Prince William Living November 2015

PAGE 12

ORNERY BEER COMPANY

PAGE 26

AKT NOURISH

PAGE 35

TV TERROR

prince william living November 2015

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

A Thanksgiving Production Featuring Tips from Prince William Pros PAGE 4

Local Businessmen Play Music That’s Just Their Type PAGE 10

Cassandra’s Gourmet and Island Treasures PAGE 18

www.princewilliamliving.com

table of contents November 2015 Vol. 5 No. 11

FEATURE STORY A Thanksgiving Production, Featuring Tips from Prince William Pros.............4

DEPARTMENTS from the publisher...................................................3 advertiser index.......................................................3 on a high note Local Businessmen Play Music That’s Just Their Type.....................................................10

4

destinations Ornery Beer Company..........................................12 giving back Prince William Soccer Inc. Wins 2015 Prince William Living Giving Back Award....................... 14 taking care of business Cassandra’s Gourmet and Island Treasures: A Lesson in Private Labels.....................................18 family fun Baking Mason Jar Pies With Your Children..........20

18 Photo by Robert Jinks

local flavor AKT Nourish Provides Farm-to-Table Seasonal Menus.....................................................26 calendar...............................................................30 lifelong learning Hit the Ground Running: Helping High School Students Graduate “Job Ready”.................34 tambourines and elephants TV Terror.............................................................35

COLUMNS

26 Photo by Linda Hughes

health & wellness.................................................16 home & hearth.....................................................24 your finances........................................................28 Discover Prince William & Manassas................31 prince william living November 2015 | 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, Lisa Collins-Haynes, Paul Keily, Dr. Christopher Leet, Ann Marie Maher, Olivia Overman, DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Tracy Shevlin, Niki VanEch, Marianne Weaver, Bennett Whitlock, Emma Young Editor in Chief Kim Howard, CAE khoward@princewilliamliving.com Copy Editor Peter Lineberry Photo Editor Amanda Causey Baity Photographers Amanda Causey Baity, Rebecca Barnes, Linda Hughes, Robert Jinks 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 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.

Advertising Prince William Living accepts display advertising. For complete advertising information, contact our sales staff at (703) 232-1758, ext. 3, or at sales@princewilliamliving.com.

Social Media

Prince William Living can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Google+ and Instagram.

Get More Prince William Living

Visit www.pwliving.com for 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.

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 2015 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 $15 (Continental U.S.) for one year.

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

About the Cover Apple pie seems to be a favorite during the fall and around the holidays. To find this recipe for ‘Mom’s Apple Pie’ visit our website at pwliving.com and type recipe in the search bar. Photo by Amanda Causey Baity.

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 | November 2015 prince william living

See more photos online at pwlphotos.com

from the publisher Holiday Season Traditions Include Giving Back and Shopping Local

T

his month Prince William Living explores family holiday traditions. What does it take to put on a spectacular holiday meal? How does your family build memories? Our feature, “A Thanksgiving Production, Featuring Tips from Prince William Pros” by Marianne Weaver, shows how local families pull together multiple cultures to create signature family celebrations.

We would love to see what our readers are thankful for this Thanksgiving. Post photos of your Thanksgiving events: family fun projects, children, pets or anything that brightens your day on Instagram and tag them with #pwlivingthankful. We’ll share our favorites on PWL social media pages and one lucky reader will win a $25 Visa gift card to jump start his or her holiday shopping.

Another November tradition is the announcement of the Prince William Living Giving Back awards winner (page 14). This annual program invites the public to nominate and vote for outstanding nonprofits serving our area. See if your favorite community organization won the top spot or was a runner up, and find out more about organizations making a difference in Greater Prince William.

Speaking of which, be sure to check out our new 2015 Holiday Gift guide. With dozens of items in a variety of prices, this interactive publication will help you to zip through your giftgiving list. Best of all, everything is available right here in Prince William! Visit pwlgiftguide.com to keep your holiday shopping local this year.

Of course you can create new traditions, especially with this months month’s Family Fun: “Baking Mason Jar Pies With Your Children,” by Amanda Causey Baity (page 20). Learn this easy way to introduce your children to baking, and satisfy your holiday sweet tooth at the same time!

Sincerely, Rebecca Barnes Prince William Living Publisher

prince william living November 2015 | 3

A Thanksgiving Production Featuring Tips from Prince William Pros

W

By Marianne Weaver

ith residents hailing from all regions of the country—and the world—a modern Prince William Thanksgiving bears little resemblance to Norman Rockwell’s famous depiction from yesteryear.

Although the turkey still plays the leading role on many dining room tables, that’s not always the case. And, often, PWC families aren’t feasting on roast turkey, as local home chefs are putting their own spin on it.

Even the appetizers and side dishes are undergoing changes.

There’s still the typical mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and greens, but appetizers are being reinvented across the county as cooks borrow from traditional family recipes and then add a twist of modern.

4 | November 2015 prince william living

Opening Act For the Nalls family of Manassas, Thanksgiving is an all-day event.

“We start to nosh at 1 p.m. for people coming and going or passing through, and the kids love this,” said Dana Nalls, who with her husband John has five children. “We include things like stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, and an assortment of fruits and veggies.”

Stuffed mushrooms, she said, are a must.

“My grandmother always made them for my grandfather. Her mother-in-law taught her, so it must be a traditional German thing,” she said. “My son David, 16, likes them best and requests them whenever he has the opportunity. My husband likes the

texture and that they are a ‘substantial’ appetizer. ..not just empty calories that look pretty.’”

She said her whole family pitches in: Core the mushrooms, fill with cream cheese, top with crumbled cooked/drained hot sausage. Bake on cookie sheet covered in parchment for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Center Stage: The Bird Sandra Hardeman of Triangle said she loves Thanksgiving so much that, 25 years ago, she planned her wedding around the holiday.

“It’s hard to get family to come together,” she said. “But this forced them to do it.”

Kim Wigode, who, along with husband Emil, owns the Bottle Stop - Wine Bar & Shop in Occoquan, said her family wouldn’t consider it Thanksgiving without cheese crisps.

His extended family lived in Texas, hers in New York … but her parents had grown up in St. Lucia and Barbados. She is a firstgeneration American.

He’s from New Hampshire, she’s from Virginia. About 15 years ago they hosted Thanksgiving with some traditional southern fare, including country ham and dressing. Her in-laws offered to make cheese crisps—their family tradition—for the more than two dozen guests.

“My parents knew what Thanksgiving was, but they were never in the tradition,” she said. “I remember one year when I was 10 and we had spaghetti. It didn’t register that you were supposed to have a certain type of meal. My mom just didn’t know.”

“The first batch was gone in about a minute and a half,” said Wigode, adding they taste great with wine.

At the Hardeman Thanksgiving, she said, turkey will always be fried, with a heavy dose of Cajun seasoning.

Cheese Crisps 1 lb. sharp cheddar, grated ½ cup butter, melted ¼ teaspoons cayenne pepper

Her husband, however, was born and raised in Texas. “I’ve learned a lot from him and that is why Thanksgivings have become a big production.”

1 ½ teaspoons salt 2 cups flour

• Sift flour, salt and cayenne pepper. Combine flour mixture with grated sharp cheddar and melted butter. Mix well. Press into two long equal size rolls (3-inch diameter) and wrap in wax paper. Chill for at least one hour.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut rolls into ¼-inch slices, place on greased (or parchment paper) cookie sheet. Bake until lightly brown, approximately 7 minutes. Serve warm.

Mike Lampros, chef/owner of Giorgio’s in Montclair, is also accustomed to hosting large family gatherings. What started out as a joke about a decade ago has become known as “drunken calamari,” and his family looks forward to eating it at all family celebrations.

“It started as a joke because I put ouzo in the calamari while I was cooking it,” he recalled.

Drunken Calamari 10 fresh calamaris, sliced into thin rings 2 cloves of garlic 2 shots of ouzo - one for the recipe and one for the cook ½ cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons of pesto Salt and pepper to taste • Start with a very hot sauté pan. Add the minced garlic with a little olive oil, then immediately add the calamari.

• When the calamari rings start curling upward deglaze the pan with the one shot of ouzo. Take the other shot of ouzo yourself. Add the pesto and heavy cream. Remove calamari and allow the liquid to reduce by half. Season with salt and pepper. Best served with pita bread.

“Fried turkey is something we love,” she said. “We rarely bake a turkey. And we rarely have leftovers.”

Not everyone, however, subscribes to the fry method. Allison Dauksz, general manager of Secret Garden Café in Occoquan, said Secret Garden owner and head chef Sarah DeVight still uses the braised bacon wrapped turkey she first tasted in her grandmother’s kitchen when she was 8 years old. As per tradition, the kids help by wrapping the bacon around the turkey.

Braised Bacon Wrapped Turkey Whole Turkey (12–20 pounds) Salt Onions Pepper Carrots Fresh Rosemary Celery Fresh Thyme Butter, softened Bacon • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Roughly chop enough onions, carrots and celery to fill bottom of turkey roasting pan. Fill bottom of roasting pan with just enough water to barely cover vegetables.

• Using a carving fork, puncture the turkey multiple times making many small half-inch deep holes all over the turkey.

• Rub outside of turkey and inside cavity with softened butter.

Liberally salt and pepper the entire turkey both outside and inside the cavity.

• Place multiple sprigs of rosemary and thyme inside the turkey cavity.

• Place turkey into roasting pan breast side up, and begin wrapping bacon around the outside of the whole turkey. (continues on page 6) prince william living November 2015 | 5

(continued from page 5) • Cover roasting pan with foil and let turkey braise at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes per pound for defrosted, or 10 to 15 minutes per pound for fresh.

• When about 30 to 45 minutes are left on the timer, remove the foil and the bacon from the turkey. Turn the oven temperature up to 425 degrees to crisp the skin.

• Remove turkey and let rest for no less than 10 minutes. The internal temperature of the turkey should read 165 degrees.

Although Wesleigh Lin, executive chef at Malones of Manassas, prepares a bird for Thanksgiving, he doesn’t go with the traditional turkey. Instead, he has put his own twist on the recipe for herb-roasted Cornish game hen that he learned from Chef Jeffrey Gaetjen at Kinkead’s of Washington, D.C. “As Chef Gaetjen instructed me on the ‘how-to’ of creating Herb-Roasted Cornish Game Hen, my palate and imagination came alive,” said Lin. “As a young chef, it was the first time I’d truly composed a dish; it wasn’t just about the protein anymore, it was about how all the components of the dish came together – the garnish, poultry, jus, seasonings and accompanying side dishes. Like a well-composed symphony, all ingredients are perfectly balanced on one’s palate as well as one’s plate.”

Based on that original recipe, he has added his own twist by marinating the hen.

Yogurt-herb Marinated Cornish Game Hen 1 Cornish game Hen 2 ounces of chives 2 ounces of rosemary 3 ounces of parsley 2 cups of plain yogurt 6 cloves of finely minced garlic 1 finely minced shallot Zest of one quarter lemon • If you are able, glove bone [a method of deboning] the Cornish Hen. • To create the marinade, lightly blanch the chives, rosemary and parsley (make sure the rosemary is picked from the stem), and puree in blender while adding the yogurt, being mindful not to overblend. Set aside marinade in a shallow container large enough to accommodate the hen. The marinade should be light green.

• Rub garlic, shallot and lemon zest onto the hen, letting the hen rest in the marinade. Rubbing these ingredients onto the hen will help with the absorption of the flavors as it marinates. Let the hen marinate overnight for best results.

• Remove the hen from marinade and place on plate prior to grilling. Allow any excess marinade to fall off. Season the hen with salt and pepper. Place hen, breast side down, on a welloiled, hot grill, grilling for 3 minutes before flipping the hen 6 | November 2015 prince william living

over and reducing the grill’s heat. On this low heat, cover the hen and grill an additional 7 minutes.

• In a pre-heated oven set at 375 degrees, bake the hen in shallow baking dish, breast side up, 20 minutes.

• Remove the hen from marinade and place on plate prior to grilling. Season with salt and pepper.

Supporting Cast Regardless of the main attraction, local chefs agreed that Thanksgiving would be lacking without some outstanding side dishes.

A few years ago, William Landay, Executive Chef at CJ Finz in Manassas, was trying to find a dish that would be fall festive, packing lots of flavor … but still be eaten quickly.

“I came up with a Butternut Squash and Pumpkin bisque, something that could be eaten fast but still reminded everyone of the holidays,” he said. “I had never made anything like it before, so when it was finished and we all tasted it, it was very rewarding to see something I came up with go over so well.”

Roasted Pumpkin and Butternut Squash Soup 1 small pumpkin, de-seeded and peeled 1 butternut squash, de-seeded and peeled 1 onion, rough chopped 4 celery stalks, rough chopped 2 medium carrots, peeled, rough chopped 1 tablespoon nutmeg, more to taste 1 tablespoon cinnamon, more to taste 2 ounces oil - canola or vegetable 3 cups chicken stock 1 teaspoon salt and pepper, more to taste • Combine oil, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and pepper.

• Toss carrots, onions, celery, cubed pumpkin flesh, and cubed butternut squash in spice mix.

• Roast in 350 degree oven until soft, about 25 minutes.

• Bring chicken stock to a boil and add roasted vegetables, reduce down one third.

• Blend until smooth, and adjust seasonings as needed.

Andrew Schwarz, director of food and beverage and executive chef at the Brass Cannon Restaurant at Stonewall Golf Club in Gainesville, has been eating creamed onions at Thanksgiving and Christmas since he was 5 years old.

“I stabbed it with a fork and the insides shot across my plate.

It became a contest between my sister and I,” he recalled.

“Grandma was never pleased.”

Yet the creamed onion tradition stayed with him, and he served them at his first Thanksgiving with his wife’s family, 23 years ago.

And they’ve been on the menu ever since.

Creamed Onions 2 ounces butter 1/8 cup flour 1 tablespoon chicken base White Pepper and salt to taste • • • • • •

2 jars pearl onions 8 ounces heavy cream 2 ounces white wine

Drain onions, reserving liquid.

Combine flour, butter and chicken base to make roux.

Add wine.

Add 1 jar of onion juice and cream until thick.

Add onions, use remaining onion juice to thin if needed.

Place in oven-safe dish and bake until hot.

Grand Finale: Drinks and Dessert Locals all agree: Leave room for an after-dinner drink and dessert.

Stefan Trummer, owner of Trummer’s Coffee and Wine Bar in Gainesville and Trummer’s on Main Restaurant in Clifton, grew up in Austria. Although he didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, the changing of seasons means it’s time for Glühwein, a traditional Austrian drink.

“I remember the smell when my mom made it,” he said. “I was really young and couldn’t wait to be old enough so I can finally taste it. Once I tasted it, I thought it was the best thing ever. Still today, every time I drink it, it brings me straight back home.”

Glühwein (1 to 2 servings ) 1 cup good red wine (you can make it with white as well) 1 cinnamon stick 6 cloves 6 whole allspice Little bit of fresh nutmeg Peel of one orange Sugar to sweeten (you can add as much or as little as you like; we drink it a bit on the sweeter side) • Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring slowly to boil, over medium heat, so the wine has time to infuse with the spices. As it starts to boil, remove from heat and serve (you can strain out the spices if you prefer).

As the plates from the Thanksgiving feast are cleared, conversation tends to turn to the beginning of the December

holiday season—sending holiday cards, shopping, decorating and baking. Debbie Peltola, pastry chef at Mom’s Apple Pie, brought her mother’s love of gingerbread and gingerbread houses to patrons of the Occoquan shop.

“Both my parents have passed away in the past few years,” she said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to continue my family’s tradition of gingerbread cookies and houses at Mom’s Apple Pie.” She recalled as a child kicking off the baking marathon the week after Thanksgiving—and continuing through Christmas.

Her mother guided her and her two sisters in the kitchen extravaganza as the foursome baked….and baked….and baked.

“My absolute favorite cookie was her gingerbread,” said Peltola.

“My mom would hide them so we would not get into the box before Christmas.”

The week before Christmas, her mother put together plates of cookies for friends, neighbors and teachers.

“When I started making them for Mom’s Apple Pie Company I only made them as part of our Christmas cookie lineup,” she said. “After a season or two they became so sought after by customers that we began to make them a regular item.

Customers loved them, and gingerbread cookies have become one of our most popular cookies, regardless of the season.”

One of the most in-demand holiday traditions at Mom’s Apple Pie is the gingerbread houses, which also started in Peltola’s childhood home.

“One year my mom found a gingerbread house cut out in a magazine. She had my father make a cardboard replica of the house— it was very detailed, complete with dormers, chimney and eaves on the roof—and she announced we would make a house to go along with our cookies. That was the beginning of a wonderful tradition.”

The family worked together to roll, cut, bake and assemble the gingerbread house, and then decorate until not a piece of house was showing.

“We would salivate over it for the next couple weeks until my Mom said we could eat the entire house,” she said. “As each of us had our own families we continued making a gingerbread house for our Christmas traditions. The houses seemed to get less complicated, but were always loaded with candy.” (continues on page 9) prince william living November 2015 | 7

ENJOY THE COMFORT NOW...PAY FOR IT ON YOUR TERMS!

36 Up to

Months= NO INTEREST FINANCING

SALES n n n n

•

SERVICE

24 Hour Emergency Service Free Estimate on System Replacement Senior & Military Discounts 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

• n n n n

I N S TA L L AT I O N

Planned Maintenance Agreements FREE Second Opinion on System Failure We Service All Brands Up-Front Pricing

Brennan’s has been proudly serving Northern Virginia Since 1979.

Our team of highly trained professionals are at your disposal, ready to deliver a quality product and quality service at a fair price.

“We Are Here When You Need Us.”

Carrier Rebates

$74

(Reg $84)

Don’t Forget Your Safety & Maintenance

INSPECTION

*System rebates ranging from $0 to $1,565 depending on equipment purchased. Rebates subject to change.

Expires 11/15/2015. †With approved credit. Call Brennan’s for complete details.

CALL NOW

up to

703-491-2771

$1,565*

info@brennanshvac.com

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

www.brennansHVAC.com

99 Adams Street • Manassas Park

Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 19 9am-11am

$5/person Join Santa for pancakes, photos, and fun.

Play games, make crafts, and more!

2-for-1 Admission!

Skate rental not included. Not valid on Friday night. Cannot be combined coupon per customer.

Expires Nov. 30, 2015 Youth & Adult Hockey Figure Skating Lessones for All Ages Public Skating Parties/M eetings

Fundraisers Scout Badges Broomball Curling Pro Shop & Cafe

Saturday, December 12 5:45pm-7pm

$10 per vehicle to participate FREE to spectate!

ManassasParkCommunityCenter.com 8 | November 2015 prince william living

www.pwice.com (703) 730-8423

For the past three years she’s watched families come into Mom’s Apple Pie to reserve their favorite house for their own holiday traditions. She added, “The shop, for a few weeks, looks like a gingerbread wonderland … and I absolutely love it!”

Holiday Gingerbread 1/3 cup butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar, packed 1 ½ cups dark molasses 2/3 cups cold water 7 cups pastry flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon ginger 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cloves 1 teaspoon cinnamon Assorted candies • Mix butter, brown sugar, molasses and water.

• Add flour, baking soda, ginger, salt, cloves and cinnamon.

• • • • • •

For Cookie: Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.

Roll out to ½-inch thick.

Cut out cookies with a favorite gingerbread cookie cutter.

Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Press M&M’s into dough for eyes, hands and shoes.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Cool slightly and carefully remove from baking sheet.

For Houses: Chill the dough.

Roll out to ½-inch thick.

Cut out with a gingerbread house cookie cutter.

Place carefully on a sheet pan, and cook at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

• Let pieces cool overnight, then assemble the houses with a royal icing. Let the house sit for one day before decorating with your favorite candy.

• • • •

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.

Editor’s Note: For even more recipes online, visit pwliving.com and search ‘recipes.’

Encore: Day-After Thanksgiving Brunch “In my house, it’s hard to get people to eat leftovers,” said Sandra Hardeman, noting that she usually does not have all that much left to work with. But she has perfected a recipe to finish off any leftover remnants of cranberry sauce: Cranberry French toast, which she serves with ham, leftover or otherwise.

Cranberry French Toast 6 to 8 eggs 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoon cinnamon 2 cups milk 1 cup cream or refrigerated coffee creamer 1 pound/loaf French bread, sliced or cubed ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup slivered almonds (optional) Glaze: 1 8 ounce package of cream cheese (room temperature) ¼ cup sugar 2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon Instructions: • Whisk together the eggs with the sugar and cinnamon, then whisk in the milk and cream.

• Coat 9” x 13” dish with butter (but cooking spray would work).

• Place the bread in the bottom of the pan.

• Sprinkle almonds.

• Pour the egg mixture evenly over bread.

• Gently stir it around.

Glaze: • Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.

• Drizzle over dish filled with bread.

• Refrigerate overnight.

Cook: • Bake at 325 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, then set to broil 3 to 5 minutes until slightly toasted.

• While waiting on the toast to bake, make the cranberry sauce.

• To make cranberry sauce, in a medium saucepan, using leftover cranberry sauce and fresh chopped cranberries, add 2 tablespoons of water and bring to a boil. Blend in maple syrup. Simmer over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, Remove the cranberry mixture from the heat and keep warm till serving. prince william living November 2015 | 9

on a high note

Local Businessmen Play Music That’s Just Their Type

By Olivia Overman

W

hen a group of local Prince William businessmen came together for a party more than 15 years ago, little did they know they would be continuing the party every month since. It was in the home of the late Creston Owen that five guys who loved to play music for fun decided to ‘jam’ together and bring their favorite classic rock tunes to others.

“Creston had recently started playing the drums and asked some friends to join him that evening. The guys had a good time, the folks attending enjoyed it and there was a good chemistry between us, so we decided to continue and started practicing about twice a month, and the rest is history,” said lead vocalist Rob Heltzel, who is also president/CEO of Heltzel Mortgage in Manassas. “Most of us considered ourselves to be Type A personalities...so the name—The Type A Band—stuck.”

Bringing a good-time attitude and positive energy when they play, the band plays classic rock music for their fans. “That’s what we all grew up listening to. Our music broadly includes the blues, country rock, southern rock and acoustic music such as Chuck Berry, The Eagles, The Allman Brothers, [Jimi] Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan,” said Todd Hewitt, singer and guitarist with the band and executive vice president at Cardinal Bank. According to Heltzel, the average crowd spans between age 45 and up. “Many of the songs that we play are familiar to all ages, and so we seem to be able to keep most crowds happy and dancing,” he said.

10 | November 2015 prince william living

The Goal of the Band According to the band’s website, it’s “to play tunes that audiences remember well.” It is because they play songs that people love to sing along with, and remember that people come out to hear them play those songs.

“They will play anything you want them to,” said Debi Alexander, former executive director of Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center, “from soft to hard rock to country.” The band played at Rainbow Center’s special events for a number of years, Alexander said, and either donated their time or charged a minimal fee. “The year ‘Red Solo Cup’ [by Toby Keith] came out, they played it multiple times when requested,” she said.

Now in her new role as director of development for PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families in Annandale, Alexander said she would love for them to play at those events as well.

Asked what their favorite gig was to date, Hewitt said, “It’s a toss-up between playing the Jiffy Lube Live VIP stage—still waiting to make it to the big stage—or the acoustic gig at a local vineyard where they paid us in wine. But playing for local notfor-profits which helps to raise some money for folks in need, or to fight a disease like childhood cancer, is pretty high on all our lists.”

Heltzel agrees with these sentiments, saying, “I love them all, but we especially enjoy the gigs that are community minded and help raise money for charity or a specific need in the

Photo provided by Type A Band

Type A Band on stage at Jiffy Lube Live. Left to right: Eric Heltzel, Rob Heltzel, Sandy Stevenson, Rick Zarlengo, Todd Hewitt and Cal Brown.

community. It’s hard to beat a gig at the Harris Pavilion. It’s a great venue and good location in Historic Manassas. It’s one of my favorite spots.”

as much to do with it as talent, so I would probably not quit the day job. The way we do it—all of us having fun, the crowd having fun and enjoying our music and each other’s company— is great for this time in my life.”

Still Going Strong

Hewitt added, “Though we’d all like to have guitar technicians hand us perfectly tuned instruments on stage and demand only green M&M’s in our dressing room, I think we’d better stick to our day jobs.”

The band doesn’t normally have any standing gigs but does manage to play once or twice a month. Most of their performances are at nonprofit or charity events, chamber member events, private functions and an occasional restaurant or club gig. Since the band does little if any advertising, most of their gigs come from word-of-mouth or are annual appearances for clubs or organizations. “We are fortunate to have played for quite a few people and groups over the years,” said Heltzel. “We are always looking for new opportunities, but it’s nice to have people seek us out as well.”

Band members hail from Manassas, Gainesville, Occoquan, Woodbridge and Warrenton, and as a result, most of the people that come out to hear Type A are considered friends of the band.

“We truly enjoy playing live gigs, and our goal is to have fun playing music. We hope that the crowd has as much fun as we do. We are fortunate to be good friends and band members, and we think that shows in our performances,” said Heltzel.

Give Up the Day Jobs?

“I tried doing [professional music] full time over 30 years ago,” said Heltzel. “It’s a tough way to make a living, and luck has

Cal Brown, lead guitarist and vice president of wealth management firm The Monitor Group, echoed that sentiment: “Music is much better as an avocation than a vocation. The music business is very tough, and the pay is not good unless you get lucky and write a monster hit. It’s much better to use it as an escape from all the other pressures in life—plus it’s an awful lot of fun! And the laughs we get from the other guys in the band are priceless; it’s hard to describe.”

Type A Band’s roster consists of Rob Heltzel, Todd Hewitt, Cal Brown, bassist Rick Zarlengo and drummer (and Rob’s brother) Eric Heltzel, who filled in after Owen’s passing in 2010. If you’re interested in having Type A play at your gathering or corporate function, contact Rob Heltzel at 571-436-9691 or rob@typearockband.com.

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 November 2015 | 11

destinations

ORNERY BEER COMPANY

By Paul Keily | Photos by Amanda Causey Baity

W

entrance is a dining area with booth seating for those who may want a bit more privacy.

A Polished Pub

Barnette said, “My vision is to create something between a Buffalo Wild Wings and a Sweetwater Tavern. It all started when I met head brewer Chris Jacques at NOVA Brewfest about a year ago.”

ith many craft breweries opening throughout the county and the surrounding area—and as Virginia is becoming a major force in the national craft beer movement—it can often be hard for a brewery to distinguish itself. Ornery Beer Company, which opened this August in Woodbridge, is unlikely to have any such problems.

Ornery Beer Company is the first brewpub to open in Prince William County. A brewpub is simply a combined restaurant and brewery. Owner and founder Randy Barnette said, “I found that this area had lots of great restaurants and lots of great breweries, but that no one was combining the two locally. In other parts of the country, I saw a lot of brewpubs mixing great food, great beer, and a casual environment, so I decided to bring one to this area.

I like to use the term ‘polished pub’ when describing Ornery. We are very bar-focused here but also have a chef making nachos and meatballs using locally raised pork.”

The wrap-around bar is Ornery’s focal point. When you first walk in, the first thing you will notice is the bar with 17 taps.

Four of the taps are old-style cask taps, meaning the beer is stored in wooden barrels rather than metal kegs. Wine is also available on tap, making every serving taste like it has come from a freshly opened bottle. If beer and wine aren’t for you, then you can order mixed drinks or a draught root beer or cider.

Behind the main bar are several sets of couches next to the beer holding tanks. This area is perfect for either lounging with friends or watching a game on the wall-size projector. Adjacent to the 12 | November 2015 prince william living

Ornery doesn’t have just one bar; behind the dining area is a second smaller bar (it still has 17 taps, though!). This barroom has two garage-type doors that can open to let some air in while still protecting customers from the elements.

The Brewer’s Background Jacques got into brewing beer by accident. “I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do in college and after trying a bunch of different courses, I met with my advisors,” he said. “They told me to try out the food science program at the University of Rhode Island. After I started that program, we were working on yeast propagation studies for smaller breweries. We were working with John Harvard’s, a brewpub chain centered in the Northeast, and I was offered a position to help with brewing there. After I had graduated with a BS in food science, I hounded them for a job and I became an assistant brewer. I stayed with them for ten years. My first brew was on a 15-barrel system, like the one we have here. In my 15 years of brewing, I’ve never homebrewed!”

After leaving John Harvard’s, Jacques went on to work for Harpoon Brewing, a national production scale craft brewery in Boston, Mass. He then moved to this area and worked at Rock Bottom, a national brewpub chain, in its Arlington location.

Ornery Beer Company is located at 14389 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge.

What’s Behind the Name?

“The name ended up being a secondary concern,” Barnette said.

“I had a long list of names, but I wanted one that would capture the casual, irreverent, and fun tone we’re trying to create here. I was handing out anonymous surveys with lists of brewery names.

I added Ornery Beer Company to the list, after the head brewer of Mad Fox Brewing Co. in Falls Church [Barnette is an investor in Mad Fox] called me ornery. That name just kept floating to the top, because it’s a little quirky, and it’s a great conversation starter.”

Jacques added, “The cool thing about being local is that we can cater to the local taste. For example, maybe the national trend is in pumpkin spice beers, but the local drinkers hate pumpkin spice.

We want to be Woodbridge’s brewery, not just Randy’s and my personal brewery.” The brewery creates and sells the only amber oat ale in North America, called Occoquan Oats.

Food and Beer, Finally Together Head chef Evan Buchholz comes from a beer-focused family.

His wife is the general manager of Port City Brewing Company and he is an avid home brewer. Buchholz started out creating pizza at American Flatbreads, then moved to Rosa Mexicano in DC. “I have a Latin background in my family, so it was a unique experience to make handcrafted, authentic Mexican cuisine.

Then I got the opportunity to take a job at Rustico [a brewpub in Alexandria]. My experience there really taught me how much I love beer and food and how to bring it all together.” Buchholz earned his culinary degree at the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute.

Buchholz sees his job as “elevating pub food to something that goes really well with the beer and vice versa. Like if we have a

With 17 beers and wine on tap, Ornery serves a variety of palates.

smoked porter, we would serve it with something that would really emphasize the smoky flavors like some some lightly grilled chicken.”

Ornery Beer Company is located at 14389 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge. For updates on the beer menu and events, visit ornerybeer.com.

Paul Keily (pkeily@princewilliamliving.com) serves as Prince William Living’s online submissions manager and also substitute teaches in the county. prince william living November 2015 | 13

giving back Prince William Soccer Inc. Wins 2015 Prince William Living Giving Back Award

By Emma Young

he Prince William Living Giving Back Awards celebrates the many outstanding nonprofit organizations in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park that contribute every day to making Prince William better. In every issue, Prince William Living spotlights organizations that give back through their mission and good works, creating greater awareness and support of their efforts. The Prince William Living Giving Back Awards highlights those organizations whose exceptional accomplishments deserve special recognition. Nominated by readers, the public is invited to vote for the organization they feel typifies “giving back.” The final evaluation by Prince William Living judges, the Prince William Living Giving Back Awards indicate wide public support for the organizations selected.

2015 Prince William Living Giving Back Award Winner: Prince William Soccer Inc. Prince William Soccer Inc (PWSI) “makes meaningful contributions to the community through the game of soccer,” according to the Woodbridge-based organization’s mission statement. “Our goal is to get kids active and be healthy to play a team sport. We want all kids of all ages and abilities to have the opportunity to participate in organized soccer,” explained Mike Yeatts, PWSI Executive Director.

Over 5,000 PWSI members participate in soccer-related activities throughout the year with organized programs available for nearly all ages, from 3 years old through adult, and all abilities, whether a first-time player or elite athlete. Several hundred participants receive direct support through three community programs: TOPSoccer, Soccer for Success and financial assistance programs.

14 | November 2015 prince william living

TOPSoccer, a community-based training and team placement program for athletes with special needs, currently has about 50 participants through PWSI. “The goal of the program is to get the players active and provide an opportunity for these kids to be on a team,” said Yeatts.

Soccer for Success, a free afterschool program supported by the U.S. Soccer Foundation, is currently run by PWSI in six county elementary schools and at the Hylton Boys and Girls Club. “This program weaves healthy lifestyle topics, physical fitness, and family engagement while teaching the kids the fundamentals of soccer. The program has produced outstanding results,” noted Yeatts.

Each year PWSI provides direct financial assistance to approximately 500 children who might not be able to play otherwise due to the costs, such as travel and uniforms.

“The bottom line,” said Yeatts, “is we want to break down any and all barriers for the kids in our community to play organized soccer. Children who are active and fit make better students, healthier kids, better employees, and will live longer. This is a great investment in the community.”

Winning the 2015 Prince William Living Giving Back Award is “a testament to all of the work that’s done behind the scenes

Photo by Robert Jinks

T

fundraising event on November 17th for the free documentary viewing of Project 22 at NOVA Woodbridge starting at 7 p.m.

To learn more about PWSI, visit pwsi.org or enjoy the Soccer for Success Festival on December 12, starting at 9 a.m. at Howison Park in Woodbridge. A community health fair will be on-site concurrent with soccer games by all participating Soccer for Success sites.

2015 Prince William Living Giving Back Award Second Runner-Up: Keep Prince William Beautiful

2015 Prince William Living Giving Back Award First Runner-Up: Northern Virginia Veterans Association

McConnell cites studies indicating that most veterans do not know about the services and resources available to them.

These services include healthcare, financial, legal, employment, education and caregiver support amongst others. Yet, until NOVA Veterans, no single organization existed that could provide information about and assistance with the variety of programs and services offered. NOVA Veterans guides veterans and military service members through these programs, and provides a continuity of care, acting as a bridge to various resources, and at no cost.

“Success of our mission is based on partnering in our community and outreach to bring awareness to all the services available for our veterans and their families,” McConnell said. “We may have the best resources in Northern Virginia, however if those that need them aren’t aware they’re available, then we…are not successful.” As the 2015 Prince William Living Giving Back Award First Runner-up, more attention is brought to this needed work and “positively contributes to the outreach, support, and help of our local veterans and brings more awareness to our community at large,” said McConnell. “The end goal is to have our local former and current service members and their families happy, healthy, and enjoying the community,” she said.

Photo courtesy NOVA Veterans

The Manassas-based Northern Virginia Veterans Association (NOVA Veterans) is a “hands-on nonprofit that connects military families and veterans, at no cost, to a vast system of community and state resources. We address the needs that can affect a current or former military service member’s quality of life,” said Angela McConnell, NoVa Vets president and founder.

Keep Prince William Beautiful (KPWB) “provides interactive education and hands-on opportunities for our community to clean up and maintain Prince William County, preserving our environment for KPWB fundraiser at Bahama Breeze. future generations,” said K. Kiliaen Anderson, KPWB executive director.

The Prince Williambased organization operates seven primary programs to accomplish this mission: Adopt-a-Spot, Beautification, Community Cleanups, Educational Outreach, Litter Surveys, Shopping Center and Storm Drain, all at no cost to participants, benefactors or the county.

Keep Prince William Beautiful is truly keeping our county beautiful. During fiscal year 2014, KPWB had 7,580 volunteer hours; educated 8,747 citizens; collected 94,600 pounds of trash from three beautification projects; supported 55 adopt-aspots; conducted 428 community cleanups using 79 community groups; and held 51 educational out-reach sessions through expos, field trips, classroom presentation, and community meetings. Since 2012, over 5,000 volunteers have given nearly 18,000 volunteer hours to keeping Prince William beautiful, including “removing more than 300,000 pounds of litter from land within Prince William County (that’s approximately 154 tons or 24 male African elephants),” said Anderson.

For more information visit kpwb.org or their office off Ridgewood Center Drive in Woodbridge. The public is invited to participate in their Annual Route 1 Cleanup Sweep in April and their Tropical Escape Fundraiser in May. Emma Young (eyoung@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mother residing in Dumfries.

For more information about NOVA Veterans, visit www. novavets.org, the Northern Virginia Veterans Association facebook page, call 703-595-2690, or see them at their

prince william living November 2015 | 15

Photo by Rebecca Barnes

by our staff and our volunteers who dedicate themselves to providing quality programming for the kids of this community,” said Yeatts.

health & wellness Peripheral Vascular Disease: When Leg Pain Can Be Dangerous

By Dr. Christopher Leet

M

ost people connect hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) to heart disease.

While heart disease is the most common cause of mortality in both male and female populations, cardiovascular disease affects many other areas of the body, too. Atherosclerosis impacts the legs, which produces what we refer to as claudication. The symptoms of this are analogous to the symptoms produced in the heart, which produce angina. This is invariably an exercise-related phenomenon, in which a given amount of effort will produce discomfort in the chest, that is then relieved by resting. The symptoms of peripheral vascular disease manifest in the same manner: only the discomfort is felt in the legs, either one or both, but is relieved by rest.

The basis for these symptoms is caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply the legs. This is the same sort of blockage that occurs in the heart or the arteries to the brain. While leg pain is common for virtually anyone, the relationship to exertion and relief by rest separates this disease from the majority of muscular and arthritic pains.

The risk factors responsible for developing these blockages are the same as heart disease: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, lack of exercise and smoking.

Treatment for peripheral vascular disease has some analogies with heart disease, such as stenting or bypass of blocked arteries, which is similar to those for the heart.

However, while there are numerous medications to ease pains in the heart, there are not any reliable medications to treat the claudication in the legs. There are indeed medications for cholesterol, blood pressure, etc., but these are more helpful on a system-wide basis and are not specifically directed at treating the legs. Exercise remains important, although a vascular surgeon may need to repair the artery blockages first.

The mortality risk with peripheral vascular disease is much less than with heart disease or stroke, but the presence of this condition implies a more widespread problem in the body. See your doctor for further investigation of other areas.

Manassas resident Dr. Christopher Leet, now retired, practiced medicine for nearly 40 years, specializing in cardiology and internal medicine.

16 | November 2015 prince william living

Physical Therapy (orthopedics & sports medicine)

Massage Therapist on staff Personalized FitnessTraining Group Fitness Classes

Golf Assessment and Exercise Prescription (from a Level 3 TPI Certified Instructor)

Aquatic Physical Therapy Aftercare & Wellness Program

Piedmont Physical Therapy, Inc.

8551 Rixlew Lane, Suite 340 x Manassas, VA 20109 ph: 703-368-7343 x fax: 703-368-0719 Mon/Tues/Thurs: 7:00-7:00 Wed: 7:00-6:00 x Fri: 7:00-4:00

e m o c el W s in kl a W

Emergency Department Close to Home...When Minutes Count Inova HealthPlex - Lorton The only ambulance-accessible Emergency Department in Lorton. by board-certified doctors and specially trained nurses and technologists.

ad

t Str ee

t

Laboratory Services ΄ Full-service onsite laboratory ΄ Work-related drug screening ΄ Open 24 hours a day

eet Str

laboratory services.

Lort on R o

er ng Sa

emergency care center featuring 19 patient treatment bays, on-site diagnostic imaging,

EXIT 163

Marke

Mount Vernon Hospital, is a free-standing

Lorton Road

Lo r to n

Inova HealthPlex - Lorton, a service of Inova

oad Silverbrook R

Open 24-hours, seven days a week and staffed

Radiology Services - Newest Technology Available Same day appointments/walk-ins/scheduled exams for: ΄ Low Dose Cat Scan ΄ Digital Diagnostic X-Ray ΄ Digital Mammography with 3D Technology ΄ Bone Densitometry ΄ Ultrasound

Inova HealthPlex - Lorton 9321 Sanger Street, Lorton, VA www.inova.org/lorton 703.982.8400

24/ 7 Emergency/Radiology/Laboratory Services

ELEVATE YOUR NEXT EVENT At Potomac Shores Golf Club

Whether you’re planning your next company meeting, wedding, family gathering or charitable golf tournament, elevate your next event and let Potomac Shores Golf Club help you create an occasion that will be a cherished memory forever.

For more information on how you can elevate your next event, call 571.383.3050 or email Events@PotomacShores GolfClub.com

PotomacShoresGolfClub.com 571.383.3050 | 1750 Dunnington Place Potomac Shores, VA 22026

prince william living November 2015 | 17

taking care of business

Cassandra’s Gourmet and Island Treasures A Lesson in Private Labels

By Tracy Shevlin

C

Photos courtesy Cassandra’s Gourmet

assandra Craig is living proof that you can “do what you love and the money will follow.” As the owner of two companies, Cassandra’s Gourmet and Island Treasures, she has learned how to turn her specialty cake into a commodity and how to use private labeling as a successful marketing strategy.

Prince William Living caught up with Craig to talk about how she turned her passion for rum cakes into a thriving business.

PWL: Rum cakes are a very specialized idea for a business.

How did the business prospect come about?

Craig: My husband and I used to vacation in the Caribbean often and the rum cakes we had there became one of my favorite things. I wanted to try to replicate those cakes and share them with other people. We both come from sales and marketing backgrounds and it was a natural progression.

It took me a year to develop a recipe that I liked. I am very particular about the flavor of cakes; I don’t like them to have a strong rum taste. We now offer six flavors in our full size (32 ounce) cakes: vanilla, coconut, cinnamon pecan streusel, chocolate, banana and raspberry. We offer one additional flavor, chocolate-chocolate chip, in our four ounce “mini” size.

PWL: Are you a home-based business?

Craig: When we first started, all the baking, boxing and shipping was happening out of our house. Since then, we have moved our bakery to 10681 Wakeman Court, in Manassas, near the Manassas Airport. It is our second “outside” location after moving the business out of our house, but I still keep my office at home.

18 | November 2015 prince william living

Cassandra Craig turned her specialty cake into a commodity.

PWL: Has moving the bakery helped with the work-life balance?

Craig: Yes! When the business was in the house, it was overwhelming not only because of the grueling amount of work, but also because there was no escape from it. The baking was done in the kitchen, packaging was in the dining room and the garage was used for shipping. It seemed that even if you wanted to take a break from it, work was staring you in the face 24/7.

Now, there is less of that and you can walk away from it when you need to.

PWL: What do you wish you would have known when you started your business?

Island Treasures Gourmet cakes be be purchased from the company’s webiste, islandtreasuresgourmet.com.

Craig: I wish I would have known that you don’t have to know everything from the start. The information you find online can be very overwhelming and there are many people that are more than willing to help you.

For example, at places like trade shows, you can talk to other vendors. Even if they sell a different product, they may be able to refer you to packaging or other suppliers that are helpful to you.

PWL: Tell us about the two companies and how you market them.

Craig: “Cassandra’s Gourmet Classic” is the parent company and much of our private label work is done under the Cassandra’s name. We produce and ship our cakes to many retail locations but they don’t have a Cassandra’s Gourmet label on them. For example, if you had a rum cake at a HoneyBaked Ham location, it is our cake, but you won’t see our name on it.

Our cakes can be found nationwide in these stores.

Locally, you might find our cakes in Becky’s Hallmark stores, which have 16 locations across Virginia and North Carolina.

“Island Treasures Gourmet” is our retail name. Under the Island Treasures brand, customers can purchase our cakes directly from our website. We ship primarily in the 48 continental United States, but occasionally, we are asked to ship to other locations such as Hawaii.

My husband, Ken, is the vice president and sales manager. He spends a lot of his time seeking out clients that would be a good fit for our product. Also, we participate in several trade shows each year. Trade shows give us good exposure to potential clients and also have been a great resource as we grew our business.

PWL: While rum cakes don’t seem like a seasonal product, is there a busy season for you?

Craig: Rum cakes aren’t a traditionally seasonal food, but we do get busier around holidays that are often associated with food or family gatherings. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter are almost equally busy for us.

One resource that we found very helpful is the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), which has information for both consumers and businesses. On the business side, they provide programs and many resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses through vdacs.virginia.gov and specialtyfood.com sites. VDACS has been helpful to us in helping us afford the trade show costs.

Another resource that has been helpful to us is the Southern US Trade Association (SUSTA) at susta.org. They specialize in helping grow small businesses and especially those that export items. While most of our business is domestic, we have had some opportunities to export to Hong Kong, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

In addition to these resources, I wish someone would have told me that it was okay to ask for help instead of trying to do everything yourself. There is no need to work until two or three in the morning every night. You can’t sustain that sort of work schedule for the long term. There is never a time when absolutely everything is done. You can hire people for office work or packaging, or anything that will free up your time. I hope these little lessons from my experience will help anyone else starting a new business.

For further information about Cassandra’s Gourmet and Island Treasures, visit islandtreasuresgourmet.com.

Tracy Shevlin (tshevlin@princewilliamliving.com) is a native Virginian and long-time Manassas area resident. She is a full-time office manager and holds a BIS degree in business communication from George Mason University. prince william living November 2015 | 19

family fun

Baking Mason Jar Pies with Your Children Story and Photos by Amanda Causey Baity

D

uring the holiday season our house is full of activity.

Since it is normally too cold for long outside play time, like most families with small children, we do more indoor activities. Baking and crafting are always at the top of the list.

My children are terribly picky, so to make them all happy, there are times that I bake separate dishes for them during the holidays. Mini-pies are a perfect way to get children of all ages actively involved with holiday baking and helps them independently create their own desserts. Using Mason jars in your baking efforts add a little nostalgia that just might create a new family holiday baking tradition.

Ingredients • You will need 2 wide-mouth Mason jar lids.

For the crust: • 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling • ¼ teaspoon salt • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold • ¼ teaspoon apple cider vinegar • 3-4 tablespoons ice-cold water For the filling: (you can use your favorite recipe here) • 1 cup berries or another fruit that you prefer • 1 teaspoon lemon juice • 2 teaspoons flour • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 egg, beaten • optional: sparkling sugar for topping the pies 20 | November 2015 prince william living

Directions Take the wide-mouth Mason jar lids and turn them so that the rubber ring is down. You want to cook the pies on the metal side.

Next, make the crust: in a small bowl, stir together the flour and salt with a fork. Cube the butter into 16 chunks. Add half of the chunks of butter to the flour mixture and stir gently, and then add the remaining butter chunks.

This is the most important step: use your fingertips to cream the butter into the flour. Pinch and smear the butter between your fingertips repeatedly, like you’re snapping.

Work the butter into the flour for quite a while, making sure it is evenly incorporated and the dough almost comes together in clumps when you squeeze it in your hands. The warmth of your hands is bringing the dough together, so if it’s still flour-y, keep working it.

Finally, add the vinegar and 3 tablespoons of the ice-cold water. (continues on page 22)

Let Us Introduce Your Child to the World of the Arts

Body, Mind and Free Spirit!

DANCE ART MUSIC

Ages 3 ½ to Adult

Ann Boyle Artistic Director

(703) 878-1000 www.danceetc.com

703-670-7884 “Leak Detection Specialist”

Roofing • Repairs • Vinyl Siding Seamless Gutter Systems • Gutter Guards Replacement Windows • Skylight • Attic Fan

Guaranteed Quality Work Since 1985 3 Top Rated by Washington Consumers’ Checkbook Licensed – Bonded – Insured E-mail: sales@FurrRoofing.com

Resident since 2012

Welcome to Westminster at Lake Ridge. This is a community of beautiful apartment and cottage homes nestled among quiet tree-lined streets and walking paths. Here you will find the most exciting, joyful and fulfilling experience you can imagine, shared with the active and engaged friends and neighbors who make our community home, all with peace of mind that comes with quality on-site health care.

Westminster at Lake Ridge is accepting wait list reservations!

Call (703) 822-4781 today to schedule your personal tour!

www.wlrva.org • 703-822-4781 12191 Clipper Drive, Lake Ridge, VA 22192 prince william living November 2015 | 21

(continued from page 20) Stir with a fork and the dough will easily come together into a mass. If you live in an arid climate, add the extra tablespoon of water. Scoop the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap, shape it into a disk and store it wrapped in the fridge for 30 minutes.

If you store the dough longer than 30 minutes, let it warm up before rolling.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a small sheet pan with parchment.

Place the Mason jar lids with the rubber side down in the ring on the parchment paper.

Mix your berries, lemon juice, flour and sugar in a small bowl. Stir very well. Set aside while you roll out the dough.

Flour the counter and bring the dough out of the fridge. Place the dough in the center of your flour, and flour the top of the dough. Begin gently rolling the dough out away from you, making a quarter-turn clockwise after every two rolls. This method keeps the dough from sticking to the counter and also creates a perfect circle.

When you have a circle large enough for four Mason jar lids, you’re ready. Place one Mason jar lid on the pastry and use a knife to cut ¼” around the lid. Repeat one time. Use just the lid top (not the ring) to cut out two pie tops. You will have excess dough—you can make three pies, or make pie crust cookies in the oven while the pie bakes.

22 | November 2015 prince william living

Gently move the bottom piecrusts to the Mason jar lids with rings and press it into place. Scoop half of the fruit mixture onto each. Top the fruit mixture with the pie tops. Brush beaten egg very generously on each mini pie. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar, if desired.

Bake for 35-37 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the crust is brown.

Let cool 5 minutes. To serve, run a knife along the edge of the Mason jar ring to release the pie.

Use the Mason jar itself to pour a large glass of milk and enjoy your pie!

Mason Jar Lid Pumpkin Wreath Supplies • About 25 canning jar lids • String/twine/ribbon • Orange spray paint • Embellishments (optional) Directions Spray canning jar lids with orange paint and allow them to dry completely.

String them together and tie in a loop.

Add embellishments if desired to create the stem and leaves.

Hang on your door and enjoy!

Amanda Causey Baity (acausey@ princewilliamliving.com), Prince William Living’s marketing director and photo editor, also blogs about thrifty family activities on her blog GreenOwlCrafts.com.

SAINT

GREAT invitations please join us...

JP5K Run for Options November 21 Supports Special Education Options Program

jpthegreat.org

Open House Sunday, November 15 The first 100 eighth graders to pre-register receive a free t-shirt!

Band and Choir Music Festival January 23 For Middle-School Musicians

17700 Dominican Drive, Dumfries, VA 22026 • 703.445.0300 • info@jpthegreat.org Saint John Paul the Great high school admits students of any race, color, and national origin.

prince william living November 2015 | 23

home & hearth Vent-Free Bioethanol Fueled Fireplaces

By Niki VanEch

W

e are entering the winter months. An active fireplace, burning safely, is a visible and tangible source of comfort to us. We love everything about it: the warmth, the beauty of its flames, the smell that impacts surrounding air. But did you know that the smoke from an ordinary wood fire contains compounds known to be carcinogenic and irritating to the respiratory system, and it’s bad for the environment? In the last 20 years, gas fireplaces have almost replaced conventional wood-burning fireplaces in new home construction. But there is yet another compelling alternative to both wood-burning and gas-fueled fireplaces: Vent-free fireplaces fueled by bioethanol. Bioethanol is a renewable liquid fuel produced from agricultural byproducts that burn clean: no smoke, no sparks and—what I love most —no fuss.

Here are a few other facts on the advantages of bioethanol fireplaces: n Burning bioethanol fuel creates a beautiful lively dancing orange flame which can be mesmerizing. n The combustion of the ethanol produces heated steam and carbon dioxide. n No need for a flu or vent, which means the heat generated isn’t lost up the chimney. n They burn smokeless and spark-free; good for your family’s health and safety, good for the environment. n They are available as freestanding pieces of “fire” furniture, grates for traditional fireplace conversion and firebox inserts for built-in custom designs.

We have roots, where others have branches.

PEGGY BURKE

(703) 819-8388

Brkworks@aol.com

Resale and New Homes Seller & Buyer Representation

BILL BURKE

(703) 216-8309 b.burke4475@gmail.com

Land and Commercial Properties

So if you are giving thought to a renovation or just want to add a warm, cozy fire feature to a bedroom or office or an outdoor patio, give some thought to this easy-to-install, environmentally friendly fireplace.

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 | November 2015 prince william living

Virginia Realty Partners, LLC 4004 Genessee Place #209 Woodbridge, VA 22192

virginiarealtypartners.com

Qualified Remodelers Magazine – Top 500

ADDITIONS RENOVATIONS REMODELING

Over 35 Years Experience • Decks • Garages • Kitchens • Sunrooms

• Additions • Basements • Bathrooms • Second Floor Additions

(703) 221-JABS (5227)

www.jabsinc.com

jabsconstruction@verizon.net

Holiday Tree Lighting Friday, November 27th 6 pm - 8 pm

305 Mill Street, B-1 Occoquan, VA 22125

703.490.1175

www.patriotscuba.com

EXPLORE A WORLD LIKE NO OTHER.

Learn to dive, keep diving, or Go Pro with Patriot Scuba. We offer the full range of classes, equipment, and travel to take you from beginner to Pro. Ask us today about joining one of our classes such as: • Discover Scuba Diving • Divemaster • Open Water Diver • Rescue Diver • Advanced Open Water Diver • Instructor Start your next dive adventure today!

Those Funny Little People, carriage rides, family photos, face painters, carolers and more family fun!

stonebridgeptc.com  

www.robertjinksphotography.com | 703-401-7695 prince william living November 2015 | 25

local flavor AKT NOURISH

Provides Farm-to-Table Seasonal Menus

By Lisa Collins-Haynes | Photos by Linda Hughes

S

ince the age of four, Annie Thomas has always known what her purpose in life was —to nourish the soul.

Her earliest memories involve standing on a crate in a kitchen of an Italian restaurant in a building her father owned.

There she watched, learned and grew. Fast-forward...and after a successful career as a private chef, Thomas is now the owner and proprietor of AKT Nourish in Haymarket, which opened in June 2014.

The farm-to-table concept isn’t new, but a growing healthy trend that is evergreen. Thomas says, “We grow some of our produce and locally source others. We use grass-fed beef and make our corned beef. We prepare things fresh and from scratch.” Even when she was a private chef, both she and the families she worked with were interested in whole foods seasonally and sustainable produce. She cared about what her clients and even her family were putting into their bodies. She focused on not giving them genetically modified foods, and followed a similar philosophy of Alice Walker, a chef and restaurateur in Berkeley, Calif.: eating organic foods are essential not only for taste, but also the health of the environment and community.

AKT Nourish is a full circle of freshness and offers both a breakfast and lunch menu, which change with each season.

Patrons will find autumn and wintertime foods that are both comforting and what you’d expect to warm you on a cold winter’s day. During the spring and summer months, look for a freshly harvested menu of fruits and colorful vegetables.

There are always house specials and the staff makes their soups from fresh and natural whole ingredients. You’ll also find freshly baked pies and breads, local honey and cold-pressed organic juices.

26 | November 2015 prince william living

Belgian Waffle topped with boneless fried Chicken, Cider Glazed Apples, fresh Orange Zest with a quenelle of Maple Pecan Butter and pitcher of pure Vermont Maple syrup.

AKT Nourish offers a breakfast and lunch menu for dining in and take out such as wine, beer and fresh baked goods.

with the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra AT THE HYLTON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 10960 GEORGE MASON CIRCLE, MANASSAS, VA 20110

Pear walnut spice cake, warm local honey caramel sauce.

DECEMBER 17-23, 2015 TICKETS STARTING AT $25

Patrons should not miss the breakfast menu. It includes favorites like farm egg paninis, fresh sausage and multi-grain croissants.

They fly in bagels from New York and since Thomas is originally from there, it’s a nice touch. The lunch menu is equally delicious and the most ordered items are the crab cakes, Reuben sandwich and the chicken salad sandwich served on the multi-grain croissants. If you’d like a nice wine to accompany your meal, Thomas says, “We have an eclectic group of wines from Argentina, Italy, Spain and one from the U.S.” She’s also exploring the possibilities of adding a few local wines to her selections. It’s important that the wines are as organic as the food at AKT Nourish. She looks for wines that have zero arsenic and grapes that are naturally organic.

If you’re on the run and don’t have a lot of time to cook, the restaurant also offers a personal chef service: customers can stop by and pick up a freshly prepared meal to take home to their family.

There’s also a box lunch menu and catering option for both corporate and special events.

The restaurant is quaint and full of charm. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel good on the inside and outside. The open-air kitchen offers a glimpse inside to where all the magic happens.

There’s a real sense of local community spirit that you feel when you walk through the door. You can find AKT Nourish at 15111 Washington Street, Haymarket or visit them online at annieskitchentable.com.

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 Management degree. Follow her on Instagram @ living_a_charmed_life.

AVAILABLE AT WWW.HYLTONCENTER.ORG OR BY CALLING (888) 945-2468

MANASSASBALLET.ORG • 703-257-1811

The Town of Dumfries cordially invites you to our st 41 Annual Christmas-Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting Saturday, December 5th!

The Parade will begin promptly at 12pm starting at Town Hall 17755 Main Street, Dumfries, VA 22026.

Bring the entire family out as we celebrate the holiday season! www.dumfriesva.gov prince william living November 2015 | 27

your finances Small Business Owners: Tips for Balancing Your Business and Family Finances

By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor

M

eeting the multiple demands of a job and family can be challenging for anyone, but for small business owners, the feeling of being pulled in different directions can be especially taxing. With limited time, energy and money at your disposal, finding the right mix may seem impossible— but it doesn’t have to be.

1. Make time to plan and organize. Small business owners often assume multiple roles at work. It’s easy to understand why your personal finances may not be at the top of your priority list. Instead of multi-tasking, consider scheduling a regular time each month to sit down with your household balance sheet. While this may not be a relaxing activity, knowing your current financial position, and having a plan for the future, can help alleviate stress.

2. Communicate with your family. It’s important to keep in mind that your family is a stakeholder in your business, especially if it provides a significant portion of your household income. Speaking openly and frequently about issues you’ve encountered and decisions you’re faced with can help strengthen your relationship with your spouse and children, while also providing you with different perspectives.

3. Be realistic. Needs and financial demands change over time. Regularly assess the profitability and growth potential of your business, your household financial situation. If you must make small sacrifices in your personal life, do so—but remember that this works both ways. You may also need to make difficult trade-offs, such as delaying a business expansion in order to make a down payment on a new home or pay your child’s tuition.

4. Don’t try to wing it. Whether you’re making decisions for your business, family or both, don’t go at it alone.

Talk with other professionals in your network to see what works for them. Consult with a financial advisor, accountant and attorney before you make major financial commitments or sign complicated agreements.

Taking these steps—and feeling confident about your complete financial situation—may help you avoid absolute “one or the other” decisions, and be successful in both your business and personal life.

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.

28 | November 2015 prince william living

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE

WE’RE NEARBY 20+ BRANCHES IN NOVA

ONLINE & MOBILE BANKING Auto Mortgage Home Equity Student Credit Card Business

Proudly serving anyone who lives, works, worships or has a business in Prince William County, or the Cities of Manassas or Manassas Park.

AppleFCU.org

Equal Opportunity Lender. Federally Insured by NCUA.

Meet your future with confidence.

Take the first step toward having peace of mind in retirement with our proprietary Confident Retirement® approach. We’ll work with you to address the four basic principles of retirement.

Call us today to get started at 703.492.7732.

Bennett C. Whitlock III, CRPC® Private Wealth Advisor Whitlock Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 12848 Harbor Drive, Suite 101 Lake Ridge, VA 22192 bennett.c.whitlock@ampf.com www.whitlockwealth.com

The Confident Retirement approach is not a guarantee of future financial results.

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (8/14)

Sponsor of Lunch with the Publisher— Make the Most of Prince William Living

Custom Events Celebrate your next event with us!

You Deserve It All And you’ll find it at Potomac Place!

Celebrating 25 years of senior living excellence! Potomac Place offers the largest assisted living apartments (with full kitchens!), the best care, and the most affordable prices in Prince William County. Delicious dining, friendly faces, a variety of fun social events, and great amenities are all found in one place — Potomac Place.

Here, you have the peace of mind knowing that yes, you can have it all!

Private room available for rehearsal dinners, lunch meetings, birthday celebrations, retirement receptions. Many menu options available.

Call us today at 703-494-3817 to schedule your personal visit.

Voted Best of Prince William for 3 Years!

703-330-2729 www.okras.com

2133 Montgomery Ave | Woodbridge, VA 22191 | www.potomacplace.com

9110 Center St. | Manassas, VA

Vintage Moving & Storage Moving Your Life’s Treasures

Coordinated Services Management, Inc. - Professional Management of Retirement Communities Since 1981

Tackett’s Mill Center

Vintage Moving & S Lake Ridge, Virginia

Take a stroll on the meandering walkways & visit over 30 charming shops, the Old Mill, and a covered footbridge that surrounds the lake at Tackett’s Mill.

Moving Your Life’s T

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. PERSONALIZED CARE. Residential Moving Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving Specialized Services

703.392.6260

www.vintagemoving.com

Come visit our center today!

• Shopping • Dining • Professional Services

www.TackettsMill.com At the corner of Old Bridge Road and Harbor Drive in Lake Ridge.

prince william living November 2015 | 29

November

calendar Partisans Among Playmates: American Childhood and the Civil War Nov. 3, 10, 17 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Manassas Museum 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas Explore how children actively participated in the war and the social upheaval in the years that followed.

Adults $5, Seniors & Children $4, Children under 6 Free.

Art of Time Ensemble: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Nov. 6 | 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas This groundbreaking group reimagines the classic Beatles album, an iconic psychedelic masterpiece of the Sixties, with new arrangements from jazz, pop, and classical composers. The Art of Time Ensemble collaborates with a group of vocalists led by Steven Page of the Barenaked Ladies to create a nostalgic and innovative concert experience.

Tickets $29-$48. 888-945-2468 or visit hyltoncenter.org.

Greater Manassas Veterans Day Parade

Nov. 7 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Center Street, Manassas Come out and join us for the 7th Annual Greater Manassas Veterans Day Parade, where we will be honoring all Veterans.

Contact vetpar.org or call 703-930-7142.

Spirit of the Holidays Open House

Nov. 7 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Golden Goose 313 Mill Street, Occoquan This weekend features “All Things Christmas” holiday displays, door prizes and games. Special sale on Fontanini and retired Byers’ Choice Carolers.

Prince William Model Railroad Club

Korean Spirit and Culture

Nov. 8 | 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Chinn Park Regional Library 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge Trains will chug as The Prince William County Model Railroad Club displays a variety of model trains.

Nov. 15 | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Chinn Park Regional Library 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge Traditional homemade Korean foods will be served at the end of the program.

Registration required. Call (703)7924800 by closing on November 9. Limited to 75 people.

Harnessing the Power of Social Media in Family History Research Collaboration

Project 22 Documentary Viewing

Nov. 12 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Bull Run Regional Library 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas Genealogist Carol Petranek, Co-Director of the Washington D.C. Family History Center, will demonstrate how to use an ever-increasing array of technological advances to extend your research networks and collaborate with others.

Bedrock YOGA’s Hip Openers Workshop Nov. 14 | 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Virginia Dance Company 9806 Cockrell Road, Manassas Gain a greater understanding of the anatomy of your hips and focus on hip opening poses, how to perform the poses safely and their benefits. This workshop will begin with a flowing practice to warm the body and gradually move into some deep hip openers. After class, you will experience the freedom of movement in your hips, and may release your mind as well. Open to all levels. $30.00. Register at bedrockyoga.net/ fallworkshops.html.

Open-Hearth Cooking Class at Brentsville Nov. 14 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow Join an experienced open-hearth cooking historian and learn the basic skills needed to prepare food over an open fire. Build a fire and prepare and cook three different dishes. End the program by enjoying a taste of your food. Class will take place in the circa 1850 Haislip Farmhouse. Cost is $30; reservations required. To register: mriley@pwcgov.org or 703-365-7895.

Nov. 17 | 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Lakeside Theater NVCC Woodbridge Campus 15200 Neabsco Road, Woodbridge Join us for a free viewing party of the award winning documentary Project 22. This event will be a fundraiser for Northern Virginia Veterans Association & Semper K9 Assistance Dogs. Admission free with registration at Project22tix.com.

Bollywood Masala Orchestra and Dancers of India: The Spirit of India

Nov. 20 | 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Outstanding musicians, singers, and dancers lead a musical journey to Mumbai and beyond, filling the stage with the vivid colors, mesmerizing movement, and hypnotic rhythms of their homeland. Performing both traditional and contemporary Indian music, this performance also includes songs from Bollywood’s most popular films. Tickets $29-$48. Call 888-9452468 or visit hyltoncenter.org.

Chanticleer: A Chanticleer Christmas

Nov. 29 | 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas We celebrate the beginning of each Christmas season by filling Merchant Hall with the soaring voices and lush, flawless harmonies of these twelve male a cappella singers. Chanticleer brings to the stage a glorious concert of Christmas songs from across the ages. Call 888-9452468 or visit hyltoncenter.org.

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 | November 2015 prince william living

Discover Prince William & Manassas

DiscoverPWM.com

W

ith the holidays just around the corner, your gift list is surely on your mind.

So why not check some of those items off early this year in Prince William & Manassas. You can find the perfect gifts for your family and friends this holiday season at a variety of unique shopping outlets.

Begin with a trip to Potomac Mills, Virginia’s largest outlet mall, featuring more than 220 shops and eateries. Shopping with children? Let them explore the Virginia-themed children’s play area. Then, enjoy lunch at Bahama Breeze or the Cheesecake Factory.

Just a quick drive down the road is Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center. Stop in Charming Charlie’s for the perfect piece of jewelry or REI to stock up on activewear. Peruse the Carhartt store for inspirational gift ideas for that hard-working outdoorsman or stop into Golfsmith to pick out the perfect putter.

At Virginia Gateway in Gainesville you can find an array of relaxing gifts from Massage Envy gift cards to aromatherapy candles at Yankee Candle. Explore Kirkland’s and Great Gatherings for unique home décor and entertainment essentials.

Stop into Best Buy and GameStop to check out the latest video games and electronics.

Shop local in Historic Occoquan, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This charming small town features more than 60 unique boutiques and restaurants.

Be sure to stop in the Golden Goose, the largest Christmas store in Northern Virginia.

Walk through the streets exploring art galleries, jewelry stores and gourmet treats.

Swing by Mom’s Apple Pie for a baked good or the Bottle Stop for a bottle of wine for those foodies on your list.

M

verP W

@Disco

Facebook.com/pwcmanassas

Historic Downtown Manassas offers an array of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

Visit the Old Towne Man Cave, for that hard to buy for your guy. Stop by Love, Charley for a homemade candle or unique home decor. Not sure what to purchase?

Historic Manassas Inc. offers gift cards, which are usable in over 30 shops and restaurants throughout Historic Downtown.

Ann Marie Maher is the President/CEO of Discover Prince William & Manassas. Stay in touch with Prince William and Manassas by connecting with us on Facebook or Twitter @ DiscoverPWM.

Recessed Lighting • Convenience Outlets • Attic Fans • Security Lighting • Service Upgrades Backup/Whole House Generators General Service Work

(703) 221-JABS (5227) www.jabsinc.com

Ask about our 10+ point electrical safety check.

1-800-432-1792 DiscoverPWM.com prince william living November 2015 | 31

You make the list.

We’ll get it done.

Take it in. A thorough, customized cleaning from a team you trust—guaranteed. Then enjoy a little time for yourself.

merrymaids.com

$100 Off Save $00

Receive $ 40.00 off of your first cleaning and

Offer goes here.when you sign $20.00 Description off your next three cleanings up for ongoing service.

Valid at thisonly. location.

Offer through 00/00/0000 New only customers Offer goodgood through 12/31/15 Not valid with other offers. Cash value 1/1000 of 1 cent. ©2010 Merry Maids L.P.

Area listed here

Prince William County 000-000-0000 703-650-0647 Area listed here 000-000-0000

Sometimes life holds an endless list of challenges, until you discover an ABUNDANCE of SOLUTIONS. If you have questions about senior living, we have answers. Aging is often difficult with a seemingly endless number of decisions and changes. Let us offer simple solutions. We’ll share with you information on your many options and offer a helping hand to assist you on your journey.

For more information, call the community nearest you.

Brookdale Lake Ridge

Assisted Living | Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care 3940 Prince William Parkway Woodbridge, VA 22192 (703) 680-0600 VAKW-P10-0615-ROP HW

32 | November 2015 prince william living

Brookdale Manassas Assisted Living 8341 Barrett Drive Manassas, VA 20109 (703) 392-0102

brookdale.com

Brookdale® is a trademark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA.

Gainesville

Ballet

Elysabeth Muscat Hegab & Rafik Hegab, Directors

Sponsored in part by: The Dominion Foundation NOVEC Prince William County

Presenting

Starring American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancers ISABELLA BOYLSTON & JAMES WHITESIDE Hylton Performing Arts Center Friday, November 27th, 2015 2pm and 7 pm $35 Adult, $15 Children under 12 Hylton Box Office or www.tickets.com

www.gainesvilleballetcompany.org 703-753-5005

Introducing an Exciting New Technology in LASIK Surgery!

The Spiri t

IntraLASIK IntraLASIK is a sophisticated, bladeless technique for lasik surgery.

The new technology allows greater accuracy in flap size, shape and thickness which provides superior outcomes to the thicker LASIK flap.

ALAN C. EGGE, MD | CHARLES C. HOGGE, MD JENNIFER H. JACOBS, MD | LINA AMINI, MD Board Certified Ophthalmologists and LASIK Surgeons MANASSAS 8140 Ashton Avenue Suite 120 Manassas, VA 20109 703.361.3128

WARRENTON 388 Hospital Drive Warrenton, VA 20186 540.349.0906

HAYMARKET 15195 Heathcote Blvd. • Suite 310 Haymarket, VA 20169 571.261.3033

of Ch ristm as

Presented by the Manassas Chorale Saturday, December 5, 2015, 5:00 pm Hylton Performing Arts Center Rebecca D. Verner, Director Jonathan Laird, Accompanist manassaschorale.org info@manassaschorale.org

Sponsored by:

Hylton Center Box Office 1-888-945-2468 www.hyltoncenter.org Tue.-Sat. 10-6pm, Thur. 10-8pm

prince william living November 2015 | 33

lifelong learning HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

Helping High School Students Graduate “Job Ready”

By Marianne Weaver

H

igh school students in Prince William gain real-world business workforce experience, thanks to SPARK, the Education Foundation for Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS), which matches civic-minded local businesses with career-focused high school students.

“Lots of businesses have in their mission statement to work with education entities,” said Sharon Henry, executive director of SPARK and supervisor of the PWCS Office of Community and Business Engagement. She said some businesses afford their employees the opportunity to volunteer in schools as part of their workday. Many other Prince William businesses provide realworld, hands-on learning both in and outside of the schools.

Apple Federal Credit Union has established student-run financial branches in eight PWCS high schools. Not only do the students hold accounts at their schools, but they also work at the branches. “This provides students an opportunity to see what the world of finance looks like to focus on what skill sets they need to manage their finances,” said Henry, noting that Apple benefits by nurturing potential future employees.

Playing Matchmaker Henry said community partners have approached her looking for ways to develop the workforce. This year, plumbing and HVAC company Twin Air LLC of Manassas is working with students at Osbourn Park, also in Manassas.

Aaron Tolson, Twin Air operations manager, said he worked with Henry to develop a mutually beneficial partnership. His company trains the next generation of students who want technical training but don’t want to go to college. Tolson is an Osbourn Park alumni.

“This has been an opportunity to give young people a chance to make a good life for themselves. We have the opportunity to observe the students, and then have the pick of solid quality potential employees that we can train, mentor and grow. For us, that is a big deal. We get to fulfill one of our core values, which is to be part of the community,” Tolson said. He said Twin Air hired a paid intern, a new Osbourn Park grad, over the summer and was looking forward to growing the partnership to include some in-school training and host field trips to their facility.

34 | November 2015 prince william living

Meeting the Demand Potomac High School in Dumfries has also created a program to address community workforce needs, specifically in welding.

Henry orchestrated a partnership among the school, Dominion Virginia Power and Northern Virginia Community College.

Students enrolled in the program not only earn their high school degree but also are dual enrolled, which means their welding credits count toward a college degree. Simon J. Bhagwandeen, Potomac’s welding instructor and NOVA dual enrollment adjunct professor, oversees that program.

“Our program is a college-level course—our curriculum matches NOVA, which is the only college-level welding program in Northern Virginia,” said Bhagwandeen.

Beginning in the 10th grade, if high school students complete three years of the welding program they will earn the same welding certificate as students graduating from NOVA. But as high school students, they do not incur the college tuition debt.

“If they stay with me, by the time they leave, the students will be three years ahead of those just starting college,” he said. And, he added, when they graduate they are “job ready.”

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.

tambourines and elephants TV Terror

By DeeDee Corbitt Sauter TV can destroy your vision, judgment and the ability to use your imagination. I try to limit the amount of time my children are entertained by the tube because that means they are not otherwise engaged in more productive activities. Like loading the dishwasher, folding laundry or scooping out kitty litter—all skills necessary to keep me happy, which is imperative to the health and well-being of the family in general.

I have friends who claim they never watch television, but when further questioned, they admit that they own TVs, just don’t purchase cable or satellite services. Their only source of entertainment comes from DVDs, Netflix, or Amazon streaming in addition to other on-demand programming options. They are simply skipping the commercials and 90% of the trivial, grossly un-entertaining shows out there.

I do have one friend who is not exaggerating when she says she watches nothing. Her preschooler has DVDs only, either borrowed or purchased. There is no streaming at her house at all. I am amazed at her dedication to the banning of onedimensional programming. They occasionally listen to music or turn on the radio, but the parents forbid other forms of electronic entertainment. They own a computer, but no video games or consoles. They own nothing that involves the need for extra strong thumbs. Her son even attends a private preschool and loves every minute, regardless of the fact that he cannot discuss popular cartoons at recess.

Unlike my friend’s child, my progeny are masters at watching TV without any formal training. They are capable of sneaking TV time regardless of the limits we place. Parental locks, closed doors?

Child’s play. They can outsmart us any day because our will is clearly not as strong as theirs.

We have a chore list that needs to be completed prior to the activation of any electronically powered entertainment equipment.

Even when I check to make sure chores were actually done, my kids can still trick me. Tons of toys and clothes can fit under a rug or couch, which only seems possible in Looney Tunes. Previously cleaned mirrors spontaneously sprout toothpaste streaks mere moments after Windex has made the reflection spotless. Dogs are not walked and floors remain un-vacuumed immediately after I try to ensure they completed everything on the list. Chores are not an obstacle to the electronics rule.

TV watching has become a war cry and a challenge for both factions in the house, a duel pitting the “Can We Catch Them” team against the “We Are Amazingly Ingenious” team.

The bottom line is that the kids are far more dedicated to their cause that we are to ours.

The other day, when I was deeply ensconced in some paperwork, I noticed some mildly frenetic behavior at the front door. As it was my 6-year-old, I deemed it normal and continued to feel productive as I added another piece of paper to the “Done” pile. I find freakish and unparalleled joy in making a check mark on my to-do list.

The child in question suddenly ran by me and dashed down the basement stairs. This briefly caught my attention but again, I pushed any concerns aside as once again this behavior was not unusual.

It was only when my husband opened the front door and uttered a phrase normally reserved for Northern Virginia rush-hour highway drivers that I decided perhaps I should investigate. I opened the door; the yard was filled with dense, wafting grayness and I smelled the acrid stench of burning home. I followed the garden hose to the side of the house where my husband was heroically squelching a fire crawling from the AC units and jumping toward a dry, dying bush.

After 911 was dispatched and we determined there were no errant sparks that would ignite a new blaze, I got down on my knees and talked to the little one who had sounded the alarm.

Questions spewed forth: How did you know there was a fire? Why did you check? What happened? Were you outside?

He avoided eye contact when explaining the circumstances.

Apparently he had been watching TV (he twitched at the confession) when he saw smoke float lazily by the widow. We have never had smoke float around anything, so he ran to the front door to see the cause. Even more smoke was there, and he said he could smell it. “I know where there’s smoke, there’s fire, so I got Daddy.”

AHA! He was WATCHING TV! That is why, even an entire floor closer to him, my child scooted past my work station to sound the alarm to his father, who often forgets or ignores the rules.

It didn’t matter. As I hugged him, I told him that he was a real-life hero that day. Because he was paying attention, he saved the house and maybe even us. He beamed at the praise.

“Does this mean I get an extra sticker?” he bubbled. Yes. And you can watch some more TV. DeeDee Corbitt Sauter is a resident of Northern Virginia. prince william living November 2015 | 35

Yellow Cab

photography

special event, family, marketing

Serving PWC since 1978

creative thinking workshops

703-492-8215

www.imagewrks.net

Commercial Photography Branding

| Web

mgcre8v.com 571-249-5566

Family Owned & Operated Pre-paid Fare Cards Senior Citizen Discounts Wheelchair Accessible Book by Phone, App or Online

www.YellowCabPw.com

703-491-2222 or 703-369-2100

Magnificent Belly Dance Belly dance for the everyday woman...

• Classes • Parties

571-229-5185 www.magnificentbellydance.com

www.actspwc.org 703-441-8606

703-330-8145 www.casacis.org

Vintage Moving & Storage Moving Your Life’s Treasures

Vintage Moving & St

Adopt-a-Spots Beautification Community Cleanups Educational Outreach Litter Surveys Shopping Center Surveys Storm Drain Labeling

www.kpwb.org

Advertiser Index ACTS...........................................................................................36 Ameriprise–Whitlock Wealth Management.............................28 Apple FCU..................................................................................28 Beautiful Moments by Amy......................................................36 Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute............................................. C4 Boys & Girls Clubs.....................................................................36 Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning......................................8 Brookdale...................................................................................32 CASA...........................................................................................36 City of Manassas Park—Parks & Recreation.............................8 Dance Etc....................................................................................21 Discover Prince William & Manassas......................................31 Dominon Eye Care.....................................................................33 FURR Roofing.............................................................................21 Gainesville Ballet.......................................................................33 Giorgio’s Family Restaurant.....................................................16 Greater Prince William Community Health Center.................36 Inova...........................................................................................17 Imagewerks................................................................................36 Jabs Construction/Electrical...............................................25, 31 Keep Prince William Beautiful..................................................36 Magnificent Belly Dance...........................................................36 Manassas Ballet Theatre...........................................................27

36 | November 2015 prince william living

Moving Your Life’s T

703.392.6260 www.vintagemoving.com

Manassas Chorale.....................................................................33 Mark Gilvey Creative.................................................................36 Merry Maids...............................................................................32 Okra’s .........................................................................................29 Patriot Scuba..............................................................................25 Peggy and Bill Burke, Virginia Realty Partners, LLC...............24 Piedmont Physical Therapy......................................................16 Potomac Place............................................................................29 Potomac Shores Golf Club........................................................17 Prince William Chamber of Commerce...................................32 Prince William Ice Center............................................................8 Prince William Library Foundation...........................................17 Robert Jinks Photography........................................................25 Saint John Paul The Great Catholic High School...................23 Semper K9..................................................................................36 Stonebridge................................................................................25 Tackett’s Mill..............................................................................29 The Pope Institute......................................................................33 Tiny Dancers..............................................................................22 TODOS Super Market................................................................16 Town of Dumfries......................................................................27 VanEch Studio............................................................................31 Vintage Moving & Storage.................................................29, 36 Westminster at Lake Ridge.......................................................21 Yellow Cab.................................................................................36

subscribe Order your subscription today to Prince William Living magazine for only $15 per year!

Order online today at www.princewilliamliving.com/subscription or complete this form and mail it to the address below.

Your information: Name:____________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________

Subscription rate: Subscription rate is $15 per year, (12 issues) continental U.S. only. Subscription will begin with the next issue after this form is received. Allow two weeks after receipt of form. All subscriptions must be prepaid. Include a check or money order for the total amount to:

State/Zip:__________________________________________

Prince William Living ATTN: Circulation Department 4491 Cheshire Station Plaza, PMB 55 Dale City, VA 22193

Country:__________________________________________

Prince William Living also accepts Visa and Mastercard*:

City:______________________________________________

Phone:____________________________________________

Name on Card:_____________________________________ Number:__________________________________________

Fax:______________________________________________

Expiration Date: ____________________________________

Email:____________________________________________

Signature:__________________________________________ *When paying by credit card, please fax your order to (703) 563-9185.

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

Neabsco District John D. Jenkins 4361 Ridgewood Center Drive, Prince William Occoquan District Michael C. May 2241-K Tackett’s Mill Drive, Woodbridge Woodbridge District Frank J. Principi Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building 15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Suite 140, Woodbridge

Prince William Parks and Recreation Prince William Public Library System 14418 Bristow Road, Manassas 12964 Harbor Drive, Lake Ridge 12993 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas 8601 Mathis Avenue, Manassas 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge 4249 Dale Boulevard, Dale City 18007 Dumfries Shopping Plaza, Dumfries 4603 James Madison Highway, Haymarket 2201 Opitz Boulevard, Woodbridge Prince William County Tourist Information Center 200 Mill Street, Occoquan The Sign Shop 2603 Morse Lane, Woodbridge Town of Dumfries 17755 Main Street, Dumfries Town of Haymarket 15000 Washington Street, Haymarket Town of Occoquan Town Hall, 314 Mill Street, Occoquan Town of Quantico 337 5th Avenue, Quantico Virginia Realty Partners 4004 Genessee Place #209, Woodbridge

Prince William Ice Center 5180 Dale Boulevard, Dale City

prince william living November 2015 | 37

e ned ice! m o lc d trai pract e w to arvar o our d e t s lea tein, H eon, p rg s re e a Lick tic su W rry las a p . L ified r D ert c ard o b In the Heart of

World-Class Plastic Surgery

Prince William County

“After my surgery I noticed a real boost in my confidence. I feel amazing!”

Kim Actual Patient

Ariana Actual Patient

Rena Actual Patient

Bitar C o smetic S urg ery In s t i t u t e George J. Bitar MD, FACS Larry H. Lickstein MD, FACS Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

Cosmetic Surgery | Coolsculpting | Ultherapy Laser Treatments | Skincare | Injectables Hair Restoration Fairfax • Manassas • 703-206-0506 • www.BitarInstitute.com