Prince William Living March 2016

PAGE 12

GRUBBS ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

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EASTER EGG HUNTS

PAGE 26

THE BLUE ARBOR CAFÉ

prince william living March 2016

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Meet Our Five Influential Women!

PAGE 4

The Magical Universe of Belinda Miller PAGE 10

Kimberly Pope and The Pope Institute PAGE 18

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Prince William Living is YOUR community magazine, all month long!

You don't have to wa1t a whole month for more great 1nform at1on about your commun1ty.

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Look for PWL contests, events, local deals and more. Get involved by answering a survey, participating in a focus group or submitting a story or event. Stay plugged into what is happening and what is import ant to you!

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Prince William L Mng is a lifestyle magazine, whose mission is to build a better community by promoting quality-of-life issues; including solid economic development. strang education and workforce development; supporting the arts community and encouraging volunteerism through our local not-for-profits.

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Our average reader is 25-45, female, educated and married with children. Her household earns $150,000+, is engaged in the community and is likely to act on information read in Prince William Living.

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table of contents March 2016 Vol. 6 No. 3

FEATURE STORY Prince William Living Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Influential Women of 2016..........................4

DEPARTMENTS from the publisher...................................................3 on a high note The Magical Universe of Belinda Miller................10

4 Photo by Rob Jinks

destinations Grubbs Environmental Center .............................12 giving back Ancient Order of the Hibernians: Giving Back After They Received.......................... 14 taking care of business Kimberly Pope and The Pope Institute: Experts in Protocol and Etiquette..........................18 family fun A New Twist on Easter Egg Hunts........................20 lifelong learning A New Pathway to Higher Learning......................25

18 Photo by Rob Jinks

local flavor The Blue Arbor CafĂŠ: Small Town Goodness........26 calendar...............................................................30 advertiser index....................................................36

COLUMNS health & wellness.................................................16 home & hearth.....................................................24 your finances........................................................28 Discover Prince William & Manassas................31

26 Photo Provided by Blue Arbor

prince william living March 2016 | 1

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

Prince William Living Publisher Rebecca Barnes rbarnes@princewilliamliving.com Contributing Writers Amanda Causey Baity, Audrey Harman, Lisa Collins Haynes, Kelly Mitchell , Olivia Overman, Tracy Shevlin, Niki Van Ech, Marianne Weaver, Bennett Whitlock, Emma Young Editor in Chief Kim Howard, CAE khoward@princewilliamliving.com Copy Editor Apryl Motley Photo Editor Amanda Causey Baity Photographers Amanda Causey Baity, Delia Engstrom, Robert Jinks and Kathy Strauss Marketing Director Amanda Causey Baity Graphic Design and Production Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio Online Submission Manager Paul Keily Advertising Account Executive 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.

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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2 | March 2016 prince william living

March is Women’s History Month and our cover reflects the winners of our annual Prince William Living Influential Women Award. You will be inspired as you read about these exceptional women who are making a positive difference in the community.

See more photos online at pwlphotos.com.

from the publisher Meet Our Five Influential Women

M

arch is Women’s History Month and it is time to announce the results of our annual Prince William Living Influential Women Award. What a humbling experience learning about the amazing ways in which women in our community are breaking barriers and changing lives.

From an impressive group of nominees, our judges (former IWA winners and the magazine staff) selected five visionary leaders, whom Marianne Weaver profiles in our feature story (page 4). You will be inspired as you read about these exceptional women who are making a positive difference in the community.

You will remain inspired and even “enchanted” when you read this month’s, On A High Note (page 10), Emma Young enters Belinda Miller’s world, created in her two book series, Phillip’s Quest and The Ragwort Chronicles. Join her and gnomes, mermaids, pirates and more as she takes us on a fantastical look into her imagination.

and what happens to it once it leaves your home. Learn about the water treatment process, where your water comes from, what’s underground, and what exactly you should and shouldn’t wash down your drains in this article by Audrey Harman on page 12.

Are you ready to “hop” into some Easter fun? Check out this month’s family fun, “A New Twist on Easter Egg Hunts.”

Amanda Causey Baity provides a free printable Easter hunt pack.

Learn her top 10 tips for a successful day of fun and adventure (page 20).

If you picked up the magazine at a distribution point and don’t have a subscription to Prince William Living, for just $15 a year, you can get YOUR community magazine delivered to your door. If you already get it, make sure you continue to get it by subscribing. Show your support and help us continue the work that we do! Subscribe today at princewilliamliving.com/ subscription.

Sincerely, Rebecca Barnes Prince William Living Publisher

Have you ever wondered where your discarded water goes once it disappears down the drain? If so, “Grubbs Environmental Center” in March’s Destinations shows you where the water goes

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Prince William Living Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Most Influential Women of 2016

By Marianne E. Weaver | Photos by Kathy Strauss

influential women award

W

hen Prince William Living launched its first Influential Women Awards two years ago, we quickly realized that this topic resonated with readers. Entries poured in, and the issue announcing the inaugural winners was one of our most-read to date. Choosing just five women from the numerous impressive entries received was no easy task for the previous winners and magazine staff.

Many women in Greater Prince William give of themselves to strengthen our community, leaving their marks on the business world and serving as inspirations to others. However, a few rose to the top: Bryanna Altman, Kathy Bentz, Diana Paguaga, Marlo Thomas Watson and Ramunda Lark Young.

Although each brings different gifts and talents to the table, they all share one common trait. Their passion lies in using their connections to create and cultivate new relationships. They all give back to their communities, but are quick to brush off the accolades and pass on the credit to friends, co-workers and colleagues.

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Congratulations to these Influential Women!

Social Media Maven Bryanna Altman

Bryanna Altman and her husband moved from Florida to Prince William in February 1993 just in time to experience the March blizzard of 1993, which dumped more than a foot of snow on the region. Despite the frosty welcome, the Altman’s decided to make Prince William their home.

“We chose an apartment in Lakeridge, so when it was time to buy a home, we bought one within a mile of the apartment,” she said. “My husband was a military kid and moved around a lot. This is the longest he’s ever lived anywhere. This is his home, and this is my home too.”

Altman has spent more than 20 years making Prince William not just a home for her family, but an appealing destination point for families throughout Northern Virginia. Today, she is not only the president and CEO of the company she founded in 1999, The Computer Doctor, but she also has maintained positions on numerous boards, including president of the Prince William Public Library System Foundation and Occoquan River Communities (ORC), where she is the immediate past president of the board of directors; and committee chair of the ORC Public Art Project as well as the ORC WinterFest and the Lake Ridge Santa Parade committees. She is also the founding member and president of the Occoquan Lake Ridge Civic Association and a convention and visitors bureau task force representative for the Prince William Visitors Center.

“Bryanna was raised where the importance of community and giving back was stressed,” said Gayle Whitlock, operations manager at Whitlock Wealth Management and a board member of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, who nominated Altman for this award. “She is thankful for her success and desires to leave the world a better place.”

“It gives her great joy to connect people and facilitate building friendships,” Whitlock continued. “She is a planner and a realist, but also positive and optimistic—looking for the best in every person and opportunity. This helps her to put teams together that utilize each person’s talent, strength and interests, which helps to make each venture not just successful, but fun as well.”

An IT professional by trade, Altman most recently created an online networking group for local women, The Real Housewives of Prince William County, which has nearly 900 members.

Members are approved to participate in the closed Facebook group, but often take their meetings offline.

“If you don’t have kids in the public school system, it can be difficult to find opportunities to feel safe and comfortable meeting other women and making friendships,” Altman said.

“I had a lot of acquaintances, but this helped me transition acquaintances into friendships. It is a wonderful referral network and a way to bring people together in the community. It has been a life-changing experience.”

Connector Kathy Bentz

Kathy Bentz left Capitol Hill for a job with Prince William County in 1989 and hasn’t looked back since.

Bentz has lived and served the region for more than 20 years. She held the job of communications director for Prince William County government and founded Bentz Communications, a consulting firm that worked with a variety of clients, including the Prince William County Arts Council, Americans in Wartime Museum and Greater Prince William Community Health Center. While running this business, she learned about Leadership Prince William, a private, nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization that trains emerging community leaders for leadership positions in business, local government and community affairs.

“In 2010, I was in business for myself and became familiar with the program and the people who went through the first classes,” she said, adding that she quickly applied to the 10-month program. “I had a fantastic experience and made lifelong friends.

We have almost 300 alumni.” (continues on page 6)

prince william living March 2016 | 5

(continued from page 5) Today, she is the executive director of Leadership Prince William.

“I went through the class, served on the board and then got hired,” she said. “When this opportunity came up, I thought it was a way to have an impact on the community. I went for it and was lucky they hired me. For me, it was a perfect fit.”

Although it’s a perfect fit, Bentz isn’t comfortable taking credit.

“For years I was the county communications director, and in that position, you never want to be the story,” she said.

Others, however, are quick to give her credit, including Mark Shaaber, Leadership Prince William board of regents chair, who nominated Bentz. “Kathy Bentz not only serves the community, but has always spent time encouraging and inspiring others to serve the community,” he said. “She offers opportunities for new people to enter the job market as interns and opportunities to successful CEOs and business owners to engage in a way that suits their business interests. She also supports and connects everyone in between because of her in-depth working knowledge of Greater Prince William.”

Bentz said she learned the true meaning of leadership through the Leadership Prince William program.

“Real leadership is coming out of our program, taking what you gain and giving back to our community,” she said. “I love when our graduates spread their wings and fly and have a greater impact in the community.

Advocate

Diana Paguaga Born and raised in Nicaragua, Diana Paguaga came to the United States in 1987 as a Fulbright Scholar in American University’s development banking program. With MBA in hand, she returned home. “But the political situation was bad,” she said “The communists took over, so I left.”

She returned to Northern Virginia, looking for affordable housing and good schools for her children, then four and six years old. Her realtor suggested Lakeridge or Reston.

“Lakeridge was popular because the houses were new and cheap and the schools were good,” she recalled. She bought a home 6 | March 2016 prince william living

and raised her family while finding a calling in helping others do the same.

For more than a decade, Paguaga was a realtor, who helped many clients purchase their first homes. According to USAFR/USA Maj. (Ret.) Angela McConnell, president and CEO of NOVA Veterans Association, Paguaga helped more than 100 first-time Hispanic home buyers achieve the American Dream of home ownership.

Paguaga has moved from selling homes to selling security as an independent insurance agent. “Because she treated all of her buyers with dignity and respect, they continue to reward her to this day with countless referrals,” said McConnell, who nominated Paguaga. She added that referalls are not just for real estate, but also for healthcare insurance, especially Medicare. McConnell said Paguaga often refers to her business as her “Medicare ministry,” treating clients as she would want her own mother to be treated. “I like to talk to people,” Paguaga said. “I always try to help people.

If you help someone, other people help you.”

Through her “ministry,” Paguaga discovered that many clients could not speak English. She said she met many women from Afghanistan, who took their children and fled from their husbands. “They want to learn English, so they can talk to teachers and function as better parents,” she said. She also met many clients from Central America who want to learn English. To help them, Paguaga refers them to the Beacon for Adult Literacy in Bristow.

However, her involvement doesn’t end with the referral. Paguaga sits on Beacon’s board. She is also the chairperson of the Hispanic Council Prince William Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic liaison at the NOVA Veterans Association as well as the vice chair of the Salvation Army advisory committee and an active member of the local branch of Zonta International, which aims to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women globally and locally through service and advocacy.

Master of Re-invention Marlo Thomas Watson

All was well for Marlo Thomas Watson and her family in 2010.

She had a great career, her husband was settled in his career, and her daughter was well on her way to her dream college.

“But then the bottom fell out,” Watson said. Within three months, her family had moved out of state—closer to her daughter’s first-pick college—and back. “Before moving, I had this great career as a staffing specialist, and my colleagues told

me not to leave,” she recalled.

“I was too embarrassed to go crawling to get my job back.”

Watson agreed, “I like to be behind the scenes to get it done.

There is a thrill for me knowing when I had a miniscule part in [accomplishing] a great thing.”

As if that wasn’t enough to handle, her daughter was getting bullied. Although she resisted the urge to swoop in and protect her, Watson said she started substitute teaching. Her presence in school, she said, gave her daughter confidence.

“She graduated in 2013 with a 4.55 GPA. The sacrifice was worth it, but I realized I had to go back to work,” she said, adding that she came across an opening for a community relations coordinator for the Prince William County Service Authority. “The job was to educate people about water and water reclamation. I had done some teaching, and I have always been a community advocate,” Watson said.

She was hired, and today is the PWCSA community relations manager. “Marlo taught more than 2,000 elementary and middle school youth about drinking water treatment and water reclamation,” said Ramunda Lark Young, nominator and community relations specialist for Northern Virginia Community College. “In addition to classroom education, she also participated in several community outreach events where she engaged more than 8,000 members of the community.”

Her community involvement doesn’t end with the PWCSA. Watson was elected vice president of the Prince William County Committee of 100 where she had previously served as the secretary. She sits on the executive committee of Keep Prince William Beautiful where she has served as fundraising chairperson and transition committee chair. Watson also serves as a relationship manager for Human Resource Leadership Awards (HRLA) of Greater DC and the Protect Your Pipes subcommittee chair for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Community Engagement Committee. She also serves on the American Water Works Association (AWWA) water awareness and outreach committee.

Champion for Literacy Ramunda Lark Young

According to Ramunda Lark Young, community relations specialist for Northern Virginia Community College, one meeting—just one encounter— can change the trajectory of one’s life.

“For me, it was the Virginia Leadership Institute in 2014,” she said. “I want to be the creator of those encounters.” That belief guided her in founding two businesses: Ramunda Lark Young Inc. and MahoganyBooks.

“Ramunda’s love and passion for marginalized populations is evident in her work,” said Marlo Thomas Watson, who nominated Young. “The businesses that she built are all centered on helping to bring others up.”

According to Ramunda Young Inc.’s website, founded in August 2013, the company’s mission is to create innovative events that uncover the gifts and success potential of women by impacting four critical pillars of their lives: relationships, health, finance and purpose. MahoganyBooks, founded in 2007 by Ramunda and her husband Derrick, is an online bookstore that sells books written for, by or about people of the African Diaspora.

With a combined 20 years in the retail book industry, the Young’s noticed shifts in the industry around 2003. “A lot of books stores were closing, and African-Americans didn’t have access to books,” she said. “With MahoganyBooks, anyone in the world who does not have access to books in their communities (continues on page 23)

“I have witnessed her passion to create positive impact within the community,” Young said. “She has a very outgoing personality, but actually prefers to operate behind the scenes.”

prince william living March 2016 | 7

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on a high note The Magical Universe of Belinda Miller

By Emma Young | Photos by Rob Jinks

B

elinda Miller has created her own world. Filled with magic, wonder, gnomes, mermaids, pirates, fantastical creatures, and abounding adventures, this world comes to life in the author’s two book series, Phillip’s Quest and The Ragwort Chronicles.

Phillip’s Quest, a seven-book fantasy series geared toward middle-school readers, describes the perils and feats of Phillip, a gnome living in Twistedoak, his best friend, Edward, and Ava Dreamspinner, a dinosaur, as they seek to defeat the Red Witch of Winterfrost Castle.

The Ragwort Chronicles, a three-book fantasy series written at a third grade reading level, describes the Ragworts, a family of warrior gnomes, and their escapades getting to and in Brokenfell, a village near Twistedoak.

“The books are very ‘Middle-Earth’ [described by Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings trilogy] versus ‘Narnia’ [written in The Chronicles of Narnia created by C.S. Lewis],” Miller stated, comparing her series to these classic good-versus-evil tales. “They are values-based,” with true friendship, loyalty, and courage shown during the character’s adventures, she said, describing her books as “exciting and profound.”

Weaving tales has come naturally for the gifted author and Manassas resident. “I’ve written all my life,” Miller said. “It’s what I do. I love it. I love literature. I love to read. And I love children’s books.”

Facing Challenges Having a passion for writing doesn’t mean the actual writing process is easy for Miller. She has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a progressive neuromuscular disease.

Diagnosed at age 22, “over the past 43 years, I have watched myself atrophy,” she explained. “It gives me limitations. I don’t walk anymore. I’m limited in my arm usage. My arms and hands are very weak. I’ve had a difficult time pronouncing words. I tire much more quickly, and sometimes I’m in pain.”

10 | March 2016 prince william living

Miller outlined the physical process she undergoes to see her fantastical worlds come to life. “My right hand is pretty much gone. I can only use one finger to type,” she said. “My left hand is weak, but I can type for maybe a couple hours. I get cramps in my hand, and I get tired. It takes me a long time to type.” What about modern technologies, such as voice recognition software, that translate spoken word to text? “Because I don’t have a normal speech pattern [due to weakening across facial muscles], it’s very difficult for them to translate into written word,” Miller explained.

Yet the irrepressible Miller has always continued to press forward. “[Writing] is what my calling is and what I’m meant to do. I do what I can, when I can,” Miller said. “Some days I can go on and on, and some days I’m just not going to move. You have to take the good with the bad.”

“I have a life, and I was not going to put that on hold until the disease caught up with me. Until I’m to the point where I totally cannot do anything, I’m going to do as much as I can.

Everyone is dealt certain obstacles,” Miller said. “It’s up to you whether to feel sorry for yourself. You’re either going to do it, or you’re going to make an excuse for not doing it. Every day is a challenge, but every day I wake up and do what I can.”

Miller enlisted the help of Lorraine Gonda, a Las Vegas-based illustrator, to ensure her fantastical world is beautifully depicted throughout her books.

From fun crafts and food to taste to beautiful jewelry, actionfigures and stunning visuals, the creative process of bringing the books to life seems almost endless. “I want kids to understand the joy of reading and what using the imagination can do,” Miller said.

“I’ve done these sorts of things all my life. It was what made me a successful teacher, that I could integrate all the senses.”

Giving Back Miller is and has been actively involved in promoting literacy beyond authoring books.

She is the force behind the Little Libraries movement in Prince William County, establishing fun, small structures throughout the county that hold about 30 books that can be borrowed for free without check-out procedures. Prince William Living described that effort in our January edition.

Miller has supported the work of traditional libraries as well, serving for a time on the Library Foundation Board and currently volunteering with the newly-formed Friends of the Montclair Community Library to develop upcoming fundraisers that support and encourage local authors and reading.

Belinda and her 17 year old cat Sambucca.

Beyond Writing, Creating an Interactive World Miller certainly can do a lot. The world she has created extends beyond the written word. A former school teacher with a master’s degree in education, Miller witnessed the power of imagination and experiential learning in her classroom. She integrates the senses into her stories and creates treasures that supplement the books, bringing them to life.

Each book includes special recipes related to the story for children and families to try in their own homes, such as Roscoe Ragwort’s favorite snicker doodle cookies. “When he saw them at Lilly Willowflower’s wedding,” writes Miller in the appendix of The Ragwort Chronicles, Along the Way: Roscoe’s Journey, “he stuffed them in every pocket he could. They were the only thing he had to eat on his first night in the Dark Forest. Don’t over bake them, or they’ll be as hard as a rock in Bandersnatch Swamp!”

Miller has created action figures and dolls of the characters that can be purchased, giving an opportunity for imaginative play time with a moveable figure. Each comes with a description and is personally made by Miller.

A jewelry line inspired by characters and settings in her fantastical stories is available as well. Graced with beautiful detail, these handmade creations are one-of-a-kind.

The prodigious creator also includes instructions for fun children’s crafts based on the book series in an e-newsletter.

Simply sign up on her website, belindamiller.me.

Miller has also been actively involved in writing groups, such as Write by the Rails, Prince William Writers and the Greater Prince William Women Writers. “We’ve been pretty active online,” Miller described. “It’s all about writing and giving budding authors help—directing them to the right places and making sure they know how to publish. We’ll also promote literacy and work with kids. We hope to form a junior writer’s group.”

The Future Miller is currently hoping to publish a coloring book later this year and is finishing her first adult-audience novel, The Centurion’s Lance, which chronicles the whereabouts and interesting history of the spear that reportedly pierced Christ’s side according to Biblical accounts. “I’m having a good time with that,” Miller stated. “It’s fascinating.”

Will the irrepressible Miller ever stop? Miller’s enthusiasm for life shines through in this response: “I’m doing what I love to do.

I love my writing. I love living where I live. I’m happy. Life is good. This is cool.”

Both the Phillip’s Quest book series and the Ragwort Chronicles book series are available now on Amazon.com, wherever books are sold online, or at Miller’s website, belindamiller.me. In addition, four books have been translated into Braille. They are available through AIM-VA at aimva.org.

Emma Young (eyoung@princewilliamliving.com) is a stay-at-home mother and freelance writer residing in Dumfries. prince william living March 2016 | 11

destinations

Grubbs Environmental Center

By Audrey Harman | Photos by Delia Engstrom

I

f you’ve ever wondered where your discarded water goes once it disappears down the drain, you don’t have to venture too far to find out. Located off of Rippon Blvd. in Woodbridge, the Grubbs Environmental Center is housed on the campus of the Prince William County Service Authority’s award-winning H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility (AWRF).

As you pass through the security checkpoint to enter the campus, the Grubbs Environmental Center is not hard to miss with its shiny windows and multi-textured exterior, and it’s easy to tell that it is home to important activities.

The center contains a state-of-the-art 6,200-square-foot laboratory and an educational and interactive exhibit. The lab portion of the building is sleek and modern—everything you’d expect from the exterior. As you pass through the door at one end, you can peer into various laboratory rooms through large glass windows and watch the technicians perform their magic.

Within the same hallway is a special area where PWC residents can bring their water samples, well users can bring theirs, and other non-resident customers can also make drop offs. The Water Quality Laboratory offers testing services for PWCSA customers and noncustomers as well as other entities. (There is a special locked refrigerated water receiving area accessible 24-7.)

Not only does the new center provide a roomier, more modernized laboratory, the building was also constructed with green technology and is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Named after Durward E. Grubbs, Jr., a founding member of the Service Authority’s Board of Directors, the building gives the lab technicians the upgraded space they need to service the growing customer base in the area and to provide additional commercial

12 | March 2016 prince william living

lab services to other clients. (The lab made about $130,000 last fiscal year in services offered to clients.)

Anything and everything flushed down local drains is cleaned, tested, and expelled right on the same campus. “The former laboratory space did not meet the needs of the growing population in Prince William County and the complexity of our treatment system,” said Service Authority General Manager Dean Dickey. “We have to look out for the health, safety and welfare of our customers and make sure we can do that in a highly responsive way.”

He also spoke about how much customer service matters, so when moving from the old laboratory to the new one, Laboratory Supervisor Mary Eure said, “Moving a lab is difficult, and we made sure the clients never saw a delay.”

Constructed with green technology, this new center provides more room for a modernized lab and informative displays.

The nine rooms within the laboratory analyze inorganic microbiology, semi volatiles, volatiles and metals. The staff performs approximately 5,000 tests per month for compliance and process control. The lab is certified by the Virginia Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program as a Certified Chapter 46 Commercial Laboratory and is also commercially certified through the Safe Drinking Water Program.

Visible from the lobby of the building is the brightly colored interactive exhibit. In this area, you can test your knowledge of the water treatment process and learn about what goes on at the Mooney AWRF campus. Board Chairman Joyce Eagles said of Grubbs, the building’s namesake, “He really wanted to involve the community and educate the youth of this community as much as possible. He saw this center as a good vehicle to do that.”

The exhibit is informative, gets everyone involved, and also showcases actual staff and portions of the campus pictured throughout. The importance of this center doesn’t just affect local residents, but anyone connected to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and the wildlife that depends on the water. The interactive exhibit within the new building depicts how the Mooney AWRF discharges cleaned wastewater into the Neabsco Creek, a tributary of the Potomac River. When the clean wastewater is released, “Fish swarm at the base of the steps where oxygen is applied to the water,” said Kipp Hanley, a copywriter with the Service Authority. Not only is the wastewater tested as safely as possible, but it is also obvious to see that even the wildlife approves.

This exhibit helps both kids and adults learn the impact of their actions. You can learn about the water treatment process, where

your water comes from, what’s underground, and what exactly you should and shouldn’t wash down your drains.

Through the educational aspect of this center, Marlo Thomas Watson, community relations manager, said people can learn how their behavior impacts the entire cycle. Eure spoke of how it is important to be conscious of your impact and to be aware of how it affects not only your plumbing, but this facility as well. Even the slightest bit of new information and perspective can help residents adjust their way of living to positively affect the whole.

Though the tasks the lab technicians perform may involve complex procedures and terms, the exhibit presents information about what the facility does in terms and visuals everyone can understand. Taking an hour to tour the lab and walk through the exhibit can help the average person come home better informed and more conscious of what they wash down the drain. Our future actions are directly affected by what we know about our own impact, and we can all take steps towards making Prince William County a healthier and more sustainable place to live.

To learn more about the water cleansing process and how you can make a positive impact, visit the Grubbs Environmental Center Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon. You can view more information or sign up for tours at pwcsa.org.

Audrey Harman (aharman@princewilliamliving.com) has been writing for PWL since 2011. She has a B.A. in English and Spanish from Hollins University and an M.A. in publications design from the University of Baltimore. She works as an instructional designer by day and has vowed to curtail her garbage disposal use after researching this article. prince william living March 2016 | 13

giving back

Ancient Order of the Hibernians

Giving Back After They Received

By Olivia Overman

F

ounded in 1836 concurrently in both New York City and Pennsylvania, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is America’s oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal organization. With roots dating back to the mid-1500s in Ireland, the AOH in America was established with the mission to protect Irish Catholics. With Irish immigrants, clergy and church property under attack from the “Know Nothings” (an American political party that operated on a national basis) during this period, AOH organizations increased in number. Today, the American organization has developed into a charitable and social group that helps people from all walks of life. Prince William County has three Hibernian Divisions: the Lt. Col. John A. Dowd USMC Division in Woodbridge, the Father Edwin Kelley Division in Manassas and the most recently formed, the Father Mychal Judge O.F.M. Division in Triangle. Spread throughout the county, the divisions help keep the Irish culture of art, dance, music and sports alive.

Giving Charitably “One of the great things we do in the Dowd Division is to give scholarships for members’ children and grandchildren,” said Art Corbett, current president of the Division. A member, Jack Kane, endowed the Kane Scholarship Fund in 1996 in honor of his father. “We manage this trust fund and use the money to support Catholic education,” he said. While there are criteria for the high schools attended, there are no such criteria for colleges attended for scholarships. According to the division’s treasurer and past president, John Berry, the scholarship fund totals about $10,000 a year, and while most of it is given to children and grandchildren of members, there is also an amount that is given to deserving rising high school students from the parochial schools of St. Aquinas, Holy Family and St. Francis.

14 | March 2016 prince william living

The Father Edwin Kelley Division in Manassas are the founding members of Inisfail Inc., the holding company that puts on the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Manassas. “We sell a lot of ads for the parade program and raise funds this way,” said Vince Fitzpatrick, president of the Prince William County AOH. “This is our main event of the year along with a beer tasting event, which supports military charities, including Able Forces and T.A.P.S., Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors,” he said. “We make most of our charitable donations to elementary schools in the City of Manassas. This past year [2015] we donated $6,000 to local charitable organizations, including the schools.”

Involved with All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas, the Kelley Division, most recently, provided 100 percent of the funding for the stained glass window in the church. “For a group of 52 members to donate $15,000 is no small feat,” said Fitzpatrick.

Fr. Mychal Judge OFM division, started in 2012, was named after Fr. Mychal Judge, OFM, a priest who was a Chaplain for the New York Fire Department and was killed as part of the rescue efforts in the World Trade Center attacks. “This year we have the honor of hosting a concert including Irish legend Phil Coulter, and what the New York Times calls ‘Americas Favorite Irish signer,’ Andy Cooney, and the Irish Pops Ensemble at Forest Park High School on March 18,” said Dan Sullivan, president of the Fr. Judge Division. “Much of the proceeds from these concerts are used to fund our charitable giving. We give to local Catholic schools, Catholic Charities, Hibernian Charities, Youth Ministries, local parishes, and a local food bank and outreach facility,” Sullivan said.

The Ladies Ancient Order of the Hibernians (LAOH), the Dowd Division, works diligently with churches and other

REv.EDWIN KELLEY OMSJOJ'( MANASSAS, VA

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Local food drives are just one way AOH supports its community.

organizations to provide charitable assistance. “In particular, we work with Birthright, which provides financial assistance for pregnant women and children and the Tepeyac Family Center, which provides health services for pregnant women,” said Kathy Sullivan, vice president and past president of the LAOH. Each year a baby shower brunch is held, and baby clothes and gift cards are collected and donated to the organizations.

However, it is the largest fundraiser, the St. Brigid’s Gala, which brings in the biggest funding for charities. “We have a silent auction, a raffle, Irish dancers and an Irish pub,” said Sullivan.

The group also works with St. Margaret of Cortona, Family Transitional Housing in providing apartments to homeless families as well as adopting three or four families for Christmas.

The division has recently also commenced road bowling. For the uninitiated road bowling is an Irish sport where individuals or teams try to take the fewest throws to propel a metal ball along country roads. The Dowd Division, along with members from the Father Edwin Kelley Division and the Father Mychal Judge Division, competed in the event the week before Thanksgiving at the Prince William Forest Park. “There are very few places we can do this,” said Berry. Describing his quest for park approval for the event, Berry said, “There was a lot of explanation required for the senior park ranger there. We would like to do [another] one in the spring or summer as well as restoring the allcounty picnic.”

The Centenary Commemoration Preserving Irish Culture Marching in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parades in Manassas and Alexandria is a must for the Prince William AOH. “This year the [Manassas] parade will be on Saturday, March 12,” said Fitzpatrick. The parade is sponsored by a number of local companies, including The Old Town Sports Pub, which is a big supporter of the event. “Several pipe bands stop by the Old Town Sports pub after the parade where sometimes they have a tent set up. There’s a lot of Irish music around Historic Manassas on St. Patrick’s Day,” he said.

Members of the Dowd Division cannot be missed during the parade as they proudly carry a giant tri-color flag, approximately 15 by 25 feet, along the parade route. “The division had this custom made. It’s not designed for a flag pole, but it has handles to allow people to carry it,” said Berry.

This year Ireland will commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising and the beginning of the country’s independence from England. The national Hibernian organization has planned to observe the event in New York City on April 23 with a Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and a reading of the Proclamation of Independence on its steps. Locally, the LAOH of the Dowd Division are selling commemorative 1916 pins while the Manassas parade will feature a commemoration as part of the program. With over 200 events organized throughout the U.S, Irish Americans can surely celebrate with the country of their ancestors.

A graduate of American University’s School of Communication, Olivia Overman (ooverman@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer for online and print publications. prince william living March 2016 | 15

Photo provided by Ancient Order of Hiberians

ORDER OF HIBERNIANS

health & wellness Winter Safety

By Kelly Mitchell

E

ven though winter will give way to spring on March 20, daylight is still shorter and the weather still cold. It’s dark when we drive to work and when we are on the commute home. Those of us who work out in the mornings or evenings are forced to be outside in the dark. This does not mean we have to stop exercising.

Exercising outside is a great way to get in shape, breathe fresh air and cut the gym costs. Here are some ways to stay safe, while still working toward our goals.

Carry a Road ID for personal information.

Road IDs are great for carrying important information around with you. They are rubber bracelets that contain information that would be important if something were to happen to you. The bracelet will have your name, address, emergency contact phone numbers, blood type, any medical precautions and more. It could save your life. Also, just carrying an ID is a great way to stay safe.

Don’t carry actual money.

Credit cards are convenient to carry with you in case of emergencies. This is an easy item to bring along to purchase food and water if needed.

Accessorize for visibility.

There are many great products available, including different flashlights, headlamps and highlighter vests, to help you stay visible to other people and cars. Headlamps are great, so you can see where you are running and what’s around you.

Travel in groups.

Local running and exercise groups meet throughout Prince William County. Meet up and keep each other accountable while staying safe. Others will know where you are, what you’re wearing and how to find you.

Don’t wear headphones.

This is a big one. You don’t want to be in a situation of not hearing someone behind you or a car coming because you had to have your music. It’s already dark out, so you need to be aware of your surroundings.

These are my top late winter must-haves for safety. Keep yourself safe, and you can exercise all year instead of hibernating through the colder months!

Kelly Mitchell is a marathon runner and blogger at milesto-go.org. She loves volunteering, fundraising and race directing for charitable organizations.

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Kimberly Pope and The Pope Institute: Experts in Protocol and Etiquette

By Tracy Shevlin | Photos by Rob Jinks

I

n our modern society, the words “polish, poise, and etiquette” may seem old fashioned to some. However, in business these concepts are as important now as they have ever been.

Kimberly Pope, founder of The Pope Institute for Polish, Poise and Etiquette, is a subject matter expert with years of personal experience and professional training and a graduate of the prestigious The Emily Post Institute.

Prince William Living caught up with Pope to learn more about The Pope Institute and the concepts of etiquette and protocol.

PWL: What inspired you to open a business around the concepts of polish, poise and etiquette?

Pope: Growing up I recognized that polish, poise and etiquette were important soft skills critical to my success. I learned that without these skills, certain opportunities would not be available to me or others. Later, as I attended college and began my career, these concepts were reinforced. I learned all I could about protocol and etiquette and began to share and teach these skills long before I opened The Pope Institute. I shared my knowledge informally in church and social settings and later in professional settings.

Throughout my career I’ve worked with the federal government, and I’ve learned how important protocol is in that environment.

I have learned that each event and dignitary must be handled in a manner that shows the appropriate amount of respect as to not distract or offend those in attendance.

Additionally, because of my passion for etiquette, I was appointed as the national co-director of protocol for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., which has a membership consisting of over 100,000 collegiate and professional women worldwide. In

18 | March 2016 prince william living

this role I am part of a three-person team that manages protocol and amenities for national officers and distinguished guests at the sorority’s national conferences and meetings. We also serve as the resource for protocol guidelines and provide training and assistance for regions, states and chapters all over the world.

It was through these varied experiences at school and work as well as in the Kimberly Pope, founder of The Pope sorority that the idea for Institute for Polish, Poise and The Pope Institute was Etiquette. born. After that I began to invest in my personal development through training and certifications to boost my credibility for this new venture and opened The Pope Institute for Polish, Poise and Etiquette LLC in November 2014.

PWL: What kind of training did you do, and what kind of certifications do you have? Was there a tangible benefit to pursuing them?

Pope: Yes! It was important to me to have certifications behind me as I began to formalize my plans for The Pope Institute. The right program can help you expand your network within the industry and provide access to unique opportunities. In 2012

Professionals and “Communication for Administrative Professionals” for the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). As of October 2015, we became an IAAP Approved Program Provider.

In addition to these, we also offer workshops at conferences, speaking engagements and consultations centered on topics relevant to the client’s needs, such as “Civility in the Workplace Issues,” “Netiquette and Social Media” (which includes case studies of social media fails and their lasting effects in relationships), “Your Online Brand vs. Personal Brand,” and “International Etiquette and Protocol.”

PWL: What has been your greatest challenge since opening The Pope Institute?

Pope: Our greatest challenge has been fighting the mindset that protocol and etiquette are antiquated concepts. They are not.

We aren’t running a charm school.

The Pope Institute for Polish, Poise, and Etiquette hands out “tablesetting” cards to class participants and is currently in the design phase for “teaching placemats.”

I became certified in protocol and executive etiquette through Protocol Partners - Washington Center for Protocol Inc. in Washington, DC. The center’s founding partners were chief protocol officers within the federal government, primarily in military and diplomatic protocol.

In 2014 I attended The Emily Post Institute’s “Train the Trainer” program on business etiquette in Burlington, Vt. Long before recognized etiquette authorities such as Amy Vanderbilt and Dorothea Johnson came along, Emily Post was an etiquette expert and was selected as one of LIFE Magazine’s most important Americans of the 20th Century. It was through The Emily Post Institute that I connected with my first client, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. I was honored and grateful that The Emily Post Institute considered me for such a referral.

PWL: What types of programs do you offer at The Pope Institute? Who are your typical clients?

Pope: We have found that our best clients are organizations that understand the importance of protocol and etiquette. They are generally larger, multicultural organizations that embrace a culture of learning for their members. Because each organization has different needs, we develop seminar type programs, which include demonstrations, group exercises and hands-on opportunities tailored to an organization’s needs. One way that we are unique is that we bring our programs directly to the client. Our clients do not bear the burden of travel costs and lost productivity when we bring the programs directly to them.

Examples of past programs include “Protocol for Meeting Professionals” for the Society of Government Meeting

Protocol describes the way things must be done. For example, there are various ways to address government officials, depending on whether it is business or social correspondence, and formal introductions or conversation. Protocol dictates the correct way to do things.

Etiquette is more of an art form. While it is often defined as the “customary code of behavior in polite society,” it is more relational. It is about the consideration, respect and honesty that you show others. It is a people skill that helps build relationships and helps us navigate new situations.

In a recent workshop, we discussed how it is easier to perceive rudeness in others before noticing it in ourselves and why it is important to employ consideration, respect and honesty in our dealings. After the workshop one attendee expressed that not only did she “re-learn some skills,” but she was also “inspired to transform her interactions with fellow human beings, assuming the best in them.”

PWL: You told us that you are also developing a product line. Can you tell us more about that?

Pope: Protocol and etiquette are not only our business, but they are also our passion. The goal is to have a product line that makes etiquette approachable. As we become more involved in the community, we would like to introduce these fun tools to younger children. We have produced “table setting” cards, and we are currently in the design phase for “teaching placemats.”

We are looking forward to sharing them at community events and on our website as they become available in the near future.

For additional information about The Pope Institute for Polish, Poise, and Etiquette, please visit thepopeinstitute.com or email Kimberly Pope at info@thepopeinstitute.com.

Tracy Shevlin (tshevlin@princewilliamliving.com) is a native Virginian and long-time Manassas area resident. She is a graduate of George Mason University where she is also an office manager. prince william living March 2016 | 19

family fun

A New Twist on Easter Egg Hunts

By Amanda Causey Baity

I

f you’re looking for ideas for your annual Easter Egg Hunt, then I hope you enjoy these fun printables! These signs and decorations will help you to set up a really pretty and charming Easter egg hunt for the whole family to enjoy.

10 Easter Egg Hunt Tips

Hunting for eggs in our yard is always a hit with my kids, but these signs would also work really well if you’re organizing a hunt in your local community, at your preschool or anywhere else. As a child, my cousins and I always looked forward to egg hunts at our granddaddy’s house. We made many memories with everyone striving to find the prize egg. Whatever traditions you have or types of eggs you make or purchase, hopefully these DIY decorations will add to your tradition.

Be prepared. Buy your eggs and fillers early and have them stuffed and ready to go. It is nice not to have to worry with them at the last minute.

Inside this free printable Easter hunt pack you will find: • 8 flag shaped Easter hunt markers (reading: “yum yum,” “getting close,” “hop over here” and “hop over there”) • 4 spring animal shaped Easter hunt markers (1 x Chick, 3 x bunny) • 4 Easter egg decorations • 3 spring flower decorations • “Hoppy Easter” sign • “Oh, Hoppy Day” sign • Start here sign • 2 “Hop over here/there” arrows • 6 carrot decorations To make the decorations and signs, you will also need some wooden skewers, scissors and tape or glue.

20 | March 2016 prince william living

Choose the right size eggs. Pick the right size plastic eggs depending on the size of the child. The smaller eggs can pose a choking hazard.

Designate an area. Have an area designated for your hunt.

Don’t have kids wandering off where there are no eggs. No one likes a wild goose chase.

Use color coding. If the children are among a wide range of ages, you can ensure that they get age appropriate gifts by colorcoding the eggs. For example, two to four year olds can look for green and yellow eggs while five to seven year olds track down red and orange eggs. This will also allow you to hide the eggs for the young kids in easier to reach places.

Make rules. To make the hunt fair, set rules. For example, make it a rule that no one can open their eggs until all the eggs have been found at the end of the hunt. This will help your stress level remain low.

Create special eggs. Don’t fill the eggs with only candy. Have a special egg or two marked with a star or a special piece of paper inside that entitles the finder to an even bigger surprise.

Everyone will be looking for that special egg. (continues on page 22)

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What Would Happen to Them If Something Happened to You? You need more than a Will in case something tragic happens to you.

A proper estate plan provides both effective inheritance and incapacity protection.

(continued from page 20) Ditch the candy. If you aren’t crazy about the idea of all that sugar, fill your eggs with other fun items, such as coins, erasers, small toys, etc.

Have plenty of eggs. There is nothing more disappointing than an Easter egg hunt that is over too soon. Make sure you have enough eggs to make it fun.

About 20 eggs per participant is a good number.

Hide eggs appropriately. Hide your eggs appropriately. Don’t make your three year old climb a tree or your 10 year old find all the eggs in the grass.

Make the hunt age appropriate by hiding the eggs based on the child’s height and abilities.

Contact Hometown Estate Planning at (571) 208-0425 to schedule your free meeting and discover how to achieve a peaceful estate plan for your family.

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Recycle. Collect those plastic eggs when the kids are done and put them in storage for next year. They are great to use for your next hunt or Easter decorating. If you go to a community egg hunt, save those eggs as well!

To download the printables please visit our website and look for this post under ‘Family Fun.’ Amanda Causey Baity (acausey@ princewilliamliving.com), Prince William Living’s marketing director and photo editor, lives on a farm in Manassas with her family. You can follow her blog to see more crafts, recipes and farm life at vandorenfarm.com

(continued from page 7) can order. African-American books are still being read, and people have access them even if they don’t have a bookstore in their neighborhood.”

Here in Prince William, Watson said the Youngs have partnered with the county’s Boys & Girls Club to host community-wide book drives, benefitting local libraries, including a more than 300-book donation to Chinn Library.

“She has spearheaded three years of the National Young Readers day events at two local elementary schools,” said Watson. “Close to 2,000 students enjoyed a fun day of reading due to the teams she’s assembled.”

Young also sits on the board of Reading Is Fundamental’s RIFofNOVA and PWC Chamber of commerce where she is the vice chair of the education and innovation committee, the Leadership Prince William board of regents, where she is the chair of alumni engagement; the Manassas City Education

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Foundation, where she is co-chair of the marketing committee and the Bell Foundation, where she is a trustee. She is also a commissioner for the Prince William County human rights commission.

“My job is to be an advocate for my community,” said Young. “I want my daughter to see the example that it is better to give than to receive. I want to leave this earth knowing that I left a legacy, and I did good.”

The full list of nominees can be found at princewilliamliving.com/ 2016/01/2016-influential-womensaward-nominees-announced/.

Marianne Weaver (mweaver@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance editor and writer. She earned a BA in English from the University of Pittsburgh and an MJ from Temple University. She lives in Gainesville, Va., with her husband and two children.

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home & hearth Decorate Your Bookshelves Like a Pro

By Niki VanEch

D

ecorating my clients’ bookshelves is at the top of my list when it comes to favorite things to do. Bookshelves are not just for books, and when artfully arranged they can be a stylish inventory of personal interests and possessions. The challenge is keeping them curated and uncluttered.

We have roots, where others have branches.

Call attention with color.

Painting the back of built-in bookcases with a shade of color that is different from the wall color will make the bookcases pop and showcase items beautifully. Try a sandy taupe for a versatile color or make a bold statement with an inky blue.

Add interest with wallpaper. Wallpaper applied to the back of a built-in will create an unexpected twist. If you don’t have many books and items, adding wallpaper will provide the visual interest. Try a grass cloth for a natural textured look and a bold graphic for a modern aesthetic.

Color “block” your books. When decorating with books, I will almost always remove the jackets to expose the beautiful colored linen spines and embossed book titles.

Once the jackets are removed, I will group the books by color and size. These blocks of color will create a compelling artistic look to your shelves.

The Art of Book Placement

Stack books horizontally to create displays. Books are most often placed on the shelf upright. My favorite way to display trinkets and decorative items is to place them on a stack of horizontal books. Books stacked this way will give height to objects that need elevation to create balance.

Create an “ending.” Bookends lend personality to a group of books. Try placing them on top of stacked titles, not just next to upright ones. For interest, try a decorative box at the end of vertically placed books. Boxes come in so many shapes, sizes and finishes and will make for great space fillers on your shelves.

Niki VanEch is an interior designer who has been helping clients in the metropolitan D.C. area for more than 20 years.

Her home furnishings store, VanEch Studio, is located in Occoquan, Va., and at VanEchStudio.com.

24 | March 2016 prince william living

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lifelong learning A New Pathway to Higher Learning BYU-Idaho implements a college-education program in our region.

By Emma Young

I

n 2014 Priscilla Schrubb was a busy stay-at-home mother to three and a community volunteer, living on Quantico Marine Base, and facing her husband’s upcoming retirement as an active-duty Marine. Schrubb wanted to earn her bachelor’s degree to increase her earning potential while her husband advocated for them becoming entrepreneurs. “I didn’t have confidence and was scared about [our] financial future on limited income,” Schrubb said.

Then an innovative, low-cost educational program opened in the Woodbridge area that enabled her to attend college classes online with local peer support. Pathway, a one-year program designed by Brigham Young University-Idaho, a private, fouryear university associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), to overcome barriers to higher education, seemed perfect for her. Schrubb was amongst the first county residents to register and attend. “Some of the assignments were self-reflecting, reviewing personality traits and discussing previous employment, and so on,” said Schrubb. “They gave me a lot of confidence. They helped me realize that I did have the skills and ability to create a successful business.”

Fast forward through two years of hard work and Schrubb and her husband Dan have established a highly successful and wellrated business, Popcorn Friday, selling delectable and fresh popcorn in flavorful varieties, where they’ve retired in Spring Branch, Texas. “Absolutely Pathway helped me,” Schrubb said.

Breaking Down Barriers to Higher Learning “Designed to give students the confidence and skills needed to succeed in college, Pathway is a low-cost educational opportunity that combines online courses with local gatherings. Students earn college credit that is eligible for transfer to BYU-Idaho and other universities. The program takes three semesters, or one year, to complete and can lead to professional certificates and degrees,” reads the Pathway website. Pathway courses include basic academics and religious instruction.

Launched in northern Virginia in 2014 at the request of local LDS Church leaders, Pathway was first tested in three U.S. locations in 2009: Mesa, Arizona, Nampa, Idaho and Manhattan, New York. In Prince William County, it is currently only available to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though it is now being piloted outside the region to adults who are not members of the church. “There’s

a certain population of people who are not going to college and don’t plan on going to college because of reasons such as lackof-money, fear, or not having the time because they’re working or have other responsibilities,” said Andy Cargal, Pathway Communications Manager, based in Idaho. “Pathway breaks down those barriers.”

Low cost. First the program is low-cost, offered now at $68 per credit hour. “That is pretty low across the board,” explained Cargal. For Triangle resident Evelyn Gonzalez, a full-time nanny who has plans to become an adoption specialist case manager, (continues on page 33) prince william living March 2016 | 25

local flavor

The Blue Arbor Café

Small Town Goodness

By Lisa Collins-Haynes

I

Photo provided by Blue Arbor Cafe

hadn’t been living in PW long when I discovered Occoquan and its interesting history. Initially, I was merely on the hunt for a nearby post office, but immediately I could tell I was surrounded by something special. I found myself wandering around the town during Christmas time and was just fascinated not only by the decorations, but also by the quaintness, hometown feeling and uniqueness of the shops and restaurants.

It quickly became one of my favorite towns and a place that I would return to time and time again for exploring, shopping for one-of-kind gifts and dining with family and friends, which is how I found out about The Blue Arbor Café located in what’s called “The Courtyard” between Mill Street and Union Street.

The Blue Arbor Café, a handcrafted sandwich and sweets shop, was founded by Stephan and Jeanette Power in 2004. It was named after Stephan’s favorite college football team. I recently chatted with him about the café and wanted to know more of its story.

He told me the name itself is a mash-up of University of Michigan’s fight slogan, Go Blue, and where the university is located, Ann Arbor. They selected historic Occoquan for a few reasons, Power says, “The town has been so supportive to us as a small business. We see our local customers every day, but because of the town’s historic designation, we get to serve people from all over the world. It’s more relaxed here with a simple hospitality; Occoquan feels so far away from the crazy hustle and bustle of the DC area.”

Located about thirty miles from DC, I would agree that the atmosphere of Occoquan is different, and the service you receive 26 | March 2016 prince william living

Chef Stephan Power named his cafe after a mash-up of the University of Michigan’s fight slogan, Go Blue, and where the university is located, Ann Arbor.

Photo provided by Blue Arbor Cafe

Blue Arbor Café sees repeat customers every day because it offers a winning combination of fresh quality food and an excellent and warm staff.

is on another level. There’s something to be said about small town hospitality, and I’ve always felt it at The Blue Arbor Café as well as walking around other areas of the town.

Blue Arbor Café sees repeat customers every day because it offers a winning combination of fresh quality food and an excellent and warm staff. The café’s signature sandwich, called “The French Orchard” (ham, apple, brie and apple-pepper jelly), is created from locally sourced vendors. It started out as a special that was only added to the menu a few times a month. The staff knew that people really enjoyed it and ordered frequently, but then someone started a petition to get it added to the menu all the time. After a meeting of the minds, the response was, “yes.”

Voilà, now you can get it every day. When you have people starting petitions about your menu in a positive way, then you know you’re doing something right. Can you imagine how much better the world would be if other places were so accommodating to customer requests?

The café offers a seasonal changing menu, and crowd pleasers vary from day to day, but the top three sellers, in addition to their signature sandwich, are chicken tarragon, turkey avocado and the not a Reuben. On the original menu it was called “Summer” Reuben (with a description) to distinguish that it was different from a traditional Reuben. Power recalls he had been open for maybe six months, and someone came in and ordered the Reuben. “When I went to check on the table to see how everything was they said, ‘This is great, but it’s NOT a Reuben.’” And the rest is history, as they say.

The location is cozy, only seating twenty-eight comfortably inside, which means the staff is always nearby and attentive.

During peak season when the weather is nice and warm, you’ll also find people hanging out in “The Courtyard,” which lends

Photo by Amanda Causey Baity

itself to seating an additional forty people. Sometimes, that’s still not enough room, and people often inquire about whether the Powers will relocate or open more locations in Manassas or Woodbridge. At this time, there are no plans to move or open more cafés. Why fix what isn’t broken, right?

Due to the café’s size, they don’t often have special events on location, but it is a popular space for hosting baby and bridal showers. They also offer catering in the way of party platters of fruit and cheese, sandwiches and desserts. Last year they also began offering sub platters for Super Bowl parties.

I believe that any successful endeavor, much like a good recipe, requires more than one ingredient, and each of those elements enhances each other. But it starts with the people. “I’ve been extremely fortunate to have not only great food, but also some fantastic employees over the past twelve years,” Power said.

Besides the food and service, Power says he loves trivia and decided that a great way for guests to pass the time while they’re waiting for their food is to play a few rounds of Trivial Pursuit.

Each table in the café is armed with a deck of boxed cards, and it’s great to see people talk and laugh rather than having their faces planted in their cell phones. I personally can’t think of a much better way to spend a day than shopping around Occoquan and then stopping by for lunch at The Blue Arbor Café. Walking away with a full belly and wiser mind is a win-win in my book.

Lisa Collins-Haynes (lhaynes@princewilliamliving.com) is a wife, mother and international travel writer. Her life’s tagline is “Living a liberated life of leisure.” She holds a Master of Business Administration degree. Follow her on Instagram @living_a_ charmed_life. prince william living March 2016 | 27

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n Travel (80%), n Relaxing (64%), n Staying in shape (50%), n Pursuing hobbies (50%), n Spending time with grandkids (48%) and n Taking on volunteer work (36%).

While, Generation X is confident about their ability to save for retirement, they have some worries as they consider their future. Some respondents are concerned about potential costs of caring for aging parents (46%) and supporting children (22%). The cost of healthcare also weighs on them with 75 percent saying it’s one of their concerns.

The Role of Financial Advice Gen Xers who work with a financial professional appear to be more proactive with retirement saving. With the support and insight of a financial expert, they are more likely to be on track to save enough to live comfortably in retirement (38%), cover emergency expenses (35%) and leave a legacy (17%).

Talk to a financial advisor to explore your dreams for retirement and what you can do to get ready for your financial future.

Bennett Whitlock, CRPC ®, is a private wealth advisor and managing director with Whitlock Wealth Management, a franchise of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Learn more at WhitlockWealth.com or call 703-492-7732.

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calendar Breakfast with an Expert

Thurs. Mar. 3 | 8 a.m.

PWAR 4545 Daisy Reid Avenue Suite 150, Woodbridge Join us for a cup of coffee, a bagel and information from an expert who will give you actionable advice you can put to work immediately in your business.

RSVP princewilliamliving.com/ breakfastwithanexpert

First Friday

Friday, Mar. 4 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Historic Manassas Enjoy the variety of shops and restaurants in Historic Downtown Manassas on for First Friday.

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Winter Farmer’s Market

Saturdays in March | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Lot B, Prince William & West Streets, Manassas The Winter Market offers great local breads, treats and crafts. For more information, visit visitmanassas.org/ listings/farmers-market. The Winter Market is subject to cancellation due to the weather. For questions, please call the Visitor Center at 703-361-6599.

Spring Restaurant Week

Mon. Mar. 7 – Mon. Mar. 14 Historic Manassas Restaurants will be serving up specials for Spring Restaurant Week – 2 for $25 or 3 for $35!

Prince William Living Network – After Hours at Carmello’s Influential Womens Awards Celebration!

Tues. Mar. 8 | 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

9108 Battle Street, Manassas Join our Network! Meet the people behind the award-winning magazine, Prince William Living. Enjoy nonalcoholic beverages and light appetizers.

Start a tab and make plans to stay for dinner! RSVP princewilliamliving.com/ network.

Dances and Divertissements: A Spring Sampler Friday, Mar. 11 | 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 12 | 7:30 p.m. 9 p.m.

Sun. Mar. 13 | 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Join Manassas Ballet Theatre for its annual spring program featuring a mixed repertoire of both classical pieces and exciting, original choreography, accompanied by the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra. Prices: $15 – $45 (discounts available, including military)

Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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Manassas Chorale: With Hearts and Hands and Voices Sat. Mar. 19 | 7:30 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas The annual Voices United concert features 150 singers and 20 instrumentalists sharing songs spanning decades of choral tradition, including today’s composers and arrangers. Tickets: $20, $18 Adults

AviationEd Spring Break Camps

Sat. Mar. 12 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Historic Manassas The 17th Annual Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade will march on Saturday, March 12, 11 a.m. at the corner of Prescott Avenue and Quarry Road. Five pipe bands, including the renowned City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums, will participate along with several Irish dance groups and Irish heritage organizations.

Monday, Mar. 21 | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Manassas Regional Airport 10600 Observation Road, Manassas Kindergarteners to third graders will engineer an invention that will help the Easter Bunny learn about aerodynamics and apply their knowledge on flight simulators. Fourth through sixth graders will learn about aerodynamics and the fundamentals of flight and compete in an RC Heli course and test their skills on flight simulators.

Family Day – Astronomy Day

Easter Egg Hunts

Sat. Mar. 12 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle The stars have always been important to Marines. Come learn why. This is an outdoor program; please dress appropriately.

Saturday, Mar. 26 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge Egg hunts are at 11:30, 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 and will be separated by age groups.

Bring your own baskets for eggs and a picnic lunch. $5.00 per child, $2 per adult; free for children 2 and under.

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Prince William Living’s Lunch with the Publisher

An Evening with Art Garfunkel

Wed. Mar. 16 | 11:30 a.m.

Prince William Chamber of Commerce Capital Court Manassas Are you an advertiser with Prince William Living or interested in becoming one?

Meet the people behind greater Prince William’s premiere lifestyle magazine, as you learn about: Getting your press releases published, Tying into the power of our social media presence. Visibility packages that increase your reach to targeted consumers. Tips on how to focus on your message. Lunch Provided

Thursday, Mar. 31 | 8 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas An evening of lyrical melodies and poetic storytelling from this musical giant will uplift and soothe your spirit. Tickets: $99 Platinum Circle (first three rows), $70, $60, $40 All events are subject to change. Check to verify dates, times and locations.

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

30 | March 2016 prince william living

Discover Prince William & Manassas

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he winter weather is moving out and Spring is just around the corner! With warmer temperatures approaching, it’s finally time to get out of the house and enjoy the many activities Prince William & Manassas has to offer.

Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with the annual Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 12. Continue with the Irish festivities on March 18 with Danú: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Renowned for their high-energy mix of Irish music and contemporary Celtic beats, this electrifying ensemble from Ireland’s historic county Waterford is guaranteed to take you across the globe.

Bring a picnic lunch and try your hand at the egg roll ‘Eggstravaganza’ at Ben Lomond Historic Site on March 19 or join the fun at the Rippon Lodge Historic Site Easter egg hunt on March 26. You will also find crafts, games and tours for the perfect afternoon with your family.

Later this spring, take the entire family outside and explore more than 500 acres at Leeslyvania State Park. The birthplace Robert E. Lee’s father offers playgrounds, hiking trails and canoe rentals for all types of family fun! Please be sure to follow Discover Prince William & Manassas on Facebook for up to the moment happenings.

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1-800-432-1792 DiscoverPWM.com prince william living March 2016 | 31

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(continued from page 25) that cost effectiveness made all the difference in her signing up. “The financial aspects appealed to me,” said Gonzalez.

She completed the Pathway program and is now earning her bachelor’s degree, majoring in family science. Although credits are transferable to other universities, Gonzalez continues to save money by having matriculated to BYU-Idaho’s online program for her degree. If a Pathway student is accepted for the BYUIdaho Online Degree Program, he or she is guaranteed the same low credit-hour rate for the duration of his/her program.

Overcoming fear. “Fear can be another barrier,” Cargal said.

“People are sometimes afraid because they perhaps didn’t do too well in high school or they went to college previously and didn’t do well,” he said. This was a deterrent to Penny Clark of Manassas, who graduated from the Pathway program in 2014.

She’s a successful project manager for the AT&T National Securities Group, but was concerned back then about attending school again. “I struggled in school as a youth for many reasons, so after 30 years, it was a very disconcerting feeling to go back.

Even though I was a different person, I still had school baggage just as I had all those years ago,” Clark said.

The Pathway program includes an innovative “gathering” component. Explained Cargal, “It is a prescribed curriculum.

Everybody who registers starts at the same time. Everybody takes the exact same courses, which includes one academic course and one religious course. In addition, everybody in the program at that time comes together on Thursdays to participate in studentled leadership activities. They come together and get the social experience of people in the same life circumstance, and they build camaraderie.”

Elder Mark Worthington, assigned by the LDS Church to help guide the gatherings, explained the weekly meeting and its impact in detail. “Pathway students take turns serving as lead students where they prepare to teach and facilitate the discussion for the week’s curriculum. These classes are characterized by interactive group discussions where students share ideas and information and provide feedback to each other,” he said. “Every student is required to take his/her turn as lead student. For some this is a difficult thing to do, but it is often those students who experience the most growth and find the greatest satisfaction in what they have accomplished,” Worthington stated. For Clark this aspect made a difference. “The support group called the ‘gathering group’ helped me feel united and not alone in my fears,” she said.

Reduced time commitment. Time can be a huge factor when deciding whether to earn a degree. “Pathway is only a one-year program in which students take two courses each semester for three semesters for a total of six courses. That is the maximum you can take,” Cargal said. This enables students to “reacclimate or ease into a college program, to learn what it’s like to learn online without being overwhelmed with a full course load,” he said.

Combining Academic and Spiritual Instruction “The Pathway experience is unique,” said Clark, “in that the academic courses required are geared toward helping students develop basic academic and life skills. [They] cover such topics as how to study, note taking, personal finances and several others that are directly related to the individual as well as basic writing and math.” The program also includes religious courses primarily focused on scripture studies.

President David Oryang, Second Counselor to the Woodbridge Stake President of the LDS Church and among the original church leaders encouraging the program to come to our area, explained the connection between academic and religious learning. “One cannot be fully established spiritually unless they are settled or self-reliant temporally. The BYU-Idaho Pathway program helps individuals who are not fully established temporally to ultimately gain spiritual strength and to be full and better participating parents, citizens and leaders in our local community,” Oryang said.

“The Pathway program gave me a deeper understanding of who I was and where I am going,” said Clark. Pathway gave me a self-esteem boost in the world of higher learning as well as spiritually,” she said. “I was impressed with the spiritual uplifting it gave to everyone involved. With spiritual confidence, no matter what your belief system is, other aspects of one’s life become more positive and uplifting as well,” Clark said.

Having a Lasting Positive Impact Worthington has witnessed the positive impacts of the program.

“I have seen young adults get enthusiastic about their ability to succeed academically, even though they may not have felt fully successful in high school. I have seen them grow in confidence in their ability to learn as well as to interact successfully with and even teach others,” he said.

“I have seen older adults get excited about the opportunity to get the degree that eluded them for a variety of reasons earlier in their lives. I have seen students find hope when coming from difficult situations in other countries where they had experienced serious disadvantages in education and economic circumstances,” Worthington continued.

“Pathway instills the habits of daily prayer, daily scripture study and relying on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in all things, including temporal learning. They [students] establish those habits in their homes. It’s a wonderful learning philosophy that changes lives, taking them from one spiritual plateau to another level spiritually and those effects are lasting,” said Oryang. “This is not going away any time soon. [It’s] more successful than we ever thought.”

Emma Young (eyoung@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer, stay-at-home mother and resident of Montclair, who resides in Dumfries.

prince william living March 2016 | 33

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13th Annual WestRash Charity Golf Tournament Benefiting Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) PWC and Children’s National Medical Center for Oncology Research

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703.392.6260 www.vintagemoving.com Advertiser Index ACTS...........................................................................................36 Ameriprise–Whitlock Wealth Management.............................28 Apple FCU..................................................................................28 Beautiful Moments by Amy......................................................36 Beitzell Fence.............................................................................23 Blooming Secrets......................................................................21 Boys & Girls Clubs.....................................................................36 Brookdale...................................................................................32 CASA...........................................................................................36 Center for the Arts.....................................................................31 City of Manassas Park—Parks & Recreation.............................9 Dance Etc....................................................................................21 Discover Prince William & Manassas......................................31 Engineering for Kids..................................................................16 Everest College..........................................................................34 FURR Roofing.............................................................................21 Giorgio’s Family Restaurant.....................................................16 Greater Prince William Community Health Center.................36 Habitat for Humanity.................................................................22 Hometown Estate Planning......................................................22 Imagewerks................................................................................36 Madison Cresent........................................................................34 Magnificent Belly Dance...........................................................36 Manassas Chorale.....................................................................23

36 | March 2016 prince william living

Mark Gilvey Creative.................................................................36 Merry Maids...............................................................................32 Northern Virginia Housing Expo................................................3 Okra’s .........................................................................................29 Parrish Services.........................................................................35 Patriot Scuba..............................................................................34 Peggy and Bill Burke, Virginia Realty Partners, LLC...............24 Potomac Shores Golf Club..........................................................9 Pride Air Conditioning & Heating...............................................9 Prince William Chamber of Commerce...................................32 Prince William County Parks and Recreation..........................17 Prince William Courage.............................................................36 Prince William Ice Center............................................................9 Robert Jinks Photography........................................................34 Saint John Paul the Great High School.....................................8 Semper K9..................................................................................36 Tackett’s Mill..............................................................................29 Tailored Living...........................................................................17 The Computer Doctor................................................................22 Tribute at Heritage Village....................................................... C4 VanEch Studio............................................................................31 Vintage Moving & Storage.................................................29, 36 West Rash Charities...................................................................34 Westminster at Lake Ridge.......................................................21 Yellow Cab.................................................................................36

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Pick up a free copy of Prince William Living at one of the following fine locations: Chairman At-Large Appliance Connection Corey A. Stewart 13851 Telegraph Road, Suite 101, Woodbridge McCoart Administration Building City of Manassas 1 County Complex Court, Prince William 9027 Center Street, Manassas Brentsville District City of Manassas Park Jeanine Lawson One Park Center Court 9440 Innovation Drive, Manassas Manassas Park Coles District Discover Prince William & Manassas Martin E. Nohe 10611 Balls Ford Road, Suite 110, Manassas 13476 Dumfries Road, Manassas Edward Kelly Leadership Center Potomac District 14715 Bristow Road, Manassas Maureen S. Caddigan, Vice Chair Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building Historic Manassas Inc 15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Suite 145, Woodbridge Visitor’s Center at the Train Depot 9431 West Street, Manassas Gainesville District Pete Candland Manassas Park City Schools 7001 Heritage Village Plaza, Suite 210, Gainesville 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 Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus, 6901 Sudley Road Woodbridge Campus, 15200 Neabsco Mills Road Prince William Association of Realtors 4545 Daisy Reid Avenue, Woodbridge Prince William County McCoart Administration Building 1 County Complex Court, Prince William

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