Prince William Living August 2025 by Prince William Living

premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Good health is everything.

At UVA Health, we take great pride in caring for our communities. We understand that staying healthy allows you to do the things you care about most. That’s why our experts are driven to help you thrive at every stage of your life. And if your needs become complex, UVA Health offers seamless access to the most advanced specialists, innovative treatments and clinical trials available. Good health isn’t a given. UVA Health being here for you is. Learn more at uvahealth.com/driven.

Driven to bring hope to life.

prince william l iving

Rebecca Barnes

PRINCE WILLIAM LIVING PUBLISHER

rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

David Lezcano, admin@princewilliamliving.com

ONLINE EDITOR

Carole Keily, news@princewilliamliving.com

GIVE BACK PRINCE WILLIAM INITIATIVE info@givebackpw.org

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Diane Puigdomenech, dpuigdomenech@princewilliamliving.com

VISIBILITY PACKAGES sales@princewilliamliving.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS info@princewilliamliving.com

Erin Pittman

EDITOR IN CHIEF epittman@princewilliamliving.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rebecca Barnes, Carole Keily, Wendy Migdal, Erin Pittman, Jessica Schmitt, Bennett Whitlock

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Katherine Gotthardt

GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Alison Dixon/ImagePrep Studio

Prince William Living, the premier lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas, is published monthly by Prince William Living, Inc. The opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Prince William Living © Copyright 2025 by Prince William Living, Inc.

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from the Publisher

Make the Most of August

The long days of summer are slipping away, encouraging us to head back into routines — school, sports, and earlier bedtimes. Before you say goodbye to summer days and nights, find fun ways to fill them with treasured time and experiences with family and friends.

Our 2025 Readers Choice Awards feature the best of the best in our area. If you’re looking for a new lunch spot, a shop to find that perfect gift, or the best entertainment, look no further. Thank you to all of our readers who contributed to this fantastic list. Dig in and enjoy all Prince William has to offer.

Plan a day in the Bull Run Mountains. Beautiful outdoor scenery and history await you in this gorgeous spot. Get all the details in our Destinations article. After a lovely day spent in nature, stop by Valentino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant for a menu that’s sure to please the entire crowd. Check out Local Flavor to learn more.

Want to start the fall season out excited about something new? Learn about Lifelong Learning Institute - Manassas and get involved — details are in our Giving Back section. Our On a High Note article features local famous musician Pete Evick. Read up on the career, passions, and outlook on life of this talented local.

Before school starts, gather the family to create together. Family Fun features end-of-summer craft projects designed to help you reminisce together and capture the best of your season for years to come.

You’ll find even more to savor in our Health & Wellness, Home & Hearth, and Your Finances sections. Thank you for your continued readership.

Rebecca Barnes Publisher, Prince William Living Magazine

The Readers Have Spoken

Winners of the Prince William Living

2025 Readers' Choice Awards

By Carole Keily

Welcome to Greater Prince William! Whether you’re just settling in or have called this community home for years, we all love discovering the best places to eat, shop, work out, and enjoy life. Even longtime locals are always on the lookout for new favorites! Each year, we turn to you, our readers, to share your top picks across the county. And once again, you delivered! From neighborhood gems to hidden treasures, your recommendations highlight what makes Greater Prince William so special. Take a look at the local spots your neighbors love—maybe you’ll find a new favorite, too!

GYM/FITNESS CENTER

Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center

Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center offers group exercise classes including spinning, TRX, and Zumba, as well as personal training and two indoor pools. “Large facility, awesome classes, great instructors!” Near the Chinn Park Library.

13025 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge pwcva.gov/department/chinn

Freedom Aquatics & Fitness Center

A large aquatics center, group fitness classes, youth sports programs, and a gymnasium. “The facility is home to the entire family for reaching health and wellness goals.” On George Mason University’s SciTech campus.

9100 Freedom Center Blvd., Manassas freedom-center.com

Manassas Park Community Center

With full-service workout rooms, a pool, and a basketball/pickleball court, the center also has day care and before/after care facilities, along with an event center and other meeting rooms. The center hosts many City of Manassas Park events. “A great place to work out so close to home!”

99 Adams Street, Manassas Park manassasparkcommunitycenter.com

SHOPPING

Burlap & Daisies

An exclusive collection of home décor, gifts, and apparel. “Cute shop. MidCounty location. Unique gift items. Great service.”

13480 Dumfries Road, Manassas burlapanddaisies.com

StrongHer Generation

More than the average thrift store! “When you shop at the StrongHer Generation Store, you’re helping provide safe, stable, long-term housing for women and children, strengthening families, and investing in a brighter future for the next generation at Virginia Women and Family Support Center.”

14019 Glenkirk Road, Gainesville stronghergeneration.com

Studio Luxe

Studio Luxe offers beautiful, comfortable, fun, fashionable clothing (in a variety of sizes), along with other accessories and gift items. “The Luxe Ladies always make you feel so beautiful inside and out, offering their knowledge, opinion and style.”

9101 Center Street, Manassas facebook.com/share/12JLegeD2mx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

RESTAURANTS

Culture Cup

“Culture Cup’s atmosphere and soft music make it a cozy place. The selections of teas and coffee are so flavorful and rich.” The Culture Cup is located on the site of the 19th-century AfricanAmerican community known as Settlement Community, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the area’s past with coffee, culture, memorabilia, and homemade treats.

8002 Crescent Park Drive, Gainesville culturecupva.com

L&B’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar

A non-smoking sports bar with pool, darts, cornhole, poker, and live bands. Families can choose the pizzeria if they don’t care for the sports bar atmosphere. “Great service, excellent pizza and steak & cheese!”

5401 Mapledale Plaza, Dale City lbspizzeriasportsbar.com

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Lil’ Bowl, Thai & Japanese Cuisine

Serving seasonal menus and specialty cocktails. Your furry family members can join you for patio dining when it’s not too hot outside.

“Best authentic Thai food with fusion Japanese food serving under one roof. The service and food are phenomenal!”

9121 Manassas Drive, Manassas Park lilbowlthai.com

Mama Mia Pizza

Offering Italian dishes, pizza, pasta, salads, and wraps. “This family-owned restaurant is always warm and welcoming and has delicious food!”

7669 Limestone Drive, Gainesville mamamiapizza.net

Swirlie’s Soft Serve

A variety of soft-serve ice cream, and plenty of space to sit and enjoy it! “There are lots of tables with umbrellas and lots of safe space for the children to run and play.”

9901 Pennsylvania Avenue, Manassas swirliessoftserve.com

The Spot at Belmont Bay

This neighborhood restaurant is described as “absolutely the best spot to chill and enjoy the water. Great food and a friendly atmosphere! With trivia night on Thursdays, and karaoke on Friday! A great place to make new friends!”

551 Harbor Side Street, Woodbridge thespotatbelmontbay.com

DESTINATIONS

Equine Connection Center

A sanctuary for rescue horses, donkeys, mules – and humans. “The owner has rescued many animals who now reside here and are very well taken care of. This woman-owned small business provides a safe place to land for rescued equines.” “This facility is so unique and offers the opportunity to step away from the traditional indoor therapy and work and learn with animals that once had problems themselves.”

14420 Owls Nest Road, Nokesville equineconnectioncenter.com

Hylton Performing Arts Center

The Hylton hosts performances ranging from local arts organizations to shows by internationally-known artists. “The venue is spectacular, and you can always expect to enjoy a fantastic show. They hold events to support the community, and everyone who works or volunteers there is always friendly and helpful.”

Located on George Mason University’s SciTech campus.

10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas hyltoncenter.org

ENTERTAINMENT

Manassas Chorale

The 80+ singers of the Manassas Chorale regularly perform at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. They give back to the community in many ways: Concerts with a Cause, Tunnel to Towers, National Night Out and Arbor Terrace Assisted Living. The chorale sings every year in Williamsburg and has sung at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and participated in three European tours.

Manassaschorale.org

Manassas Symphony Orchestra

“All the musicians in this orchestra are volunteers, and that means the orchestra can offer free concert tickets to children and students.” The orchestra regularly performs at the Hylton Performing Arts Center and other nearby locations.

manassassymphony.org

Carole Keily is Prince William Living’s Online Editor.

OmniRide Express is a stress-free and convenient bus service from Eastern Prince William, Stafford and Spotsylvania Counties, and Gainesville, Haymarket, Front Royal and Warrenton in Western Prince William County to destinations in Northern Virginia (including the Pentagon) and Washington, D.C.

OmniRide Metro Express* offers two routes that connect Woodbridge and Manassas with nearby Metro stations.

OmniRide Local* is a local bus service in Dale City, Woodbridge/Lake Ridge, Dumfries/Triangle/Montclair, and the Manassas area.

OmniRide Access* is a program that offers paratransit service for people with disabilities. Vans operate within ¾ mile of all OmniRide Local bus routes.

OmniRide Connect* is a dynamic Microtransit service in the Manassas Park and Quantico/Dumfries/Triangle areas.

OmniRide East-West Express* travels between Eastern Prince William County and the Manassas area, with access to medical facilities, offices, shopping and other destinations.

OmniRide Ridesharing Service saves you time and money by helping you locate the carpool or vanpool that fits your needs. It’s easy and FREE!

730-6664

OmniRide participates in the Guaranteed Ride Home and SmartBenefits Programs.

destinations

BULL RUN MOUNTAINS A Living Laboratory and an Open-Air Museum

By Wendy Migdal

In a word-association game, the name “Bull Run” is would probably elicit responses such as “battle,” “creek,” or these days, “winery.” Most people don’t think of the mountains right off the bat. But while their highest point may only be 1400 feet, these are mountains. And they are also home to what Joe Villari, manager of the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve, calls “a living laboratory and an open-air museum.”

A Hidden Gem

The Bull Run Mountains designate the border of Prince William and Fauquier counties and are adjacent to the easternmost chain of the Appalachians. They were once connected to the Catoctin chain in Maryland, and millions of years ago, before Africa split off, to the Atlas Mountains. More recently, bits and pieces of land in these mountains have been acquired over time by the state of Virginia and stitched together to form a preserve that is owned and managed by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. (Though it may sound like a nonprofit, the Virginia Outdoor Foundation is actually a state organization.) The BRMNAP consists of about 2,520 acres, 1,000 of which is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There are several things that make this natural area preserve so special, and the fact that the public can visit it is certainly one of them (most natural area preserves do not have any non- facilitated public access). The preserve straddles three different habitats: the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Piedmont, and the coastal plain. There are ten different plant communities, some of which are rare in Virginia. Several species are also unique, including the timber rattlesnake and the Table Mountain pine tree.

There’s also human history here—the mountains were inhabited

the Manahoac tribe and later used as a respite area for Indigenous groups migrating west. The land itself is considered marginal, meaning it is of little use for agricultural purposes, which in turn means that it served a variety of people in different ways over the years that it was inhabited. The remnants of the past lives that were lived on these mountains are still visible today.

What To Do There

The natural area preserve is divided into three sections. The north section and Jackson Hollow is where much of the research that is done takes place. The south section is the portion that is open to the public three days per week and hosts educational and land management work the rest of the week If you decide to visit the south section, you won’t find picnic pavilions or playgrounds. Leave your dog, horse, and bicycle at home as well–they aren’t allowed. This is true appreciation of nature. There are three hiking trails that form loops, some of which overlap, for a total of about 6.5 miles of trails. The Fern Hollow loop is the longest at 3.4 miles and rated as moderate. You’ll get a view of Thoroughfare Gap, a pass through the mountains that has been used by many groups, including the Indigenous Piscataway tribe and settlers who made their way west. The ruins of the BeverleyChapman Mill, a unique six-story stone mill (more on that later) is also visible from this trail. One domicile remains standing; it was likely rented to an African- American family, one of several that lived on the mountain in the 19th and 20th centuries. Scots-Irish immigrants also lived in these mountains. Since the land was not considered valuable, it was possible for people of little means to manage to purchase land, include free African

Americans even before the Civil War. The Bull Run Mountains are rich in stone, however, and many people made their living in the quarries.

Dawson’s Trail is an easy-to-moderate 1.75 miles that goes past two cemeteries. Like many parks in Virginia, the land was once occupied by families who lived there for generations, and some of their gravestones remain to remind us of that past. The Dawsons were one of these families. This trail also takes you ``oak and native blueberry habitat . The Beech Ridge Loop is an easy, gentle, 1.35-mile loop in the center of the portion of the preserve that is open to the public.

If a visit to the preserve whets your appetite for more, there are

additional ways to experience it, and some of them will allow you visit the north section. The preserve hosts a meetup hiking group. Hikes are led by staff and focus on tops such as ecosystem management, plant and animal identification, and cultural history exploration. There’s also a volunteer meetup group. Volunteers meet once a month for two to four hours and work on a variety of projects, including trail clearing, invasive species removal, and special projects, and more. The best way to find out about these events is to visit their Instagram or Facebook pages (@bullrunmountains).

Villari notes that there are as many layers of human ecology here as there are physical ecology. The Preserve hosts fellowship programs funded by grants and enabled by partnerships, in which researchers study such topics as insect biodiversity, cultural history, and the timber rattlesnake. The data is used to inform decisions related to stewardship. There are also interns and a research associate program, in which people employed by other institutions have a permit to do research there. For example, a paleontologist from the Smithsonian is currently researching what the Bull Run Mountains looked like at the end of the Jurassic period.

The north section also hosts educational programs for K-12

school groups. In addition, various groups of students, both high school and college, have spearheaded projects. The Eagle Scouts once built a deer exclosure to help scientists study plants in the areas the deer were excluded from, and a consortium of Trout-in-the-Classroom students worked to restore a stream by removing invasive species and replacing them with native trees.

Chapman-Beverley Mill

This gristmill is just an exterior shell today, but the fact that it is even standing after an arson fire in 1998 is remarkable. Begun in 1742 by a father-and-son team named the Chapmans, this mill ground grain through seven wars, from the French and Indian War through World War II. During the Civil War, it was burned by Confederates to keep it from falling into Union hands and was rebuilt by the Beverley family after the war. It is the tallest stacked-stone building in the country. This feature and its history have inspired local preservation efforts, which have resulted in stabilizing the walls, preventing the structure from collapsing or being legally required to be torn down–a victory in the world of historic preservation. The efforts to restore the mill are not connected to the natural area preserve in any way except by proximity, but the Turn-The-Mill-Around-Campaign can be contacted at chapmansmill.org.

Wendy Migdal is a freelance writer who has lived in the Northern/ Central Virginia area since 2000. She enjoys history, the outdoors, and of course, writing.

Bogwalk area

North section trees in fog

giving back

Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Community: LLI-Manassas Inspires Growth, Friendship, and Discovery After 50

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living

When education becomes a lifelong passion, it creates more than just knowledge—it builds community, sparks joy and inspires a sense of purpose. That’s exactly what the Lifelong Learning Institute-Manassas (LLI-Manassas) has offered since its founding in 2003. What began with a small group of dedicated individuals has grown into a vibrant hub where adults 50 and older gather to learn, connect, and thrive.

From an Idea to an Institution

The roots of LLI-Manassas trace back to a meeting called by Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) to explore interest in a local Lifelong Learning Institute. Ten committed individuals answered that call, each contributing $100 to launch the nonprofit. They crafted bylaws, secured 501(c)(3) status, and organized the first semester with seven classes and 19 enthusiastic members.

That first semester revealed something unexpected—the social connections formed were just as valuable as the learning itself. Over the past 20 years, LLI-Manassas has expanded its programs and community, now boasting over 200 members and offering more than 40 different sessions each semester.

Affordable Access to a Rich Educational Experience

LLI-Manassas operates on a simple, inclusive model: An annual membership fee of $125. Members can then access a broad range of classes, clubs, and events. Two semesters are held each year, in September and January. Programs take place on weekdays at accessible venues throughout Manassas and Prince William County.

And the best part? Members are free to attend as many—or as few—activities as they choose.

Diverse Programming Designed for Curious Minds

Each semester offers an exciting lineup of programs across a wide range of topics, including history, art, health, science, literature, and current events. Recent sessions have featured expert-led discussions on:

n Historical Programs

n Fraud and scam prevention

n Religion and Faith Based Seminars

n Health & Wellness Topics

n Writing (Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction)

n Musical Programs & Lectures

n Science & Technology Updates

n Travel Destinations of Interest

In addition to structured learning, members can join monthly and weekly clubs, including a book club, game day, lunch outings, a writing group, and even a Mahjong club. Special events like the annual holiday and spring luncheons round out the calendar.

Community Partnerships that Broaden Access

LLI-Manassas thrives through local collaborations. As an affiliate of NVCC-Manassas campus, the institute benefits from educational partnerships and shared resources. The Hylton

Performing Arts Center offers members access to pre-performance programs, occasional ticket discounts, and even serves as a venue for larger classes.

These partnerships reflect LLI’s ongoing commitment to growth and inclusion, offering enriching experiences that extend beyond the classroom.

Inclusive, Member-Led, and Welcoming

At its core, LLI-Manassas is a member-driven organization, responsive to the diverse interests, identities, and backgrounds of its community. The organization is deeply committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where all members feel seen and valued.

“Our mission is to establish a community of adults, 50 years of age or older, that provides affordable, educational, and social opportunities in a friendly atmosphere,” the leadership team shares. “Whether your interest is in current events, travel, technology, or local history, you’ll find a home here.”

Stories That Inspire

The impact of LLI-Manassas is best captured through the voices of its members:

“After my husband passed away, I was looking for purpose and community. Volunteering with LLI helped me find both. I’ve made lifelong friends and explored fascinating topics with no pressure—just learning for the joy of it.” — Karen Waltman, Program Planning Chair

“I moved here knowing no one. LLI helped me build a social

network and offered opportunities to grow through classes and volunteer roles.” — Ann Cain

“My participation in LLI-Manassas has been a major factor in my healthy and happy retirement. It engages my brain, my talents, and gets me "out of the house.” I’m single, and my LLI friends are like a second family, helping me to stay active and socially connected.” — Mike Ahern

Get Involved and Stay Connected

Enrollment is easy and open to all adults 50+. Fall semester signups begin in early September; spring registration starts in January. (Check our website for specific dates.) Interested individuals can visit LLI-Manassas.org to purchase a membership, preview upcoming programs, review past programs, register online, or find contact information for questions.

LLI-Manassas also welcomes volunteers ready to contribute their time and talents. Whether your strengths lie in technology, planning, finance, communications, or event coordination, there’s a place for you to lead and serve.

Learn More

Website: LLI-Manassas.org

Fall Semester: Registration opens in September Spring Semester: Registration opens in January Open to all adults aged 50 and older

At LLI-Manassas, the belief is simple: when you never stop learning, you never stop growing. And in this community, growth is something to be celebrated—together.

Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living magazine and Brides & Weddings magazine. She is a lifelong resident of Prince William and a volunteer with OWL VFD. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her blended family, being a Grandma, visiting Walt Disney World, reading, and sleeping.

LLI members on a tour of a local fire station

your finances

Life Insurance Needs Over Time

By Bennett C. Whitlock III Private Wealth Advisor

It’s easy for many of us to approach life insurance with a “I’ll handle that later” or a “set it and forget it” mindset, and to assume that you have time to sort out the details of adequate insurance coverage down the road. Yet, life insurance can play a key role in protecting your loved ones financially should you pass away unexpectedly. Here are some examples of how life insurance can be a powerful protection strategy, depending on your life stage, to inspire you to take action in the near-term.

Young adults starting their careers. When you settle into your first or second job and take over responsibility for your own financial matters, you’re likely balancing a myriad of priorities such as paying off student loan debt or managing the mortgage of a newly-purchased home. In the event of your death, you could leave your loved ones on the hook to cover your financial obligations out-of-pocket. A life insurance policy may help provide cash flow for your parents, siblings or another beneficiary to manage your affairs without it becoming a potential financial burden.

Newly married couples. As you build a life together with your spouse, it’s likely that your individual financial responsibilities will become intermingled, even if you choose to maintain separate accounts. If you die prematurely, your spouse could be drastically affected by the loss of your paycheck and added expenses. Life insurance can help replace the lost income and financial responsibilities, helping the surviving spouse carry on with more financial security.

Parents. For many Americans, the need for life insurance becomes top-of-mind following the birth or adoption of a child. If you have or are considering starting a family, now is a great time to evaluate your insurance policies. It is important to ensure you have enough coverage to meet your family’s dayto-day expenses, in addition to future financial goals, such as college education. If one spouse stays at home to care for your child, consider having enough life insurance to address the cost of potential daycare or after-school care. Additionally, you may want to account for regular living expenses and maintaining progress on retirement savings for the surviving spouse.

Older adults nearing or in retirement. As you accumulate wealth or become an empty nester, your need for life insurance may decline. Be sure to maintain enough coverage to protect your retirement savings for you and your partner. Once in retirement, the need for a death benefit, which provides annuity or lumpsum payments to the surviving

spouse, may become less significant. Certain types of life insurance policies may offer the flexibility to borrow against accumulated cash values to provide cash flow in retirement. Accessing policy cash value through loans and surrenders may cause a permanent reduction of policy cash values and death benefit and negate any guarantees against lapse. Make sure to read the fine print when it comes to this type of loan. Evaluate your coverage against what you anticipate spending in retirement to see if these or other options could help your financial confidence.

Those preparing for the transfer of assets. Depending on the size of your estate, taxes may reduce the amount of assets you intend to pass down to heirs after your death. Life insurance could be one way to protect the interests of family members and other beneficiaries. For example, you could purchase a policy with a death benefit that could provide liquidity to offset the impact of any taxes that would be due at the time of your death. This can help survivors avoid being forced to sell assets to meet tax obligations and allows your legacy to be preserved.

No matter your life stage or financial situation, it’s important to have insurance in place to provide for and protect your loved ones. Make it a priority to regularly review your coverage and ensure it addresses the changing needs for you and your family. If you would like help assessing your options and exploring the amount of coverage that is appropriate, talk to an insurance professional and financial advisor familiar with your financial priorities.

Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC®, is a Private Wealth Advisor and CEO with Whitlock Wealth, a private wealth advisory practice with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 30 years. To contact him visit whitlockwealth.com, call 877-WHITLOCK or email whitlockwealth@ampf.com. Offices are located at 12848 Harbor Dr, Ste 101, Lake Ridge, VA 22192 and in Downtown Historic Manassas at 9073 Center Street, Manassas VA 20110. © 2025 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

health & wellness

National Breastfeeding Month: UVA Health’s Dr. Elizabeth Lavery Shares Guidance for New Families

Contributed by UVA Health Services

August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time to celebrate and promote the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies. To offer support for new families, we spoke with Elizabeth Munter Lavery, MD, an obstetriciangynecologist at UVA Health Obstetrics and Gynecology Manassas and UVA Health Prince William and Haymarket Medical Centers. Dr. Lavery provides care for pregnancy, menopause, and all the years in between, and earned an International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLC) certification to provide the best breastfeeding care for her patients.

Q: What are the most significant health benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers?

Dr. Lavery: I’m an OB-GYN, so I’ll start with mom. Women who breastfeed have a reduced lifetime risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. For babies, there are a wide variety of benefits, including a lower risk of infections, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, leukemia, and infant mortality – and that includes both the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and a reduced risk of all-cause mortality.

Even more routine things, like ear infections or diarrheal illnesses, happen less often in breastfed babies. That might sound minor, but for working mothers, fewer illnesses can mean fewer missed days from work to care for a sick child.

Q: What are some common breastfeeding challenges new moms face, and how can they be addressed early?

Dr. Lavery: Feeling overwhelmed and frustrated is incredibly common, especially with the first baby. Breastfeeding is a skill, and like many other skills in life, you might need some practice and help before you feel confident with it.

Pain is another challenge. Often, that’s due to a shallow latch, which we can help correct. Many moms also worry about milk supply. Babies feeding frequently or being fussy doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a supply problem. We look at diaper output, weight changes, and other indicators to know if a baby’s getting enough.

Q: What are some common misconceptions or unrealistic expectations new moms may have about breastfeeding or infant feeding?

Dr. Lavery: A big one is expecting lots of milk production immediately after birth. Early on, women produce colostrum,

which is just perfect for newborns. If the diaper output and weight changes are within the expected range, then we know that the baby is doing well, even though the milk volumes may not be increased yet.

Another misconception is that cluster feeding, when a baby wants to nurse constantly, means there’s not enough milk. Cluster feeding is normal newborn behavior and doesn’t automatically signal a problem if the baby’s weight and diaper output look good.

Q: Many moms feel guilty if breastfeeding doesn’t go as planned. How do you support them?

Dr. Lavery: One of my favorite quotes is, “Your worth as a mother is not measured in ounces.” The fact that someone asks for help shows that she is a good mother and wants to do what is right for her baby. Sometimes, our bodies don’t go according to plan, and that’s okay. My job is to provide information and then support families in the feeding choices that work best for them.

It is important to recognize that not everyone is able to or chooses to breastfeed, and that is perfectly okay. Bottle feeding, whether with expressed breast milk or formula, is healthy, nourishing, and a loving way to feed your baby. What matters most is that your baby is fed, loved, and thriving and that you feel supported and confident in your choices.

Q: What role do lactation consultants play, and when should a new mom consider seeing one?

Dr. Lavery: Honestly, I think all new moms can benefit from seeing a lactation consultant in the hospital. At UVA Health Prince William Medical Center, we have lactation consultants available for anyone after delivery. They help with positioning, latching, reading baby’s hunger cues, and troubleshooting issues like pain, milk supply concerns, or pumping questions. After leaving the hospital, reasons to see one include persistent pain, poor infant weight gain, or needing help with weaning.

Q: Are there specific resources at UVA Health that new moms should know about?

Dr. Lavery: At UVA Health Prince William, we have lactation consultants available in the hospital for outpatient follow-up. We also offer breastfeeding classes. As an OB/GYN with a certification in lactation, I’m available to help when medical issues overlap with breastfeeding, like low supply or infections. The bottom line is new moms don’t have to go through this alone — there’s help available!

Elizabeth Lavery, MD

Wose Photography

A modern venue where rustic charm meets elegant sophistication in historic Manassas, Virginia.

family fun

End of Summer Crafts: CELEBRATE THE SEASON

By Erin Pittman

As we creep closer to back-to-school season, soak in that sweet spot: the end of summer. It’s a time when routines haven’t quite resumed and the freedom of long, sunny days still lingers. One of the best ways to savor the season and gently shift toward fall is by capturing memories.

Crafting at the end of summer isn’t just a great boredom buster. It can also connect your family through creativity and celebrate the memories, milestones, and magic of your summer adventures. Whether you spent your days at the beach, in your backyard, or on weekend road trips, these creative projects are the perfect way to capture the joy of the season before it slips away.

Here are four meaningful and kid-friendly crafts that celebrate summer’s final chapter.

Summer Memory Jars

One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to preserve summer memories is with a memory jar. Start with a clean glass jar (a mason jar or empty pasta sauce jar works well). Then, gather small mementos from your summer — ticket stubs, pressed flowers, seashells, mini Polaroids, or even tiny souvenirs.

Let each child (or family member) create their own jar, or work on a large one together. Add handwritten notes about favorite moments: “Caught my first fish at Grandpa’s lake!” or “Went down the big slide at the water park five times!” Tie a ribbon around the top or add a label like “Summer 2025” to make it feel special.

Why it’s great: It turns clutter into keepsakes and invites storytelling — plus, it’s a great conversation starter when pulled out years later.

Seashell Art

If your family hit the beach this summer, chances are you brought home a bucket of seashells. Put them to good use in easy art projects that celebrate the coast, even if you’re now miles from the shoreline.

Try these ideas:

n Glue shells onto a picture frame and insert a beach photo.

n Create a shell mosaic by arranging different sizes and shapes into a design on canvas or cardboard.

n Paint larger shells with vibrant colors or metallics for a whimsical touch and use them as fillers for baskets or bowls.

No shells? No problem. Paint rocks, use driftwood, or collect items from a local park or hiking trail instead.

Why it’s great: It connects creativity with the natural world and gives kids a hands-on way to revisit their beach day memories.

DIY Postcards or Summer Storybooks

Help kids turn their favorite summer adventures into illustrated storybooks or homemade postcards. Fold cardstock in half to create a mini booklet, and let them write and draw about a specific day, trip, or funny moment. Younger children can dictate their stories while you write them down.

Another twist: use printable postcard templates and have them “send” their memories to grandparents, cousins, or future selves. Include little notes like “Wish you were here!” or “Next summer, let’s do this again!”

Why it’s great: It boosts literacy, encourages reflection, and gives you a priceless glimpse into how your child experienced summer.

Sunprint Art

Capture the magic of sunlight with a science-meets-art project. Sunprint paper (available at most craft stores or online) reacts to UV light, allowing you to make prints using natural objects like leaves, flowers, or even feathers.

Arrange items on the paper, expose it to sunlight for a few minutes, then rinse to reveal stunning white-onblue silhouettes. Frame your favorites or turn them into greeting cards.

Why it’s great: It blends creativity, nature, and a little science, all while producing frame-worthy artwork.

As summer winds down, it’s easy to focus on school supply lists and new schedules. But carving out time for a few simple crafts lets kids (and parents!) pause, reflect, and feel a sense of closure. These projects help keep the spirit of summer alive just a little longer.

So gather your glue sticks, your beach treasures, your ticket stubs, and your favorite stories. There’s still time to make one more memory — this time, around the kitchen table.

Erin Pittman is editor in Chief of Prince William Living. Reach her at epittman@princewilliamliving.com.

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local flavor

Find Something for the Whole Family at Valentino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant

By Jessica Schmitt

Dining out with the family is a wonderful way to create connection, happiness, and cherished memories. There is something so special about sitting down and sharing a meal with loved ones. That is, however, if you can make it past the dreaded question: “Where should we go?” Finding a spot that has something for everyone’s unique (and sometimes picky) tastes can be challenging. Fortunately, Valentino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant in Haymarket is the answer to that question. With a menu and atmosphere designed with families in mind, Valentino’s Pizza allows you to focus on making those memories.

Background on Valentino’s Pizza

Valentino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant has been serving up delicious food for more than 50 years. As a family owned and operated business, they are dedicated to providing families with authentic, high quality Italian cuisine. Everything is made from scratch daily to ensure high standards and great quality, from the dough to the sauce and everything in between. They have a total of four locations, with restaurants in Virginia and New York.

Delicious Food and Family Atmosphere

Valentino’s Pizza serves classic Italian cuisine and is well-

known for their New York style pizza. Their menu consists of pizzas, soups, salads, pasta dishes, classic Italian chicken, veal and seafood dishes, calzones and rolls, sandwiches and more. They also offer gluten-free items. The recipes are curated with traditional Italian eats in mind to offer the guests an authentic taste of Italy. Their most popular dish, one that keeps guests coming back, is their Grandma Pizza. It is a thin Sicilian crust pizza topped with plum tomatoes and mozzarella. Another fan favorite dish is the Pasta Bolognese, a classic Italian recipe of pasta and meat sauce with a splash of cream. With such a large and varied menu, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to serving great food, Valentino’s Pizza is committed to maintaining a family friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is set up to resemble a New York Italian eatery planted in Virginia. One of its signature pieces of decor is a Statue of Liberty replica next to the entryway, something the kids are sure to enjoy. These little touches create an ambiance of love, friendliness, and fun that mimics the way Valentino’s Pizza approaches serving the community. The service at Valentino’s Pizza is personal. The team works to know their guests personally and create an environment that leaves people feeling cared for.

Not in the mood to dine in? Valentino’s Pizza offers pickup and

delivery options that can be ordered online or by calling ahead.

Valentino’s Pizza and the Community

Recognizing Haymarket’s demographic of families and community of businesses, Valentino’s Pizza decided it was the perfect location for their restaurant. Since opening, they have seen much success in the area. They explain, “The community has been very welcoming. We have built quite a loyal customer base…” In fact, the community has embraced them so much that they have seen a large increase in demand, particularly for their catering services. This led them to need to expand their kitchen.

In response, Valentino’s Pizza continuously looks for ways that they can give back to the local community. One way they do this is by offering discounts to local police officers, firemen, EMTs, military service people and more. They want to make their gratitude and appreciation known to those who serve the community.

The Mission and the Future

Valentino’s Pizza has a clear mission, and it shows in the way

they operate their restaurant. They want to be a top-of-mind choice for families in the area. When people are trying to figure out where to eat, they want to be one of the first establishments that comes to mind. This is why they continue to pour their hearts and souls into providing the highest quality, best tasting food paired with a welcoming atmosphere and service. They also strive to be a standard for great Italian food in the area.

When looking to the future, Valentino’s Pizza wants to continue to provide excellent food and service. They hope for continued growth and success in the process. One major thing drives these goals: passion. The team explains, “We are passionate about feeding the families of our community.”

Valentino’s Pizza encourages you to give them a shot. Whether you’re from the area or visiting from out of town, if you enjoy pizza and delicious food, Valentino’s Pizza is the place for you! You can find out more information at valentinosnypizzeria. com. They can be reached by phone at 703-445-3130. They are located at 6402 Trading Square in Haymarket. Pile the family in the car and give Valentino’s Pizza a try!

Jessica Schmitt is a Contributing Writer for Prince William Living and can be contacted at jschmitt@princewilliamliving.com.

Array of food at Valentino's

on a high note

Musician Pete Evick on His Career and Outlook on Life

By Jessica Schmitt

Many people long to travel the world, do something they love, and bring others joy through their work. Manassas native Pete Evick is one of the few people who can say he accomplished that dream. Evick has built a successful career in rock music playing with the Bret Michaels Band, his own band Evick, and doing solo acoustic shows. In addition, he started what became a multi-million-dollar candle business, Shining Sol Candle Company, that he has since scaled back. Threaded through all of Evick’s work is a constant theme: the desire to bring people happiness and leave a positive impact on the world.

Pete Evick’s Successful Music Career

Evick was born in Manassas in 1972 and still calls this town home. At the age of five, he saw the band KISS on TV, and it fueled his interest in music. He picked up the guitar and never looked back. In 1998, Evicm signed a record deal with his band Some Odd Reason and recorded in New York with Richard Gotterer, known for discovering groups such as Blondie and the Go-Gos. After touring the country for a couple years, that band ran its course out and was rebranded as the band Evick, which still plays today.

The band Evick opened for Poison frontman Bret Michaels as he embarked on his own solo career. Through this, Evick and Michaels became friends. Following that tour, Michaels asked them to play with him at the Detroit Downtown Hoe-Down, a show for 15,000 people. The following weekend, Michaels asked them to play with him at the Starwood Amphitheatre in Nashville with Lynard Skynard. That sparked what has turned into a widely successful partnership between Evick and the Bret Michaels Band.

Since then, they have performed around the world for enormous audiences, sharing stages with big names. Evick has co-written

and produced for Michaels’ solo albums, which have all been Billboard Top 40 successes. They have played in places like Australia, Brazil, Iraq, and more. Evick was also seen on three seasons of Michaels’ reality TV show Rock of Love and co-wrote the theme song “Go That Far,”which held the number one spot for 14 weeks on the VH1 Top 20 Countdown.

Pete Evick Performing Live

Today, Evick still plays with the Bret Michaels Band. Recent locations include the Indie 500 for a crowd of over 80,000 and the Boardwalk Rock City Festival in Ocean City for 60,000. They also have shows lined up with Def Leppard. In addition, the band Evick continues to put out new music, and Evick himself continues to do solo shows at local breweries in and around the Manassas area. He loves being able to perform at home, saying, “After 36 years of doing this professionally, I still get as much joy sitting in a local bar with my acoustic guitar as I do flying in Bret’s plane doing those giant gigs.”

Shining Sol Candle Company

After Evick spent three seasons on Rock of Love, he found himself experiencing burnout. He felt like his life was “loud,” and he needed a break. He received a candle from a friend that was supposed to smell like a campfire. Evick was disappointed in the candle and decided to make his own. He became obsessed. He experienced the same joy making candles as he did years ago when learning to play the guitar. It felt quiet in contrast to his loud life.

Evick started an online business, Shining Sol Candle Company, that grew into a multi-million-dollar business during COVID with three stores and a warehouse, selling in major corporations in hundreds of stores around the country. However, the corporations’ demands for cheaper costs with tight turnarounds were destroying Shining Sol’s margins, and Evick’s own stores were suffering. The business had gotten away from the original vision: a hometown candle company that satisfied a creative itch and taught Evick’s kids entrepreneurial skills. The company did not renew the lease of their warehousing and downsized to two stores, one in Manassas and one in Myrtle Beach, which are still in operation today.

Manassas Roots

Despite the fact that Evick has traveled the world and performed for thousands of people, he has stayed connected to his Manassas roots. As a young musician, he couldn’t wait to get to the airport and fly out of town. However, that sentiment has changed, and now he can’t wait to get home. He is a huge fan of artists like Bon Jovi, John Mellencamp, and Bruce Springsteen, all who built their brands on loving their roots. Evick finds something magical about that.

Evick attributes his connection to his home to the fact that he did leave for long amounts of time due to excessive touring. He explains, “When you get a bigger perspective of the world, I think you fall in love with the simple things that make you who you are.” He has fallen in love with the specialness of Manassas

all over again and feels like an ambassador for the town. Dean Guitars even built him a custom guitar that features the exit sign leading to Manassas from 95 south. When he sees that guitar up on the big screens at shows or in magazines and interviews, he is proud to showcase Manassas as his home.

Impact and Mission

While Evick has experienced enormous success, he lives his life with humility. He believes the world is in the darkest place it’s ever been, and his hope is that at some point he wrote, sang, or said something that made the pain go away for people. His ultimate goal is to shift to a place where everything he does is about giving back. Evick believes musicians have a responsibility to make people feel happy. The purpose isn’t money or fame, it’s giving back.

If he could offer any piece of advice, it would be to chase after your goals. Evick believes you don’t take this stuff we collect in this lifetime (cars, houses, etc.) with you. There is so much to the world, so touch and feel your dreams. Put quite simply, he says, “If there’s something you want to do, go do it.”

To keep up with Pete Evick, follow him on Facebook @PeteManassasEvick and on Instagram @peteevick.

Jessica Schmitt is a contributing writer for Prince William Living and can be contacted at jschmitt@princewilliamliving.com.

Pete Evick with Bret Michaels

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FALL YARD SALE

Saturday, September 6th | 8am-12pm Manassas Park Community Center Pre-registration is required for vendor space.

CITY OF MANASSAS PARK

2025 LATINO FEST

Sunday, September 7th | 1pm-7pm Manassas Park Community Center This event is FREE to attend.

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street Manassas Park, VA 20111 (703) 335-8872 ManassasParkCommunityCenter.com

home & hearth

Summer's Not Over Yet: Refresh Your Patio for End of Season Gatherings

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher of Prince William Living

Justbecause school's around the corner and the calendar says August doesn't mean summer is over. There's still plenty of time to enjoy warm evenings, backyard BBQs, and porchside chats with friends. If your outdoor space is looking a little tired—or hasn't been touched all season—now's the perfect time for a quick refresh.

Here are some easy, affordable ways to bring fresh life to your patio or backyard just in time for those end-of-season get togethers.

1. Add a Pop of Color with Accessories

Swap out faded cushions and tired table décor for something bright and cheerful—think citrus tinted throw pillows, a vibrant outdoor rug, or a stylish table runner.

• Local Tip: Head to IKEA Woodbridge for wallet friendly outdoor textiles that instantly elevate your space. www.ikea.com

2. Create Shade (and Style)

Late summer sun is still intense. Consider installing a chic umbrella, a flowing fabric canopy, or a rustic wood pergola with climbing vines.

• Local Tip: Outdoor Showplace, located at 17715 Washington Street in Dumfries, boasts over two acres of hardscape displays, outdoor furniture, pergolas, grills, and more—ideal for hands-on inspiration and finding all your shade solutions in one stop. outdoorshowplace.com/

3. Upgrade Your Lighting

As the days shorten, good lighting helps extend your outdoor hours. Consider solar lanterns, string lights, or LED path lights for a touch of ambient charm.

• Pro Tip: Mix warm-hued string lights with solar pathway lighting to guide guests to your seating area.

4. Fire Up the Flavor with an Outdoor Cooking Station

Take your grilling game to the next level by creating a dedicated outdoor cooking zone. Incorporate prep space, a rolling cart for tools and condiments, or even a tabletop pizza oven for interactive dinners that go beyond burgers and dogs.

• Pro Tip: Check out local shops like Pitikins Home & Garden in Manassas for stylish grilling accessories, outdoor serveware, and seasonal finds you won't see in big-box stores. Shopping local means better service and one-of-a-kind pieces to elevate your space. pitkins.com

5. Bring the Indoors Out

Think of your patio as an extension of your living room. Add poufs, lightweight blankets, citronella candle trays, and a side table or bar cart to create a cozy, entertaining space.

6. Don't Forget the Greenery

Even late summer offers plenty of planting opportunities. Refresh your patio with hardy mums, ornamental grasses, late-blooming perennials, or decorative succulents. A few well-placed planters can make your space feel lush and inviting well into fall.

• Local Tip: Head to Meadows Farms Nurseries in Manassas for a great selection of seasonal plants, expert advice, and end-of-summer deals on flowers, shrubs, and decorative containers. meadowsfarms.com

Make the Most of August

Your outdoor space doesn't need a complete overhaul—just a few focused upgrades to transform it into a late-summer retreat perfect for relaxing or entertaining. With so many local choices close by—and plenty of balmy nights left—there's never been a better time to make your patio shine.

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calendar

Manassas African American Heritage Festival

Sat. Aug. 2 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Metz Middle School 9950 Wellington Road, Manassas

With a history gallery, arts & crafts gallery, a food festival, and music!

“The Sleeping Beauty,” an Actors Theatre for Young Audiences Production

Sat. Aug. 2, 9, 16 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ARTfactory 9419 Battle Street, Manassas

This lively musical take on the classic fairy tale puts a spotlight on humor, making it a perfect treat for young audiences. Tickets: virginiaartfactory.org.

AUGUST

Annaburg Open House

Sat. Aug. 2 | 2 to 4 p.m.

Annaburg

9201 Maple Street, Manassas

Self-guide through the newly renovated spaces of Robert Portner’s 1892 summer home. Museum volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and share the history of the Portner Family and the role the house and grounds played in the Manassas community.

Liberia Open House

Sun. Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | 2 to 4 p.m.

Liberia House

8601 Portner Avenue, Manassas

Self-guide through this 200-year-old gem! Museum volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and share the diverse history of this home that helped shape Manassas..

National Night Out

Tues. Aug. 5 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Manassas Museum Lawn 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas

Join the Manassas City Police Department for this annual family event to promote police-community

partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. There will be police demos, fun activities, free food, and vendors.

National Night Out

Tues. Aug. 5 | 6 to 8 p.m.

Under the Route 123 Bridge, Occoquan Join the Occoquan Police Department and OWL Volunteer Fire Department for the annual National Night Out! With activities for kids and families, a chance to meet police officers and ask questions, plus check out the trucks and equipment! FREE to the public. No tickets required.

Storytime Wednesdays at Stonebridge

Wed. Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27 | 10 to 11 a.m.

Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge

Storytime Wednesdays is held every Wednesday (May to September). Come to the town Square Lawn (in the event of inclement weather, storytime will be held inside Barnes & Noble). Each week, a storyteller from Barnes & Noble will be highlighting a new book.

Sip & Paint

Fri. Aug 8 | 6 to 8 p.m.

Grounds Central Station

9360 Main Street, Manassas

Bring your friends, sip some wine, and enjoy step-by-step instructions to paint your own masterpiece. The first glass of wine or draft beer is included. If you are under 21 a nonalcoholic cafe drink is included.

Arts VanGo Community Art Workshop

Sat. Aug. 9 & 16 | 1 to 3 p.m.

Haymarket Museum 15025 Washington Street, Haymarket Arts VanGo Community Workshops are for artists of all ages and abilities to come together and create! Each will have a specific theme and lesson. Aug. 9: Textured Abstraction. Aug. 16: Watercolor Magic. Register here: crossroadsartsalliance.org/classes-andevents.

Swords, Brooms & Magical Beasts

Sun. Aug. 10 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Art a La Carte

310 Mill Street, Occoquan

An interactive fantasy art show like no other, curated by Laine of Lainemindinventions. Immerse yourself in a world of magic and wonder through art demos, workshops, and more.

Family Sundays at Stonebridge

Sun. Aug. 10 & 24 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge

Bring on the family fun! Family Sundays at Stonebridge is held every second and fourth Sunday at the Town Square Lawn (May to September). With familyfriendly entertainment, including live music, interactive performances and lifesize games!

2025 Chamber Masters & 5K Mon. Aug. 11 | Race starts at 7 a.m.; golf at 9:30 a.m.

Bull Run Golf Club

15000 Bull Run Estates Drive, Haymarket

Start your day with the 5K run in support of the Prince William Chamber Foundation. Continue your day with 18 holes of golf. Register: pwchamber.org.

Museum Family Day at Ben Lomond: Make Your Own Cornhusk Doll

Mon. Aug. 11 | 10 to 11 a.m.

Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas

Bring your whole family to Ben Lomond Historic Site to learn about cornhusk dolls, a popular children’s toy in the 19th century. Then, make your own cornhusk doll to take home with you. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Get advance tickets at pwcparks.info/hptickets.

Sounds of Summer Concerts at Stonebridge

Thurs. Aug. 14 & 28 | 7 to 9 p.m.

Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center 15201 Potomac Town Place,

Woodbridge

Enjoy live music and soak up the evening sun with friends and family at the Town Square Lawn at Stonebridge.

Trivia Night: Mindbender Bonanza

Fri. Aug. 15 | 6:30 p.m.

River Mill Park

458 Mill Street, Occoquan

Test your knowledge during outdoor trivia nights in the park! That night's event title is your clue to one of the six rounds of questions. Bring your up-to-eight-person team plus camp chairs or blankets for seating in the park. Tickets are $30 per group. This family-friendly event typically runs around two hours.

Glow in the Park After Dark!

Sat. Aug. 16 | 7:45 to 9:15 p.m.

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street, Manassas Park

End your summer vacation BRIGHT! Come to MPCC for glow-in-the-dark activities like Tetris, tic-tac-toe and more, all while dancing and playing to the best summer music!

Sweeney Barn Open House

Sun. Aug. 17 | 1 to 4 p.m.

Sweeney Barn

9310 Discovery Blvd., Manassas

Calling all engaged couples, event planners, and wedding pros! Sweeney Barn is throwing open its doors for an unforgettable Summer Open House.

This is your chance to tour one of Northern Virginia’s most charming and unique wedding venues—a beautifully restored 1939 dairy barn that blends rustic elegance with modern amenities. With venue tours on the hour and the chance to connect with wedding industry professionals!

Community Center Movie Night

Thu. Aug. 21 | 5 to 7:30 p.m.

City of Manassas Community Center 8750 Sudley Road, Manassas

A fun and relaxing Movie Night featuring “Despicable Me 4” and good company. Bring your friends and neighbors for an evening of entertainment and community connection!

Third Thursdays at Dominion Valley

Thu. Aug. 21 | 6 to 9 p.m.

Dominion Valley Market Square

5260-5581 Merchants View Square, Haymarket

Dominion Valley Market Square jams out with the Haymarket community every Third Thursday this summer. Meet at the outdoor plaza between Olde Dominion Tavern and Tony’s NY Pizza for live music, games, food and drinks, and more!

Rippon Lodge Bug and Bird Day

Sat. Aug. 23 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rippon Lodge Historic Site

15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge

This event is a photographer, bird watcher, and bug enthusiast delight! Join us as we explore the wonders of nature found at Rippon Lodge. Bring your binoculars and cameras to record the variety of insects and birds found every day at the historic site. Advance tickets available at pwcparks.info/ hptickets.

Manassas Artillery Living History

Sat. Aug. 23 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Manassas National Battlefield Park 6911 Sudley Road, Manassas

Cannon firing and Confederate artillery demonstrations on the Manassas National Battlefield. Please check the Manassas National Park Service Visitor Center to confirm the specific times of the demonstrations: nps.gov/mana/ planyourvisit/living-history.htm

Open Flow Friday

Fri. Aug. 29 | 7 to 9 p.m.

ARTfactory

9419 Battle Street, Manassas

Open Flow Friday offers an open mic and open art demonstration space for local artists to share their art form with an audience, whether you are a poet, author, musician, artist, etc. This is your safe space for creativity, community, and selfexpression! This event is free and open to the public. Tickets: virginiaartfactory.org.

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