
There's a common misconception that elderly men are the only ones with low testosterone or imbalanced hormones. According to the Cleveland Clinic, however, data shows that many men including men in their 40s and 50s suffer from low testosterone and sub-optimal testosterone around the world.. The truth is you don't have to be on your "last legs" to suffer from low testosterone.
In reality, as men get closer to 30, it's common for their testosterone levels to drop. When that happens, their lives and bodies change. Life may not seem as colorful or as exciting. Getting out of bed without aches and pains is rare. Finding the motivation to get up, go to work, and come home with a pep in your step is easier said than done. And for many men, the ultimate embarrassment occurs - they lose the ability to perform intimately in the bedroom.
If you're one of the millions of men with unexplained fatigue, weight gain especially abdominal fat, inability to put on muscle in the gym, decreased mental sharpness, increased anxiety or even erectile dysfunction, you may think that all hope is lost. But nothing could be further from the truth. Thanks to decades of trials and research, male health centers like Proactive Wellness are equipped with cutting-edge, FDA-approved medications and procedures to restore your hormones to optimal levels. It's called testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT for short, and it's giving men around the country renewed hope for a normal, meaningful life.
But to understand the incredible benefits of TRT in Manassas Park, VA, it's important to know about testosterone and how it works in your body.
About Understanding Testosterone
What comes to mind when you think about the word "testosterone"? For many people, testosterone is associated with men who are overtly aggressive or macho. And while testosterone has an effect on a male's vigor and motivation, it plays a much more important role than the average person thinks. The truth about testosterone is that it is a crucial hormone for male development that affects men from the time they go through puberty to the time they pass away.
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As their primary androgen, testosterone helps men develop common male characteristics and is essential in the production of sperm. Controlled by your body's pituitary gland and hypothalamus, testosterone helps develop and maintain:

Muscle Mass

Facial and Body Hair

Sex Organs

Healthy Libido

Bone Density

Sexual Function

Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels
When low testosterone or hypogonadism occurs, however, males begin to notice concerning symptoms that often affect their everyday lives and romantic relationships.
Causes What Causes Low Testosterone?
Also called low T, lower testosterone levels are most often caused by aging. When testosterone levels deplete in this manner, it occurs naturally - just about every man will experience lower levels of testosterone as they get older. However, other causes of low T also exist, including drug abuse, obesity, prescribed meds, testicle injuries and even taking certain bodybuilding supplements.
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When men lose significant amounts of testosterone, it alters their body's levels of testosterone and estrogen. Lower T levels usually result in abdominal fat, which in turn causes estrogen synthetize levels to increase, creating even higher levels of estrogen in the body. With more estrogen and less testosterone, a number of concerning issues begin to surface. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Lowered Libido
- Lowered Sperm Count
- More Body Fat
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Issues with Concentration
- Male Breast Development
- Less Muscle Mass
- Motivation Issues
If you're a man struggling with one or more of the symptoms above, it could be because you have low testosterone. But the only way you can find out for sure is to have your testosterone levels tested by a wellness center like Proactive Wellness. If your testosterone levels are low, TRT in Manassas Park, VA, may be the answer to your low-T problems.
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Understanding The Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Are you starting to notice that you don't feel like "you" when you're at home or at work? Do you feel tired and lethargic all the time, even in your free time away from the office? Many men mistake these symptoms for being too sleepy or too busy. But the truth is, they're suffering from low testosterone. Since no two males will have the same symptoms of low T, it's prudent to recognize and understand some of the most common signs:

Erectile Dysfunction
If there were two words that all men wish to avoid, it's these two. Being unable to perform in the most intimate moments isn't just embarrassing - it can affect long-term relationships and mental health. It's a difficult topic to talk about. But it doesn't have to be. Our experts are ready to help you re-light that special spark.

Low Libido
When you have low testosterone, sometimes the thought of having sex just isn't appealing. If you're one of the many men in the U.S. who lacks sex drive, it might not be you. I could be low testosterone. Don't settle for a mediocre sex drive - reclaim your vigor at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Lack of Sleep
Do you work hard every day and come home exhausted, only to find that you toss and turn all night long? Whether you have undiagnosed insomnia or another sleep disorder, it could be linked to low T.



Less Strength and Muscle Mass
When testosterone levels deplete as we age, men lose their ability to lift heavy items, even with weightlifting routines in the gym. If you're making a concerted effort to maintain your muscle mass and strength but aren't making gains, it could be due to low T.

Depression
Your brain is home to many testosterone receptors, but when your body has low T, it can affect your mood. With time, poor spirits can lead to serious psychological issues, like depression. However, studies show that TRT in Manassas Park, VA, can rebalance your hormones, which can help relieve depression and improve your mood.

Lack of Concentration
Do you find it hard to complete normal tasks when you're at work? Does it seem like your memory is fading? Does your spouse or significant other complain that you're not paying attention to them? The effects of low testosterone don't just affect your body - they can affect your mind and memory, too. When your testosterone levels are within normal range, brain fog and other concentration issues have been shown to go away.

What are the Risks of Living with Low Testosterone?
At Proactive Wellness Centers, we understand what men must go through daily when they have low testosterone. They suffer from fatigue and lack motivation and often don't feel like their usual selves. But as bad as those symptoms sound, living with low T can have more severe health risks that that put vital organs at risk. Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:
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Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:


Heart Health
If you've been told by a doctor that you have high blood pressure, you're probably wondering what it stems from. Is it aging? Is it hereditary? Is it something else? According to academic research, men with low T have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular illnesses. When testosterone levels are low, red blood cell reproduction suffers. When that happens, plaque buildup in your arteries may be accelerated. With time, plaque building can lead to very serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.

Anemia
When you have anemia, your body has a lack of or dysfunctional red blood cells, meaning your organs have less oxygen with which to function. Because testosterone has a role in healthy red blood cell production, it makes sense that men with low t have a higher risk of anemia. In fact, a 2009 study found that older men with low T are 5x more likely to be anemic than men with healthy levels of testosterone. While TRT in Manassas Park, VA, isn't a cure for anemia, it will help produce more red blood cells in your body, which can prevent anemia.

Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, and you're trying to figure out why, it may be linked to your T levels. That's because men with low testosterone have a greater chance of developing diabetes as they age. Similarly, men with diabetes are much more likely to have low testosterone, establishing a relationship between diabetes and testosterone. This relationship is further solidified by the fact that men with low T have a more challenging time resisting insulin. Though TRT won't cure diabetes, studies show that men with healthy testosterone levels also have healthier blood sugar levels and are often less obese.

Obesity
If you look in the mirror in the morning and can't stand how much body fat you've gained since getting older, you're not alone. Many aging men have problems with their waistlines. If you eat well and exercise regularly but still can't get rid of that unsightly stomach or body fat, the culprit may be low testosterone. Multiple studies have shown the link between obesity and low T. In fact, testosterone plays an important role in food metabolism by regulating insulin, glucose, and fat. Fortunately, when combined with diet and exercise, men who undergo TRT can often lose weight and enjoy improved blood glucose and low-density cholesterol levels.
Enjoy Life to the Fullest with TRT in Manassas Park, VA

Testosterone replacement therapy does precisely what it sounds like: It is a science-backed therapy that replaces low testosterone levels in men. The ultimate goal of TRT is to improve your life and well-being by balancing your hormones. Also referred to as androgen replacement therapy, TRT helps many men deal with and overcome the debilitating side effects of low T.
Originally developed by scientists in the 1930s, TRT has grown substantially in popularity over the years. Today, it is one of the most common and promising treatments for males with low testosterone.
How Does TRT Work?
Without getting too scientific, TRT works by providing your body with the testosterone it needs to function properly. Without healthy levels of testosterone, the male body can't maintain the natural processes it needs for overall health. In fact, men with low testosterone levels are more prone to serious health problems like type-2 diabetes and even heart disease. Until their T levels are restored to normal, most men suffer until they find a solution.
That's where TRT comes into play. With balanced hormones, your body can finally begin to heal, causing most symptoms of low t to diminish greatly.
The Proactive Wellness Approach to TRT in Manassas Park, VA
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our team utilizes a three-pronged approach to healing and treatment:
Patient Education. We equip you with the knowledge needed to take charge of your health and achieve optimal well-being in your life.
Prevention. We focus on preventing diseases by providing you with a thorough evaluation, which includes comprehensive diagnostics and the information you provide on your health history form.
Rejuvenation. Lastly, we work closely with you to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of several science-based treatments that aim to promote tissue regeneration, reduce cellular degeneration, foster healing, and slow your aging process.
Because no two patients ever have the exact same needs and treatment, your journey to journey to optimal health will be unique and tailored to your body.
However, to give you a brief snapshot of the average patient's TRT timeline may look like this:
Getting Started:
You contact our TRT clinic in Virginia. Based on your schedule, we'll arrange for a time for you to come in for your initial assessment.
Diagnostics and Evaluation:
One of our diagnostic experts will complete comprehensive testing to discover your testosterone and related hormone levels and your best treatment options.
Review Testing:
We'll sit with you one-on-one to discuss the results of your lab tests. During this session, a medical practitioner will also answer any questions you have about low T and testosterone replacement therapy.
Begin Your Custom TRT Regimen:
Based on your lifestyle, goals, and test results, we'll craft a custom TRT plan exclusively for you.
Success Coaching:
When you undergo TRT at Proactive Wellness Centers, you're never alone. We'll be by your side the entire way to ensure your treatment is going well and you're hitting your benchmarks. We'll keep track of your progress, and if there are areas that need improvement, we'll work with you to accomplish the goals you haven't achieved yet. Because, at the end of the day, a little bit of encouragement can go a long way.
Enjoy the Results:
This is the best part! With time and care, you'll begin to notice the effects of TRT and will be well on your way to enjoying balanced hormones.

Trust The Proactive Wellness Difference
Did you know that 13 million males suffer from low T, but a whopping 90% go untreated by doctors? The reason is that conventional doctors believe that unless your Testosterone level is below the low lab reference range level, that your are "OK". At Proactive Wellness, we help you to optimize and be the best you can be, not just OK. Why be OK, when with the help of the right Testosterone dose, you can feel better, be healthier, stronger and more vibrant. If you believe that your testosterone levels are at unhealthy levels, it's time to contact Proactive Wellness Centers for testing. Living with low testosterone is a risk, but with personalized TRT in Manassas Park, VA, you can minimize the harmful effects on your body.
Unlike other TRT clinics, we utilize a more complete and personalized approach to Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Our approach considers the role of DHEA, another very important hormone that needs to be balanced. And we look at Estradiol conversion, the unwanted effect where some men convert too much Testosterone to estradiol. In this case, these men (about 10%) need a medication to block this conversion, called an aromatase inhibitor. But notice that I mentioned that only 10% of men need this, but at many men's clinics, all men automatically get an aromatase inhibitor whether they need it or not. This drives Estradiol too low, causing other issues. Yes, Men need Estradiol also, but they need it in the proper proportion. Bottom line, our personalized approach ensures that you get exactly what you need, no more and no less.
Further, Proactive Wellness offers the widest range of Testosterone Replacement options so that men can choose the best for their particular lifestyle. Choose from pellets that are inserted just under the skin and last for 4-5 months, or the most popular option, Test Cypionate injections that are typically done weekly, or specialized transdermal cream or even a specialized intranasal application that mimics natural testosterone levels. Any of these methods are available at Proactive Wellness Centers so that you can get the option that is right for you.
Is testosterone replacement therapy enough? Maybe, it all depends on your goals and your lab results. Many men are also deficient in growth hormone (GH) and this hormone can also contribute to you not being your best. If this one is low, Proactive Wellness offers a range of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) peptides to increase your GH levels. Many men combine this with TRT to feel their absolute best.
If you're ready to reclaim your confidence and return to loving life on your own terms, our physicians and medical team are ready to help. Don't be one of those men who constantly complain about their health but don't do anything about it. Contact Proactive Wellness Centers today to make a difference in your life!

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Latest News in Manassas Park, VA
Nonprofit to offer free Lyft rides on St. Patrick's Day throughout the DC area
wusa9.comhttps://www.wusa9.com/article/travel/nonprofit-to-offer-free-lyft-rides-on-st-patricks-day-in-dc-area/65-61fc1a72-5dcc-4354-bc6b-f5d6b54070b3
Keep the luck of the Irish alive. Don't drink and drive!WASHINGTON — In an effort to prevent drunk driving this St. Patrick's Day, a local nonprofit is offering free Lyft rides, with a value of up to $15, to help get those celebrating the holiday in the D.C. area get home safely.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of all U.S. traffic deaths on St. Patrick's Day involve drunk drivers.To combat these statisti...
Keep the luck of the Irish alive. Don't drink and drive!
WASHINGTON — In an effort to prevent drunk driving this St. Patrick's Day, a local nonprofit is offering free Lyft rides, with a value of up to $15, to help get those celebrating the holiday in the D.C. area get home safely.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of all U.S. traffic deaths on St. Patrick's Day involve drunk drivers.
To combat these statistics, the nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) is offering free safe rides with Lyft.
The 2023 St. Patrick's SoberRide program will begin at 4 p.m. Friday, March 17 and run through 4 a.m. March 18.
During this 12-hour period, area residents, ages 21 and older, celebrating the holiday with alcohol may download the Lyft app to their phones, then enter the SoberRide code in the app's Promo section to get their free ride home.
WRAP’s 2023 St. Patrick’s Day SoberRide promo code will be posted at 3:00 p.m. on March 17 on www.SoberRide.com.
“Lyft is dedicated to providing access to reliable and responsible rides, and we’re proud to partner with programs like WRAP to offer Lyft as an alternative to impaired driving,” said Kamillah Wood, Director of Public Policy for Community Safety at Lyft. “Through our Roadway Safety Program and our partnerships with the public, we hope to empower our community with the tools to protect themselves and those around them this holiday season.”
SoberRide is offered throughout Lyft’s Washington D.C. coverage area which includes all or parts of: the District of Columbia; the Maryland counties of Montgomery and Prince George’s and towns therein plus the cities of Bowie, College Park, District Heights, Gaithersburg, Glenarden, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Laurel, Mount Ranier, New Carrollton, Rockville, Seat Pleasant and Takoma Park; and the Northern Virginia counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William and towns therein plus the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park.
Since 1991, officials claim WRAP’s SoberRide program has provided 84,676 free safe rides home to would-be drunk drivers in the Greater Washington area.
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UPCOMING EVENTS: Tree giveaway this Saturday, Manassas Symphony Orchestra at Hylton
Staff Reportshttps://www.princewilliamtimes.com/lifestyles/upcoming-events-tree-giveaway-this-saturday-manassas-symphony-orchestra-at-hylton/article_dc2d6656-7838-11eb-be49-6f3482218b99.html
ONGOING EVENTSStories "That End in Freedom" Solo Art Exhibit by DC Native Artist Lory Ivey Alexander: Through March 18. ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St., Manassas. Features 39 student artists from high schools in Manassas City and Prince William County. Through the works in this exhibition, the artist explores themes of Black and indigenous American perseverance, resilience and healing. For more information, contact Jordan Exum at 703-330-2787 or email ...
ONGOING EVENTS
Stories "That End in Freedom" Solo Art Exhibit by DC Native Artist Lory Ivey Alexander: Through March 18. ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St., Manassas. Features 39 student artists from high schools in Manassas City and Prince William County. Through the works in this exhibition, the artist explores themes of Black and indigenous American perseverance, resilience and healing. For more information, contact Jordan Exum at 703-330-2787 or email jexum@VirginiaARTfactory.org.
Veterans Lunch Bunch: Every Second Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Are you a local veteran? Join us for lunch. RSVP to Virginia Hendrix at 703-494-3817. Potomac Place Assisted Living and Memory Care, 2133 Montgomery Ave., Woodbridge.
First Responder Fridays: Woodbridge area First Responders (police, EMS, healthcare staff, firefighters and active-duty military) are invited to grab a free breakfast-to-go at Potomac Place on the first Friday of each month from 7 to 9 a.m. Potomac Place, 2133 Montgomery Ave., Woodbridge.
Thursday, March 2
Yoga for Cancer: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Classes are taught by Pat Fitzsimmons. Dress comfortably and bring a mat and water. Registration required; call 1-800-SENTARA. Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, 2300 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge.
State of the Parks Celebration Event: 7 to 9 p.m. Seth Hendler-Voss, Director of Prince William County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, delivers the state of the parks address and shares findings from the 2022 annual report. Light refreshments will be provided. Kelly Leadership Center, 14715 Bristow Road, Manassas.
Read Across America: 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. For all ages/families. Celebrate reading with some special guests. Book character costumes encouraged but not required. Central Library, 8601 Mathis Ave., Manassas.
Read Across America Day: All day. For all ages/families. Scavenger hunt and special guest reader at 10:30 a.m. Chinn Park Library, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge.
Little Rangers: 10 to 11 a.m. The program is designed for ages 3 to 5 years old, but all family members are welcome and encouraged to participate. Reading, music, songs, social time and crafts. Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge. Parking fee.
Brains and Beer Trivia Night: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Bring a team of up to six players. Social distancing. Tin Cannon Brewing Company, 7679 Limestone Drive, Gainesville.
Thursday Night Team Trivia: 7 to 9 p.m. Cedar Run Brewery, 12801 Hazelwood Drive, Nokesville.
Bingo Night: 7 to 9 p.m. Prizes for all winners. Food truck on site. Ornery Beer Taproom, 8088 Flannery Court, Manassas.
Live Music: 5 to 9 p.m. Featuring Good Noizz. Farm Brew Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas.
Friday, March 3
March First Friday-Mad Hatter March Madness: 6 to 9 p.m. Wear a crazy hat and stroll through Downtown Manassas. Shops will have extended hours. Historic Downtown Manassas, 9201 Center St., Manassas.
Friday Conservation Corps: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers are needed; flexible schedule. All are welcome; volunteers under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Register at:www.leopoldspreserve.com/calendar. Leopolds Preserve, 16290 Thoroughfare Road, Broad Run.
Parent/Caregiver Meetup and Playgroup: 11 a.m. to noon. Meet other parents and give a child the opportunity to socialize, play and do activities with other children. Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket.
Ask a Community Services Prevention Specialist: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Additional dates: Wednesday, March 8, 10 a.m. to noon. For adults. Meet prevention specialists from the Prince William County Community Services. Potomac Library, 2201 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge.
Page-Turning Images Found in Women's Literature: 7 p.m. Join the Prince William Arts Council for this reception. This art exhibit focuses on the many different image's women authors use when writing their manuscripts. Open Space Arts Gallery, Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, 15000 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge.
Live Music: 8 p.m. Featuring Radio NV. CraftWorx Taproom, 5615 Wellington Road, Gainesville.
Live Music: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Featuring Delta Spur. Farm Brew Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas.
March First Friday at Sinistral: 5 to 11 p.m. Live music with Kara and Matty D at 7 p.m., Little Lady Grill food truck will be on site. Sinistral Brewing Company, 9419 Main St., Manassas.
Date Night at Cedar Run: 7 to 10 p.m. Live music with Dennis Wayland. Cedar Run Brewery, 12801 Hazelwood Drive, Nokesville.
Paint Party at Ornery: 7 p.m. Beginner friendly group; no experience needed. All materials are provided. One drink included with a ticket. Ornery Beer Taproom, 8088 Flannery Court, Manassas. $35; tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-party-at-ornery-brewery-taproom-tickets-499866051817.
Saturday, March 4
Winter Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local crafters and vendors. No pets allowed. Prince William Street Commuter Lot, 9024 Prince William St., Manassas.
Tree Giveaway Spring 2023: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Hosted by the Prince William Conservation Alliance. Drive-thru event to pick up 2 seedlings; one Redbud and one Dogwood per ticket holder. Tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tree-giveaway-spring-2023-tickets-536235684367. Todos Neighborhood Market, 16593 River Ridge Blvd., Woodbridge. Free; donations are appreciated.
Lory Ivey Alexander Artist Talk: 2 to 4 p.m. Meet the artist and view her exhibit. RSVP to: Tinyurl.com/LoryIveyTalk. ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St., Manassas. Free and open to the public.
AARP Tax Services: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For adults. Speak to AARP tax experts and get free tax help first come, first served. No appointments required. Bull Run Library, 8051 Ashton Ave., Manassas.
PAWS-Reading to Dogs: 10:30 a.m. to noon. For all ages. Improve skills by reading to a therapy dog. Bring own book or use one from the library. Register at the youth services desk. Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket.
LinkedIn Learning: 2 to 3:30 p.m. For adults. Learn more about LinkedIn Learning an educational site with video courses to help develop a business, career, technology skills and certification. Registration required; call 703-792-8330. Potomac Library, 2201 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge.
Manassas Symphony Orchestra-Inspirations: 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information, call 703-993-7550. Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas. Tickets- $25 adult; free for students (through college).
Guided Museum Tour: 11 a.m. to noon. Learn about Leesylvania's natural and human history on a guided tour through the museum and Discovery Room. Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge. Parking fee.
Furs, Feathers, Skulls … Oh, My: 1 to 2 p.m. Join Park Rangers to learn more about the animals that call Leesylvania State Park their home. Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig, Drive, Woodbridge. Parking fee.
March Wine Dinner with Chef Ryan Ross: 6 to 9 p.m. Five course dinner paired with LaGrange wines. Tickets available at: https://wineryatlagrange.orderport.net/product-details/1043/March-2023-Wine-Dinner--Ryan-Ross. The Winery at LaGrange, 4970 Antioch Road, Haymarket. Tickets $150.00.
Live Music: 8 to 11 p.m. Featuring Mandatory Recess. CraftWorx Taproom, 5615 Wellington Road, Gainesville.
Live Music: 5 to 8 p.m. Featuring JP Jones Acoustic Guitar. Tucked Away Brewing Company, 8420 Kao Circle, Manassas.
Live Music: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Featuring Mike Newberry Trio. Farm Brew Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas.
Live Music: 6 to 9 p.m. Featuring Gunner Heathe. Water's End Brewery, 12425 Dillingham Square, Lake Ridge.
Sunday, March 5
Dale City Winter Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dale City Farmers Market, 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents Songs We Love: 4 p.m. This performance is appropriate for all ages. For tickets and information, call 703-993-7550. Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas. Tickets- $48, $41, $29; half price for youth through grade 12.
Light Up the Night-Lantern Making Workshop: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For adults and children. Get a quick lesson on tin smithing then make a lantern souvenir. All materials provided. RSVP to 703-583-6904. Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge. Parking fee.
Books on Tap at Ornery Beer Company: 6 to 8 p.m. For adults. Hosted by Ornery Beer Company and Prince William Library. For more information, contact jraghunathan@pwcgov.org. Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket.
Live Music: 4 to 7:30 p.m. Featuring Jacob Paul Allen. Farm Brew Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas.
Monday, March 6Building Buddies-Celebrating Diverse-ABILITIES: 5 to 6 p.m. For all ages and families. Building friendships, networks and fun throughout the diverse Haymarket Gainesville special needs communities. Registration required; call 703-792-8700. Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket. Free.
Chinn Park Chess Club: 3 to 8 p.m. All ages/families and skill levels are welcome. Chinn Park Library, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge.
Tuesday, March 7
English Conversation: 6 to 7:30 p.m. For adults. Speakers of all languages are welcome. Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket. Free.
Teen Action Group: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. For ages 13 and up. Make a difference in the community and share ideas, earn community hours and meet new friends. Manassas City Library, 10104 Dumfries Road, Manassas.
American Red Cross Blood Drive: Noon to 5 p.m. For adults. Register online at www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule an appointment. Montclair Library, 5049 Waterway Drive, Dumfries.
Live Music: 7 to 10 p.m. Featuring Blane. Sinistral Brewing Company, 9419 Main St., Manassas.
Wednesday, March 8
Breast Cancer Support Group: 6:15 to 8:25 p.m. Connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges, exchange ideas and use knowledge to help others. Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, Hylton Education Center, Rooms CG. 2300 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge.
Woodcock Watch: 5 to 7 p.m. Watch the evening "Sky Dance" of male woodcocks as they enter the mating season. Bring a folding chair or blanket to sit on. Leopold's Preserve, 16290 Thoroughfare Road, Broad Run. Free.
Hike with a Naturalist: 10 a.m. to noon. Learn about the flowers and animals at Leopold's Preserve. Leopold's Preserve, 16290 Thoroughfare Road, Broad Run. Free and open to the community.
Vegetable Gardening: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For adults. Master Gardeners will present an introduction to vegetable gardening in Prince William County. Registration required; call 703-792-8330. Potomac Library, 2201 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge.
Spanish Conversation: 1 to 2 p.m. For adults. For speakers of all languages. First come, first served until capacity is reached. Chinn Park Library, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge.
Trivia Night: 7 to 9 p.m. Hosted by DJ Stevie K. The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm, 15850 Sunshine Ridge Lane, Gainesville.
TABC Cornhole Tournament: 7 to 10 p.m. Tucked Away Brewing Company, 8420 Kao Circle, Manassas. Blind draw $5 person.
Trivia Night: 7 to 9 p.m. Come, play and test knowledge. Food truck on site. Ornery Beer Taproom, 8088 Flannery Court, Manassas. Live Music: 5 to 9 p.m. Featuring Shane Gamble. Farm Brew Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas.
People to Meet: Area Networking Events
Prince William Livinghttps://princewilliamliving.com/people-to-meet-area-networking-events-71/
Like this article? Support us by subscribing here. Your donation will help us continue to provide quality of life news and make local impact possible.By Prince William LivingBrought to you by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, the strongest voice for the business community in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan region. Finding people to meet and b...
Like this article? Support us by subscribing here. Your donation will help us continue to provide quality of life news and make local impact possible.
By Prince William Living
Brought to you by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, the strongest voice for the business community in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan region. Finding people to meet and business networking events is always important. And Prince William Living is all about community, making connections and supporting quality of life. Here are just a few events where you can get connected – virtual or in person!
Prince William Living‘s Influential Women Awards
Many women in Greater Prince William give of themselves to strengthen our community, leaving their marks in the business world and serving as inspirations to others. Join us as we celebrate our 2023 winners. Tickets include complimentary beverages and appetizers for you to enjoy while you network with other attendees. Cash bar available. Make connections in a relaxed atmosphere (business casual) while celebrating our Influential Women with a short awards presentation. Come out and meet our readers, businesses, and community leaders. Wednesday, March 1, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. | Sweeney Barn, 9310 Discovery Blvd., Manassas
State of the Parks Celebration Event
Celebrate the transformative power of parks in the community as Seth Hendler-Voss, Director of Prince William County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, delivers the state of the parks address and shares findings from the 2022 annual report. Light refreshments will be provided. Thursday, March 2, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. | Kelly Leadership Center, 14715 Bristow Road, Manassas
Women’s Wedding Network
Guest speaker Catherine Calvin from Toast discusses how to approach prospect outreach and follow up with them from bridal shows and marketing lists. This is a ZOOM meeting. Get your FREE tickets now! Wednesday, March 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Zoom event
Camp Fair 2023
A fun filled family event showcasing options to keep your kids MOVING this summer. Stop by- it’s FREE and will be held at the “At Home” court in the Manassas Mall. Sponsored by GPW Health Center. Saturday, March 11, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Manassas Mall, 8300 Sudley Road, Manassas
Town of Occoquan Sponsorships Open House
Occoquan has just launched a new sponsorship package, and they’re excited about interacting with old and new partners in a mutually beneficial relationship. The Open House Sponsorship Breakfast is a great way to learn more in person. It’s being held at Town Hall in Occoquan. If interested in participating or simply to learn more information, contact Julie Little, Director of Events, Town of Occoquan, at jlittle@occoquanva.gov, or 703-491-1918, ext. 103. Tuesday, March 14 | Occoquan Town Hall, 314 Mill Street, Occoquan
MEGA Networking Event – Spring
Level up your business with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. Showcase your business in the Chamber’s Expo, featuring businesses from across the Prince William Region, Manassas and Manassas Park. Wednesday, March 15, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. | Out of the Blue Restaurant, 5005 Wellington Road, Gainesville
Digital Kindness Event
Osbourn High School PTSA will host a Create with Kindness program for Manassas families, made possible by National PTA and TikTok. Families will participate in conversations about digital kindness, responsibility and safety, as well as TikTok’s parental controls. Families will also engage with a student panel and learn about their online experiences. Middle school and high school parents, guardians and teens are the suggested audience for this event. Dinner is included. Wednesday, March 15, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. | Osbourn High School Fine Arts Commons, 1977 Eagle Way, Manassas
8th Annual Rise Against Hunger
Help fight hunger both locally and internationally! Lutheran Church of the Covenant and Woodbridge Rotary Club are hosting the 8th Annual Rise Against Hunger packaging event. Lots of volunteers are needed to help set up, pack meals and clean up – the goal is to package 30,000 meals. Volunteers are also asked to bring non-perishable foods that day for the families at Neabsco Elementary. Please visit bit.ly/3JYkln6 to sign up and donate. Saturday, March 18, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Neabsco Elementary School, 3800 Cordell Avenue, Woodbridge
2023 Spring Conference – Prince William County Green Business Council
A full day conference with speakers from PWC government, environmental sessions, local exhibitors and a networking lunch. Topics for breakout sessions include business recycling, managing waste & liability, financial advantages of environmental sustainability, environmental investing, environmental philanthropy and more! Register at pwcgbc.org/2023springconference. Tuesday, March 21, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Battlefield Hilton Garden Inn, 7001 Infantry Ridge Road, Manassas
The Breaking Cycles Women’s Conference 2023
Carried To Full Term announced its first annual Women’s Conference, the “Breaking Cycles Women’s Conference 2023.” Dedicated to empowering women to explore healing and break cycles, by helping women attend to pain and cyclical patterns created by past trauma, the event will convene empowering leaders on the frontline of advocating for women’s health and wellness, driving social progress, and using their unique platforms to create meaningful change. The ‘Breaking Cycles Women’s Conference’ will convene a diverse range of industry leaders from the worlds of business, media, leadership, therapy, health, wealth, and more. For more event information and to register for the Breaking Cycles Women’s Conference event, visit breakingcycleswomensconference.com/. Saturday, March 25, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Verizon Auditorium, George Mason University, Manassas
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Coming soon to Manassas Park: ‘Park Central’
Cher Muzyk Times Staff Writerhttps://www.princewilliamtimes.com/news/coming-soon-to-manassas-park-park-central/article_74429bdc-e287-11ec-ac0c-6b49497e7349.html
Manassas Park’s new “Park Central” town center is on track to be partially complete this summer with the new city hall, public library and splash pad set to open by mid-August. Also, a deal to bring Cinema Café into the development was recently finalized, an addition city officials say is key to the project’s success.The Manassas Park City Council settled on the name “Park Central” for the new development after gathering public input and working with a consultant for about a year. The name is...
Manassas Park’s new “Park Central” town center is on track to be partially complete this summer with the new city hall, public library and splash pad set to open by mid-August. Also, a deal to bring Cinema Café into the development was recently finalized, an addition city officials say is key to the project’s success.
The Manassas Park City Council settled on the name “Park Central” for the new development after gathering public input and working with a consultant for about a year. The name is hoped to distinguish the downtown concept and help the public readily identify the new town center.
The first phase of construction -- representing about a quarter of the project – will be formally opened to the public in a July 16 ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event will celebrate the completion of the new city hall building, which will include a new public library and an outdoor plaza with a splash pad for young families, according to Manassas Park City Manager Laszlo Palko.
The new 10,000-sqare-foot library is expected to open in mid-August. The library will be almost five times larger than the city’s existing library, Palko said.
Most administrative offices in the city hall, including the city treasurer and commissioner of revenue offices, will be open by mid-June, Palko said.
The popular Jirani Coffeehouse, located in old town Manassas, will open a second location on the first floor of the new Manassas Park City Hall adjacent to the public plaza. Jirani may also offer outdoor dining as well as live entertainment. Palko said there is space for another restaurant to come into the city hall, as well.
Ken Moorman, Jirani Coffeehouse’s owner and a resident of Manassas Park, said he is thrilled to open a second coffee shop at Park Central. Expanding to Manassas Park was his “vision seven years ago and to now have the opportunity to make it a reality is very exciting,” he said.
Years in the making
Creating a destination town center in Manassas Park has been an ambitious and complicated public-private endeavor that is now more than four years in the making. The goal was to design a new downtown for Manassas Park that will boost the city’s economic position and, hopefully, bring some relief to Manassas Park property owners, who endure the highest real estate tax rate in Northern Virginia.
The expansive project is also a big gamble for Manassas Park, but “failure is not an option,” Palko said at a recent meeting of the Manassas Park City Council.
Negotiations with the various private entities involved in the project have been underway for years, Palko said. Part of the challenge was overcoming what Palko called an “unfortunate history” with the City Center development across the street from the new city hall that has so far failed to attract many commercial entities. Palko said the development stalled because of a lack of parking, among other reasons.
As a result, Manassas Park endured 10 years of a “black eye” due to empty storefronts, and businesses “were hesitant to come here,” Palko said.
For Park Central to be successful, multiple players were included and “a lot of deals were contingent on one another,” Palko said. “So, [the city] was essentially a conductor trying to bring everyone together to make this development happen.”
The project broke ground in 2021 but faced pandemic-related challenges, including rising construction costs. Despite those setbacks, the plan came into focus when Cinema Café recently signed on to anchor the commercial development. Negotiations had been stalled due to pandemic uncertainty in the movie industry, but city officials inked a deal with the theater in May.
“COVID and inflation has been making everything very problematic, but we kept fighting to make this work,” Palko said.
Both Cinema Café and Jirani Coffeehouse were offered incentives to join the Park Central project.
Jirani, for example, has a 10-year lease with two optional five-year renewal terms. The first year is free but the rent will increase to $39,038.56 during the 10th year as market conditions improve. The coffee house is scheduled to pay a total of $245,722.20 in rent over 10 years, according to Manassas Park documents.
As a further incentive, the city will reimburse Jirani for up to $108,200 in capital costs to build out their space. Jirani will have 270 days to open the new coffee shop or until the spring of 2023.
Cinema Café has plans to build a 49,000-square-foot, eight-screen theater and dining complex at Park Central. The theater is expected to include a giant outdoor screen that can be used for projecting both movies and other events, such as video game tournaments. To lure the theater, the city pledged to sell just over 3 acres to Cinema Café for $100, according to city documents.
The sweeteners were needed to lure commercial anchors that would both attract other businesses and generate significant tax revenue on their own, Palko said.
“The plan always was to incentivize a commercial anchor to anchor our downtown and to make it commercially viable so that all the other restaurants and businesses that ended up coming here will have something to pull people in,” Palko said, adding: “We see this as a partnership with Cinema Café, and we will work very closely with them on marketing.”
Cinema Café is slated to open in 2024 and is expected to be a huge draw from neighboring communities across Northern Virginia, Palko said.
Once Jirani and Cinema Café are fully operational, the city expects the project to generate at least an estimated $500,000 in tax revenue annually from real estate, meals, professional and occupational licensing and business property taxes, Palko said.
Cinema Café is projected to generate about $250,000 per year in meals tax revenue, an amount that will nearly double the city’s existing annual meals tax revenue of $350,000. The project is also expected to generate almost $150,000 a year in commercial real estate taxes, with sales taxes producing another $100,000 annually.
Cinema Café alone could end up generating 15 to 20% of the city’s total economic output, Palko said.
Over time, the hope is that the downtown area will become hub not just for dining and entertainment but also for specialty shopping, including a smaller “mom and pop” grocery store that would be the first within Manassas Park’s city limits, Palko said.
300 new homes, parking garage
The project will be bolstered by a new, 730-space parking garage built next to city hall and beside the Virginia Railway Express commuter rail station. The project is being paid for with money from Express Mobility Partners, which will operate the Interstate 66 Express lanes. The new garage is also slated to be finished in 2024.
The ground level of the new garage will be reserved for city hall, library and retail customers, while the upper three levels will be dedicated to VRE commuters. Palko said work on the structure will begin this fall. The garage will include a pedestrian bridge over to the existing 600-space surface parking lot that will remain, Palko said.
The Park Central project also includes 300 new condominiums that are already under construction in the adjacent “Village at Manassas Park,” which is within walking distance of both the city hall complex and the VRE station.
The first phase of construction includes 164 “two over two” condominiums with garages that are being built by Stanley Martin Homes. The homes are already selling for about $440,000 to $500,000 and are expected to be complete this fall.
Site work will begin next spring on the second phase: 136 stacked townhomes that are expected to be delivered in 2025.
Palko said that with the current higher residential property values, the sales prices of the first phase condominiums are higher than initially expected. As a result, residential real estate tax revenue generated by the new homes is expected to exceed estimates.
The additional residential real estate taxes will cover the lease payments the city will owe for the city hall and library. They will begin in 2024 and continue for 30 years in a complex lease-to-own schedule set to pay for the new building without additional taxes from current residents or issuing new debt.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Palko said, adding: “It’s very exciting because we have all the players in place to have a successful downtown.”
Reach Cher Muzyk at cmuzyk@fauquier.com
Randy Starks believed it was time to move on from Manassas Park
Dave Fawcetthttps://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/randy-starks-believed-it-was-time-to-move-on-from-manassas-park/article_d25df35a-1cb7-11ed-a743-07d357eaed1d.html
After seeing the numbers dwindle at football practice, Randy Starks knew there was no chance for Manassas Park High School to field a football team.So when Manassas Park announced Aug. 8 it was cancelling the 2022 football season, Starks had already decided to move on as the Cougars’ head coach before the official word came out. The day before, Starks said he informed Manassas Park he was resigning.The school initially planned to determine the program’s future for this season Aug. 1, but then postponed the decision ...
After seeing the numbers dwindle at football practice, Randy Starks knew there was no chance for Manassas Park High School to field a football team.
So when Manassas Park announced Aug. 8 it was cancelling the 2022 football season, Starks had already decided to move on as the Cougars’ head coach before the official word came out. The day before, Starks said he informed Manassas Park he was resigning.
The school initially planned to determine the program’s future for this season Aug. 1, but then postponed the decision until Aug. 5 with the hopes more players would come out. Only eight were in attendance Aug. 5.
Manassas Park averaged a turnout of 11 players over the seven days it held practice from July 28-Aug. 5.
Dan Forgas called it a tough message to send. But he had no other choice.
Starks said the season’s impending cancellation was one reason he chose to step away. But he also said he had issues with the non-district portion of the schedule which he believed put Manassas Park at a competitive disadvantage.
“The whole point in me coming here was to give [the kids] confidence,” Starks said. “But the schedule did not give us the opportunity.”
Starks understood it was a hard sell to convince players to come out for a team that went 0-10 and were outscored 553-7 in 2021. Starks said he tried without success to get kids from other sports like basketball to consider football.
“If you are getting your butts whooped, I understand why they don’t," Starks said.
This was the second year of the two-year cycle for Manassas Park’s schedule. The Cougars dropped their season-opener Aug. 25 at Osbourn earlier this summer, leaving them with nine games. Osbourn, a Class 6 school that went 8-4 and reached the playoffs, defeated Class 3 Manassas Park 56-0 in 2021. The game was called with three minutes left before halftime.
Starks said he thought the program was on the verge of turning a corner coming into this season when 40 kids signed up for offseason workouts. But he said a COVID outbreak during the winter hurt future turnout.
“We never recuperated and kids lost interest,” Starks said.
Starks said he was also unwilling to continue as coach if Manassas Park ended up playing eight-man football for next season, a possibility the school is considering.
“Eight-man football is not my thing,” Starks said. “Basically, you’d be starting from scratch and I’m not the man for that.”
Starks, who commuted to practice from Charles County (MD) and Stafford County, said he had no intention of stepping down if the Cougars did have a season.
“Even if we only had 10 kids at practice, I’m still here,” Starks said.
Manassas Park was Starks’ first job as a head football coach. A former NFL Pro Bowler and University of Maryland standout, Starks began at Manassas Park as an assistant for the 2020 team that played in the spring of 2021 due to the pandemic.
He said he would like to remain in coaching either in high school or college. Starks finishes up his master’s degree from Georgetown in the fall.
“I’m definitely going to miss those [Manassas Park players],” Starks said.
Manassas Park activities director Dan Forgas said the school will take its time in finding Starks’ replacement.
“There’s no deadline,” Forgas said. “This is open-ended. We’re in a unique situation.”
Typically, new head football coaches are hired after the high school season is over. In addition, the hiring school needs a teaching position in place for the coach. And the coach’s current school must be willing to release that person from their contract in the middle of the school year for the coach to switch over to the new school as a teacher.
Forgas said Manassas Park said the school will consider hiring someone who is not a teacher and will work outside of the building. But ideally, they’d like to have someone in the school during the day.
“It’s a fine line to walk,” Forgas said. “In the old days, you have teachers who also coached. To teach and coach these days is more challenging.”
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