Prince William Living October 2015

PAGE 12

MARINE CORPS HERITAGE CENTER

PAGE 26

ZANDRA’S TAQUERIA

PAGE 35

FIGHTING THE F WORD

prince william living October 2015

The premiere lifestyle magazine of Prince William and Greater Manassas

ADA: How Does Prince William Stack Up? PAGE 4

Angela Knight: Opera Star, Philanthropist, Visionary PAGE 10

Dr. Joel Sarsah and Express Pharmacy PAGE 18

www.princewilliamliving.com

table of contents October 2015 Vol. 5 No. 10

FEATURE STORY 25 Years after ADA: How Does Prince William Stack Up?......................................4

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

4 Photo Courtesy Yellow Cab Prince William

on a high note Angela Knight: Opera Star, Philanthropist, Visionary.......................................10 destinations Marine Corps Heritage Center..............................12 giving back Greater Prince William Food Council Strives for a Community without Hunger............. 14 taking care of business Dr. Joel Sarsah and Express Pharmacy: Espousing Patient-Centered Care..........................18 family fun Creepy Crafting....................................................20

18 Photo by Robert Jinks

local flavor Zandra’s Taqueria: Bringing Gourmet Tacos to Northern Virginia.............................................26 calendar...............................................................30 lifelong learning 1000 Books Before Kindergarten...........................34 tambourines and elephants Fighting the F Word.............................................35

COLUMNS

26 Photo by Linda Hughes

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

prince william living October 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, Eve A. Baker, David E. Ebbecke, Delia Engstrom, Amy Falkofske, Ann Marie Maher, DeeDee Corbitt Sauter, Tracey Zemitis Schaefer, Tracy Shevlin, Niki VanEch, 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, Delia Engstrom, Amy Falkofske, Mark Gilvey, Linda Hughes, Robert Jinks Marketing Director Amanda Causey Baity Graphic Design and Production Alison Dixon/Image Prep Studio Online Submission Manager Paul Keily

Prince William Living 4491 Cheshire Station Plaza, PMB 55 Dale City, VA 22193 Phone: (703) 232-1758 Efax: (703) 563-9185 Editorial offices: (703) 232-1758, ext. 2 Efax: (703) 563-9185 Advertising offices: (703) 232-1758, ext. 3 Efax: (703) 563-9185 Editorial Have a story you’d like our staff to cover? Contact Prince William Living editorial staff at (703) 232-1758, ext. 2, or at editor@princewilliamliving.com.

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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. Š 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.

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2 | October 2015 prince william living

About the Cover This summer, the DoD Warrior Games took place at Marine Corp Base Quantico with some competitions commencing in surrounding locations in Prince William. The 2015 DoD Warrior Games promote resiliency and warrior spirit of our wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, caregivers and families.

The cover photo, taken by Mark Gilvey, is of the cycling event held on base.

See more photos online at pwlphotos.com

from the publisher Variety Spices Up Autumn

A

utumn brings in crisp weather, colorful leaves and fun events in Prince William. When you live life with a disability, attending events, whether private or public, there is an extra layer of planning that goes along with it. From transportation to accessibility, Emma Young shares with us the challenges and issues that residents with disabilities face in our cover story “Twenty-five Years after ADA: How Does Prince William Stack Up?” found on page 4. Learn how local businesses and nonprofit groups, work to fill the gaps in service to this sector of our community and what more needs to be done.

Our Destinations this month is located on the campus of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Delia Engstrom has written the story on The Marine Corps Heritage Center found on page 12. Here, visitors can quietly reflect at the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel, walk in the woods of the park or even enjoy the small children’s playground. Read more about what is new for visitors.

We also talk to Dr. Joel Sarsha, owner of Express Pharmacy in “Taking Care of Business” about his philosophy of patientcentered care. His emphasis on community and commitment

Advertiser Index ACTS...........................................................................................36 Ameriprise–Whitlock Wealth Management.............................28 Apple FCU..................................................................................28 Beautiful Moments by Amy......................................................36 Best Western Battlefield Inn.....................................................25 Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute................................................9 Boys & Girls Clubs.....................................................................36 Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning......................................8 Brookdale...................................................................................32 CASA...........................................................................................36 City of Manassas Park—Parks & Recreation.............................8 Dance Etc....................................................................................21 Dental Spa..................................................................................25 Discover Prince William & Manassas......................................31 FURR Roofing.............................................................................21 Greater Prince William Community Health Center.................36 House of Mercy..........................................................................25 Inova...........................................................................................17 Imagewerks................................................................................36 Imagine.......................................................................................32 Jabs Construction/Electrical...............................................25, 31 Keep Prince William Beautiful..................................................36 Magnificent Belly Dance...........................................................36 Mark Gilvey Creative.................................................................36 Mary Washington Healthcare.................................................. C4

to innovation set him apart from chain pharmacies. Find out on page 18 how this locally owned business earns the loyalty of its customers thru unique service.

In “Local Flavor” on page 26, Eve Baker introduces us to gourmet tacos at Zandra’s Taqueria in Manassas. Meet Miguel and Alexandra Pires, as Miguel shares their idea behind these unique tacos and the restaurant’s a la carte menu that has repeat customers coming back for more.

October’s “Family Fun” is all about Creepy Crafting! Amanda Causey-Baity shows off her skills and shares some spooky projects you can do with your family in her column on page 20. With Halloween around the corner, be sure to check our calendar, both in print and online for events to attend, including advice on our website for trick or treating. Stay safe and enjoy!

Sincerely, Rebecca Barnes Prince William Living Publisher

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...................................33 Prince William Courage.............................................................21 Prince William Ice Center............................................................8 Prince William Library Foundation...........................................17 Robert Jinks Photography........................................................36 Saint John Paul The Great Catholic High School...................23 Semper K9..................................................................................36 Stonebridge................................................................................33 Tackett’s Mill..............................................................................29 The Pope Institute......................................................................32 Tiny Dancers..............................................................................22 TODOS Super Market................................................................16 VanEch Studio............................................................................31 Vintage Moving & Storage.................................................29, 36 Washington Square Associates................................................36 Westminster at Lake Ridge.......................................................21 WineStyles.................................................................................16 Yankey Farms.............................................................................25 Yellow Cab.................................................................................36

prince william living October 2015 | 3

2 5 Ye a r s a f t e r A D A :

How Does Prince William Stack Up?

By Emma Young

D

Lopez is now executive director of the Independence Empowerment Center (IEC), based in Manassas. The IEC is a nonprofit advocacy and service organization by and for people with disabilities. Lopez works full-time with a team to help county residents navigate life with a disability. That may involve everything from helping a parent with an IEP (individualized education program) for their child, to talking to a convenience store about its lack of wheelchair accessibility.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 13 percent of Prince William County residents noted having a disability. However, the “2013 Greater Prince William Community Needs Assessment” stated, “The number is more likely considerably higher, due to under-reporting, and should reflect a national average closer to 19 percent.” In the 25th anniversary year of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal civil-rights law prohibiting discrimination against and imposing accessibility requirements for those with disabilities, Prince William Living overviews living with a disability in the county today.

Early Education Intervention Matters When a parent suspects early in a child’s life there may be a developmental problem or disability, help is available. According 4 | October 2015 prince william living

Photo by Delia Engstrom

r. Mary Lopez knows the challenges of living with a disability. Prior to being diagnosed in the 1970s with multiple sclerosis, she went to her physician when one entire leg went numb. Shockingly, the doctor dismissed this alarming symptom, saying, “What you need is a good man to come home to and give you a massage.” She’s been fighting for the rights of the disabled ever since.

to the “2013 Greater Prince William Community Needs Assessment”: “Early intervention (EI) services for children with disabilities are highly successful in our community…60 percent of the children completing early intervention services do not require special education once admitted to the school system.”

EI includes speech and physical therapy, occupational therapy, vision and hearing services, and other programs, and the process for enrolling a child is relatively straightforward.

“The first step is to check the C.D.C. website to find out if a child is meeting milestones for their age. Then go to their regular physician and bring a list of concerns. If there are issues, contact Early Intervention if a child is less than two, or Child Find if a child is aged two to five,” explained Roberta McEachern, IEC program director. “They’ll identify the needs and help provide the necessary support and intervention.”

Transition to School Professional services may be helpful when transitioning a child to a school environment. Erin Clemens, an occupational therapist with Pediatric Achievements in Lake Ridge, described a kindergarten preparation class they operate: “The class assists a child with a disability by being in a small group setting with typically developing peers so they can increase social skills, motor skills, improve their ability to follow directions, and essentially function independently in a small group because they have peer role models. Having the groups run by occupational therapists is a huge bonus because it is a safe and positive environment with trained professionals who understand and know how to deal effectively with different behaviors.”

IEPs The process is more challenging for school-aged children. “First talk to the teacher, the principal and the school psychologist.

Tell them you want to start testing on your child,” McEachern said. Testing indicates whether a child needs greater or varying support. “Then get the IEP started. Spell out everything you might need, including things like potty training, speech assistance, more time on tests, a scribe to take notes or a peer with them,” she said. She described a relationship of peer mentoring that is beneficial in some cases. “One child needs extra credit and one child needs assistance—for example, carrying books, taking things out, getting from point A to point B and not getting lost.”

Having an IEP in place doesn’t solve all challenges, however.

“The needs of one student may vary tremendously from those of another. It is important to make sure that we can meet the needs of students with behavioral, physical, emotional and learning challenges. Our staff is resourceful and dedicated,” said Jane Lawson, director of special education for Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS).

Annually, the current average is about 1,500 requests for assistance, which may include testing and IEPs, according to Lawson. “Currently we have 9,848 active IEPs.” It is close to

the national average of about 12 percent, but varies year-to-year, Lawson said.

“Our biggest challenge is funding. We have taxpayer dollars to spend on meeting the needs of all our students. This means providing special programs for gifted and talented students, artists, athletes, or students with special needs (some of whom may also be part of the other categories). Regrettably, increases in funding have been insufficient to keep pace with the combined cost of growth and inflation,” said Phil Kavits, director of communication services for PWCS. Despite budget woes, there are many successes. McEachern described one: “In one school, we have two children that have a speaking device and an eye-gaze machine. They’re nonverbal and wheelchair users. The teacher researched and found out about a speaking device. To speak, they stare at the device. It gave them a voice. One student is now a straight-A student. It opened up their whole world.”

Integration, not Isolation Modern artist John Holohan of Haymarket-based Cerebral Palsy Art, who uses a wheelchair, described his educational experience in PWCS: “When I was in school years ago, they stuffed me in the special ed room when the regular kids were in PE and told me to study. Inclusion is the best way to go.”

“One school had children for two grade [levels] with a severe and profound disability isolated in the basement in the back of the school, confined to two classrooms. No integration, until one of our parents complained so much the problem was rectified,” McEachern said.

“Secluding [children] and keeping them only with others with disabilities can make things worse. If you’ve got one verbal child in with a lot of people that are not verbal, they’ll stop using their verbal abilities. Children learn best from their peers,” she said.

Students: Transitioning from School to Work When preparing to graduate, what programs are available to assist with a transition to work? Lawson described PWCS administration offices successfully hosting graduating students.

They recently had a student who is blind and completed a semester in their office as a transition-to-work activity.

Another innovative program is Project SEARCH, a collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the Virginia Department of Education, Novant Prince William Medical Center in Manassas and PWCS. The program enables graduating students to gain valuable work experience and skills through internship and vocational training. According to Matthew Deans, the supported employment and project SEARCH coordinator for DARS, 10 local students are chosen each year for the program. Twenty-one have been employed as a result. “The students who participate (continues on page 6) prince william living October 2015 | 5

Photo courtesy Yellow Cab Prince William

(continued from page 5) and become successfully employed are very satisfied with the program as it’s helped them to learn to be independent, take care of themselves and be responsible workers in the community,” Deans said.

Employment Options According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, in an employment to population comparison, 17.1 percent of people with a disability were employed, versus 64.6 for those without a disability. The Manassas-based nonprofit Didlake Inc., is working to change that. “Our primary focus is on supporting people with disabilities in their effort to become working people,” explained Betty Dean, vice president for corporate communications and development. “Almost all of the people we support are either employed out in the community, working for another business, or they are an employee of Didlake and they’re part of a workforce we maintain,” Dean said. Didlake employees provide contracted services as custodians for the Pentagon, groundskeepers at BWI and at other sites. “Seventy-five to eighty percent of our contracted services employees are people with significant disabilities,” she said.

When someone with a disability comes to the firm for assistance, Didlake conducts an in-depth assessment of skills, aptitudes and needs. “We are one of the leading programs in Virginia providing employment support services for people with disabilities. That’s in part because we do a really good job of putting the right person in the right job, so that person has every opportunity to be successful. And, the business benefits from having that person there. The business gets a person for whom this job opportunity is the chance of a lifetime. They voluntarily give up a government disability check for work and a paycheck. Instead of a recipient of tax dollars, they pay tax dollars,” Dean said.

In the fiscal year ending in 2015, Didlake provided support or employment to 444 people with disabilities in Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park. That support includes providing assistance in creating resumes, behavioral support, adaptive technology (for example, providing a mobile device to track daily tasks for someone with memory loss), and identifying potential employers and jobs.

Finding a job is not the only challenge, though. “A huge barrier for people with disabilities of any kind, including the elderly and the infirm, is transportation,” Dean said. “If you can’t get to the job, it doesn’t matter if you could do the job.”

Holohan summed up the challenge of transportation: “If you can’t get anywhere, you can’t become a productive member of society. You’re just a shut-in.”

Public Transportation: A Critical Need The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) provides local bus services (OmniLink) and commuter bus services (OmniRide) in the county. People like Manassas 6 | October 2015 prince william living

Transportation for the disabled community is often a costly obstacle. Yellow Cab Prince William is one option available to residents.

resident and retired employee for the City of Manassas Sharon Bauer rely upon these public bus services. “I depend on buses about four days a week and would really be hurting without them.

Within the last few years, PWC finally has accessible cabs. I do use them, but they are about ten times the cost of buses,” she said.

Although it is difficult to know how many persons with disabilities use public services, some statistics provide insight.

“With flex-routing, buses can go up to three-quarters of a mile off the standard route to pick up or drop off passengers,” explained Eric Marx, interim executive director of PRTC. Able-bodied persons pay a surcharge for these off-route trips, and persons with disabilities are provided the service for free.

“OmniLink buses made an average of 1,814 off-route trips per month in fiscal year 2015,” Marx said, including both those who paid the surcharge and those with disabilities. PRTC currently has 2,360 active reduced fare cards that were issued to individuals with disabilities.

A variety of technologies and services enables the public bus system to be accessible to people with varying types of disabilities: ramps and lifts, announcements and written displays for upcoming stops, a website with text-to-speech technology and reduced fares. “The services are crucial, enabling those with disabilities to get access to medical care, work, school and daily errands,” Marx said. Yet budget cuts also threaten these services.

“At a time when the demand for public transit is increasing, PRTC is currently projected to have a $7 million deficit for FY 17, which begins July 2016,” Marx explained. The problem is essentially economic. The primary source of funding for PRTC is the 2.1% fuel tax. As prices plunge at the pump, funding for public transport decreases. Additional revenue used to come from the county general fund, but when the recession hit, the county cut that funding in 2008 and it hasn’t been restored since. “Unless additional funding is provided to cover all or a portion of the shortfall, PRTC will be forced to make cuts to its commuter and local bus services starting in July 2016,” Marx said.

Photos courtesy of PRTC

a month. It’s made a difference. Beard described one woman “unable to access the local bus stop due to the conditions and topography. She now uses our service to get to the commuter lot and has returned to work three days a week.”

Housing Options in the Community Housing, too, can be an issue for the disabled. Jennifer Bolles, executive director of Project Mend-A-House (PMAH), a nonprofit based in Manassas, explained how they serve those with disabilities. “Our mission is to help low-income people with disabilities, seniors and veterans remain safely and independently in their homes. We do this through a variety of services that make their homes more livable, safe and accessible.” For example, volunteers will install grab bars in bathrooms, perform minor home repairs, and loan durable medical equipment such as walkers. “Services are provided free of charge to income-qualified clients,” Bolles said. Those services, and the volunteers to provide them are desperately needed. “Each year PMAH helps close to 200 low-income community residents and provides over 500 service-related tasks to our clients,” she said.

There are many in the county with severe disabilities or complex medical problems that require more in-depth care.

Residential Services The Woodbridge-based nonprofit The Arc, provides a variety of services for those with disabilities, including childcare, vocational and family-support services. According to Karen Smith, Arc executive director, the services most in demand are residential services.

Public transportation helps residents with disabilities get to their destinations. Lower fuel prices means less fuel tax income that helps fund these budgets. A budget shortfall is predicted for FY 2017, which starts next summer.

Scenarios that have been outlined include cutting services acrossthe-board, eliminating local services, or cutting services by half, all scenarios of great concern to county residents, but particularly to those who use the services. Public transportation is life-saving for Bauer: “If I could not depend on the buses to help me maintain my independence, being housebound would shorten my life and have a negative impact on the quality of my life. I cringe at the thought of being housebound.”

It’s Not the Bus, But It’s an Option In 2013, Yellow Cab of Prince William purchased four accessible vehicles and now four additional ones have been placed into service. Despite the cost being two to three times more than a sedan, and one and a half times more than a non-accessible van, company president Tammy Beard said that “it was the right thing to do.” They now provide over 500 accessible trips

Chris Caseman, Arc director of resource development, explained.

“We have 16 group homes. They become the homes of our residents for the rest of their life.” There are difficulties however.

“Our biggest challenge is residential services because we’re responsible for someone’s life 24/7. Some residents have pretty intensive needs, especially medically, with multiple doctor’s appointments throughout the week,” Smith said.

The Arc is committed to and known for high-quality care despite the challenges. “We go bowling, on trips, and shopping, and all sorts of things that make sure our residents have a very active and recreational lifestyle,” Caseman said.

Funding in Virginia for these types of intensive services comes from Medicaid Waiver approved service slots. “In the commonwealth of Virginia there are thousands waiting for Medicaid Waiver Services. A person with a disability gets put on a wait-list, and over 11,000 are waiting in Virginia, and twothirds are on an urgent list,” said Smith.

Emma Young (eyoung@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mother residing in Dumfries. prince william living October 2015 | 7

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on a high note

Angela Knight

Opera Star, Philanthropist, Visionary

By Emma Young | Photos by Delia Engstrom

I

n 1997, now-famed soprano and Haymarket resident Angela Knight wasn’t found performing regularly at the Washington National Opera and worldwide; rather, she was at Dulles International Airport, managing Red Carpet Clubs.

Vocally trained since age 13, Knight earned her bachelor’s degree at the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music. She was working toward completing her graduate studies with a voice teacher at George Mason University. She was dreaming of a career in opera while working for United Airlines. A woman of strong faith, Knight knew by her late twenties that something had to give. “I prayed, ‘God, if something doesn’t change soon, I’m done with this,’” she recounted. Within weeks, she got her answer.

“I love it,” Knight enthused about her singing career. “It is demanding, but it’s worth it. There’s nothing like being on stage. You have to sight-read and sing in German, French, Russian, Italian. You start memorizing after reading it through once, so it takes a lot of mental concentration.” It’s not enough to have an operatic voice, she said; “You have to love to prepare and study.”

Her Big Break

Using Her Talent for Local Good

“You would’ve loved to have met the man I just did,” Knight’s sister-in-law, who also worked at Dulles, called and said. It was the Spanish tenor, conductor and arts administrator Placido Domingo who was about to board a plane for Los Angeles.

Running from the ticket counter with minutes to spare, she approached Domingo at the gate: “My name is Angela Knight, and I want to sing ‘Caro nome’ for you.” “Then you will!”

Domingo proclaimed.

He asked Knight months later, after an audition at the Met, “What do you want? You are prepared for this. You are welltrained and ready.” She knew immediately: “I want to sing in Washington, D.C. I want to sing with the Washington National Opera.” Domingo smiled, saying, “What better than for me to call [them] for you.” The next year Knight was singing opposite opera star Jose Carreras, one of The Three Tenors, at the Kennedy Center. She begins her 18th season with the Washington National Opera this fall and has performed in Europe, China and Japan over the years.

10 | October 2015 prince william living

It is also physically demanding, Knight noted, describing hours of standing for staging and the theatricality of some roles. “I’ve had to climb things, run, be hanging off things, and you have to do these things over and over and over,” she said. Knight wouldn’t change it, though. “The camaraderie is amazing; we’re like a family. It’s so much fun.”

Knight, who also earned a four-year degree from bible college, became an ordained minister this year. She started her own nonprofit—Haymarket-based Angela Knight Ministries—and produced an annual Christmas concert for the past nine years to benefit families and charities in need. Ten years ago, Knight received inspiration via a mailing asking for a $20 charitable donation. “It hit my heart,” she said. “I knew I could write a check for $20, but I was sure I could do something that would be more effective.” She immediately felt compelled to put together a benefit concert. The first one, held in Manassas, raised over $2,000. “It was amazing, and it just kept growing,” she said.

This year’s family-friendly concert, “All Aboard for Christmas,” celebrates the holiday as a train ride across the U.S. featuring music from “Motown” to Hawaii and everywhere between. The concert is scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on December 6 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. Profits benefit Prince William County-based Azalea Charities and a local

Knight performs at a fundraiser at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

family in need. Her annual local performances usually sell out, with families telling her “‘We really want to see you on stage, but bringing the whole family to the Kennedy Center can be difficult,’” Knight said. “I believe in helping my community and love it,” she added.

A New Vision In addition to her ministries’ continuing charitable work, the opera star has a new project. “The Knight Center” is a vision for a theater, arts, and events center to benefit the community and be a permanent home for Angela Knight Ministries. The center and surrounding site would have a particular focus on hosting and developing wholesome and family-friendly productions and events, along with permanent and accessible programs for youth and children.

Knight and a team of professionals, including architects, developers, business managers, philanthropists and artists, are working to find a property and develop site plans. Knight has witnessed a surge of support for the concept. Plans include using the space for music and dance training, seasonal outdoor events, arts exhibitions, after-school and disabled-accessible programs, and gardens, in addition to central theater and studio space.

“Angela’s inspired vision has brought together an incredible group of talented and diverse people in the county, working to see it become a reality,” explained Frances Halpern, development director for the project. “We’re going about it cautiously, planning carefully to do it right and ensure the greatest benefit to county residents,” Knight added. “We want to make the world a better place. We want to continue to do good in Prince

Supporters mingle at fundraiser for the Knight Center.

William County.” For Knight, the center’s programs would help individuals reach greater heights and celebrate their uniqueness.

“Everybody has value, talents, and gifts—that’s what all our projects are about,” she said.

The group has started fundraising efforts to cover the costs of land acquisition, site surveys and architectural plans. They are hosting a benefit called “Masquerade Evening with Angela Knight” planned for November 5 at Foxchase Manor in Manassas. To purchase tickets to the all-inclusive and exclusive evening, which includes dining and entertainment, email theknightcenter@hotmail.com. Ultimately,” noted Knight in a previous interview, “it will be the collective effort of the community that makes the vision a reality. It can be done.”

Given Knight’s tenacity, talent, and proven faith, it seems likely we’ll be attending her performances at the Knight Center in the future.

Emma Young (eyoung@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mother residing in Dumfries. She is now volunteering as administrative support for the Knight Center. prince william living October 2015 | 11

destinations

Marine Corps Heritage Center Story and Photos By Delia Engstrom

M

ilitary history abounds in Prince William County, from the Civil War battlefields on the western end to the personal service of many of our current and past residents. You do not have to travel far to realize the significance the military holds in our community. Residents and visitors alike would be hard-pressed to miss a relatively new addition to our county’s military legacy—the Marine Corps Heritage Center.

Located across Route 1 from Marine Corps Base Quantico in the southeastern part of Prince William County, the center is most notably home to the National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC). The museum has been beckoning visitors with its iconic tilted rooftop spire since first opening in 2006. One of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Virginia, the museum has welcomed nearly 500,000 visitors per year since opening. Yet, many visitors fail to realize that beyond the impressive displays and artifacts inside the museum, there is much more still to experience on the 135-acre campus.

A place of quiet reflection, the Semper Fidelis Chapel sits high on a hill, overlooking the museum. The chapel, dedicated in 2009, was made possible by a donation from the Timothy Day Foundation.

Mr. Day, a former Marine captain and successful business owner, gifted $5 million toward the chapel’s construction. Designed by Fentress Architects, the same firm responsible for the design of the NMMC, this LEED Silver certified building, with a geothermal HVAC system, has soaring ceilings, glass walls and timber and stone construction. It offers a near seamless transition between the outdoors and the inside. The non-denominational chapel succeeds in giving a subdued nod to the Marine Corps with pews reminiscent of ammunition boxes and glass walls inscribed with attributes the Marine Corps holds dear: Honor, Courage and Commitment. While it is the perfect place for quiet reflection, the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel also can be reserved by military members and the general public to host weddings, funerals and

12 | October 2015 prince william living

various ceremonies. With seating for nearly 80 and capacity of 141, interested parties can contact the Events Department at NMMC to reserve space with a set tax-deductible donation to the Museum.

Erik Tyler, a newly retired Marine, chose the Chapel as the site of his retirement ceremony because he was looking for a location that was not tied to any one specific unit or base. Marines attended with whom he had worked with at various duty stations during his career. “The Chapel is perfect for all Marines, everywhere,” Tyler said, adding that the structure is also “beautiful, quaint, and generally removed from the passing public,” making it welcoming to all in attendance and private enough to not be distracted by the large amount of daily visitors that the museum attracts. Whether attending a ceremony or simply pausing to reflect on the sacrifices made by the Marines, visitors can continue their experience outside the chapel doors. The grounds of the Semper Fidelis Park are also part of the Marine Corps Heritage Center campus.

A winding path within the park ties the chapel to the museum over three acres. Mirroring the visitors experience inside the museum, this wooded trail echoes the involvement of the Marines from the American Revolution through the battles of Operation Enduring Freedom with trail markers placed along the walkway. A mile-anda-half long and fully Americans with Disabilities Act accessible, the pathway is lined with commemorative bricks that can be purchased to honor the memory of fellow Marines or loved ones.

There are ample chances to pause, whether sitting on a bench or standing at one of the rally points positioned along the trail, to view the various memorials and remember the accomplishments of Marines across history. A favorite statue within the park is the ode to Sergeant Reckless, a horse that held official rank and served numerous combat missions during the Korean War. Trained as a pack horse with Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, 5th Marines Regiment, 1st Marine Division, her claim to fame was the remarkable 51 solo missions she carried out on a single day during

Within Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, the heritage trail winds past memorials, offering glimpses of the rest of the Marine Corps Heritage Center campus.

Situated in the woods of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel is a nondenominational chapel that serves as a contemplative space for visitors.

the “Battle For Outpost Vegas.” The park is also home to a 9/11 monument, built with beams taken from Ground Zero to honor the 17 Marines who were New York City firefighters and perished on that fateful day. Visitors to the Semper Fidelis Park can also approach the interwoven pathways from the museum. Here they are greeted by the statue of General John Lejeune, known as the “Greatest of all Leathernecks.” Lejeune became the first commander of Marine Corps Base Quantico in 1917 and went on to become the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

to have fun in their area. Overall it’s very quiet, and there’s even a porch swing to relax on.”

A relatively new addition to the grounds of the Marine Corps Heritage Center is the playground that is located across the parking lot from the chapel. A favorite of local parents and museum visitors who have young children, this interactive space features separate play spaces for kids of different ages and a rubberized floor. After a recent visit to the playground with her two small children, Trisha Helchinger, a Montclair resident and military wife, commented that “this playground is really nice. Parents don’t worry about little kids getting run over by bigger kids, and the big kids are still able

Whether you’re looking to become more familiar with our nation’s military history, either through the serenity of the chapel or a leisurely stroll along the grounds, the Marine Corps Heritage Center aims to serve.

The Chapel and museum are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with free admission. The Marine Corps Heritage Center is located at 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle.

Delia Engstrom (dengstrom@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance event photographer currently residing in Montclair.

Originally from New York, she has been actively involved in photography for nearly 30 years. She has lived all over the country and enjoys exploring new locales and being active in her community. prince william living October 2015 | 13

giving back Greater Prince William Food Council Strives for a Community without Hunger

By Tracey Zemitis Schaefer | Photo by Amanda Causey Baity

P

rince William County may be one of the most affluent counties in the nation, but many of its residents still face hunger every day.

Pam Ryan and a group of dedicated volunteers are seeking to change that. Ryan has spearheaded the creation of the Greater Prince William Food Council, a grassroots anti-hunger organization committed to a vision of the county as a hunger-free community.

“The Greater Prince William Food Council is unique in that it is a council whose sole focus is on ending hunger in our community,” said Ryan. “In my experience, the majority of other entities that call themselves food councils often have many different areas of focus. Our focus is on doing what we can to end hunger in Greater Prince William.”

The Council was born out of Ryan’s work as director of antihunger programs at SERVE, a division of Northern Virginia Family Service, which provides food, shelter and other assistance to needy families. She began noticing more and more churches were starting their food pantries. “SERVE was founded in 1975 to curtail that. It was intended to be an organization that churches could refer families and individuals in crisis, too,” said Ryan. “It seemed like churches were starting their own pantries again, which was an interesting phenomenon. I wondered, do we have any idea who is doing what about providing emergency food in Prince William County?”

The need for emergency food services in the county is a real one.

According to a recent landmark study by national anti-hunger charity Feeding America, food insecurity affects some 28,650 people in the county. Currently, a little more than half of them are children. Food insecurity is the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household 14 | October 2015 prince william living

Greater Prince William Food Council founder Pam Ryan (right) with board member Earnie Porta at a fundraising event in Woodbridge for GPWFC.

members and limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods.

Motivated to act, Ryan turned to fellow members of the class of 2014 of Leadership Prince William, a non-profit organization that engages individuals to enrich the Greater Prince William area through collaborative leadership. “Our conversation centered on how there needs to be a countywide approach,” she said. “Let’s look at hunger together as an issue.”

Ryan envisioned creating an organization that leveraged the knowledge of a broad range of stakeholders to fight hunger in the county. In January of 2014, she started reaching out to local thought leaders in the field. “Everyone said yes to the council immediately,” she recalled. “Every single board member was an immediate yes.”

Brad Marshall, assistant Commonwealth’s attorney for Prince William County, was one of the first prospective members Ryan contacted. Marshall, who also is on the Board of Directors of the Prince William County Bar Association, knew Ryan from the association’s longstanding partnership with SERVE. “We do breakfast there for about 80 residents a month,” said Marshall.

“We also do Christmas and Easter events, and collect and donate suits for residents to wear to job interviews.”

Ryan also turned to colleagues from a wide range of organizations, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Prince William County, Haymarket Regional Food Pantry, Action in Community Through Service (ACTS), Catholic Charities, and the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, to name just a few.

“We have such a breadth and depth of experience on the council,” explained Ryan, who now serves as president of its board of directors. “There are so many nonprofits providing emergency food in the county. In addition to SERVE, ACTS and the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry, there are hundreds of wonderful, lesser-known organizations feeding hundreds of families each and every month.” Also, the Capital Area Food Bank supports approximately 47 partner agencies in greater Prince William County in their efforts to combat hunger.

Marshall praises the council for this collaborative spirit. “The council brings all the stakeholders together – public sector, government, churches, nonprofits, shelters – who were all operating in their world on this big countywide issue,” he said.

“Hunger is an issue that doesn’t get a lot of publicity in such a wealthy community. It can be easy to turn a blind eye. This council brought everyone together and got everyone on the same page. Now, we can draw from different resources and hear different perspectives.”

The Greater Prince William Food Council had its formal launch in September 2014, hosting a well-attended and widely publicized kickoff event at the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory in Manassas. The Virginia State Office of AARP gave the organization its first grant, in the amount of $4,500. “They had recently published a resource guide for establishing and running effective food councils under the guidance of their Assistant Director Brian Jacks. Our steering committee used that resource to help guide the creation of the council,” said Ryan.

Since its debut, the organization has sought to fulfill its mission “to work with the community, to be a connector, and to be a resource,” said Ryan. “We work to get the word out and raise awareness about the issue.”

Another goal of the organization is to identify gaps in service.

“If kids are eligible for breakfast at school, but they’re not eating it, then we can help figure out why,” said Ryan. “We’ve worked with all of the county’s school districts about the importance of breakfast and how important it is in a child’s day. We also help schools identify funding sources to help them help their kids.”

Last summer, the council also helped connect local Boys & Girls Clubs to the Capital Area Food Bank, which brought summer meals to two locations. The council also worked with some local school districts to provide summer meals to community members. “Summer is a particularly tough time because children may be getting breakfast, lunch and even supper at school during the school year,” said Ryan. “During the summer, parents need to provide those meals.”

The Council serves as a link between organizations that provide emergency food or other meal services to low-income residents and vital resources. If an organization has a need, it can be broadcast to members of the council and shared via social media and other means.

The council has also helped raise awareness about the existence of hunger in the area. “People never cease to be shocked that it’s that great a problem here,” admitted Ryan. And while food insecurity is closely associated with poverty, it can also happen very quickly for a number of reasons: the loss of a job, a foreclosure or eviction, a health crisis, or any other event that leads to a significant downturn in household income.”

How can residents help? While food pantry donations are always appreciated, Ryan explained that emergency food is not the long-term answer to ending hunger in the county. “You don’t have hunger if you don’t have poverty, in my opinion,” she said.

“Every one of us can help a program that helps low-income people, such as raising the minimum wage or increasing food stamp benefits. That in and of itself is going to lessen the burden.

“The most valuable thing people can do is get educated on the issue. Investigate it,” she added. “The positions you take, the votes you make – if you do it in a thoughtful fashion, you can make a big difference.”

The Food Council marks an important step toward making such a difference in the fight to end hunger in the county. “It’s been an overlooked issue in Northern Virginia. People in the county don’t see the homeless. They’re not on the streets like in D.C. So, people assume it’s not there,” said Brad Marshall. “The problem is there.”

For more information about the Greater Prince William Food Council, visit www.gpwfoodcouncil.org.

Tracey Zemitis Schaefer has been a freelance writer and editor for 20 years, having published articles on such topics as health, nutrition, parenting and film. prince william living October 2015 | 15

health & wellness Bone Health Matters for Men & Women

By David E. Ebbecke, PT, DPT, MBA l

H

ealthy bones can help you stay strong and active throughout your life.

If you achieve good bone health during childhood and maintain it, you can help to avoid bone loss and fracture later. For healthy bones, it is important to maintain a physically active lifestyle and eat a balanced diet with plenty of calcium, vitamin D and perhaps other supplements.

Physical therapists can design a unique program for you to help keep your bones healthy.

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Some people are more at risk for osteoporosis. Not all risk factors can be changed, but healthy habits and a proper exercise routine can keep bones healthy and reduce risk. Risk factors, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, include age, gender (more common in women), family history, low body weight, history of broken bones, inactive lifestyle, smoking, alcohol abuse, and certain medications and medical conditions. Physical therapists can help prevent osteoporosis and treat its effects by designing individualized exercise programs to benefit bone health, improve posture, and enhance core stability and balance.

Most of these exercises are simple and can be done at home with no special equipment.

Fight Fracture with Fitness Inactivity is a major risk factor for osteoporosis. The right exercises and good habits can keep bones strong and prevent or reverse the effects of osteoporosis. Weightbearing exercise, such as walking, is an important way to build and maintain healthy bones. Muscle strengthening exercises have been found to stimulate bone growth and can help prevent and treat osteoporosis. These types of exercises are best if started early in life and regularly done.

However, it is important to remember that you can begin exercising at any age and still reap great benefits.

David E. Ebbecke, PT, DPT, MBA (dave@piedmontpt.com) is president of Piedmont Physical Therapy, Inc., www.piedmontpt.com.

16 | October 2015 prince william living

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taking care of business

Dr. Joel Sarsah and Express Pharmacy Espousing Patient-Centered Care

By Tracy Shevlin | Photo by Robert Jinks

D

r. Joel Sarsah, the owner of Express Pharmacy, came to the U.S. like many other international students to pursue his education. Once a pre-med student from Ghana, Sarsah pursued pharmaceutical studies following his undergraduate degree from Temple University. He completed a dual Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Master of Business Administration degree program from Shenandoah University while working part-time as a pharmacy technician. Since graduating, Sarsah has held various positions as a clinical and consultant pharmacist before opening Express Pharmacy in both Manassas and Woodbridge.

PWL: After completing your education and working as both a clinical pharmacist and in corporate roles, what prompted you to open your pharmacy?

Sarsah: When I worked as a pharmacist in a chain pharmacy setting, I saw a need for more community-based pharmacy care.

Many people were unable to afford their medications. In that environment, there was no flexibility in pricing, regardless of the cost of the drug. Part of my motivation was to put myself in a position where I would be able to help more people.

PWL: In what way does Express Pharmacy help you do that?

Sarsah: Our whole philosophy is centered on improving the health outcomes for our community. For example, we offer

18 | October 2015 prince william living

“...my motivation was to put myself in a position where I would be able to help more people.” compounding services for all non-injectable medications. When we opened, many patients were traveling into Fairfax County to have their prescriptions compounded. It’s an important part of what we do. For example, if a patient is unable to take a medication in its prescribed form, such as a pill, the practice of compounding will allow us to put the medicine in another form, such as a lollipop, liquid or suppository. We can do this for veterinary prescriptions in addition to human medicines. Large commercial pharmacies don’t do that.

We also offer special bubble packaging to support assisted living or other caregivers. The bubble packaging is much like over-thecounter medications that one can push through the packaging.

Individual doses are marked with date and time for anticipated disbursal and caregivers can easily see if a patient’s medications have been taken according to their guidelines.

Additionally, we help qualified patients receive substantial discounts, up to 80 percent off, on their medications through the 340B federal drug subsidy program. We also help

(Left to right) Karen Cortex, Dr. Joel Sarsah and Laura Vallesteros at the Woodbridge Location.

connect customers to patient assistance programs within the pharmaceutical companies. Patient assistance programs can be a time-consuming process that chain pharmacies just don’t have time to do, but it is another way to help people get discounts on their medications.

PWL: It seems that the current trend in pharmacies is to provide additional services to the community. What types of services does Express Pharmacy offer beyond filling prescriptions?

Sarsah: In addition to compounding and working to help our customers afford their medications, Express Pharmacy also offers Medication Therapy Management services. This means we proactively work with the client and their doctor to manage their medication regimen. For example, people who suffer from multiple chronic conditions may be on multiple medications prescribed by different doctors. We help manage their treatment programs for better health outcomes.

Liberia Avenue, in the building with Gold’s Gym. We are excited to partner with them in supporting the health needs of the community. GPWCHC provides comprehensive care and also assists people with navigating the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid. Because of their services, Express Pharmacy doesn’t offer immunizations at that location.

However, people can still receive them through the GPWCHC in our same offices. Express Pharmacy is proud to partner with them to provide their pharmaceutical needs.

We also participate when GPWCHC hosts free monthly medical and dental clinics. They are held the first Saturday of the month at Woodbridge location.

Hours of operation for both locations are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. For additional information, you can visit their website at expresspharmrx.com.

For more information on the Greater Prince William Community Health Center, visit gpwhealthcenter.org/.

We also offer immunizations at our Woodbridge location and provide all the medical supplies that our clients might need.

PWL: Since you don’t offer the vaccinations at the Manassas location, can you explain why that location is different?

Sarsah: Our Manassas pharmacy is co-located with Greater Prince William Community Health Center (GPWCHC) on

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 October 2015 | 19

family fun

Creepy Crafting Story and Photos by Amanda Causey Baity

H

alloween is a great time to treat your family and friends to homemade goodies and just have fun. Bring all these elements together for a Halloween party that’s as fun for the kids to enjoy as it is for you to put together. I am an avid crafter which makes party planning fun for me. But for anyone who is craft-challenged, I have selected a few ideas that are easily changed to match any age or crafting skill level. To see more ideas you can visit my Pinterest pinboard at http://pinterest. com/greenowlcrafts/prince-william-living-family-fun-ideas.

Costume Award Trophies No bones about it, these are great little prizes to hand out at your party. If you happen to know everyone’s costume ahead of time, you could even customize them.

Supplies: n Plastic Skeletons n Wooden dowels n 2×4 wood n Epoxy glue n Hot glue n Metallic spray paint n Fabric trimmings, foam pieces, pom poms, jewels, etc. (for the costumes) Depending on the size of your skeleton, you need to cut a wooden base for it to stand from. My skeletons were about 14 inches tall, so I cut my 2×4’s into 6-inch-long pieces. Then, I cut 20 | October 2015 prince william living

the dowel long enough to go down into the hole of the base plus high enough to glue to the back rib cage of the skeleton.

Drill a hole into the base so that it is centered from left to right but is closer to the back than the front. The skeleton can sit right in the center.

(Hold your skeleton over the base to get a good idea of where to drill your hole.) Drill the hole just big enough to fit Gold and silver metal paint give a your dowel through. Place a new look to an old decoration. little epoxy glue around one end of your dowel and then slide it down into the base, until it reaches the very bottom of the base.

Once the base is dry, attach the skeleton to the other end of the dowel with hot glue. Make sure that you attach it so that the skeleton’s legs can reach the base. For added security, wrap a bit of wire around the spine and dowel.

Next, coat the entire thing with metallic spray paint. Allow the paint to dry and then label each trophy on the base. You could take it a step further and decorate the skeletons with costumes that are similar to the corresponding award categories. (continues on page 22)

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(continued from page 20)

Mini Caramel Apples Supplies: n Extra-large apples (I ended up using 3, to make 20 mini caramel apples). n Caramels + 2 Tbsp milk n Lollipop sticks n A metal Tbsp coffee scoop n Wax paper & plates or a cookie sheet First, prepare a cookie sheet or some plates with wax paper on top. Peel the apples, and then scoop balls out of them with the metal coffee scoop.

Push a lollipop stick into the middle of each ball. Pat them dry with a paper towel and put them in the fridge or freezer while you make the caramel.

Unwrap the caramels and melt them in a pot over medium-low heat, with 2 Tbsp of milk. You can buy bags of caramel bits too if you don’t want to go through the

trouble of unwrapping them. Once the caramel is smooth and melted, remove it from heat and dip the apple pops one by one, letting the excess caramel drip back off them into the pot. Place the dipped apples back onto the cookie sheet, and repeat.

Warning: Peeled apples are slicker and more wet than apple skin. You may want to pat the apple pops dry with a paper towel one more time before you start dipping them. You should put them back in the freezer right after dipping to let the caramel set. Otherwise, it will just slide off. Leave them in the freezer for about 15 minutes, and then transfer to the fridge for another 30 minutes or until the caramel hardens.

Once the caramel is hard, take the apple pops out of the fridge and peel them off the wax paper. If the caramel has pooled around the bottom, you can cut it away with a knife. You could also dip these in nuts, chocolate bits, crushed pretzels, or salt for fun variations.

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.

Three Event Planning Tips Regardless of the party theme you choose, here are some basic tips to help things run smoothly: n For maximum fun and minimal chaos, let the age of your child determine the number of guests to be invited. For example, if your goblin is seven, invite seven of his closest ghostly chums. If you have several children, let them each invite a few friends, but make sure you have plenty of adult and teenage helpers.

You want to enjoy the party also. n Send out invitations two weeks in advance, and request RSVPs within the week. Like costumes, Halloween parties are far less painful when they are sized to fit: think menu, craft and game supplies. n Nighttime isn’t the only time for a Halloween party. Afternoon parties offer the outdoor advantage: less pre- and post-party cleanup, more activity options, and a lot of room for the kids to scream, giggle and get silly. Be sure to specify warm clothes and play clothes in the invitation if the kids will be spending any time outside.

22 | October 2015 prince william living

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prince william living October 2015 | 23

home & hearth Modern Farmhouse, The New Country

By Niki VanEch

F

resh, rustic and comfortable, modern farmhouse is all of these and many embrace this style. Turn the pages of catalogs from retailers such as Restoration Hardware, Arhaus Furniture and Pottery Barn and you will find this easy-to-love style that takes a nod from the past and updates it with a modern eye.

Incorporate these seven essentials to create a modern farmhouse look.

We have roots, where others have branches.

1. Reclaimed Wood. Few things add a sense of farmhouse character more than the authentic patina and warmth of reclaimed wood. A table is an easy option. However, think about using reclaimed wood on the floors, ceiling beams, walls and headboards.

2. Old Wood Furniture. The more worn and faded the wood, the better. In addition, you can use milk paint to create a rustic, imperfect finish on any wood finish.

3. Rural Art. Farm animals, barns or landscapes. Modern art or traditional, whatever style appeals to you.

4. Grain Sack Textiles. With humble beginnings, grain sacks are prized for pillow covers, table runners and upholstery. These linen and hemp textiles are natural and sturdy.

5. Industrial Furnishings. Hardworking and utilitarian, industrial vintage items such as lighting fixtures and hardware showcase pure form and function. Salvaged and re-purposed galvanized aluminum, stainless steel and iron lend just the right touch of sleekness without feeling too upscale.

6. Barn Doors. To make a major farmhouse gesture, swap out an interior door for a sliding barn door. Both doors and hardware can be ordered from companies on line, with instructions on how to measure and install.

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7. Ironstone and Enamel Ware. These were farmhouse kitchen staples. An all-white collection on open shelving works great in a modern setting.

Remember, you don’t need to be rigid. If it makes you happy, that is home.

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

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13007Owls VintNest Hill Road • Nokesville • OnisVint 1/4of Mile west of Sudley Manor Dr. www.yankeyfarms.com • LikeFind us on www.yankeyfarms.com ourFacebook—www.facebook.com/yankeyfarms Fan Page on Facebook—Search Yankey Farms

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SPECIAL EVENT Please join us in celebrating 10 years of service to the Community.

House of Mercy is celebrating 10 years of providing humanitarian aid in the greater Manassas area. Please join us for a special fund raising dinner at a beautiful venue the weekend of November 7, 2015. Join friends and dignitaries as we take a look at the people and programs who’ve helped make us a success.

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local flavor

Zandra’s Taqueria Bringing Gourmet Tacos to Northern Virginia

By Eve A. Baker | Photos by Linda Hughes

W

hen you think about tacos, you probably imagine them piled high with ground beef, shredded cheese, tomatoes or salsa, and maybe some refried beans or other traditional items. Zandra’s Taqueria in Historic Manassas offers the opportunity for diners to go beyond the traditional with an array of gourmet tacos that are bound to surprise.

How about tacos filled with grilled or beer-battered mahi-mahi, chorizo sausage, and a fried egg, or even bison? No problem!

Zandra’s is relatively new to the area, marking its first anniversary this month, though its owners—Miguel and Alexandra Pires— are lifelong residents. “I’ve known Historic Manassas since it was a bunch of boarded-up buildings,” said Miguel, though most visitors from the last several years know it to be a gentrified shopping and dining area.

Pires said he has been in the restaurant business “pretty much my whole life,” having worked in his family’s restaurant, Carmello’s, since he was 14. He longed to open a restaurant of his own.

“When the opportunity and space became available, we jumped on it,” he said. “I’ve always loved Mexican and Tex/Mex food and didn’t really see anyone focusing on gourmet tacos in the area.” So that’s the theme that he and his wife, for whom the restaurant is named, chose for their establishment.

So what exactly is a gourmet taco? Except for the corn tortilla (flour or lettuce upon request), throw out your traditional concept of a taco and envision ingredients like sauteed shrimp with honey habanero sauce, lettuce and pico de gallo. There’s a Greek taco on the menu, with gyro meat, feta, and tzatziki sauce; as well as a Carolina BBQ pulled pork taco, with slaw, pico and cheese. A total of 20 a la carte taco creations grace the menu.

A meal starts with a complimentary basket of chips and your choice of salsa, which ranges from the salsa roja, which is mild and sweet, to the roasted ghost pepper salsa, which comes with a tongue-in-cheek “DANGER” warning. Black bean chili, salads and side dishes are also available in addition to the tacos. The tacos are sized just right so you can order more than one and sample a broad variety.

Though the restaurant has not been open long, it already has built a following of repeat customers. Kirsten Zimmerman, who had heard about Zandra’s from a friend, was back for a second time with another friend, Rachel Sable. Zimmerman said, “I like that it’s a la carte, so you’re not stuck with four sides you’re not going to eat.” For her, two tacos “was just right.”

Sable appreciated the quick table service and the portion sizes, saying, “If we want more, we can just order again; it was quick.”

Michelle Suppers, another repeat customer, was out with her son Christopher, age 8. Suppers ordered the chorizo and egg taco, along with the tempura shrimp taco, and said “both were delicious.” Christopher added that he enjoyed his cheese quesadilla as well.

26 | October 2015 prince william living

Pires said he would eventually like to operate a food truck and maybe open “one or two more restaurants down the road.” For now, Pires is focused on running and improving Zandra’s and staying involved in the community. He said the restaurant occasionally holds charity nights for different organizations, after which 10 percent of the evening’s profits go to the charity. Last December the restaurant staff collected coats, hats and mittens for the SERVE Family Shelter of Manassas.

Zandra’s is located at 9114 Center Street, Manassas. It opens at 11:30 am daily, closing at midnight on Friday and Saturday and 10 p.m. all other evenings. Learn more about the restaurant at www.zandrastacos.com.

Journalist Eve A. Baker (eveamberbaker@gmail.com) is a retired U.S. Marine. She does editorial consulting and services in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Leave room for dessert. Zandra’s offers delicious home-made Fried Ice cream served with fried sopaipillas and plantains.

Miguel and Alexandra Pires.

Top to bottom: Honey Habanero Shrimp, Grilled Fish, Chorizo and Egg prince william living October 2015 | 27

your finances Dos and Don’ts of Asset Allocation

By Bennett Whitlock, CRPC

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DO: n Re-balance annually. Pick a date each year to review your portfolio. Perhaps also review your asset allocation during a mid-year financial check-up. Volatile market conditions or a major life event may prompt you to rebalance as well. Note that re-balancing may result in trading fees and realized gains or losses. n Stick to your long-term asset allocation strategy. Rebalance your portfolio to match your fixed goals or percentages instead of trying to predict where the market is headed. Maintaining consistency in your strategy is the best way to ride out economic headwinds. n Consider tax implications. To help avoid big tax bills, ask your tax or financial professional whether putting your investments in tax-sheltered accounts might be right for you.

DON’T: n Take on more risk than you can tolerate. Risk tolerance should reflect your financial situation. If you wouldn’t be able to handle a nosedive in the market, adjust your asset allocation to lessen your risk. Alternately, you may be too conservative based on your time horizon and financial goals. Reassess your risk tolerance regularly. n Hold too many investments as a diversification strategy.

If you invest in more than one mutual fund with the same objective, such as aggressive growth, those funds can carry the same risk. A sound asset allocation strategy requires true differentiation across various investment classes. n Expect asset allocation to do it all for you. There is no magic bullet for investing success. Asset allocation is simply a strategy that may help improve your investing results.

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

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calendar Haunt the Town

Oct. 1-31 | 1 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Town of Occoquan Enjoy the life-size Halloween characters which you’ll find on the benches, porches and doorways of Occoquan. Hosted by the Business Guild of Occoquan.

More info: 703-201-8499 or www.

HistoricOccoquan.com.

October

Haunted Occoquan Tours

Wednesdays - Saturdays 4 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Visitors Center 200 Mill Street, Occoquan Paranormal investigators are drawn to the town and have investigated many of its buildings. While some of the stories are difficult to confirm, we continuously have inhabitants, shopkeepers, and visitors reporting their personal experiences. Advance reservations required. Adults $14 - Children $7 (6-12) - Children 5 and under are free.

For more info: www.haunted-occoquan. com/tour-information.html.

Manassas Chorale Presents: Princesses and Pirates Oct. 2 | 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Come hear the Manassas Chorale kick off their 22nd season with their fall concert, “Princesses and Pirates.” Tickets $18-20. GMU students and children under 12 free. For more info: http:// manassaschorale.org.

3rd Annual Hangar Dance

Oct. 10 | 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.

The Freedom Museum 10600 Harry J Parrish Boulevard, Manassas The Freedom Museum will hold its 3rd Annual 1940’s style Hangar Dinner and Dance on the grounds of the Manassas Airport. A buffet dinner, swing music (40’s style) by the Swing Machine, dancing, and other activities will provide an enjoyable evening. The event’s theme being “A Salute to our Heroes,” the Museum will host some Wounded

Warriors, active duty service members and give a car away to a vet in need. Attendees are encouraged to come in period dress, military uniform, or business casual dress. www.freedommuseum.org.

In the Company of Laureates

Oct. 11 | 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas Meet and mingle with award-winning Laureates and other regional poets and enthusiasts. Workshops, panel discussions, open mics, book signings and more. A teen program and activities are also scheduled throughout the afternoon.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more info: visit www.writebytherails. org/in-the-company-of-laureates/

How Did My Ancestors Live? Examining Census Non-Population Schedules Oct. 15 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Bull Run Regional Library 8051 Ashton Ave, Manassas National Archives Genealogist Claire Kluskens will demonstrate how to better understand our ancestors’ lives from information in the 1850, 1860, 1870, and 1880 census schedules of agriculture, industry, mortality, and social statistics, as well as the 1935 census of business. Email: relic2@pwc.gov to register.

Friends of the Library Book Sale Oct. 15 - 18 | Thurs. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun. Noon - 5 p.m.

Chinn Park Regional Library 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge All-day book sale Thursday through Sunday at Chinn Park Library. For more info, visit: www.pwcgov.org/ government/dept/library/Pages/Friendsof-the-Library.aspx

5th Annual IWALK for ACTS 5K and Family Festival Oct. 17 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Pfitzner Stadium 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge ACTS of Prince William and Image Church are partnering with the Potomac

Nationals to host the 5th Annual IWALK for ACTS. Proceeds benefit ACTS of Prince William. To register for IWALK, visit www.iwalkforacts.com or e-mail iwalk@imagechurch.com for more information. Following the walk, the community can enjoy a free family festival from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Antique Appraisal Fair

Oct. 17 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Williams Ordinary 17674 Main Street, Dumfries Ever wonder how much your grandmother’s china is worth? Think your yard sale find is a real treasure?

Appraisers from Two Guys Antiques in Dumfries will be onsite to appraise your items. Please call the site (703-2212218) to confirm appraisers and reserve your appraisal time. $10 for two antique appraisals; proceeds benefit county historic sites.

An End to Innocence: The First Battle of Manassas, July 18-21, 1861

Oct. 20 | 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Bull Run Regional Library 8051 Ashton Ave, Manassas Noted Civil War Historian John Hennessy will share new insights on the First Battle of Manassas, gained from years of study and consideration of the event. The new edition of “An End to Innocence” is scheduled for release this fall. Reservations Required. Email relic2@pwc.gov to register.

Dog Pose Deconstructed— Yoga Workshop

October 24 | 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Virginia Dance Center 9806 Cockrell Road, Manassas Dog Pose is one of the most frequently practiced yoga poses. It is a forward bend, a backbend and an inversion, and it benefits all areas of the body. We will explore this pose from fingertips to toes, focusing on one area at a time and seeing how each part of the body contributes.

Workshop led by Susan Van Nuys, E-RYT 500. $30.

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 | October 2015 prince william living

Discover Prince William & Manassas

DiscoverPWM.com

G

et into the autumn spirit this October and discover some of the festive and ghostly activities just around the corner. With a chill in the air and fall foliage as your backdrop, it is the perfect time of year to get out and enjoy all that Prince William & Manassas has to offer.

Plan a scenic drive from Prince William Forest Park to Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park along Route 619, and once there, enjoy the colors of fall while exploring the battlefield’s more than 2.7 miles of walking trails.

Experience Civil War hospital horrors at Ben Lomond on Halloween. Tour the house and grounds where Civil War soldiers once roamed and are rumored to wander still. Apple cider and cookies will be provided for those brave souls who attend the tour.

Ann Marie Maher

President and CEO Discover Prince William & Manassas

Get locked inside the Weems-Botts Museum in Dumfries every Saturday evening from 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. in October. Listen to the history of the house and walk through the haunted schoolyard and cemetery. Get goosebumps as you look for the ghost of the school janitor who roams the area at night or the little girl who plays teacher in the schoolyard. Reservations are preferred, so book today by calling 703-221-2218.

M

verP W

@Disco

Facebook.com/pwcmanassas

Visit the countryside for one of my favorite activities, pumpkin picking. Locallyowned Yankey Farms is one of the few pumpkin patches in Northern Virginia where you can pick your own, off the vine. Walk through the corn maze or hop on a tractor ride to get the full farm experience.

Take advantage of the wonderful fall weather and explore the many activities Prince William and Manassas has to offer. More information and a list of events in October can be found on our event calendar at DiscoverPWM.com.

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

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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.

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Saturday, October 17th Noon – 4 pm Pet Parade & Contest Pet Oriented Exhibitors Children’s Entertainment Pet Rescues Fun for the whole family – especially the four legged ones!

Spooktacular

Thursday, October 22nd 5 pm – 7 pm

stonebridgeptc.com

Trick or Treating, pictures, crafts and more! (while supplies last)

7 pm Halloween Movie

prince william living October 2015 | 33

lifelong learning 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Story and Photo by Amy Falkofske

M

arcus Williams is only three-years-old and has already read 1,000 books! That’s with a little help from his mom, Trisha Williams of Haymarket, of course.

Williams enrolled Marcus in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program shortly after it made its debut in the Prince William Public Library System this past April.

Williams signed Marcus up for the program at the Bull Run branch in Manassas because she and Marcus were already active patrons of the library, participating in story time and just generally spending a lot of time there.

“We love all the programs that the library does,” she said.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a national program whose mission is to “promote reading to newborns, infants and toddlers” and “to encourage parent and child bonding through reading” according to 1000booksbeforekindergarten.org.

According to Bryanna Altman, president of the Prince William Public Library System Foundation which funds the program, the concept is simple.

“I think it’s wonderful!” said Williams. “Reading is a lost talent apparently. So many people either don’t appreciate reading or were not introduced to it at a young age. Books are just so magical!” she said.

Williams signed Marcus up for the program because, she said, “I just wanted him to get into it, to appreciate it…and [it] gives him such a head start and a push to be better in school. “ All 10 branches of the Prince William Public Library System participate in 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. So, if you are interested in signing up your preschooler, all you have to do is walk into your local Prince William library, and they will “provide you with all the tools needed,” according to Altman.

“Read a book—any book—to your newborn, infant and toddler.

The goal is to have read 1,000 books before starting kindergarten.

If you read one book a night, you will have read about 365 books in a year. That is roughly 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years,” Altman explained.

Anyone with a small child is eligible to sign up and will receive a reading log to keep track of the books they read. The log has numbered acorns on it that the parents can check off or the child can color.

She also pointed out that the program makes it fun for the kids by rewarding them at certain points in the program with such items as a bookmark, a small toy and a book of their own.

One great thing about the program is that repeat reading counts.

Marcus’s favorite book, according to his mom, is “The Lady with the Alligator Purse” by Mary Ann Hoberman. His second favorite is “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Eric Carle.

“The program helps make it exciting. When a child reaches a milestone, then can earn rewards from their local library,” she said.

Marcus has earned all of his rewards and loves to point to the different badges that he has gotten and that are on display on the wall at the Bull Run Library.

Altman says the program has caught on very quickly. Currently, close to 900 children are signed up for the program in Prince William, and close to 300 children signed up just between June and July of this year.

34 | October 2015 prince william living

Altman summed up the benefits of the program: “Parents and caregivers play a critical role in early childhood development. It’s important for children to develop literacy skills before entering kindergarten. These are skills they will develop and carry with them for a lifetime.”

Amy Falkofske (afalkofske@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer and the owner and photographer of Beautiful Moments

by Amy Photography. She lives in Bristow with her husband and two sons.

tambourines and elephants Fighting the F Word

By DeeDee Corbitt Sauter

Bigger is not always better. A bigger house usually means more cleaning and a higher price tag. A larger family can increase the level of laughter and joy but also makes the grocery shopping a nightmare of time and money needed to keep everyone happy.

When you’re born, people marvel at your size. The larger the baby, the greater the bragging rights. Then come the growth charts and comparisons. There is always one kid in the kindergarten class who is the largest by at least a head, or the smallest, making him or her the cutest simply due to diminutive stature and a usually squeaky voice. In fact, there are a load of reality TV shows where the stars have been chosen simply because of size.

Cars, homes, technological devices, pets, money and investments are all part of the continuum that supports the “more the merrier” philosophical lifestyle. Pants size and bills are part of the subgroup that speaks to the benefits of “smaller is preferred.”

Pounds lie between those worlds. Pounds of gold, bacon and British currency are always desired. Pounds of cellulose are less coveted.

We all have heard that your height/weight ratio needs to fall between a range of numbers to maintain a healthy and happy future with a long life and few medical complications.

Long ago—I have no idea how long ago, but definitely before I was born—people were judged by their girth. The fluffier your middle, the more you could afford to eat. Since this was before the age of mass potato-chip production and the invention of Twinkies, these people plumped out on supposed “healthy for you” food.

But it’s 2015, and too many pounds means you will be relieved of some of your superfluous financial savings if you want to embark on a commercial, non-guaranteed, weight loss program. Atkins, The Zone, Nutrisystem and Weight Watchers are just a small sampling of the programs that exist to help shed you of both your cellulose and money.

It’s a battle I have fought since the days I thought I was fat. I was about 14 when I first convinced myself I would never have a flattering figure. So I wallowed in my sorrow, secretly flipping through the backs of magazines, looking for a magic pill that would turn me into a slinky superstar.

Decades later, having lost my delusions. I no longer look for a secret weight-loss scheme, but simply avoid mirrors. It’s cheaper and easier.

Then I discovered the best diet in the entire world. Forget Hoodia and Green tea, ignore Dr. Oz and his cranberry tablets; the answer is cheap and simple.

Simply get rid of your fridge.

Our family recently experienced what could have been a travesty when the behemoth of an appliance, one that is supposed to keep our food cool or frozen, decided to reverse the process and actually try to heat them up for us. Perhaps it was the first step for machines to take over the world, but it failed because we were quickly on our way to procure a new one.

Delivery could not be immediate, and since we were looking for a deal, we decided we could wait. A small secondary, hardworking refrigerator waited in the garage to temporarily house our food until our kitchen could be complete again.

It was the greatest week in our lives. The first home-use fridge was not built until the 1920s. And before that era, everyone seemed to have a better handle on excess weight gain. Now, we know why.

It wasn’t because they were following a Paleo diet or sucking on lemons all day; it was because they only had access to ice boxes at best. These wooden, portable storage units packed blocks of ice in sawdust or dirt as an insulator and kept fresh food cool for a day or two.

The boxes were small, the ice melted relatively quickly, and people could not store their snacks indefinitely for future consumption.

So, they did not keep opening the “fridge” door, looking for an energy boost. They did not grab some juice on the way out the front door, and they most definitely did not have a bowl of ice cream while watching TV. This is also what we experienced. My husband and I learned that digging our way through the garage to find a morsel of food from a poor substitute for the family fridge was far too much work compared to the little gain.

So we stopped eating for several days.

Our waists may not be smaller from our experience because we have since made up for that lost caloric intake, but our wallets are thinner with the acquisition of a new and improved Kenmore appliance. Bigger is not always better, but with this fridge, it certainly holds true.

DeeDee Corbitt Sauter is a resident of Northern Virginia. prince william living October 2015 | 35

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distribution sites Pick up a free copy of Prince William Living at one of the following fine locations: 15040 Heathcote Boulevard, Gainesville Appliance Connection 7101 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville 13851 Telegraph Road, Suite 101, Woodbridge 5101 Waterway Drive, Montclair City of Manassas 12908 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge 9027 Center Street, Manassas 2100 Rippon Boulevard, Woodbridge Discover Prince William & Manassas 9511 Technology Drive, Manassas 10611 Balls Ford Road, Suite 110, Manassas 4290 Prince William Parkway, Woodbridge Edward Kelly Leadership Center 10249 Hendley Road, Manassas 14715 Bristow Road, Manassas 4300 Prince William Parkway, Woodbridge Historic Manassas Inc Northern Virginia Community College Visitor’s Center at the Train Depot Manassas Campus, 6901 Sudley Road 9431 West Street, Manassas Woodbridge Campus, 15200 Neabsco Mills Road Manassas Christian Academy Prince William Association of Realtors 8757 Signal Hill Road, Manassas 4545 Daisy Reid Avenue, Woodbridge Manassas Christian School Prince William Ice Center 9296 West Carondelet Drive, Manassas 5180 Dale Boulevard, Dale City Manassas Park City Schools Prince William Parks and Recreation One Park Center Court, Suite A, Manassas Park Prince William Public Library System Manassas Park – Parks and Recreation 14418 Bristow Road, Manassas 99 Adams Street, Manassas 12964 Harbor Drive, Lake Ridge Mason Enterprise Center 12993 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville 10890 George Mason Cir., Bull Run Hall, Rm 147, Manassas 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas 8601 Mathis Avenue, Manassas The Merit School of Prince William 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge 14308 Spriggs Road, Woodbridge 4249 Dale Boulevard, Dale City Minnieland 18007 Dumfries Shopping Plaza, Dumfries 5555 Assateague Place, Manassas 4603 James Madison Highway, Haymarket 12700 Correen Hills Drive, Bristow 2201 Opitz Boulevard, Woodbridge 10368 Bristow Center, Bristow Prince William County Tourist Information Center 10910 Feeder Lane, Woodbridge 200 Mill Street, Occoquan 3498 Cranmer Mews, Woodbridge 13923 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge 5255 Merchants View Square, Haymarket 8299 Harness Shop Road, Gainesville

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