain, but a day later, she was up and about and from there hasn’t stopped moving. “I figured it was up to me. I just wanted to do as much as I could.”

Marty’s life looks a lot different than it did several years ago.

She’s no longer plagued by sleep apnea and she’s now a yoga devotee. “I feel great! I feel incredible. Really, really good. I exercise all the time. I discovered yoga after my surgery, and I like to go to the gym four to five times a week to do cardio,” she said.

Weight loss surgery has changed her life and given Marty the opportunity to live the future she only once dreamed about.

Her advice to others struggling with their weight is simple but direct: “Do it! But you have to be ready to make the necessary changes. It is a lifestyle change … it is 100% a lifestyle change, and unless you’re ready to commit to it, it’s not going to work.”

Surgery isn’t for everyone. Call 703-523-1196 to speak with our Bariatric Weight Loss Nurse Navigator to learn more.

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January 2020 prince william living

lifelong learning Conservation in Prince William

By Olivia Overman

I

Photo provided by Virginia Cooperative Extension Prince William Master Gardeners

f you were to ask somebody where the water they drink comes from or how to properly take care of lawns, trees, shrubs and vegetable gardens, they might not be able to answer you.

Fortunately, there are organizations right here in the area to help with all your questions and, more importantly, to help conserve the natural resources here in the county. Virginia Cooperative Extension Prince William Master Gardeners and the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District, or The District, are two of the organizations that offer assistance and education for county residents.

Master Gardeners of Prince William MGPW, a 501(c) 3 organization, is the supportive organization for active Master Gardener volunteers in Prince William County, City of Manassas and Manassas Park. Volunteers are the environmental educators that teach residents sustainable landscaping techniques that protect water quality. “Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are trained educators who provide the public with environmental information that draws on the horticultural research and experience of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia State University,” said Nancy Berlin, Natural Resource Specialist/Master Gardener Coordinator. With more than 200 volunteers, Master Gardeners: n Answer gardening questions in the Extension office, at local community functions and at local garden centers n Diagnose and provide recommendations for plant, insect and disease problems n Promote safe use of pesticides and fertilizers to protect water quality and the environment n Instruct the community on proper care of lawns, trees, shrubs and vegetable gardens n Conduct gardening programs for diverse groups of all ages within the community n Participate in community landscape and stormwater education site visits n Work with Plant a Row for the Hungry with Vulcan to collect produce at farmers’ markets for needy families n Participate and organize seminars for continuing education n Participate in social events and field trips Programs offered throughout the county include: The BEST Lawns Program (Building Environmentally Sustainable Turf); the ACTS landscaping project that helps beautify the area

Residents can learn about conservation and all it entails, thanks to organizations like Virginia Cooperative Extension Prince William Master Gardeners and the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District.

surrounding ACTS, providing an area of relaxation for residents of the non-profit; and the Audubon at Home program, which helps county residents have their homes certified by the Master Gardeners as an area of conservation. The Plant A Row for the Hungry Project ensures that donated, unsold, fresh produce from the Dale City Farmers’ Market and the Old Town Manassas Farmers’ Market is collected and distributed to ACTS shelter food pantry, SERVE’s food pantry and the House of Mercy, Haymarket.

The Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District The District is focused on protecting and enhancing the water and soil resources in Prince William by providing free technical services, and assistance and education to farmers, homeowners, students and teachers.

Veronica Tangiri, Water Quality Coordinator at The District, primarily deals with water quality in the urban areas of the county. When dealing with water quality, Tangiri states “There are no boundaries; I cross cities and towns.” Tangiri is currently building a volunteer network to help with programs such as Water Quality Monitoring, Adopt-a-Stream or Pond, and Floatables Monitoring.

Water quality monitors collect data from streams that includes the quality of water and the organisms found in the stream. Data (continues on page 26) prince william living January 2020

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taking care of business

How to Grow Through Self-Leadership

By Amy Taylor

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s business owners, we tend to think about leadership in terms of leading a team of others. However, in order to effectively lead a team, you must first be able to lead yourself.

Rebecca Barnes, entrepreneur and publisher of Prince William Living has daily practices she implements to make sure she’s being the best self-leader she can be.

“I do self-checks often — mentally, physically and emotionally.

I also surround myself with people who are attuned to how I function. If I’m not ‘myself’ they let me know. If my work is slipping or my mood is different, they see it and are free to tell me, without fear of repercussions. Then it’s up to me to make adjustments,” Barnes said.

Defining Self-Leadership In order to practice self-leadership, you first need to understand what it is. Self-leadership starts with self-awareness. Having good insight about what’s going on inside your head will give you a solid foundation for self-leadership. What are your intentions?

What are your values? What triggers you? When changes arise, do you roll with the punches or do you have trouble adapting?

Once you get to know yourself well, the second major component of self-leadership is self-regulation. It’s critical to check in with yourself often to see where you are mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. When some aspect of your life isn’t going well, you need to identify the problem and seek the right help to move forward.

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Motivation is a major part of self-leadership. You need to be confident in your strengths and abilities. You have to be comfortable identifying your weaknesses and working to improve them. The strongest motivation comes from feeling like you have a mission in life or a calling. Try to stay away from motivators like material possessions or impressing other people. When your motivation Rebecca Barnes is tied to the opinions of others, you risk doing more harm than good to your self-esteem.

There will always be someone who has a negative opinion about what you’re doing, and you can’t let those opinions drag you down.

Social skills will allow you to lead others. Get really good at finding common ground with those around you. Building a rapport with those in your network and managing relationships is integral to building a solid business.

Why Is Self-Leadership Important?

Self-leadership is critical for your success in the business world and also your general well-being. Being a good self-leader helps you better regulate your own actions and gives you an appreciation of other people.

When you are in tune with yourself, you are less likely to get sidetracked by external factors. Your motivations come from within and you have a solid sense of self, so things that don’t truly matter to your business, like the next bright shiny object or the negative opinions of a few naysayers, won’t derail you.

Being able to lead yourself sets you up for long-term success. By being aligned with your purpose and knowing what really drives you, you can keep your eyes on the prize and avoid distractions along the way.

Finally, self-leadership shows others you are worthy of their trust as a leader.

“If you aren’t leading yourself, why would anyone follow you?” said Barnes.

What Skills Can You Sharpen?

Self-leadership isn’t intrinsic to everyone. There are skills you can work on to become a better self-leader.

“Ask yourself these questions: How does my body feel right now? Am I tired? Hungry? Restless? Decide what you need to do to resolve any issues. Where is your head? Are you focused or distracted? Where is your heart? Are you happy, sad, angry?

Again, decide what you need to do to resolve any issues. If you do this three times a day, — morning, midday and night — you will soon do it automatically,” Barnes said.

To sharpen your self-leadership skills, you can practice the following:

n Accountability – Practice being responsible for your actions and reactions. Everyone makes mistakes, but when you do, you need to take ownership, learn from them and make it right. n Self-discipline – Checking in with yourself and taking action isn’t always easy. It requires discipline to build a daily practice. n Integrity – Being honest with yourself will help you be a better leader to yourself and others. n Curiosity – Recognize that everything you’ve learned in your life may not be correct. Being curious allows you to unlearn things that don’t serve you well and relearn other things.

Question everything and never stop learning. n Humility – Unless you’re stranded on a deserted island, you accomplish things with the help of others. Recognizing this and staying humble will help you be a better self-leader.

When you begin practicing self-leadership, you will notice a better sense of self, stronger direction in your business and respect from your colleagues. Like any other skill, self-leadership takes practice, so be kind to yourself along your journey.

Amy Taylor (Ataylor@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer and editor. She earned her BLS in English from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

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family fun

Celebrate the New Year With Family Goal Setting I

By Jennifer Halter

t’s the start of a new year and a new decade (gasp!), and more than likely, you have a list of goals set for yourself that you plan to accomplish. Maybe it’s saving money, getting healthier or changing careers. As my daughter has gotten a bit older and has heard me mention my own personal goals, she’s asked questions about why I do this and has expressed an interest in doing this, too.

Here are some ideas to help your child create their own plan for starting the new year!

Write a goals list. Depending on their age, you can ask your child questions and have them give two to three responses for each. I suggest limiting their answers, so the goals don’t seem overwhelming or unattainable. You can ask questions such as: • Where would you like to travel to this year?

of responsibilities for members of your household. As children get older, they may be able to take on new tasks. Developing a plan as a family will help everyone be clear about their roles and make working together easier. A clean and more organized home helps everyone be more productive.

Create a healthy snacks menu. As becoming healthier is typically a top goal for most adults when a new year rolls around, you could also use this opportunity to create a family goal to eat less junk food and more of the good stuff. Get the kids involved by asking for ideas for better food choices and healthy swaps. If your little ones aren’t fans of fruits and veggies, try making them more fun by cutting them into shapes or calling them fun names, such as superhero chips for sliced bananas or cucumbers or princess wands for carrot or celery sticks.

• What things would you like to learn?

No matter what your goals for the new year, be sure to involve the entire family. Doing so will not only help everyone meet their goals, but will help strengthen family bonds as well. Have a successful, happy new year — and new decade!

Update your family chores list. This is a great time to re-evaluate or create, if you don’t have one, a list

Jennifer Halter is publisher of Macaroni Kid Woodbridge and Macaroni Kid Gainesville/Manassas.

• What three things can you do to help others?

• What things would you like to get better at?

• What new things would you like to try?

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January 2020 prince william living

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LIFELONG LEARNING (continued from page 21)

collected is sent to the Department of Environmental Quality by a certified monitor. The Adopt-a-Stream or Pond program covers the 1,100 miles of streams in the county. “We currently have over 45 active sites,” said Tangiri, “including the Occoquan river, which has been adopted by The Friends of Occoquan (a non-profit that helps preserve and maintain the natural integrity of the Occoquan River), Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition (a non-profit that annually cleans up over 25 miles of PWC waterways from Cedar Run to the Occoquan River), Troop 670 (a boys scout troop that adopted over 8 miles of the Occoquan River) and the Belmont Bay Paddlers (another nonprofit that has adopted the Bay area of the River).”

Education Is Key to Conservation “Four years ago, we had very few volunteers, but in 2018 we had more than 1,300,” said Tangiri. Getting information out there and educating residents about how we can impact the environment is important, and one of the ways The District does this is through educational programs in the county schools.

Teaching children about the soil, watershed, pollution, etc., is key to seeing more people getting involved in conserving the water and soil resources.”

Master Gardeners also offer educational programs for volunteers that are key to promoting conservation in the county and can be found at pwcgov.org/grow.

The Adopt-a-Stream or Pond program covers the 1,100 miles of streams in the county.

For more information about both organizations and for volunteer opportunities, visit Master Gardeners of Prince William at mgpw.org and Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District at pwswcd.org.

Olivia Overman (ooverman@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer for both online and print organizations. She earned an M.A. in Journalism and Public Affairs from American University, Washington, D.C.

“My knee was replaceable.

Our family kayaking trips weren’t.”

MAKOplasty total knee replacement at Prince William Medical Center MAKOplasty surgery for total knee replacement puts precision technology into the hands of our board-certified surgeons, resulting in shorter hospital times, faster recoveries and less risk of infection. Because every knee is different, we start with a personalized surgical plan developed with CT imagery. Then, during the procedure, the surgeon-guided MAKO robot arm provides greater precision and consistency, preserving soft tissue for a more “normal” feel post-surgery. Our extensive training and quality care also deliver renewed mobility to get you back to doing what you love, more quickly.

Find a provider at NovantHealthUVA.org/mako Prince William Medical Center

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January 2020 prince william living

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prince william living January 2020

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home & hearth Winter Weather Food Safety

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n the cold of winter, it may be tempting to believe that the weather-related threats to food safety are behind us. However, winter storms can cause power outages that disable refrigerators and freezers just as well as summer storms do. Here are some tips for keeping your food safe throughout the winter.

Close the Doors As with power outages in any season, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if the door is kept closed. A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half-full).

Don’t Depend on Outdoors One key mistake to avoid if the power goes out in winter is to try to use the winter weather as an informal outdoor refrigerator or freezer. Even when there is still snow and ice, outside temperatures can vary, causing chilled food to enter the “danger zone” of warmer than 40°F and cooler than 140°F, and frozen food to begin thawing. Moreover, subjected food can be exposed to animals and unsanitary conditions.

Use the “Icebox” There is one way the winter conditions can be helpful.

Refrigerators and freezers that lack power can still function as old-fashioned “iceboxes” that use ice instead of electricity to keep food chilled. Coolers that always use ice can be useful when the power goes out as well. Fresh ice can be obtained by filling buckets or cans with water and leaving them outside to freeze. Use this ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator or coolers.

Move the Meats Remember to place meat and poultry to one side of the freezer or on a tray to prevent cross contamination of thawing juices.

Inspect Once electric power returns, it’s time to carefully examine everything and discard anything that is possibly unsafe. First, check the temperature inside of your refrigerator and freezer.

If any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs or leftovers) has been above 40°F for two hours or more, get rid of it.

No one covers Prince William like we do. While we wish we could do it for free, we do need your help to continue providing the level of quality you’ve come to expect.

Next, check each food item separately. If there is food in your freezer that is partially or completely thawed, it can be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is 40°F or below. But throw out any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture, or feels warm to the touch, and never taste a food to decide if it's safe. When in doubt, throw it out.

To subscribe, visit pwliving.com/subscribe.

Want more food safety tips? Visit foodsafety.gov/blog.

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January 2020 prince william living

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SENTARA’S HOSPITAL IN PRINCE WILLIAM IS IMPRESSIVE, BUT THEY’RE GIVING YOU FEWER REASONS TO COME IN. Sentara Home Care Services, an early adopter of telehealth technology, has enhanced remote monitoring of patients with chronic diseases using tablets and bluetooth software, giving patients the comfort and privacy of home.

With five universities, two major healthcare systems and 17% job growth, Prince William County offers unlimited potential for businesses that want to see what’s beyond their expectations.

Learn how you can go beyond at pwcecondev.org.

prince william living January 2020

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local flavor Seafood and Community Service at

Out of the Blue

By Marianne Weaver

A

lthough Out of the Blue (5005 Wellington Rd, Gainesville) opened in July 2017, the husband and wife team of Danny and Ryan Pell bring a lifetime of experience to the table.

Danny grew up at his family’s seafood restaurant in Fairfax before moving to Naples, Florida, where he worked as a commercial fisherman shipping crabs back to his family and making connections with other fishermen. That’s when he met Ryan, who at the time, was working for a corporate restaurant.

“I had just graduated from high school in Indiana and moved to Florida,” said Ryan. “At that time, I hated seafood and was terrified of boats.”

And, yet, they were a match. The couple spent two years working together on a crab boat, where Ryan gained an appreciation for good, fresh seafood dishes. They brought that expertise back to Virginia and have established their own restaurant in Virginia Gateway.

During the regular football season, from open to close on Sundays and Mondays, all-you-can-eat blue crabs are buy one, get one free and so are orders of wings. Ryan said they pair perfectly with the all-day, every day Miller Lite and Bud Light draft specials. Not a light beer fan? There are 12 beers on tap, and they are kept ice cold, thanks to the glycol beer system.

“Ice-cold beer and hot crabs,” she said, adding that there is also a drink-of-the-week special.

Katya Makarov, Brambleton, also stumbled upon Out of the Blue on the recommendation from a friend and raved about the crabs, but that wasn’t all.

“The XLs were truly large,” she said. “I'd recommend the hush puppies, the XL crabs and the sidewinder French fries.”

Ryan said steamed crabs are the top seller, but the $28 crab bomb dinner — 8 ounces of jumbo lump meat crab cake served with mango salsa and spicy Thai sauce — runs a close second.

“For us, it’s all about quality and value,” said Ryan. “Since Danny has been in this business so long, he has the best resources and we only carry quality products.”

“Try the scallops, they are my favorite,” she said, adding that she also loves the appetizers, especially the signature hot, fresh crab meat dip.

The Menu

And the Colossal Fried Shrimp, which is served with sriracha lime and cocktail sauce. “And the lobster tails are amazing. Everything is so good,” Ryan said.

India Pinkney, Fredericksburg, said her father sent her there to try out the all-you-can-eat blue crabs.

“My experience was amazing,” she said. “The highlight was how fresh and hot the crabs were. The prices were also really nice. The crabs were tasty. They were big, hot and delicious. It's a great atmosphere as well.”

Blue crabs, sourced locally whenever possible, are sold for market value. Out of the Blue also offers blue crabs by the dozen, bushel and half-bushel for carry-out all year long.

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January 2020 prince william living

She noted that although she tends to favor the seafood dishes, there are lots of other entree options: Cajun-spiced Castaway chicken, an 8-ounce filet mignon and a selection of pasta entrees.

“The seafood was so fresh and delicious,” said Keisha Livingston, Woodbridge, who first discovered Out of the Blue while attending a private event. “I would definitely recommend them to others.

I believe the standouts were the peel-and-eat shrimp, the whole crabs and the hush puppies.”

Photo provided by Out of the Blue

Out of the Blue serves up tasty seafood and more, all while serving the community, making it a popular dining option.

Beyond the Meal “We are local,” said Ryan, who lives just a few miles from the restaurant. “We can adapt to the community better and faster than corporations. We make the decisions.”

One of their early decisions was to become part of the community.

With that in mind, they host Military Appreciation Monday. And this is not the typical percentage of sales donation. It’s an event.

Attendees make reservations to attend. Local businesses sign on to sponsor the dinner. They sell tickets and receive raffle prize donations. Each month, a different military-affiliated charity is chosen, and the sponsors match the night’s sales with a donation to that charity. To date, they have donated more than $27,000 to local organizations supporting military members and their families.

In addition to Military Appreciation Mondays, Out of the Blue has opened its doors for community meetings. Local businesses host breakfasts, lunches and dinners in private areas of the restaurant.

They’ve also hosted rehearsal dinners, reunions, and other private corporate events and parties. The spacious back room, which includes a private bar, can seat about 120 people. A small dining room accommodates about 40 for private events, and a section of the patio can seat about 30 people.

“The space is vast and open, and the server is constantly attentive,” said Makarov. “Highlight was service but also the quality of the crabs!” Out of the Blue also offers catering, featuring crab feasts and shrimp boils, from their mobile steam trailer.

For more information about specials, promotions and upcoming events, follow their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Marianne E. Weaver (mweaver@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance editor and writer. She earned a BA from the University of Pittsburgh and an MJ from Temple University. prince william living January 2020

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your finances Financial Dos and Don’ts If You Plan to Have Kids Later in Life

By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor

M

any couples are choosing to start families later in life compared to their parents and grandparents. And, increasingly, mothers are waiting to have their first child at age 35 or older. This trend has financial implications. If you choose to have your first child later in life, here are four key dos and don’ts to help you manage your finances with confidence: Do establish a solid financial foundation. Your household expenses will likely increase once you’re paying for child care, additional checkups at the doctor or dentist, and other items for your child. With this in mind, consider using the discretionary income you have today to shore up your financial position. Prioritize paying off student loans, build an emergency fund (three to six months’ worth of expenses is a good benchmark) and consider paying more toward your mortgage if you’re a homeowner.

Do boost your savings. Creating a habit of saving for major goals early on can help you maintain your savings momentum while you are focused on adapting to your new addition.

Harness the power of compound interest by contributing to your retirement accounts with each paycheck and setting aside funds for major goals, such as an annual vacation or home remodel.

Don’t prioritize your child’s college education over retirement.

Will you be making tuition payments in your final years of work or in retirement? If this is a possibility, it’s imperative that you create a plan to balance saving for both goals right away. The reality is many couples need to push back their retirement date, figure out how to earn additional income with a different job or cut back their travel plans to pay for their child’s education. While it’s understandable that you want to provide for your child, keep in mind that health, layoffs or other circumstances could change your retirement date. Your child has other options to pay for college – including scholarships, loans and work-study programs – that are not available to you if your retirement savings come up short.

Don’t forget to update your estate plan. Ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage becomes a bigger priority when you have a child in the picture. If you or your partner were to sustain an injury or pass away prematurely, you want to have confidence that your disability and life insurance coverage will cover the financial commitments and goals you have for your family. Reassess your policies and meet with a financial advisor if you want a second opinion on what the right amount of coverage is for you. Additionally, consider purchasing longterm care insurance to cover potential health-care expenses in retirement. Policies are typically more affordable when you

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apply at a younger age, so it’s worth taking the time to see if securing coverage makes sense for you.

If you want a second opinion on how to juggle your financial priorities, meet with a financial advisor in your area.

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. Contact him at 703.492.7732 or visit whitlockwealth.com.

Take charge of your financial future.

Since 1894, Ameriprise Financial has helped millions of Americans feel more confident about their financial future.

As an Ameriprise financial advisor, I remain true to our vision of always putting clients first. Discover the one-to-one attention you deserve, call me today at 877.WHITLOCK. Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor Whitlock Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 877.WHITLOCK 12848 Harbor Dr, Ste 101 Lake Ridge, VA 22192 9073 Center St Manassas, VA 20110 bennett.c.whitlock@ampf.com whitlockwealth.com

Whitlock Wealth Managment Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisory Practice

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (08/18)

From bankers to barbers, restaurants to retirement planners, Prince William Chamber members are among the most trusted businesses in our community.

OmniLink Gets You There THE RIDE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU! For appointments, shopping or just meeting friends for lunch — OmniLink will get you there. Safe, dependable and affordable, OmniLink buses serve routes in Dale City, Dumfries (including Quantico), Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Manassas and Manassas Park.

And with an advance call, buses can leave the standard routes to serve locations up to 3/4 mile off the route.

Discounted fares for seniors 60 years and older or persons with a disability are $0.75 per ride or get unlimited rides all day with a local bus day pass for $1.80 or weekly pass for just $7.15.

Our helpful Customer Service Agents are ready to answer your questions: Monday - Friday • 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM • 703-730-6664 Or catch us on the web at PRTCtransit.org

OmniLink, your link around town!

OmniRide • OmniLink • Cross County Connector • Metro Direct • OmniMatch are services of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission.

PRTCtransit.org (703) 730-6664 or (888) 730-6664 Virginia Relay Center-TDD, call 711

SmarTrip® accepted on all PRTC buses.

PRTC participates in the Guaranteed Ride Home and SmartBenefits Programs.

prince william living January 2020

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calendar Ice Skating at Harris Pavilion

january

Wed. and Thurs. 3-9 p.m.

Fri. 3-10 p.m.

Sat. Noon-10 p.m.

Sun. Noon-7 p.m.

Harris Pavilion 9201 Center Street, Manassas Weather permitting, the ice-skating season is in full swing at Harris Pavilion in January. Call 703-402-8297 to determine availability.

Igloo Winter Wonderland

Daily all winter | 11 a.m.

Farm Brew LIVE 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas Igloos at Farm Brew LIVE are 12-foot domes located in the patio area of The YARD adjacent to the Pour House at 2 Silos Brewing Co. Each reservation, which can accommodate up to eight guests comfortably, is allotted two hours to enjoy the space and includes a guest assistant for personal food and beverage service. Igloos will be available throughout the full winter season. Call 703-420-2264 to make a reservation.

Native Legacy: The Patawomeck Indians of Virginia

All month long | Tues-Sun. 10 a.m.5 p.m.

Manassas Museum 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas Learn how the first people to settle this area lived. Reproduction tools, sketches by 17th century artist John White and other objects will illustrate the life of the native peoples who lived here for thousands of years before Europeans arrived.

First Day Walk

Wed. Jan. 1 | 10 am-noon Manassas National Battlefield Park 6511 Sudley Road, Manassas Start the New Year with a walk through Manassas National Battlefield Park! This 5,000-acre park is the perfect place to learn about nature and history. Explore rarely

visited areas along Young’s Branch and Chinn Ridge, covering two miles in two hours. Free, all ages welcome. RSVP to alliance@pwconserve.org, 703.490.5200.

Prince William Living Presents Breakfast with an Expert Thurs. Jan. 2 | 8 a.m.

Online Only Join us for information from an expert, who will give you actionable advice you can put to work immediately in your business. RSVP princewilliamliving.com/ breakfastwithanexpert.

“Off the Wall” Exhibit Open House

Sat. Jan. 4 | 2-4 p.m.

Center for the Arts 9419 Battle Street, Manassas Off the Wall is an annual high school art exhibit and competition organized by the Center for the Arts and sponsored

by Lockheed Martin. The competition encourages student expression and creativity in a professional setting and allows the participants to gain experience in the field of art. See students’ work in the categories of visual art, poetry, wearable art and 3D art.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Choir

Sat. Jan. 4 | 3-4 p.m.

Chinn Park Regional Library 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Prince William Children from local schools raise their voices in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Sun. Jan. 5 and 12 | 2-6 p.m.

Old Bridge United Methodist Church 3966 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. This 8-hour training helps you identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and addictions.

Must attend both sessions.

Teen Pools and Parks Job Fair and Interview Prep

Thurs. Jan. 9 | 7-8:30 p.m.

Bull Run Regional Library 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas Prospective employers from Prince William County Parks and Recreation, Splashdown Waterpark and more local organizations will share job and volunteer opportunities available to teens for summer 2020. Come and practice interview techniques one on one with real managers! Snow date is Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.

For teens ages 15 to 18.

PWCS Job Fair

Sat. Jan. 11 | 9 a.m.-noon Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center 14715 Bristow Road, Manassas Prince William County Schools is hosting a job fair. Register: bit.ly/ PWCS11Jan2020JobFairRegistration

Members First Saturday Sat. Jan. 11 | 9-11 a.m.

Weems-Botts Museum 3944 Cameron Street, Dumfries Members and prospective members are invited! Enjoy breakfast while viewing a presentation on those living, working, operating and dying in the Richmond Coal Basin. Scholar Jack Bruce will present his research as he continues to raise awareness of the persons and history of regional coal mining. RSVP: 703-221-2218.

Prince William Model Railroad Club Exhibit

Sun. Jan. 12 | noon-4 p.m.

Haymarket Gainesville Community Library 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket Trains will chug down the track as the Prince William Model Railroad Club displays a variety of fantastic model trains.

For all ages.

Government Contracting Matchmaker

Tues. Jan. 14 | 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street, Manassas Park Looking for ways to expand your business opportunities? Don’t miss participating in MATCHMAKER if you are a small business owner. All industry types

Have an event? Visit princewilliamliving.com/events to submit details to our online calendar.

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January 2020 prince william living

are encouraged to attend! Register at pwchamber.org.

Prince William Living Lunch With the Publisher

Wed. Jan. 15 | Noon Online Only Are you an advertiser with Prince William Living or interested in becoming one? Meet the people behind greater Prince William’s premiere lifestyle magazine, as you learn about getting your press releases published, tying into the power of our social media presence, visibility packages that increase your reach to targeted consumers, and tips on how to focus on your message.

RSVP at princewilliamliving.com/ lunchwiththepublisher.

Children’s Day at the Museum Sponsored by Wal-Mart

Sat. Jan. 18 | 1-3 p.m.

Weems-Botts Museum 3944 Cameron Street, Dumfries Make pinecone bird feeders to help our cold wildlife friends! Dispel common wildlife myths and learn how early Americans survived the cold months.

Touch different fabrics and get ready to imagine yourself in their shoes. Call 703-221-2218 to register.

“Camera Eyes: On Poetry” Poet Reception

Sat. Jan. 18 | 6-9 p.m.

Center for the Arts 9419 Battle Street, Manassas Meet local poet and photographer JoAnn Lord Koff. The exhibit consists of approximately 30 pieces of poetry and photography based on JoAnn’s book “Sand, Pebbles, Fossils, and Rocks,” a 2019 nominee for the Library of Virginia Literary Award for Poetry. The exhibit runs at the Center for the Arts Jan. 15 to Feb. 5.

School's Out Symphony

Mon. Jan. 20 | 10-3 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Youth Orchestras of Prince William is hosting its first ever “School’s Out Symphony.” It will take place on Monday, January 20, 2020, from 10:00

AM until 3:00 PM in the new Education and Rehearsal Wing of the Hylton Performing Arts Center. This free opportunity is available to high school musicians and advanced middle school musicians who play strings, winds, brass, or percussion. The students will read fun symphonic works and participate in workshops under the baton of YOPW’s Music Directors. Though the event is free, interested students must contact Ariel Williams, YOPW Logistics Coordinator, at awilli82@masonlive.gmu.edu to request an application. Students do not have to be members of YOPW to participate.

Future of the Region

Thurs. Jan. 23 | 4-6 p.m.

Old Hickory Golf Club 11921 Chanceford Drive, Woodbridge The Chamber of Commerce and business leaders come together to hear from the economic development directors from Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park as they share the economic development successes of the past year in their territories and what we can expect in the future. Followed by heavy hors d’oeuvres and networking. Register at pwchamber.org.

Historic Preservation Lecture: Longstreet at Gettysburg

Thurs. Jan. 23 | 7 p.m.

Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Avenue, Manassas Author and Historian Cory Pfarr will examine how an agenda-driven, postwar campaign against General James Longstreet’s alleged actions at the Battle of Gettysburg has been perpetuated by numerous 20th century and modern historians for well over a century. Free; donations accepted.

PWC HayMaker STEAM Expo

Sat. Jan. 25 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Battlefield High School 15000 Graduation Drive, Haymarket A day filled with fun, family friendly, hands-on activities, informational booths and science presentations! “Makers” of all ages are welcome to drive robots, make crafts and experiment! NASA will

be presenting at the event. For more information, visit ilite.us/ilite.

Chinese New Year Celebration

Sat. Jan. 25 | 2-3:30 p.m.

Haymarket Gainesville Community Library 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket A special community celebration of the Chinese New Year. All ages.

Volunteer Day

Mon. Jan. 27 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Potomac Community Library 2201 Opitz Boulevard, Woodbridge For young adults in grades 6-12; must be at least 12 years old. Do you need some volunteer hours for school or other organizations and activities? The library could use some help! Register in person or by phone 703-792-8330 by Jan. 13.

Open Mic Night

Fri. Jan. 31 | 7-10 p.m.

Tucked Away Brewing 8420 Kao Circle, Manassas Come sing or play at Open Mic Night.

Sign up to save your spot. Bring your voice or instruments and get ready to jam.

Hosted by Kevin Hvizdash. Food truck on site.

Siberian State Symphony Orchestra

Fri. Jan. 31 | 8 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Led by Russian-American Vladimir Lande, winner of the prestigious Clef D’Or Global Music Award, the Siberian State Symphony Orchestra performs a dazzling concert of distinct Russian classical delights, featuring three innovative and prominent 19th century composers.

Tickets: hyltoncenter.org.

College Hockey: George Mason vs. Rowan

Fri. Jan. 31 | 9:40 p.m.

Prince William Ice Center 5180 Dale Boulevard, Woodbridge Exciting college hockey as the GMU Patriots wrap up their home schedule for the season. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for GMU students, and free for kids.

prince william living January 2020

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Nar Shalome To Come

www.actspwc.org 703-441-8606 ACHIEVE WITH US!

winner

Committed to providing opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities to achieve their greatest potential growth and independence.

www.arcgpw.org 703-670-4800

paytonsproject.org

We bring the fun to you!

Pony Rides Petting Zoo Ice Cream Truck Family owned and operated for 20 years!

571-283-2408 • poniesplus.org

Vintage Moving & Storage Moving Your Life’s Treasures

Vintage

M

703-330-8145 www.casacis.org

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January 2020 prince william living

703.392.6260 www.vintagemoving.com

We hope you enjoy Prince William Living as much as we love to deliver the news and insight that enhance how you live, work and play in Prince William.

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prince william living January 2020

Prince William Parks and Recreation

Prince William Public Library System

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There’s a very good chance she could leave it all to the dog.

We’ll give you a leg up.

At Thrive Senior Living, we’re a lot like any family. Which makes us a whole lot less like other senior living communities. We treat your parents like they’re our parents.

We get to know them, not as

patients or as residents. But as

people. We do more than care for them. We care about them.

That’s what makes us Thrive.

That’s what makes them thrive.

Tribute at The Glen 4151 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192 571.402.1870 | ThriveSL.com/TheGlen A Thrive Senior Living Community

COME TO LIVE HERE.

TM