NOVEMBER 2017
hello GAINESVILLE!
introducing the gainesville lifestyle magazine
in this issue
GAINESVILLE’S HISTORY
THANKSGIVING DECOR TIPS & RECIPES
HOLIDAY PREVIEW:
1 7 0 0 ’s t o t o d a y
from local experts
the nutcracker
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from the P U B L I S H E R
the GAINESVILLE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER DENNIS BRACK FOR PIEDMONT PUBLISHING GROUP DENNIS@PIEDMONTPUB.COM
EDITORIAL DEBBIE EISELE, PAM KAMPHUIS EDITOR@PIEDMONTPUB.COM INTERN: ANNEMARIE MCPHERSON
ADVERTISING JIM KELLY: JIM@PIEDMONTPUB.COM, 434-987-3542 CINDY MCBRIDE: CINDY@PIEDMONTPUB.COM, 916-847-8474
ART ART DIRECTOR: KARA THORPE KARA@PIEDMONTPUB.COM
SUBSCRIPTIONS JAN@RAPPNEWS.COM OR CALL 540-675-3338
EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE THE GAINESVILLE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE C/O PIEDMONT PUBLISHING GROUP MAILING ADDRESS: PO BOX 3632, WARRENTON, VA. 20188 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 11 CULPEPER ST., WARRENTON, VA. 20186 540-349-2951 WWW.PIEDMONTLIFESTYLE.COM THE GAINESVILLE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY AND DISTRIBUTED TO OVER 8,000 SELECTED ADDRESSES. WHILE REASONABLE CARE IS TAKEN WITH ALL MATERIAL SUBMITTED TO THE GAINESVILLE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE, THE PUBLISHER CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO ANY SUCH MATERIAL. OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN ARTICLES ARE STRICTLY THOSE OF THE AUTHORS. WHILE ENSURING THAT ALL PUBLISHED INFORMATION IS ACCURATE, THE PUBLISHER CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MISTAKES OR OMISSIONS. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR PART OF ANY OF THE TEXT, ILLUSTRATION OR PHOTOGRAPH IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. ©2017 PIEDMONT PUBLISHING GROUP.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHRISTINE CRADDOCK · DEBBIE EISELE LYNNE GALLUZZO · ANDREAS KELLER · STEVE OVIATT COLBY SCHRECKENGOST · CHARLOTTE WAGNER PRINCE WILLIAM LIBRARY STAFF · PAM KAMPHUIS NOVANT HEALTH · DENISE ANDREWS · PATRICK ENNIS TERRI AUFMUTH STEVENS
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Welcome to your new Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine. With this inaugural issue, we’re extending a simple concept that began in Warrenton in 2005: Create a magazine that tells the stories of the people, places and businesses that make the community unique. Haymarket Lifestyle has been doing this for the past seven years. Now, we’re expanding across Route 29. There are lots of stories to tell! In an age of media overload, it’s easier than ever to find out what’s happening on the other side of the world, instantly. But what about a neighbor who is making a difference? Or advice from a trusted, nearby, expert? These kinds of stories are harder to find. It’s these stories that are the heart of this magazine. In fact, community journalism is the backbone of our company, Piedmont Publishing Group. We’ve been doing it for awhile. The origins of our Rappahannock News date to 1877. The talented team who created the magazine you’re now holding includes editors Pam Kamphuis and Debbie Eisele, art director Kara Thorpe and contributing writer Christine Craddock, who focuses on Gainesville and Haymarket. Sales director Jim
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Kelly and account executive Cindy McBride have been helping dozens of local businesses grow through advertising — and are eager to work with more. We thought an appropriate way to start a magazine about Gainesville was to look at how Gainesville got its start. If it wasn’t for a certain Mr. Gaines, we’d be living and shopping in “Middle Grounds,” writer and historian John Toler found. Elsewhere, we tap other local expertise for advice about less-stress holiday meals (yes, it’s that season again, already), training tips for young athletes, and how to deal with pets behaving badly. And of course, there are stories about good people doing great things, such as Hope and Michael Harms. Their work helping children with disabilities abroad led them to something even more extraordinary. We’re always interested in your feedback and ideas. Thanks for reading,
DENNIS BRACK PUBLISHER
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Contents 10 06
A Home Created From the Heart Carried to Full Term’s Haymarket House puts moms on a path to a better life
Eating Your Way Through the Holidays Six smart things you can do to avoid packing on the pounds
Gainesville: Forever on the Beaten Path
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Performance Training for Young Athletes
Fall Table Decorations Made Simple
What it is and how it can help
Bring the outdoors inside to create a beautiful setting for your holiday meal.
BY COLBY SCHRECKENGOST
BY DEBBIE EISELE
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BY ASHTON MILLER
Part 1: A community at the intersection of two main roads and a railroad
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BY JOHN T. TOLER
Books with Buddies
Make-Ahead Holiday Meal
Therapy dogs at your local library
A buffet-style menu reduces stress and offers delicious taste
BY CHRISTINE CRADDOCK
HGBA Read & Greet
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Michael Whitlock, Transaction Expert
Crisp Fall Weather Means Cozy Fires
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Fire Safety Tips
Effective Help for Behavior Problems in Dogs and Cats
BY PAM KAMPHUIS
BY DR. AMY L. PIKE
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BY SARAH NAYLOR
BY ANNIE THOMAS
Virginia National Ballet Presents the Nutcracker
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Home for the Holidays
The Junior Company and students from Gainesville Ballet School join professionals on stage ON THE
BARN Community Housing hosts annual event to help the homeless BY CHRISTINE CRADDOCK
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Thankful Hearts for a Life Unplanned Local couple adopts son and assists children with disabilities in Jamaica BY CHRISTINE CRADDOCK
cover
cover artwork by Kara Thorpe
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UPDATE from our July 2016 issue
A Home Created from the Heart Carried to Full Term’s Haymarket House puts moms on a path to a better life BY CHRISTINE CRADDOCK
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o much has happened since Carried to Full Term’s Haymarket House graced the cover of Haymarket Lifestyle’s July 2016 issue. In the photo, Reverend Sean Rousseau of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was handing over the keys to the beautiful yellow house in Haymarket to Frances Robin, a woman who had the desire in her soul to help pregnant women in crisis. The photo captured the excitement on both their faces as they anticipated what this project would become to our little town. And it was
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simply the beginning. Over the next few months, the house began to take shape. Donations poured in from the community and volunteers signed up to help prepare the home for residents. Robin says that 98 percent of people – often up to 50 visitors a day – who entered Haymarket House in search of volunteer opportunities came because the cover photo and article made them aware of this new avenue to give back to their community. One man even whipped out his copy of the
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magazine and proclaimed that he was there in search of “joy.” When Robin told him that her name was, in fact, not Joy, he pointed to the photo and said, “that right there is joy.” Another volunteer had her copy of the magazine in her Carried to Full Term binder she brought on her first visit; she remains a volunteer today. Robin began to screen applicants and arrange schedules, classes, programs, and all the opportunities that would be provided to the women who would ultimately make this place their home. On November 19, 2016, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held in celebration. By this time, the first mom had moved in and began the program that was set in place to put her on the path for a successful, independent life. The second mom moved in a few months later. Since then, 12 moms have moved in and out of the home, three babies were born and another one is on the way. The partnership with St. Paul’s continues, says Robin, and the support from Reverend Sean is one that is “constant and steady” – an amazing, perfect match. Some moms have come and gone because they found that conforming to the program was too difficult. Robin explains: “we meet them where they are and then ask them to rise to the challenge.” Helping them find employment is one of the steps towards helping them succeed on their own financially when they leave. Currently, two of the moms are working three jobs and one is working part-time while seeking a full-time position. The moms have also been taking sewing classes and producing goods to be sold in their own Etsy shop! But a more crucial aspect of this home is that these women are exposed to the love of God in addition to genuine and authentic love from people – for the first time in their lives. “They thought they were getting a home but it’s so much more than that,” says Robin. There are almost not enough words to explain exactly what this home provides for its residents. If anyone were to witness the gatherings that happen in this special place, they would see that it’s almost always a “cryfest.” The emotions expressed by the women and the relationships formed here are beyond what Robin ever imagined. In the beginning, Robin feared that everything would be ready and there would be no one to
inhabit the home. But that was just an insecurity that ultimately proved to be unfounded. “We are way past where I thought we’d be,” she says, and way beyond any dream she held dear. The best way to let the community know the difference this place is making in the lives of these women is to tell the story in their own words. One mom, who literally was found on the highway, has now been at Haymarket House for 10 months. Samrawit arrived very scared and spoke only a little English. “I don’t know where I’d be,” she says. “The volunteers — people who don’t know me at all — care about me
Everything that makes this house a home is from the community; every victory is due to our community…the mere existence of the Haymarket House is due to the contributions from this community.” — FRANCES ROBIN
and truly want me to succeed.” Her baby is now six months old and is already outspoken and expressive. Since Samrawit was raised in a culture that didn’t allow her to be this way, she is grateful her baby will be able to voice her opinions and it is acceptable. This mother’s eyes have been opened to see that women do indeed have a voice and important positions in society. Robin says that this formerly shy, fearful woman has now embraced her new role and is becoming quite the leader. This is what Samrawit wrote when asked what she was
Some of the residents of the Haymarket House.
how you can
HELP
Crucial Needs
thankful for: "Gratitude means developing a habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to us and giving thanks every day. It is important to let the people in our life know how much we appreciate them and that their help makes a difference in our lives. The best example for me is the place where I live right now at Carried To Full Term. Before I got here I was in the middle of nowhere. Right now I have a place that I call home. Everybody here comes to help me and wants to see me succeed. They all help me in many ways to become self sufficient for myself and my daughter. Everyone here supports me in every situation that I need help. I am so thankful and also it's a blessing to know such kindhearted people exist." Another mom who lives in Haymarket House went through a difficult time; she realized
environment. “As soon as they arrive, we put them on a path to a new future,” • Monthly says Robin. To continue Pathway Partners their mission, Haymarket House’s most urgently • Personal hygiene needs monthly partners products from the community. Robin updates their • Sewing machines Facebook page with (so they pictures and stories to can create provide the community products with a personal connection to earn an income to the babies and the through their moms, and to encourage Etsy shop engagement with this business) organization. that her upbringing • Storage Haymarket House bins to keep was not the normal seeks donors as monthly donations life she thought Pathway Partners that organized everyone lived. Her allow residents to continue • Mentors & gratitude lies in the on their path to a better volunteers opportunity to parent life – and a new future. her child effectively; Partnership amounts without Carried to Full Term she between $10 and $50 are may have made different, less available. To become a partner, effective parenting decisions. or learn more about volunteer She recently shared her opportunities, visit their website experience with Haymarket carriedtofullterm.com. ❖ House: “Thank you for choosing such a great mentor for me. Photos courtesy of Carried to Full Term's Haymarket House Every time I meet with her I feel motivated and empowered when it comes to this program. She has been a great support About the system and she helps me with AUTHOR my goals and helps me deal with things in a different way. But Christine Craddock is a writer, most of all she encourages my relationship with God. She is the editor, photographer, wife, and mother of two best ...THANKS!” adorable children. She is a The goal of Carried to Full faithful contributing writer Term is to give these moms for Haymarket Lifestyle and their babies a head start in magazine and has resided in Haymarket since 2006. creating a stable, loving home
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Brrr! Crisp Fall Weather Means Cozy Fires Fire Marshal and Assistant Chief of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue Matt Smolsky has some cold-weather fire safety tips. { Part 1 in a two-part series } BY PAM KAMPHUIS
A
s the colder months approach, we are all looking forward to the fun things fall brings… apples, falling leaves, fall clothes, and, of course, pumpkin spice lattes! One of the best things about the fall are toasty fires to curl up next to and lots of candles to decorate your space with a homey feel. Nearly half of home heating fires occur in the colder months, mostly due to heating implements: fireplaces, furnaces, hot water heaters, boilers, kerosene heaters, and portable space heaters. Matt Smolsky, County Fire Marshal and Assistant Chief of the Prince William County
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Department of Fire and Rescue, has offered some important tips to keep your home — and your family — safe. “The main thing to remember about all heating and heat-producing implements — no matter how small — is to keep all combustible materials at least three feet away from them.” Smolsky says. Combustible is defined as anything that can be lit by a match. Fireplaces and woodstoves
Fireplaces and woodstoves should be inspected every year in the fall to be sure they are ready for use. Creosote can
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build up on the inside of your chimneys, pipes, and flues, which can be very dangerous and may catch fire. Anything that is between the fire and the location that the smoke — and possibly sparks — leave the house should be inspected and cleaned by a professional every year. Burn only seasoned firewood or approved fireplace logs, not simply anything that is combustible. Smolsky cautions: “Do not use gasoline or charcoal lighter fluid to help start your fire; the stream can become misdirected onto other combustibles.” Be sure your chimney has a fireplace cap — something over the top of the chimney that will prevent sparks from escaping, and also to prevent birds, whose nests will be highly combustible by winter, from entering the chimney. Additionally, use a fireplace screen to avoid sparks flying out and to keep children and pets at a safe distance. Other heat-producing products
Hot water heaters produce heat, especially those with a pilot light, and can therefore cause a fire if flammable items are left too close — a particular problem for those of us who store things in the basement. Furnaces and other gasfueled appliances can become overtaxed in the winter, and should be inspected by a professional. Candles
We all love the ambiance of candles, especially in the fall and winter. But Smolsky is adamant about the danger of candles, and reminds us
that all flames, no matter how small, can become a problem: “Although a candle flame is small, it is still an open flame fire. It doesn’t take very long for a little flame to become a big fire when it lights nearby combustibles” He highly recommends the use of battery-operated candles, but if you are a diehard flame candle lover, he cautions you to make sure, again, that flammable items are at least three feet away. Candles should be in a glass dome candle holder with a secure base so they will be less likely to be tipped over. Power outages are common in snowy weather, but Smolsky recommends not using candles as a light source. Use flashlights instead. Smolsky would like us to remember certain things as we head into the colder months: anything that can be lit by a match is combustible and therefore a danger; all things that produce any kind of heat at all should have a clearance of at least three feet on all sides; be very careful of children and pets who may knock combustible items or heat producing implements over; and never leave anything with a flame (candles, fireplaces, wood stoves) unattended and be sure that they are completely out when going to bed. One additional thing he strongly encourages everyone to do: “please ensure your home has an adequate number of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them frequently to ensure operational readiness. It may save your life.” ❖ Part 2 coming in a future issue: Fire safety during the holiday season.
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Eating Your Way Through the Holidays Six smart things you can do to avoid packing on the pounds
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t’s officially the season of cookies and candy canes, of sugarplums and savory pies. But a festive holiday spirit doesn’t mean you have to reach for your pants with the elastic waistband. Follow these easy tips to keep your diet and exercise on track during the holidays. When the scale reads the same — or something even better — come January, that will really be something to celebrate!
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DON’T SKIP MEALS TO GORGE LATER.
“You shouldn’t skip meals to make room for holiday dinners as this may result in over eating,” said Pallavi Dharamsi, registered dietitian with Novant Health UVA Health System. “It’s especially important to eat breakfast. Studies show that those who eat breakfast tend to consume fewer calories throughout the day. Fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will satisfy hunger and are lower in calories.”
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WATCH THOSE PORTIONS.
“A lot of times, holiday meals can be large, buffet-style meals where people go back for second and third helpings,” Dharamsi said. “While one may not eat dessert, a common mistake is eating large portions of foods that are perceived as healthy. Even healthy foods have calories and should be eaten in moderation. Starting with small portions and using a smaller plate can help control the amount of food you eat. You can also fill your plate with vegetables and salads before entrees and desserts.”
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WATCH WHAT YOU DRINK.
“Punches, eggnog and mixed drinks can have up to 500 calories per cup, which can add up to a lot of empty, extra calories,” Dharamsi said. “Nonalcoholic eggnog or low-fat versions of eggnog can help cut calories. I also suggest reading labels when buying cider at the store and use skim milk or hot water to make hot chocolate.”
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BY ASHTON MILLER
MODERATION MATTERS.
“Denying yourself your favorite foods during the holidays can lead to stress and emotional turmoil, which in turn can lead to overeating,” Dharamsi said. “Mindful eating can help people choose foods wisely. When you eat holiday foods with awareness instead of mindlessly grazing, the experience can be much better. “At parties or gatherings, I recommend staying where food is not constantly in your line of sight,” Dharamsi said. “And at home, don’t leave a plate of cookies on the kitchen counter.”
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BURN OFF THOSE CALORIES. “Being
physically active throughout the entire year is important to maintaining a healthy weight,” Dharamsi said. “During the holidays, you should take the time to go for a walk and catch up with friends and family, play
a sport like basketball with the kids, or even go sledding or ice skating. These activities will allow you to engage and spend time with your family while keeping the extra pounds off.”
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PASS ON THE APPS.
A few appetizers here and there can be lovely, but chowing down on chips and dip before a meal can cost you. “Check the table before you serve food to yourself,” Dharamsi said. “Decide which foods you want to eat and which can be left out, and then stick to that decision. You can also choose low-calorie appetizers like vegetables or fresh fruit to save your calories for the main course. Or you can skip the appetizer altogether.” Most important, be honest about what you eat and don’t be too hard on yourself. “Each day is a new chance to start over,” Dharamsi said. “Enjoy the holidays in moderation and toast to your good health in the new year.” ❖
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read & HGBA MEMBER
greet
Michael Whitlock Transaction Expert 9202 Charleston Drive, Manassas 703-981-5486 transactionexpertva.com
their organization more effectively. We assist in increasing overall sales, implementing the best way to generate payment for those sales, increasing average sale amount, and managing risk associated with electronic payments by educating owners about EMV (global standard for Europay, MasterCard and Visa), PCI (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) Compliance, etc. Please share one of the greatest moments you’ve experienced in your current profession.
When and why did you decide to start your own company? I started my business in 2014 because I kept seeing credit card breaches. This caused new liability laws to be enacted, which put merchants at risk of going out of business; I want to make sure that does not happen. How does your business serve the local community?
My business provides services that help a merchant grow and run
I worked with a business to increase profits by leveraging new technologies for accepting electronic payments (through the mobile wallet Apple Pay) and to save expenses and time by providing a point of sales solution (POS). I also provided a mobile marketing platform (gift and loyalty) to bring in new customers. A customer called me and said the FBI told him that he was the center point of a credit card breach and needed a bank audit–he was totally lost. I calmed him down and explained that the bank will do a forensic audit ($25,000) to find how it happened; the expenses and liability were the responsibility of
the owner. No worries, the customer was covered by my business for $100,000. I was with the owner every step of the way. The results were that a new employee was skimming card numbers. My customer was not liable, and I was able to have him PCI compliant again. Tell us about your experience with the HGBA. How has it supported you in your local business?
The HGBA is focused specifically in a small area that is growing. They offer great referrals, with down-toearth small business owners that become friends. What top three business tips and tricks can you offer other professionals?
The leader closest to the people wins. Ask what they need from you to be successful, then listen. The only guarantee for tomorrow to be better is for you to grow today. Quit asking “How long will it take?”, and ask instead “How far can I go?” Are you from this area? If not, what brought you here and what do you like about our town?
I am originally from Chicago, and moved to area in 1995. I love the small town feel, but I still have all the amenities close by without having to travel to DC. What is your favorite season in this area, and why?
Spring–daylight extends, weather heats up–outdoor activities abound.
What are some hobbies you enjoy?
Playing and growing the sport of Pickleball in our county. It is the fastest growing sport in the US; it gets people active and moving. Also, the sport has increasing memberships in our community centers, and provides mentoring for local entrepreneurs and youth. What is your favorite restaurant?
Giuseppe’s. I love homemade Italian food. The local business has great owners and spacious digs. What is your favorite local school sports team?
Kettle Run Cougars–my grandkids go there–and Auburn Middle. Are you involved with any nonprofits?
I’m involved with many: Serve our Willing Warriors Retreat (I support veterans), Sweet Julia Grace Foundation (I love kids), and the Prince William County Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence Task forces (families are the foundation of our community). What was your first job, or your most interesting job prior to your current profession?
I worked in retail for over 40 years: at FW Woolworth for 30 years in many capacities, and I started out working for Kinney Shoes–I even opened the first Foot Locker Store in 1978! ❖
The Haymarket Gainesville Business Association was established in 1990 and is the premier association supporting business and community involvement in the Haymarket-Gainesville area. They offer a forum for information sharing and contribute to community projects that positively impact businesses and residents. Want to learn more? Visit www.HGBA.biz
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What is causing my pet’s bad behavior?
Effective Help for Behavior Problems in Dogs and Cats
Animals with behavior problems are often thought of as naughty, unruly, or stubborn. However, behavior problems are much more complex. First, there may be a physical or medical problem, as in the case of pain causing aggression or kidney disease causing house soiling. When your pet is experiencing a behavior problem, you should visit your veterinarian for a full physical examination and diagnostics including blood work, analysis of a urine sample, and other tests that are deemed necessary. Next, consider that the pet may be responding to inconsistent interactions with those around them. Pets thrive on structure and predictability— without that they may become anxious or use aggression to feel more in control of a situation. Lack of socialization can be a component in many common behavior problems. The dog found as a stray on the street may never have been socialized to interactions with other dogs, men in hats, or children. A vacuum cleaner may be foreign and scary to a dog that has never seen one before, leading the dog to flee into the bedroom when the vacuum appears on cleaning day. Who can help me with my pet’s behavior problem?
BY DR. AMY L. PIKE, DVM, DIPLOMATE OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
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D
oes your dog growl or bark at your visitors? Has he attacked other dogs at the local dog park? Has he been attacked himself and is now terrified of other dogs? Does your cat urinate or defecate outside of the litter box? Does she attack you every morning at 4 a.m. when you roll over in bed? You are not alone.
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Behavior continues to be the number one reason pets are relinquished to animal shelters, and veterinary clinics lose 15 percent of their patient population each year due to behavior problems. Aggression is the top cited complaint for dogs. Urination outside of the litterbox is the top reason given for cats.
After seeing your regular veterinarian, where should you turn for help? That depends on the behavior problem you are experiencing with your pet. A skilled dog trainer can help with nuisance behaviors such as jumping, pulling on the leash on walks, and not coming when called. It is important that you only use trainers who
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composition, and the environment in which the pet lives. Does my pet need medication?
employ positive reinforcement-based, force-free, and non-aversive techniques and tools. There should be absolutely no punishment, no electronic shock collars (also known as “stim” collars or e-collars), and no prong or choke collars. These techniques and tools can increase and even cause fear, anxiety, and aggression. In addition, they can put their owner in danger of being the target of aggression. In many parts of the world, these training techniques are considered inhumane and have been banned. When the behavior problem goes beyond just obedience and involves a neurochemical imbalance, a medical condition, learned fearful associations, or aggression of any form, you should schedule a consultation with a boardcertified veterinary behaviorist. The following is a list of the problems that a veterinary behaviorist treats: • Aggression • Urination or defecation problems • Anxiety disorders • Thunderstorm sensitivities or phobias • Other noise sensitivities or phobias • Excessive vocalization • Over grooming • Repetitive or compulsive behaviors • Behavioral anorexia • Separation anxiety • Cognitive dysfunction What is a veterinary behaviorist?
Veterinary behaviorists are first and foremost veterinarians. Beyond their
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veterinary medical degree, they have completed a three-year residency program in veterinary behavioral medicine. During their residency they see a minimum of 400 new clients and patients, conduct and author a research project and publication in the field, write and pass their required case reports, and pass a two-day (16hour) examination. For more information about the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, please visit www.dacvb.org. How will a veterinary behaviorist help?
First, a veterinary behaviorist works with your regular veterinarian to determine if there is an underlying or contributing medical cause and if any additional diagnostics are warranted. Next, a veterinary behaviorist identifies the diagnosis of the behavior problem(s) that drives the development of a treatment plan. In the initial phases of treatment, it is important to stop the practice of the problematic behavior so a comprehensive management and avoidance protocol are implemented. The latter stages of treatment focus on teaching the pet alternate behaviors and desensitizing them to, and changing the way they feel about, their behavioral triggers through the use of classical and operant counterconditioning. Also, veterinary behaviorists discuss the prognosis of treatment based on the specific characteristics of the pet, the history of the behavioral episodes, the family
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Not all behavior problems warrant medication intervention. However, as medical practitioners, veterinary behaviorists are the only ones with the education and capability to prescribe products such as pheromones, supplements, and other medications that can help alleviate the underlying fear and anxiety driving many of the problems listed in this article. If products or medication are prescribed, they will not be a cure-all. They will help decrease the intensity and frequency of the behavior, increase the patient’s capability to recover after a reaction, and facilitate the learning of a new behavior. No one can learn when they are highly aroused. Until that arousal and anxiety is alleviated, there cannot be any change. How long will it take to treat my pet’s behavior problem?
The longer a behavior problem has gone on, the more difficult it will be to treat it. It is imperative to seek treatment at the first sign of concern. Delaying treatment to see if it will just go away is not advisable as most behavior problems get worse over time when left untreated. Don’t let your beloved four-legged family member become another statistic. Get the proper care they need promptly to address and resolve their behavior problems. ❖ About the AUTHOR Dr. Amy Pike is chief of the Behavior Medicine Division at the Veterinary Referral Center of Northern Virginia in Manassas where she sees referral behavior cases. Dr. Pike is a clinical instructor for E-training for Dogs (an online education system), a member of the Fear Free Advisory Committee, and a member of the editorial advisory board of American Veterinarian. She has educated veterinary audiences worldwide about behavioral medicine. Dr. Pike, formerly a captain in the United States Army Veterinary Corps, has worked with military working dogs returning from deployment. She is a graduate of Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
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In colonial days,
GAINESVILLE:
forever on the beaten path
Gainesville was known as the “Middle Grounds,” in reference to its
Part 1: A community at the intersection of two main roads and a railroad
location between Broad Run and Bull Run.
BY JOHN T. TOLER
G
ainesville has gone through a lot of changes in the recent past, and grown significantly. We can all appreciate the overpasses and new traffic pattern at the intersection of Routes 66 and 29, and we are all enjoying watching Gainesville develop as a community. In spite of all that has changed, Gainesville has a long and interesting history, which reveals stronger ties to the present then many people realize. THE ‘MIDDLE GROUNDS’ In earlier times, the village that became known as “Gainesville” actually had two other names, if only briefly. In colonial days, the region was known as the “Middle Grounds,” in reference to its location between Broad Run and Bull Run. In the 1700s, a settlement took root at the intersection of the Shenandoah to Dumfries road, which ran east-west and crossed at Linton’s Ford, and the Alexandria to Orange road, that ran north-south. In the early 1800s, Samuel Love of Buckland Hall started work on the Warrenton-Alexandria Turnpike. In the hamlet where the turnpike passed through the Middle Grounds, a new stable was erected for stagecoach drivers to switch horses. Other businesses followed, and the settlement became known as New Stable. In 1846, a post office by that
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LOOK FAMILIAR? The graves of Gainesville tavern owner Richard O. Shirley, his wife Susan and likely some of their six children occupy green space surrounded by a parking lot in the Giant grocery store shopping center off Linton Hall Road.
name was opened there in Richard Graham’s hotel and store. Mr. Graham also operated a large stable that catered to the drovers and stage drivers and other less pretentious travelers.
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“Predictably, Mr. Graham was the first postmaster, and he remained on the job when the village became Beckhamsville, named for Cicero Beckham, fifteen days later,” wrote historian Eugene M. Scheel in Crossroads and Corners: A Tour of the Villages, Towns and Post Offices of Prince William County, Virginia (1996). “That post office was discontinued on the last day of the year.” In addition to Graham’s hotel, travelers were accommodated at the tavern run by Richard O. Shirley (1802-1857), and later by his widow, Susan Shirley (1813-1880). The Shirley’s tavern “…was somewhat the prototype of the modern tourist home, in that its guests were restricted to stage passengers and transients,”
according to Prince William: The Story of Its Places and Its People (1941). Shirley family descendant James K. Shirley of Marshall recalls that for years their family cemetery was hidden in a thicket off Linton Hall Road. When a shopping center parking lot was built around it, the cemetery was cleaned up and became a fenced green space. The coming of the Manassas Gap Railroad in the 1850s was a major turning point for the stagecoach line – which would go out of business – and Beckhamsville, which would get a new name, and a road to prosperity. The person responsible for bringing the railroad through the village was Thomas Brawner Gaines (1814-1856), who had begun buying up property in the area as early as 1835, and later became a major landowner. “Thomas Gaines, canny Welshman that he was, and owner of the area where the Manassas Gap Railroad sought right-of-way, insisted that all passenger trains should stop there, and that the place should be called Gainesville,” according to Prince William: The Story of Its Places and Its People. Actually, “canny Welshman” Thomas Gaines’ family had already been in America for six generations, settling first in New Kent County, Va. in the 1670s. Later generations lived in King and Queen County and Culpeper County before coming to Prince William. Thomas was married to Mary Cundiff Gaines (1811-1880), and they had three children: Malina Somerville (1836-1913), John Pendleton (1840-1913) and Thomas B. (1848-1875). The Gaines family lived in a house built in the 1830s on a tract of land bordered by present-day Catharpin Road and Route 55. Thomas Gaines lived to see the railroad built across his land in 1852 and the village named for his family, but he died young, in 1856. “By this time, Gainesville had become the leading market town of the Middle Grounds, a shipping point for grain, timber and stock,” according to Mr. Scheel.
Actual fighting during the Civil War came to the vicinity of Gainesville in late August 1862, as forces from both sides moved into position for the epic Battle of Second Manassas
CIVIL WAR ACTION AROUND GAINESVILLE After Confederate forces moved south from Centreville in the spring of 1862, Gainesville was occupied from time-to-time by Union troops. But the actual fighting came to the vicinity of the village in late August 1862, as forces from both sides moved into position for the epic Battle of Second Manassas. The army of Confederate Gen. T. J. “Stonewall” Jackson had quietly come into Prince William, and on Aug. 26, cut off Union Gen. John Pope’s railroad supply line on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad at Bristow, and the following day, destroyed Pope’s supply depot at Manassas Junction. After completing the raid, Jackson’s men vanished into the countryside. On the morning of Aug. 28, 1862, elements of Pope’s army searched the area for Jackson, joined by Union forces under Gen. Franz Siegel, but to no avail. Jackson had left Manassas before dawn, circling north along Bull Run and taking a position along an abandoned railroad cut in a heavily wooded area between Gainesville and Sudley. Unbeknownst to the Union generals, Gen. Robert E. Lee and Gen. James Longstreet were moving their armies from the west toward Manassas to back up Jackson, and confronted Union troops under Brig. Gen. James Ricketts at Thoroughfare Gap. A pitched battle took place there on the afternoon of Aug. 28, 1862. The Confederates drove the Union forces out of the Gap, pushing them back toward Haymarket and Gainesville. “That evening, while Lee and Longstreet were near at hand at Thoroughfare Gap,
In the above drawing, Confederate artillery near Brawner’s Farm are firing on Union troops as they move along the Warrenton Turnpike toward Centreville. National Park Civil War Series.
Jackson brought on the Battle of Gainesville in an effort to prevent Pope from moving eastward, where he would be greatly reinforced by McClellan,” according to Prince William: The Story of Its People and Its Places. From his protected position, Jackson waited until the middle of a column of McClellan’s troops – moving eastward on the Warrenton Turnpike – was in range. At about 6 p.m., the Confederates opened fire, attacking Wisconsin brigades led by Gen. John Gibbons, and New York brigades under Gen. M. R. Patrick and Gen. Abner Doubleday. The Battle of Gainesville, also known as the Battle of Brawner’s Farm, lasted two ferocious hours. At one point, the federals launched a counter-attack, and Confederate troops under Gen. Alexander Lawton and Gen. Isaac R. Trimble were called into reinforce Jackson’s men. “The losses on both sides were frightful. Gibbon’s brigade lost almost 800 killed or wounded. The 2nd Wisconsin lost 276 men out of the 430 who went into the line, and 21 of their wounded were hit at least twice,” according to Robert Thomson in A Legend is Born at Brawner’s Farm: the Iron Brigade at Second Manassas. “On the other side, in addition to Lawton and Trimble’s horrific losses, the Stonewall brigade had lost 340 men out of 800, a 40 percent casualty rate. In fact, so fierce was the fighting in those two hours along the Warrenton
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Pike, that one in every three men engaged was hit at least once.” Confederate losses also included the wounding of one of Jackson’s division commanders. Gen. Richard Ewell was wounded in the left leg, requiring amputation below the knee. He was first cared for at the home of his cousin, Dr. Jesse Ewell at Dunblane, north of Haymarket, before being evacuated further south. After Second Manassas, Gen. Siegel had his headquarters in Gainesville, occupying the Gaines home for several months. It was there in November 1862 that the court martial hearings were held for the Union soldiers involved in the burning of Haymarket on the night of Nov. 3-4, 1862 (See Haymarket Lifestyle, Nov. 2011) The Gaines family remained in Gainesville throughout the Civil War, but their home “…served as headquarters for Union general officers and staff, including Gen. Rufus King in the spring of 1862, Gen. Franz Sigel in the autumn of 1862, and Col. S.S. Carroll in early 1863,” according to a study conducted by Wetlands Studies and Solutions Inc. of Gainesville. “The dwelling and core area of the site was also used as a Union military hospital for five weeks in the fall of 1863, during the Bristoe campaign.” POST-BELLUM YEARS AT GAINESVILLE After the war ended, Prince William County, like the rest of the South, was under federal control. Slavery was gone, and gradually a “new normal” was established. Prince William County was divided into six magisterial districts, including the Gainesville District that included most of the northern end of the county. The county’s public school system was established in 1870, following the passage of Virginia’s Public Education Act. Gainesville School District originally consisted of six schools for white students (Buckland, Catharpin, Gainesville, Hickory Grove, Waterfall and
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A unique home, long gone In 1981, a survey of the 1875 Gaines house was conducted for the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission, with photographs of the property taken by former Prince William County Architectural Historian Frances Jones. Following are details from the survey of the property, identified as File 76-152. “The Gaines house is a large Victorian, T-shaped, rambling, 2½-story frame house. There is probably no other house like it in Prince William County. The main house probably contains about 15 rooms. There is a small, two-story addition attached to the main house, which contains three or more rooms. The steeply pitched gable roof, plain bracketed cornice and half-timber ‘stick-style’ gable ends are some of the house’s more striking architectural and stylistic features. “A one-story open porch wraps around part of the front and west side of the house, and the front façade features a 10-foot wide bay window on the first floor, and a ‘porthole’ window on the second
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floor. The house is covered with channeled siding, and has double cornerboards. A small guest house, or possibly a separate kitchen, is located on the house’s northwest corner.” The survey also mentions other outbuildings, including “… a play house or office, with a cruciform roof, a shed with a gable roof, a cinder block barn with a gambrel roof, and a 30-ft. by 70-ft. wooden barn.” It was noted that no farming was being done on the land, that the structures on the property were in very dilapidated condition, and “…the owners have no intention of repairing it, hoping instead to develop the 19-acre tract that the house sits on.” The Gaines property passed through several hands during the 20th century, the last several years as an investment property. James Shirley, who has lived in the area since 1970, recalls seeing the house when it still could have been saved, and wishes that it had been. Today, all of the buildings are gone, and the site is part of a 99acre tract between I-66 and U.S. 29.
Thoroughfare/white), and three schools for black students (Antioch, Macrae and Thoroughfare/black). Four more schools were built in the Gainesville District in the 1880s: Mill Park, Haymarket and Piney Branch for white students, and North Fork for black students. With the exception of the Gainesville Elementary School, which closed in the early 1900s due to falling enrollment, these one-room schools would serve the district until they were consolidated in the 1920s. “Maintaining adequate enrollment was a long-standing problem at Gainesville in its early years,” wrote Lucy Walsh Phinney in Yesterday’s Schools. “The School Board even agreed to offer premiums of $5 to white teachers who achieved the highest enrollment for the 189394 school year.” In 1904, the unused Gainesville Elementary School building was sold for $150, and subsequently turned into a residence. The Gaines family built a racetrack on their property that was remembered as one of the best in Virginia. Sometime in the early 1870s, the original Gaines home was destroyed by fire, and a new house erected near the site. Mrs. Gaines died in 1880, and Miss Somerville Gaines became mistress of the property. In 1883, Miss Gaines gave members of the Gainesville Methodist Episcopal Church, South an acre of land, which included the Gaines family cemetery, as the site for their church – a rare example of the graveyard existing before the church. Work started on the church in 1884, and was completed in 1886. In the years to come, the Gainesville Methodist Church grew, and the graveyard was expanded as the final resting place for many of its members. Mrs. Evelyn Lunsford, a longtime member of the church, recalled that when Miss Gaines gave the additional land so that the cemetery could be expanded, it was understood that only members of the Gaines family could be buried in
the original section on the east side of the church, and everyone else buried in the new section on the west side. Space in the church was limited, and even with the addition of a fellowship hall in the 1950s, it was still too small. In 2005, the congregation moved to a new building on Milestone Court, which was consecrated on April 30, 2006. The church has retained ownership of the cemetery and the old church building.
Miss Somerville Gaines gave land, including the Gaines family cemetery, to the congregation of the Gainesville Methodist Episcopal Church, South in 1883. The church was built there in 1884-86. Space in the church was limited, and even with the addition of a fellowship hall in the 1950s, it was still too small. In 2005, the congregation moved to a new building on Milestone Court, which was consecrated on April 30, 2006
A REGRETTABLE INCIDENT A double killing occurred in Gainesville early on the morning of March 18, 1892 that was remembered by residents of the area for many years – even though no one from Prince William County was involved. Two accused murderers from Fauquier County were being brought to the train station in Gainesville when they were overtaken by an angry mob, and lynched. Lee R. Heflin of Stafford and Joseph Dye of Calverton were accused of killing Mrs. James W. Kines, a young widow, and her three children at their home near Calverton on the night of Nov. 9, 1891. The alleged motive was a robbery, which cost four innocent lives and yielded the killers only $70. Investigators soon narrowed the search to Dye, who lived on a nearby farm, and Heflin, who had started working at the Dye farm just the day before the murders. The suspects were incarcerated in the county jail in Warrenton, and indicted by a grand jury. However, when the cases went to trial, legal maneuvering by the suspects’ attorneys caused a furor in the community. For a while Heflin and Dye were held in the jail at Alexandria, returning to Warrenton for trial. When one of the defense attorneys faked illness in order to slow the proceedings, people were enraged. Fauquier Jailor C.M. Pattie was concerned about violence, and arranged for the suspects to be taken to Alexandria by train. But he first had to get them to the station at Gainesville. Late in the night of March 17, 1892, Heflin and Dye were hidden in a wagon, and accompanied by two guards, departed Warrenton. About an hour after they left, an angry mob stormed the jail. Learning that the prisoners were gone, they made fast up the turnpike, catching up with the wagon just south of Gainesville, near the home of Haywood Triplett. The
guards were overwhelmed, and the mob hanged Dye from one tree, and Heflin from another. To be certain that the men were dead, they shot Dye eight times, and Heflin four times. Their mission accomplished, the mob returned to Warrenton down the Greenwich Road. The guards fled to Haymarket, where they spent the night. The bodies were found the next morning, and residents of Gainesville were horrified and demanded a full investigation. A grand jury was empanelled in April, but no one was ever charged. Years later, a tree that stood in the median of U.S. 29 in front of the presentday CVS pharmacy in Gainesville was known as “the hanging tree.” THE MANADIER SANITARIUM Sometime before 1908, Miss Somerville Gaines sold the family home and 34 acres to Mrs. Margaret Mayan. According to the VHLC survey, shortly after completing the transaction Mrs. Mayan donated the property to a charitable and benevolent association called the Manadier Sanitarium for use as a hospital. Trustees of the association some of the most influential members of the Haymarket and Gainesville communities: William M. Jordan, C.E. Keyser, George G. Tyler, Macon Cave, and Col. Newland T. DePauw. Rev. Cary Gamble, rector of
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Haymarket, was the ex-officio chairman. Terms of the donation specified that if the sanitarium failed, the property would revert to the Protestant Episcopal Education Society, and that “…the property could never be used as a place for gaming or gaming devices, or the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors.” The venture never got off the ground, and the property was returned to Mrs. Mayan. She sold the house and land to Haymarket physician Dr. Wade C. Payne in 1914. Miss Somerville Gaines and her brother John P. Gaines both died in 1913, the last two family members of their generation. Miss Gaines was buried in the family graveyard, and John in Occoquan. ❖ Part 2 deals with Gainesville in the 20th century and the impact of the most recent changes. This article was originally published in the Haymarket Lifestyle Magazine’s July 2013 issue, and has been adapted for this issue.
About the AUTHOR Author John Toler is a writer and historian and has served Fauquier County for over 50 years. He has written and lectured about many legendary characters in Fauquier County’s history. Toler is the co-author of 250 Years in Fauquier County: A Virginia Story, and author of Warrenton, Virginia: A History of 200 Years.
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Gainesville Ballet School Junior Company’s dancer Zoe Frantz, 13 years old, who is sharing the role of Clara with Junior Company dancer Camila Griggs. Photo courtesy of Melanie Beus.
Virginia National Ballet Presents Special Nutcracker
The 5th annual production of the Nutcracker at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Friday, November 24, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The Junior Company and students from Gainesville Ballet School join professionals on stage BY NICOLE ROBERTS
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s soon as Thanksgiving is over (if not before!) our thoughts turn to Christmas and the winter holidays...decorations, lights, Christmas trees, Christmas carols...and so much more. For many families, seeing a performance of the Nutcracker is a treasured holiday tradition. The day after Thanksgiving, the Virginia National Ballet, with students and dancers from the Junior Company at Gainesville Ballet School, will present this popular favorite ballet at the elegant Hylton Performing Arts Center. With family friendly prices, this is the perfect way to kick off the holidays! This extremely popular, stand-out production features a cast of awardwinning international dancers from Brazil, Japan, and the United States, along with the dancers from Gainesville Ballet School. Prepare to be thrilled by the exquisite performances of stars Saaya Pikula, Leandro de Almeida, Emanuel Tavares, and more. Audiences will also enjoy the gorgeous production with fantastic choreography, updated costumes,
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sets, and new special effects in this year’s performances. Sharing the coveted role of Clara this year are students Zoe Frantz and Camila Griggs. This will be their second year performing every young ballerina’s dream role, so their dancing and interpretation will be even stronger with the experience of having performed the role previously. Both Zoe and Camila are beautiful young dancers who will be competing for the first time in Youth America Grand Prix this season. Zoe is 13 years old, and an 8th grader at Marsteller Middle School. Zoe’s older sister Zeli is a senior at Patriot High School, and she will be gracing the stage as the Arabian Soloist, Flowers, and Snowflakes. Camila, also a 13 year old, is an 8th grader at Bull Run Middle School. Chloe Banachoski, a 17-year-old senior at Brentsville District High School, and a student at Gainesville Ballet for ten years, will be dancing the Angel Queen, Flowers, and Snowflakes. This performance will be bittersweet for Chloe, as it’s her last Nutcracker with Virginia National Ballet, her ballet home for so many years. Gainesville Ballet School was voted Best Dance Studio in Northern Virginia
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get your tickets now
Ticket prices are very family friendly, ranging from $15 to $35. Tickets sell quickly. Get yours early at the Hylton Box Office, or online at tickets.com (search “Virginia National Ballet”).
2017 in Northern Virginia Magazine. The company has been a finalist in the Seefeldt Awards in 2016 and 2017 for Outstanding Arts Organization, and artistic director Rafik Hegab was a finalist in 2017 for Outstanding Individual Artist. Hegab is also in demand in the region as a guest choreographer and master teacher. Their 2017-18 five-year anniversary season also includes participation in the Arts Alive Festival at the Hylton in September (where they will present excerpts from last year’s hit, Bohemian Rhapsody to the music of Queen), the World Premiere of the ballet Aida in February, the thrilling Carmina Burana and the world premiere of Hegab’s Bolero in May. They will also present a spring performance at the Hylton in June, including a tour to the Pro Art Series at UVA-Wise in April. ❖
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PERFORMANCE TRAINING FOR YOUNG ATHLETES
WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT CAN HELP BY COLBY SCHRECKENGOST MS, BS, CPT, FMS
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About the AUTHOR Colby Schreckengost is owner/director of training at Next Level Fitness & Performance in Haymarket, VA. Colby holds a BS and MS and is a former strength and conditioning coach at the University of Tulsa. He is a certified personal trainer and Sports Nutritionist.
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s a parent, it’s not always easy to assess the needs of your young athlete, especially when it comes to athletic enhancement, strength and conditioning, or nutrition and recovery. Having over 35 years of experience training athletes of all ages, I’ve witnessed first-hand training of young athletes for travel, high school, collegiate and even professional sports. The landscape has changed drastically during these years. However, there is one common thread at all levels: sports have become way more competitive! My intent is to offer insight on how to progress your young athlete—concentrating on the ages of 7 through 18—through this matrix so they have the best opportunity to be successful on the field and, more importantly, in life. After all, we all want our kids to live a healthier, happier, and more active life than we’ve had. But how we do we do that? By helping them to develop a strong mindset, love movement, stay strong, and avoid injury. It is important to discuss goals and plan performance training with your athlete; here are some things to consider. How old is your athlete? Of course this is an easy one, but consider that the nervous system of the human body is fully developed at 12-13 years of age. In order for your child to master basic hand-eye coordination (catching & throwing),
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basic running skills, jumping and landing skills and overall body control and balance, it’s important that kids begin learning these skills before that, between the ages of 4 and 11. It’s not necessary for it to be competitive, but it should be instructive and fun. Can you imagine your child as a 35 year-old adult wanting to run a marathon or play recreational softball, basketball, tennis, or golf and not having the skills to throw, catch, hit, or shoot a ball? Now is the time to develop those skills. Are your goals for your athlete aligned with their goals? Let’s face it, we all want our kids to be superstars in everything they do. Academics, sports, social situations, and even earning potential. Take the time to have this conversation with your child on an ongoing basis. Mostly you’ll get “I don’t know”! If your young athlete is noncommittal, that’s okay, as long as you’re both on the same page. Where is your young athlete on the athletic maturity scale compared to his or her peers, teammates, or competition? Let success and confidence be your guide! The first rule is, are they having fun? We all know that success doesn’t happen overnight and that our kids need to learn that failure and disappointment are a part of life, but building confidence is key to athletic and life success. Be sure that your athlete is participating in a program or sport that corresponds with his athletic maturity and not necessarily his age group. Bragging about your son “playing up” may not be the best thing in all
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situations, especially if he’s not ready and sits the bench or gets overwhelmed. If your child is not keeping up due to a lack of conditioning or speed or even strength, you should consider getting him professional coaching outside of the team to get him caught up give him an edge. What are the strengths and weaknesses of your athlete’s game? From my experience, weaknesses are usually the lack of speed, quickness, and strength. Very seldom is it ballhandling or goal-scoring. When deciding between multiple skills camps or enrolling your athlete in a 10-week performance program, go with the 10 week program. What level of coaching have they had in the past? Professional or parent led training sessions? If it’s only been parent led so far and your athlete’s development seems to be stalling, then maybe it’s time to invest in professional coaching. What are you willing to invest in your young athlete? When will I see a return on my investment? Untrained athletes tend to improve drastically during the first 6-8 months of training,
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING from my kitchen to yours... APPLE PIE BARS SHORTBREAD CRUST
APPLE FILLING
STREUSEL
• 1 cup salted • 6 large apples, peeled • 1 cup old-fashioned oats butter, melted and thinly sliced • 2/3 cup packed • 1/2 cup sugar • 4 Tablespoons cornstarch light brown sugar • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ cup granulated sugar • 1 teaspoon • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ground cinnamon • ½ cup all-purpose flour Mix all together and • 1/2 teaspoon • 1 stick butter, press in 13x9 baking dish ground cloves cold and cubed sprayed with baking spray. Bake at 300 for 15min
Mix and set aside
Mix together
When the crust is removed from the oven increase temp to 350. Put the apple filling on top and then put the streusel on top, bake for 45-55 min. Top with your favorite caramel or salted caramel sauce when cool.
Janet Light REALTOR ®
CALL FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS
540-219-7509
Serving Prince William, Fauquier and Surrounding Counties
Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
1931 Plank Rd Suite 201 | Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 Office: 540-373-2000 | Fax: 540-373-7224 | Email: janet.light@c21nm.com
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Athletic Development (ages 10-12): Kids at this age should be trying out for the middle school team or continuing with recreational sports or even a travel team. Athletes at this level need to stay focused on coordination and movement skills because they wake up every four to eight weeks with a new body. Strength should also be introduced, focusing on mostly body-weight exercises that continue to develop athleticism.
whereas the trained athlete makes only incremental— but no less important— improvements. Should they be training while in-season? No question! Players get weaker and lose quickness as the season progresses. From the competitive level and up, all athletes need at least 2 days per week of strength training during the season. Find the time... make it happen! What should pre-season look like? Eight to twelve weeks prior to the season is critical for an athlete. Going into the start of practice at peak speed, strength and conditioning is imperative. Plan ahead!
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What are their time restrictions? Academics must be a priority, and sometimes we must know when to say “when.” Maybe we have to skip the second trip to the beach. Maybe we don’t have time for the extra skills training on Monday nights. But don’t skimp on strength and performance work. That’s the stuff that keeps you alive and healthy and improving your body… which is your machine! This is a lot of information to take in. But while you are considering your child’s future, keep in mind learning how to train and obtaining success is going to be the biggest factor in their ability to live a healthier and happier lifestyle as an adult. ❖
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wWhat type of training program is required for your athlete considering his age, goals, current level of skill, physical attributes, and fitness? We developed the Athletic Development Pyramid - a five tiered system. Athletes that have the mindset, physical attributes, and skill set at their current level move up the pyramid. Athletes shouldn’t get discouraged—work and perseverance can overcome a lot of things—as can finding the right performance training program to help them advance. Below is an explanation of the model and is a basic guideline; there will always be a few individuals that exceed expectations and move up sooner or need to remain with their peers. Early Athletic Development (ages 7-9): Playing recreational sports is enough for most kids. At this level they should be exploring a variety sports. Their training outside of practice and games should be focused on coordination, learning how to run, jump, move, and gain core strength and confidence.
Competitive Strength and Performance (ages 13-15): This is the stage where making a competitive U13 or U15 travel team or becoming a starter on the middle school team is the goal. The goals in training these athletes are twofold: injury prevention and improving performance. Strength training and developing good quality movement mechanics (sprinting and lateral) are essential. Understanding the mindset is also critical: does the young athlete truly want it? Or does the player want to be on the team because his friends are? Understand their motivation, because it’s important and sports are a big commitment. Between playing, training, travel, and costs it can overwhelm a young athlete and his parents. Explosive Strength & Performance (ages 15-18): If the goal of your young athlete is to become a high school starter or top travel player in today’s sports landscapes, this is where the rubber meets the road. At this level, an athlete must possess a certain amount of explosiveness; they should be in a year-round strength and performance program. Paying attention to smarter food choices, better sleep, academics, and developing leadership skills in the weight room and on the field should begin to develop at this point. Elite Strength & Performance (ages 15-25): This is the pinnacle. These athletes are most likely collegiate sports bound and are either non-scholarship rostered kids or have athletic scholarship potential. At this point, athletes should have mastered all or most of strength training and should be incorporating advanced contrast training. The main goal here is success at the next level, whether that’s collegiate or professional.
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Books with Buddies
socialization and outdoor exercise. In recent years, service and therapy dogs have become more visible in communities performing a variety of jobs or simply bringing smiles to people’s faces. In the greater Prince William area, therapy dogs visit local libraries as part of the Reading to Dogs program. The goal of Reading to Dogs is simple: to provide a safe, relaxing environment where children can practice reading aloud. On days this program is offered, elementary-age children may come to the library and sign up for a time when they can sit and read a book of their choice to a therapy dog. While these furry friends may look like ordinary pets, each one has completed a rigorous training regimen to ensure that they will be friendly, calm listeners in all situations. Paula Street, who has been part of the library program for six years, wants the public to know that children really do benefit from it: “The child’s
Therapy dogs at your local library BY SARAH NAYLOR
“Happiness is a warm puppy.” This famous quote from Peanuts creator Charles Schulz is backed by scientific studies that prove that being in the presence of pets has a positive impact on mental and physical health. Not only do pets improve their owner’s mood, they may also lower a person’s blood pressure and cholesterol. Dogs in particular create opportunities for their owners and neighbors to engage with the world around them through
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confidence, interest, and skills can improve by reading to our dogs. It’s a win-win for everyone.” Street has three therapy dogs: two golden retrievers named Birdie and Bogey, and a cavalier King Charles spaniel named Kaddie. “My favorite part of therapy work is seeing the joy and happiness these dogs bring the people they visit,” Street explains. “You often see shy children come out of their shell.” Kids can visit Birdie, Bogey, and Kaddie on first Saturdays at the Haymarket Gainesville Community Library. Kaddie, Street says, is partial
to Dr. Seuss. Through local organizations like Manassas Therapy Dogs and K-9 Caring Angels—both of which participate in Reading to Dogs— therapy dogs and their owners can give back to their communities. These organizations train, certify, and schedule therapy dog visits. Sonny Madsen, president and co-founder of K-9 Caring Angels, describes the scope of work her dogs and handlers perform: “We have dogs that attend nursing homes, assisted living and Alzheimer’s facilities. Some work with first responders whenever needed, and others work with the Human Trafficking Initiative.” Caring Angels service dogs provide comfort to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, as well as special needs children and wounded warriors. “We have even had a therapy team who flew with the FBI,” Madsen says. Dog owners can have their pets certified as therapy animals if the dog is calm,
partners with Caring Angels. Their classes use attention-based training methods to teach dogs to focus on the task at hand. Owners may also take dogs to classes at local pet stores or the Prince William County Animal Shelter, which provides Canine Good Citizen courses. The goal of this training program is for dogs to earn the Canine Good Citizen Certification, described by the American Kennel Club as the “gold standard for dog behavior.” After receiving their certification, dogs are tested and observed during public trial therapy sessions, and must complete a series of successful visits to pass. When they do, they receive an official certification with a photo ID and service vest; owners can then connect with local organizations to schedule visits. Obtaining a therapy certification is hard work, but those that have achieved it believe it is well worth it. Not only are dog handlers able to give back to their
Reading to Dogs programs are offered at Prince William Public Libraries at these locations and times: BULL RUN REGIONAL LIBRARY
Saturdays 11:45 a.m. CENTRAL COMMUNITY LIBRARY Tuesdays 4:30 p.m. CHINN PARK REGIONAL LIBRARY Thursdays 4:00 p.m.
Saturdays 2:00 p.m. DALE CITY NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY
Saturdays 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. DUMFRIES NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY
select Saturdays 11:00 a.m. HAYMARKET GAINESVILLE COMMUNITY LIBRARY
First Saturdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MONTCLAIR COMMUNITY LIBRARY select Saturdays
10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. NOKESVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY
Saturdays 10:30 a.m. POTOMAC COMMUNITY LIBRARY select Thursdays
4:30 p.m. To learn more about canine therapy and getting your dog certified, visit one of these websites.
friendly, and receptive to training. When asked if any particular breeds were more or less suited to therapy work, Madsen replies with a vehement no. “It’s all about the personality and training,” she explains. “This is something that our team and board of directors feel very strongly about, so much so we wrote it into our bylaws. We will not discriminate against any breed.” She goes further to state that her program is open to anyone, anywhere, so long as the dogs involved give and receive affection freely. Most importantly, Madsen says, “exceptional obedience is a must.” In order to participate in programs like Reading to Dogs, the canines need to master basic obedience skills. Many of the dogs in the library programs have trained with Sit Means Sit, a D.C. Metro area franchise that
community, they also enjoy quality time with their pet and the people around them. One of Paula Street’s favorite things about therapy work is the opportunity to meet new people. “As a retired schoolteacher, I love working with children and helping them learn to love reading,” she adds. Sonny Madsen was inspired to start K-9 Caring Angels because she loves “the feeling that you get knowing it was your pup that touched someone’s heart.” Programs like Reading to Dogs expose parents and children to the positive impact that animals can make. So often it’s the little things, like a friendly face and a wagging tail, that can make the biggest difference in someone’s day. ❖ Photos courtesy of Prince William County Library
pwcgov.org/government/ dept/police/animalcontrol/ pages/citizen-k-9-behaviorimprovement-program.aspx caringangelstherapydogs.org therapydogs.com manassastherapydogs.org sitmeanssit.com/dog-trainingmu/fairfax-dog-training
About the AUTHOR Sarah Naylor is a freelance writer/ editor and works for the Prince William Public Library System. A lifelong animal lover, she enjoys spending time with her cat and exploring Northern Virginia.
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Home for the Holidays BARN Community Housing hosts annual event to help the homeless
BY CHRISTINE CRADDOCK
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or the 20th year, BARN Community Housing will be hosting their Home for the Holiday event on November 4 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Westin Dulles. While this annual event is a great night out with friends – complete with cocktail hour, seated dinner, and a silent and live auction – it is also an avenue for each one of us to help provide funds crucial to this organization’s mission of helping families in need. BARN was created by the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia in 1997, but now exists as its own nonprofit organization on the grounds of the Benedictine Monastery in Bristow. One thousand families have benefited from the assistance this organization provides. Whether a family’s descent into homelessness began as the result of a house fire or other unforeseen circumstances, these families now have access to one of the most essential human
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“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
needs – a home. Inside BARN Community Housing, there are three “neighborhoods,” each offering four bedrooms. Families reside in private bedrooms and have private bathrooms, along with separate — CHARLES DICKENS refrigerators and pantries. Neighborhoods share a living area, playroom, and kitchen. Each adult who is provided housing at BARN is required to hold a job, be drugfree, and have no criminal background. Residents also pay a percentage of their income as rent. The goal is to help them overcome the barriers that hold them back from thriving. They are assisted in securing higher level employment and learning to live
confidently and independently. “By empowering these individuals to trust in their own abilities and to strive to be the best version of themselves, our graduates often continue on to become prominent pillars of their community and provide inspiration for individuals just starting out in the BARN program,” states the BARN website. Bond Cavazos, Community Resources Coordinator, tells the story of a woman and her daughter who were living in the woods before moving into BARN housing. “At BARN, we were given our own room that was clean and safe,” the mom said. “We didn’t have to sleep with one eye open and scared.” Case managers helped the mom get on her feet financially while the daughter earned a 4.0 grade point average in school and received a full scholarship to college. “I thought our life changed when we got to BARN but it continues to get better and better,” says the mom. Both of these former residents signed up to be mentors at BARN as part of the new program that matches local professionals as mentors to housing
residents. In addition, residents take life skills classes that teach budgeting, balancing work and family, overcoming difficulties, and other topics. When the housing is full, BARN program managers and caseworkers help other families in the community with rapid rehousing and other services. BARN’s event this year is one you won’t want to miss. The theme is old Williamsburg and Della Robbia. “We rely on the donations from this event to continue helping homeless families,” says Cavazos, adding that it will be the perfect beginning to your holiday season! Go to barncommunityhousing.org/partners/ to purchase a ticket, donate, or explore sponsorship opportunities. ❖
Top, left: Each family has private bedrooms and bathrooms but they share some living space. Top, right: A group of volunteers prepared a special holiday meal for the families at BARN last year. Bottom: The housing is located on the beautiful grounds of the Benedictine Monastery.
There are so many ways to help if you cannot attend the event: Sponsor a neighborhood; you can even dedicate your sponsorship in the name of a loved one as a way to honor someone. Volunteer your time to help with projects, like putting stamps on cards, cleaning, or gardening; you never know how your specific talents can benefit this organization. Help plan the events that raise the funds necessary for BARN to continue helping families. In the past, BARN has accepted clothing and item donations from generous donors, but the process for sorting and storing the donations became overwhelming and there is no storage space at this time. In the future, they will accept donations to sell at their biannual yard sales which raise extra funds. Dates for donations and yard sales will be posted online. Please call 703-369-1325 or check their Facebook page to learn more.
About the AUTHOR Christine Craddock is a writer, editor, photographer, wife, and mother of two adorable children. She is a faithful contributing writer for Haymarket Lifestyle magazine and has resided in Haymarket since 2006.
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Fall Table Decorations Made
simple
Bring the outdoors inside to create a beautiful setting for your holiday meal
STORY BY DEBBIE EISELE PHOTOS BY KARA THORPE
T
1 LOOK FOR
hanksgiving is a time of celebration with family and friends. I love to offer a relaxing, comforting environment as it helps the gathering last longer, at least in my home. One thing I have always tried to do is provide pleasing aesthetics that make people feel welcome and comfortable. You can create the same feeling on with your Thanksgiving table– without spending a fortune. Although the ideas listed below will help you create beautiful Thanksgiving table decorations, you may incorporate many of the same principles for other holiday gatherings: Christmas, Easter, Hanukkah, and so many others.
STEMS WITH BERRIES
Options range from Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo) to Callicarpa (Beauty Bush) to Pyracantha (Firethorn) to Aronia (Chokeberry) to Ilex verticillata (Winterberry) — red, orange, purple and even on some, blue. All of these combine well with other natural items to showcase the colors of the season.
2 SNIP SOME BARE BRANCHES
Using branches, even without foliage, within an arrangement creates a wonderful natural texture. Some deciduous trees and shrubs offer beautiful bark or texture that may dress up any table.
What to look for–fall beauty In the fall you may be thinking: where am I going to find beauty? Well, there is plenty! Look for shrubs and trees in your yard, or a friend’s (who is willing to share).
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For instance, the red twig dogwood, sycamore, ninebark and many others have either color or a unique feature that is stunning to the eyes and table. Also, red twig dogwood stems make a great, natural pop of seasonal color.
3 CUT SOME FLOWERS
If a hard freeze hasn’t killed off all your blooms yet, you may be able to clip some from your yard to include on your table decorations. Wonderful options include goldenrod, asters, mums, and the October blooming daisy (if they are still in bloom; they are dependent on whatever Mother Nature sends our way). You may even include some dried flowers from
your garden, such as a few stems off a hydrangea with a dried bloom intact.
4 GATHER SOME FOLIAGE
If you love the colors of the fall season, why not gather some freshly dropped leaves or snip some off a tree that is still hanging on to the last bit of fall? Showcase the beauty of autumn by incorporating the foliage into a floral arrangement, or even just place the leaves in a glass bowl.
5 PURCHASE SOME COLOR
What is fall without some gourds or pumpkins? Traditionally, many tables are set with some of these natural items incorporated onto the table or around a buffet. The seasonal
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beauty of the gourds offers an inexpensive way to bring the outdoors in, as well as create the familiar sense of tradition.
6 GATHER SOME FRUIT AND SPICES
Apples and cinnamon allow your sense of smell to be enticed. Simply slice the apples and place in water along with some cinnamon sticks and cloves and simmer on the stove. Fresh oranges with cloves pierced through them and placed in a decorative bowl also provide a similar enjoyment for your sense of smell. Of course, neither of these options will overpower the main delightful aromas of your Thanksgiving meal.
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Putting it all together Once you have gathered all the items you find appealing, look for some vases or other decorative items that would create a beautiful display. Certain baskets, mason jars, milk jugs, pottery, or even galvanized containers will all display the colors of the season in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Really, it is up to you to select the best way to showcase the natural beauty. One thing I suggest is a simple clear glass vase with some jute tied around the glass as a natural element: arrange the branches, then add the berries and fill in as needed with other items found in your
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yard. You can even add interest by adding some black walnuts or acorns you find lying around your yard. If you prefer several small containers, you can use bud vases or the small mason jars along the middle of your table. The benefit here is that people can see over them easily and they leave more room for the food on the table! The mason jars may be tied with jute as well for the natural look. Happy Thanksgiving, and remember to appreciate the beauty of the season as well as your time with loved ones. I hope you enjoy implementing some of these ideas. â?–
About the AUTHOR Debbie Eisele is the senior editor and a writer for Piedmont Lifestyle Magazines, and a former Master Gardener and Certified Virginia Horticulturist. She enjoys the outdoors and the beauty it offers whether it be outside or inside the home.
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MakeAhead
Holiday Meal A buffet-style menu reduces stress and offers delicious taste BY ANNIE THOMAS
O
ur favorite season is upon us here at AKT NOURISH, and food plans have long since been in place. The autumn repertoire of whole, fresh ingredients in soups, power salads, small plates, and comforting entrees remind us that seasonal foods nourish our palate as well as our heart and soul. As a working wife, mom, and grandma of nine, the holiday months quickly become a swirl of activity as unpredictable as the falling leaves. Planning and preparing for entertaining family and friends is always a challenge. Our favorite food strategy calls for a “kitchen buffet” gathering of family and friends where absolutely everything is prepared ahead of time, leaving us free to relax and enjoy the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year’s kitchen buffet menu is a variation on a well-practiced theme of seasonal simplicity.
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APPETIZER DELIGHTS
Holiday meals are all about eating and gathering. To start your festive celebration off, consider some of these easy-serve menu options that have worked well for us. Wedges of brie or cremeux, creamy gorgonzola, English stilton, and cave-aged cheddar cheeses with slices of Asian pears, grapes, and walnuts may be ladened on a large wooden cheese board. Olives marinated with rosemary can be served in an earthenware dish with crushed red pepper and an antique milk glass bowl of sweet bread-and-butter pickles from an overabundant cucumber harvest. THE MAIN ENTREE
We choose a large, local, pasture-raised, antibiotic-free turkey from one of the many farms in our area. The butcher butterflies the whole breast (removes the breast from the bones and other parts of the turkey in a whole piece), leaving the skin intact. The day before our gathering, I pounded out the breast and stuffed it with a combination of our restaurantbaked multigrain croissants, Italian sausage,
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BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND APPLE SOUP This soup recipe may be made up to five days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, or may be frozen for up to three months (since it does not contain cream) and defrosted the day of use.
dried cherries, pistachios, and fresh herbs. After a quick roll, the turkey breast is tied with kitchen twine before roasting. You can cook the remaining parts of the turkey as you wish. I suggest you serve the entree with a warm cider gravy.
2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cups chopped yellow onion (approximately 3 large onions) 5 pounds peeled, seeded, cut butternut squash (about 2 inch chunks) 4 sweet apples (gala or mcIntosh) peeled, cored, cut into large chunks 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 cinnamon stick 2 cups apple cider 2 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
SIDE DISHES
1. Warm butter and oil in large
Soups, salads, and sides all complement the meal, and these delicious options may be prepared ahead of time to allow you to enjoy time with your guests. Butternut squash and apple soup. For a simple, delicious side dish, we created a pot of this soup (recipe included). Earthy mushrooms. Flash sautéed in good olive oil with garlic, sea salt, and pepper and sprinkled with fresh chives, these are an amazing addition to the holiday meal. Mushrooms can be sautéed up to three days in advance and refreshed with additional olive oil, salt and pepper if needed. Roasted rainbow carrots and parsnips. Lightly drizzled with local honey mixed with a pinch of cumin and dusted with fresh-grated orange zest, these are a delightful healthy option for your feast. Leafy green salad. Topping this with caramelized balsamic onions and crumbly blue cheese will round out the flavors nicely. Baskets of fresh rolls and bread. Don’t forget to include a small pot of homemade sour cherry jam and offer a roasted pumpkin butter. Potato au Gratin. Instead of mashed potatoes, this dish satisfies
stockpot on low heat.
Stuffed turkey breast is a delicious alternative to a traditional roast turkey
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2. Add onions and gently sweat them on low heat until translucent and tender.
3. Place apples on a cookie sheet and roast in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, or until they begin to caramelize and turn golden brown. Turn or flip the apples halfway through.
4. Add squash, apples, cider, stock, cinnamon stick, and seasonings to stockpot.
5. Simmer gently – start on high and lower heat to medium temperature – for 45 minutes or until squash and apples are very soft.
6. Carefully ladle into a heavy-duty blender or processor (i.e. Vitamix or Blendtec) and puree in batches. The soup should be quite thick. Adjust with the addition of more apple cider if necessary.
7. Adjust the seasoning to your preference and serve, or store for later use (once soup has cooled to room temperature). Note: If soup is prepared ahead of time and reheated, it needs to be on low temperatures as it is a thick consistency and may burn easily. Best advice for reheating is to frequently stir to prevent burning.
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POTATO GRATIN serves 6-8 2 large Idaho potatoes, peeled and sliced very thinly 1 large sweet potato, peeled and sliced very thinly 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese 1 ½ cups shredded smoked mozzarella 1 ½ cups heavy cream 1 tablespoon grated freshpeeled ginger (do not substitute powdered) 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (do not substitute dry or bottled) 1 tablespoon minced yellow onion ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 tablespoon salt ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Butter large casserole dish. 3. Combine all ingredients except potatoes and ½ cup mozzarella.
4. Add sliced potatoes. Do not stir or mix, as it will settle into a lovely gratin.
5. Transfer to buttered dish, sprinkle with reserved cheese.
6. Place dish on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet to catch drippings and bake the dish for a minimum of one hour, or until a knife inserted indicates potatoes are tender.
the potato craving yet allows you to prepare it in advance of the meal, freeing up your time to spend with your loved ones (recipe included). DESSERTS
Of course every holiday meal needs a dessert. However, so many people today have dietary restrictions for one reason or another. If you have a family member or friend who needs food that is glutenfree, then we suggest the pumpkin and cream cheese bread recipe we have shared, or you may try one of the other options we have shared if there are no special dietary needs. Gluten-free pumpkin and cream cheese bread. You and your guests will enjoy the tastes of the season – pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and more – with this
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delicious option (recipe included). Bread pudding cups. A tasty and easy to prepare ahead of time option for your guests to enjoy. Pecan crumble. This delicious treat also completes the meal, offering a true sampling of the season with a twist on the traditional pecan pie (recipe included). This Thanksgiving, create a simple but deeply satisfying meal that pays homage to traditional favorite flavors while embracing fresh, seasonal, whole food ingredients. Whether the gathering is a sitdown dinner or a help yourself and mingle event, the host and hostess can be a guest at their own party when everything is accomplished in advance. We’ve included a few of our favorite recipes from similar holiday gatherings for you to try and enjoy. The staff here at AKT Nourish understands time is valuable, so advance preparation will enable you to enjoy the simplest and most relaxing time with friends and family. ❖
GLUTEN FREE PUMPKIN AND CREAM CHEESE BREAD 8 ounces cream cheese 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg 1/3 cup sugar 3/4 cup gluten-free brown rice flour 1/4 cup of white rice flour 1/4 cup tapioca starch 1/4 cup potato starch 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/2 teaspoon allspice 3 eggs 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (check label not all are gf) 1/3 cup canola oil 1/2 of a 15-ounce can of pumpkin purée
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 inch x 5 inch pan with parchment.
2. For the cream cheese layer, combine cream cheese, vanilla, egg and 1/3 cup sugar in a medium-size bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.
3. In separate medium bowl, add brown About the AUTHOR Annie Thomas is the chef/ owner of AKT Nourish in historic Haymarket. Nourish is in its fifth year as one of the area’s only scratch kitchens. Before opening her first restaurant, Annie was a personal chef and art instructor. She is most thankful for her husband, four sons, her family, nine grandchildren, and her Nourish staff. The AKT Nourish staff is always available to prepare these or other recipes for holiday gatherings, whether it’s a dinner for 50 or a dish to bring to the office potluck. Call us at 703-754-6170 or email us at annieskitchentable@gmail. com. You may also find more information on our website www.annieskitchentable.com.
rice flour, white rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice. Whisk thoroughly to combine and then set aside.
4. In another large bowl use a mixer to beat eggs, remaining sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until combined.
5. Add the oil and pumpkin purée; mix until combined. Add flour mix and mix to combine.
6. Put half of the pumpkin batter into the pan, then add all of cream cheese mixture and mix as evenly as possible. Next, top the layer with the other half of the pumpkin batter.
7. Bake approximately 50 minutes until lightly brown at edges and a toothpick comes out with very few crumbs. Allow to cool for approximately 15 minutes then remove from pan. Slice as desired and keep the remainder wrapped in plastic wrap.
PECAN CRUMBLE 6 eggs 6 tablespoons melted butter 1 cup light corn syrup 4 tablespoons molasses 2 cups sugar 3 tablespoons good bourbon 3 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips or chunks (chopped) 2 cups pecan halves
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit
2. Butter a large, deep casserole (3 quart size) or earthenware dish. This recipe can be halved for a smaller casserole dish or turned into 9-inch deep dish pie when halved. As a crumble, I prefer a deep
casserole rather than a shallow pie plate.
3. Line the casserole dish with 2 cups of pecan halves in single layer and top with 3 oz. semi sweet chocolate.
4. Add to a blender the eggs, melted butter, light corn syrup, molasses, sugar, and bourbon. Blend until just homogenized (well beaten). Do not over blend. 5. Gently pour over nuts and chocolate in prepared dish and place dish on a foilcovered cookie sheet. 6. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes or until set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean. If pecans are beginning to brown too quickly, cover lightly with foil.
Tell us how it went! If you try these recipes, let us know what you thought. Post a picture with your comments on Facebook and tag @PiedmontLifestylePublications
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thankfulhearts for a life unplanned
Local couple adopts son and assists children with disabilities in Jamaica BY CHRISTINE CRADDOCK
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A
quote by Joseph Campbell reads: “You must give up the life you planned in order to have the life that is waiting for you.” This couldn’t read more true when it comes to the life of Hope and Michael Harms. These two amazing people are living their best unplanned life, and it’s more than they could have imagined. In the fall of 1999, Hope was headed to the high school football game with friends when
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they stopped to pick up Michael. They both felt an attraction at this initial meeting. Hope remembers Michael as this cute, funny, and crazy guy whom she helped to face paint and dress up for the game. She wasn’t able to get to know him right away because he spent the evening running around cheering and doing backflips on the sidelines. From Michael’s perspective, the chemistry was instant and he immediately began asking his friends about
her. Michael says she was “remarkably genuine, humble, fun, athletic, strong, and absolutely beautiful,” — and this was even before getting to know her. After he competed in the state tournament for wrestling — a task he wanted to completely focus on with no distractions — he asked her out and, as they say, “the rest is history.” After getting married, this adventurous couple made plans to see the world. While teaching special education, they would spend their summers traveling — one of the best parts of being a teacher, they say. But then that crazy guy Hope describes from high school developed an interest in hiking the Appalachian trail. They sold their car, moved out of their first house, packed up all their belongings, and even took leaves of absences from their jobs to embark on an exciting, open-ended journey. While their plans included possibly hiking the Trail, they were also considering working on organic farms in Australia or New Zealand. Basically, they wanted to travel wherever their hearts led them. But then their hearts developed other plans leading them in a completely different direction. In the middle of their adventures, they were given an opportunity to volunteer at West Haven Children’s Home for children with disabilities in Jamaica, where things took a drastic, wonderful turn. West Haven Children’s Home This initial invitation to West Haven had come from family friends Bob Klima and his daughter Beth, who had been Hope’s college roommate. When Beth’s younger brother Ethan was born with Down syndrome and autism, the family learned how to care for his special needs and became sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities. “When you learn to love one of these special people, you find that you have learned to love all of them, and to be drawn to them,” explains Bob. In 2009, Bob had taken advantage of an amazing opportunity to travel with a mission team to Jamaica to see firsthand how individuals with disabilities live in that country. Bob says, “What I saw really got to me. There weren’t enough resources or staff to adequately care for the children. Some would lay unattended all day on mats, or be restrained or
closed in rooms with barred doors. I knew I had to do something, and all I could think of was to take a group down with me, including people with therapy and special education training. We did that for the first time the week after Christmas 2009.” Also on that trip was Bob’s daughter Beth, a special education teacher at Battlefield High School. In 2010, when the Klimas were planning another trip to Jamaica, Beth invited Michael and Hope and that’s what set the Harms’ hearts, and lives, in different direction. Hope and Michael were special education teachers at the time, with no plans to start a family yet. And while they previously discussed the potential for adopting children, there were no concrete plans. The invitation to visit West Haven Children’s Home was appealing to them in many ways. People with disabilities already had a special place in their hearts, and they were excited to be able to use their talents to spread love and help others.
Donald
It was the closest thing to love at first sight”
“It was the closest thing to love at first sight,” says Hope. While at the Children’s Home, at separate times, both Hope and Michael met a little boy named Donald with cerebral palsy. Hope remembers holding this joyful, playful boy on the floor of the cottage and realizing how smart he was and completely fell in love with him. Michael’s first impressions describe Donald as “one of the strongest people he’s ever met despite his physical disabilities and being seen as weak or frail.” During the course of their trip, neither Hope nor Michael spoke to each other about how they were feeling about Donald. That was, until the third night when Hope’s emotions spilled over and she began to cry. Michael asked her why she was crying although he already knew the answer. Without even needing to speak Donald’s name, Hope could only offer the words “I just love him” to which Michael answered
“I know, I love him too.” This moment was a defining one for the pair, who spent that night researching cerebral palsy while discussing adoption and their future plans. But there is more to the story. “While falling in love with Donald and changing our lives, something else was happening,” says Hope. The small group of people who had been visiting West Haven envisioned doing more and helping in a bigger way. They knew that without help these children would never be able to reach their full potential or thrive in life. They began to brainstorm about ways to help.
ABOVE: Hope and Michael’s first meeting with Donald in Jamaica in 2010.
The CDFI
The first priority, Hope says, was to ensure that all children at West
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Haven had access to education, an integral step in helping the children reach their full God-given potential. Bob organized and began Children With Disabilities Fund International (CDFI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of children with disabilities living in developing countries. This allowed them to begin the process of communicating with the Jamaican government to start a school there. After finding a building that was only being used for storage at the time, the organization raised enough funds to open the school and hire two Jamaican teachers. The goal of this organization is to make a difference in the lives of these children, and that’s exactly what happened. This year, CDFI was even able to employ a teacher’s assistant and a nurse to care for the children’s medical needs. The children were dying from preventable causes, but now they are getting the best health care which we can get for them, says Bob. “The residents are reaching their potential intellectually, socially, emotionally,
and spiritually,” says Hope. The children who are mobile go to the school for their education while the more severely disabled receive visits from the teachers. And maybe most importantly, the children are excited to learn each day. Sometimes there are even opportunities to go on field trips to the beach or the zoo. These things would not have been possible without CDFI. “It is a beautiful thing to see,” says Bob. The organization’s success has even led to requests from groups in other countries asking for assistance in meeting the needs of children with disabilities. CDFI is currently working in Kenya, but does not have sufficient funding to move into other countries at this time.
Bringing Donald home
After their initial meeting and decision to begin the adoption process, Hope and Michael made more trips to Jamaica to see Donald and make sure the feelings were mutual. Once the papers were submitted, the wait began. The long two-and-a-half-year process included a few denials which sent the couple on a rollercoaster of emotions, they say. But Hope and Michael knew this was what they were meant for. When Donald
first
first
first time in snow! (2013)
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GAINESVILLE LIFESTYLE
Taking on marathons
Within the first year home, when looking for some kind of activity to do with his son, Michael showed Donald the video of Rick and Dick Hoyt, a father/son team who competed together in marathons and Ironman triathlons starting in 1977. The son, Rick, had cerebral palsy just like Donald. Donald was inspired. Little did they both know this would be the
Marine Corps Marathon (Donald is screaming “GO FASTER!”)
birthday party at home (17th birthday)
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finally came home, his room was painted and decorated, ready for the life that had waited for him for so long. Hope says that some changes in Donald were immediate, especially physically. He gained weight, began to look healthier, and grew so quickly the couple found themselves needing to buy their son new clothes and shoes every few months. But his intellectual progress was astounding for them to see. From the beginning, both Hope and Michael realized that Donald had so much potential and intelligence but it was locked inside of him. New opportunities began to allow him to share his mind through the use of a communication device. He also gained more independence through his powered wheelchair.
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beginning of a successful running journey together. That next weekend they ran a 5K with Donald riding in the biggest stroller they could find. That very first race was eye opening for both Michael and Donald. This new dad could see that when Donald was racing, his whole face would light up. But even more than that, Michael says other people were then able to see Donald the way he and Hope see him — strong, athletic, competitive, and determined. Team Donald stepped up their athletic adventures with the help of Ainsley’s Angels, an organization that helps individuals with special needs to participate in these types of endurance events. The organization provided Donald with a custom running chair to make him comfortable while running with his dad. They now help to raise money for Ainsley’s Angels so they can help
Donald has changed our lives and continues to amaze us every day. Just when I think, there can’t be anything else to top his accomplishments so far, he does something new and challenging and amazing. I love sharing Donald’s character and life with people because he truly is remarkable, inspiring and one of a kind. But I’m his mom, so I know I’m biased.” - Hope Harms other families create this bond together. They were even finalists in a cover search contest for Runner’s World magazine.
Today
In his first few years with his new family, Donald was very attached to them and didn’t want to leave their sides. But Hope laughs when she conveys that he now loves to do things on his own, or with the help of friends. After all, no matter what his challenges are, this is typical behavior for this now 20-yearold whose smile still beams in every picture. Donald can be seen at his high school’s football games, attending as a fan or cheering them on as a member of the Sparkle Cheer Team where he is a captain. A senior this year, he proudly took on a new role as big brother in 2014 and then again in 2016 when the Harms’ sons Oliver and Ethan were born. The Harms family is enjoying life to the fullest, feeling blessed beyond measure and living the unplanned, wonderful adventure that is their life. ❖ Photos courtesy of the Harms family About the AUTHOR Christine Craddock is a writer, editor, photographer, wife, and mother of two adorable children. She is a faithful contributing writer for Haymarket Lifestyle magazine and has resided in Haymarket since 2006.
How you can help: Donate $35 per month, which will help a child attend school for an entire year Monthly donations help provide needed funds to continue this mission Join a team to work directly with these kids and make a difference in their lives Pray for the volunteers and the children at West Haven Find out more information about CDFI at www. thecdfi.org
From the CDFI website: “West Haven Children’s Home is a residential facility located 30 miles from Montego Bay in Copse, Jamaica. It is home to approximately 80 children and young adults with moderate to severe special needs, including those diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism and other developmental disabilities. The staff is adequate to meet only the most basic needs of the residents, such as bathing and feeding. The open air dormitories are over-crowded and funds are needed to help with renovations. There is no hot water available.” “The government of Jamaica provides only about one-half of the budget necessary to meet these most basic needs. West Haven depends on charities such as CDFI to help bridge the gap in this funding deficit.” Funds from CDFI help provide: Adaptive wheelchairs Educational and recreational equipment Sensory toys Clothing and diapers Salaries for three teachers and a nurse School supplies and medical supplies Occupational therapy Maintenance and building projects Utility expenses
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GAINESVILLE LIFESTYLE
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