Prince William Living February 2014

PAGE 16

JEWELRY

BY DESIGN

PAGE 26

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY

PAGE 35

PANTS ON FIRE

prince william living February 2014

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Navigating Food Challenges PAGE 4

Tasha Fuller: From Bath Time to Story Time PAGE 10

The Lifesaving American Red Cross in Prince William PAGE 22 www.princewilliamliving.com

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table of contents February 2014 Vol. 4 No. 2

FEATURE STORY Vegan, Paleo, Allergies, GERD … Oh My Navigating Food Challenges When Dining Out ................................................4

DEPARTMENTS from the publisher..................................................3 advertiser index......................................................3

4

on a high note Tasha Fuller: From Bath Time to Story Time........10 healthcare innovations Novant Health Delivers “Care beyond the Walls” ....12 taking care of business Jewelry By Design Celebrates 25 Years of Success................................................16 family fun Dining with Children: PWCMoms.Com Readers Share Advice............................................18 giving back The Lifesaving American Red Cross in Prince William ................................................22

16 Photo courtesy Jewelry By Design

local flavor The Cheesecake Factory: Not Just Cheesecake......26 calendar ..............................................................30 tambourines and elephants Pants on Fire ........................................................35

COLUMNS health & wellness ................................................14 home & hearth ....................................................24 your finances ......................................................28 Discover Prince William & Manassas................31

26 Photo courtesy The Cheesecake Factory

prince william living February 2014 | 1

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Prince William Living Publisher Rebecca Barnes rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com Contributing Writers Cindy Brookshire, Amy Falkofske, Emily Guerrero, Helena Tavares Kennedy, Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Dr. Christopher Leet, Ann Marie Maher, Jen Rader, DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Bennett Whitlock, Vickie Williamson, Emma Young Editor in Chief Emily Guerrero Editorial Staff Val Wallace Photographers Robert Arnold, Amy Falkofske, Helena Tavares Kennedy Marketing Director Amanda Causey Copy Assistant Lauren Jackson Graphic Design and Production Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio Advertising Account Executives Michelle Geenty Prince William Living, the premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas, is published monthly

by Prince William Living, Inc. The opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Prince William Living. © Copyright 2014 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 (Continental U.S.) for one year.

Change of address notices should be sent to Prince William Living Publisher Rebecca Barnes at rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com.

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 emailing Prince William Living Publisher Rebecca Barnes at rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com For further information about Prince William Living, visit www.princewilliamliving.com, or contact Prince William Living at (703) 232-1758.

2 | February 2014 prince william living

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. 3 Efax: (703) 563-9185 Editorial Have a story you’d like our staff to cover? Contact Prince William Living editorial staff at (703) 232-1758, ext. 2, or at editor@princewilliamliving.com.

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Get More Prince William Living You don’t have to wait a whole month for more great information about your community. Visit www.pwliving.com any time to get daily updates on events, the arts, nonprofits, dining and entertainment in your neighborhood. Look for Prince William Living contests, get-togethers, deals and more. You can also submit a story or event online. Stay plugged into what is happening and what is important to you. Prince William Living is your community magazine, all month long.

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The ideal candidate has at least two years of sales experience and a passion for the Prince William Living mission. Sound like you? Send your resume to our publisher at rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com.

from the publisher Keep “Prince William Living”

G

rowing up, I was allergic to anything derived from a bean or legumes. Not that I missed eating peas or green beans, but coffee, chocolate, peanut butter, cola and anything with soy was strictly off limits. Back then, these types of limitations made dining at restaurants difficult, if not impossible. Fast forward to 2014, and, with education, food labeling and cooperation from food manufacturers and restaurants, it’s a whole new world for those with dietary restrictions.

In this month’s feature, “Navigating Food Challenges” (page 4), Emma Young explores the variety of reasons that people give up certain foods, and their tricks of the trade for dining out while doing so. Even if you are on a “see food” diet, you can benefit from their advice on researching menu ingredients and finding the healthiest offerings.

Then in “Family Fun” (page 18), Kristina Schnack Kotlus tackles one of the toughest challenges to dining out—children. Get frontline advice from fellow parents on how to cope with finicky eating habits and limited attention spans, without prompting chefs to tweet about banning your brood.

We also catch up with a Woodbridge mother who turned day-today parenting experiences into rhymes and, ultimately, a

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beautifully written and illustrated children’s book. Turn to page 10, in “On a High Note” by Amy Falkofske, to learn how local author Tasha Fuller’s family inspired her new career path.

With February being American Heart Month, we deliver a double dose of heart-stopping stories, so to speak. Dr. Christopher Leet discusses some of the causes of heart palpitations, as well as when to seek treatment, in “Health & Wellness” on page 14. And in “Giving Back” (page 22), Cindy Brookshire talks to a local woman whose lifelong support of the American Red Cross was returned a thousand fold when she saved her husband’s life by using the lifesaving skills the organization taught her.

Pretty exciting stuff! But it doesn’t end here. Visit pwliving.com to discover recipes from our resident pastry chef and blogger, The Aubergine Chef, as well as movie and book reviews, things to do and the latest community news. It’s a great way to keep “Prince William Living” all month long.

Sincerely, Rebecca Barnes Prince William Living Publisher

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prince william living February 2014 | 3

Vegan, Paleo, Allergies, GERD‌

Oh My

Navigating Food Challenges When Dining Out

By Emma Young, Contributing Writer

4 | February 2014 prince william living

W

hen I first became vegetarian in the early 1980s, few restaurants catered to the diet. Eating out was a challenge undertaken more for social reasons than any culinary delight. Standard fare was a small side salad and a baked potato.

Thankfully, as the ranks (and buying power) of vegetarians grew, so did my dining options. Now nearly 23 million Americans eat a “vegetarian-inclined diet,” not counting the 7.3 million who are strictly vegetarians, according to a study by Vegetarian Times, which also lists nearby Washington, D.C., as among the top 10 cities in the U.S. for vegetarian dining.

However, my world of delicious choices suddenly imploded in January 2013, with the birth of my daughter, who had severe GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and still has multiple food intolerances. As a nursing mother, I was forced to limit my food choices since they directly impact my baby’s health. When eating a piece of cheese causes your newborn to writhe in screaming agony, you give up cheese. For the near future, I’ve gone dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, nut-free and egg-free, in addition to my pre-existing meat-free.

This meant renavigating the restaurant world. After a period of trial-and-heart-breaking-error, I’ve discovered a number of establishments in Prince William that can accommodate my dining limitations and palate. I’ve also discovered that I’m not the only one who has had to learn how to dine out on a specialized diet.

When Food Hurts For tens of millions of Americans, eating the wrong food can cause serious harm, ranging from gum disease to death. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2009 report, “Community Health Status Indicators for Metropolitan Washington,” stated that more than seven percent of residents in Prince William County and more than 10 percent in the City of Manassas have been diagnosed with diabetes. This metabolic disease causes blood glucose levels to rise and can lead to a variety of complications, from nerve damage to hearing loss and even stroke or other acute life-threatening events.

Jenny Hatch, who recently moved to Belgium from Quantico, has diabetes. She said the key to dining out safely is to be aware.

“I know pizza is full of fat, which will delay digestion, so my blood sugars will go higher later,” said Hatch. “Most restaurants, even fast-food, have a list of ... calories, sodium, carbohydrates, protein, etc. Request it.”

Food allergy sufferers may need to go a step further, ensuring that their food has not come into contact with allergens.

Woodbridge resident Hope Hichak is also a nursing mother whose infant son has food allergies. As a result, she avoids eggs, dairy, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts and fish. When dining out, she is wary of cross-contamination. Hichak explained that if a food preparer touches her meal with the same gloves used to prepare a dish that contains problem ingredients, her son has severe gastrointestinal issues shortly after being breastfed.

For those with peanut allergies, exposure to the popular legume can be life-threatening.

Shannon Comstock, of Woodbridge, also worries about cross contamination. For her son, who is allergic to tree nuts and peanuts, each exposure to allergens is life-threatening. She said that after he ingests the nuts, his throat instantly begins closing, blocking off his airway. While she is cautious when dining out with him, Comstock also recommends keeping medical supplies on hand. “It’s a good thing to always have Benadryl®, allergy pills and an EpiPen® on you at all times,” she advised.

People with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerances can find restaurant fare to be a minefield of potential discomfort as well.

When they ingest gluten, a protein found in certain grains, such as wheat, their body attacks the small intestine. Symptoms, which vary among sufferers, can include bloating, fatigue or brain fog, a feeling of mental confusion.

Linda Mosier, of Montclair, was dealing with a number of health issues before she decided to modify her diet to be gluten-free. “[I] found my migraines, IBS [irritable bowel syndrome] and stomach issues all cleared up. I also had more energy, required less sleep and I don’t have such dark circles around my eyes anymore,” said Mosier.

Trends, Traditions Guiding Choices Allergies and illness are not the only reasons for removing certain foods from a diet. In many cases, such as my decision to become vegetarian, dietary choices reflect personal values or even fitness goals. Examples include following paleo or vegan diets or religious dietary guidelines, such as keeping kosher.

According to Vegetarian Times, about one million Americans are vegan, eating no animal products, such as meat, dairy and eggs.

Katie St. Pierre of Dale City explained her decision to become vegan after viewing ‘Forks Over Knives.” The 2011 American documentary seeks to demonstrate that most degenerative diseases can be controlled by eliminating animal-based and processed foods. (continues on page 6) prince william living February 2014 | 5

(continued from page 5) “We went vegan and gluten-free for health reasons and ethical reasons as well. I felt better once I went vegan. I lost weight, and I’m maintaining the weight loss,” said St. Pierre.

The paleo diet is based on the concept that human beings should eat as they did about 10,000 years ago, in the Paleolithic era, prior to modern agriculture. Adherents avoid processed food and seek to eat wild or grass-fed beef, or other meats that can be hunted or fished. Their diets also include foods that can be gathered, such as nuts, vegetables and eggs.

Woodbridge-based nutritionist Camille Freeman, who is also an associate professor at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, weighed in. “It’s fine to eat paleo if it feels right to you, but it’s not evolutionarily better than many other ways of eating, and it’s not automatically the most healthy way to eat either,” she said. “In general there’s nothing wrong with it as long as people are making sure to get plenty of greens and eating a wide variety of foods.”

Still others make food choices that reflect centuries of religious and cultural traditions. For instance, Jewish dietary laws (called “Kashrut”) include prohibitions on mixing milk and meat and eating shellfish, as well as commandments guiding the slaughter of animals. Food that adheres to these laws is considered kosher.

For Rabbi Jennifer Weiner of Congregation Ner Shalom in Woodbridge, the choice to keep kosher encompasses more than just what is eaten. She explained eco-Kashrut, a movement within the Jewish faith to, in part, eat foods produced and served ethically and sustainably. For her family, this also extends to choosing to dine at locally owned restaurants.

“We’ll go to the same restaurant because we know the owners, and so we feel comfortable with how they treat their wait staff.

We go to local restaurants,” said Weiner.

Navigating Restaurant Menus When it comes to deciding what to include or exclude from our diets, Freeman encouraged a balanced, individualized approach.

“Although there is no single diet that’s right for everyone, most of the diets that are popular these days can be healthy for most people,” she said. “No matter what diet you’re choosing, the more fresh, whole foods you eat, the healthier you’ll be.”

After determining what diet is best for you, a challenge remains: Learning where and how to eat out according to your needs.

6 | February 2014 prince william living

Photo courtesy Robert Arnold

The number of paleo eaters is also on the rise. Google Trends showed that Internet searches for “paleo diet” and related phrasing surged in 2013—making it the most searched diet last year, according to the site, which also predicts that gluten-free and paleo will be 2014’s most popular diet plans.

On keeping kosher while dining out, Rabbi Jennifer Weiner (pictured) of Congregation Ner Shalom said that "intention is a big part of it.”

Area residents shared some of their strategies: 1. Research. Look up menus in advance. “The big chains tend to have an allergen-free menu. I first look it up online and if they don’t, I call ahead. They’re always very friendly about it,” Hichak said.

St. Pierre concurred. “I usually consult the online menu first to see if there’s anything I could possibly eat,” she said. “You have to think of substitutions. Can you substitute the chicken on a salad for artichoke? Can you get a bean burger? Don’t be afraid to try combinations you haven’t tried before.

Be adventurous.”

On finding paleo-friendly locations, Dr. Scott Stachelek of Core Chiropractic in Dumfries said, “I’ll look at the chamber of commerce website. I’ll look for bistro-style cafés. Any place that serves a foodie [or] any place that says they use local produce or meats [is] going to be very accommodating.”

Hichak summed up, “Do your research. Be proactive. Make those phone calls. It’ll just make the eating-out experience that much better.”

2. Ask questions. For Comstock, ingredient listings are key to avoiding allergens. “Always ask and tell the server [about the allergy]. Ask someone from the kitchen to come out. Ask if they have ingredient listings,” she said. “If they don’t want to give away all their ingredients, ask a cook to come out and explain what you can have on the menu.”

Communication can also help to prevent crosscontamination of food. “[I’ll] talk to my server and ask them to make sure the cook knows I need it gluten-free and nothing with gluten can touch my plate or I'll get sick,” stated Mosier.

The American Diabetes Association recommends working with your server and asking questions. Is the soup cream- or broth-based? Can the menu item be prepared without butter or with more vegetables? “Managers are very good about helping you figure out what’s safe to eat and making sure it’s cooked correctly,” said Mosier.

3. Don’t rule out mom-and-pops or chains. The verdict is split on which is better in handling specialized diets. Hichak

gave up eating at mom-and-pop establishments. “The staff was not as knowledgeable [about food allergies],” she said.

Hichak added that chains tend to have menus that cater to specialized diets.

“treats” will be and which exceptions (if any) you are willing to make.

For Rabbi Weiner, this means improvising, since Prince William has no kosher restaurants. She shared, “You don’t want to be socially isolated. You keep as close to vegetarian as possible. You keep as true to the letter of the law as possible and to the spirit of the law. … Intention is a big part of it.”

However, Rabbi Weiner said she feels it’s important to dine at locally owned restaurants, and St. Pierre finds them to be accommodating. “Mom-and-pop places can be more helpful because you’re not just a check. They know you. You form relationships. If they have the ingredients, they’ll work with you,” St. Pierre explained.

“The hardest thing is when all your family wants to go out to eat at one place and there’s nothing you can eat there. Don’t be afraid to bring your own food,” St. Pierre said. “I’m not going to not spend time with my family.”

Stachelek said becoming familiar with staff is the key regardless of restaurant type. “Get to know the chef or the owner. Tell them who you are and what you like,” he advised.

4. Improvise. “[A place] may not be 100 percent paleo, but you have to live your life,” said Stachelek. For food choices that are not based on ailments, he suggested determining your level of commitment to the diet, and then deciding what your

Emma Young is a stay-at-home mother and freelance writer residing in Dumfries. She’s looking forward to eating a large cheese pizza again someday, and can be reached at eyoung@princewilliamliving.com.

“Restriction-Friendly” Restaurants Our interviewees provided names of some of the local restaurants that cater to their dietary restrictions. This list is not allinclusive. In the online version of this article on pwliving.com, we encourage you to comment on your area favorites.

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Uncategorized Nandos’ PERi-PERi Panera Bread

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*Marked “diabetic-friendly” if menu lists nutritional information.

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on a high note

Tasha Fuller From Bath Time to Story Time

By Amy Falkofske, Contributing Writer

T

asha Fuller’s first published work, “It’s Bath Time Baby,” started as a musical nursery rhyme simply intended to keep the Woodbridge resident’s then 3-month-old daughter, Aukema, entertained in the bath. It has since transformed Fuller, an event planner who works from home, into a budding children’s book author.

Though Fuller once remarked to a friend that she wanted to write a book, this new development in her life has still taken her and her family by surprise, she said. “I never envisioned it,” said Fuller of her new book, released a few days before last Thanksgiving. Added her husband, Freddie Fuller II, “It’s still unbelievable to me that I have an author in the house.”

The two soon discovered that in addition to having a common goal of producing children’s books, they are fellow alums of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, where Sandoval is based. They knew immediately that they wanted to work together.

“I thought it was a really cute idea … to have this little book that gets kids excited about bath time,” said Sandoval. It was her first illustrated book project, but will not be her last, she said. The two women have developed a friendship and plan to work on future projects together.

10 | February 2014 prince william living

Photo courtesy Amy Falkofske

The transformation didn’t happen overnight. Aukema is now 9 years old. As a self-published author, Fuller said that the hardest part of the nine-year publication process was finding an illustrator.

Then, a little more than a year ago, the pieces started to fall into place. As part of her event planning and consulting business, Your Go2 Girls, Fuller was hired to plan a wedding. The bride was professional illustrator Christiana Sandoval.

Woodbridge resident and author Tasha Fuller holds a copy of "It's Bath Time Baby," a children's book based on a rhyme she created and sang to her daughter.

Inspired by Family Fuller credited her mother Hattie Courtney, whom she named as her mentor, for her work ethic. “She’s the epitome of working hard. I couldn’t ask for a better role model,” said Fuller.

She traced her talent for writing, however, to her grandmother, Glenee Sullivan. When Fuller listened to poems written by her grandmother read at the older woman’s funeral, she realized that

her own ability to create rhymes ran in the family. From there, Fuller discovered and pursued her interest in writing.

She gets most of her inspiration for subject matter from her children. In addition to Aukema, Fuller and her husband have 4year-old twins, Freddie III and Amira. Over the years Fuller has created numerous rhymes that she sings to her children about the different things they do throughout the day, such as waking up in the morning or spelling their names, she explained.

Their influence doesn’t stop there. Fuller enlisted her children in helping her to pick which illustrations would be used for the book.

She said that they even passed out postcards at school advertising the release and book signing, which took place Nov. 24 last year in Lake Ridge at the Chinn Park Regional Library. The Woodbridge chapter of Mocha Moms, Inc., of which Fuller is a member and former president, organized the event. The nonprofit organization is a support group for mothers of color who have chosen not to work full-time outside of the home, to devote more time to their families and communities.

Living with Optimism Fuller said that she believes that faith in God has played a role in her success, adding that she lives her life with an attitude of optimism and gratitude and clings to her faith even during life’s storms.

“It’s all a learning experience,” she explained. “I’ve learned that I’m not superwoman. … If it doesn’t have anything to do with my kids and family, it’s secondary in my life.” Fuller said that being spiritually grounded has helped her realize “that really the most important thing that God gives you is your family.”

Said her friend of 10 years, Vanessa Russell, a television producer and, like Fuller, a work-at-home mom and long-time member of Mocha Moms, Inc., where they met, “We’re so very proud of what she’s doing and how she’s able to show moms that whatever season you’re in in your life, find that moment and own it, whatever that moment is, even if it’s something as simple as bath time with your children. Enjoy that moment. Make it fun for the both of you because you don’t have those moments often.

You don’t have them again.”

Asked if future children’s books are in the works, Fuller replied with a resounding yes. Next she plans to turn “It’s Bath Time Baby” into an e-book, she said. There are also plans for a CD to go along with the book, and eventually Fuller would like to turn the songs she sings to her children into a multimedia collection.

Another possible book project is about how children interpret such sights and sounds as bumps in the night and scary shadows.

Fuller’s advice for would-be children’s book authors: First find a subject matter and then “Do it!” Fuller said she learned so much

Photo courtesy Amy Falkofske

Fuller’s children inspire her in other ways as well. “As an AfricanAmerican, you don’t always find books that reflect what your kids look like. It’s so important for their positive self-image that there are books that they can relate to,” said Fuller. “It’s important for all kids, no matter what race or color, that they have something that looks like them.”

Local children's author Tasha Fuller with her son Freddie Fuller III during a book signing for "It's Bath Time Baby" at Chinn Park Regional Library in Lake Ridge. Her three children helped Fuller to select illustrations for the book and also promoted the book signing to classmates.

about self-publishing that she now plans to incorporate a separate arm of her Your Go2 Girls business to help other authors become self-published.

Her husband said he has no doubt that Fuller will accomplish all her goals. “Typically, when Tasha says she wants to do something, she makes it happen,” he said. She agreed. “I don’t believe in failure,” she said.

“It’s Bath Time Baby” can be purchased at ItsBathTimeBaby.com, where more information can be found on Fuller’s first book.

Amy Falkofske (afalkofske@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer as well as the owner/photographer of Beautiful Moments by Amy Photography. She lives in Bristow with her husband and two sons.

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healthcare innovations

“Care beyond the Walls”

By Jennifer Rader, Contributing Writer

I

n 2009, Novant® Health, a not-for-profit, integrated group of hospitals and physician clinics based in Winston-Salem, N.C., acquired Prince William Health System in Manassas. The mutually negotiated acquisition of what became Novant Health Prince William Medical Center was Novant Health’s entry into the Virginia market.

As a result of the merger, the hospital at 8700 Sudley Road joined Novant Health’s expanding system of medical centers, primarily located throughout North Carolina with a hospital also in South Carolina. Novant Health, which formed in 1997, serves Georgia as well.

“We’ve rebranded ourselves to be medical centers because it’s more comprehensive and it gives the consumer more of an identity around what we are doing as a service rather than just a hospital,” said Senior Vice President of Novant Health Northern Virginia Market Melissa Robson, who is president of Novant Health Prince William Medical Center.

The center, which has won multiple national awards for healthcare excellence, includes a 170-bed acute care hospital, behavioral health facility and wellness centers. Emergency, women’s health, cardiovascular and rehabilitation are among the 12 | February 2014 prince william living

more than 20 types of care provided at Prince William Medical Center. There are also doctors’ offices on its campus.

Over the last four years since acquiring the Prince William hospital, Novant Health has developed a medical group of affiliations with formerly independent physician practices. Its Northern Virginia network includes about 85 specialty care physician practices and 42 primary care practices.

The network’s umbrella of care includes imaging services, surgical centers, an assisted living facility, pediatric dentistry practices and the Novant Health Cancer Center, a nationallyaccredited breast cancer treatment facility, formerly The Cancer Center at Lake Manassas. The facility is located in Gainesville. “[Novant Health has] a whole spectrum of services to offer so you have a completely integrated health care system right in your backyard,” Robson said.

Area residents also have access to top neurologists through Novant Health’s Teleneurology network, which allows medical staff to connect to specialists in other hospitals via videoconferencing. Robson said the process can save lives by enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment of strokes and other

Photo courtesy Novant Health

Novant Health Delivers

family present. Robson explained, “It is essential that [patients] understand what we are doing ... so that [upon discharge] they can better take care of themselves at home.”

Continuing Innovation in Manassas

Photo courtesy Novant Health

Meanwhile, the Manassas campus continues to benefit from a healthy investment in medical technology. Three years ago, Novant Health Prince William Medical Center opened a cardiac catheterization lab, giving the center the ability to perform diagnostic intervention procedures. A MAKOplasty®, a robotic arm that assists in orthopedic procedures such as partial knee and full hip replacements, was added in 2012. ®

Novant Health Prince William Medical Center added a da Vinci SI HD Surgical System in 2012.

neurological disorders, rather than having to wait for a specialist to arrive at the medical center.

Novant’s newest area facility is Heathcote Health Center in Haymarket. Serving the growing population in western Prince William, it includes imaging, outpatient rehabilitation, a laboratory, doctors’ offices and an ambulatory surgery center, as well as 24/7 emergency services.

Building with Caregivers, Patients in Mind Adjacent to Heathcote, construction is underway on the Novant Health Haymarket Medical Center, slated to open in March, Robson said, with the public invited for a “sneak peek” during a Feb. 22 ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house. The state-ofthe-art facility at 15225 Healthcote Blvd. will include 60 private patient rooms and a 24/7 ER, with 20 private treatment rooms.

It also includes an eight-bed critical care unit, a medical/surgical unit, expanded inpatient and outpatient imaging and facilitywide telemetry for heart monitoring.

Robson said that the center’s design is patient-centered and provider-driven. Considered prototypical by Novant Health, it will become a footprint for future builds. Clinical staff, including nurses and physicians, gave input into its development, she said.

As a result, the design includes adjacency of like services, with a goal of increasing productivity and efficiency and reducing onfloor travel time for staff and visitors. Emergency services are located near imaging services on the first floor, since emergency patients frequently require these services, Robson explained.

Uniquely, there is no centralized nurse’s station, but “nurse servers” instead, which Robson likened to locked stations outside patient rooms. Each room has its own station, containing that patient’s medication, supplies and linens, for caregivers’ quick access. “We were very purposeful in making sure that the providers could be at the bedside taking care of the patients or readily available to patients and family members,” said Robson.

Each patient room will also contain an online documentation station. All treatment notes will be written with the patient and

The campus is also on the cutting edge of spine care. In June 2012, it became the first facility in Virginia to offer the mild® (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Degeneration) procedure. This outpatient treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis, a painful condition caused by degeneration and narrowing of the lower spinal canal, causes no blood loss and does not require general anesthesia or recovery time, said Robson. Patients walk out with just a Band-Aid® covering the treatment area.

Another new addition, a da Vinci® SI HD Surgical System, allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive, single-site surgery. “The da Vinci allows us to take [surgical] technology to a new level in gallbladder, gynecological, urological and prostate surgeries. [It] allows us to enter a new age in robotically-assisted procedures,” said Robson, a former surgical nurse.

Staying Well In what Robson refers to as “care beyond the walls,” Novant Health providers strive to maintain a relationship with community members before they are in need of direct service, by encouraging well-patient visits, community outreach and wellness education, she said. “We want to be your choice when you need healthcare [and] also want to be your partners and stewards in keeping you well throughout your wellness journey,” she said.

For instance, during flu season last year, Novant Health teamed with seven local Walmart stores to provide flu shots. Also, throughout the year Novant Health Prince William Medical Center’s Sports Medicine and Concussion Management team works with schools and local sports leagues to reduce and manage incidences of athlete injury.

Robson said that, in addition, plans are in the works to launch mobile mammography, expand behavioral health services and increase support to families affected by autism.

“We are really proud of the journey of the past four years in what we’ve been able to do to keep people at home, meaning in their community, and that they’re not having to travel long distances to get the care and services needed,” Robson said.

As a certified massage therapist, Jennifer Rader also enjoys studying nutrition, wellness, fundraising and freelance writing on various topics. She lives with her son and husband in Manassas. Email her at jrader@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living February 2014 | 13

health & wellness My Heart Just Skipped.

Am I Going to Die?

By Christopher Leet, MD, FACC Emeritus

Inova 3D Mammography Now in Gainesville.

alpitations is a common complaint. Technically, the term refers to any feeling of thumping in the chest.

Although it can be disconcerting, sometimes it is nothing more than a muscle twitch. Other times it may be a disturbance in the electric rhythm within the heart itself.

P

The best way to tell is to feel your pulse at the wrist.

If there is an associated change in the pulse, this may be the heart. If not, it’s simply a muscle contraction.

The most common irregularity goes by a long name, abbreviated as “PVCs.” In this, an area of the heart gets stimulated “out of sync,” causing a contraction before the heart is ready to pump for the next beat. This is felt in the pulse as a pause, like the heart stopped. Of course, it didn’t, and the heart starts up again. This is a normal phenomenon, related to stress, adrenalin, caffeine, etc.

In someone with a normal heart, it is nothing more than annoying. Sometimes there is a definite history of cardiovascular disease, and it may be necessary to investigate further. Primary care doctors can screen for some conditions, but patients may need to consult with a cardiologist.

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The other common type of palpitation is called “SVT,” felt as a rapid, regular pulse. Usually benign, this can still be discomforting and may need to be examined in an emergency room if it persists for more than an hour.

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Additionally, there is an increasing incidence of a phenomenon called atrial fibrillation. This is felt as an inconsistent, rapid and irregular pulse, with weak and strong beats. While quite common in normal hearts, it may call for more in-depth treatment if it persists or reoccurs.

Generally, if there is a relationship to stress or caffeine, these need to be curtailed. If symptoms persist, or are associated with a fainting sensation, medical examination is required.

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taking care of business

Jewelry

By Design

Celebrates 25 years of Success

By Jennifer Rader, Contributing Writer and Emily Guerrero, Editor in Chief

T

his year marks the 25th in business for local entrepreneurs John and Jenny Caro, owners of Jewelry

By Design in Woodbridge. The jewelry store, which originally opened in nearby Lorton in 1989 and has been operating in Prince William since 1997, boasts numerous industry and community awards, along with a five-star rating on Yelp.com.

It also offers a bit of star-studded history, thanks to the store's display of jewelry that Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor wore.

The pieces, purchased by the Caros during a Christie’s auction in December 2011, include a pair of diamond chandelier earrings.

“We keep it in the store, so customers can have the chance to try on a very beautiful piece of history,” said Chelsea Benson, Jewelry

By Design’s marketing coordinator.

Jewelry By Design has experienced consistent growth over the years and continues to build a loyal customer base, Jenny Caro said. Prince William Living sat down with her to learn more about what makes this successful business tick.

PWL: What led you to open a jewelry store?

Caro: Both John and I started making jewelry in high school, but on different coasts. I got a degree from VCU [Virginia Commonwealth University] after graduating from Robinson Secondary School [in Fairfax]. My degree is a Bachelor of Fine Arts, major in jewelry. John began by selling handmade silver rings in Berkeley, Calif. He moved to Virginia to work for some local jewelry chain stores, repairing and making custom jewelry.

16 | February 2014 prince william living

We met, married and [eventually] decided to open our own store. We both realized that being entrepreneurs and growing our own business was what we were meant to do. John … and I decided to open Jewelry

By Design knowing next to nothing about running a business.

Most of our learning was trial by fire. What saved us is that we always knew we needed to learn so we joined trade peer groups and always went to conferences. Many times over the 24 years we have said to each other, “I am so glad we just learned that or we could have gone out of business!”

PWL: Why did you move the store to Prince William?

Caro: Our first store opened in Lorton, Va., in Gunston Plaza. A few years after [it opened], the anchor stores in the shopping center closed, which made it imperative to move our store. We found a great location on the Prince William Parkway … and we had a great opportunity to grow our business being on the parkway.

PWL: What sets your jewelry store apart?

Caro: Our goal has always been to have the skills to make a beautiful creation if what the customer wants can’t be ordered.

We have a full studio, with John and three goldsmiths and a watch repair technician.

Photos courtesy Jewelry By Design

Since we have invested in the latest technology, including a laser welder and computer-aided design [CAD], we are able to design and make anything. … We are also an American Gem Society [AGS] store with the only fully certified appraisal lab in Prince William County. We have three certified gemologist appraisers on staff, which is more than any store in Northern Virginia.

Many [people] are surprised when they walk into our store for the first time. Since we are located in a strip center, they do not expect the large and beautifully decorated store with a granite walkway, designer glass chandelier, full service area with a ... coffee bar and a pretty nice guest bathroom.

PWL: How do you reach new customers and keep current clients engaged?

Caro: One of our most fun marketing efforts is our “12 Days of Christmas” Facebook contest. [In 2013] we gave away over $5,000 worth of jewelry with over 2,000 “likes.” Many years we hear great comments afterward about how this jewelry gave someone a Christmas that they wouldn't have had, or that trying to win helped several people keep their spirits up while recovering from operations.

We both have always received our inspiration from being creative. We continually try to be innovative which is why we have grown and changed our store many times over the years.

We are always looking for new products.

PWL: As a business, are you involved in the community?

Caro: [We have] a long tradition of supporting local charities.

There are too many to list, but our favorites are The House, Inc., and CASA CIS [Court Appointed Special Advocates Children’s Intervention Services], both charities that help children and teenagers. We also sponsor the “Living Nativity” every year, which is put on by our church, The Worship Center, at the Hylton Chapel.

PWL: Has Jewelry By Design won special recognition?

Caro: John and I had both won some awards in jewelry design before we opened Jewelry By Design. Since then we have won many more with the latest just happening. … John won third place in the American Gem Trade Association’s (AGTA) [2014] national competition for Objects of Art. We are exhibiting his amazing pendant/sculpture in our store until it goes on exhibit [Feb. 4-9] at the AGTA show in Tucson, Ariz.

PWL: What do you most enjoy about being an entrepreneur?

Caro: We have enjoyed traveling to these jewelry shows and conferences. It has given us an excuse to visit many beautiful resorts, make many friends with other store owners and keep on top of the latest trends, especially with products. …We love having the most popular jewelry brands that our customers ask for, like Tacori, LeVian, Hearts On Fire, Pandora and now Alex and Ani. An advantage to being an independently owned small business is that we can react quickly and stock a product our customers are asking for.

PWL: What does the future hold for Jewelry By Design?

Caro: We are very excited about 2014. We will begin using a software program that John has been developing for years. We will be using it on iPads out on the sales floor and be able to immediately serve our clients, answer questions, make orders and sell without customers waiting at a register. It will be a real benefit.

To learn more about Jewelry By Design, visit www.jbd4u.com or stop by the store, located at 2932 Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge.

Manassas-based massage therapist and freelance writer Jennifer Rader can be reached at jrader@princewilliamliving.com. Emily Guerrero, of Lake Ridge, is editor in chief of PWL and a communications consultant. Email her at eguerrero@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living February 2014 | 17

family fun

Dining with Children PWCMoms.Com Readers Share Advice

By Kristina Schnack Kotlus, Contributing Writer

Y

ou hear about how difficult it can be to find a restaurant that accommodates food allergies, religious restrictions or specialized diets. However, there is one dining challenge that trumps them all: Eating out with young children, which can be a special order beyond anything you’ve ever seen.

In my family, we’ve been fairly lucky, because our three kids are adventurous eaters. Our middle child can be, as we call it, “a connoisseur.” During the summer in my mother’s garden, he’ll eat tomatoes as if they’re apples, but put one of those cardboardtasting winter tomatoes on his sandwich in January, and he’ll flick it at you with a look of disgust. I see a job as a restaurant critic in his future.

Of course, that is nothing compared to my (not so distant) days of dining out with babies and toddlers. The first time we tried to go out to eat after having our daughter, we took our boys for Thai. She was 8 weeks old and would not stop crying, so I sat in the car and nursed, while my hubby and the boys finished dinner. They did bring me some lovely green curry when they were done, though. But somehow the ambiance was lost.

Over time, moms learn the tricks of the trade that allow them to confidently dine out with kids. I asked my PWCMoms.com readers for helpful hints, and here are some of the responses I got. I hope that these words of “mom wisdom” will help you enjoy a night away from your oven in the near future. n Don’t be afraid to venture off the kids menu. Whether you are dealing with picky eaters, gluten intolerance or kids with severe “grown-up food envy,” ordering an appetizer or a handful of sides can fill them up and keep them happy. n Share your plate, starting when your kids are very young.

Kids need several exposures to decide if they like something.

Share bites of your food with your children. This lets them sample new tastes without the pressure of having to eat a plateful. And if they ask for some, never tell them, “You won’t like it.”

18 | February 2014 prince william living

n Go prepared. If you choose to go out at 6 p.m. on a Friday night, be ready for the wait list. Pack some Cheerios® and coloring books and give the kids a small snack before you go.

Or plan to dine a little early and avoid the rush and subsequent wait. If you know your child will only make it for half an hour or 45 minutes before getting cranky or misbehaving, consider visiting a restaurant with call-ahead or carryout service. Some establishments will let you order (continues on page 20)

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(continued from page 18) your food before coming in so that when you get your table, your food is ready. n Plan ahead if you have “issues.”

Whether your child has food allergies or you have religious dietary restrictions, a glance at the menu, even if it’s on your phone in the parking lot, can save you a fight with a hungry child in the restaurant.

Help prepare your kids for what they can eat, rather than letting them pick something they can’t and having to battle it out with them. n BYOKF (Bring Your Own Kid Food). One reader who didn’t want to compromise her taste buds to dine out with her young child suggested bringing separate food for toddlers.

(You’d want to call ahead to get the restaurant’s approval.) Over time, she started sneaking in some pad thai or vindaloo among her son’s chicken nuggets. She’s proud to report that he grew into an adventurous eater, although he still enjoys the occasional McDonald’s run. n Know where you can go. Many of my readers have kids with food restrictions. Zpizza in Gainesville and Manassas, Not Your Average Joe’s in Woodbridge and Potomac Mills Silver Diner are among area establishments they recommended. When you’re traveling, the local chamber of commerce might be able to let you know which local eateries can handle your dietary requests.

A final word of advice: Remember that this, too, shall pass. One day you will look back fondly on the days of spaghettismeared faces or cranky 2-year-olds who won’t eat anything green. In the meantime, I hope that my readers’ suggestions—and a healthy sense of humor—can help you to enjoy the adventure of family dining.

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giving back

The Lifesaving American Red Cross in Prince William

By Cindy Brookshire, Contributing Writer

D

on Flory is living proof of how the American Red Cross saves lives in Prince William. During a “High-Heeled Happy Hour™” fundraiser for the organization, his wife Donna Flory whistled down a noisy crowd at Old Towne Sports Pub in Manassas to share the couple’s compelling tale.

“On July 27, 2013, at 1:15 in the morning, my husband Don suffered a massive heart attack, resulting in a cardiac arrest in my living room,” she shared. Her husband had a complete physical six weeks prior, with no risk indicators. They had enjoyed dinner out in Old Town Manassas earlier that evening. He went to bed early, but came back downstairs.

“What does it mean if my chest hurts and I feel warm all over?” he asked her.

Before his wife could ask “Do you feel a pain in your left arm?”

Don collapsed into a recliner, unresponsive to her shouts. Trained by the Red Cross in CPR, Donna dialed 911, put the dispatcher on speaker and started chest compressions, all within seconds.

Paramedics arrived, stabilized Don and transported him to Novant Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas. The decision to transfer him to The George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. for further lifesaving measures depended on the immediacy of Donna’s actions. Did she start compressions right away? Did she interrupt them at any time?

Her actions, made possible by Red Cross training, helped save Don and enabled the quality of life that he enjoys today.

22 | February 2014 prince william living

Photo courtesy Don and Donna Flory

Donna Flory had been an American Red Cross supporter her whole life—as a blood and platelet donor, financial donor, disaster volunteer and board member. Now the Red Cross was about to give back to her.

Donna and Don Flory, in a photo taken Aug. 26 last year, four weeks from the date of Don’s heart attack. He was leaving HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center of Northern Virginia, to head home for the first time since the attack.

Don entered the room at the Old Towne Sports Pub to cheers. He has since returned to his Prince William County government job as a contract administrator and his freelance photography business.

He has also returned to the volunteer work that he enjoys, taking photographs for Manassas Museum, Center for the Arts at the

Candy Factory in Old Town Manassas—and the American Red Cross.

Thankfully, according to Donna, he doesn’t remember anything about his medical adventure. “We’re getting used to what my mom calls ‘the new norm,’” she said.

The Prince William Chapter of the American Red Cross became part of the National Capital Region four years ago with dramatic results: Our community now has access to 2,500 metro area Red Cross volunteers who could mobilize to Prince William in the event of a major disaster.

The merger also lightened local administrative and overhead chores, said Stierle. Now a smaller team of four staff members and two volunteers work at the Prince William Red Cross office, located on Liberia Avenue in Manassas. Stierle keeps a finger on the pulse of the community by speaking at meetings, building partnerships and engaging frontrunners.

“I am the point person. It’s up to me to identify where the needs of the community are, get the right line of service involved and make sure we can deliver that service,” said Stierle, who is also a member of Leadership Prince William, an association of current and future community leaders.

In Prince William, as well as worldwide, Red Cross feeds, shelters and provides emotional support to victims of disasters—also teaching lifesaving skills and providing humanitarian aid.

Nationally, the Red Cross provides about 40 percent of the country’s blood supply as well as supports military members and their families.

The local Red Cross responds to an average of one event weekly in the area, including every house fire, day or night, Stierle said.

Volunteers provide comfort, basic necessities and often shelter. In response to the extreme heat during the Civil War Sesquicentennial in 2012, volunteers set up cooling tents at Manassas Battlefield for visitors and reenactors. Prince William Red Cross volunteers were also part of the response to the mass shooting Sept. 16 last year at Washington Navy Yard, bringing food, blankets and comfort to employees who were detained for interviews.

Photo courtesy Don and Donna Flory

“What keeps me dedicated in this job are couples like the Florys, and the fact that every 60 seconds, about 63 people are assisted by the American Red Cross throughout the country,” said Erwin Stierle, community executive for the organization’s Prince William and Loudoun offices, part of the American Red Cross’s National Capital Region.

Deborah Tompkins Johnson of Dominion Virginia Power, Donna Flory as ”Clara B. Ready” and Johnson’s husband Reuben Johnson on March 19, 2011, at “Heroes and Villains,” a fundraising gala for the local Red Cross.

chairs the council, one of three Leadership councils in the National Capital Region.

Under Stierle’s and her joint leadership, in 2013 the local Leadership Council raised more than $40,000 during the “Online Heroes for the American Red Cross” fundraising and awareness campaign, and its “Under the Sea” prom benefit raised nearly $30,000, Stierle said.

Planning is underway for this year’s prom, themed “One Enchanted Evening,” which will take place March 28 at Heritage Hunt Country Club in Gainesville. Vaughan-King said that volunteers for the organizing committee are welcome.

You can bet that Don and Donna Flory, who celebrated 30 years of marriage on Jan. 14, will support the local Red Cross’s fundraising efforts.

“I always had a message to share, but I have a bigger one now,” said Donna. “You can’t go through life thinking you’re not capable of learning CPR or using it when you need it. If sharing our story makes one more person be more prepared, than the American Red Cross did their job, and so did I, making you aware of it.”

Stierle said that the Red Cross always needs donors and volunteers.

Stop by the Prince William office at 9934 Liberia Avenue in Manassas or call 703-584-8702 to find ways that you can help.

At redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps, an app is available to help citizens prepare for emergencies. Users receive alerts of watches and warnings of storms and other potential disasters. Additionally, at redcrossstore.org, the organization sells items such as hand-crank radios and survival kits designed to help families and businesses weather emergency situations.

You can also make a difference digitally. According to Stierle, this is the number-one region in the country for digital reach. Visit www.redcross.org/charitable-donations for more information.

Among options: Texting “Redcross” to 90999 to donate $10 to disaster relief. You can also give non-monetary donations, such as airline miles and credit card or hotel rewards points.

Stierle said that since the merger he works with the Red Cross’s allvolunteer Prince William County Leadership Council on fundraising initiatives. Gainesville resident Rebecca Vaughan-King, president of Manassas-based marketing and design firm Imagine,

Manassas resident and freelance writer Cindy Brookshire is a frequent contributor to Prince William Living. She can be reached at cbrookshire@princewilliamliving.com. prince william living February 2014 | 23

home & hearth Designing Your Dream Kitchen

By Vickie Williamson Custom Framer and Interior Designer

he kitchen is often considered the most important room in the house—the heart of the home, the place where everyone gathers. The kitchen is where marvelous meals are prepared by loving hands and where the kids do their homework.

T

Where others have branches, we have roots.

Maybe you’ve even heard that kitchens sell houses.

I believe this to be true.

When preparing to sell your home, consider the finishes when designing or remodeling your kitchen. Many buyers are looking for granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. These have been popular for several years, and I feel they will continue to be popular for years ahead.

Appliances should be updated and match in finish. In addition to granite, quartz, butcher block and laminate are some of the most popular choices in countertop materials.

If you know that you will be living in your home for the long term and selling it is not an issue, then go ahead and design the kitchen of your dreams. Of course, the budget will play an important role in determining the size of the dream. Just keep in mind that you may have to do some neutralizing if you decide to sell your home in the future.

If the cabinets are in good shape but look out of date, consider painting them instead of replacing them. You can play it safe with a neutral color on the cabinets and a stronger hue on walls and accessories. Or add some sizzle with vividly colored cabinets and tile backsplash.

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Prince William resident Vickie Williamson owns Fine Design Custom Framing & Interiors in Woodbridge. She has worked in the fine art, framing and decorating industry for more than 25 years and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

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local flavor

Not Just Cheesecake

By Helena Tavares Kennedy, Contributing Writer

O

pening its doors on Nov. 11, 2012, The Cheesecake Factory at Potomac Mills in Woodbridge found ready patrons in Prince William. Before the restaurant opened, local residents drove to Fairfax, Tyson’s Corner, Dulles or farther if they wanted to dine at one of the national chain’s eateries.

Customer Mike Katz of Woodbridge “was very happy when this one opened up right near my home,” he said. “I’ve had lunch here almost every day since it opened last year because I really like the food, it’s reasonably priced and the service is great. I’m very particular about my food and if something isn’t prepared the way I like it, they send it back to the kitchen to have redone. Not every place does that.”

The Prince William restaurant draws 7,000 to 10,000 customers weekly, said General Manager David Ferguson. If you are planning to take your sweetheart there for Valentine’s Day, arrive early.

Seating, which numbers 225 inside and 80 on the patio, is firstcome, first-serve, and the holiday joins Mother’s Day as the two busiest days of the year, Ferguson said.

“People come here for the ultimate upscale dining experience,” he said. “It’s not just the cheesecake or the food either. It’s the whole experience. We have an unbelievable atmosphere in here with great service that focuses on the customer. Our philosophy is to create an environment where absolute guest satisfaction is our highest priority.”

26 | February 2014 prince william living

Serving More than 200 Menu Items While The Cheesecake Factory lives up to its name, with more than 35 kinds of cheesecake, diners can also choose from more than 200 other menu items, including appetizers, pizzas, burgers, pastas, salads, seafood, chicken and steaks. Ferguson said that the restaurant recently added a new gluten-free menu. It also has a “SkinnyLicious®” menu, with lower-calorie meal options.

Additionally, more than 200 sauces and 20 appetizers are made on the premises from scratch every week, said Executive Kitchen Manager Andy Franklin. “We don’t have anything frozen, even the seafood, steaks, chicken. It’s all fresh and always cooked from scratch,” he said. “Our kitchen staff come into work every day at 6:30 a.m. to start prepping all the food and making everything from scratch that day.”

Ferguson said that the most popular menu items are the “Avocado Egg Rolls,” “Cajun Jambalaya Pasta,” “Chicken Madeira,” “Santa Fe Salad,” “Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake” and the “Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake™.” Franklin suggested that customers try the parmesan-garlic cheese bread appetizer and the “Tuscan Chicken” entrée, as those are not ordered as frequently, but are much-loved once people try them.

The “Parmesan-Garlic Cheese Bread” is a warm, artisan bread with a blended spread made from compound butter, garlic, shallots and white wine, then topped with mozzarella, parmesan and Romano cheeses and cooked in the pizza oven. It is served

Photo courtesy Helena Tavares Kennedy

The Cheesecake Factory

Photo courtesy The Cheesecake Factory

said. Each month the food establishment also donates about $500 in gift cards to local schools, public safety departments and charities to use in fundraising raffles and silent auctions, he added.

In addition, the restaurant frequently donates food and staff time to serve meals at charitable fundraisers, Ferguson said. These include a recent event at the Occoquan VFW for the nonprofit Wounded Warrior Project®, which helps thousands of injured U.S. war veterans and provides assistance to their families.

You can even find the restaurant’s staff in the community on Thanksgiving, when they join employees of eight other area eateries of the chain to prepare and serve holiday meals at The Salvation Army homeless shelters in Washington, D.C.

“Lettuce Wrap Tacos” are one of the more than 200 innovative dishes available to diners at The Cheesecake Factory at Potomac Mills.

with a side of parmesan salsa which includes two different types of parmesan cheese and herbs such as basil and oregano, marinated in extra virgin olive oil.

The “Tuscan Chicken” entrée includes three large chicken breasts in a garlic herb marinade, with Mediterranean salsa and freshly cooked farro with steamed broccolini. The Mediterranean salsa is made with fresh oven-roasted tomatoes, capers and artichoke bottoms in garlic and red wine vinegar, with a basil oil drizzled on top.

Located at 2708 Potomac Mills Circle, The Cheesecake Factory opens at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.

Sundays and closes at 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights. Catering and to-go menu options are available. For more information, visit www.thecheesecakefactory.com or call 703-490-8155.

A nonprofit marketing director and communications consultant, Helena Tavares Kennedy enjoys freelance writing and The Cheesecake Factory’s Godiva® chocolate cheesecake. She has lived in Manassas with her husband and two children for 12 years and can be reached at hkennedy@princewilliamliving.com.

Training for Success Several staff members commented that one of the reasons they enjoy working at The Cheesecake Factory is because of its high level of organization and structure. David Carillo, a designated server trainer and restaurant opener, started at The Cheesecake Factory in 2006 and now works at the chain’s Woodbridge restaurant.

Photo courtesy Helena Tavares Kennedy

“This is the best in the world. The organization and preparation here is amazing,” he said. “Everyone has a certain job to do, and we all know each other’s roles so there is no confusion. We create such an organized environment here that it makes things so much easier for all of us, and it allows things to flow so smoothly.”

Dalonte Johnson has worked at the Woodbridge location since opening day and is a lead trainer for the serving staff. “It’s an intense training period. You have to memorize every item on the 200-plus items menu and take a 275-question test about every single one of them, as well as over 80 questions on service,” Johnson said. “But it’s so worth it. We see lots of return customers and you build a great connection with them.”

Building Community Connections The Cheesecake Factory extends that connection beyond its doors, giving back to the community in a number of ways. Once a week, as part of the restaurant’s Harvest Food Donation Program, The Salvation Army picks up surplus food from the eatery, Ferguson prince william living February 2014 | 27

your finances Determining When to Receive Social Security Benefits

By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor

hen does it make sense to start taking Social Security benefits? In anticipation of the millions of baby boomers entering retirement, the government pushed the age of full retirement from 65 to 67 for Americans born in 1960 or later.

W

In general, the longer you wait to start collecting, the bigger your monthly Social Security check will be. Conversely, take out money sooner, and you’ll get less. Still, if you choose to wait until full retirement age or later, consider how long it will take to catch up to the amount you would have received, cumulatively, had you started at a younger age. This is called the “break-even point.”

If you delay your benefits (up to age 70), you may not reach your break-even point until age 79. If longevity runs in the family, waiting could still make sense. However, if you are in poor health, it may not make sense to wait as long.

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On the other hand, if you file for Social Security while continuing to work between age 62 and your full retirement age, the benefits you receive may be taxed and thus reduced.

For married couples, the lower-earning spouse has a potential advantage if the higher wage earner postpones receiving benefits. The lower wage earner receives about half of the spouse’s benefit provided he or she has reached full retirement age and the full benefit if he or she is widowed.

Review your Social Security statement (request one at ssa.gov) to determine your benefits at various ages.

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calendar “MRE Cook-off”

february

Feb. 1 • Noon – 2 p.m. e National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway | Triangle Watch the fun as contestants compete in preparing gourmet meals ready to eat.

Free admission and parking. For more information, call Michele Flynn 703-784-4469 or email michele.r.flynn@usmc.mil.

Information can also be found at www.usmcmuseum.org.

The Castaways Repertory Theatre “Caught in the Net”

Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 • 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Dr. AJ Ferlazzo Building 15941 Donald Curtis Drive | Woodbridge Local nonprofit community theatre group performs this sequel to British playwright Ray Cooney’s “Run for Your Wife.” It catches up with London taxi driver John Smith after 18 years of leading a double life, with two homes and two unsuspecting wives. When his son from one marriage and daughter from the other meet online, John must take action to keep everything from unraveling. Tickets are $10 per adult and $7 per child for the matinee, $14 per adult and $5 per child for the evening show and are available for purchase at www.castawaystheatre.org.

“Beauty and the Beast”

Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 15, Feb. 22 and March 1 • 1 p.m.

Workhouse Arts Center 9601 Ox Road | Lorton Bring the family for an afternoon of adventure with Vianlix Mestey Films Production’s original live-stage adaptation of the classic fairy tale. A self-centered prince is cursed to spend eternity as a hideous and frightening beast. Will he ever find the way to break the spell?

Running time is 55 minutes with one intermission. Appropriate for all ages.

Concessions are available preperformance and at intermission. Tickets:

$12 per adult and $9 per child younger than 12. For more information, call 703-584-2900 or visit workhousearts.org.

“Years of Languish (1920s-1950s)” Feb. 5 • 7:30 p.m.

Workhouse Arts Center 9601 Ox Road | Lorton Cynthia Harrison, Ph.D., associate professor of history at The George Washington University, with psychologist Gail Zander, Ph.D., as a guest panelist, will speak on the intense hardships experienced by women during the Great Depression and women’s unprecedented involvement in what had been exclusively men’s work during World War II. Is among five free public lectures in the program, “American Women: The Long and Winding Road,” tracing the American women’s equality movement from before the Civil War to the present.

For more information, call 703-584-2900 or visit workhousearts.org.

Hyden was arrested as a runaway slave and thrown into the jail at Brentsville.

For over a year Hyden was confined to a jail cell before escaping and returning to freedom. Join county historians as they explore and compare Hyden to Soloman Northup, portrayed in the movie, “12 Years a Slave.” $5 per person. For more information, call 703-365-7895.

“Harriet Tubman” Feb. 8 • 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Chinn Park Regional Library 13065 Chinn Park Drive | Lake Ridge In honor of Black History Month, this dynamic, one-woman show tells the story of African-American abolitionist and Union spy Harriet Tubman and her role in the Underground Railroad, a route used by 19th-century black slaves in the United States to escape to free states.

Appropriate for children ages 6 and older, who must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Free. No reservations required. For more information, call 703-792-4800.

“Yoga for Cancer”

“Childbirth Preparation”

Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20, Feb. 27 and March 6 • 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center 2300 Opitz Boulevard | Woodbridge Yoga class for people with cancer. The class focuses primarily on breath work and body awareness, including movements to accommodate all types of limitations. The program, which began Jan. 16, includes lectures on the physiology behind yoga and an understanding of yoga’s workings, with tools and techniques, in combination with movement, that are proving invaluable in reducing stress, pain, fatigue, insomnia, depression and anxiety—improving coping skills and quality of life. Participants should dress comfortably and bring a mat and water. For more information and to register, visit www.sentara.com.

Feb. 8 and Feb. 9 • Noon – 5 p.m.

Novant Health Prince William Medical Center Wellness Center, Medical Building 2 8640 Sudley Road | Manassas This two-day weekend course provides expectant mothers and their support person with information on pregnancy, labor, birth, breathing, relaxation and the postpartum period. Topics on medication, anesthesia and Cesarean are also discussed. Please bring three pillows, a blanket and a snack. Fee: $145 per expectant mother and one support person. To register, call 703-369-8405.

Prince William County’s “12 Years a Slave” Feb. 8 • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Brentsville Courthouse, Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road | Bristow In 1835, William Hyden was passing through Prince William County during his journey from Ohio to Washington, D.C. Although a free African-American,

“Book Talk” with Linda S. Johnston Feb. 9 • 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Manassas Museum 9101 Prince William Street | Manassas Join local author Linda S. Johnston for a discussion of her book, “Hope Amid Hardship: Pioneer Voices from Kansas Territory,” which brings together, from their letters and diaries, the reflections of 60 individuals of different ages, backgrounds and outlooks who helped shape the identity of the Sunflower State.

Free to attend. For more information or

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

30 | February 2014 prince william living

Discover Prince William & Manassas

Di

PW

One-of-a-Kind African-American History Lesson on’t just read about Black History Month this February; experience it first-hand in Prince William and Manassas. Rich in African-American history, these Virginia communities have preserved the homes, stories and heritage of people who played a crucial role in shaping America. Here are just some of the special events that will captivate visitors as they get a glimpse of AfricanAmerican life both before and after the Civil War.

D

Ann Marie Maher President and CEO Discover Prince William

Discover what school was like from 1885 to 1926 for black youth & Manassas at Lucasville, Northern Virginia’s only restored, one-room schoolhouse built for African-American children. This interactive museum, located in Manassas and dedicated to interpreting post-Civil War African-American education in Prince William, will be open every weekend in February.

Get a rare glimpse inside Liberia Plantation in Manassas and the lives of the 80 slaves who worked at this 1825 home, which served as the headquarters for both Union and Confederate officers during the Civil War and was visited by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. Liberia, which was also one of the largest and most successful plantations in Prince William, will be open for special tours Feb. 8 and Feb. 22 at 11 a.m.

Disco

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Facebook.com/pwcman Facebook.com/pwcmanassas

At Ben Lomond Historic Site, also in Manassas, explore one of the only public slave quarters in Northern Virginia. Or walk the grounds of the Manassas Industrial School & Jennie Dean Memorial, commemorating the now closed educational institution for African-American youth and the former slave and educator who founded it.

You can also plan a trip to other local sites rich in African-American history. Must-see destinations include Prince William Forest Park, which was home to one of the few freed black communities prior to the Civil War, and Bristow’s Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre where 12 slaves were executed. One of them, known as Agnes, allegedly still haunts the centre’s former jail. For more February event information, visit DiscoverPWM.com.

Ann Marie Maher is the president and CEO of Discover Prince William & Manassas.

For more information about what’s going on in Prince William and Manassas, visit DiscoverPWM.com. to make reservations, call 703-257-8453 or visit manassasmuseum.org.

“Cookie Hearts” Feb. 10 • 7 p.m.

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street | Manassas Park This cookie-decorating event for children includes all the fixings to decorate heartshaped cookies to share on Valentine’s Day. Also includes cookies. $5 per person. For more information, call 703-335-8872 and ask for Jennifer Deuterman or email j.deuterman@manassasparkva.gov.

“Baby Care Basics” Feb. 12 • 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Novant Health Prince William Medical Center Wellness Center, Medical Building 2 8640 Sudley Road | Manassas Taught by a registered nurse, this class for parents expecting their first child provides information and instruction on diapering, bottle and breastfeeding, cord care, crying, circumcision care, comforting the newborn and more. $53 per couple. To register, call 703-369-8405. (continues on page 32)

1-800-432-1792 DiscoverPWM.com prince william living February 2014 | 31

(continued from page 31)

“Girls Night Out”

february

Feb. 13 • 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Winestyles of Montclair 4394 Kevin Walker Drive | Montclair Get the girls together every second Thursday of the month as Winestyles celebrates a night away from it all. Relax and catch up with friends while enjoying great food and wine. Cost is $12 and includes a glass of wine and light hors d’oeuvres. For information or reservations, visit www.winestylesmontclair.com.

“Courtship Customs of Centuries Past” Feb. 13 • 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Avenue | Manassas Program on courtship, dating customs and dinner etiquette of the 18th and 19th centuries. Includes dinner and a lecture.

Space is limited. Please register no later than Feb. 7 to secure space. $30 per person. $55 per couple. Reservations required.

Call 703-792-4754 to make reservations.

Mommy Meetup: “Victorian Valentines”

Feb. 13 • 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Leesylvania State Park Visitor Center 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive | Woodbridge One in a series of free monthly social meetups for moms. Each meetup includes a different activity, as well as activities for children, whom attendees can bring. In February, spend a morning customizing your own Victorian-style Valentine’s Day cards. Includes refreshments. For more information, call 703-583-6904 or email Genevieve.White@dcr.virginia.gov.

Super Science Saturday!

Feb. 15 • 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Bull Run Regional Library Community Room A & B 8051 Ashton Avenue | Manassas Bring the kids in for fun science activities that fizz, crackle and amaze. For students in grades 2-7. Children can also make a science facts fortune teller to take home and can register to win a door prize. Free to attend. Registration tokens are available at the front desk 30 minutes before the start of the program, which is presented by Patriot High School Science

32 | February 2014 prince william living

National Honor Society members. For more information, call 703-792-4500.

The Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Feb. 15 • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Leesylvania State Park Visitor Center 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive | Woodbridge The Leesylvania State Park’s grounds are associated with the flight of two runaway slaves as well as a slave who escaped in 1848. A band of escaped slaves also informed Union soldiers of Confederate activity at the property’s Freestone Point in September 1861. Learn about the park’s rich and diverse history as it celebrates Black History Month. Displays illustrate its inclusion into the National Park Services Network to Freedom program, a series of events at parks across the country that are associated with the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses 19th-century black slaves in the United States used to escape to free states and Canada. For more information, call 703-583-6904 or email Genevieve.White@dcr.virginia.gov.

Lake Ridge Moms’ Club Preschool Open House Feb. 15 • Noon – 2 p.m.

Tall Oaks Community Center 12298 Cotton Mill Drive | Lake Ridge Representatives from community public and private preschools will be present to answer questions and provide information regarding preschool and homeschool options in the area.

Open to the public. Snow date: Feb. 22, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

and daytime phone number. For more information, visit http://vnps.org/wp/pwws or call Nancy Vehrs at 703-368-2898.

“Book Talk” with Bradley Gottfried Feb. 23 • 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Manassas Museum 9101 Prince William Street | Manassas Author Bradley Gottfried discusses his latest work, “The Maps of the Bristoe Station and Mine Run Campaigns,” the fifth installment in Gottfried’s “Savas Beatie Military Atlas” series. This book takes readers where few historians have, examining what happened to the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac during the critical months following the battle at Gettysburg.

Free to attend. Visit manassasmuseum.org or call 703-257-8453 for reservations or more information.

The Peking Acrobats® Feb. 26 • 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle | Manassas Spellbinding performance jam-packed with breathtaking feats. The troupe has appeared on numerous television shows, celebritystudded TV specials and the film, “Ocean’s 11.” For more information or to purchase tickets, call 888-945-2468 or visit www.hyltoncenter.org.

All events listed on Prince William Living’s online and print calendars are subject to change. Check with the venue to verify dates, times and locations.

Doug Tallamy and “Bringing Nature Home” Feb. 16 • 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adams Street | Manassas Park Prince William Wildflower Society, with the support of the Prince William Master Gardeners, is sponsoring a lecture by Doug Tallamy, author of “Bringing Nature Home,” for which he won the Silver Medal from the Garden Writers Association.

Refreshments will be served. Free.

Reservations are encouraged. To make a reservation, call the Virginia Cooperative Extension at 703-792-7747 or email master_gardener@pwcgov.org with name

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By DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Contributing Writer “You lied,” he said with a matter-of-fact, accusatory tone. Four-year-olds can be incredibly opinionated. “You lied!” So much drama in such a little body. Using my motherly, meteorological skills, I had predicted an end to the rain and a romp outdoors. Alas, the rain continued to pour.

Was that a lie? Or was that simply free entertainment? It took me a couple of decades to figure out that these bright overhead bulbs were designed for low-flying planes, and tired birds could simply flap to the nearest tree branch—or even just land on the ground.

“I did not lie. I was wrong.” This fine distinction did not impress him.

As a preschooler, he is just beginning to understand the lines that separate fantasy from reality and fiction from fact. With assistance from his 12-year-old brother, he is also becoming familiar with the terms “truth” and “lie.”

Once it has been determined that a lie has been committed, the next step is to feel insulted. Clearly, my oldest is trying to make sure the youngest understands the horrors of lying and that he broadcasts transgressions whenever they appear to occur. But my friend finds the art of lying to be a desirable skill that not only needs to be announced, but also perhaps attached to a résumé.

I have a friend whom I quite adore. I actually adore most of my friends; otherwise, why call them friends? I met her several years ago through our children, and that single commonality grew into a side attraction, with our relationship becoming the priority. Throughout shared meals and countless playdates, we whined, complained and solved world problems while getting to know each other better.

During one of our secret-sharing sessions, she bragged that one of her mad parental, female skills included the ability to lie with the confidence and coolness of a secret agent. She offered me her talent as a friendshipaffirming gift in case I ever needed to lie my way out of a situation and I had no idea what to say. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to be flattered.

At what point does an error become a lie? When does a tall tale turn into a fib? Are fairy tales lies or are they simply behavior lessons, disguised as doomed princesses and magical talking animals, for wayward children?

Long ago, when I was very young and knew much less than I know now, I asked many questions to improve my knowledge. I was convinced these queries sounded erudite and were amazingly original. My parents did the best they could to answer me. In fact, they were never without a quick response. Now, as a mother of two, I recognize their tones for what they really were: frustration mixed with humor. They desperately wanted me to stop talking, while they were also amused by every word I spoke.

When I asked such questions as “Why are there little red balls on the highway power lines?” they answered quickly so I would stop making noise, at least for a little bit. My father informed me, with authority, that the balls, spaced in equal distances, were attached to the very thin wires high in the sky because these lines were almost undetectable and the balls increased visibility from above. Birds, especially while migrating, often became exhausted and needed to know where to rest their weary wings. Naturally, these man-made red balls were created to help our wildlife.

“At what point does an error become a lie?

When does a tall tale turn into a fib? Are fairy tales lies or are they simply behavior lessons?”

So why am I so distraught if my children lie while my friend celebrates her talent? All complicated moral arguments aside, it’s probably because I don’t like to be tricked—that, and I would hate for them to be better at something than I am. I am awful at creating an alternate reality. My face flushes, I start blinking uncontrollably and my babbling increases an octave with each fabrication uttered. It’s obvious that a career in espionage is beyond my abilities.

Even as I tried to evaluate the benefits of being able to fool friends, family and polygraph machines, I heard a rumbling in the distance.

Chaos reigned as I stomped into the living room and found my progeny wrestling over some show on TV. The reason was irrelevant; as a parent, I needed them to stop arguing.

“If you can’t compromise on your own, I will ban TV for life,” I announced. “And turn down your voice volume or you will never be allowed to play with each other again. Period.” I turned and walked away. I didn’t even crack a smile.

How about that? I guess I can lie with a straight face.

DeeDee Corbitt Sauter is a resident of Prince William County. Her column, “Tambourines and Elephants,” appears monthly in Prince William Living. prince william living February 2014 | 35

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distribution sites Pick up a free copy of Prince William Living at one of the following fine locations: Appliance Connection Minnieland 13851 Telegraph Road, Suite 101, Woodbridge 5555 Assateague Place, Manassas 12700 Correen Hills Drive, Bristow Christ Chapel 10368 Bristow Center, Bristow 13909 Smoketown Road, Woodbridge 10910 Feeder Lane, Woodbridge City of Manassas 3498 Cranmer Mews, Woodbridge 9027 Center Street, Manassas 13923 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge Crossroads Realty 5255 Merchants View Square, Haymarket 17201 Wayside Drive, Dumfries 8299 Harness Shop Road, Gainesville 15040 Heathcote Boulevard, Gainesville Discover Prince William & Manassas 7101 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville 10611 Balls Ford Road, Suite 110, Manassas 5101 Waterway Drive, Montclair Edward Kelly Leadership Center 12908 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge 14715 Bristow Road, Manassas 2100 Rippon Boulevard, Woodbridge GEICO Dave Stinson, Sr. 9511 Technology Drive, Manassas 6446 Trading Square, Haymarket 4290 Prince William Parkway, Woodbridge 10249 Hendley Road, Manassas Historic Manassas Inc 4300 Prince William Parkway, Woodbridge Visitor’s Center at the Train Depot 9431 West Street, Manassas Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus, 6901 Sudley Road Manassas Christian Academy Woodbridge Campus, 15200 Neabsco Mills Road 8757 Signal Hill Road, Manassas Manassas Christian School 9296 West Carondelet Drive, Manassas

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Get a sneak peek of your new hospital Join us to celebrate the opening of Novant Health Haymarket Medical Center Saturday, Feb. 22, Noon to 3 p.m.

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That’s why we’re opening Novant Health Haymarket Medical Center at 15225 Heathcote Blvd.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity for a behind-the-scenes, pre-opening peek at your new hospital, which combines the expertise of our compassionate medical team, high-quality care and state-of-the-art technology you expect.

Be sure to make it by noon so you don’t miss the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Tours conclude with light refreshments and goodies. Bring family, friends and neighbors to celebrate all that this means for our community.

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We look forward to seeing you Feb. 22.

Learn more at NovantHealth.org/haymarket.