Quicktakes, Winter 2013

quicktakes

Holiday Helpers Park Volunteers Help Kids Keep Holiday Gifts Under Wraps

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ost children love surprises, and soon, your children will be able to orchestrate their own secret giftgiving strategy through children’s holiday shopping events at several Park Authority locations. Children arrive with their list, and volunteers help them check it twice as they select holiday surprises for the whole family.

“It was so much fun,” Samantha Nagurny, now 22, recalled of the childhood years she participated at the Frying Pan Farm Park gift shop. “You set a limit and get to go shopping without your parents. There’s someone helping you, so you’ll stay in your limit.”

Parents wait outside while gifts are selected and wrapped, ensuring no holiday surprise is spoiled before gift-giving time.

Kaya Facen, 9, and her 11-year-old brother, Joe, say their experiences at the Colvin Run Mill store made for treasured memories.

“I gave Daddy a little tiny guitar photo album with Colvin Run Mill,” Kaya recalled fondly. “I gave my sister a stuffed reindeer. She loves it!”

Kaya selected lotion for her grandmother and toys for her sister and cousin. Joe enjoyed his holiday shopping experiences, too.

“I got a ping pong paddle for my cousin, James, and salt and pepper shakers for Mom,” Joe said. “It was kind of helpful to have someone helping me, because I would probably forget a gift for someone, so they’d tell me that.”

This year, Joe plans to volunteer to help younger children with their giftgiving selections and wrapping. “There’s a big variety of things like jewelry, stuffed animals, collectibles, books and

Youngsters select special gifts for their loved ones at Children’s Holiday Shopping.

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Winter 2013

Q u i c k ta k e s

Stress-free Shopping with No Wait in Line

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puzzles so you can always find something your parents or brother or sister or friends would like.”

Samantha recalled that was the key to volunteering at the Frying Pan event: making sure the gift selected by the child is something the recipient would like. “I remember some kids would say something like,‘Oh, I think my mom would like this stuffed cow,’ and I would remind them that they are looking for gifts for others and help guide them to other things.”

All-in-all, the children have a ball shopping and wrapping as they begin realizing that there’s something in it for them, too -- the special feeling one gets when he or she realizes it is indeed better to give than to receive.

For this year’s Children’s Holiday Shopping dates, times and locations, turn to the Events section of Parktakes. Also, see the Nature section for a Holiday Shopping Afternoon at Eleanor C. Lawrence Park.

hether you’re shopping for family, friends, teachers or the paper carrier this holiday season, many unique gift ideas can be found at Park Authority shops, and with no wait in line! Discover something for everyone on your holiday gift list at Park Authority shops, and support your parks at the same time.

For the nature lovers and gardeners on your list, check out the shops at Green Spring Gardens, Frying Pan Farm Park and Colvin Run Mill.

Inventory changes regularly, so stop in often.

For fitness enthusiasts and golfers, swing into the Twin Lakes and Laurel Hill golf course pro shops where you’ll find name-brand sports apparel for men and women. While you’re there, pick up some golf clubs, golf shoes, balls, sunglasses and other essentials.

For history buffs, try Colvin Run Mill, Green Spring Historic House, Frying Pan Farm Park and Sully Historic Site shops. Books, CDs and DVDs are among the offerings as well as history-themed gifts for all ages.

For the children on your list, you’ll find lots of options at all Park Authority gift shops. Toys, puzzles, books, games, activities and more are available, and the selection is varies at each site.

Can’t decide what to get?

No problem! You can pick up Park Authority gift cards at all nature centers, RECenters, golf courses and gift shops. Gift cards can be used to purchase classes, merchandise, golf rounds, RECenter memberships and anything else offered at Park Authority locations.

To see which Park Authority shops are having Black Friday specials, turn to page 120.

Winter 2013

More Classes Online, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks

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Q u i c k ta k e s

Senior Volleyball Players Get a Spike in Fitness

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f you think volleyball is a sport for the younger set, think again.

Seniors ranging in age from 66 to 82 play weekly at Providence RECenter, and they’ve become so good at the game, they often challenge their teacher.

“When I play with these people, it’s like we’re in our 20s again,” said instructor and senior fitness expert Rosemary Reca. “Age goes out the window.

One guy, who is 76, has the body of Jack LaLanne.”* “Why do I do it? Look at me,” said Joe Petrosky, 81, one of the senior members of the class who prides himself on being fit. “I also do Pilates and yoga,” he said with a smile.

The rules of their volleyball game are a bit unconventional for good reason.

Reca tailored the class to meet the needs of her students.

“The traditional volleyball is too hard on the hands of someone who has arthritis, so we went with a beach ball,” she explained. “We also have no limit as to how many times the ball can be hit on one side, but no individual player can hit the ball two times in a row.”

The age-appropriate adjustments keep play moving and make for a fun workout for Reca’s young-at-heart students.

“It is fun exercise that makes us feel alive,”Amalia Iglesias, 76, said enthusiastically. “It’s not routine.”

Seniors in this game have also experienced improvement in hand-eye coordination, endurance level, reaction time and agility. Paul McCracken, 77, is among those who have noticed the difference.

“At first, it was more challenging than I expected,” McCracken said. “Now my body Top: Amalia Iglesias sets up has adjusted to it.” a serve.

Bottom: Joe Petrosky Most of the players have taken the class works on strategy with since it started in January 2006, and they Cynthia Weidman. often share a laugh or two in social functions outside of class. But newcomers need not worry about fitting in. Reca teaches technique, each co-ed team is evenly matched with players of all skill levels, and there’s never any misunderstanding about which team is leading.

“The most important tool we have is the scoreboard,” said Cynthia Weidman, 75.

“Before that, we got into terrible arguments because we didn’t always remember the last score.”

Win or lose, you’ll notice a familiar camaraderie among this class. It’s similar to that of those in their 20s who make friends easily and enjoy their fellowship often.

For Senior Volleyball class times and other exercise options, turn to the Senior Fitness section on page 67.

Jack Who? 6

Paul McCracken reaches for a return shot.

*Jack LaLanne,“The Godfather of Fitness,” was a popular American fitness, exercise and nutritional expert whose physique resembled that of a body builder. He hosted the longest-running fitness show on television (19511985) along with his wife, Elaine. He died in 2011, at the age of 96.

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Winter 2013

Q u i c k ta k e s

Town Manager Wins Battle of the Bulge

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Left: Gene Swearingen before his weight loss.

Below: Gene at his daughter’s wedding, 50 lbs. lighter.

ike many sweets and I still people, Gene eat them, but I’ve Swearingen learned to cut has faced a frusback and do some trating on-again, healthy cooking.” off-again battle of His disciplined the bulge over the diet and exercise years. The Haymarregimen proved ket town manager to be a winning would periodically combination. With daily, 50-minlose a few pounds, ute exercise sessions and weekly and then gain them weigh-ins, Gene stayed focused on back. The turning his goal and lost nearly 50 pounds point for him came in mid-2010 following knee replacein eight months – just in time for ment surgery. his daughter’s wedding. Now, a “I was already a little overweight before the surgery new goal keeps him motivated. anyway, and during my six-month recovery, I put on more “At my last checkup, my chophoto courtesy of Sam Stroud Photography weight and got to 250 pounds,” he said. “That lesterol was way was just way too much.” down, which was a combination of the Once his knee was rehabilitated and its weight loss exercise and cholesterol medfull range of motion had been restored, Gene ication,” he said. “The doctor told me that rededicated himself to fitness and weight if I can drop another 10 to 15 pounds, loss. He had a great incentive, too. The CentI can go off the cholesterol medication. reville resident wanted to look fit for his role That’s a positive goal for me.” as father of the bride at his daughter Katie’s Through his fitness and weight loss upcoming wedding. So he started working journey, Gene says he’s learned a lot out at Cub Run RECenter in Chantilly. about himself. “I’m more goal-oriented “It’s a 10 minute drive from home, and than I thought, and I wasn’t sure I could has anything I could possibly need,” he said. really do this when I started. It wasn’t “I started with a few classes, which were a easy, but once you get into a routine, it good start for me. There just becomes part of your life.” was someone there pushing me to do my Park Authority RECenters best, and it gets easier and easier to do.” offer a wide variety of fitness He attended the dropoptions to keep workouts Exercise and in spinning and general interesting. Fitness s you set your sights healthful eating fitness classes at 5:30 classes, gyms, pools on a new year, set were keys to a.m. on Wednesdays and and personal training your mind on a new Gene’s success.

Thursdays and started are among you! It’s easy with the Park Authorworking out on alterthem, and ity’s Take 12 program. Each month, nate days in the gym or at home, but “the weight wasn’t your RECenter membership starting in January, you get helpful coming off like I wanted it to,” he said. “So one day I said suggestions that lead to better health entitles you to admissomething to the instructor, Melanie Paris, about losing and wellness. Implement one small change sion at all nine Fairfax this gut, and she got all over me about diet and healthy per month, and you’ll make 12 giant strides County RECenters. To lifestyles.” toward better health by the end of the year. So find a location near Gene took the advice to heart, and joined his wife what are you waiting for? Sign up to be a Take 12 your home or Mary’s Weight Watchers group at the elementary school participant today.

It’s free, and anyone can participate. office, turn to where she teaches. There he learned that a proper diet Visit http://go.usa.gov/kSD or call 703-324-8423 to learn page 10. isn’t about giving up the foods you love; it’s about modmore about free Park Authority wellness workshops, a free, eration. monthly Take 12 e-newsletter from the FCPA Wellness Team, a “You have to watch the portions,” he said. “I love free Take 12 wellness calendar and much more!

Take 12 Steps to Better Health

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Winter 2013

More Classes Online, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks

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Q u i c k ta k e s

FCPA Preschool Teacher Earns Award for Inclusive Practices

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t takes a special talent to hold the attention of just one preschool child, much less a dozen or more. But Amy RiosBoisvert does it with ease. The mother of five boys knows the key to connecting with the kids in her inclusive Lee District RECenter preschool classroom is being animated, keeping the activities moving and having fun.

“Okay, it’s circle time now,” the veteran preschool teacher said enthusiastically as she seamlessly shepherded the children from one activity to another. “Which book should we read now, and which one should

we read later? Let’s take a vote,” she said playfully as she introduced the 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children to the democratic process.

“I don’t want to read that book,” said one boy after the vote. “You don’t have to; I do,” Rios-Boisvert said matter-of-factly as she turned the children’s attention to the story and began to read. Before long, the boy was smiling and enjoying the story with the rest of his class.

Her classroom management skills are exemplary, especially when you consider that 25 percent of her students have special needs. She actively seeks out children with special needs through the Fairfax County Public School Child Find office and creates a welcoming environment for all her students.

“While I was in college, I worked at the El Paso rehabilitation center, and I fell in love with the kids,” Rios-Boisvert said. “I worked with physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists and became a big advocate for early intervention for children with special needs.”

Her passion for teaching children of all abilities is part of the reason the Fairfax County

New Park Programs Set Up Camp at the Library

Meeting a friendly goat and discovering an old-fashioned kitchen tool are among the learning adventures at the new park programs at Fairfax County libraries.

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Public Schools recently recognized Rios-Boisvert with the Exemplary Inclusive Practices Award. Through early intervention and early education, she knows she can have a lasting, positive impact on her students.

“Teaching them to learn to love school is my number one priority,” Rios Boisvert said.

“If they learn to love school, they will be excited to learn, whether they are special needs or not, from kindergarten through high school and beyond.”

When asked what they liked about school, her students responded enthusiastically. “I like counting and measurements and sorting the numbers and orders,” Margaret said. “I like playing in the kitchen to make stuff,” Jacob said. For Lily,“special arts, playtime and stuff” are her favorite classroom activities, and Travis said,“I like to play with dolls and games.”

In Miss Amy’s classroom, students learn through play. They have fun, they learn to share, they learn to play cooperatively and they learn to socialize. “My goal is for each one of them to be outgoing and confident by kindergarten,” Rios-Boisvert said.

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ooking for something fun to do this winter? Check out the new free park programs at Fairfax County public libraries. Meet live turtles, snakes and farm animals and learn about “wild things” from a Park Authority naturalist. Enjoy puppet shows, make holiday crafts and listen to holiday-themed stories. All Park Authority programs at the library are sponsored by library Friends groups and are free to the public. However, registration is required. To find a Park Authority program at a library near you, check the Fairfax County Public Library events calendar at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.

Winter 2013

Q u i c k ta k e s

Chef Edisson Rosales

‘Accidental Chef’ Prepares to Make History at Laurel Hill

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ou can tell by watching him work that Laurel Hill Golf Club Food and Beverage Manager and Chef Edisson Rosales knows how to make special-event catering run like a well-oiled machine. In fact, his first career as an engineer had a lot to do with making machines run smoothly. But fate has a way of altering one’s path, and Rosales was forced to reinvent himself.

“I was injured in a car

The chef’s helping hands: two pastry chefs and students from a nearby cooking school help Chef Rosales prepare his culinary masterpieces.

Winter 2013

bridge. He says the menu will include traaccident and couldn’t do any heavy lifting,” Rosales said. “So I lost my job and had to ditional hot foods as well as some regional figure out what to do next.” favorites: grits and Virginia ham.

He enrolled in culinary school after a Breakfast for 800 may seem like a tall friend suggested they go into the restaurant order, but Chef Edisson Rosales is a true probusiness together. That’s where he discovfessional who is happy to serve. He knows ered his passion for creative cookery. from experience that the work is always a “You have to love what you do,” said pleasure when you love what you do.

Rosales at the Laurel Hill clubhouse dining room he’s managed for the past seven years.

For full-service catering for your special events, “I never knew I had this gift both Laurel Hill Golf from my mother.”

Club and Twin Lakes Throughout his culinary caGolf Course are wonreer, which includes more than derful venues. For conseven years as assistant food tact information and and beverage manager at the locations, see the Golf exclusive Canyon Ranch Resort section of Parktakes. in Lenox, Mass., Chef Edisson has whipped up magnificent menus and memorable events for all occasions ranging from weddings and baby showers to business meetings and birthdays to formal banquets and golf tournaments. Soon, he’ll put his gift to the test with his biggest catering job to date at Laurel Hill: the 2013 USGA Amateur Public Links Championship. The July 2013 contest is expected to draw as many as 800 hungry players, volunteers, media crews and spectaLet Chef Rosales prepare a delightful menu for your special tors, and the catering strategy is clear. occassion at Laurel Hill Golf Club.

“It has to be quick,” Rosales said,“so people can keep The printing and production of Parktakes is paid moving.” It’s quite a test when you confor with user fees and paid advertising. sider there are no premade foods.

Parktakes is printed with soy-based ink on paper “We prepare everything here that is recyclable in Fairfax County’s newspaper from scratch,” he said. And there recycling program. are other logistical challenges Inclusion of paid advertising in Parktakes does not imply endorsement by the Fairfax with a group this size. “We’ll need County Park Authority of the advertised rental trucks with freezers and goods, products or services. coolers, and we have to figure out About your subscription: where we’re going to put 25,000 If Parktakes isn’t delivered to your house, request bottles of water.” your free subscription by calling 703-222-4664.You can also subscribe online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ Rosales is responsible for breakparks/ptsubs.htm. Subscription requests are valid for fast and snacks for the five-day three years. For the date your subscription expires, championship and will be ascheck your mailing label.

Your member number appears above your sisted by his two pastry chefs and name. Please include this number on address culinary students from nearby corrections and subscription renewals.

Stratford University in WoodMore Classes Online, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks

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