Prince William Living December 2012

PAGE 12

HEAR THE CALL OF VPSTART CROW

PAGE 26

LION & BULL

PAGE 28

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS

prince william living December 2012

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Buy Local PAGE 16

All Aboard! Trains in Prince William PAGE 22

Knights of Columbus: Giving Back Globally and Locally www.princewilliamliving.com

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table of contents December 2012 Vol. 2 No. 12

FEATURE STORY Buy Local: Stress-free Holiday Shopping..............4

DEPARTMENTS from the president ..................................................3 advertiser index ....................................................3 on a high note Hear the Call of Vpstart Crow..............................12

4 Photo courtesy Bryan Reese

destinations All Aboard! Trains in Prince William ....................16 going places Kendall Marshall: A “Sun� of Prince William ......20 giving back Knights of Columbus: Giving Back Globally and Locally ..........................................................22 local flavor Lion & Bull: Where Family Favorite Meets Life of the Party ........................................26 family fun Celebrating the Holidays......................................28

12 Photo courtesy Vpstart Crow

calendar ..............................................................32 tambourines and elephants I Can Do It All by Myself ....................................35 distribution sites ................................................37

COLUMNS health & wellness ................................................14 home & hearth ....................................................18 your finances ......................................................30 Discover Prince William & Manassas................33

16 Photo courtesy Dave Davies

prince william living December 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, Audrey Harmon, Ceda Putiyon, Cindy Brookshire, DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Denise Smith, Jodi Remsen, Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Olivia Overman, Peter Lineberry, Stephanie Tipple, Val Wallace Editorial Staff Emily Guerrero, Peter Lineberry Photography Dave Davies, Sean Floars, 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 T

his December, we encourage you to take a break from the online shopping and general hustle and bustle to enjoy some genuine holiday cheer here in Prince William. While you may not be able to escape gift shopping, make an event out of it by exploring some of the unique shops highlighted in our feature, “Buy Local,” by Olivia Overman. Patronizing local businesses is convenient, offers a personal touch and allows you to invest in our community.

Before hitting the stores, be sure to check out this month’s Health & Wellness column, with great tips from Advantage Physical erapy for avoiding shopping-related injuries and strains. Meanwhile, look to Home & Hearth for ideas on preventing another “strain,” preparing for holiday company. Let designer Denise Smith’s expertise come to the rescue with simple ideas for dressing up your home.

Once you are all spruced up, take a look at “Family Fun” for holiday adventures in the area. From carriage rides in Old Town Manassas to a living nativity in Woodbridge, there are a number of ways to create lasting family memories and traditions. Vpstart Crow, the subject of this month’s “On a High Note,” will be performing the classic A Christmas Carol this month as well. Rail

Advertiser Index 2 Cutie Patooties ......................................................................36 ACE Hardware (Pitkin’s)............................................................18 ACTS ..........................................................................................36 Addy’s Lounge & Best Western Battlefield Inn ......................25 Advantage Physical Therapy ....................................................11 Alpha Pets ................................................................................36 Ameriprise Financial ................................................................30 Apple FCU ................................................................................30 Audiology and Hearing Aid Center of Gainesville ................33 The ARC of GPW ......................................................................36 B101.5 ........................................................................................29 Bargain Relocation ..................................................................36 Becky Crowley/Flute and Piano Lessons ................................36 CAP Accounting, LLC................................................................31 CertaPro Painters ......................................................................31 Christ Chapel ............................................................................36 City of Manassas Park—Parks & Recreation ..........................34 Confidence Realty ....................................................................25 Creative Brush Studio ..............................................................10 Dansk Day Spa at Occoquan....................................................36 Discover Prince William and Manassas ..................................33 Dominion Eye Care ..................................................................25 Edgemoor Art Studio................................................................36 Farmers Insurance ....................................................................36 Firebirds Wood Fired Grill ..........................................................9 Flooring America ........................................................................5 FURR Roofing............................................................................37 Geico............................................................................................9 Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics ............................14 Hard Times Cafe & Cue ............................................................23 Imagewerks ..............................................................................36 ImagineDesign ..........................................................................13

fans will also want to check out “Destinations,” all about places to see and even ride on trains—full scale and model—in Prince William. Get in the know about rides with Santa and other holiday-themed train activities.

Now is also a time to think about ways to get involved in the community; December’s “Giving Back” on the Knights of Columbus can provide a starting point for this. In addition to a warm glow, charitable donations are often tax deductible. Read “Your Finances” for information on itemizing deductions and answers to other tax questions.

Look to www.volunteerpw.org for more ways to give back here in Prince William. You can even search for age-appropriate activities and get the children involved. Volunteering with loved ones is a great way to get into the spirit of the season. From the Prince William Living family to your family, happy holidays!

Sincerely, Rebecca Barnes Prince William Living President

Lake Ridge Nursery ..................................................................36 Lavender Retreat ......................................................................10 Linton Hall School ....................................................................21 Love by Cupcake ......................................................................36 Lustine Automall ......................................................................34 Magnificent Belly Dance ..........................................................36 Minnieland Academy ................................................................11 Northern Virginia Community College....................................18 Nova Digital Films ....................................................................31 Nova Music Center ..................................................................25 Old Town Manassas ..................................................................19 Options for Senior America ....................................................36 Parish Services............................................................................8 Peggy and Bill Burke, Long & Foster Realtors ......................24 Persnickety Cakes ....................................................................36 Polaris Press ..............................................................................10 Potomac Place ............................................................................9 Prince William Chamber of Commerce ..................................11 Prince William Hospital ............................................................C4 Prince William Ice Center ........................................................34 Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center ......................................36 Ready Hands ............................................................................25 Reiki Master Practitioner ..........................................................15 Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center ............................C2 Stonewall Golf Club....................................................................9 Slumber Parties ........................................................................36 Spark..........................................................................................15 Tea Time Tea Room ..................................................................36 Town of Dumfries ....................................................................23 Trio Consulting..........................................................................15 Washington Square Associates ..............................................36 Westminster at Lake Ridge ......................................................10 Your College Planning Coach ..................................................15

prince william living December 2012 | 3

BUY LOCAL: Stress-free Holiday Shopping

By Olivia Overman, Contributing Writer

T

hat warm glow you feel inside when you see the holiday lights and ornate decorations everywhere, the dulcet tones of carolers as they sing, and the smiles on people’s faces as they spend quality time with friends and family...what more could you ask for this holiday season? How about a convenient, personalized shopping experience that supports local businesses and adds to your holiday cheer? Greater Prince William offers a variety of unique shops specializing in crafts and artwork, clothing, foods and novelties. Meanwhile, gift cards for area restaurants, coffee shops and spas make wonderful presents. You can also find large, national stores here. While we all love Amazon.com, there is something to be said for seeing an item and picking it out in person, rather than realizing too late that the gift you ordered online misses the mark completely.

A Warm Welcome in Historic Occoquan “It is simply old-fashioned service where we care about our customers,” said LaVerne Carson, co-owner and president of e Golden Goose, a Christmas-themed shop located in the Town of Occoquan. Carson takes pride in the fact that if she doesn’t have an item, she will check with other stores to help her customers locate what they need. Coupled with the unique nature of the merchandise sold here, it is no wonder people go back time and again to find some holiday cheer. is is the feeling you will find throughout the quaint streets of Occoquan, which are warmly decorated for the season with lights, wreaths and inviting window displays. “e shops in Occoquan have advantages that you wouldn’t find online,” said Bryan Reese, webmaster of HistoricOccoquan.com (continues on page 6)

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(continued from page 4)

Photo courtesy Bitner Goodman

Potomac Mills Mall offers over 200 stores where people can buy gifts this holiday season.

and owner of BAR-3 Enterprises in Occoquan. “e International Gift and Boutique store owner personally goes to Germany for her items, and her Polish pottery is definitely the real thing,” he added.

From Jerry's Occoquan Jewelers to Olde Dominion Wine Shoppe, to the Spinaweb weavers and the many artist studios, there are a variety of unique gifts available in the rustic shops throughout the town.

Visitors can easily make a day of it: do a little shopping, savor a gingerbread latte, shop some more, and stop for lunch in one of the many eateries, like e Virginia Grill or Cock & Bowl. According to Reese, at the Coffee House of Occoquan prices haven’t risen in years, and they offer free live entertainment on Saturday nights. In fact, this appears to be a town signature--Madigan’s, Down Under and Cock & Bowl typically feature either solo musicians or full bands on the weekends.

Walking down the winding streets and alleys, one sees how much time, love and attention the shop owners have put into their stores.

“All stores were individually decorated [in mid-November] and we have a contest among the merchants for the best decorations. We are all as charming as we can be,” Carson laughed, while extending an invitation to all to come visit the town.

After a leisurely day exploring the shops and scenery of the riverfront hamlet, treat yourself to a restaurant labeled by Zagat as “the hidden gem of Prince William,” Bistro L’Hermitage. Owned and run by Youssef Eagle Essakl, a veteran of the Washington D.C. restaurant scene, the Bistro offers authentic French food in an elegant yet cozy atmosphere. As you enjoy the fine dining, you might find yourself whisked thousands of miles away to a village in France. From lobster bisque poured into a bowl with fresh cream, to the creamy risotto beneath sauteed shrimp, the restaurant offers up lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch in a comfortable and unique environment.

“We have a good crew. We all work as a family. e customers, they come here, those we know give us a hug and a kiss, they come and 6 | December 2012 prince william living

they love it. It became a nice community, a very happy one,” said Essakl. Rated as one of the top 100 restaurants in the country by Open Table, with a Zagat rating of 26 out of 30, Prince William is extremely lucky to have such an establishment.

Essakl and his staff love what they do, which extends to the customers in the form of the warm welcome and fine cuisine. e restaurant has a motto written on its menu: “Hospitality is the art of making others feel welcome, comfortable and at home. It is the talent for spreading warmth and kindness that will be remembered always.” It is this warmth and kindness (and wonderful food!) that you will remember from your trip to the Bistro L’Hermitage.

Step Back in Time in Old Town Manassas Holiday shopping can conjure up ideas of crammed stores, out-ofstock inventory and cranky people who hate to shop. is year, forget the crowds and step back in time to stroll through stores that have Christmas music playing and people with smiles on their faces, with a visit to Old Town Manassas.

“We are not a stressful crowded shopping experience, and we aren't a shopping district that developers created to look like a small town.

Old Town Manassas is the ‘real deal,’ an old town with a unique shopping experience, ambiance and history all rolled into one.

Historic Old Town Manassas has the whole package,” said Mary Reilly of Creative Brush Art Studio on Center Street.

Describing the shops in the area, Reilly said each has something different to offer. Like the merchants in Occoquan, Manassas merchants take pride in offering something just a little different along with customer service that is second to none. “Merchants care about the customers and will spend time with them making usable suggestions,” said Reilly. “We are here year-round and know how to make a customer feel special, assist with their choices, while at the same time giving them freedom to browse.” e visitor’s center of Historic Manassas, Inc. and the Manassas Old

Wunderly’s store certainly fits that description. Each winter her shop on West Street is turned into a Christmas wonderland with trees, ornaments and wreath displays. Her store, which sells often one-of-a-kind items like chandeliers, lamps, mirrors, small furniture pieces and art, has been featured in e Washington Post, Southern Living and Virginia Living.

All sorts of gifts can be found in the historic district: Manassas Clay sells pottery pieces made by 30 local potters and Creative Brush Studio has original fine art pieces, including paintings and prints of local and regional scenes. For a gift under $25, check out Creative Brush’s hand-painted Christmas ornaments or note cards. e Opera House Gifts and Gourmet offers up fine wines, chocolates and stocking stuffers, and can even create a custom gift basket while you wait. Other gift possibilities available in the town include fine jewelry at Allyssa Bryn and Irish items from Dublin of Old Town.

Just in case you find it difficult to choose for that special someone, gift cards available from Historic Manassas are redeemable throughout Old Town.

As if all the decorations and personal touches aren’t enough to get you in the spirit, the City of Manassas holds its 67th Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 1, with a storybook Christmas theme. As he does every year, Santa Claus will be arriving on the Virginia Railway Express to light the Christmas tree on the lawn of the Manassas Museum the day before the parade. e merchants of Old Town will then host their annual open house on Sunday, December 2, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides. You can also enjoy the creative, homemade structures of the annual Gingerbread Contest, on display in shop windows. From the scent of cinnamon and hot chocolate coming from Persnickety Cakes on Center Street, to children ice skating at the Harris Pavilion, a trip to Historic Manassas will no doubt help warm the cockles of your heart.

Haymarket and Gainesville Find the Holiday Spirit Also on December 1, residents of Haymarket bring the holiday buzz to town with their Annual Holiday Party. At the Town Hall green area and parking lot, carols are sung, the Christmas tree is officially lit, Santa Claus makes his yearly appearance and everyone is kept warm with the lighting of the bonfire. Nearby Gainesville has locally owned and run stores such as C Gallery II (for home accessories) and Grace Jewelers where you can purchase and enjoy holiday gifts. e Virginia Gateway Town Center, adjacent to Routes 66 and 29, also provides ample shopping opportunities. Over 100 businesses can be found here, including unique stores such as Classic Axe Guitar and Cork & Fork.

Photo courtesy Manassas Parade Committee

Town Business Association (OTBA), organizations working to promote Manassas and its businesses, this year embarked on a push to ensure that people know the merchants are here and worth a visit.

Joanne Wunderly, owner of e ings I Love collectible store and president of the OTBA, said of the holiday season, “All the stores have refreshments on offer, wonderful music playing, with a perfect temperature in every store. You get that feeling of a hometown where people know your name.”

The Manassas Christmas parade brings the Christmas spirit to life while you shop the unique stores.

Area Malls Creating Holiday Cheer When Santa leads the Osbourn High School Marching Band around Manassas Mall on December 1, the holiday feeling comes to life. Kelly Gilfether, Manassas Mall marketing manager, confirmed that along with Santa, the JC Penney court will feature Battlefield Young Marines and Manassas Young Marines selling 2012 Toys for Tots holiday ornaments to raise funds for the organization. So, not only do you help your local stores and economy by shopping in the mall, you can also engage in the true feeling of Christmas--the feeling of giving.

Located on the eastern side of the community off I-95, Potomac Mills Mall is an outlet shopping destination with over 220 stores.

In addition to the ubiquitous Mr. Claus, mall spokeswoman Lauren Horsley said, “Holiday shoppers will also enjoy live holiday music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Black Friday through Christmas.”

If all that holiday shopping leaves you hungry, have no fear. Both malls are convenient to an array of dining options, from food courts in the malls to restaurants of every kind nearby. Horsley noted that Potomac Mills is welcoming a Bahama Breeze and e Cheesecake Factory just in time for the season.

Celebrate the Holidays in Style in Prince William With so many options, festive decorations and friendly faces, shopping in Prince William doesn’t sound too daunting this holiday season, now does it? From whimsical shops to large malls, there are plenty of gift ideas for even the most discriminating people on your list. Find one-of-a-kind items at locally-owned businesses, and then head to the larger stores to fill in gaps in your shopping list. In the process, you just may discover your new favorite merchants and restaurants, all while supporting the stores that serve our community. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

A graduate of American University’s School of Communication, Olivia Overman has written articles for a number of online and print publications. She can be reached by email at ooverman@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living December 2012 | 7

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on a high note Hear the Call of

Vpstart Crow

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By Stephanie Tipple, Contributing Writer

In its early years, Vpstart Crow offered only Shakespearean shows, but in 2000 they decided to widen their scope of theater choices – and have never looked back. Currently located at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, at the Prince William Campus of George Mason University, Vpstart Crow has become a beacon for those with a theatrical side. “Vpstart Crow is blessed to be one of the resident arts partners at the beautiful Hylton Center. e theater space that we work in is state-of-the-art, convenient and easy to park at – all of which makes it accessible to the community,” said Lisa Anne Bailey, Vpstart Crow’s new artistic director.

While Vpstart Crow plans to maintain their identity and rich history, they are looking to a bright future, with several other new team members and a restructuring to better complement existing strengths. “It’s a new start for Vpstart Crow. We have a lot of new people and new faces who are bringing in a lot of ideas,” said Jablonowski.

Part of this task has been to form a new board of directors for the group, with a collaboration of both acting professionals and community theater lovers, to structure the group for success.

Bailey is one of these additions who is making a positive change 12 | December 2012 prince william living

Photos courtesy Vpstart Crow

hether you are a patron of the arts, or just looking for a fun family activity that your loved ones will enjoy, then catch a show hosted by community theater group Vpstart—pronounced “Upstart”— Crow. Created in 1994, this group got its start, and its name, by performing the work of William Shakespeare. “e reason it’s spelled like that is a reference to back in Shakespeare’s time. One of his contemporaries [Robert Greene, in a cantankerous mood] referred to him as an upstart crow, but when you wrote it, the ‘u’ was like a ‘v’,” said Shellie Jablonowski, the managing director and public relations director of the troupe.

Vpstart Crow is a resident arts group at the world-class Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas.

and keeping the group exciting to the community. “I am new to Vpstart Crow,” Bailey said. “I have been aware of their existence and seen many of their productions over the past 18 years. I have watched the organization grow and change and had a chance to be in one of the productions.” In her role as artistic director, she juggles the responsibility of choosing productions that challenge the cast and gain positive reception from viewers.

Additionally, Bailey serves on the board of directors.

Moving forward, there will be greater focus on what the community wants to see, which is one aspect that sets Vpstart Crow apart from many theater groups. “We’re actually going to be adding in some fun elements and we’re also going to be asking our subscribers for their input. We want to do what they want to see; we want their thoughts. We want to improve – we really

Vpstart Crow moves MacBeth into the board room for a modern take on this classic tale.

want to draw more people and this is a lot of change, but we’re not going to flinch from it,” explained Jablonowski. is fresh take on things led to Vpstart Crow taking on its first musical. “We will be presenting an evening of song – cabaret style – on December 7th and 8th, with the musical ‘Unexpected Broadway,’” said Bailey.

Behind the scenes, so to speak, financial support from Prince William County and donations from supporters and local businesses help to make possible such performances as the September run of “Arsenic and Old Lace” and this month’s “A Christmas Carol.” Additionally, Vpstart Crow relies on the talent of a diverse mix of individuals in the cast and crew to make productions unique and fun for audience and performer alike. e group casts actors of all ages and from all experience levels.

“We pull from the local community, from professionals, some people who have just done community theater – our doors are open,” said Jablonowski. is philosophy means that people curious about taking a

shot at theater have an opportunity to do so.

For community members like Jean Gentry, Vpstart Crow has become a welcome creative outlet. “I’ve been with Vpstart since [auditioning in] 2009,” she said. “Since then, I’ve acted, searched for props and furniture, produced three of the plays, painted sets and generally done whatever I could do to help put on a production. It's been great fun meeting and working with people who are dedicated to theater...is has been a chance for me to practice a craft and let the kids know that the old broad can make a contribution in many ways.”

Whether you seek to test out your acting chops or are just planning a fun evening out, Vpstart Crow offers a quality theatrical experience that brings the community together.

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.

prince william living December 2012 | 13

health & wellness Avoiding Pain While Shopping This Holiday Season

By Jodi Remsen he holidays are here and many of us will find ourselves shopping for gifts and carrying many heavy bags. It is important to use proper lifting and carrying techniques when shopping in order to avoid stress or strain to the low back, mid-back, neck and shoulders.

T

Here are a few “strain free” tips to remember while hunting for deals: ■

Use a shopping cart when available.

■

Distribute weight equally: If carrying four bags, hold two bags in each hand.

■

Wear comfortable footwear: High heels push the body forward; your body compensates by adjusting your posture, increasing the load to the low back and causing pain.

■

Take breaks as needed.

■

Stay hydrated: Bring water to drink.

■

Unload when you can: If you find yourself carrying many bags, take a trip to the car to lock the bags in the trunk before continuing your shopping.

■

Lift with your legs, not with your back: Don’t bend over from the waist to pick up items or bags. Instead, bend your knees and hips, keeping the back straight. Bending from the waist puts increased tensile forces to the low back, intensifying your chance for injury.

■

Keep heavy objects close to your body: Holding weighted objects away from your body increases the load to your spine.

■

If something is too heavy, ask for help.

■

Keep your purse light: Only carry the essentials to decrease load on your shoulders and neck.

Let’s keep our holiday cheer by protecting our backs and keeping them healthy as we enjoy the festive decorations and great season deals. Contact your doctor or your physical therapist if you experience low back, mid-back, neck or shoulder pain, or to learn more about using good body mechanics to keep these areas pain-free throughout the year.

Jodi Remsen received her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from New York Medical College and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Marymount University. She works with Advantage Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Manassas and Gainesville and can be reached at 571-229-1111.

14 | December 2012 prince william living

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destinations

Photo courtesy Dave Davies

ALL ABOARD!

Trains in Prince William

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By Cindy Brookshire, Contributing Writer

he holidays bring out the “railfan” in many people, making our area a destination for those drawn to all things train related. Prince William is an active rail community: Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) passengers move through the region daily, as do CSX and Norfolk Southern freight. Local clubs and museums also keep rail history alive. Meanwhile, Santa arrives by train each December for the tree lighting in Manassas, and tickets generally sell out for the popular VRE Operation Lifesaver Santa Trains on Dec. 8.

Building Miniature Railways e Prince William Model Railroad Club opens its permanent HO scale model railroad layout at the Historic Quantico Depot to visitors on Saturdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. e exhibit is also open Sunday, Dec. 2 during the Quantico Christmas Parade, noon to 3 p.m. In the standard HO scale, 1 inch equals 87 inches in real life.

On March 9 and 10, 2013, the club, along with Northern Virginia NTrak members, will help Dale City Boy Scout Troop 964 bring their model train show to Saunders Middle School. e NTrak members counsel Scouts in “Railroading Merit Badge” workshops, 16 | December 2012 prince william living

and Scoutmaster Jeremy Wood said the $7 admission ($3 for students and seniors) goes to a good cause. Last year the troop raised more than $6,000 to help Japanese Scouts from Ishinomaki rebuild after the 2011 tsunami. e show features 110 modules, a Lego layout and the Scout’s Club Car restaurant.

At the Center for the Arts on Battle Street in Manassas, the National Capital Trackers and Northern Virginia NTrak operate the Winter Wonderland Train Show, co-sponsored by Recreation Manassas. e show runs Dec. 12-16, 5 to 8 p.m. weekdays, Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Santa visits Friday and Saturday. Visitors are asked to donate a new toy or non-perishable food item to SERVE, a local shelter and food distribution center.

Looking for a place to start your own train layout? See Steve and Fran Fortes at Prince William’s only shop for model train supplies and services, KMA Junction, in the Cavalry Village Shopping Center on Center Street in Manassas. e couple stocks starter sets for the holiday surge: everything from battery-powered Lionel train sets for ages 2-1/2 and up, to high-tech Digitrax-powered trains for the baby boomer turned robber baron.

Exploring Rail History

Rail Safety

Manassas Junction was the site of both the First and Second Battles of Manassas during the Civil War and of the nation’s first military railroad. Start your tour at e Manassas Railroad Depot, which displays artifacts and photographs. Across Prince William Street at e Manassas Museum, see more exhibits and shop for railfan gifts such as train ornaments, hats, P. Buckley Moss prints, holiday cards and books like Clark Spitler’s “Manassas Gap Railroad, Independent Line.” e book illustrates the unfinished Gainesville-to-Alexandria rail line and offers GPS waypoints for railfans to hunt surviving sections.

Volunteers with a passion for rail safety are always welcome at Operation Lifesaver. While they are most visible at the railway festival, passing out paper engineer hats and safety information, or greeting riders on the VRE Santa Train, check the national website, www.oli.org, and you’ll see the mission is much broader. State coordinator Melvin C. Jones recently presented a certified “Grade Crossing Collision Investigation” course to 35 police officers and state troopers at the Manassas Park police station. His volunteers deliver rail safety presentations to truck drivers, school bus drivers and driver education classes.

On June 1, 2013, the Manassas Heritage Railway Festival will celebrate its 19th year with a family-friendly event that always draws a big crowd. Visitors can see model railroad displays at the Harris Pavilion and enjoy fun rides for children of all ages.

“Southwest Virginia, Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia rank in the top five areas of the state for rail-related collisions, injuries and deaths,” said Jones. “e common cause is generally due to motorist failure to obey the warning signs and trespassing by pedestrians....ey don’t have a clue as to how fast trains really move, or that trains can’t stop quickly. Trespassers...tune the train out. Today’s trains are quieter and faster. I tell them, stay off rail property and stay alive.”

Commuting by Rail e first local commuter, so it is said, hitched a ride on a milk train in the 1920s. ese days, VRE carries more than 20,000 riders a day, and Prince William area residents make up the largest portion of those riders, served by six stations: Broad Run/Airport, Manassas and Manassas Park on the Manassas Line, and Quantico, Rippon and Woodbridge on the Fredericksburg Line. “ere’s usually a surge after the winter holiday,” said Manassas resident Sara Murphy, who has been riding the 6:47 a.m. train to L’Enfant Plaza for nearly 12 years. Murphy works at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History–the same museum that houses Southern Railway 1401, one of the steam locomotives that pulled President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s funeral train from Warm Springs, Georgia to Washington, D.C. in 1945.

Along that same route, Murphy today naps, reads and forges train friends. ”One day, I left my ticket on the train,” she said. “Because I kept a business card with it, VRE emailed me: ‘We have your ticket. What train will you be on this evening so we can get it back to you?’ Now that’s service.”

Rail Advocacy Dan and Dick Peacock are rail advocates. Dick writes a “Train Talk” column in the News & Messenger, attends VRE board meetings and worked to secure four Amtrak signs for the Manassas station.

His brother Dan commutes on VRE to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, creates videos that promote regional train service and often makes sure the Manassas station waiting room is stocked with up-to-date train schedules.

“Our main interest is to encourage people to use trains to take more visits to Manassas,” said Dan. eir latest project: working with the National Park Service, bus and train officials to connect and promote the last leg of a Manassas train-to-bus-to-battlefield tourist loop.

Enjoy Dan’s train videos at www.YouTube.com/user/ TrainManDan100, and think about how you can take a more active role in the thriving rail community around you.

Cindy Brookshire’s humorous short story is one of more than 25 entries by local writers in New Departures, a Write by the Rails book anthology featuring Chip Deyerle, Katherine Gotthardt and Dan Verner. For information, visit www.writebytherails.blogspot.com.

Photos courtesy Sean Flores

Above: A detail view of the diorama table at KMA Junction.

Right: A selection of model trains for sale at KMA Junction.

prince william living December 2012 | 17

home & hearth

Shop Local.

By Denise Smith of FA Design Build ere in Prince William, we are fortunate to be able to enjoy a lengthy, beautiful autumn. December is normally the time of year when we finally move inside our homes for good, making the inevitable transition into dreary winter. Without the natural beauty of vibrant fall colors to distract us, those less-than-perfect areas in our homes can seem more pronounced. This is the perfect time to commit to a little sprucing up.

H

I frequently mention how easy and gratifying a new coat of paint can be, and for good reason. One room can be done in a day, or if you hire a team of professionals, a whole house can be done in just a few. Nothing cleans and updates a home like a coat of fresh paint.

!

Your favorite color is an instant mood booster. Why not bring your favorite color to the space where you spend the most time? I have a particular shade of chartreuse paired with a vibrant royal blue in my master bedroom, which serves as an office as well. This color scheme may be anything but conventional, but it makes me smile every time I enter the room. Adding your favorite color doesn’t even need to be a big commitment like repainting walls; introduce it with linens, accessories or artwork.

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Adding additional moldings and trim pieces to a room can also dramatically change its appearance. Decorative crown molding can create a more formal atmosphere, especially when paired with a chair rail. Replacing standard, builder-grade baseboards with six-inch boards painted in bright, high-gloss white is another quick, modern update.

Winter spruce-ups don’t have to be just about the inside of your home either. Consider purchasing and installing a new front door to dramatically change the exterior appearance.

This is a great time to refurbish the walkway to the main entrance, enlivening curb appeal. For instance, replacing an ugly concrete slab with brick pavers adds charm and ease of maintenance. Gardening may need to wait a few months, but it’s not too late to pick up a bucket or two of pansies at the local nursery and enjoy a shot of color all winter long.

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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going places Kendall Marshall: A “Sun” of Prince William

By Peter Lineberry, Contributing Writer

m

adison Square Garden was abuzz with excitement on June 28 as many of the nation's best young basketball players waited for their names to be called in the 2012 NBA Draft. As each was announced, the first 12 picks strode to the stage in their tailored suits and saluted the thousands of fans in the stands and millions watching on ESPN. e next player selected, by the Phoenix Suns, was more casually attired, and instead celebrated with family and friends from his boyhood home in Dumfries.

Although not in attendance in New York, 20-year-old Kendall Marshall was fully prepared for the biggest step yet in his basketball career. e foundation set for him by his father, two influential local coaches and a lifetime of practice and dedication helped lead him to that moment.

Youth Sports

Photos courtesy Barry Gossage, Phoenix Suns

Born in nearby Fort Belvoir in 1991, while his father was serving in the U.S. Army, Marshall took up several sports as a youngster, including t-ball, football and soccer. Early on, he settled on basketball as his favorite. Because of his ball-handling skills and perhaps his relatively smaller size, he developed abilities as a point guard, the player generally tasked with dribbling up the court, calling set plays and distributing the ball to open teammates. He became an excellent shooter, especially from long range, but was such a team player that, according to his father Dennis Marshall, "He would rather pass than score, from when he was five years old."

During these early years, most of Marshall’s competitive game experience came through AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) teams and basketball camps, playing on evenings and weekends. One of those teams was the Prince William Pacers (now known as Prince William United Force), coached by his father. Based on the team’s 20 | December 2012 prince william living

success and on recommendations from other coaches and experts, Hoop Scoop, a national scouting service, named Marshall the top 5th-grade prospect in the nation. A 2002 column in Sports Illustrated that decried the ranking of children so young only added to his notoriety, but by all accounts Marshall handled it in stride.

Evangel Christian School

For half of the sixth grade and throughout the seventh, Marshall was in the starting lineup against much bigger opponents and averaging 11 points per game. “Kendall had a certain maturity about him,” said Fisher. “He was still a child, but he could handle those types of situations--the crowd reactions, the stress.” In one game, despite his height disadvantage, Marshall led both teams in rebounds.

Rippon Middle School In eighth grade, Kendall transferred to Rippon Middle School in Woodbridge for the opportunity to face tougher public-school competition. en-varsity basketball coach Steve Brown said, “Coaching Kendall was a great experience, not just because of his high talent level but simply because of his character and work ethic.”

In one of his first games at Rippon, the team faced Beville Middle School in a game that everyone who was there still remembers: Marshall scored 37 of his team’s 48 points and led them to a onepoint victory. “at was the game where I knew he'd be a star,” explained his father. Brown added that in the next contest, Marshall found himself double-teamed the entire game, a sign of respect for his leadership skills on the court.

Both Fisher and Brown said that Marshall was an exceptional student as well as athlete. ey emphasized that although the boy was the most gifted player either has ever coached, he remained humble about his abilities and always thought of himself as a team player first.

“I carry with me the good values [Fisher and Brown] taught,” Marshall says. “Not only faith, but what it means to be a man, both on and off the court.”

...and Beyond By this time, numerous high schools in the D.C. area were eager to have Marshall on their teams and in their classrooms, and even

Photos courtesy Steve Brown

In third grade, Marshall enrolled at Evangel Christian School in Dale City. During this time, he was a consistent straight-A student whose favorite course was Bible Studies. School basketball coach Jim Fisher remembers Marshall, as an incoming sixth-grader, “tugging at my shirttail” and asking if he could try out for the varsity team. Once permission was granted by his parents and principal, Marshall began working out with boys several years older and several inches taller. “at first practice, he was out there with the big guys, doing the same drills at the same level, with the same intensity, as juniors and seniors in high school,” Fisher said.

“I was so confident that Kendall was going to accomplish his dreams that I asked him, ‘Do you mind if one of the teachers takes a picture of you and I? You’re going to be famous one day.’” —Former Rippon Middle School basketball coach Steve Brown

college coaches were beginning to take notice. He and his family decided on Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, which his father described as, “e best fit academically and athletically.” He commuted there from Dumfries for the next four years, and led his team to the Virginia Independent Schools Division I Championship in 2010.

From boyhood, Marshall’s dream college was the University of North Carolina, home of one of the nation’s elite basketball programs. He accepted a basketball scholarship during his sophomore year of high school, making him the youngest player ever to do so at UNC. Marshall went on to start in the middle of his college freshman year, when he was promoted to the starting point guard. At this time, he was exposed to a mass audience of rabid fans—and he delivered, as the team won 61 games in two seasons, advancing deep into the national tournament each year.

His college statistics were impressive—last year he averaged eight points and a single-season conference record of 10 assists per game-and yet it was an injury this past March that brought Marshall to even greater attention. Going up for a layup during a tournament game, he was fouled and fell to the hardwood, fracturing his right wrist and dashing his school’s hopes for another championship banner. Surgery the next day was successful but kept him sidelined until the season ended. Meanwhile, hundreds of fans displayed (continues on page 24) prince william living December 2012 | 21

giving back

Knights of Columbus: Giving Back Globally and Locally

By Audrey Harman, Contributing Writer

t

Photos courtesy Holy Family Knights

he Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization established by Father Michael J. McGivney in 1882 in New Haven, Connecticut to serve low-income Catholics. e focus was on offering support to widows and children, with a vow to serve the country and church. Before the rise of the insurance industry or government welfare programs, fraternal organizations (also known as mutual benefit societies) provided their members with benefits such as insurance, cooperative banking and pensions. Named after Christopher Columbus, the Knights also sought to offer social and intellectual fellowship through “educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.”

Today, the organization still adheres to its founding principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, and remains the world’s “foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society,” helping families within its communities by offering insurance programs and charitable services. ere are now over 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members around the world. Within each country they serve, Knights of Columbus see patriotism as a way of life.

At the local level, Knights are organized into councils, primarily based on the community or “parish” served by a Catholic church.

Charitable activities include conducting food drives and volunteering at Special Olympics. e Knights of Columbus still offer their own insurance plan to members, and work together to help sick and disabled members and their families.

Within Prince William there are two councils: John Paul I Council 7165, associated with Holy Family Catholic Church in Dale City, and the Ascension Council 9285, part of the Sacred Heart parish in Manassas. Grand Knight, or top ranking officer, of John Paul I Council Ed Fairbairn explained, “One Prince William council serves one parish.” So, though the councils are unified under the Virginia State Council, they serve the community as separate councils connected to individual parishes, allowing them to each focus more on the specific needs of their communities.

22 | December 2012 prince william living

John Paul I Knights serving as Marshals at the various intersections along the Dale City 4th of July parade route.

John Paul I Council has 300 members, making it one of the largest in Virginia. Juan Martinez, the council’s lecturer--or officer in charge of entertainment--said the group helps the church by raising money for repairs and offering logistical support during festivals.

Martinez said council members can be found “setting up and breaking down, providing food, and administering security overnight when the festivals last for more than one day.” In turn, the church welcomes the council to sell Christmas cards as a fundraising effort for their own expenses. Martinez said John Paul I volunteers also organize a clean-up along Dale Boulevard in Dale City four to five times a year, help Pope John Paul the Great High

money they wish to donate. Last year we collected $1,200.” Both Prince William-based councils raise funds for KOVAR in this fashion. e Ascension Council has collected over $100,000 in its 26 years of supporting KOVAR. If you’ve ever heard of the Knights of Columbus and wondered what they stand for, now you know more about how this international fraternity positively impacts the Prince William community—and the wider world. Some of the Knights’ work may even support projects and causes that you are involved in; visit www.vakofc.org to find the council near you and learn how to volunteer.

Author Audrey Harman has a B.A. in English and Spanish from Hollins University and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Publications Design at the University of Baltimore. She resides in Woodbridge and can be reached by email at aharman@princewilliamliving.com.

This year's Outstanding Citizen of the Year was one of the parish priests at Holy Family Catholic Church, Rev. Steve McGraw.

Great L iv Bands– e Saturda Nights! y

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Sunday

School with projects, donate money to various charities and renovate homes to make them more accessible for disabled veterans.

Every year at the Dale City Fourth of July parade these Knights can be found as security marshals. Other activities include hosting a community yard sale in October and a Christmas tree sale in December. “All fundraising we do for our council goes towards internal expenses, and any money we have left we donate to a charity,” said Martinez.

Ascension Council works with Sacred Heart to provide people and funds for various church projects. Some of these projects occur monthly and are as low-key as serving donuts and coffee after mass or participating in Keeping Christ in Christmas, a movement to emphasize Christmas first and foremost as a holy day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. On Wednesdays, Ascension members also wrap and freeze bread donated from Panera Bread for their food pantry. In September, the council hosts a fundraising golf tournament at Old Hickory Golf Club in Woodbridge. According to the council website, one of their primary goals for the community is to “enrich the spiritual involvement of individual members in their Church and its activities.” After a child is baptized into the church, a council member presents a rose to the mother.

Each May, both councils participate in KOVAR--Knights of Virginia Assisting Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities. Since its founding in 1971, more than $12 million has been raised through KOVAR to fund home loans, transportation, group home furnishings, infant intervention programs and training. e group also donates over $50,000 each year to the Virginia Special Olympics, making it a “Platinum Sponsor.”

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“KOVAR is our largest fundraiser,” said Martinez. “e Knights deliver Tootsie Rolls in major stores throughout Prince William— they are not for sale—and people can take one and give whatever prince william living December 2012 | 23

(continued from page 21) their support by inking “5” (his uniform number) on their wrists and submitting pictures. Fans also created the online “Pass Fir5t” movement as a way to mobilize this support beyond basketball into encouraging selflessness and doing good deeds for others.

Following his sophomore year, after winning the award for the best collegiate point guard in the nation, Marshall and three of his teammates decided to make themselves eligible for the NBA Draft.

All four were picked in the first round. Marshall plans to continue his college education and graduate via online courses.

Despite his modest nature, Marshall’s growing fame suits him well.

He's got a Facebook page with over 12,000 “likes,” and is even more prevalent on Twitter, where under the moniker KButter5 (which incorporates his childhood nickname), more than 120,000 followers are attuned to his every posting.

As Marshall enters the NBA, his sister Kyra, 12, sums up the feelings of many who have known him: “I feel proud, and feel like he deserves it because he works so hard.” e Suns’ only visit to Washington this NBA season will be on Saturday, March 16. Even if you root for the Wizards, come out and support Prince William's own superstar in the making!

Staff Editor Peter Lineberry graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill when Kendall Marshall was just four months old. He lives in Dale City and can be reached at plineberry@princewilliamliving.com.

In a nice case of everything coming full circle, Dennis Marshall is the new varsity basketball coach at Evangel. Father and son plan to be there when the school retires the younger Marshall’s jersey number in a ceremony next February.

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local flavor

Lion & Bull:

Where Family Favorite Meets Life of the Party

By Val Wallace, Contributing Writer

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or owner Ron Miner, 64, Lion & Bull Restaurant is the culmination of years of saving and research to fulfill his dream of opening a community-friendly restaurant. Located in the Old Dominion Valley shopping center in Haymarket off Route 15, the restaurant features freshly-prepared American fare as well as a variety of entertainment options.

“I always wanted to open a restaurant. I made notes of all the restaurants I went to for ideas on what I’d like to do someday on my own when I retired,” said Miner, who had a 26-year law enforcement career with the Fairfax County Police Department.

It would be 15 years after his retirement in 1994 before he was ready to own an eatery. “I had four other jobs prior to opening the restaurant after I retired from the force,” Miner stated. e last was with Northrop Grumman, which recruited him in 2001 to sell public safety buildings for the company. Miner said that the commissions he saved during this time “became my stake in opening a restaurant.”

After retiring from Northrop Grumman in 2007, he spent two years researching eateries and preparing a business plan while running a small consulting business that he continues to operate today. He also worked full-time for six months in Kirkpatrick’s Irish Pub in Haymarket to learn the restaurant business. “I knew the owner. I asked to work there to get experience. I did anything that needed to be done … dishwasher, [sweeping] the floors… host, bouncer – everything other than cook.,” said Miner. When the pub went out of business in 2009, he purchased it and set to remodeling.

In June of that same year, Miner reopened the establishment with its new name and concept. He had the name “Lion & Bull” in mind since about 1978. “at’s when I came up with it. I said that 26 | December 2012 prince william living

I wanted a place where retired cops could go to shoot the bull and swap lies,” he laughed.

Lion & Bull has become a family business. Miner’s wife Audrey Miner, also a former Fairfax police officer, is chief financial officer, and the couple’s three grown children are all involved in the eatery as well.

Prior to opening, he and his wife surveyed shoppers in front of a nearby Giant Food store to get a better idea of what locals would like to see in a restaurant. “ey wanted a place they could take families – family oriented [but] adult [friendly] at night. ey also made suggestions for having karaoke and Texas Hold ’em poker.”

As a result, the restaurant includes an enclosed quiet dining room for families, one of three separate sections designed to serve different types of patrons. is family room, which contains several tables draped with white tablecloths, seats about 40.

“We put batting across the top so it’s very quiet in there, even when the bands are playing,” Miner stated. e tavern forms the main section, with a narrow bar that snakes almost from end-to end along the far wall, a small stage in the corner with a large projection screen television and a state-of-theart sound system nearby. Ceiling and wall-mounted flat screen televisions pepper the room. “at’s our informal casual dining area,” Miner said. e third section – the Club Room – is located in back and accommodates private parties and events and seats up to 45.

Lion & Bull also holds a free live concert every Friday and Saturday night at 9:30 p.m., featuring local and even national bands as regulars. “We wanted an American-fare, live music venue for the community,” Miner said. “People have flown in to hear

Photos courtesy Lion and Bull Restaurant

Lion & Bull in Haymarket is designed to meet a variety of patron needs, including a quiet dining, state-of-the-art stage for live music and a sports bar.

some of the bands, and the place is packed. If you get here by 8:30 p.m., you can get a nice seat. Otherwise, you’re standing.” e eatery hosts a free comedy show the last Tuesday of every month at 8 p.m.

Said comedian Jim Pate of the shows, “Outstanding entertainment venue and amazing audience when I performed there...looking forward to getting back to the Lion & Bull.”

ere’s also live-hosted trivia on Wednesday nights from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. and free Texas Hold ’em poker every Monday night at 7:00 and 9:30 p.m. e restaurant awards first-place cash prizes of $100 during each trivia game and $50 during each Texas Hold ’em match.

Another attraction of the eatery is the menu. “e regular menu has sandwiches, salads, steak, pasta and fish – pretty much a broad section of American-oriented food,” Miner stated. “en we have specials every day. ey range from Steak Diane to…exotic seafood, such as barramundi. We have that flown in. You don’t see that much on the East Coast. We get it within 20 hours [after it’s] caught. We also get escolar. at’s another fish out of the South Pacific caught and flown in fresh.”

Executive consulting chef John-Gustin Birkitt also continues to help in the kitchen. Birkitt, chef and co-owner of e French Hound, a bistro in Middleburg, served as executive chef when the Lion & Bull first opened, while also operating his own restaurant Miner noted that Birkitt wanted to help him get the restaurant off to a strong start. “e community has supported us well here.

We’re a community restaurant. We try to cater to everyone,” said Miner.

Hours of operation are Monday through ursday 11 a.m. – 12 midnight, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. To learn more about the Lion & Bull, visit www.lionandbull.com or call 703-754-1166.

Manassas Park resident Val Wallace is a freelance writer, editor and proofreader and a new contributor to Prince William Living magazine. She can be emailed at vwallace888@hotmail.com.

Sam Zaher, Lion & Bull general manager and executive chef, prince william living December 2012 | 27

Photo Courtesy Stereo Vision Photography

In addition, the restaurant has karaoke with recorded music every ursday at 8:30 p.m. and with a live band the first Saturday of each month at 9:30 p.m. “You get to go up there on stage and sing with a four-piece band behind you, which is a lot of fun,” said Miner.

oversees the menu and food preparation.

Zaher has 27 years of experience in the business. “We were fortunate to get him. ere are people who drive in from different areas just because they know he’s here. He has his own following,” said Miner.

family fun Celebrating the Holidays

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By Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Contributing Writer

he holiday season is always magical around our house. We’re fortunate that we’re able to celebrate both our Christian faith and my husband’s Jewish heritage. We enjoy teaching our children that while we have a particular faith background, all winter holidays are really about light and hope. Miracles, whether you attribute them to God, the universe, or other people, are all around us, and especially so during the holiday season. White paper snowflakes against black construction paper remind us of the majesty of nature; bins filled with toys for donation remind us that there may be hope for the goodness of people; and lights on Christmas trees, Menorahs, Kinaras or Yule fires remind us of the comfort and joy our traditions provide.

Celebrating the season of lights with your children is especially fun in Prince William. With a number of secular and religious celebrations and activities in the community, families can enjoy a plethora of options for festively spending their winter days.

Here are a few highlights; look for additional ideas in the online calendar at www.princewilliamliving.com.

Parades

Carriage Rides Old Town Manassas will offer free horse-drawn carriage rides on December 9th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Rides begin at the train depot and will showcase local decorations and lights.

Ice Skating e Harris Pavilion in Manassas offers outdoor ice skating at a rate of $7 per adult and $6 per child. Skate rentals are available for an additional $6. In January, Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. are free. Hours vary, check www.harrispavilion.com for details.

In Dale City, Prince William Ice Center offers indoor ice skating at a rate of $7 per adult and $6 per child, with skate rental for an additional $3. Hours vary. “Snow and Story” times are also offered, where children may play in the “snow” shavings, then hear a story and enjoy hot chocolate. Visit www.pwice.com for details. e Haymarket IcePlex also offers public indoor skating for $7 per adult, $6 per child; $3 for skate rental. Times may vary, visit www.haymarketiceplex.com.

e Old Town Manassas Christmas Parade will take place on December 1st at 10am. Line up along Center Street for a good view of all the entries in this annual procession. e shops in Old Town Manassas also hold an annual gingerbread house contest. Visit participating shops and vote for your favorite from December 1st to December 15th. e Town of Dumfries holds its Annual Christmas-Holiday Parade on December 8.

Musical Offerings

Nativities

e New Dominion Choraliers’ “Good News!! Great Joy!!”, at Hylton Memorial Chapel, will feature a pre-show from the Prince William County Children’s Choir on December 8th at 7:30 p.m. and December 9th at 3:30 p.m.

e Worship Center offers a very popular Living Nativity December 13-15, at the Hylton Memorial Chapel, 14640 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge.

Tree Lightings Old Town Manassas will hold their tree lighting November 30th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Manassas Museum Lawn.

On December 1st the Town of Haymarket will light up their tree from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a bonfire, singers, food and more.

Light Displays Featured in last December’s Prince William Living, the Anderson family of 15611 Bushey Drive in Woodbridge again offers a free, elaborate drive-through light display daily from 5-11 p.m. until January 1st.

28 | December 2012 prince william living

e Hylton Performing Arts Center will offer several seasonal concerts, including the American Festival Pops Orchestra on December 21st.

Woodbridge Community Choir will present “Sing We Now of Christmas” at the Ferlazzo Building on December 1st at 8:00 p.m. and on December 2nd at 3:00 p.m.

As you can see, there are a great many things to see and do this holiday season. At the same time, some of my favorite childhood memories were the easiest. My mother used to pack up to-go mugs of hot cocoa and load us in the family van to find our favorite light displays in local neighborhoods. While gas isn’t free by any stretch, it’s a low-cost tradition that I continue with my children today. No matter how you spend this holiday season, I hope that it is warm, merry, bright and filled with joy.

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.

prince william living December 2012 | 29

your finances Reader Q & A

By Ceda Putiyon, CAP Accounting Q: Which is better, standard deduction or itemizing?

A: Whichever allows you the higher deduction. Tally your itemized deductions; if they are higher than the standard deduction, itemized is better. Note that medical expenses can only be included if they total more than 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income. Miscellaneous deductions can only be taken if they exceed 2% of AGI. For the 2012 tax year the standard deductions are: ■ ■ ■

$11,900 for a married couple filing a joint return $5950 for single individuals and married couples filing separately $8,700 for head of household.

Q: We have a son in college and we pay his college bill monthly. Should we send an extra payment ?

A: For tax purposes, it will make no difference. However, there are tax advantages that you may quality for. The American Opportunity Tax Credit is available for the cost of undergraduate tuition and course materials. It is a refundable tax credit worth up to $2,500 on the first $4,000 of qualifying education expenses.

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A: A health savings account (HSA) combines a high deductible health insurance with a tax-favored savings account. Advantages include that contributions are 100% tax deductible and withdrawals can be made tax free if used to pay for qualifying medical expenses including dental and vision. Interest is also either tax deferred or tax free if used to pay for qualifying expenses. Unlike a Flexible Spending Account, any remaining money in the account at year end is yours to keep and continues to grow taxdeferred. Annual out-of-pocket expenses excluding premiums cannot exceed $5,950 for individual coverage and $11,900 for family. HSA withdrawals that are not used for qualified medical expenses are taxed at your income tax rate in addition to a 10% tax penalty.

Ceda Putiyon is an Enrolled Agent and owner of CAP Accounting.

You can contact her at ceda@cap-va.com.

30 | December 2012 prince william living

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calendar

december

67th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade Dec. 1, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Old Town Manassas Get in the holiday spirit at the 67th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. www.gmchristmasparade.org

Old Town Merchants Open House and Carriage Rides Dec. 2, 1 – 4 p.m.

Old Town Manassas Uncover a unique gift while enjoying refreshments and entertainment during the Old Town Manassas Merchants Open House. After, take a free carriage ride through the historic district www.visitmanasas.com.

The Lighting Of The Trees Sponsored by the Dale City Civic Association Dec. 1, 12 – 10 p.m.

Dec. 2, 12 _ 8 p.m.

Eagle Banquet Hall 13456 Minnieville Rd. | Woodbridge Ring in the Christmas Season by bringing the Entire Family. Silent Auction, Wide Selection of Vendor tables and Santa will be ready to hear your Christmas Wishes.

Proceeds from this event will be used for student scholarships, youth programs, homeless shelters, and food banks.

571-723-2493

Dough Ornaments

Dec. 6, 7 p.m.

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adam Street | Manassas Park Let’s decorate the tree! Decorate and take home your own ornament we supply the materials, you supply the creativity! $3 per person

Light Parade Through Manassas Park Dec. 8, 5:45 – 7 p.m.

Manassas Drive | Manassas Park Illuminated from beginning to end with Santa in tow, this night parade rolls rain, sleet, or snow! $10 per vehicle. Free for all spectators. Last day for registration is December 7, 2012. Contact Brian Hanifin at b.hanifin@manassasparkva.gov 32 | December 2012 prince william living

A 1940s Christmas Dec. 8, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Rd. | Woodbridge What were holiday celebrations like during WWII? When ration cards and air raid drills were common place. e Ellis family hosted many a party here at the Lodge during the war. Join us for music, light refreshments and holiday crafts for kids. Please dress for the weather. $7 per person, children under 6 free. 703-4999812

Family Day—Visit with Santa Dec. 8, 3 – 5 p.m.

National Museum of the Marine Corps 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway Triangle Create holiday ornaments and visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. www.usmcmuseum.com/index.asp

Manassas Chorale “Glorious Noel!”

Concert Dec. 8, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle | Manassas e Manassas Chorale presents “Glorious Noel!” – the best holiday music from around the world, including traditional favorites and new arrangements of carols and seasonal songs. e evening will feature the full Chorale, the smaller Ensemble, and outstanding soloists, all accompanied by high-caliber instrumentalists. Please help support SERVE by donating canned vegetables, fruit, meat and fish; dry and canned beans; cereal and cereal bars; pasta; and mac and cheese. Tickets available online at www.hyltoncenter.org, by phone at 888-945-2468. For more information, visit www.manassaschorale.org or call 703-738-6452.

The New Dominion Choraliers Holiday Concert Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 9, 3:30 p.m.

Hylton Memorial Chapel 14640 Potomac Mills Road | Woodbridge Ticket prices are: $15.00 for Adults; $10.00 for Seniors, Students, Military, and Veterans; $5.00 for ages 5 thru 13; and Free for ages 4 and under.

Town of Dumfries 38th Annual Christmas-Holiday Parade “Christmas Past, Present and Future!”

Dec. 8, 1 p.m.

1775 Main Street | Dumfries Bring your entire family as we celebrate the holiday season. Parade will begin promptly at 1pm, starting at Town Hall.

Civil War Santa at Leesylvania State Park Dec. 15, 10a.m. – 4 p.m.

Leesylvania State Park 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr. | Woodbridge, See the park's very own jolly Civil War-era Santa in his handmade, festive suit. Bring the entire family for an afternoon of holiday cheer. Enjoy period music, costumed interpreters and light refreshments. Make decorations as folks did during the Civil War. $2 a person or $6 for a family www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/ lee.shtml#generalinfo

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 15, 9 – 11 a.m.

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adam Street | Manassas Park

Holiday Concerts Dec. 15, 1 – 7 p.m.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd. | Bristow Join us for the holidays for tours starting at 1 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit with seasonal music performed by Brentsville High School Chorus and Orchestra at 5 and 6 p.m. in the beautiful Union Church.

Enjoy hot cider and cookies while you warm yourself next to a toasty bonfire. Free.

(703) 365-7895

American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops Dec. 21, 8 – 10:30 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts 10900 University Blvd | Manassas Anthony Maiello, conductor is gifted ensemble has become a Hylton Center favorite and now it comes home for the holidays with a festive performance of beloved Christmas carols, holiday tunes, and seasonal melodies that will warm the hearts and lift the spirits of young and old alike! Under the baton and leadership of Anthony Maiello, this orchestra features the

Discover Prince William & Manassas

VisitPWC.com

he holidays are upon us and it’s time to find those perfect gifts for family and friends. With two historic towns boasting dozens of unique shops and Virginia’s largest outlet mall, there are plenty of ways to make someone’s holiday special right here in Prince William and Manassas.

T

Historic Occoquan is another great place to explore and find everything from clothing and jewelry to home Ann Marie Maher accessories, books and artwork. Create your own holiday Executive Director Discover Prince William & Manassas gift at Paint Your Heart Out or buy from a local artist at the Artists’ Undertaking Gallery. Fine one-of-a kind jewelry at Jerry’s Occoquan Jewelers or grab your girlfriend a fun gift at Polka Dot Divas. Pick up a holiday treat at Mom’s Apple Pie or stop at the Visitor Center where our staff can help plan an exciting holiday trip through our great attractions!

If you are looking for a bargain on name brand clothes and accessories, shop Potomac Mills, which features more than 200 shops and eateries. Stores at this indoor mall include Last Call by Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store.

No matter where you decide to shop in Prince William and Manassas, I guarantee you will find a one-of-a-kind gift. Have a wonderful holiday and check visitpwc.com to find holiday festivities in the community.

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Don’t miss this jubilant concert just in time for the holidays. Cost:$32, $40, $48.

Limited Student Tickets Available on December 11, 2012. Contact Phone: 703-993-7759 Email: Hylton@gmu.edu www.HyltonCenter.org

The Worship Center Presents: A Living Nativity Dec. 13-15, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Hylton Memorial Chapel 14640 Potomac Mills Road | Woodbridge e DRIVE-THRU Living Nativity features multiple scenes staged on the grassy field along Golansky Boulevard. All characters are played by church members and friends.

@VisitPWC

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STAY CONNECTED

Start your shopping spree in Old Town Manassas. For that hard-to-buy for man, visit Whimsical Galerie’s “Man Cave” or Prospero’s Books to find a good read. Pick a sparkling ornament off dozens of decorated trees at The Things I Love or purchase a painting at Creative Brush Studio. For the woman in your life, visit Allyssa Bryn for handbags and jewelry.

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tambourines and elephants I Can Do It All by Myself

By DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Contributing Writer I have been told that a professional photographer must take an enormous number of pictures in order to get a few great shots. It’s all in the math and percentages. Skill, time and statistics are the essential ingredients necessary for success of all kinds. In fact, most successful ventures are constructed on these three foundational building blocks.

I have a fabulous friend, Jeanette, who utters the words, “I have a theory on that…” at least once a day. This phrase is always a precursor to help explain the “why” of a situation. The human mind inherently likes explanations and there are perpetual searches to find the reason for our behavior.

The “Why?” query can be approached a myriad of ways. For example, “What in the world possessed you to do that?” is a phrase specifically constructed in an attempt to comprehend preteen actions. The response is predictably and consistently, “I don’t know,” but that does not ever stop us from trying to solve these mysteries. Entire college courses, professions and fields of study are dedicated to finding the answer to “Why?” My friend’s numerous theories are simply her way of helping humanity find logic behind the seemingly irrational. Like the photographer, her hypotheses may be good, but only once in awhile does she develop a great one. One day, while sitting in the hub of all activity—my kitchen—Jeanette witnessed my half-naked youngest son proclaim, in a volume that the entire world could hear, that he could pick out his own clothes and put them on all by himself.

Simply looking in his direction elicited shrieks of protest and reaffirmations that he needed no assistance. I gave him none because I did not care and simultaneously, my 11-year-old was busy slinking around the house moaning

about his unfair workload and how impossible it would be for him to complete his chores and clean the bathroom without my support.

My oldest has had a list of responsibilities since he was three. He had to pick out his clothes, floss his teeth, try to make his bed, clean up toys, put dirty clothes in the hamper and get dressed. Not huge, but it was a beginning. I even had the list typed and laminated. Early on, he would gleefully, joyously and independently complete each task and use a dry erase marker to check it off the list. He even insisted on making his own bed without any help, because he got an enormous amount of pleasure out of doing everything “all by himself.” He would then announce repeatedly how well he had done.

Where did that motivated child go? When did he morph into that morose, whining invalid who was no longer able to discern clean clothes from dirty, let alone identify the location of the laundry room? And...why?

Here is where Jeanette’s theory helped me understand the dilemma at hand. Alas, he used it all up. It was simple. When he was three, four, five, six and even nine, he reveled in being permitted to do things without prompting and was rejuvenated by simple positive reinforcement and verbal accolades.

What we as parents did not know (until this theory shed light on our problem) is that the ability to work independently and the number of tasks that can be completed with enthusiasm is finite.

This explains why we have to point to dirty socks on the floor that need laundering, repeat the “complete your homework” mantra constantly and wonder if the children have hearing problems. They do not. They are simply unable to do anything without supervision.

They will tell you to leave them alone, that they don’t need prompts and—my personal favorite—they will utter the phrase, “I know” to your reminders. But they do not know.

They cannot identify things that need to be done because they used up all their independent actions years earlier.

Now that we understand why this happens, we can take the steps necessary to fix the problem. Current scientific queries are evaluating the viability of renewable or selfsustaining energy forms. We can then easily apply that technology to the rejuvenation of autonomous thought and possibly self motivation.

Of course, this itself presents a challenge. Is there anyone out there who has not already used up his quota of independent actions to actually start, let alone finish, the job?

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

This is important. When a child completes all of his predestined independent tasks, there is no way to refill the coffer. That’s right; he is done. In our case, my son peaked in first grade and after that, we, as parents, needed to be aware that slovenly behavior, poor posture and complaints are inevitable. prince william living December 2012 | 35

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Minnieland at Occoquan 12908 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge

Appliance Connection 13851 Telegraph Rd, Suite 101 Woodbridge

Minnieland at Rippon 2100 Rippon Blvd, Woodbridge

Christ Chapel 13909 Smoketown Rd., Woodbridge

Minnieland at Technology Drive 9511 Technology Drive, Manassas

City of Manassas 9027 Center St., Manassas

Minnieland at The Glen 4290 Prince William Parkway Woodbridge

Edgemoor Art Studio 12616 Lake Ridge Drive, Woodbridge Edward Kelly Leadership Center 14715 Bristow Rd., Manassas Geico Dave Stinson 14694 Lee Hwy | Gainesville Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 14397 Hereford Rd., Dale City Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 238 Potomac Ave., Quantico The House, Inc. Student Leadership Center 14001 Crown Court, Woodbridge Manassas Christian Academy 8757 Signal Hill Road, Manassas Manassas Christian School 9296 West Carondelet Drive, Manassas Manassas Park City Schools One Park Center Court, Suite A Manassas Park Manassas Park -Parks and Recreation 99 Adams Street, Manassas Mason Enterprise Center 10890 George Mason Cir., Bull Run Hall, Rm 147, Manassas 14059 Crown Court, Woodbridge The Merit School of Prince William 14308 Spriggs Road, Woodbridge Minnieland at Ashland 5555 Assateague Place, Manassas Minnieland at Braemar 12700 Correen Hills Drive, Bristow Minnieland at Bristow 10368 Bristow Center, Bristow Minnieland at Cardinal 10910 Feeder Lane, Woodbridge Minnieland at Cloverdale 3498 Cranmer Mews, Woodbridge Minnieland at Dale City 13923 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge Minnieland at Dominion Valley 5255 Merchants View Square Haymarket Minnieland at Gainesville 8299 Harness Shop Road, Gainesville

4240 Merchant Plaza, Woodbridge 2205 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge 12821 Braemar Village Plz, Bristow Shopper’s Food and Pharmacy 9540 Liberia Ave., Manassas 14000 Shoppers Best Way, Woodbridge 4174 Fortuna Center Plaza, Dumfries 10864 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas The Sign Shop 2603 Morse Lane, Woodbridge

Minnieland at Wellington 10249 Hendley Road, Manassas

Stratford University 14349 Gideon Drive, Woodbridge

Minnieland Corporate Offices 4300 Prince William Parkway Woodbridge

Town of Haymarket 15000 Washington Street, Haymarket

Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus, 6901 Sudley Road Woodbridge Campus, 15200 Neabsco Mills Road

Town of Occoquan Town Hall | 314 Mill Street, Occoquan

Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School 17700 Dominican Drive, Dumfries Prince William Association of Realtors 4545 Daisy Reid Avenue, Woodbridge Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Road Manassas Prince William County Schools Prince William Parks & Rec Prince William Public Library System–Independent Hill Neighborhood Library 14418 Bristow Road, Manassas Prince William Public Library System–Lake Ridge Neighborhood Library 12964 Harbor Drive, Lakeridge

Town of Dumfries 17755 Main Street, Dumfries Town of Quantico 415 Broadway Street, Quantico Trio Consulting 3421 Commission Court, Ste 100, Lake Ridge Wawa 15809 Jefferson Davis Highway, Woodbridge 13355 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge 2051 Daniel Stuart Square, Woodbridge 14461 Lee Highway, Gainesville Wegmans 8297 Stonewall Shops Square, Gainesville 14801 Dining Way, Woodbridge

Prince William Public Library System–Nokesville Neighborhood Library 12993 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville Prince William Public Library System–Bull Run Regional Library 8051 Ashton Ave., Manassas Prince William Public Library System–Central Community Library 8601 Mathis Ave., Manassas Prince William Public Library System–Chinn Park Regional Library 13065 Chinn Park Dr., Woodbridge Prince William Public Library System–Dale City Neighborhood Library 4249 Dale Blvd., Dale City Prince William Public Library System–Dumfries Neighborhood Library 18007 Dumfries Shopping Plaza Dumfries Prince William Public Library System–Gainesville Neighborhood Library 4603 James Madison Highway, Haymarket

Minnieland at Heathcote 15040 Heathcote Blvd, Gainesville

Prince William Public Library System–Potomac Community Library 2201 Opitz Boulevard, Woodbridge

Minnieland at Heritage Hunt 7101 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville

Prince William County Tourist Information Center 200 Mill Street, Occoquan

Minnieland at Montclair 5101 Waterway Drive, Montclair

Safeway 2042 Daniel Stuart Square, Woodbridge 4215 Cheshire Station Plaza, Dale City

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prince william living December 2012 | 37

Attic

South Riding

Haymarket Ha aymar y ket Heathcote Health Center: 15195 Heathcote Blvd.

• 24/7 Emergency services • Imaging with specialty Women’s Imaging services • Rehabilitation services • Lab • Doctor offices

Manassas Prince William Hospital:

Caton Merchant House:

Prince William illiam H Hospital os P rince W Haymarket H aymarket (opening e

0 Sudley Rd. on Family ing Center ss & Wellness Centers ery Center Run Family Practice ce William cal Associates Portner Ave.

Woodbridge W oo oodbridge Marblestone ne H Health Center: enter: ealth C

• 24/7 Emergency mergency services service • All-private rooms • Imaging • Maternity services with well-baby nursery • Surgical services • Lab and pharmacy • Gift shop

stone Dr.,, Ste. 140 • X-r ay • Lab ice

Gainesville The Cancer Center at Lake Manassas: 7901 Lake Manassas Drr..

• Radiation therapy • Nationally accredited B

It’s good to have access to

Remarkable Healthcare.

It’s even better when it’s

Right Here In Your Community.

We’re proud to provide remarkable care, right here where you live.

www.pwhs.org