Prince William Living November 2012

PAGE 12

CLASSIC AXE

PAGE 26

NORA TASTE OF LEBANON

PAGE 28

MAKING THE KIDS’ TABLE SPECIAL

prince william living November 2012

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Native American History PAGE 20

Mark Shaaber: Father, Veteran and Community Leader PAGE 22

Homeless but Not Alone www.princewilliamliving.com

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table of contents November 2012 Vol. 2 No. 11

FEATURE STORY A Disappearing Legacy: American Indians in Prince William ..................................................4

DEPARTMENTS from the president ..................................................3 advertiser index ....................................................3

4 Photo courtesy Kathy Strauss of Imagewerks

on a high note Classic Axe Hits All the Right Notes ..................12 destinations Airsoft Close Quarter Battle: A Walk In Video Game ........................................16 going places Mark Shaaber: Father, Veteran and Community Leader ......................................20 giving back Homeless but Not Alone ......................................22 local flavor Eat, Dance, Have Fun at Nora Taste of Lebanon ........................................26

12 Photo courtesy Sean Floars

family fun Making the Kids’ Table Special ............................28 calendar ..............................................................32 tambourines and elephants Babies: Little Ones, Big Ones & Four-Footed Ones............................................35 distribution sites ................................................37

COLUMNS health & wellness ................................................14 home & hearth ....................................................18

26

your finances ......................................................30 Photography by Linda Hughes

Discover Prince William & Manassas................33 prince william living November 2012 | 1

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Prince William Living President Rebecca Barnes rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com Contributing Writers Ann Marie Maher, Cindy Brookshire, Carla Christiano, Granger Benson M.D., DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Denise Smith, Jennifer Rader, Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Paul Keily, Stephanie Tipple Editorial Staff Emily Guerrero, Peter Lineberry Photography Sean Floars, Linda Hughes, Kathy Strauss Graphic Design and Production Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio Advertising Account Executives Michelle Geenty, Helena Kennedy and Jennifer Rader Prince William Living, the premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas, is published monthly

by Prince William Living, Inc. e opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Prince William Living. © Copyright 2012 by Prince William Living, Inc. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without written permission. Visit the Prince William Living website at www.princewilliamliving.com for reprint permission.

Subscription rate is $12 (U.S.), one year. International subscribers add $12 each year. Change of address notices should be sent to Prince William Living President Rebecca Barnes at rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com.

Prince William Living 4491 Cheshire Station Plaza, PMB 55 Dale City, VA 22193 Phone: (703) 232-1758 Efax: (703) 563-9185 Editorial offices: (703) 232-1758, ext. 2 Efax: (703) 563-9185 Advertising offices: (703) 232-1758, ext. 1 Efax: (703) 563-9185 Editorial Have a story you’d like our staff to cover? Contact Prince William Living editorial staff, either by phone at (703) 232-1758, ext. 2, or by email at editor@princewilliamliving.com.

Advertising Prince William Living accepts display advertising.

For complete advertising information, please contact Rebecca Barnes, Prince William Living president, either by phone at (703) 232-1758, ext. 1, or by email at rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com.

Distribution If you are your business’ decision maker and you have a waiting room or other place your customers and employees would appreciate finding a copy of Prince William Living, please call Prince William Living President Rebecca Barnes and ask about how your business can become a free distribution site for Prince William Living. Rebecca can be reached by phone at (703) 232-1758, ext. 1, or by email at rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com. By becoming a distributor of Prince William Living, your business will be mentioned on the Prince William Living website and in future issues of Prince William Living.

Social Media

Prince William Living can be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Reprints and Back Issues: To order article reprints or request reprint permission, please visit the Prince William Living website: www.princewilliamliving.com. Order back issues by calling Prince William Living President Rebecca Barnes at (703) 232-1758, ext. 1.

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

Are you a writer who would like to be published? Prince William Living is currently looking for interns. If you live in the Prince William/Manassas area and are interested in seeing your byline in this lifestyle magazine, send us an email, along with two to three writing samples. College students majoring in English and/or journalism or communication are encouraged to apply. Candidates should possess excellent organizational and communication skills, and must be able to work independently. Internship is unpaid. rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com

from the president A

s we gear up for anksgiving, a holiday with roots firmly planted in Native American foods and culture, it seems a good time to look back at the earliest history of our region. Join us on a journey to learn about of the tribes that once lived, hunted and traded here in “A Disappearing Legacy: American Indians in Prince William” by Carla Christiano (page 4). Discover how their legacy lives on, from “tongue twister” names of rivers to routes that grew into modern highways.

Once you have the meaning of “Occoquan” down, get ready to rock out with Classic Axe, a store where the love of music is nurtured and subject of this month’s On a High Note (page 12). en, satisfy your sense of adventure with Destinations (page 16), all about Airsoft CQB in Manassas.

In Local Flavor (page 26) we visit Nora Taste of Lebanon, an entertaining restaurant and lounge in Western Prince William.

For home dining on the big day, read Family Fun for tips on “Making the Kids’ Table Special” (page 28).

Advertiser Index 2 Cutie Patooties ......................................................................36 ACE Hardware (Pitkin’s)............................................................18 ACTS ..........................................................................................36 Addy’s Lounge & Best Western Battlefield Inn ......................25 Advantage Physical Therapy ....................................................15 Alpha Pets ................................................................................36 Ameriprise Financial ................................................................30 Apple FCU ................................................................................30 Audiology and Hearing Aid Center of Gainesville ................13 The ARC of GPW ......................................................................36 B101.5 ........................................................................................19 Bargain Relocation ..................................................................36 Becky Crowley/Flute and Piano Lessons ................................36 CAP Accounting, LLC................................................................31 CertaPro Painters ........................................................................8 Christ Chapel ............................................................................36 City of Manassas Park—Parks & Recreation ..........................31 Confidence Realty ....................................................................25 Creative Brush Studio ..............................................................36 Dansk Day Spa at Occoquan....................................................36 Discover Prince William and Manassas ..................................33 Dominion Eye Care ..................................................................34 Edgemoor Art Studio................................................................36 Farmers Insurance ....................................................................36 Flooring America ........................................................................5 FURR Roofing............................................................................33 Geico ..........................................................................................11 Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics ............................14 Grasso Construction Services, LLC ........................................34 Hard Times Cafe & Cue ............................................................21 Imagewerks ..............................................................................36 ImagineDesign ............................................................................9

November is also a time when we honor the men and women who serve our nation. So it seemed like a perfect opportunity to highlight how Mark Shaaber is making a difference in Going Places (page 20). A retired US Army officer and local business owner, Shaaber recently founded the Prince William Veterans Council.

While counting your blessings this holiday season, take a moment to learn about those who are less fortunate—and what is being done about it—in “Homeless But Not Alone,” this month’s Giving Back (page 22).

Remember to take Prince William Living with you when you head to the polls November 6. It makes for great reading as you wait to exercise your voting rights—another thing to be thankful for this month!

Sincerely, Rebecca Barnes Prince William Living President

Lake Ridge Nursery ..................................................................36 Lavender Retreat ......................................................................33 Linton Hall School ....................................................................21 Love by Cupcake ......................................................................36 Lustine Automall ......................................................................34 Magnificent Belly Dance ..........................................................36 Manassas Chorale ....................................................................15 Minnieland Academy................................................................29 Nova Digital Films ....................................................................29 Nova Music Center ..................................................................25 Parish Services ..........................................................................10 Peggy and Bill Burke, Long & Foster Realtors ......................31 Persnickety Cakes ....................................................................36 Polaris Press ..............................................................................13 Potomac Place ..........................................................................11 Prince William Chamber of Commerce ....................................8 Prince William Hospital ............................................................C4 Prince William Ice Center ........................................................29 Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center ........................................9 Ready Hands ............................................................................25 Reiki Master Practitioner ..........................................................15 Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center ............................C2 Stratford University..................................................................15 Saint Benedict Monastery........................................................25 Slumber Parties ........................................................................36 Spark ..........................................................................................11 Tea Time Tea Room ..................................................................36 Transitional Housing Barn ......................................................21 Trio Consulting............................................................................8 Washington Square Associates ..............................................36 Westminster at Lake Ridge ........................................................9 Winestyles ................................................................................18 Your College Planning Coach ..................................................11 Youth Orchestras of Prince William ........................................13

prince william living November 2012 | 3

A Disappearing Legacy: American Indians in Prince William

By Carla Christiano, Contributing Writer

i

n Prince William, we have no Indian reservations or rock carvings to remind us of the influence American Indians have had. Yet their legacy is here. It’s in Route 1 which follows the tracks of an old Indian trail. It’s in place names like Marumsco, Neabsco, Occoquan, Quantico and Chopawamsic that tongue-tie even the most silver-tongued. It’s also in the native artifacts dating back thousands of years that have been unearthed around the community.

Prehistoric Prince William ere was a time when Prince William was carpeted with stands of oak, hickory and chestnut trees, where fish and wolves and maybe even buffalo were plentiful. It was also the time when American Indians first arrived here. No one knows for certain when they came or where they came from.

Archaeologists have found Indian artifacts here that date as far back as 9500 BC. Many of these items are related to hunting and gathering, leading archaeologists to believe the first American Indians in Prince William used the area as a hunting ground, coming and going with the seasons. A number of these artifacts from the Archaic period (7000 to 1000 BC) were found in what is now Prince William Forest Park. “e short story in terms of Prince William Forest—there was no village or residence here,” said Laura Cohen, chief of interpretation at the park. “We were more of their hunting grounds. ey would hunt wolves, deer, that kind of thing. ey would also quarry rock. ”

(continues on page 6) 4 | November 2012 prince william living

Photo courtesy Kathy Strauss of Imagewerks

Originally named Chopawamsic after the creek that borders the park on the south and runs through Quantico Marine Corps Base, the park has been the site of a number of excavations.

According to the park website, archeologists have found “more than 4,500 artifacts during test excavations of the Williams

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(continued from page 4) Branch site. Most of this material was flakes of quartz left by people making stone tools from cobbles; in all, 3,690 flakes were recovered…Several stone tools were found including spear points and scrapers. ese spear points were manufactured between 4,500 and 500 BC."

Beginning about 1200 BC, American Indians began settling the area and established villages. Archaeologists call this the Woodland Period. Between 900-1600 AD, American Indians began farming and their societies became more complex. In the western part of Prince William, the Manahoac settled into villages in the foothills. ey left few artifacts from their time so we know little about them.

In the east, the original tribes were pushed out and went to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. e group who replaced them may have been from the Piscataway tribe living in Maryland and became known as the Dogue (also spelled Doage, Doeg, or Taux), who spoke an Algonquin language.

“Everything in the Mid-Atlantic was in the Algonquin language groups,” said Leesylvania park interpreter Genevieve White. e Dogue’s main settlement was on the north banks of the Occoquan River near the Potomac River in the Mason Neck area of Fairfax County. It was known as Tauxenent and was where the chief, or werowance, lived. A lesser village called Pamacocack was also established on what is now Quantico Creek. However, the Dogue hunted and fished throughout the area, and one of the places they chose was along the Neabsco Creek where Leesylvania State Park is today, now part of the American Indian Heritage Trail.

“Prior to Colonial takeover by English settlers, the Dogue set up seasonal encampments at Bushy Point [in the park]. ey would gather wild rice and fish but only seasonally. ey would return to their main settlement, which was called Tauxenent,” said White.

To move from settlement to hunting grounds, the Dogue used the rivers which were the natural highways of the time. “It was easier for the Algonquin tribes to travel using the waterways than through the woods,” said Dr. Jim McClellan, Dean of Liberal Arts at Northern Virginia Community College, where he also teaches American Indian history. He said the Algonquin tribes cultivated approximately 15-20 acres of crops along the river. However, only about 25 percent of their diet came from what they raised (which included corn, squash and beans). e remaining 75 percent came from hunting and fishing.

6 | November 2012 prince william living

Photos courtesy Buckland Preservation Society

Settling Prince William

Native American artifacts found at Buckland Mills site.

McClellan said that when it came to dividing up the work, everything was based strictly on gender: women were in charge of raising the crops; men were in charge of hunting and fishing. Men didn’t meddle with the women’s work and vice versa. “It was the women who controlled the corn, and when corn became currency, they controlled that as well,” he said.

Even the power structure of the tribes was based on gender.

McClellan said that in Algonquin tribes, leadership passed from the female side but was inherited first by the males, then the females.

For example, when a chief like Powhatan (whose tribe lived close to the James and York Rivers in southeastern Virginia) died, his chiefdom would pass to his brothers, then to his sisters, then from the oldest female’s sons and daughters, and so on. However, with the coming of the English settlers, Powhatan’s children would not have the chance to inherit his power.

What Happened to the American Indians in Prince William Starting in the 1500s, the Dogue faced mounting pressures from other tribes from the south like the Powhatan and from the north like the Susquehannock and other Iroquois. In response, the Dogue formed the Conoy chiefdom with some other Algonquian tribes such as the Piscataways in Maryland and the Patawomekes in what

The Meaning of Some Prince William Place Names

from the colonists was particularly harmful to the Indian communities, in addition to their facing periods of drought and starvation, particularly in 1618.

Occoquan: At the end of the water Marumsco: At the island rock Neabsco: At the point of the rock Quantico: By the long stream Potomac: Trader

Devastated by disease and the expansion of the colonists, the Indians were eventually pushed out of the area. Perhaps some went further west into what is now West Virginia, or went north and east into Pennsylvania and Maryland. Many of them may have been incorporated into other tribes, Krause speculated. By the 19th century, surveyors and engineers noted the absence of American Indians living in Virginia, including in the western part of the state.

Did You Know?

Disappearing Legacy

Only two tribes have reservations in Virginia, the Pamunkey and Mattaponi. Both are located in King William and date from the 1600s.

Although people still find American Indian artifacts in Prince William, these too are fast disappearing—victims of the expansion and development that undid their creators. On the banks of the Broad Run, the Buckland Preservation Society is working hard to research and protect the American Indian sites that have been identified in the area, according to the society’s president David Blake. Although Buckland residents recognize the importance of the artifacts—some dating back thousands of years—Blake noted that elsewhere in the region American Indian sites are not being properly addressed. “It’s so sad that we are losing it,” he said.

From George Brown’s A History of Prince William County

is now Stafford County. e chiefdom included as many as 1,000 to 7,000 people. However, this alliance was not enough to resist the worst threat of all: the English colonists.

Arriving in Virginia in 1607, the English colonists landed right in the middle of an already precarious time for area American Indians.

Captain John Smith encountered some of this conflict as he explored the Chesapeake watershed, including the Potomac River, in a two-ton open barge looking for food in 1608. However, even with this inter-tribe conflict, it would take another 50 years before the English colonists spread northward from Jamestown. According to George Brown’s History of Prince William County, the first land patent here was purchased by omas Burbage in 1653. He owned approximately 3,000 acres in the area that would eventually become Woodbridge.

As more and more colonists pushed north and west, they clashed with the American Indians living there. In 1676, these conflicts resulted in “all out” war in a conflict known as Bacon’s Rebellion.

Even though the Algonquin tribes were not related to the Susquehannock who “lit the fuse for Bacon’s Rebellion,” the settlers retaliated against them because “to the settlers, an Indian was an Indian,” McClellan said.

“European contact and settlement was very destructive to Native Americans,” said preservationist Robert Krause of the Prince William County Public Works. He noted that disease originating

Justin Patton, the Prince William County Planning Office’s archaeologist, said there are many American Indian sites throughout the county but “unfortunately, a lot of them are small and not many of them had artifacts.” Many of the pre-contact Indian sites have been plowed under and others have disappeared more recently from soil erosion. is has been happening from the 1700s to the present. “e end result has damaged a number of prehistoric sites we have found,” Patton said.

Although we may be losing the physical artifacts of the American Indians who settled here hundreds of years ago, we still have names like Occoquan, Neabsco and Quantico to remind of us of the earliest residents of Prince William. Krause said, “Place names are sort of like a living legacy of these people.”

Carla Christiano is a Prince William County native, admitted history geek, and technical writer and editor for Unisys. She can be reached by email at cchristiano@princewilliamliving.com.

Alice Reagan, a professor at NVCC, also provided information for this article. prince william living November 2012 | 7

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on a high note

Classic Axe Hits All the Right Notes

By Stephanie Tipple, Contributing Writer

i

f you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all of your musical needs, and you happen to like looking at an impressive collection of guitars on display – then Classic Axe in Gainesville, Virginia, is the perfect place for you. Owned by couple Russ and Patty Craig, Classic Axe offers customers and music fans a unique opportunity to get ahold of classic and high quality instruments and accessories, while offering all of the personalization and customer service of a family-owned business.

Named after the combination of classic brands they offer, and guitarists’ use of the term ‘axe’ for their instrument, the Craig family opened the original store location in Manassas in 1992, just off of Route 28. For Russ, the opening of Classic Axe was a way for him to branch out and pursue a business in the field that he loved. “My hobby was guitar and I’m a musician: I play, sing and it was just one of my hobbies and I thought I would be interested in doing something fun, just to have something to do and it kind of took off and became a little bigger than I had envisioned originally,” Russ said.

After briefly owning another location in Woodbridge in ’99, Classic Axe moved to its current location in Gainesville. e Craigs have stuck to the two things they do best – guitars and customer service – but in their twenty years of business, they’ve expanded to offer other instruments and music lessons for students, such as drums and piano. “e main idea behind the store was to provide a nice and friendly environment for the playing musician. We’ve been in business for twenty years now, starting mostly with used guitars and amps, focusing on the playing musician and we’ve evolved with the times. We’re like the old-fashioned, mom-and-pop kind of store – family oriented and family ran,” Patty said.

One service that parents with musically-minded students will enjoy are the comprehensive one-on-one private lessons. “We started doing lessons in ’98 and it was a big thing for us. We do guitar, drums, piano,” Russ said. e

12 | November 2012 prince william living

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lessons are weekly, with a staff of teachers who have been with Classic Axe for 12-14 years. e cost is $135 per month. In addition to lessons, the store also specializes in guitar repairs and renting out band and orchestra instruments for local school music programs.

shopping center where they are located, Virginia Gateway. Featured musicians have included students and teachers of the store. According to a report in InsideNova, the performers have turned heads, catching the attention of the shopping center’s other patrons.

While Classic Axe is a business, it’s clear that the people behind the business have a huge focus on providing a positive community atmosphere, fostering the growth of musical talent in their students and staff. “Quite a few of our students have gone on to pursue degrees in music. ey started their music and their lessons with us, and stayed on until going to college,” Russ commented. Several former students are now employees. One of their students turned employees, David Bales, recalled first visiting the store. “I was a musician in the area, and when Russ moved the store here, I started coming in all the time just to check out his stuff. But I was just a musician – I’ve been playing guitar for about 15 years and I just naturally had a lot of interest in the store.

I did take lessons for about a year. I think they have a great little business,” Bales said. He added that the comprehensive range of merchandise and the obvious love the owners have of music makes the store stand out.

No matter what, Classic Axe will always be a place where musicians will be able to get a great selection of classic and new guitars. “We consider ourselves to be a pro shop—a specialty location for musicians, or people who want to be musicians. A place that you can go where you’re going to get a knowledgeable staff.

It’s a lot different than going to a big store that just sells instruments off of a shelf. We’ve survived over the years by being more of a niche specialty store. It’s a passion and everyone who works here is involved with music outside of the store as well.”

e Craigs take their love of music beyond the four walls of the store, sponsoring a concert series in the

Author Stephanie Tipple is a college student, journalist and community leader.

She resides in Woodbridge. She can be reached by email at stipple@princewilliamliving.com.

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Resistance to accepting home care despite the entreaties of concerned family members is a common scenario and a frequent point of contention across generations. Here are some suggestions that may help to ease the process: ■

Avoid No-Win Arguments: Lots of families lock horns over whether parents are really slipping. Yet it can just breed resentment to point out ways in which Mom or Dad is no longer managing personal and household tasks well. These kinds of arguments usually don’t accomplish much, and they may harden resistance.

■

Emphasize Your Needs, Not Theirs: A parent may relent if you pose home care as being for your reassurance.

Point out that it would give you peace of mind.

Underscore the benefits of household help like cooking, laundry and housekeeping and avoid reference to your parent’s personal care needs. Once the “foot is in the door,” he or she may let the aide start helping with bathing, dressing and other personal care.

■

Accept that Safety Doesn’t Trump Everything: Some compromise on safety is almost always necessary. An impaired senior is at risk of mishaps and injuries. Making safety the overriding issue seems responsible. However, if it comes at the expense of dignity and quality of life, it may not be. Better to accommodate a parent’s values and preferences while practicing the art of the possible.

■

■

Use Modern Technology: Don’t ignore the many possible ways in which technology can allow for remote safety monitoring of vital signs like blood pressure, movement through the house and medication compliance. Also consider a personal emergency response system.

Enlist a Trusted Professional: A trusted personal physician, lawyer or clergyman may be more persuasive. Be careful about appearing as if he or she was recruited to press your point of view. If your parent feels “ganged up on,” this approach may backfire.

Granger Benson, M.D. is an internal medicine physician and founder of Ready Hands Home Care. He often writes and speaks on elder care and senior health topics. Learn more at www.readyhands.com.

14 | November 2012 prince william living

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prince william living November 2012 | 15

destinations Airsoft Close Quarter Battle in Manassas: A Walk-in Video Game

By Paul Keily, Contributing Writer

J

Photos courtesy Airsoft

im Blanchard of Airsoft Close Quarter Battle (CQB) in Manassas describes the sport of Airsoft as a “walk-in immersive video game.” Players use realistic replicas of weapons that fire small plastic balls to engage in mock combat situations. e game operates on an honor system; if a player is hit, he must sit out for an allotted amount of time before resuming play.

At Airsoft CQB the grounds are used for both recreational games and professional training. e ability to safely practice in a variety of scenarios has led groups such as the Pentagon Defense Force, the U.S. Marine Corps, and local law enforcement to use Airsoft CQB for tactical training exercises.

ose playing for fun can take part in simulations based on historical military conflicts, zombie movies and video games. In the realistic military scenarios players are armed as if they were truly going to battle. It is possible to load an Airsoft gun with hundreds of pellets, but in the realistic games the amount of ammunition is restricted to that of actual weapons. ese scenarios also have a medical training aspect where players mimic the actions of combat medics. e rules of each scenario changes depending on the skill level of the players involved.

Blanchard explained that safety is paramount at Airsoft CQB. Players must wear eye and teeth protection and attend the tactics courses before being allowed to play at CQB. ese classes teach the basic skills and safety needed to succeed in Airsoft, involving techniques similar to those employed by law enforcement. ere are four levels of tactics classes. In Tactics I the player learns basic individual skills, shooting, communications and movement.

In Tactics II players learn two-man tactics. Tactics III and IV involve larger group maneuvers. Medical classes are another offering. ese begin with lessons in CPR and catastrophic bleeding, advancing to skills such as casualty evacuation. e more training players have the more responsibility they can take on during scenarios. Classes are generally offered every Saturday from 16 | November 2012 prince william living

“Locked and loaded for (mock) battle."

9 am to 11 am, and are taught in cohorts in the spring, summer and fall. e current course schedule can be found at www.airsoftCQB.com. e majority of staff members have prior military or police experience. Referees must be at least twenty-one years old and go through Airsoft CQB’s “School of Special Instruction.”

Airsoft CQB has two locations. e Pro Shop, located off Wellington Road at 12085 Cadet Court in Manassas, is open ursday through Sunday. All the necessary equipment, from protective gear to replicas of explosives and guns, can be purchased there. e Training Center is down the road at 6940 Wellington Road in Bristow and is only opened Saturday and Sunday. Situated on 20 acres of land, the center has two miles of internal convoy and patrol roads. It is anchored by a command center, with the base of operations modeled on real US Army camps. From here, players can view the action with cameras and send out intelligence reports to team members. In between games, players can purchase refreshments such as hot dogs and hamburgers at the center’s cantina.

e grounds feature three differently themed fields: Alpha, Bravo and Charlie. Alpha field includes a replica of an Afghan city, “Little Kabul,” a climbing center and a sniper field. Bravo also has a sniper field along with a town named “Tombstone” with an Old West motif. Taking its inspiration from the Vietnam War, Charlie field is home to “Asian Village.” e “Oregon Trail”, “Assault Hill” and a reactive target range are also located here.

On a typical day Airsoft CQB has about a hundred patrons.

Admission is $25, and players are encouraged to make a day of it.

On weekends, they can come out as early as 10:30 in the morning and play until six in the evening. is allows time to play in several different scenarios.

Two summer camps are also offered at Airsoft CQB. e first, Airsoft Expeditionary Camp, is an extended 24/7 scenario. You must be over 18 to participate. Activities will include night games, role playing and command center operations. ere are only 26 available spots, split into two squads, for this camp. Attendees will also qualify to become referees for Airsoft CQB. e registration cost of $850 includes games, training, meals, ammo and minor gun repair. In 2013, Expeditionary Camp runs Sunday, June 24 through Friday, June 28. e second camp will be a day camp for children ages 13 to 15, running from Wednesday, June 26 to Friday, June 28. e total cost of $250 includes all equipment, supplies, and meals. Campers will learn a variety of skills, ranging from Airsoft-specific knowledge such as weapons safety, team communication and

Private and Professional Training is offered at Airsoft Close Quarter Battle.

tactical technology, to more general skills such as climbing, rappelling and first aid.

Airsoft can be a great alternative to video games, allowing visitors to combine a gaming-type experience with fresh air, teamwork and adventure. Justin, 17, of Manassas said, “I love coming out, getting exercise, hanging out with my friends, working on team skills. It’s a hobby of mine. I learn a lot from the military people who are involved with Airsoft CQB.” To learn more about Airsoft CQB, visit www.airsoftcqb.com.

Paul Keily is currently a senior English major with a concentration in Creative Writing at the University of Mary Washington. He splits his time between Fredericksburg and Manassas. He can be reached by email at pkeily@princewilliamliving.com.

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prince william living November 2012 | 17

home & hearth

Shop Local.

By Denise Smith of FA Design Build he resurgence of multi-generational living is transforming the remodeling industry. Aging Baby Boomers, a stagnant housing market and the recent economic downturn have contributed to a growing number of parents, adult children and their children all living together under one roof. Many of these families decide to create a permanent and private area within their existing home to accommodate these changes.

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One effect of recent economic challenges has been the return of a greater number of grown children to the family home. In fact, according to Pew Research, 21.6% of adults between 25 and 34 are living with their parents.

In-law suites are small apartments configured to be both private and easily accessible to the main living space. They usually are added to the home after construction and have a separate entrance, kitchen, bath, bedroom and living room. I recently worked with a woman to remodel her basement, which already had a bedroom and full bath, to accommodate her elderly mother. For kitchen space, my client’s first instinct was to simply add a wet bar to the rec room. Upon our discussion we decided her mother would be more comfortable if she had a full-sized refrigerator and oven.

Together, this family solved the dilemma of how to allow an elderly parent to feel both independent and secure.

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With many options for meeting your multi-generational living goals, professional guidance can go a long way. As with any remodeling project, the key to success is hiring a contractor who understands the needs of the family, now and in the future.

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Adding an “Accessory Dwelling Unit” is another way that people provide each generation with privacy and independence within one home. These are living spaces built on the property but not within the house, such as an apartment added above the garage. As family members move out, the apartment can also be rented for extra income.

Denise Smith is a design and sales consultant for FA Design Build in Woodbridge. She can be reached by email at dsmith@fadesignbuild.com.

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prince william living November 2012 | 19

going places Mark Shaaber: Father, Veteran and Community Leader

By Stephanie Tipple, Contributing Writer

m

eet Mark Shaaber: a dedicated father who served 20 years in the United States Army and is now making his mark as a business leader in Prince William.

Shaaber came to the area during his last five years of service, working in the Pentagon. After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, he decided to permanently settle in the community with his wife, whom he met on his first tour to Britain, and their two children. Shaaber began to build a new career as an entrepreneur. He is now the CEO and partner owner of SCS Integrated Support Solutions LLC, a company that creates efficient workplace interiors for its government and corporate clients.

As a business owner, Shaaber became involved in the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, a membership organization that works to enhance the business environment and quality of life in the community. While his initial motivation for joining the chamber was to grow his own business, Shaaberr quickly saw his involvement in the group as a way to combine his passion for service. He became active in groups such as the Chamber’s Government Contracting Council and learned more about ways that businesses could support the community. ese experiences led to Shaaber being invited to apply to the Leadership Prince William program, which the chamber had helped to found. According to the LPW website, the program is “designed to assist in preparing existing and emerging community leaders for leadership positions in business, local government and community affairs.” He said that the program had a huge impact on his life.

“While working in the Leadership Prince William program, I learned a lot about how the community runs. I had really not paid a lot of attention to that previously, because I was always on military service somewhere, moving around from place to place. I realized what I was really missing in my life was that sense of 20 | November 2012 prince william living

Prince William Veterans Council Members Mark Shaaber, Angela McConnell, Rebecca Vaughan-King and Rob Clapper, CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.

community that we always had on a military base.” With this in mind, Shaaber began reaching out to fellow veterans and friends in the community, to see if others might feel the same way that he did.

Ultimately, this thought process would lay the groundwork for the formation of the Prince William Veterans Council.

“Prince William is a very veteran-rich community. ere are roughly 430,000–450,000 people in the county, and about 14 percent of that is estimated to be veterans, so you’re talking about right around 40,000 veterans...ey are naturally mission oriented, service oriented people so individually they’re always involved in something....When you’re talking about bringing a community together, tapping into that great resource, I thought it would be a perfect grouping to bring together,” Shaaber said.

Shaaber was particularly struck by one experience he had during his service, in terms of the sense of the community and collective ideals of military families and veterans. During the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Shaaber was stationed in Germany. He gathered with fellow soldiers to watch the news coverage. “I walked back to the Operations Center and General Wallace, the Corps Commander, was giving a briefing. e whole staff was in the room and my boss looked over at me and nodded. Nothing needed to be said - we were at war and we were all there and we were all in it together.”

Shortly after Shaaber began forming his new veteran’s group, he was approached by Prince William Chamber President & CEO Rob Clapper, himself and his wife both retired Army officers. Clapper offered to bring the veteran’s group into the Chamber’s program of work. After several meetings to finalize the details, the Prince William Veterans Council had joined the “chamber family” as Clapper calls it.

With this partnership, the new council has the full resources of the chamber at its disposal, in addition to its own active network of volunteers. e group’s main focus remains the idea of togetherness and the sense of community that Shaaber sought. While the majority of members are veterans, the council is open to anybody who wants to be involved. One of the first council projects is helping to plan the chamber’s second annual “Salute to the Armed Forces,” a tribute to area service members. e event takes place January 16 at Harbour View Event Center in Woodbridge. “is year we hope to do something a little bit more focused on the community and perhaps tie in a job fair and some awareness activities,” Shaaber said. Members of the community are encouraged to attend; event information and registration is available online at www.pwchamber.org.

Looking back on his experiences as a father and an Army officer, Shaaber sees that forming the Veterans Council and having a positive impact for the community is no random act of fate. “It was simply a calling – I have sacrificed very little compared to most of my Army and Marine Corps comrades, over the past 10 years in particular, and I needed to do something. I guess I feel guilty – not an uncommon feeling among veterans - despite giving much [of ] myself.” To learn more about the council and its efforts to support Prince William area veterans, call 703.368.6600.

Author Stephanie Tipple is a college student, journalist and community leader. She resides in Woodbridge. She can be reached by email at stipple@princewilliamliving.com.

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giving back

Homeless but Not Alone

By Jennifer Rader, Contributing Writer

d

espite being the seventh wealthiest county in the nation according to census data, many Prince William residents feel the crunch of the economic downturn. is is perhaps most deeply felt by those experiencing homelessness. Homelessness can invade a life for a myriad of reasons; unemployment, domestic violence, mental incapacity and other circumstances can create a downward spiral that can be hard to escape. Fortunately, the greater Prince William area has safety net resources available through government agencies and non-profit organizations working together to reduce the challenges for individuals and families without housing.

When it comes to definitions of what it means to be homeless, they are as varied as the causes. It includes living on the streets, sleeping at parks and campsites and staying in an emergency shelter. ese situations are contained in the statistics. However, individuals and families that are “doubling up,” living with family members or friends, are not reflected in figures.

22 | November 2012 prince william living

e Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Homeless Services Planning & Coordinating Committee annually conducts a “point in time” count of homeless persons in nine D.C. metro area jurisdictions. In 2011, the report reflected 566 homeless individuals in the Prince William area, which includes Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. is was 38 percent higher than 2010 numbers, the greatest increase in a five-year time period. 2012 figures showed a decrease of 17 percent, with 467 homeless persons counted. e report indicates that this decrease is due in part to not including in the count those who live in permanent supportive housing—that is, affordable housing combined with services that help a resident to improve life skills such as financial management and parenting. ese numbers are a “snapshot” reflecting statistics from a 24-hour period in January.

With people moving in and out of homelessness, the numbers only tell part of the story and there remains a constant demand for resources and solutions.

e Prince William area has four transitional housing facilities and two emergency shelters in operation with multiple organizations providing supportive services.

ACTS, the oldest homeless shelter in Prince William, provides a home atmosphere to singles and families with children. Last year ACTS served 80,000 clients through services such as short-term housing and courses in life skills like parenting, financial planning and interviewing for a job. Additionally, ACTS operates a safe house for victims of domestic violence, a food pantry serving approximately 4,000 people monthly and “Senior Link,” which delivers food to homebound clients.

SERVE, the Manassas campus of Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), is the largest shelter and food distribution site in the Prince William region. is past summer SERVE completed a 4,000 square-foot expansion of its facilities, increasing bed capacity from 60 to 92 and allowing for a dedicated family wing. According to Graham Marsden, communications director at NVFS, in addition to the campus expansion, the facility has been able to add services including an early Head Start classroom which allows parents to leave their pre-school children in capable hands while at work. is is especially significant since as much as 30 percent of SERVE’s shelter residents are children at any point in time.

Additionally, NVFS has included a full-time housing locator at SERVE. is staff member identifies safe and stable housing for shelter clients, working with property owners to garner a compatible long-term lease or purchase arrangement. Efficiencies such as this have enabled SERVE and NVFS to decrease the average shelter stay from 90 days or more to approximately 45 days.

Transitional Housing BARN, an initiative of the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, is another unique resource focusing on homeless women and their children. BARN provides transitional housing and a comprehensive case management program for up to two years as clients work toward self-sufficiency. Support services include counseling to overcome traumas that may have led to homelessness, life skills, financial management and employment assistance with additional help in locating permanent housing. Each mother contributes 30 percent of her adjusted income toward an escrow account where BARN will hold it until she completes the program. e program can accommodate up to 12 families in its three fourbedroom apartments, which are referred to as “neighborhoods.”

Within an apartment, each family receives a large bedroom and bath, sharing the living room and kitchen with their “neighbors.”

Clients cooperatively care for this shared living area. is, many times, can bring their life skills education full circle, creating

Photo courtesy ACTS

“ere is a real spirit of working together,” says Tom Benjamin, Director of Development for ACTS in Dumfries. “We help each other out as much as we can.” Benjamin, a 30-year veteran of nonprofit fundraising within the homeless sector and beyond, credits the Greater Prince William Continuum of Care (CoC) for this synergy. Across the nation, CoCs provide a collaborative, regional approach to addressing the issue of homelessness, with community partners pooling assets and using a client-focused, “housing first” philosophy.

ACTS is fortunate that many major church and civic groups come in daily to provide assistance. “The (meal) schedule fills up months in advance,” says Director of Development Tom Benjamin.

sustainable habits for a successful life after BARN. e Hilda M. Barg Homeless Prevention Center is a short-term shelter for families and single adults. e average stay is 30 to 51 days. Program director Gayle Sanders explained that the center works with SERVE and ACTS on coordinated intake to prevent people from falling through the cracks.” e Prevention Center also has plans to work with real estate agents and property owners to secure housing for clients. Sanders, who has been with the center since its 1990 opening, has observed an increase in rent costs despite a decrease in real estate prices. Sanders said this this trend makes it difficult for shelter families since they typically rent rather than buy. “ere aren’t enough livable wage jobs,” says Sanders.

Prince William County operates two emergency shelters intended to meet short-term needs such as showers, meals, clothing and protection from the weather. ese only accommodate adults; families with children are unable to stay at the shelters. One, the Drop-In Center (DIC) provides daytime programs six days per week. e DIC is operated in collaboration with the Cooperative Council of Ministries (CCoM), an affiliation of 27 area churches committed to servicing those in need. CCoM also assists the Hilda M. Barg Homeless Prevention Center with meals for its residents.

“In the past year, 2012, the DIC has typically seen 40-45 individuals each day,” said Kay Taylor, Prince William County Government deputy director of social services. e county also operates a winter shelter from November 1 to March 31. During that period, it is open every day from 7 am to 7 pm, providing a warm, safe haven for approximately 300 homeless people throughout the cooler seasons.

Continual Need “Some people automatically assume winter is the worst,” says (continues on page 24) prince william living November 2012 | 23

(continued from page 23)

fill gaps. Another such partner is House of Mercy founded by Kellie Ross and Father Jack Fullen. Ann Cimini, House of Mercy, assistant director, finds that many clients are middle-class families who do not qualify for government assistance. Located in Manassas, the organization offers life skills taught in English and Spanish, clothing, and small financial assistance for utilities and groceries.

“We have worked with referral clients from SERVE for their clothing needs,” says Cimini.

ACTS is fortunate that many major church and civic groups come in three times daily to provide meals. “e schedule fills up months in advance,” says Benjamin.

In several cases, former clients have become donors. As Benjamin explains, “A number of individuals that received help come back to pay it back. ey tell us, ‘Not only did you give me a bed, you helped straighten things out in my life.’”

In this regard, a distinct quality of the Hilda M. Barg Homeless Prevention Center is their AfterShare program, a volunteer group of former center residents. According to Sanders, these past residents are a highly engaged part of the center’s advisory network and a great fundraising and outreach branch of the center. e focus of AfterShare volunteer service changes in response to observed needs in the homeless community. Last winter, the group collected toiletries for the county’s winter shelter. When temperatures soared over the summer, AfterShare collected water and delivered it to campsites where homeless people live. AfterShare volunteers have also created a rent fund to put toward housing start-up costs such as security deposits or utilities.

Sanders, referencing the level of need. Each shelter representative interviewed voiced a wish that the flow of contributions could be more even throughout the year. Instead, they tend to go through highs and extreme lows in food and supplies as donations and need ebb and flow. e Prevention Center finds that demand surges in June after school has let out and again in the fall. At the end of the school year, those doubled up with friends and family tend to lose their housing. For SERVE, right before the holidays is difficult.

Marsden explains, “Routinely there is an acute need just before the holiday season begins. Holiday season pantry receipts become low

by January until donations come in during the spring holiday season but they are again empty in August. Each shelter is constantly working to keep resources stocked. “Hunger comes to the doorstep every day to those who are hurting, and there is a need to meet these needs beyond the traditional seasons of giving,” said Marsden.

While the nation as a whole strives to recover economically, organizations in greater Prince William continue to maintain focus, constantly changing to meet the needs of people who could use a hand up. By working together as an efficient network, resolved in the mission to lift clients from homelessness to self-sufficiency, nonprofits, government entities and individual volunteers are giving back each and every day.

Additionally, ACTS and SERVE source specific items to make the holiday season as special as possible for shelter clients. rough Operation Turkey, ACTS and SERVE provide a combined 3,100 anksgiving dinner bags of food to families across Prince William.

A nonprofit development director for 10 years, Jennifer Rader now works as a freelance writer and consultant. She lives with her son and husband in Manassas and can be reached at jrader@princewilliamliving.com

Supportive Partners A common message from the shelters is that they do what they can in the face of continuous waiting lists and steady requests.

Community support and collaboration with other nonprofits offer a lifeline. As Benjamin has witnessed at ACTS, “[ere has been] incredible support from the community, a lot of people really care and want to reach out.” After a flood took the homes of families living in the Holly Acres community in Woodbridge, ACTS ran out of food. A post on Facebook announced that the pantry would need to close until it could restock. Seeing this, the community rallied quickly with food and cash donations, allowing ACTS to reopen weeks ahead of schedule.

Partner organizations, such as the one with CCoM, also regularly 24 | November 2012 prince william living

Get Involved: Contact Local Shelters Reach out to the shelter near you to learn about volunteer opportunities and donation needs. You can also look for each of these organizations on Facebook for news and updates.

ACTS - Dumfries 703-221-3186 | actspwc.org BARN - Bristow 703-369-1325 | barninc.org Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center Woodbridge 703-680-5403

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local flavor

Eat, Dance, Have Fun at Nora Taste of Lebanon

By Cindy Brookshire, Contributing Writer

W

eekends at Nora Taste of Lebanon in Gainesville are packed, and it’s not just the food that draws customers from all over Prince William and beyond. It’s the pleasure of socializing Middle Eastern style, complete with belly dancing, lounge and hookah bar.

Belly dancing shows in the dining room take place on ursdays at 10:30 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.

One of three dancers performs each weekend, adding to the variety for customers, who clearly enjoy the shows.

“People start jumping up and dancing with [the dancers],” said Walid Boustany, owner, executive chef and restaurateur who knows how to entertain his customers.

Carolyn Farley, owner of Brickhouse Cardio Club in Manassas, raves,“I absolutely love that place. I found it to be absolutely wonderful, great service, extensive menu, delicious Lebanese food.” Her own Zumba fitness classes incorporate some belly dance moves, so she says that the shows add to the experience.

“It wasn’t smoky,” said Rachel, who points out that most of her friends are nonsmokers, of the hookah experience. “It’s actually quite light and sweet smelling.”

In the hookah bar, customers select from 20 kinds of flavored tobacco. e tobacco is then heated with each user taking turns drawing on the hookah pipe, removing their own individual plastic tip before sharing with the next person. Smoke is drawn through water in the hookah’s bowl, which filters and cools it.

26 | November 2012 prince william living

Photography by Linda Hughes

Rachel and Jason Marineau of New Baltimore, Virginia have marked several celebrations at Nora. e couple booked their wedding rehearsal dinner in the upscale dining room, with its deep maroon and green décor and wooden-slatted shades on the windows. ey also helped ring in a friend’s 40th birthday in the lounge and hookah bar, stocked with a full bar featuring a wide selection of Lebanese, as well as other imported and American wine and beer.

“It’s relaxing,” Boustany explained. “You don’t have to inhale to enjoy it. You play backgammon, you listen to music, you dance, you talk, you eat. It’s fun.”

Boustany left war-torn Beirut for America in 1976, bringing with him the memories and recipes—from baked spinach pies to 17bean chicken soup—of his grandmother, Nora. “My grandma was

one of the best cooks in Lebanon,” said Boustany. “Every time I cook I think of her. She was a great lady and I miss her all the time.”

To honor her, three years ago he opened Nora Taste of Lebanon.

Here, Boustany surrounds himself with family, including daughter Sonia, and a young, energetic staff. A restaurateur for 32 years in Washington, D.C., Arlington and Fairfax, Boustany still owns Aladdin’s Eatery in Burke, and plans to open a restaurant in Richmond’s West End in 2013. Still, it is apparent that his heart is centered in Gainesville, where he orchestrates Nora as a gathering place for good food and entertainment.

weddings and other events. Check out an online menu at www.norarestaurant.com or ‘like’ Nora – Taste of Lebanon on Facebook to watch a brief video of the belly dancers. For more information, call 703-753-0233.

Manassas resident Cindy Brookshire is a freelance writer and a frequent contributor to Prince William Living magazine. Brookshire can be reached by email at cbrookshire@princewilliamliving.com.

Chefs make everything from scratch here, from sausages to yogurt, and the halal truck delivers fresh ingredients twice a week. Six combinations of carrot, apple and orange juice are squeezed to order, and there are more than 20 vegetarian items on the menu.

“It’s all homemade Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking,” Boustany explained. “What you eat here, you eat back home in Beirut: the same favorites, the same taste. Everything you eat here is for good health.”

Nora’s bounty begins with lentil soup, tabouleh (bulgar wheat and parsley) salad, stuffed grape leaves or 20 other appetizers, from makanek (sausage with pine nuts) to soujouk (spicy beef sausages).

“I love Nora,” said Gainesville resident Rebecca Vaughan-King.

She praises the fried kibbeh—ground beef and cracked wheat shells stuffed with a mix of ground beef, onions and pine nuts— and the ferrouj mishwi entrée of charbroiled chicken.

“When my sister and her husband were visiting from England I brought them to Nora, and they were so impressed,” said Vaughan-King. “I have always loved trying new and exotic food.

Nora didn't let me down. It's so nice to see Gainesville going international! e food is fabulous.”

Photo Courtesy Stereo Vision Photography

Boustany’s favorite dish was also his grandmother’s favorite: mihshi koosa, or zucchini stuffed with angus ground beef and rice, simmered in a tomato sauce and served with stuffed grape leaves.

Other house favorites are lamb kebab or the mixed grill of kafta (ground beef and onions), chicken and lamb served with vegetables and vermicelli topped with roasted almonds and served with garlic and tahini sauce. Desserts, super-sweet and ovenwarm, include kanafa (melted white cheese topped with shredded wheat and rosewater syrup) and three kinds of baklava: the familiar phyllo dough with walnuts, lady fingers (phyllo dough with cashews) and burma (shredded wheat with pistachios).

Chocolate or mango mousse cakes are also available.

Nora – Taste of Lebanon opens daily at 11 a.m.; the dining room closes Sunday through ursday at 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. It is located at 14674 Lee Highway in Gainesville. Outdoor seating is available when the weather permits. Nora Lounge and Hookah Bar is open 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Sunday through ursday and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Nora delivers locally to the Gainesville/Haymarket area, takes reservations for large groups and private parties, and caters for prince william living November 2012 | 27

family fun Making the Kids’ Table Special

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By Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Contributing Writer

ne of the things that I am most thankful for each year come November is the family traditions that we enjoy for the holidays, such as decorating for the season.

Whenever possible, I like to involve my children in this so that they can feel a sense of connection and pride in the festive feeling in our home. is is especially true at anksgiving. If you can’t remember a year where you were banished to the kids’ table despite feeling way too old and way too cool, then you’ve either got a teeny-tiny family, or your family had a massive dining room table! is year, make sure that the kids’ table is the place to be, and have some fun with your children in the process. A few simple and fun touches will make your kids feel like their meal is equally as special and fussed over as the adults’. If you have a large number of children coming early in the day, you could plan one of the crafts below as a time-filler to keep little hands busy and out of the kitchen before the big meal. You could even ask one of the too-cool teenagers you’re sticking at the table to supervise the projects, or even a dad—though make sure you ask before kickoff if you want quality supervision.

Basic Table Set Up I like to use a real tablecloth for two reasons. One, I’m cheap and they are washable, and two, because it gives the kids a “grown up” feeling. However, there’s nothing wrong with a runner made out of butcher paper or newsprint that the kids can color.

Centerpiece For an easy and interactive centerpiece, secure a block of floral foam inside a miniature tin pail. Decorate the pail with stickers or ribbon if you wish. en, set several small branches (yes, from the back yard; let the children gather them as part of the adventure) into the foam. Provide your young decorators with individual silk leaves and have them write what they are thankful for on the leaves. A parent or older child can tie the leaves with ribbon or affix Christmas ornament hooks to them. Now they are ready to hang from the “tree” of branches and foam. Other fun pieces for the center of the table include pine cones, mini gourds, and mini pumpkins. If you’ve got particularly active children, you could even include sheets of “face stickers” at the table so the kids can give their pumpkins personality.

Cornucopias is project takes a traditional holiday element and makes it more kid-friendly. Cornucopias are an easy table addition. If 28 | November 2012 prince william living

you’re not adverse to sugar, fill a waffle cone with fruit-shaped candies and pumpkin candies and use it to decorate the center of the table. If your family likes to keep things a little healthier, have younger children pluck grapes while older children slice bananas. Fill your waffle cone with fruit salad for a tasty appetizer for each child’s plate. Either option comes in handy when the turkey needs an extra 15 minutes.

Cloth Napkins I know it sounds crazy to do for children, but cloth table settings can actually make an adorable keepsake while enhancing the decoration of the kids’ table. You can find white cloth napkins at various retailers for between $2 and $3. Taking the napkins, trace each child’s hand with a fabric marker or pencil and then allow them to paint it in, adding turkey details at the end. Or, just go for it and make hand-print turkeys. Paint the child’s palm and thumb brown, painting each additional finger in a fall color, like yellow, red, orange and green. In either case, children should immediately wash their hands when done. Mix a little sugar or salt in the soap to help get paint off little fingers.

If anything doesn’t wash off each crevice or nail, don’t worry. It will flake off in a day or so. If you’re making these the day of, be sure to start early, especially if you’re having children paint in their hand prints. Children tend to go a little heavy-handed on the paint and you’ll need drying time!

Name Cards Your name cards can do double duty when they mark each child’s place and hold their crayons! Use a pine cone turned on its side and glued to a heart-shaped piece of paper for “feet”. Be sure to use heavy construction paper or foam sheets to help balance the pine cone. On what would be the bottom of the cone, attach a piece of paper shaped like an 8, decorating the top with a turkey face, and writing the child’s name on the bottom before attaching it. Finally, nestle crayons under the “petals” of the pine cone to complete your turkey.

However you choose to decorate and celebrate, I hope on this anksgiving you have lots to be thankful for, including healthy, happy children running around your kitchen!

Kristina Schnack Kotlus and her husband reside in Woodbridge with their three children. She is a born and raised Prince William native and the owner of PwcMoms.com, a resource for parents in the Prince William County area.

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Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School 5K Run/Walk for Options

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on Saturday. Pancake Breakfast with Santa on Sunday. Unique gifts, decorations & Monastery Munchies.

November 3, 6 – 9 p.m.

PWAR Building 4545 Daisy Reid Ave. | Woodbridge Join ACTS for an evening of fun, food and fundraising! Local and celebrity chefs will be on hand to prepare signature dishes. Over 100 items including gift cards, sports and celebrity autographed memorabilia, jewelry, vacation packages, events and more! For more information, contact Robin Sheedy at 703-441-8606 or rsheedy@actspwc.org.

Youth Orchestras of Prince William

November 4, 4 p.m. e Primo and Repertory Orchestras will join the Wind Symphony in the opening performance of the 2012-2013 season. e performance will be held at 4:00 pm at Gar-Field High School.

Children under 6: Free, Adults: $10, Students and seniors: $6 Tickets available at the door. Value packs of tickets good for four single admissions to any YOPW concert at Gar-Field are available for $35 (adult) and $20 (students and seniors).

Greater Manassas Veterans Day Parade

November 10, 11:00 a.m.

Old Town Manassas. e Harris Pavilion area will be dedicated to Military & Veteran organization exhibits and informational booths. Both events are free and open to all military veterans and the general public. For further information, please contact Ginger Harvey at 571-641-5350, GCH1130@aol.com and visit www.vetpar.org

Holydays and Holidays

November 16, 2:30 – 5 p.m.

November 17, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

November 18, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saint Benedict Monastery 9535 Linton Hall Road | Bristow A unique Holiday Sale in the Benedictine Tradition. Complimentary Wine Tasting 32 | November 2012 prince william living

November 17, 8 a.m.

17700 Dominican Dr. | Dumfries Join the Second Annual JP5K Run/Walk to benefit the innovative and inclusive Options Program. Options is a special education program providing an individualized, rich, educational experience for high school age students with intellectual disabilities. e race will start and finish on the school's campus and take place on the local roads. An excellent race for beginners, competitive runners, and everyone in-between! For more information, and to register, please visit www.jpthegreat.org

Festival of Trees November 17 6 p.m. – midnight Washington-Dulles Hilton 13869 Park Center Road | Herndon, VA Support the BARN ministries. Attend and bid high and often. Donate an item for the auction. Purchase a sponsorship.

Call 703-369-1325 or email kgoodman@barninc.org.

Youth Orchestras of Prince William November 18, 4 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center Symphonic Shakespeare - e Youth Orchestras of Prince William present their top two orchestras in a program titled “Symphonic Shakespeare.” Experience the delight of Shakespeare’s poetry as imagined

by Mendelssohn in his Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and by Tchaikovsky in his Romeo and Juliet Fantasy. e Youth Symphony Orchestra will also present acclaimed soloist and concertmaster of the Knoxville Symphony, Gabriel Lefkowitz, in Ravel’s virtuosic showpiece Tzigane. Performances at Hylton Performing Arts Center: Children under 6: Free Adults: $15 Students and Seniors: $10 http://hyltoncenter.org/ tickets/ticket_sales.html

Holiday Music and Carols in Historic Occoquan November 24, 12 – 2 p.m. e New Dominion Choraliers will be performing Holiday Music and Carols in Historic Occoquan, on Saturday, November 24, 2012, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm, outside Quinn’s Jewelers.

Santa is scheduled to arrive in Occoquan during that time. Free.

Merry Old Town Fall Arts & Crafts Cornucopia November 17 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Manassas Park Community Center Arts, Crafts, Décor, Jewelry, Food and more! To reserve a vendor space, contact Brian Hanafin at b.hanifin@manassasparkva.gov

Catholic High School Open House November 18, 1 – 4 p.m.

Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School 17700 Dominican Dr. | Dumfries John Paul was recently named one of the Top 50 Catholic High Schools in the U.S. Attend their Open House and find out why! Presentation begins at 1:15 in the eater. For more information, and to register, please visit www.jpthegreat.org or email: admissions@jpthegreat.org

November 30, 5:30 – 8 p.m.

December 1, 10 a.m.

December 2, 12 – 5 p.m.

Old Town Manassas e holiday fun begins Friday at 5:30 p.m. with holiday music and at 6 p.m. when Santa arrives at the Manassas Depot via VRE train. e Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be at 6:30 at the Manassas Museum. Take a free hayride around Old Town and go for a skate at the Harris Pavilion ice rink. Join us Saturday (12/1) for the 67th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade at 10 a.m.! Please visit www.gmchristmasparade.org for details, including parade route. A Merchant’s Open House will be held throughout the Shops of Old Town on Sunday, December 2, 2012 from noon until 5 PM. ere will be refreshments in every store, entertainment in some stores and Santa will be on the walkway for photos of anyone who would like! Free carriage rides will leave from the Train Depot and take you around Old Town from 1 pm-4 pm.

Discover Prince William & Manassas

VisitPWC.com

onor our nation’s veterans this month in Prince William and Manassas, a community rich in Marine Corps and Civil War history. Home to two major Civil War battles, preserved historic sites, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Quantico National Cemetery, Prince William and Manassas offer great places to connect with our country’s heroes and the sacrifices they have made.

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Explore Quantico National Cemetery, which is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. Use the on-site kiosk to look for a specific veteran, reflect at one of nine special memorials or visit the graves of notable Marines including Louis R. Lowery, who photographed the first U.S. flag raising on Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi in 1945.

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Executive Director Discover Prince William & Manassas

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Afterwards, it’s only two miles to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Through the interactive exhibits and hundreds of artifacts, experience boarding a helicopter headed to Vietnam, test your shooting skills at the laser rifle range and immerse yourself in the life of a Marine.

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You will also want to walk the hallowed ground at Manassas National Battlefield Park, where two pivotal Civil War battles unfolded. Touch the cannons and reflect and remember a period that forever changed our nation.

Don’t forget the annual Greater Manassas Veterans Day Parade in Old Town on Saturday, November 10. It begins at 11:00 a.m. and includes local and national military units, bands, pipe and drum corps and both antique and modern military vehicles.

Thank you to all veterans and their families. Have a wonderful holiday!

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By DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Contributing Writer “My poor baby. My poor baby. My Sweetness.”

I listened to my friend babble incessantly about her youngest child. She worries about his every move yet was able to simultaneously extol each of his apparent positive attributes all while using words most commonly heard in a preschool classroom. Simply eavesdropping into the conversation would not reveal to anyone the important fact that this boy had just turned 17. I sipped my coffee and ate a pastry. My mind screamed for the conversation to end. “My poor baby will be in college all alone next year. How will he survive?”

I continued to silently gnaw the remainder of the bear claw, picking up anything that looked like a crumb. Clearly, it was her fault I could not lose weight. I have had this conversation with her before which is why I knew that the prattle had to run its course. Any deviation from the carefully practiced lament would only succeed in resetting the start button.

My thoughts tend to wander on a good day, and a few close friends have even gently suggested I research adult ADHD. (Alas, I don’t know what they could be talking about.)

Since I know her story all too well and understood she had to whine about her son’s imminent departure to academia, I didn't feel a need to pay strict attention to all the wellrehearsed words. Naturally, my thoughts drifted.

The family—any family—is in a constant state of flux. Anyone with children is fully aware of how babies, then toddlers, then students and so on slide into one stage of development then speed onto the next. Jobs change. People move. Accidents occur. But no matter what happens, we continue by making adjustments to our routines and lives and we

carry on. It’s an ongoing process, so freezing your 17-year-old, hairy, odoriferous son into a 6-month-old version of non-reality drives me insane. That being said, carry on my friend. I know it’s a coping mechanism.

“He will always be my baby” is one phrase that can raise the hair on my neck. I know it is supposed to indicate undying parental love, but it just ends up being creepy and unnatural. Your job is to actually help that “baby” grow up to make good decisions and live successfully and independently. You may have been confused; glad I could help.

This particular friend also has a houseful of ill-mannered dogs upon which she slathers unnecessarily moist affection. These beasts are also her proclaimed babies. They all have heinously garish clothing and painted toenails, the colors of which are updated weekly to match the season, holiday, or coordinated outfit. Her attachment to the four-legged beasts is touching and amusing in a reality show way. Even with her fondness for anthropomorphized animals, she has yet to confuse her hairy, nonverbal companions for human children like some other animal lovers.

I know several couples who have chosen not to raise a family. Various reasons are given, but, frankly, it's all irrelevant. It's a huge obligation and responsibility to have children; therefore the reasons are not important to anyone other than the people making the decision. I think that’s fair. Whether you decide to have none, 2, 6, 10 or a Duggar-full of progeny makes absolutely no difference to me. However, if you decide to forsake human children for the comfort of furry friends, please do not confuse the two.

The only thing worse than baby-talking to or about your post-pubescent offspring is telling me that you understand the woes of potty-

training or teething because house-breaking your Pomeranian puppy continues to be a challenge.

I am currently the proud owner of a rescued pup and three previously feral cats. The majority of my adult life has been spent scooting over on the couch to make room for various panting pets. Before I had children, I never felt alone because I had canines to cuddle with. The additional advantage was that it looked like I was communing with my leashed pal when in reality I was stark raving mad and simply talking to myself.

Doggie day cares and spas for the pampered pooch may be fantastic business opportunities but are hardly luxuries I can afford. While I think it’s great if a pet gets spoiled and enjoys a lavish day off from the stressors of a busy home life, it is not required.

Just in case the economy has you strapped for cash and you are feeling guilty about skipping a day at the animal resort, please remember that it is not against the law to leave your beloved beast alone for a few hours. Even the youngest pet can be crated while groceries are acquired. Alas, the same cannot be said for an infant child. So I will say, hopefully for the last time, do not compare your groomer with my babysitter. They are not the same.

By the way, your “baby” needs to stop speeding down the road; there are actual children playing out there. With their dogs.

Pass the danish.

DeeDee Corbitt Sauter is a resident of Prince William County. Her column, “Tambourines and Elephants,” appears monthly in Prince William Living.

prince william living November 2012 | 35

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Minnieland at Occoquan 12908 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge

Christ Chapel 13909 Smoketown Rd., Woodbridge

Minnieland at Rippon 2100 Rippon Blvd, Woodbridge

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